This is a complete guide to what can be done with long exposure and tripod in the late hours of the day or in the mid hours of the night anywhere around from nature to city. Credit goes to Richard Brian. Good examples, dude.

Enjoy the music also!

Tags: night photos, night photography, long exposure photography, long exposure

Press Release:
The Kodak Photo Futures report looks at the changing nature of photography throughout Europe. It highlights the drivers and effects of change in photography since the advent of digital technology. The insights in this report are divided into two sections – ‘Market Drivers’ and ‘Photographer Typologies’.

Market Drivers
Market Drivers include the rapid development of new technologies that give consumers the ability to take pictures easily and quickly. High quality cameras give near professional results with little specialist knowledge required. Meanwhile, falling camera prices have brought digital photography into more hands. Even lower end cameras now include sophisticated functions such as facial recognition. Interestingly, the lust for professional results doesn’t end there. Despite enjoying the convenience and efficiency of digital photography, consumers accustomed to visuals of high quality in media and advertising, expect high quality prints.

The ubiquity and affordability of digital photography means many consumers are taking photography less seriously – it is a fun activity and the fact that it is digital and therefore non-permanent, allows mistakes to be deleted painlessly. Meanwhile, dissatisfaction with traditional ‘top down’ media means consumers are seeking ways of engaging directly with news gathering and opinion, creating a generation of citizen journalists and commentators. This also now has a financial implication, as users in some instances are starting to be paid, though modestly, for their content. The rise of social networking internet sites, photo sharing services and technologies, has had an impact on how we use our images today. Consumers now have a choice in how they wish to view and share their images, one of which is via the Kodak Gallery, where they can display and share their images, as well as video footage with a wide network of people, family or friends.

The rise of the camera phone has also driven usage enormously. Most people now have a functioning camera on their person most of the time and so they take pictures for a wider range of reasons much more often. Digital images now take the place of written notes and aides memoire when shopping or communicating with friends. Digital images are being used as evidence in more serious circumstances such as crime prevention and insurance claims.

At the same time, photography is becoming less of a mirror of truth. Users increasingly opt to retouch their own images, and as a result, are less inclined to trust the images shown to them in the media. Yet even as images in some way become more ephemeral, some observers predict a mini renaissance in the use of 35mm film, as a niche of users return to its physical appeal.

At the other end of the spectrum, as digital technology sees the rise of compact cameras and camera phones, it is creating another challenge for photography, in the shape of video. Video capability has become more widely available, and so-called ‘web 2.0’ technology makes it easy to upload, share and view video content. The popularity and ease of blogging is readily transferred to the video arena, further enhancing the overall digital experience.

Typologies
The photography typologies section describes five distinct types of user:

Eventographers
Eventographers are the most common type (39%) and tend to carry a camera for special occasions. While a number still use disposable cameras, many own a digital camera for its convenience and a third have a digital SLR as they seek good results. Eventographers love physical pictures and print their own on to photographic paper. They are the most likely to use old-style photo albums (46%) and use email to share digitally.

Happy Snappers
Happy Snappers are young – most likely between 18 and 24 – and are enthusiastic about using camera phones to take and share their snaps quickly (only 13% do not own one). This is a generation that has grown up with technology, so they also prefer seeing images digitally, rather than just printing them out. Sociable and outgoing, they take the most photos of any group and share them more widely, such as on dating websites, using the internet primarily to manage their output. They also don’t tend to mind sharing embarrassing images.

Digital Disciples
Digital Disciples make up the second-largest group (35%) and consider themselves serious amateur photographers. They are evenly spread in terms of age and often work in creative industries, though not in a creative role. They are the most likely to own a digital SLR and invest heavily in lenses and peripherals, and are also the most likely to explore photo editing software and have ambitions to make money from their hobby. This group’s usage of photo sharing websites is high and they are meticulous about backing up their images.

Picture Pests
From persuading other people to take their pictures for them, Picture Pests have been seduced by the convenience of digital compact cameras and camera phones. This small (5%) group of predominantly over-35s will spend more on cameras and photography equipment in the next five years, mainly on no-fuss equipment. They are familiar with social networking sites and distribute images online, though mainly by email. Broadband growth is a key driver for this group.

