Visualville: A Photographers Resource

Pro Review: Datacolor SpyderCube (Professional Photographer Magazine Web Exclusives)

2010-02-24T23:24:00.002-07:00

Pro Review: Datacolor SpyderCube (Professional Photographer Magazine Web Exclusives) Spyder Cube image copyright Stan Sholik

Sneak Peek: AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II (Professional Photographer Magazine Web Exclusives)

2010-02-08T20:47:00.001-07:00

Sneak Peek: AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II (Professional Photographer Magazine Web Exclusives)

A Photographic Legend Passes

2009-10-07T15:50:00.003-07:00

My favorite portrait of Pablo Picasso by Irving Penn.
"Irving Penn, a grand master of American fashion photography whose "less is more" aesthetic combined with a startling sensuality defined a visual style that he applied to designer dresses or fleshy nudes, famous artists or tribal chiefs, cigarette butts or cosmetics jars, many of them now-famous photographs owned by leading art museums, has died. He was 92." For more from the Los Angeles Times article click here.

CCD Inventors Win The Nobel PrizeI In Physics!

2009-10-06T11:30:00.004-07:00

Willard Sterling Boyle and George Elwood Smith, who co-developed the first charge-coupled device (CCD) for image capture, have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics. They share the honour with physicist Charles Kuen Kao, who won the prize “for groundbreaking achievements concerning the transmission of light in fibres for optical communication”. For more info click here.

Nigel Parry Followup

2009-09-28T18:28:00.003-07:00

If you get a chance to snag a copy of "Sharp" do so. Some of Nigel Parry's most interesting images are reproduced in this beautiful book. Well worth the original price but I found a "like new" on Amazon that I can't tell from "new" and at an incredibly low price and when I say low, the shipping cost more than the book.

Epson Kicks It Up A Couple of Notches!

2009-09-25T12:00:00.002-07:00

The long awaited Epson Stylus Pro 3880 has finally arrived and with some noticeable improvements over it's older brother the 3800. Check it out by clicking here.

Canon Announces The 7D

2009-09-25T11:45:00.003-07:00

Yep, the rumors were true. The Canon 7D is an 18-megapixel semi-pro DSLR that shoots 1080p video in 24 or 30 frames per second for $1899 or less and it doesn't stop there. Canon made several "upgrades" to it's 5D predecessor based on customer surveys, unfortunately they made one downgrade, it's not a full sized chip! What! Read more at Gizmodo by clicking here.

Eight Exceptional People Remembered - A Repost

2009-09-10T02:11:00.003-07:00

It's hard to believe that 911 was eight years ago. I want to share with you, once again, the story of eight people who perished that Tuesday; eight exceptional people, Joe Ferguson, (photo), Ann Judge (photo), James Debeuneure, Rodney Dickens, Sarah Clark, Asia Cottom, Hilda Taylor and Bernard Brown. This is their 911 story.

"Two staff members of the National Geographic Society, along with three Washington, D.C., teachers and three students they were traveling with, were among the victims of the terrorist attacks in the United States on Tuesday, officials of the Society announced on Wednesday.

Ann Judge, director of the Society's travel office, and Joe Ferguson, director of the Geography Education Outreach Program, were accompanying the three teacher-student pairs on an educational trip to California.

They were all killed along with the other passengers of American Airlines Flight 77 after it was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon at about 9:45 Tuesday morning.

Teacher James Debeuneure and student Rodney Dickens were representing Ketcham Elementary School; teacher Sarah Clark and student Asia Cottom were from Backus Middle School; and teacher Hilda Taylor and student Bernard Brown were from Leckie Elementary School. All the students were 11-year-old sixth graders.

They had been selected to participate in a program at the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary near Santa Barbara, California, as part of a Society-funded marine research project known as Sustainable Seas Expeditions."

"Through our educational outreach program, Ann and Joe were going to make geography and the environment come alive for these committed, talented teachers and their star students by putting them into the field with scientists and researchers," said John Fahey Jr., the Society's president and CEO.

"The D.C. School District has lost six extraordinary people, and we at the Society have lost two treasured colleagues," he added.

Today our thoughts and prayers are with all the victim's families, and this commitment we make to them, we will never forget.It's hard to believe that 911 was seven years ago. I want to share with you, once again, the story of eight of the 3000 people who perished that Tuesday; eight exceptional people, Joe Ferguson, (photo), Ann Judge (photo), James Debeuneure, Rodney Dickens, Sarah Clark, Asia Cottom, Hilda Taylor and Bernard Brown. This is their 911 story.

"Two staff members of the National Geographic Society, along with three Washington, D.C., teachers and three students they were traveling with, were among the victims of the terrorist attacks in the United States on Tuesday, officials of the Society announced on Wednesday.

Ann Judge, director of the Society's travel office, and Joe Ferguson, director of the Geography Education Outreach Program, were accompanying the three teacher-student pairs on an educational trip to California.

They were all killed along with the other passengers of American Airlines Flight 77 after it was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon at about 9:45 Tuesday morning.

"The D.C. School District has lost six extraordinary people, and we at the Society have lost two treasured colleagues," he added.

Once again our thoughts and prayers are with all the victim's families, and this commitment we make to them, we will never forget.

Panasonic Kicks It Up A Notch!

2009-08-18T14:10:00.003-07:00

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 sounds too good to be true! 12 Mega Pixels with a Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT 27-486mm Zoom! That's not a typo 27-486, wow! You can zoom in and out while shooting AVCHD HD movies and it has Macro capabilities as well. All for $399.95! My buddy Steve Burger told me that a student in his last Grand Canyon workshop had one of these and the files were "awesome". For more info click here.

Check Out Nigel Parry!

2009-08-14T00:21:00.002-07:00

Saw some of his work online and ordered one of his books "Sharp". Will follow up after it arrives, in the meantime check him out by clicking here.

InFocus Fundraiser

2009-07-31T17:44:00.003-07:00

Check Out Oleg Dou!

2009-07-21T16:56:00.002-07:00

Talk about a guy who is out there! I really like his work but it seems that people either love it or hate it. Click here to check out the images.

Happy Birthday America!

2009-07-05T13:30:00.003-07:00

When in the course of human events... thus begins one of our most cherished documents. I remember as a small child enjoying the 4th of July holiday with all of my cousins and other family members at my Uncle's home in rural Missouri. Towards the end of the day, before the fireworks, (yes fireworks were legal back then), my Uncle, seated at a picnic table in his enormous back yard, began reading the Declaration of Independence aloud with everyone gathered around. Everyone was quiet and respectful and at the end he smiled and said "Happy Birthday America"! Yesterday before going to my family's home for dinner and fireworks and celebration I took the time to read again this amazing document, I highly recommend it. Oh, and my favorite part, the last fourteen words. To read the Declaration of Independence click here.

