A lack of organization can really kick you in a sensitive area if you're on a time crunch or are called to produce a photo or document of some sort. So here's a tip: don't be a digital slob! You might be a digital slob if your desktop is littered with a bunch of folders and files to the point where you can't see the beautiful wallpaper that is supposed to be displayed underneath. You might not be a complete slob if it takes you more than 5 seconds to find a file or folder on your desktop, that just means that you're one of those organized … [Read more...] about A Simple Way to Add Some Organization to Your Desktop
software
Photomatix OneShot Makes Photos POP!
There are hundreds of filters and presets available for making photographs into "something else" in Photoshop, Lightroom or with other software packages. One of my favorites comes from from HDRsoft the maker of the outstanding HDR converter Photomatix Pro. Allow me to introduce you to Photomaitx OneShot. HDR effects for single images Traditionally, High Dynamic Range or HDR, requires at least three exposure bracket of photos two or more stops apart. The information in the bracketed set of pictures provides the HDR conversion software an … [Read more...] about Photomatix OneShot Makes Photos POP!
Got A New Camera? Get Luminar Pluto, Too
Luminar, by Macphun, is a photo finishing tool for Mac computers, and I'm really impressed. It's simple and intuitive to use. I think if you're a new photographer that this is probably the best photo software for you. As a new photographer, it's important to remember that software doesn't make your pictures better, it can only put the finishing touches on them. Practicing composition and mastering all your camera's controls and their effects will make your pictures better, and then Luminar will help you refine your pictures so they convey the … [Read more...] about Got A New Camera? Get Luminar Pluto, Too
JPEGmini – Secret Weapon of The Photographer on the Move!
Pretty much everyone reading this is all too familiar with JPEG's and the creation of large, small, printable, social media sized, etc images for clients. If you're like me and tend to shoot a fair number of weddings and events with LARGE, (sometimes obscenely so), catalogs of images, the delivery of these files to your clients can often be an absolute nightmare. Sharing online takes forever to upload and download....sometimes they want them on a Hard Drive or Thumb Drives and you just can't fit everything. Compile that with YOUR personal … [Read more...] about JPEGmini – Secret Weapon of The Photographer on the Move!
Drobo migration from Drobo to Drobo5D
Since I've gotten a Drobo, I have to say, I really enjoy it. It's nice having a user friendly RAID array of drives not just for the capacity they provide, but for the data protection they provide. In case you're wondering about more reasons why you'd want one, check out this previous Photofocus article here. So I've been dragging my feet on this for quite a while. I know I've needed to do it, but for fear of it being a "big deal" I've been putting off migrating and updating from my Drobo Generation 3 to my new Drobo 5D. "It's the busy … [Read more...] about Drobo migration from Drobo to Drobo5D
Perfectly Clear Complete–Black Friday Sale!
Perfectly Clear Complete is an amazing plug-in that helps photographers finish their images in either Lightroom or Photoshop. Post-production requires a huge amount of time from photographers to get images ready to go to their customers. Perfectly Clear from Athentech is the answer to this problem. It's easy to use with simple, built-in presets that can be customized too. It can batch process a single image or a folder full of photographs. Best of all, Perfectly Clear Complete is on sale for Black Friday! The photo at the top of this post … [Read more...] about Perfectly Clear Complete–Black Friday Sale!
