If you're a Mac user, a two new camera updates have recently shipped (we're up to version 6.18). OS X El Capitan provides system-level support for digital camera RAW formats. In order to use these files, youcan access them through Photos, Aperture or iPhoto on your Mac. You can also browse at the system level looking through folders. Supported by Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 6.18 Canon EOS M10 Canon PowerShot G5 X Canon PowerShot G9 X Leica SL (Typ 601) Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Sony Alpha ILCE-7S II Sony … [Read more...] about Mac User? Time to Update Your Raw Support (6.05)
Apple Aperture
Why Your Camera is Like a Faucet
Seems like an odd title to an article, right? Well, it's true! If you've ever thought about making the switch to exposing fully manually, but struggled to get apertures and shutter speeds to do what you want them to do, all you need to do is to remember that your camera is just like a faucet. Suppose you are thirsty and have a glass of water you'd like to fill up. When you turn your faucet on just a little bit, it takes a long time to fill up as it trickles in. If you're in a hurry, what do you do? You twist the knob all the way open so the … [Read more...] about Why Your Camera is Like a Faucet
Commonly Misunderstood Photo Words
I took the time to read comments on this site, as well as a few other sites, and found that there are some terms that need some clarification for use in the photo world. Some are quite comical, and some are just plainly mistakenly used in place of another term. So here's a quick list of words that were commonly misunderstood. If you've got any other's that you know of, feel free to comment, share and help others learn the lingo! F-Stop What it isn't: Shutter speed What it is: F-stop is another term that refers to the aperture setting. The … [Read more...] about Commonly Misunderstood Photo Words
Mac User? Time to Update Your Raw Support (6.05)
If you're a Mac user, a few new camera updates have recently shipped (we're up yo version 6.05). OS X Yosemite provides system-level support for digital camera RAW formats. In order to use these files, youcan access them through Photos, Aperture or iPhoto on your Mac. You can also browse at the system level looking through folders.Supported by Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 6.05 Supported by Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 6.05 Canon EOS M3 Fujifilm X-T10 Fujifilm XQ1 Fujifilm XQ2 Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) Nikon 1 … [Read more...] about Mac User? Time to Update Your Raw Support (6.05)
Apple Photos Now Available (And Aperture Isn’t)
Apple just released its long-awaited Photos app to the public (a beta was available recently that people could sign up for). You can get the application by simply updating your copy of your OS to OS 10.10.3 (use the Apple menu and choose App Store). You can also find the update here. What's Available Apple Photos is a streamlined tool that allows users to work with their images. Here's the official core feature list from Apple. Browse your photos by time and location in Moments, Collections, and Years views Navigate your library using … [Read more...] about Apple Photos Now Available (And Aperture Isn’t)
Apple Photos Beta for OS X Available Now
Apple just announced the availability of its new photo application, Apple Photos. While its not shipping yet, there is a public beta program available. Apple also released more details about the application. Migration from Aperture Aperture libraries can be moved to Photos for OS X. This includes photographs, their adjustments, keywords and albums. The Aperture library will remain intact after migration. Aperture and Photos do not share a library. Any changes made to the same photo in Photos will not appear in Aperture. Remember, Aperture … [Read more...] about Apple Photos Beta for OS X Available Now
Aperture To Lightroom: Inside My First Steps
Over the last few months I've been slowly mourning my loss of Apple's support for Aperture and coming to grips with my inevitable move to Adobe Lightroom (you can read the beginning of my journey here). Today, I'm continuing my series on transitioning from Aperture to Lightroom from my non technical, Aperture perspective. I like to bring a non-technical view to things because there are a zillion technical articles out there where you can find every detail already. It's been done. But for those of us whose eyes glaze over every time someone … [Read more...] about Aperture To Lightroom: Inside My First Steps
Apple is Trying to Tell You Something About Aperture
In case it wasn't clear... Aperture is about to die . "When Photos for OS X is available this spring, Aperture will no longer be available for purchase from the Mac App Store." This means You won't be able to buy Aperture new. There will be no further development or mechanism to get updates for Aperture. It probably means that if you did by it through the Mac App Store, you should be able to still download it for awhile after that. I can also tell you after getting hands-on with Apple Photos.... it is not Aperture. It doesn't do nearly as … [Read more...] about Apple is Trying to Tell You Something About Aperture