Give Us Those Nice Bright Colors...

2009-06-24T14:33:00.002-07:00

Give us the greens of summers... makes you think all the world's a sunny day, Oh yeah... I got a Nikon camera... I love to take a photograph... so Mama don't take my Kodachrome away! Well, Mama didn't but today Kodak announced the official "retirement" of Kodachrome film. While I do love digital... Kodachrome and Tri-X were and are to this day my favorite films. I first began shooting Kodachrome as a student in the photography program at Phoenix College in the fall of 1971, seems like yesterday. Yes, I'm aware that it was a black and white film with color added in processing, I don't care;
It's amazing color palette and longevity make it, at least in my mind, the greatest "color" film of all time. Farewell old friend, we will miss you.

Stumbled Upon This Article In Smashing Mag

2009-06-15T17:39:00.002-07:00

Photo by Chan Chen
For 24 more beautiful examples of Macro Photography click here

Check Out Jeremey Cowart!

2009-06-15T17:29:00.003-07:00

I really like this guy's work! To see more click here.

If It Wasn't So True It Wouldn't Be So Funny!

2009-06-09T00:17:00.002-07:00

Honoring Fallen Warriors

2009-05-25T14:24:00.004-07:00

"Today I fly the flag for those I knew well and those I did not know who fought and died so long ago and so far away." Memorial day is a tough day. For me it brings to mind memories of young men I served with who gave their life in service to their country. Time has done little to fade those memories and on this Memorial Day, like every other, I want to honor the warrior without honoring war and these quotes seems appropriate...

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. " John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"I hate war as only a soldier who lived it can, only as one who has seen it's brutality, it's futility, it's stupidity." Dwight David Eisenhower

Check Out George Fulton!

2009-02-13T02:03:00.005-07:00

Beautifully crafted images by a photographer with a unique sense of humor.

DigitalRev Tests The Canon 5D Mark II - Check It Out!

2009-02-13T01:46:00.002-07:00

A 21 meg pixel still camera that shoots HD video with decent sound? Sign me up! Check out the short film "Lumiere" but be sure to click on "watch in HD" so you can see what the camera is capable of even with YouTube compression.

Imaging USA Comes To Town!

2009-01-11T13:19:00.003-07:00

Just in case you've been living in a cave for the last couple of months... Imaging USA and Professional Photographers of America are in Phoenix in a BIG way! Join fellow photographers at the big show January 11th - 13th. With 500,000 sq ft of trade show and a class for everyone this show is being billed as the largest in North America for 2009. Several companies with outstanding products will be at the trade show and we hope you'll visit their booths. They are:

Bay Photo - Booth 1146
Epson - Booth 1115
Nik Software - Booth 1540
Lensbaby - Booth 332

As always Visualville receives no compensation of any kind from any of these companies we just think their products rock! For more info on the big show click here.

Portraits of Tombstone Photoshop Seminar!

2009-01-05T16:15:00.003-07:00

If you ever wanted to photograph Tombstone and do it right don't miss out on this opportunity!

The Friends of Arizona Highways has a great workshop coming up "Portraits of Tombstone" February 16th - 19th offers you a chance to work closely with two great instructors. Photographer, and former Arizona Highways Picture Editor, J. Peter Mortimer will help you find wonderful light to capture "period personalities" during prearranged and spontaneous portrait sessions.

You'll also have the opportunity to work in a casual classroom setting alongside one of the best print makers and Photoshop teachers in the Southwest, Steve Burger. I've known both of these talented men for many years and they get my highest recommendation.

A chance to capture great images in one of the West's most romantic destinations and leave with a great print! Photo workshops don't get any better than that! For more info or to sign up click here.

Looking For An After Christmas Deal On A Pocket Camera?

2008-12-28T19:18:00.004-07:00

US1 Camera has the best price I've seen on one of the best pocket cameras currently available, the Canon G10. Call before ordering to make sure you're getting a new camera with a US warranty. To check out the order page click here. I nor Visualville have any connection to or receive any compensation from US1 Camera or Canon, I wish we did!

Nikon Kicks It Up With The D3X And The Beat Goes On!

2008-12-11T15:14:00.004-07:00

Last week Nikon Inc. announced their latest entry into the ever expanding D-SLR format the D3X which features:

24.5 megapixels!
14 bit full rez files captured at up to 5 frames per second!
Dual CF card slots!
Virtually noiseless capture at 1600 ISO!

For more in depth info check out Imaginginfo.com by clicking here.

Texas Goes After 2 Online Camera Retailers!

2008-12-11T14:50:00.003-07:00

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has charged two well known online camera retailers in an alleged "Bait & Switch" scheme. Broadway Photo and Starlight Camera & Video of Brooklyn, NY could face civil penalties of up to 20,000 per occurrence. To learn more click here.

Toshiba Kicks It Up A Notch!

2008-11-26T16:42:00.002-07:00

Today Toshiba announced the launch of a 16GB microSDHC card. The largest capacity micro SDHC currently available. At the same time, the company extended its range of memory card solutions by adding ultra fast read/write 8GB and 16GB SDHC cards to its line-up. Mass production of the new SDHC cards will start in December, with production of the new microSDHC slated to start in January 2009 .

All of the new SDHC memory cards comply with the SD memory standard Ver. 2.00, and the two new SDHC cards announced today support class 6 ultra fast read/write speed --- a maximum write speed of 20MB per second, delivering high performance for continuous shooting of still images and recording video images. The new microSDHC can be used with an adapter that allows it to be used in SDHC slots.

No word yet on pricing. For more info click here.

Leica Kicks It Up A Couple of Notches!

2008-11-01T14:45:00.003-07:00

"Leica Announces 37.5 Megapixel DSLR"! When I read the headline my first thought was "that's got to be a misprint they meant 17.5 or maybe, maybe 27.5, but 37.5 no way! Well, to quote Wayne of Wayne's World fame... WAY!

The S2's sensor is actually very large. Larger, in fact, than a standard 35mm frame, at 30 x 45 mm. That's 56% bigger. The S2 is essentially a medium format camera shoe-horned into a 35mm DSLR-sized body, and Leica is promoting this idea in its press releases.

The body contains a standard focal plane shutter, but the new lenses also have leaf shutters. allowing for very high flash sync speeds.