Adobe Announces Project Felix
https://youtu.be/yaMjHn-RJYA Adobe has announced a new member of the Photoshop family, Project Felix. Project Felix gives designers easy-to-use 3D tools to help them create high quality images with photo-realistic effects without time-consuming workflows or 3D expertise. In the video above you can see the very easy workflow. In a nutshell, Project Felix delivers in 3 key areas: Easy access to assets. Project Felix comes with a library of models, materials and lights to help you get started the moment you open it on your desktop. Its … [Read more...] about Adobe Announces Project Felix
Photographer’s Review – iPad Pro
Holy crap. I caved. I really bought an iPad. Not just any iPad, the newest 9.7" iPad Pro! I'm not new to the iPad world. I deal with them every day I work! I just no longer owned one after my original iPad Mini got a little outdated for me. Many of you know, fellow author here on Photofocus, Vanelli. Ever since I met him, he's been hounding me for not having an iPad at the trade shows that I've seen him at-- WPPI and Photoshop World. I never really thought about the benefits of having one (besides being able to write on one, or watch movies, or … [Read more...] about Photographer’s Review – iPad Pro
MacPhun’s Intensify: Taking Images to the Next Level
I’m not one to rely too much on third-party plug-ins. I try to keep things simple, and usually stick with Lightroom and Photoshop. Macphun’s Intensify is an exception. I use it regularly in my workflow. A plug-in for Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, and Apple Aperture, it is unfortunately only for Mac users. I use Intensify for three reasons—at times it is quicker than me figuring out similar enhancements in Lightroom or Photoshop; it provides greater controls over adjustments than other plug-ins I have experimented with, and … [Read more...] about MacPhun’s Intensify: Taking Images to the Next Level
Plotagraph Pro News
You may remember that Photofocus was one of the first sites to tell you about Plotagraph Pro. This amazing software offers photographers the chance to easily animate still images. This works with ANY still photo, you can animate a photo you shoot today or one from a hundred years ago. Absolutely no video is required. Since we first told you about it, they've added a bunch of new features. It's also even easier to use (here's a quick tutorial). The big news is this... because so many have asked... there's now a trial version. This … [Read more...] about Plotagraph Pro News
DroboPix “Corrupt” JPGs Bug
I recently posted a tutorial about installing and using the wonderful new free DroboPix app for Drobo N devices. You might have noticed JPG files that won't draw a preview in Bridge. The "bug" Double click on one of the files will open it correctly in the default Mac program Preview. If you have changed the double click to use Photoshop in the Get Info box, the file will open with this message. The files are not corrupt. They have been improperly named during import. These are screenshots I made with my iPad. Screenshots … [Read more...] about DroboPix “Corrupt” JPGs Bug
Easier Masking with Photoshop’s New Select & Mask Taskspace
Photoshop has a new update (CC2015.5) and it includes a remarkable new selection tool interface called the Select and Mask Taskspace. Selections and masks allow you to isolate your subject from the rest of a photo and are a fun way to create composites or make adjustments to only that portion of the picture. But, creating selections around things like hair and fur can be difficult. The new tools help make it a lot easier. I plan to use this tool for removing a person from the background, which I frequently need to do for the Steve Jobs … [Read more...] about Easier Masking with Photoshop’s New Select & Mask Taskspace
Photofocus Team Participates in the Big Deal
We wanted to let you know about a special deal that’s running that features a bunch of the Photofocus team. It’s called the Big Deal and you get a lot of awesome stuff including training and software.You’ll find four contributors from the Photofocus team 3 Scott Bourne ebooks DSLR Video training with Rich Harrington Photoshop training with Dave Cross Lighting training video with Joe McNally Plus great software like Perfect Eyes Macphun Tonality Photo Mechanic Particle Shop Topaz Clarity A lot of great other … [Read more...] about Photofocus Team Participates in the Big Deal
Professional Retouching: Principles & Practices with Kristina Sherk
Portraits are not only the most important pictures you make, but they can also be the most profitable. As such, portraits deserve your best effort at a perfect finish, and this webinar will help you learn the principles and best methods for helping people look their best in pictures. Kristina Sherk (www.sharkpixel.com) joins us this month from Washington, D.C. She's a photographer and retoucher with years of experience retouching, and almost as many years teaching. This is your chance to tune in Live with Kristina and learn the techniques … [Read more...] about Professional Retouching: Principles & Practices with Kristina Sherk