Consolidate: Create A Rough Repository
Check out the rest of Organize Your Photos: DAM Foundations Consolidate Conform Cull Copy Clear The first step in organizing a new repository is getting the files all in one place. The goal is to clean off all of the various drives on which they are found. In this step, duplicate files and directories will be created. Do not worry. Eventually, duplicates will be removed. Until then, err on the side of caution so, in your zeal to clean and purge, nothing important is lost. Assemble the Ingredients Before starting, … [Read more...] about Consolidate: Create A Rough Repository
Organize Your Photos! The Five Cs of DAM Repair
As I prepared to migrate my back catalog from Aperture to Lightroom, I realized I had a problem on my hands. When working for clients, I am meticulous about Digital Asset Management (DAM). Files are carefully cataloged and multiple archives are created to hand off. When shooting for myself, not so much. Good Intentions... Bad Execution In the field, I always make two backups. But, I was not very disciplined about moving those archives to my workstation back at the office. As a result, I accumulated a raft of data, floating on a river of … [Read more...] about Organize Your Photos! The Five Cs of DAM Repair
Why I Am (Finally) Migrating to Lightroom
Last July, Apple announced that development on Aperture would cease. Last October, Adobe announced an Aperture Import Plugin for Lightroom. Both announcements garnered groans from me. The writing was on the wall. It was time for me to finally become an Adobe switcher. To explain, I have to share a bit of background. I come from video production. Specifically, I cut my editing teeth on Apple's Final Cut. So naturally, I gravitated to Aperture to manage stills. For the most part, I was content in my Apple bubble. Then, at NAB 2011, as part of … [Read more...] about Why I Am (Finally) Migrating to Lightroom
The Essential Guide to Moving an Aperture Library to Adobe Lightroom
Before I start this article, let's set the record straight. I'm a long time Aperture user... I started with Aperture the first day it was released. My Aperture library tracks my evolution with digital photography and it was one of my favorite tools for years. A while back I decided to switch from Aperture to Lightroom. I've always used Photoshop in conjunction with Aperture for my Panoramic work and advanced retouching. Recently, Ive been absolutely inundated with people asking me how to move their libraries from Aperture into Lightroom. … [Read more...] about The Essential Guide to Moving an Aperture Library to Adobe Lightroom
Breaking up with Aperture
Breaking up is hard to do. No one likes coming to the realization that a once blossoming relationship is now dwindling, leaving you less than fulfilled and perhaps jaded. When Apple dealt the blow back in June that it was killing my beloved Aperture, I was heartbroken. I was an early adopter of Aperture. Actually, because I was working for Apple at the time of the release (November 2005), I was glued to the demo on the sales floor the day it came out and took home a copy that night. At the time there was nothing like it. Apple's iPhoto … [Read more...] about Breaking up with Aperture
Moving From Aperture to Lightroom? Get This Free Migration Tool
Many Mac users have decided to switch from Aperture or iPhoto to Lightroom. Adobe has just released a new tool to help easily migrate existing Aperture and iPhoto libraries into Lightroom with a free Lightroom plug-in. What Comes Over Most of the important stuff makes the move Flags Star Ratings Keywords GPS Data Rejects Hidden Files Color Labels* Stacks* Face Tags* *Color Labels, Stacks, and Face Tags will be imported as Lightroom keywords. What Doesn't Comes Over The adjustments engines in Lightroom, Aperture, and iPhoto are … [Read more...] about Moving From Aperture to Lightroom? Get This Free Migration Tool
Mac User? Time to Update Your Raw Support (5.07)
If you're a Mac user, a new camera update has recently shipped (version 5.07). OS X Mavericks provides system-level support for digital camera RAW formats. In order to use these files, you can access them through Aperture or iPhoto on your Mac. You can also browse at the system level looking through folders. Supported by Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 5.07 Nikon D810 (only the RAW L format) Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ1000 Launch the software update by choose Apple Menu > Software Update and choose the Digital Camera Raw Compatibility … [Read more...] about Mac User? Time to Update Your Raw Support (5.07)
10 Things Aperture Users Need to Know About Lightroom