The CCD sensor is made by Kodak and the Maestro processing chip produces a very low amount of noise at very high ISOs. The body is acctually smaller than, a Nikon D3.

The price? What's the old saying if you have to ask.... $45,000 USD. For more info click here.

Sony Kicks It Up A Notch!

2008-10-13T22:30:00.003-07:00

Available next month is Sony's full-frame 24 Megapixel Alpha DSL-A900. The camera's launch is no surprise as they showed the sensor and a model of the camera at PMA this January where the announcement was arguably the biggest of the show. The specs and features of the new A900 are definitely aimed at the pro market: 100% viewfinder coverage, 1/250th second flash sync, 5 frames-per-second capture rate, AF fine-tuning (AF Micro Adjustment) for up to 30 lenses, and the huge 6048 x 4032 pixel image size. The A900 has a magnesium alloy skeleton and weather sealing to protect it from the elements, and Sony’s SteadyShot built-in image stabilization that works with any Sony or Minolta Maxxum mount lens. The A900 is the first full frame DSLR to have sensor-level image stabilization.

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A900 will be available in November and should cost just under $3000. For more info click here.

Eight Exceptional People Remembered - A Repost

2008-09-11T13:18:00.002-07:00

It's hard to believe that 911 was seven years ago. I want to share with you, once again, the story of eight of the 3000 people who perished that Tuesday; eight exceptional people, Joe Ferguson, (photo), Ann Judge (photo), James Debeuneure, Rodney Dickens, Sarah Clark, Asia Cottom, Hilda Taylor and Bernard Brown. This is their 911 story.

"Two staff members of the National Geographic Society, along with three Washington, D.C., teachers and three students they were traveling with, were among the victims of the terrorist attacks in the United States on Tuesday, officials of the Society announced on Wednesday.

Ann Judge, director of the Society's travel office, and Joe Ferguson, director of the Geography Education Outreach Program, were accompanying the three teacher-student pairs on an educational trip to California.

They were all killed along with the other passengers of American Airlines Flight 77 after it was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon at about 9:45 Tuesday morning.

"The D.C. School District has lost six extraordinary people, and we at the Society have lost two treasured colleagues," he added.

Today our thoughts and prayers are with all the victim's families, and this commitment we make to them, we will never forget.

Adobe Releases Lightroom 2.0

2008-08-01T20:20:00.003-07:00

On Tuesday Adobe announced the immediate availability of Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 2 software, with new enhancements such as dual-monitor support, radical advances in non-destructive localized image correction, and streamlined search capabilities. Lightroom 2.0 Adobe’s first application to support 64-bit for Mac OS X 10.5 Macintosh computers with Intel® processors and Microsoft® Windows® Vista® 64-bit operating systems, Lightroom 2 also provides improved memory performance for dealing with large scale images.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 is available now through the Adobe Store at www.adobe.com/store in English, French and German with the Japanese language version planned to be released at a future date. The estimated street price is USD$299 for new users with an upgrade price of USD$99 for registered users of qualifying Lightroom customers.

An Interview With PhotographerJay Sauceda

2008-07-20T14:58:00.003-07:00

Click Here to go to a very interesting interview by Don Giannatti of photographer Jay B Sauceda.

Nik Silver Efex Pro Kicks It Up A Notch!

2008-07-14T16:04:00.004-07:00

Nik is one of my favorite companies. I met Michael Slater, Nik's CEO, more than 10 years ago at a trade show in LA. I was immediately impressed and that continues to this day.Year after year they turn out elegant and affordable software that really meets the needs of a broad range of photographers. Nik is also home to two of our industries top talents Janice Wendt and Tony Corbel. I haven't tried the software yet but I can tell you that if Nik makes it... it's real good software! So without further adieu, here's a few excerpts from todays press release.

"Nik Software today announced the new Silver Efex Pro photographic plug-in for use with Adobe Photoshop and Apple Aperture, the most advanced, complete, and straightforward black-and-white solution. Silver Efex Pro uses a range of advanced imaging algorithms that protect against unwanted artifacts, a comprehensive collection of 18 emulated black-and-white film types, and a state-of-the-art grain engine that truly mimics the silver halide process and creates the highest quality black-and-white images possible from scanned or digital color photographs.

With Nik Software's patented U Point technology, Silver Efex Pro provides easy-to-use tools for direct on-image control of tonality, contrast, and structure. Precisely controlling specific areas of a photo can be achieved easily using just a few mouse clicks without the need to create complicated selections and layer masks. Silver Efex Pro combined with U Point technology offers users unprecedented control over selective tonal and contrast adjustment in black-and-white images.

"For many photographers, black-and-white is their preferred outlet for creative expression. Previously available tools often required acceptance of a one-size-fits-all solution or complex conversion techniques and endless fine tuning," said Michael J. Slater president and CEO of Nik Software. "Silver Efex Pro is truly a comprehensive and easy to use software product that is specifically designed to address the challenges that photographers face when converting images to black-and-white."

Working seamlessly within Photoshop and Aperture, Silver Efex Pro begins by presenting photographers with a basic "neutral" conversion of their color image to black-and-white. One-click adjustments can be made from a choice of over 20 preset styles from nostalgic processes like the ambrotype and tintype to classic artistic renderings, trendy high contrast, soft focus or grainy images that emulate the most popular film types and shooting styles.

This initial set of creative options can be used as is or as a starting point for photographers who wish to create and even share their own customized black-and-white styles. In addition, color filters, variable toning controls (includes sepia, selenium, split-toning and user-defined colors for maximum flexibility), vignettes, and more only add to the number of advanced stylistic effects photographers will enjoy with Silver Efex Pro. Additional sliders for global brightness, contrast, and structure, as well as Smart Filter compatibility within Photoshop and multi-image support in Aperture provide the ultimate level of control. With U Point powered Control Points photographers have the flexibility to specifically fine tune tonality, contrast, and structure and create stunning black-and-white images.

Pricing and Availability, & Promotion with Gekko-brand Fine Art Papers--Silver Efex Pro is available now for electronic delivery directly from Nik Software. Boxed versions will be available from Nik Software and through specialty camera retailers in August 2008. A complete list of resellers may be found at http://www.niksoftware.com/resellers.

Through September 15th, 2008, every copy of Silver Efex Pro sold in North America will include a free sample pack of the Gekko Fine Art Collection of papers from Pictorico. Designed especially for black-and-white prints and for use with inkjet printers, the sample pack has a retail value of $15.99 and includes two sheets each of 4 paper types: Gekko Green (Glossy) winner of the 2008 DIMA Award for best black-and-white print from a color inkjet printer; Gekko Blue (Luster); Gekko Red (Cotton); and Gekko Black (Matte)."