Analogue Artisans
This tiny (2%) group is split between rebellious younger uses who do not want to conform to the
ubiquity of digital and older users who are still very familiar with old-style 35mm film. Fully half of the group do not even own a digital camera, and they are the most likely of the groups to use a disposable camera. They are not prolific photographers, but enjoy its physical nature. They also enjoy darkroom developing. Some do use a digital SLR, however, but they are likely to eschew digital retouching.

Tags: kodak photo futures report, photography, kodak, nature of photography, photo trends, photography trends

Optical storage company LiteOn released its first digital photo frame under its new consumer brand name cenOmax.
The cenOmax F7024B 7-inch digital photo frame is a beautifully-designed photo frame with playback features that make it ideal for the home, office, college dorms or for traveling executives.

The F7024B can play back photos, video and audio in several formats including SD/MMC/MS/xD/CF for photos, supports major video formats and MP3 audio through its built-in speakers, and allows users to add music to their slideshows.
The F7024B includes four (4) interchangeable frame inserts to match the style and décor of any room—and any season of the year. It incorporates the Auto Rotate feature which automatically rotates images for proper viewing, whether the frame is positioned vertically or horizontally. The built-in alarm clock and calendar option make it an ideal travel companion for students and executives.
The F7024B 7-inch digital photo frame will be available at retail outlets nationwide in October and have a suggested retail price of $89.99.

Tags: digital photo frame, photo frame, cenOmax F7024B

The world of digital cameras and the one of cell phones are changing rapidly. Now, it’s a great deal to have a 5MP camera with 3x zoom on a cell phone! The Samsung G800, the world’s first 5 megapixel camera phone with 3x optical zoom lens, looks like a streamlined digital camera on one side and a fashionable mobile phone on the other side. And gues what: Features such as face detection, and Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), which are very up-to-date features even in today’s digital cameras, are also equipped in the new G800! (soon i’m going to have a laptop in a pants pockets)
Elegantly equipped with multimedia features, the G800 still has a sophisticated slim design for the two handed grip when taking pictures. The large 2.4” QVGA LCD with a wide display allows users to view the screen like a digital camera. The 3x optical zoom is an inner zoom, where the lens does not extend outside the body of the phone, ensuring a slimmer design.

Boasting 3x optical zoom and Xenon flash to enable close-ups and exceptional photo detail, the G800 also comes with other most up-to-date digital camera features such as panorama shots, multi shots and macro shots.
Not only just taking pictures, the G800 also provides a very easy tool for sharing images and videos.
Plus, the Samsung G800 offers professional video editing functions so that people can easily cut, paste, and edit their own films directly on the camera-phone. A mobile blogging (so trendy these days) feature helps users to upload their favorite User Created Contents (UCC) site very easily. Supporting High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), the photos or videos can be sent to others very quickly.

The operations are done via a Graphical User Interface (GUI) which is intuitive and simple to use so that the user experiences the same environment as a digital camera when using the camera function on the phone. An On Screen Display (OSD) shows various camera indicators in a horizontal preview mode.

Geesung Choi, President of Samsung’s Telecommunication Network said: “As multi-megapixel camera phone becomes more and more popular, the needs of actual digital camera-like features grow together. Samsung’s G800 will satisfy the unmet needs in the camera category with a true digital camera-like design and functionality. The G800 will enable users to capture and share precious moments in their daily lives through the enhanced camera functions in a fast 3G network.”

Now, I’m pleased with what I heared about it, but I have one big question: how long will the battery life be for such a complex (all-in-one) device? I’m looking foreward for findin out more as soon as the Samsung G800 will be available in European countries starting from November 2007.

Tags: 5mp, 3x zoom, camera phone, digital camera, samsung camera, samsung, samsung digital camera, samsung mobile phone

This month I noticed the first digital photo frame that allows you to send pictures toyour mobile phone via MMS.
Responsible for this invention is Parrot, the leader in wireless mobile telephony devices.
PARROT DF7700 (7-inch digital TFT LCD, leather-bound) digital frame uses wireless technology to send the photos with just one click button, but, also features a USB connection and an SD card slot.
It is told that this frame reproduces incredibly rich pictures in terms of colour & contrast and showing the tiniest details, for you to relive your most treasured moments and those of your friends with the same intensity. You can also change the frame to suit your mood and environment by purchasing the other finishes in the range (optional extra).

Just like all the other digital photo frames in the Parrot range, the PARROT DF7700 boasts an ultra-easy user interface with a wealth of advanced features for giving your photos the very best display. Irrespective of the picture’s size before sending, the PARROT DF7700 frame automatically adjusts it to match the size of its screen.