This is a guest post by Matt Kloskowski be sure to catch him at this year's Photoshop World. Theres been speculation for a while now, but its confirmed. Apple is stopping future development of Aperture. The writings been on the wall for a while now. Aperture actually came out right around the time when Lightroom did (even a little before). But its been stagnant on version 3 for a while now, and Lightroom has continually pulled ahead. Anyway, all the debates over which is/was better don't matter much now. If youre an Aperture user, its time to … [Read more...] about 10 Things Aperture Users Need to Know About Lightroom
Free Webinar on Migrating from Aperture
Our friends at KelbyOne have a free seminar today on switching from Aperture to Lightroom. This might be helpful to those of you thinking of switching. The event is today and you can register here. Aperture to Lightroom June 30, 2014 | 7:00pm ET Come and join the Lightroom Pros: Scott Kelby & Matt Kloskowski for a free Webcast where we'll teach you, step-by-step how to make the transition from Aperture to Lightroom fast, easy and fun. We'll show you how to make your switch painless and hassle-free, plus we'll have plenty of giveaways … [Read more...] about Free Webinar on Migrating from Aperture
Apple Discontinues Aperture
Apple announced today that it will no longer add features to its professional imaging application Aperture. Apple will continue to update camera formats for the foreseeable future. Apple is folding iPhoto and Aperture into its new release of the Photos app included in the recently announced Mac OSX Yosemite operating system coming this fall. The announcement quoted below from The Loop's Jim Dalrymple says in part that "With the introduction of the new Photos app and iCloud Photo Library, enabling you to safely store all of your photos in … [Read more...] about Apple Discontinues Aperture
Mac User? Time to Update Your Raw Support (5.02)
If you're a Mac user, a new camera update has recently shipped (version 5.02). OS X Mavericks provides system-level support for digital camera RAW formats. In order to use these files, you can access them through Aperture or iPhoto on your Mac. You can also browse at the system level looking through folders. In good news, Apple seems to be picking up the pace of support (although I still wish they'd get as fast as other companies). Supported by Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 5.02 Nikon D5300 Nikon Df Olympus OM-D E-M1 Sony Alpha … [Read more...] about Mac User? Time to Update Your Raw Support (5.02)
Aperture Updated with Bug Fixes
Apple has recently released a bug fix update for Aperture. Version 3.5.1 is a free update for all Aperture 3 users. You can get the update here. Here's what fixed: White Balance now works as expected when using the Temperature & Tint eyedropper tool Fixes an issue that could cause the rectangles indicating detected faces to appear incorrectly When a metadata field is selected, the cursor now remains active in that field when using the Command and arrow keys to move between photos Includes stability improvements In case you missed it, … [Read more...] about Aperture Updated with Bug Fixes
What’s New in Aperture 3.5? Not Enough.
Warning: This article is both news and opinion. I report on what's changed, and comment on the improvements made to Aperture. Apple quietly released an Aperture update. Before you get excited... it's not Aperture 4 (what many of you have been anxiously waiting for). But there are a handful of additions and bug fixes of note. My commentary after each bullet. Aperture 3.5 Update Aperture previously stood at version 3.4.5. I would have called this update 3.4.6... but apparently the person in charge rounded up. Adds support for iCloud Photo … [Read more...] about What’s New in Aperture 3.5? Not Enough.
New Raw Support for Mac Users
If you're a Mac user, two new camera updates have recently shipped. OS X Mountain Lion provides system-level support for digital camera RAW formats. In order to use these files, you can access them through Aperture or iPhoto on your Mac. You can also browse at the system level looking through folders. Supported by Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 4.07* Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G6 Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF6 Sony Alpha SLT-A58 Supported by Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 4.06* Canon EOS-1D C Canon EOS Rebel SL1 / 100D / Kiss … [Read more...] about New Raw Support for Mac Users
Experimenting with Long Exposure Photography
I found myself with the perfect opportunity to shoot some long exposure shots. Yesterday was the last night of a trip to Walt Disney World with my family. The Magic Kingdom is filled with beautiful lighting and nighttime scenes. For those of you who've never fully explored this style of photography... it can be A LOT of fun. It can open up some cool looks from simple scenes as the light in the picture can take on dramatic properties. Compare these two shots... First up the standard exposure. To get the shot in low light: I had to open the … [Read more...] about Experimenting with Long Exposure Photography
Want great shots? Make sure you have at least one prime lens.