The suggested retail price of Silver Efex Pro is $199.95. Silver Efex Pro installs as a plug-in for either Adobe Photoshop or Apple Aperture 2.1 and is available for Windows and Macintosh operating systems, including Vista and Leopard. For more information about Silver Efex Pro, including video tutorials showing the software running within Photoshop and Aperture and a free 15-day fully functional trial version, visit http://www.niksoftware.com/silverefexpro./

To All The Men And Women Of Our Armed Forces...Thank You!

2008-07-05T23:58:00.001-07:00

Another Great Week At West Coast School!

2008-06-24T23:02:00.005-07:00

Each year, for as long as I can remember, professional photographers have gathered on the campus of the University of San Diego for a week of continuing education known as West Coast School. For ten of those years I have been privileged to be an instructor.

Special thanks go out to the WCS Sponsors! Without their generous support the school would not be possible. Thank you Bay Photo Lab, (for sponsoring my class and others), along with FujiFilm, H&H Color Lab, MAC Group, Calumet and Nik Software.

Others deserving special thanks include the incredibly hard working staff and the students who give up a week of their life not to mention some cash in order to improve themselves and our profession.

It's never too early to sign up and next years instructor list is loaded with heavy hitters including Tim Meyer, Suzette Allen & Ken Sklute. For more info click here.

Thanks for another great WCS experience, you guys are the best!

Epson Kicks It Up A Notch!

2008-06-11T01:12:00.002-07:00

Epson has announced a June launch date for the Epson Stylus Photo R2880, a new professional printer designed for digital photographers. Incorporating the same technology as the Epson Stylus Pro printer line, the 13-inch Epson R2880 features a high-performance print head for professional photographic output, as well as Radiance Technology that smoothes color transitions and optimizes highlight and shadow detail. The Epson R2880 replaces the Epson R2400 as the flagship of Epson's 13-inch printer lineup.

According to an Epson press release, the R2880 affords photographers and fine artists creative control, allowing the user to explore their creative options. Epson's advanced black-and-white mode, included within the printer driver, enables precise control for neutral or toned black-and-white prints. Photographers can choose from one of four preset menus -- neutral, warm, cool or sepia -- or further fine-tune images with custom slider bars and the color wheel.

The Epson R2880 will be available for an estimated retail price of $799.99. For more information click here.

Richard Avedon's Marilyn Monroe

2008-05-08T13:38:00.001-07:00

Richard Avedon - From The American West

2008-05-04T23:11:00.000-07:00

Richard Avedon & Charlie Rose

2008-05-01T15:03:00.002-07:00

Every student of photography should study this interview. You are privileged to spend an hour with Richard Avedon, arguably the most influential photographer of the twentieth century.

Loris Paris Kicks It Up A Notch!

2008-04-30T20:22:00.002-07:00

Normally I don't run ads, unless I'm shamelessly self promoting, but in this case I'm making an exception. Pierre Michel ads aren't really ads; He demands total control of the project from concept to output and gets it, probably because he produces truly original and visually spectacular work on a regular basis. For more info on this particular project click here.

Avedon Talks About Kinski And The Snake!

2008-04-29T23:01:00.004-07:00

For those who may have missed Richard Avedons' show at the Norton Gallery in the Phoenix Art Museum we'll be running a series of videos that showcase some of his more famous works. Enjoy!

Data Robotics Kicks It Up A Notch!

2008-04-24T20:21:00.004-07:00

Recent events have once again proved the proverb that in the world of digital images redundant archives are the road to restful sleep. If you are looking for an easy and powerful archive solution at a very reasonable price, it doesn't get any better than Drobo. We give it $$$$$, definetly worth the dollars. For more info click here. Install a Drobo and sleep well tonight! As always, Visualville receives no compensation from the companies whose products we review, in this case Data Robotics, although if they wanted to send me one that would be OK, :-)

Is That A Space Bar In Your Pants Or Are You Just Happy To See Me?

2008-04-24T00:05:00.003-07:00

Designer Erik De Nijs, has stitched together this eye catching pair of jeans, which appear to be the perfect solution for Googling quick exits while running from the fashion police. Built into the knees are a pair of crotch rocking speakers, around the back you have the added convenience of a back pocket for your “mouse”, and for you gamers, there is a joystick controller located just behind the front zipper. Yes, you read that correctly.

A Few Good Creatives!

2008-04-06T16:44:00.000-07:00

I don't care who you are... that's funny!

Lightroom 2.0 Beta Now Available!

2008-04-03T21:15:00.002-07:00

On Wednesday, Adobe rolled out Photoshop Lightroom 2.0 beta, which is a general preview of the latest and more enhanced functionality to be delivered in the next major launch. Lightroom is the professional photographer’s vital toolbox, offering one application for managing, adjusting and presenting large volumes of digital photographs. The all-new Lightroom 2.0 beta version will include improvements such as dual-monitor support, localized dodge and burn correction and will be the first Adobe application to support 64-bit for Mac OS X 10.5 Intel Macs and Microsoft Vista 64-bit operating systems. To learn more click here.

Check Out The Short Films of Hillman Curtis!

2008-04-02T22:13:00.004-07:00

Hillman Curtis is the Principal and Chief Creative Officer of hillmancurtis.com, inc., a digital design firm in New York City. His design solutions have garnered him and his company the multiple Communication Arts Awards of Excellence, the One Show Gold, Silver and Bronze, the South by Southwest Conference “Best Use of Design” and “Best of Show”, the New Media Invision Bronze, a Web Award, How magazine’s Top 10, and multiple Webby Awards. Hillman was named as one of the top ten designers by the IPPA, included in the “ten most wanted” by IDN magazine, and as one of the “Worlds best Flash designers” by Create Online.

I stumbled onto Hillman Curtis's short film series by chance and was really impressed by what I saw. Most of his films are documentaries of designers and other creatives. While they might be a bit of a detour from the normal fare posted here they give a wonderful insight into the thought processes of many visually creative people. Click here to go to the site and view more of his movies.

Photoshop Express Beta Now Available!

2008-03-30T00:19:00.002-07:00

This week Adobe announced Adobe® Photoshop® Express public beta, a free Rich Internet Application (RIA) available to anyone who wants to store, sort and show off digital photos with eye-catching effects. During the public beta period, Adobe will solicit Photoshop Express user feedback on product features and functionality, which will continue to evolve over time. As the newest addition to the Photoshop family line, Photoshop Express has taken much of Adobe’s best image editing technology and made it simple and accessible to a new online audience. Photoshop Express allows users to store up to 2 gigabytes of images online for free, make edits to their photos, and share them online in creative ways, including downloading and uploading photos from popular social networking sites like Facebook. Did I mention that it's free! Click here for more info.

