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Saturday, December 28, 2013

Join PPA go to Imaging USA show FREE








Join PPA and Go to Imaging USA for Free!*

Want to grow your photography business? Need to spend less while still having a blast? (Who doesn't?) Well, whether you're starting out or established in the industry, you'll find the resources and network you need to grow with Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and Imaging USA 2014 in Phoenix.

There's simply no better way to get the know-how you need to succeed with your pro photography!


What You Get with Imaging USA

Thousands attend this convention and expo each year for a level of learning and networking you simply can't find elsewhere. Get the lowdown at www.ImagingUSA.org and on twitter #IUSA14.

  • 3 days of world-class art & business education

  • 600+ trade show booths with mouthwatering product deals

  • 10,000 pro photographers & industry peers to connect with

Bonus: 3-Hour Workshop!

Be More Profitable: Planning for Your Success
Saturday, Jan. 11, 1-4pm
With PPA Mentors Bridget Jackson, CPA & Angela Kurkian, M.Photog.Cr., CPP

Pricing, sales, marketing and finance are the fundamental elements of a profitable business. You'll leave with a clear understanding of what you need to do to get where you want to go. From profitable pricing, SEO and social media, to planning your marketing calendar, this is the workshop to boost your business. And it's FREE!

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Asus ViviBook Deal

Asus VivoBook 11.6" Touch Screen Notebook Computer, Intel Core i3-3217U 1.8GHz, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 500GB 5400rpm HDD, Windows 8 64-Bit - Pink

Sale price: $349.99 (Reg: $399)

like this one, but pink


Sale starts tonight at 8:00pm EST, limited time only, so hurry

The Asus VivoBook 11.6" Notebook Computer features a traditional notebook computer design, but has a capacitive touchscreen for added convenience. You'll be able to use your keyboard, mouse and now your fingers as you can tap directly on tiles instead of clicking on them.

This Asus VivoBook also features the Windows 8 Home Premium (64-bit) operating system. With a redesigned Start screen and an emphasis on tiles that update real-time and capacitive touchscreen support, Windows 8 provides a unique user experience.

The system is powered by a dual-core 1.8 GHz Intel Core i3-3217U processor. It also has 4 GB of DDR3 RAM, a 500 GB 5400 rpm hard drive, a 3-in-1 media card reader, 10/100 Mbps fast Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and an integrated 0.3-megapixel webcam.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Low Price Ultra-Wide (Fish-Eye) for APS-C Format

It's found under several different brand names. Even changes focal lengths in some of them (because of allowances in focal length labeling). 

The version I'm using is the Rokinon 8mm f/3.5

This newer version adds a chip for synching to the Nikon digital APS-C DSLRs. It is manual focus only, but the chip lets you use the camera's focus confirmation, and allows the aperture to be controlled  thru the camera, so it even works in Program mode.

The lens feels solid, has some heft to it, and mounts perfectly to the camera bayonet mount. Earlier versions had some reviews saying the fit was a bit tight, but that seems to be fixed. 

The focus ring is just stiff enough to allow you to set a distance and forget it if you want. It doesn't budge during normal use, but it will move if you grab the lens by it. I set it at a hyperfocal distance for what aperture I'm using, often about 1m, and this gets me depth of field from rather close out to infinity even at f/5.6

I shot into the sun, into sodium vapor lights, and with flash, and saw little or no lens flare or ghosting. The images are sharp and have neutral color rendition.

Over all, I approve of this lens. Useful for realty work like raw files for virtual tours or just as wide interior shots, landscapes, any time you need an ultra wide coverage, and for creating special perspective effects.

Some unretouched sample pics: 




Saturday, December 21, 2013

Ice Storm Flower Photos

Bright sunny days are great for creating stunning images. But, that isn't the only outdoor light and weather that you can use to create great images.

Our ice storm is continuing, but right outside our place is a bush with tiny, colorful berries still on it. The light source was a completely overcast day with fill flash added for highlights and contrast.

