In recognition of International Day of Disabled People 2007, images by groups in the UK and Mexico trained by PhotoVoice and Sight of Emotion will be exhibited alongside work by renowned sighted and blind photographers, including Gerardo Nigenda and Martin Parr. The exhibition will celebrate the possibilities of photography; a medium traditionally regarded as the domain of sighted people, and will challenge our conventional understanding of visual communication and of what it means to ‘see’.

Beyond Sight – A multi-sensory exhibition of photographs by blind and visually impaired people

3rd – 8th December 2007, Association of Photographers, 81 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4Q8

Gallery opening times: Monday – Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturday 12pm – 4pm Admission free. Gallery partially wheelchair accessible. Nearest tube:
Old Street.

Opening night: Monday 3rd December, 6.30pm – 8.30pm RSVP to April Coetzee: april@photovoice.org

Free talk on blind photography by Sight of Emotion founder Gina Badenoch Thursday 6th December, 7pm To book a place email gallery@aophoto.co.uk or call 020 7739 6669

Through using audio descriptions and tactile relief images, the exhibition will be accessible to all, furthering our awareness of the relationships between vision, blindness, sensory experience and imagery. This show will demonstrate that the loss of one sense need not be prohibitive to participation in photography either as an artist or a viewer.

A documentary exploring the subject of blind photography, filmed on location at the workshops in Mexico and London will also be shown at the exhibition. On the 8th December both project participants and staff will be talking about their experiences at the gallery.

DxO Optics Pro 5

Headlining the new features in DxO Optics Pro v5 is a brand new RAW conversion engine including a breakthrough demosaicing algorithm which produces images with much more detail and fewer unwanted artifacts. In a second major breakthrough, DxO Optics Pro v5 now applies its noise reduction techniques prior to demosaicing—before noise has a chance to be amplified by the RAW conversion process and become obtrusive.
DxO Optics Pro v5 also includes a “click once, clean many” dust/blemish removal tool as well a completely reorganized user interface to improve workflow and ease of use.
Previously unannounced, a handful of additional new features make DxO Optics Pro v5 even more of a time saver.
• Compatibility between DxO Optics Pro v5 and Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® has been deepened. DxO Optics Pro v5 can now read from and interact with image libraries from Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, providing a more fluid workflow between these two popular applications.
• Using the new ‘Snapshot” feature; users can create several ‘virtual versions’ of an image to which they can apply different DxO Optics Pro corrections for processing.
With DxO Optics Pro v5, the library of camera bodies and lens correction modules expands to include the recently released Canon EOS 40D and selected lenses. In the coming months, the Canon 1Ds MKIII, Nikon D300 and Nikon D3 DSLR camera bodies will also be added to the more than 600 correction modules currently available.

Essentials 2 for Adobe Photoshop Elements

This updated version of onOne Software’s popular software suite includes technology from onOne Software’s newly acquired PhotoTune color correction software, and onOne Software’s Mask Pro, PhotoFrame, and Genuine Fractals software products fine-tuned specifically for Adobe Photoshop Elements.Essentials 2 for Adobe Photoshop Elements supports Adobe Photoshop Elements versions 4, 5 and 6 for Windows and Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 and 4 for Macintosh. onOne Software’s Essentials 2 is available as a free upgrade for all current users of Essentials for Adobe Photoshop Elements. Upgrade is available through the user’s automatic update upon launch of the program. It is also available for $59.95 for new users from onOne Software authorized distributors and resellers, or direct from onOne Software at http://www.onOnesoftware.com. In addition, for current users of Essentials, this free upgrade will not replace the previous Make it Better! tool featuring onOne Software’s Intellihance Pro, rather it will add a Make it Better 2! module using the technology found in PhotoTune to the user’s available plug-ins.

Serif PhotoPlus X2 Studio Pack

PhotoPlus X2 Studio Pack is the new Microsoft Windows Vista™ certified version of Serif’s award winning digital imaging powerhouse. This release brings even greater breadth to the photo fixing, image editing and creative power of PhotoPlus X2 while making the task of improving photos even easier thanks to impressive new automated helpers. Managing and sharing burgeoning image collections takes a step forward, too, with AlbumPlus SE Pro’s improved organising and search capabilities, attractive new printed projects, superb slideshows for sharing with friends and family, plus the option to purchase photo prints and gifts.
Top new PhotoPlus X2 Studio Pack features include:
• Automated Makeover Studio – Let PhotoPlus X2 help remove imperfections from portraits
• New Image Fixing Power – Improve photos with enhanced QuickFix Studio and new tools
• New Artistic Effects – Image effects such as Comic Book, Textures, and Vignette
• Slideshows and Photo Discs – Share photos and artwork with friends, family, and colleagues
• Photo Prints and Gifts – Order photo prints, canvases, or personalised photo gifts

The latest version of this professional photo slide show maker (version 3.2) brings exciting improvements.

With Version 3.2 photographers can share their slide shows in virtually any format and on any device making it easy to connect with clients or co-workers at home or on-the-go. There are no complicated format conversions, the fully-integrated system has dozens of device sharing options including playback on the latest iPod®, Blackberry® and ZuneTM devices. These options are in addition to the popular DVD, PC and Web format options already available in ProShow.

Outputting slide shows to a device is a simple streamlined process. Once a device is chosen for output, Producer generates a version of the slide show that is designed exactly for the type of device chosen; eliminating any complicated formatting and file conversions.

Devices Include:
* Media Players: iPod®, ZuneTM, Creative® Zen and more.
* Mobile Phones: Blackberry®, Apple iPhoneTM, Palm® TreoTM and more.
* Game Consoles: Xbox®, Nintendo® WiiTM and more.
* Set-Top-Boxes: Apple TVTMand Tivo®.