Check Out Lighting Essentials Magazine!

2008-03-17T11:16:00.002-07:00

One of the best new resources for photographers is Lighting Essentials Magazine. A beautiful layout, easy navigation and a ton of useful information make this online mag a weekly must see, and best of all it's free!

Joe McNally Does It Again!

2008-03-07T12:01:00.002-07:00

I think Joe McNally is probably the best all around photographer working today. He works in all areas of our industry, editiorial, portraiture, advertising, name a specialty and Joe has been there and left a very high mark. This video gives you a small glimpse into how he continues to redefine himself as a photographer and in the process set a very high bar for those that follow.

"Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep" - Photographers Who Make A Difference

2008-02-22T14:35:00.007-07:00

I just recently learned of this amazing and wonderful group of photographers. If you are looking for a way to make use of your photographic skills to help others you should visit their website.The following is excerpted from the nilmdts.org website.

Maddux Achilles Haggard was born on Feb. 4, 2005, with a condition called myotubular myopathy that prevented him from breathing, swallowing or moving on his own. On the sixth day of his young life, his parents had to make the excruciating decision to take him off life support. But before they did, they called Littleton, Colorado photographer Sandy Puc' to take black and white portraits of them cradling their son. Puc' photographed the couple with Maddux at the hospital before he was removed from life support and after — when he was free from the tubes and the wires that had sustained him.

“That night was the worst night of my life. But when I look at the images, that’s not what I’m reminded of. I’m reminded of the beauty and blessings he brought,” Cheryl Haggard (Maddux's mom) said.Those tender photographs documenting Maddux’s eternal connection with his parents inspired Cheryl Haggard and Sandy Puc' to found a nonprofit organization that has provided thousands of families of babies who are stillborn or are at risk of dying as newborns with free professional portraits with their baby. Sandy and Cheryl founded the organization in April 2005 and called it Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep after the children’s bedtime prayer. To date, The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation has nearly 3,000 affiliated photographers worldwide.

Check Out Parker Pfister!

2008-02-22T13:43:00.003-07:00

Saw Parker Pfister's work at a recent Ed Pierce Seminar... wow, I love the images! To see more work click here.

Check Out The Seattle Flickr Roundup!

2008-02-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

People showing up, setting up equipment and making photographs just because they love photography! How cool is that!

PNY Kicks It Up A Notch!

2008-02-06T17:46:00.000-07:00

PNY Technologies has announced several new 16GB and 32GB flash cards for cameras and video camcorders.

The 32GB SDHC card can keep up with high-definition video captured at 9 megabits per second, and the Optima Pro CompactFlash card, has a 266X transfer speed, or 40 megabits per second, using a UDMA interface.

Both cards will be available in the second quarter of 2008. The SDHC card should street price around $250 and the CompactFlash card about $400. For more info click here.

Eizo Kicks It Up A Notch!

2008-02-05T00:43:00.000-07:00

Eizo's ColorEdge CG301W lets you see the BIG picture with the first 30" monitor for grapic arts and printing to support hardware calibration. Native resolution is 2560 X 1600 with a contrast ration of 850:1, and a color gamut that reproduces 97% of the Adobe 1998 color space! No word yet on the street price but look for something in the $3000.00 neighborhood! For more info click here.

Check Out "Another Country" by Scott Strazzante

2008-02-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

Scott Strazzante is my newest hero! "Another Country" is such a wonderful example of what Photojournalism can be. Click here and check it out... it just doesn't get any better than this!

Richard Avedon - My Heroes Revisited

2008-01-31T17:30:00.000-07:00

Richard Avedon: Photographer of Influence

Phoenix Art Museum Norton Photography Gallery
January 12, 2008 – April 13, 2008

If you live in the Phoenix area and have any interest in photography then you must make time to view the work of Richard Avedon. This exhibition includes his early fashion work for Vogue and Harper's Bazaar as well as later portrait work of actors, politicians, artists, writers and intellectuals. Avedon’s career as a fashion and portrait photographer spanned nearly seven decades in the 20th century and just into the 21st, leaving an indelible impression on American culture. For more Exhibition information click here.

To see my previous Richard Avedon post click here.

Check Out PFNPHOTO.com!

2008-01-27T00:41:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite photo blogs! Very cool images... Click here to see more.

Your Invitation To West Coast School! June 15-20

2008-01-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

For those of you who are unfamiliar with this truly wonderful annual event let me quote from the website. "West Coast School, founded in 1956, is operated by the Professional Photographers of California, Inc. and is part of the PPA Continuing Education System." That's the official version, here's mine... West Coast School is a week long time of learning, sharing and breathing new life into my life long passion, photography. It's held on University of San Diego campus, the most beautiful college campus I've seen, and operated by some of the best people in our industry.

Check out the instructors list. There is something for everyone and with some of the best in our business. Go to the website and sign up early as classes fill quickly. Oh, and plan to have an amazing time!

B&W Zeppelin - Too Cool For School!

2008-01-15T01:24:00.000-07:00

My Review: Wow! Check it out at Bowers-Wilkins.com

Olympus E-3 Begins Shipping!

2008-01-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

The E-3 announced in October of last year has now begun shipping according to Olympus. The 10 mega pixel Prosumer SLR boasts, a water proof body, "the world's fastest autofocus" , advanced image stabilization and sonic dust cleaning and all for only $1700.00

To learn more check out DPReview.

Straight No Chaser Kicks Up The Twelve Days!

2007-12-31T12:09:00.000-07:00

Everyone at Visualville wishes you and yours a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

65th Annual POYI Call For Entries!

2007-12-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

Photo: copyright Yannis Kontos Polaris
Pictures of the Year International invites you to take an early look at the categories and guidelines for the 65th annual photojournalism competition — the world's oldest and one of the most prestigious. To view past winners click here.

Toshiba Kicks It Up A Notch!

2007-12-13T00:57:00.000-07:00

As Toshiba’s first Tablet PC with a touch screen supporting both fingertip input capabilities and traditional pen-based input, Toshiba’s Portégé M700 empowers users with a more flexible and convenient Tablet PC computing experience. The Portégé M700 detects the presence of a digital pen or a user’s fingertip, automatically switching between the different input methods, with the digital pen given priority when both inputs are simultaneously detected.