When you bought your first DSLR, it likely came with a zoom lens. This style of lens makes it easy to get a wider range of coverage with just a quick turn of the wrist. Many prefer this flexibility versus having to actually move their feet to get the shot. So why go old school and choose a prime lens that only offers a single focal length? Its all about aperture. Here are a few reasons to consider. Most prime lenses offer apertures that open as far f/1.2 to f/2. These wider opening can let in more light to hit the cameras sensor. More light … [Read more...] about Want great shots? Make sure you have at least one prime lens.
Understanding Aperture — A Simple Explanation
Aperture is one of the three sides of the exposure triangle. For many it is the primary force in shaping their photos, particularly if shooting in an Aperture Priority or Manual mode. Aperture is the easiest way to control how deep or shallow the depth of field is in your image. As such, it's an important control to master. What exactly is aperture? An easy way to think of aperture is a window that the light must pass through on the way to the camera's sensor. As such, the larger the window, the more light you let into your camera. Easy … [Read more...] about Understanding Aperture — A Simple Explanation
On a Mac? Time to Update Your Raw Support
Follow Rich on If you're a Mac user, two new camera updates have shipped. OS X Mountain Lion provides system-level support for digital camera RAW formats. In order to use these files, you can access them through Aperture or iPhoto on your Mac. You can also browse at the system level looking through folders. Supported by Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 4.06* Canon EOS-1D C Canon EOS Rebel SL1 / 100D / Kiss X7 Canon EOS Rebel T5i / 700D / Kiss X7i Hasselblad Lunar Nikon COOLPIX A Nikon D7100 Nikon 1 J3 Nikon 1 S1 Sony Alpha … [Read more...] about On a Mac? Time to Update Your Raw Support
Organizing your Aperture Library, Part 3 of 3
Guest Post & Photos by (Did you miss parts 1 and 2? Start here. then read this. Now that youve determined your strategy and structure, and youve been organizing old photos (and importing new ones) following your new system, you may want to get more granular on your organizationfor some photos, at least. ALBUMS The easiest way to break a big project into bite-sized chunks it to create albums. Lets say you took a long holiday and visited the beach, a museum, took a neighborhood tour, etc. It can be handy to separate those events, but not … [Read more...] about Organizing your Aperture Library, Part 3 of 3
Organizing your Aperture Library, Part 2 of 3
Guest Post & Photos by (Did you miss part 1? Start here.) Once youve devised what your strategy is going to be, youre ready to sort out your old mess. Actually, first Id recommend that you live with the new structure for a little while, to make sure its to your liking. You may find that you want to make tweaks to it when you first start living with it, and theres no sense in organizing a decade of photos today to find out in a month that you wish youd done things slightly differently. So, once youve devised your structure, import all new … [Read more...] about Organizing your Aperture Library, Part 2 of 3
Organizing your Aperture Library, Part 1 of 3
Guest Post & Photos by One of the most common requests I get for personalized help on ApertureExpert is to assist in organizing a library thats suffered years of neglect. When youre staring at a veritable rats nest of images, getting them sorted out can be a very daunting task! But the old adage applies perfectly well here How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. DETERMINING A STRATEGY Before moving anything, first devise an organizational strategy; a structure that makes sense to you now, and that you will follow for the future. … [Read more...] about Organizing your Aperture Library, Part 1 of 3
Aperture v. Lightroom Built-in Noise Reduction
(Click on the photos to get a better view) There's lots of talk about why I switched to Lightroom over Aperture but here's reason number 37. Noise. Above you'll see a handheld shot taken at ISO 12,800 with a Canon 1DX and 24-70 f/2.8 zoom - near 10pm. It's a photo of the Aria Hotel sign in Las Vegas' City Center. The image was not adjusted during import in any way other than noise reduction was applied. Note that applying full on built-in noise reduction in Aperture (the only way to get ANY real noise reduction) resulted in a soft image that … [Read more...] about Aperture v. Lightroom Built-in Noise Reduction