A little bit of color correction and cropping...


Sunday, December 15, 2013

New Gear Reviews Coming

Recently, Steve's Fine Finish  upgraded to a higher MP count DSLR, a full frame fish eye lens, and a nodal point panorama head. 

I will write some use reviews on each item in a few days.

The new(ish) camera:



The lens.


The Pano head.

Cool Photoblogs

coolphotoblogs Check out this collection of photo blogs.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Profoto Lighting Deal from Adorama






If you're in the market for this type of professional lighting equipment, this is a deal you can't pass up. Buy the generator, get a head for free. It's not for everyone, but go ahead and shop all of Adorama's pro lighting equipment.

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Discount Computers and iPhones in OKC

 is a good place for discount, used, and refurbished computers, smart phones, and tablets. 
Facebook account required to see his deals.



Friday, December 6, 2013

Be careful out there!



A lightsickle

Where is my sidewalk?

Where is the street?


Be careful out there!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Olympus Deals at Olympus dot com


Use code HOLIDAY1231 for an extra 5% off any qualifying Olympus.com order thru 12/31/2013


Thursday, November 21, 2013

Photoshop Photography Program - UPDATE



Wow!

Now THIS is a big deal. For a limited time, you can sign up for Adobe's CC Photoshop online program for only $9.99 a month (1 yr subscription required) without any previous ownership requirements. That's huge, because to get this price before, you had to have a valid product key from Photoshop CS5 or higher (at over $400 per program cost).

On Adobe's Creative Cloud Photoshop program, you'll have any update instantly available. It also includes Lightroom 5! This is the equivalent of having about $700 worth of    photo manipulation software for only around $120! And it has other bonuses, see the website for details.

Hurry! Enrollment ends December 2nd.

I'm going to sign up for this. I'll post some thoughts, assignments, and uses throughout the next year.


Important update:

Adobe CC apps will only work on Mac OS X 10.7 or later, and Windows 7 or later.



Friday, November 15, 2013

Leonid Meteor Shower this weekend - Don't expect much



This Saturday and Sunday morning (from near Midnight to around 4:00am) is this year's Leonid peak. But, low particle density for where we will cross the stream of comet debris and having a bright Moon (Earth's natural satellite) in the sky will make for a somewhat lackluster showing.

Still, it's always fun to count meteors during a shower, so head on over to Space dot com and read this.


Enjoy!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Comets! That's right, plural

photo from Sky & Telescope






Remember, naked eye or maybe some binocs will give the best view for most of us. 

The most important thing for good viewing will be  a nice dark sky location. Away from city lights is ideal, a dark part of our yard, shielded from any house or street lights will work if we don't have a non-city place to go to.

If you have a photographic set up that allows for astrophotography, try your hand at it this week.




Friday, November 8, 2013

Fine Art Photos for your home or office

Check out my award winning photography and purchase some to display in your home or office. 

Fine art at discount prices!
 
 

Amazon One Day Deal on Panasonic DMC-G5




The Micro 4/3rds format  is the same size sensor as 4/3rds, but the lens designs are different since the cameras don't have a mirror box. They use an EVF and the rear view screen for viewing. The cameras are full featured and VERY small. Compared to full frame format, there is a 2X lens factor.
 
This particular camera is a very good way to start into a higher level of photography than smartphones or P&S. Check out the other lenses and accessories available.

Remember, one day only!

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Nikon's Df Website



The new Nikon Df is an interesting camera. It has a full frame format sensor (same as the D4, actually) in a small body.

The camera is also somewhat 'retro' in layout. Instead of the digital menus we've gotten used to since around the time of the 8008, the Df is controlled by inputs that are more like an F3 (or maybe Contax RTS).

It's still pricy, tho. Just under $3K at most stores with the new 50/1.8.


Enjoy!

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Early Autumn Photo Fun

We love the colors that Autumn brings us. Early Fall also offers us a great opportunity to record some stunning images. In early Autumn, there will still be a lot of green leaves and grass to give us some color contrast for the yellows and the almost fuchsia reds. 