The Portégé M700 series incorporates an LED backlit display with anti-glare coating, which allows Toshiba’s new Tablet PC to be viewed in a wide range of environments both indoors and outdoors. The LED backlit display produces superb image quality and rich color saturation indoors. While outdoors the anti-glare display delivers a clear, easy-to-view image. The resolution offered by the widescreen 12.1-inch WXGA display of Toshiba’s Portégé M700 yields 30 percent more detail than a standard 12.1-inch XGA display. This affords users enhanced clarity for viewing multimedia files and multiple page documents side by side. The Portégé M700 Tablet PC display mirrors the layout of a standard sheet of paper when in portrait mode to give users a familiar writing workspace.

The Portégé M700 series uses high-performance Intel® Centrino Pro processor1 technology,including Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processors2, Intel® 965 Express chipset, Intel® Wireless Wi-Fi Link 4965AGN supporting draft 802.11n3, and Intel® Active Management Technology (AMT 2.6)

Another Chase Jarvis Video !

2007-12-03T18:47:00.000-07:00

Chase gives us a peek at how he packs for location work. Some good info.

Check Out Lightinfusion's Photo Blog!

2007-11-21T14:36:00.000-07:00

http://www.lightinfusion.de/2007/11/seagram_building_02_nyc.html

Check Out Chase Jarvis!

2007-11-16T13:35:00.000-07:00

I really like this guys work and he always seems to be having fun!

A Giant Passes - Jane Kinne Dies At 82

2007-11-06T13:05:00.000-07:00

I first met Jane more than 30 years ago, that meeting, and others that followed, had a profound influence on me as a photographer and a stock agency owner. It is not hyperbole to say that Jane was a giant in our industry nor is it an exaggeration to say that she literally influenced the life of every professional photographer working today.

The following comments by Niki Barrie, editor of The Picture Professioanl, remember Jane Kinne; Niki, worked closely with Jane through the ASPP and NANPA. A force in the photography world for more than 50 years, Jane Kinne passed away on Saturday, November 3, 2007, of cardiopulmonary failure as a result of complications from surgery. Services will be private, but Jane's husband, Russ Kinne, has suggested that NANPA members (and others) who want to remember Jane can do so through a donation to the NANPA Foundation.

Best known for her expertise on copyright and other legal issues, Jane served as agent and advisor and mentor for thousands of photographers and other picture professionals. She was an ultimate advocate of photographers' rights. Jane served as director of Photo and Film at the National Audubon Society early in her career. She was president of Photo Researchers , Inc. and Vice President of Comstock.

She received Lifetime Achievement awards from the American Society of Picture Professionals, the North American Nature Photography Association and the Picture Archive Council of America (PACA). At the time of her death, Jane was legal chairperson for both ASPP and PACA and the director of Development for NANPA’s Infinity Foundation.

Michel Tcherevkoff Kicks It Up A Notch!

2007-11-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

I love his work! To see more click here.

Check Out Daniel Coburn!

2007-10-28T22:12:00.000-07:00

Vv Builds An Extreme Quad-Core Under $2400!

2007-10-22T23:15:00.000-07:00

Visualville is proud to announce the Xtreme Quad-Core Digital Darkroom v.1! Our latest build features the Intel Pentium Quad-Core QX6600 2.4-8MB Processor and 1.7 Terabytes of server duty Hard Drive space, plus 4 GB of RAM, plus, plus, plus for less than $2400.00!

Intel Quad-Core processors are ideal for multitasking environments because there are four complete execution cores instead of one, each with an independent interface to the frontside bus. Quad-Core processors deliver the resources of four full processing cores giving you greatly increased capability to accomplish tasks with performance-intensive programs like Photoshop.

To check out all the spec's click here.

Canon Kicks It Up A Notch or Two!

2007-10-18T21:24:00.000-07:00

This week Canon announced the development of two new telephoto lenses for use with its EOS SLR cameras: the EF200mm f/2L IS USM and the EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM.

Classed as professional L lenses, both the new Canon EF200mm f/2L IS USM and EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM incorporate a high-performance Image Stabilizer, along with special optical materials such as fluorite to correct chromatic aberrations and offer the highest levels of resolution and contrast when using these lenses.

With its large f/2 aperture, the EF200mm f/2L IS USM targets photographers who seek a brighter lens for portraiture and indoor sports photography.

The EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM, which will deliver telephoto performance surpassing the current EF 600mm f/4L IS USM lens, is being developed in response to requests from professional sports and news photographers for a high-performance lens that offers a longer focal distance.

For more info check out the Canon website.

Through Each Others Eyes - The Japan Exhibit

2007-10-12T23:41:00.000-07:00

Through Each Others Eyes will celebrate its 15th exchange exhibition with photographers from Himeji, Japan, in the Atrium of Phoenix City Hall from 6 - 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 2. Food, drink, and entertainment will highlight the opening, displaying 80 prints from four photographers: two from Phoenix, and two from our sister city of Himeji, Japan.

Valley photographers Art Holeman and Colleen Miniuk-Sperry traveled to Himeji in early April of this year to photograph the hanami, the cherry blossom festivals, as well as the people and landscapes of Himeji and Hyogo Prefecture. Art and Colleen stayed in the homes of members of the Himeji International Photographic Society, who assisted in helping them document Japanese culture. Three weeks later Art and Colleen hosted Himeji photographers Itsuko Azuma and Yasushi Ienaga as they photographed festivals in Phoenix and the lifestyle of rural Arizona. The 80 16 x 20-inch exhibit prints will contain 20 from each photographer.

Through Each Others Eyes began in 1988 with an exchange exhibition involving two Phoenix and two Himeji photographers, and the November exhibition marks the 15th exchange with Japan. In addition to Japan, photographers in Through Each Others Eyes have on-going exhibitions with photographers in China, the Philippines, Mexico, Cuba, Ireland, Scotland, Sicily, and the Czech Republic. For more information check the website at www.teoe.org.

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2007-10-10T00:33:00.000-07:00

Early detection of breast cancer saves lives, and for years October has been National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Grim statistics reported by the American Cancer Society predict that 180,510 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2007 and 40,910 women and men will die from it.

We've all heard or read the numbers. Over the years the numbers have grown, and as time went by and more friends and family were diagnosed I began to pay more attention to the numbers and the terrible disease they represented.

On August 27, 2007 Breast Cancer got my full and undivided attention when this silent and unseen assassin entered my home and attacked the most important person in my life. Fortunately an annual mammogram alerted us to the attack on our lives by this remorseless killer.