In addition, a position sensor detects the orientation of the frame and automatically rotates the photos, either in portrait or landscape mode, to match the chosen position. A light sensor continually measures the amount of light in the room and adjusts the brightness of the frame accordingly, switching off when you go to bed – so ecological! Furthermore, different slideshows can be programmed: your photos are displayed one after the other or in the order that you have chosen.

The Parrot DF7700 will first be available exclusively in France in Bouygues Telecom shops for 189 Euros, beginning in December 2007, but later on in 2008 it will be available in other countries too.

Tags: digital photo frame, mms, sending pictures, digital picture frame, Parrot digital frame, Parrot DF7700

Scott Kelby, the award-winning author (world’s #1 best-sellling author of all computer and technology books) of more than 40 books on Photoshop, digital imaging, and technology, releases a new book: 7-Point System for Adobe Photoshop CS3. This one is ment to be a guide to the seven most important and essential Photoshop techniques. It breaks the Photoshop process down to just seven simple, yet powerful, techniques.

Scott begins each lesson with an untouched, original photo just as it came out of the camera and then takes the reader through each of the seven steps so they can see and learn The System in context. Scott’s 7-Point System gives Photoshop users a road map that they can easily apply to each and every photo they open, so they know exactly where to start, what to do next, and so on until they have a beautiful finished print.

Scott Kelby’s 7-Point System for Adobe Photoshop CS3 has a retail price of $49.99 US.
Berkeley-based Peachpit publishing industry is responsable for bringing this book into the shelfs. Its award-winning books feature step-by-step explanations, time-saving techniques, savvy insider tips, and expert advice for computer users of all sorts. It is the home of the internationally recognized Visual QuickStart Guide series, the design imprint New Riders and its highly popular Voices That Matter series, and is the publishing partner for Adobe Press, lynda.com, NAPP, Apple Certified, AIGA Design Press and others.

Tags: 7-Point System for Adobe Photoshop CS3, scott kelby, photoshop book, photo manipulation, photoshop

Diva

Original Image

Beauty

Original Image

Hidden

Original Image

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And, not exactly on topic, a very original picture I could not resist posting:

Original Image

Tags: featured photos, beauty, feminin, portrait, womman

The 2007 Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards ceremony tooked place in London, revealing the winners of this prestigious global competition.
Held annually, the competition (owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine, and is sponsored by Shell) aims to find the best wildlife pictures taken by photographers worldwide of all ages.
The overall award-winner of Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year receives a big cash prize and the coveted title Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and, the winner is…
Ben Osborne with his picture Elephant Creation
Made with: Canon EOS 1D Mark II N + 70-200mm f2.8 lens (set at 135mm); 1/50 sec at f5; ISO 400; beanbag.

On the other hand, there was also an owerall prize of the Shell Wildlife Young Photogrpaher of the Year, which was revarded to Patrick Corning (United Kingdom) for his image Monkey moment, made with Nikon D50 + 75-300mm f4.5-5.6 lens; 1/40 sec at f5.6; ISO 200; tripod.

Special Award include:
Eric Hosking Award – This category, named after the famous British wildlife photographer Eric Hosking, aims to encourage and promote young photographers aged from 18 to 26. An entry comprises a portfolio of six pictures that demonstrates a range of ability.
This one goes to: Bence Máté
- using Nikon D200 + Nikon MF 300mm f2.8 lens and Nikon TC-301 extender; 1/1000 sec at f5.6; tripod; hide.

Gerald Durrell Award for Endangered Wildlife – The award is given to the best image of a species officially listed in the 2005 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or lower risk at an international or national level.
This one goes to: Roy Toft, and, Highly Commended pictures of Andy Rouse, Jeff Yonover, Wade Hughes

Canon 1D Mark II + Canon 70-200mm f2.8 IS lens; 1/20 sec at f6.3; ISO 800.
One Earth Award – This is a new award, which seeks to highlight the interaction between humans and the natural world. Images should demonstrate the power and resilience of our planet and its impact on us. They can also show our connection with, dependence or effect on the natural world. Images can be graphic or symbolic, but must be thought-provoking, memorable and encourage respect for our world.
Winner:Csaba Karai
An amazing shoot at the moon while a plane crosses the view: Canon EOS 20D + 500mm f4 IS lens and 2x teleconverter; 1/50 sec at f8; ISO 800; tripod.