Instant Replay: Running a Professional Photoshoot with Matthew Jordan Smith
Did you miss Matthew Jordan Smith revealing the secrets to running a successful photography business? Then watch below and Matthew will show you the techniques he's learned as one of the most prolific celebrity shooters in the world. Rich Harrington hosts this free webinar, and he and Matthew will help you learn everything from working with clients to mastering lighting to retouching for immediate turnaround. https://youtu.be/T4Xp5BDSYK4?t=53s … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Running a Professional Photoshoot with Matthew Jordan Smith
Instant Replay: Roundtrip Workflow in Lightroom and Photoshop
Lightroom and Photoshop are the perfect combination for finishing your photographs, and used together properly you can stay organized and move quickly through your workflow. Our special guest will be Image Wrangler, Lesa Snider, and she'll share her wisdom to keep your workflow flowing. Hosted by: Rob Sylvan & Levi Sim Produced by: Richard Harrington and Photofocus.com https://youtu.be/elOEFP4vWDc?t=1s … [Read more...] about Instant Replay: Roundtrip Workflow in Lightroom and Photoshop
ON1 Announces First New RAW Processor in Years: ON1 Photo RAW
The Future of RAW Photo Editing – Coming this fall – Includes support for over 800 cameras Portland, OR – April 26, 2016 – ON1, Inc. today announced ON1 Photo RAW, the first all-new RAW processor and non-destructive photo editor to be released in more than a decade. With modern code optimized for today’s super-megapixel cameras and high-performance computer graphics systems, Photo RAW will be the world’s fastest, most flexible, and easiest-to-use RAW processor and photo editor on the market when it is released this fall. The current class … [Read more...] about ON1 Announces First New RAW Processor in Years: ON1 Photo RAW
Exploring A Port Huron Scene With Photomatix
For a while now, I’ve been itching to begin experimenting with incorporating the Photomatix software into my workflow. One bright sunny Michigan morning, I had the opportunity to do just that. I found myself driving through downtown Port Huron after a networking event, my Canon 70D camera, 18-35mm F1.8 Sigma Lens, and tripod conveniently nestled in the passenger seat next to me. As I crossed over the downtown bridge, I decided that it was the perfect time to take some bracketed shots. The morning was clear and the sun was bright. No better time … [Read more...] about Exploring A Port Huron Scene With Photomatix
What to Look For At NAB 2016
It is that time of year again. NAB is just around the corner. My inbox and social media have already been flooded with official announcements and "unofficial" leaks. What am I excited to see on the show floor? There is a lot to cover, so let's dive in. Lytro Cinema — Lytro's light field cameras caused quite a stir in the photography community a while back. And, while the consumer market was not ready for the Illium, Lytro has not been idle. I knew they had VR projects in the pipeline, but I did not see Lytro Cinema coming. … [Read more...] about What to Look For At NAB 2016
Google NIK Collection: Good News & Bad News
Did you see the NIK software announcement from Google? Truth be told, I’ve always wanted to play with and use NIK software but it was never an expense I was willing to part with. Like many of us, funds are limited and I couldn’t justify buying something when I need a new camera body first. When a friend shared with me the news from Google that NIK software was released for free, I was excited. I downloaded it right away and then came across some negative aspects of the free download. Good news, yes the software is indeed free. It’s the same … [Read more...] about Google NIK Collection: Good News & Bad News
OFFLOAD = Peace of Mind
Your footage does not exist until it exists in at least two other places than the source. Then, and only then, should you reuse source media. The adage above is as close to a truism as one can find in digital video production. At the start of my production career, Alex Lindsay hammered it into me on every shoot. Today, it is one of the first things I teach new folks. Nowhere is the risk of ignoring this adage greater than when one is in the field, away from ample electrical outlets and clean, flat surfaces. Even when power and workspace … [Read more...] about OFFLOAD = Peace of Mind
Macphun’s Aurora HDR Pro Update Has Me Impressed!
By now most of you have heard of Aurora HDR from Trey Ratcliff and the team at Macphun, and if you haven't, well it's a joint project by Trey and Macphun to create an application tailored to exactly what the most prolific HDR photographer in the world would want out of software. Over the course of an entire year they worked together to create an app for photographers of all skill levels that would produce incredible images. You can run it as a plug-in for Photoshop, Lightroom, Aperture, and Photoshop Elements, OR you can run it as a complete … [Read more...] about Macphun’s Aurora HDR Pro Update Has Me Impressed!