The good news is... there is hope, not just for Nancy, but for all the women and men who battle breast cancer. The death rate from breast cancer began to drop a few years ago and continues to drop by about 2 percent a year, underscoring the importance of funding further research and the absolute necessity of annual mammograms.

Our family and friends have been wonderful throughout the past couple of months offering prayers and support and we know that will continue and are so thankful. Often her friends will say "let me know what I can do for you" and her answer is always the same... get a mammogram, don't put it off, schedule it today! God bless.

Through Each Others Eyes - Mexico Exhibit

2007-10-04T13:10:00.000-07:00

Dear friends of Through Each Others Eyes: You have two opportunities this weekend to view photographs from our fifth exchange with photographers in Sonora, Mexico:(1) At the First Friday Artwalk at Levine Machine beginning 6 p.m. Friday, and (2) At the official opening at Historic Southwest Cotton Company Bldg. 605 East Grant Street, Phoenix on Saturday night from 6 - 7:30 p.m. We hope to see you there! Errol Zimmerman, President

Check Out This Killer Series Preview!

2007-10-02T02:36:00.001-07:00

This video previews The Killer Series Episode "Model Composites" a behind the scenes look at a real 1st time models' composite card shoot. The 2 DVD set includes lighting diagrams, Photoshop tutorials and a ton of extras! For more information or to place an order go to www.thekillerseries.com

Steve McCurry - My Heroes (cont.)

2007-09-27T14:35:00.000-07:00

I've been a big fan of Steve McCurry ever since his coverage of the Russian invasion of Afghanistan, where he disguised himself in native dress and transported his film by sewing it into the lining of his clothes. For the Afghan coverage he was awarded the Robert Capa Gold Medal for Best Photographic Reporting from Abroad. The images in the YouTube video are part of a one man show that traveled extensively a few years ago. If you have the chance to see the prints in person do so.

Enjoy the videos. To learn more about this gifted photographer click here.

Epson Kicks It Up A Notch!

2007-09-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

Epson announces a new ink jet printer to add to their already impressive large format group. Information is currently coming from Germany and Australia but make no mistake this new 64" behemoth will be available in the US. Check with your Epson authorized Pro Graphic Dealer to pre-order yours. The Stylus Pro 11880 will be available in October with a recommended price of: $22995.00

Key Specs Include:

Delivers a colour gamut equivalent to conventional 12 colour ink sets

64”

Micro Piezo TFP Print Head Technology

UltraChrome K3 Ink with Vivid Magenta Ink

Advanced Image Processing Technology

9 x loaded individual 700ml ink cartridges

Advanced Image Processing Technology

A.I.D Technology

Active Matte and Photo Black Inks

Barcode Media Tracking System

360 nozzles per colour (Stylus Pro 800 series = 180per colour)

700ml ink cartridge capacity

2880 x 1440dpi maximum print resolution

Automatic Take-Up Reel Standard

Accepts up to 1.5mm thick media

Borderless – 8”, 10”, 300mm, 13”, 16”, B2, A1, 24”, B1, 36”, 44”, 1200mm, 50, 54

Large 2.5” Backlight LCD Control Panel

Pressurised Ink Cartridge Technology

Standard USB2.0 and Gigabit Ethernet

Triops - Too Cool For School!

2007-09-17T22:31:00.000-07:00

Triops is a robust digital camera which allows the user to experience new perspectives and perceptions and takes the potential of digital photography to a new level. The camera is equipped with three protected fisheye lenses and allows for an active, spontaneous and playful photography experience. Triops can take images while being thrown, suspended or just being placed in an unusual location. It captures the moment by responding to sound or movement, or by reacting to the manually operated release. Sequentially taken photographs are possible as well as 360 degree panorama images. All working parts are integrated in the robust casing and can be operated easily and intuitively. Pictures can be wirelessly transmitted to a separate display unit for display. This unit functions as a processing and storage device and the camera‘s charging station. To learn more click here.

Eight Special People Remembered - A Repost

2007-09-11T20:32:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that 911 was six years ago. I want to share with you the story of eight of the 3000 people who perished that Tuesday; eight exceptional people, Joe Ferguson, (photo), Ann Judge (photo), James Debeuneure, Rodney Dickens, Sarah Clark, Asia Cottom, Hilda Taylor and Bernard Brown. This is their 911 story.

"Two staff members of the National Geographic Society, along with three Washington, D.C., teachers and three students they were traveling with, were among the victims of the terrorist attacks in the United States on Tuesday, officials of the Society announced on Wednesday.

Ann Judge, director of the Society's travel office, and Joe Ferguson, director of the Geography Education Outreach Program, were accompanying the three teacher-student pairs on an educational trip to California.

They were all killed along with the other passengers of American Airlines Flight 77 after it was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon at about 9:45 Tuesday morning.

"The D.C. School District has lost six extraordinary people, and we at the Society have lost two treasured colleagues," he added.

Today our thoughts and prayers are with all the victim's families, and this commitment we make to them, we will never forget.

Kodak Kicks It Up A Notch!

2007-09-05T00:22:00.000-07:00

Eastman Kodak Company is introducing an advancement in image sensor technology that will help to make dark, blurry digital photos a thing of the past.

Kodak’s new sensor technology provides a 2x to 4x increase in sensitivity to light (from one to two photographic stops) compared to current sensor designs. Image sensors act as the “eye” of a digital camera by converting light into electric charge to begin the capture process.

Today, the design of almost all color image sensors is based on the “Bayer Pattern,” an arrangement of red, green, and blue pixels that was first developed by Kodak scientist Dr. Bryce Bayer in 1976.

Kodak’s new proprietary technology adds panchromatic, or “clear” pixels to the red, green, and blue elements that form the image sensor array. Since these pixels are sensitive to all wavelengths of visible light, they collect a significantly higher proportion of the light striking the sensor. By matching these pixel arrangements with advanced software algorithms from Kodak that are optimized for these new patterns, users can realize an increase in photographic speed, directly improving performance when taking pictures under low light. Kodak’s new technology also enables faster shutter speeds (to reduce motion blur when imaging moving subjects), as well as the design of smaller pixels (leading to higher resolutions in a given optical format) while retaining performance.

To learn more click here.

Check Out Kathleen Connally !

2007-08-27T20:34:00.000-07:00

"A Walk Through Durham Township" is a wonderful example of what a self assignment can become. To see more images click here.

Virtual Fluffy Dice? That's Just Wrong!