Runer-up:Arne Naevra
Highly Commented: Angie Scott

Then, the adult awards also included more categories:
Animal Behaviour: Birds РLouis-Marie Pr̩au
Animal Behaviour: Mammals – Johan J Botha
Animal Behaviour: All Other Animals – Amos Nachoum
The Underwater World – Felipe Barrio
Animal Portraits – Sergey Gorshkov
In Praise of Plants – Bob McCallion
Urban and Garden Wildlife – Danny C Green
Wild Places – Robert Knight
Animals in their Environment – Paul Nicklen
Nature in Black and White – Thomas P. Peschak
Creative Visions of Nature – Ben Osborne (see the overall winner above)

The Junior awars was split into 3:
Ten years and under – Patrick Corning (overall winner of the Young Photographer of the Year)
11-14 years old – Fergus Gill
15-17 years old – Evan Graff

Congratulations all!
This year’s collection of stunning wildlife photographs representing the best images taken by the top nature photographers around the world will be exhibited at the Natural History Museum in London, daily 10.00-17.50 (last entry 17.15). It is also open until 22.00 during After Hours, on the last Friday of every month from November 2007 to April 2008.
Come and join a Nature Live session at the Natural History Museum where you will meet award-winners from this year’s prestigious Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition and find out about their work, experiences and techniques.

Choose your favourite image from the 2007 winners. Also, you can now select a favourite image and customise it with your choice of size, frame, canvas and art paper. The resulting quality print will then be delivered to your door. In addition to the print on demand, you can also get your hands on a wide range of gifts accompanying the exhibition, including notepads, postcards, books, calendars and fridge magnets.

As for the future, the Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2008 Competition launches mid January. Full entry details, categories and rules, will be emailed to you in January.
Closing date for postal entries – Monday 24th March 2008
Closing date for online entries – Monday 31st March 2008
Get your camera ready!

Tags: Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year, wildlife photography, nature photography, animal pictures, best nature photos, nature photography competition

Nikon is pleased to announce that Solutions Expo, Nikon’s professional photography show, is back for a third year at London’s Olympia on 27 – 28th November.
New this year is ‘Expo on the Road’ – a series of road shows in Manchester and Bristol that will showcase the latest products and services from market-leading partners and offer a series of free seminars designed to help visitors improve their imaging skills:
Expo on the Road – Manchester 14th November
Expo on the Road – Bristol 21st November
This two day professional photographic show boasts an extensive expert-led seminar programme along with a range of master-classes to provide guidance and tips on how to improve photographic skills. Leading manufacturers and partners such as Adobe, Apple, Epson, Hewlett Packard and Mitsubishi will show their products and solutions as part of an active demonstration of workflow.

The show is specifically designed to demonstrate all aspects of photography to the professional photographer and will give visitors the opportunity to check out real world applications including the latest hardware, software and printing solutions as well as Nikon’s complete photographic range, including the recently announced D3 and D300 Digital SLR cameras.

Photographers will also have the chance to try out their skills photographing Capoeira, a fusion of dance, music, acrobatics and various fighting forms which is quintessentially part of African Brazilian culture. There will also be a fashion show, for those wanting to concentrate on editorial shooting and fencing for those wanting to master action shots! Johnsons Photopia will also be providing a studio set up which will include everything a pro could want or need.

The show will be open 10:00 – 18:00 on Tuesday 27th November and 10:00 – 17:00 on Wednesday 28th November. Attendance is free. Visitors can pre-register via the website, http://www.solutions-expo.co.uk.

Tags: nikon exhibition, photo exhibition, nikon solutions expo

A little while ago I wrote a review about “Digital Food Photography” by Lou Manna. If you read it or if it got you interested, you can now participate at the author’s digital food photography workshop at his studio in New York (126 Fifth Ave. at 18th Street,
10th floor). The workshop is open to all and is ideal for photography students, professional photographers and culinary experts who want to learn how to make their creations jump off the menu.
The program, presented in association with Workshops@Adorama, takes a hands-on approach for all attendees and explores how effective lighting, composition and tricks-of-the-trade all work together for creating the perfect recipe for success.
Lou Manna shares the perfect recipe for creating appealing and appetizing food photographs on Sunday, November 18, 2007, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Private workshops available upon request).
Contact:
http://www.loumanna.com
or by telephone: 212-727-2505
Meet you there!

Tags: photography workshop, photo workshop, digital food photography, lou manna, food photography