Running your Business – Tracking Mileage
When youre running your own photography business, taking photos is really only about 25% of your job. You also have to find time for editing, marketing, client meetings, website maintenance, and bookkeeping. Come tax time each April, you may be looking for a few deductions to cut your tax bill. If you use your own car for your business, its an eligible tax deduction. Its also one more thing to keep track of. While I don't run a photography-specific business, I am a professional freelancer. Ive done everything from small photo shoots, to … [Read more...] about Running your Business – Tracking Mileage
Time Lapse Photography Just Got A Powerful Update
If you're a Time Lapse fan like myself than this is an exciting weekend. Gunther Wegner, creator of LRTimelapse, (arguably the best plugin/tool for your time lapse arsenal on the market), just sent out the press release detailing the specifics of the latest update to LRTimelapse 4.5 including use of some of the awesome newest features in Lightroom CC. New Features in LRTimelapse 4.5 Added Support for the new Local Dehaze in Lightroom 6.2 / CC.2 on Linear, Circular Gradients and the Paintbrush. The number of threads used to generate the visual … [Read more...] about Time Lapse Photography Just Got A Powerful Update
Dark Circle Quick Fix with Perfectly Clear
Can I vent for a second about how frustrating it can be to retouch dark circles under the eyes? While I don't claim to be a master retoucher, I do think I can hold my own, except when it comes to those under eye circles. Matching tonality and texture has always been a difficult task for me. Remove too much and it looks super fake. Don't do it enough and it looks like a shoddy job. So usually I just end up leaving them. Enter: Perfectly Clear. I've recently been playing around with this new and handy software and discovered how amazingly it … [Read more...] about Dark Circle Quick Fix with Perfectly Clear
Apply the Right Amount of Retouching with Perfectly Clear
We have all seen beautiful portraits ruined by aggressive retouching. How can we tell if a portrait crosses the abusive retouching line? Its simple, if the persons own mother doesn't recognize them, youve gone too far. Thankfully there are many retouching programs that help us achieve pleasing results. My newest ally in the retouching battle is Perfectly Clear by Athentech. For years Photo labs and Photo Kiosks have been using Perfectly Clear (in fact 30 million prints a day on average). Its fast and does a great job at batch retouching. Most … [Read more...] about Apply the Right Amount of Retouching with Perfectly Clear
Canon EOS Utility vs. Mac’s new OS El Capitan
It's OS upgrade time for Mac users. Yosemite bows out as El Capitan takes the stage. Last year at this time the move to Yosemite from Mavericks caused consternation among Canon photographers who relied on the EOS Utility as I reported last November first here on Photofocus. It took Canon a month to officially release the fix. Test... 2.0, 3.0 The notice came this morning in the form of a banner on my MacPro. Upgrade to El Capitan was its gist. Having learned from last year's snafu, I updated only the MacPro in the post production suite. A quick … [Read more...] about Canon EOS Utility vs. Mac’s new OS El Capitan
A First Look: The Apple iPhone 6s Plus
On Friday, September 25th, Apple released the next addition to their industry-shaking smartphone, the iPhone. Customers who were fast enough to preorder either the iPhone 6s and/or the iPhone 6s Plus either queued up in front of their local Apple Store or had a courier deliver their unit(s) to their doors. For the past year, I've used an unlocked 128Gb Silver iPhone 6 Plus and have been exceptionally pleased with it. So, when preorders for this next generation of smartphones went live, I stuck with what I knew and ordered an unlocked 128Gb … [Read more...] about A First Look: The Apple iPhone 6s Plus
Perfectly Clear Skin Smoothing
Finally, a digital soft focus filter like Zeiss' Softar 2 I've been exploring Perfectly Clear 2.0 for proofing for a while now. It's great for doing a quick pass on a set of portraits to reduce blemishes, soften skin and generally enhance a take so clients could select their "hero" for final retouching. It occurred to me that some of the settings Perfectly Clear has for skin smoothing could be combined with standard Photoshop retouching techniques to achieve the effect of an old filter not used since days of shooting film... The … [Read more...] about Perfectly Clear Skin Smoothing
ParticleShop – First Look
When Corel, the people behind Corel Paint, announce that theyre releasing a Photoshop and Lightroom plugin it peaks ones interest, so I bought the Starter Pack and gave it a try. Starting image for this post comes from Fotolia Starter Pack As an online purchase the download was fast and the installation was quick and easy. The Starter Pack plugin comes with 11 different brushes and costs $49.99 (Appx 32.50 / 44.60). Full brush sets can be added for a 24.99 for me here in the UK, thats about $38, so I was in no rush to start filling my … [Read more...] about ParticleShop – First Look