2007-08-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

According to Engadget: "It looks like Microsoft is sparing no amount of detail in its so-called "adaptive heads-up user interface for automobiles," with the company even going so far as to include a virtual pair of fluffy dice (as seen above) in the still-in-development system. According to a recently revealed patent application, the virtual dice actually simulate the movement of the real thing, bobbing back and forth as your vehicle moves. As for the more practical aspects of the system, it seems that Microsoft sees no limit to its potential, with it able to display all the information normally confined to your dash, as well as stuff stored on your cellphone, PDA, or media devices and, of course, various GPS-related information (including ads for nearby businesses). This simply being a patent application, however, there's no indication as to when or if we'll ever actually be able to get some virtual fluffy dice of our own."

Let's Trash The Dress!

2007-08-19T19:10:00.000-07:00

You've heard of destination wedding photography... well this video kicks it up a notch!

Model Compostites Is Shipping!!

2007-08-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

That's right wake the kids and call the neighbors! The Killer Series is launching with it's first offering, How To Shoot A Killer Model Composite! The introductory price is $39.95 click here for more info or here to order.

Too Cool For School - The Photron APX !

2007-08-09T12:54:00.000-07:00

A friend sent this to me. Thanks David! For more info click here.

Bruce Testones - Fashion Photographer Extraordinaire!

2007-08-05T15:54:00.000-07:00

Bend It Like Beckham?

2007-07-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

PA Photos used images of David Bechkham's debut for the LA Galaxy last Saturday to try out a new release of ShootLive, a photo service that allows pictures to appear on authorized web sites and mobile devices within a few minutes of the real time capture. For more info click here.

You Have To Be In Shape For Golf!

2007-07-25T13:08:00.000-07:00

For a few more amusing looks at us looking at them click here.

Check Out "Masters Of Photography"!

2007-07-23T18:57:00.000-07:00

Harry Callahan - My Heros (cont.)

2007-07-16T18:36:00.000-07:00

No not "Dirty Harry" Callahan just Harry Callahan. To learn more about one of the most overlooked Masters of 20th Century American Photography click here.

Check Out Don Giannatti's Lighting Workshop!

2007-07-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

"A single 550EX was used with light mod to provide the blend of daylight and strobe. Subtle posing keeps the light natural looking". NOTE: this shot was taken by workshop attendee Ray Prax.
Don's next workshop is Saturday July 28th. For more info, read what attendees have to say or to watch free lighting tutorials click here.

On Location With Gregory Crewdson

2007-07-10T22:17:00.000-07:00

Take a peak behind the curtain...

Gregory Crewdson On NPR

2007-07-10T22:03:00.000-07:00

To hear NPR's interveiw with Gregory Crewdson and see more of his unique images, click here.

Future Media Is Here! Check Out "Circle of Blue"

2007-07-10T11:13:00.000-07:00

Sprague award winner Kenny Irby, Sports Illustrated's Karen Mullarkey, author Jerry Dennis, Google's Alon Halevy, Flickr, YouTube, FilmLoop.com. What does this group have in common? Circle of Blue. To learn more about this fascinating project and the enormous problem it attempts to address, click here.

A "YouTube" Portolio by Rodolfo Paez

2007-07-07T15:25:00.000-07:00

Photographers are beginning to place portfolios on YouTube. I'm not sure that placing a video on YouTube will lead to an avalanche of bookings or assignments, but the ability to embed the video that you uploaded to YouTube on your home page or the porfolio page of your web site or your blog, does have real value. For one thing you're not paying for the bandwidth required for a large number of people to view your video and for another it's easy to rotate with other videos you've uploaded to YouTube and last but not least, potential customers can then search YouTube for additional videos that promote you or your work. Not bad for a free service.

Here's Rodolfo's video, BTW, I'm not suggesting that you use his as a template. If I had edited his work this video would look much different. There is some nudity in the video so if you find nudity offensive don't click the play button.

Very Cool Time Lapse by 599 Productions!

2007-07-06T20:15:00.000-07:00

Where Have All The Pictures Gone?

2007-07-05T19:02:00.000-07:00

We celebrated the 50th Anniversary of my Father and Mother-in-Law this past weekend. In the week or so leading up to the big event I began putting together a slide show of images that chronicled their life before and after their wedding. The final edit held more than 100 photographic prints. Prints of importance to be scanned, sized and included in the DVD that played at their Saturday night celebration.

If you're wondering what all this has to do with the title of this post.. hang on I'm getting there. There was a time when photos, (prints), were precious. A fireman once told me that normal folks will only run back into a burning building for one of the three P's... People, Pets and Pictures. Could you lay your hands on 100 meaningful printed images from your life? I doubt if I could. We are making more and more digital images and fewer and fewer prints. Where have all the photographs gone? Will we have our memories as we grow older? I hope so. I was reminded this past weekend why they are so precious.

Happy Anniversary Bob & Bonnie you two are the best!

JVC Kicks HDTV Up A Notch!

2007-07-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

In the never ending game of "whose got the biggest one?" JVC readies for stateside delivery of the 110 inch HD-110MH80 designed to throw a 1080p , rear projected image, into your "media room".This behemoth goes on sale in July with an Ocotober delivery. The best news is that it's designed to sit on a shelf, provide the shelf is 110 inches long, 36 inches deep and can hold 728 lbs. It's a solid 1920 X 1080 HD @ 5000:1 contrast and only $53,000.00 and yes the remote is included.

Beautiful Model Beautiful Light!

2007-06-25T17:44:00.001-07:00

Saturday was another great lighting workshop with Don Giannatti! Mia and Judi supplied the beauty and Don supplied the beautiful light. If you've not attended one of Don's workshops you don't know what you're missing; they are the best I've ever attended and I've been to a few. Check out the workshop schedule by clicking here.

A Perfect Thing...

2007-06-24T22:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes perfect happens in our imperfect world. Enjoy the perfection of Bill Evans as he plays "My Foolish Heart".

LaCie Kicks It Up A Notch!

2007-06-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

Is your computer drowning in a sea of images? Is your hard drive so full it can't even burp? Has megapixel madness put a frown on your face. Well buck up Spanky, LaCie is ready to turn that frown upside down!

Their new 2-Terabyte Ethernet Big Disk with storage space for 13,333 15MB photos will put a smile back on those chops. A slender 2x7x11 inches in size, it can be networked , via a Gigabit Ethernet port to share it's considerable capacity among several computers. Connect it via Ethernet to your router and it becomes a wireless home server.To use it as your personal archive, just connect a cable to the USB 2.0 port and plug it directly into your computer. A second USB 2.0 port allows you to expand the capacity further by adding in another hard drive and it has full support for Windows, Mac and Linux. Price: $1,099 Available: Later This Month. For more info click here.