Plus, it lets us scout some locations to come back to when all the leaves change.

Hopefully, your area had a nice wet year and a gradual season change. If not, and you aren't getting many good fall colors, try zooming on something, isolating one or two colors. 

Be sure to include the sky if it's interesting. Be careful of your foregrounds and backgrounds. A power pole or a biker in the distance can detract from our scene. Of course, we could also look for people doing Fall activities to add interest to our scenes. One of my faves is sailboating. Pets and young families can be fun, too.

Here's a few images I recorded yesterday:





Thursday, October 24, 2013

Nikon Cool Pix review on Adorama


Tough camera, great pics
By Stephen D H from OKC, OK on 10/24/2013

5out of 5
Pros: Fast/accurate auto-focus, Easy To Use, Good Image Quality, Large Clear LCD, Short Lag Time
Best Uses: Family Photos, Travel, Video
Describe Yourself: Pro Photographer
This is a great knock around camera. The picture quality is superb. I've gotten it wet, but not submerged, no problem.

It's a little big.

As for the knock around, it takes a beating. This camera has been dropped many times and doesn't show any problems for it. Try dropping a regular P&S, and you will probably not have a camera any more.

The video is a nice added feature. Not jerky like older P&S cams were.

So, its shock-proof feature is what is truly valuable about this camera.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Creative Cloud Thoughts



Creative Cloud by Adobe. What's it all about?

I've  reviewed and even signed up for some cloud apps since going all digital. Mostly what I've used so far has been for photo file storage and for sharing large files with clients. Sharing via the cloud (which is what I'm calling all online photo storage and apps for the sake of simplicity) with a site like Box, PogoPlug, or Just Cloud is so much easier than e-mailing or sending CDs or DVDs via snail mail. With how large my files are now, many e-mail programs can't even handle one pic, much less an entire gallery of  shots.

Those sites I listed above have basic free subscriptions available, which is nice for anyone with somewhat casual needs. A range of file and storage size options, along with some other apps, are available for modest prices.

What Adobe offers with the Creative Cloud (their trademarked name) is more than just file sharing or storage. Adobe is offering a suite of full programs. All accessed online. What makes this an awesome idea is that the end user, you, won't have to upgrade the programs periodically at extra cost. Your subscription gives you the latest upgrade each time you log on.

Various programs are offered by Adobe on the Creative Cloud. A full plan for a single user is $49.99 a month with a one year commitment, or $74.99 a month as a month to month subscription. This gives you access to the entire range of current programs on the CC, including the latest Photoshop.

A Photoshop only CC plan is $19.99 a month, year subscription required.

A limited time offer is open for current Photoshop users. If you have a properly licensed version of Photoshop CS3 or higher, you are eligible for a reduced price subscription of $9.99 a month (year sub required) that also includes Lightroom on the CC and membership in Behance. Deal signup period expires soon!

All of these different programs and sites are accessed online only. If you're not online, keep using the programs you already have. (But, then, how are you reading this?) Cloud programs are the wave the future. Soon, it may be the only way to get certain programs and features.

I am not affiliated with Adobe or any brand  listed in this blog post. All of these prices and deals may change. 

Read ALL the fine print rules and charges before committing to any subscription services!

Many more programs are coming available on different versions of the Cloud. As I try some out, I'll post reviews here.

Enjoy!


Monday, October 14, 2013

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

$25.00 Canon Pixma and a Great deal on an FX Nikon

Every now and again, a deal comes around that is absolutely incredible.

This is one of those times!


Act quickly, this deal won't last long!


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Also from Adorama...

Nikon D600 Digital SLR Camera Kit with Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED AF-S VR Lens - USA Warranty $1959.95 with free shipping


With the release of the D610 this week, D600 prices are plummeting! This is the equivalent of getting the lens almost free!


This deal won't last long either.