(big brass,timpani drum accompanied music in the background)
When You want to take Your photography to the Next Level, and prove to everyone what a post production digital master you are , YOU need theâ€:â€:

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Wait..slow down…when you want to have some fun and start working on your photos in a new intuitive way, you’ve gotta check out the Wacom Bamboo Fun.

Now we’re no strangers to working on a tablet with photos. Using a pen to draw on, and make corrections on, a digital file, rocks.That’s the top line . Step away from the mouse for a sec. and pick up the more precise pen.
And when we say pen, we mean Continue Reading »

I just paid 4.70 for a gallon of gas, $5 for a dozen eggs, and the rising costs show no sign of abatement.
(I know our friends outside of the NA continent have been paying waaaaayy more for gas for years. We’re just getting sticker shock now. And every day a new number.)

OK, Fine. Enough with the happy news.

The economy isn’t so great right now, but you still want to give gifts to your photo minded friends and family.
And you should.
But instead of telling you about all of the great lenses, DSLRs, main camera bags, etc., and since the economy is where it’s at, we’re going to give you a list of goodies under $100 USD. Cool?

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(maybe not this)

OK what kind of a photo gift would be good for the peeps this month? Continue Reading »

It’s Saturday morning in Los Angeles.
The heat is rising outside and Hillary Clinton has just quit the presidential campaign.

But inside, I’ve been moved and mesmerized by the next weekly giveaway:

[photopress:mann_at_twelve_dec_06.jpg,full,centered] © At Twelve – Sally Mann

What Remains: The Life and Work Of Sally Mann is one of the best documentaries on a contemporary artist I’ve ever seen. Produced by HBO documentary films and Zeigeist Films, this is my first look at the artist who has been honored and sometimes vilified for her photographs.

Sally Mann has created a body of work with her family and immediate environs as the subjects, and is revealed in ways that will touch the artist in everyone.

[photopress:51X_Yv_Zy6L._SS500_.jpg,thumb,alignright] You get to watch her shoot some of her seminal images with her children and continue with her more current work. She discuss her process and those closest to her, echo the

“ One of the most exquisitely intimate portraits not only of the artist’s process but also of a marriage and a life” –The New York Times

This DVD come with some extras that you truly enjoy. Including a 1994 documentary on Sally Mann, lecture excerpts, photos from her best known works, and more.

By using an 8×10 view camera depicting her life as some people use a smaller format camera, you will be blown way by the chosen moments shared with the viewer and the quality of these photographs.

We are very happy to share this with you, and send one of you a copy of this excellent documentary.

Here is how it works:
Continue Reading »

[photopress:sc_logo_2.gif,full,alignright]We’ve just uploaded some new Photoshop training samples for you to check out on the VIDEO page.
Just go to the Software Cinema tab and you’ll see the first set of new Photoshop CS3 training tips by Jim DiVitale.
These folks have been training photographers for years in digital imaging and lighting and we just dig the way they do it.
So check out these short bits, and if you like what you see, go their website and put your order in.
You’ve invested in the software, now make sure you get the best out of it.
Plus these guys are doing live tours. More info on the site.
Later this week we’ll be adding more video to the Software-Cinema tab so check back and get ready for a little DIY (do it yourself)

Remember: the videos on the site are in FLASH so it’s a higher quality, but you must have FLASH to view.

Snaps are fun. Love my camera phone. And my point and shoot. Sure, I still use iPhoto and love it. But so many of my photographs can be made better with some extra care. Heck, in the wet darkroom days exposure, paper choice and burning and dodging did all that.

I’m working it all dry now. In the light. OK, subdued light.( best for looking at your monitor)
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If you are ready to move from iPhoto, the next step for you is most definitely Photoshop Elements 6 For MAC. It’s time to get into the Photoshop Family. We wrote about the Windows version before, and we’re loving the Mac version now.

Look, you make great images with your DSLR, but you know you can work em a little more to make sure they stand out. You did pay a bit extra for all of those camera features. This program has what you need to get started in taking advantage on the post production side. I think Albert Watson said: “it’s not a photograph, until it’s a print” and you can’t make a great print till you’ve made a great digital file.

Here is the best mid-level toolkit to get you there. Think of it as the sophomore or junior year of college.

With a great introduction into the Photoshop family of toolbars and some very cool items I WISH CS3 had (who doesn’t want a Magic Wand?), this surprisingly full monty, could be all you need for a long while.

The interface is very “Lightroom-esque”, which we are fans of, but the main goodie here is the inclusion of Bridge in the MAC version.
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You’ll be able to track and rack all of the photos on your computer and bring em in at will, without missing a beat. Bridge is a great tool to manage all of your goods.

Easy access is what we’re talking about. Continue Reading »