Also new to ProShow Producer 3.2 is the ability to use any PowerPoint remote to navigate through a live ProShow presentation. Using the new Keyboard Control feature, ProShow Producer lets users set custom keystrokes to specify the keyboard shortcuts used in PC Playback. Keyboard shortcuts can be synced with any PowerPoint remote to control a live presentation.
ProShow Producer 3.2 is available immediately from http://www.photodex.com for $249.95. Upgrades to the new version 3.2 are available for $89.95 and include an additional year of free upgrades. A free 15-day trial version of the software is available for download.

Introduction:
This week, PhotoAxe brings you an interview with Alexander Wise, a photographer that specialized himself in waterscapes photography. Alex Wise lives in Tasmania, Australia. He likes to travel to incredible places and enjoys capturing water scenes through his camera. Even if he claims that “photography to me is purely a hobby”, his images are stunning and inspirational for many other amateurs.
I’m just a university student studying something completely irrelevant to photography but I like this hobby. It has opened my eyes to appreciate the beauty of things which I never did before. Over time I have been featured in a couple of magazines which has been a great feeling, they include: Australian Photography, U&I magazine, The Source and have had a couple of interviews online, similar to this.

1) How long have you been photographing waterscapes?

Probably around 18 months, originally I started out just exploring every style of photography in an attempt to properly understand how things on my camera worked. As this progressed I naturally moved to capturing the movement of water as I love the ocean whether it be swimming, sports or relaxing around it.

2) When did you realized this is your most desired subject regarding photography?

I’ve noticed a change in my attitudes to waterscape, originally I was impressed with the effects which a long-exposure can create(the mystic feel of the water). But now I’m more fascinated with the geology, colour of the water and other conditions. Every location is different and I think this is what encourages me to keep shooting, coming across new places is always interesting and exciting.

3) For those who want to obtain similar results, what gear do you recommend? (What do you use? What accessories?)

My main waterscape kit consists of a Canon 350D, Canon 10-22, Cokin .3 .6 .9 nd grad filters and of course a manfrotto tripod. Sometimes I will mix things up and use my Canon 24-70 if I find I can’t get close enough to the area but I mostly use my ultra wide 10-22.

4) What is the secret of the rightly exposed long shutter speed water scenes?

Choosing a long exposure time for waterscapes is a interesting topic. If the shot is taken at 3 seconds, this can greatly differ to a shot which may be taken at 30 seconds. I’ve enclosed two shots to illustrate this:

The first shot has a sense of power, fury and looks quite nasty. Being a short exposure this is possible to be captured however using a long exposure (as in the second shot) the water has less fury as it crashes against the rocks and instead is more calm with a mystic effect.

5) Do you post-process your pictures? If yes, what software you use and what changes to you make to the pictures.

I like to look at my shots and have a sense that it’s captured accurately. I have alot of respect for people that post process as some people are amazing, but at the same time too many people are over doing it with over-baked high dynamic range(HDR) shots. For this reason I like to minimize my post processing as much as I can, my usual workflow would consist of: levels, increase saturation, USM sharpening, minor vignetting and occasionally I may have to remove rain drops from when I’m shooting in the rain and water gets on my filters.

I’ve uploaded two before and after shots which is available at http://www.alexwisephotography.net/pp/

6) I noticed you have recently started a photo blog where you also posted a tutorial on shooting waterfalls. Will you continue to write tutorials about water photography?

I launched my blog earlier this month (November 2007) to discuss my travels and also the techniques I use. Initially I was a little unsure if there was any point in documenting my techniques as I don’t see myself as a genius at photography but far from it. But as someone that loves to look at others work, I found that people are making simple mistakes at waterscape photography but then again, something which may appear simple to me, may not be for someone else. For this reason I have decided to try put as much as my knowledge down as I can, if I can help someone out there then I’m happy.

Thanks alot for the interview Alex! I love your water scene photos and I’m looking forward to see what comes next from your camera.

This week I want to feature winter pictures made by romanian photographers.

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Isn’t it amazing what snow can do?

Tags: featured photos, features, pictures, best pics, best pictures, featured pictures

This is wow…
I only understood the title (paint ball office) at the end when the final “picture” was shown. To make things easier for you, here’s the final image:

It’s amazing how much work, how many shots and how many well-thought details were put together to make this possible.
I think this this movie will enlighten you and bring you crazy ideas about what to do in the next weekend.
Once again: this is wow…

To resume: Each piece is shot individually: the man at the left, the woman at the right, the paint ball shooter, and, every single piece of paint. The post process of the best shots not only put them together in one scene, but also removed unwanted objects and adjusted the environment colors. A really great idea and professional implementation.
Photographer:
W. Brandon Voges
Talent:
Matt Siemer (shooter and victim), Jen Loemker
Music: Jamiroquai

This winter take your gear (and don’t forget your gloves with free fingers) and go hunt for winter sports! Make a reservation near a mountain sky-way and make sure you have everything you need to stay warm. The fact is you can not concentrate at shooting if you freeze. Also, remember that at very low temperatures, the battery gets consumed faster and the camera may present some malfunctions.
You will need a 18-55mm lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for zooming the people in action.

For winter sports, midday shooting is ok (the main reason is the fact that in winter the sun is not very high and will always cast enough shadows to skip the thoughts of having plane images).
1. TIP: Early morning shots and sunsets over the shiny snow are very spectacular but don’t stay outside too long at those temperatures.

Do you have any friends who practice winter sports? Invite them to go with you and promises them to print some cool photos showing the best action moments of this vacation.
2. TIP: Use your friends as models for your action shots and make sure they have a great time. This way, it will be fun and spontaneous.

If you know something about the sports you are going to capture in your pictures, then you can anticipate the moves and shoot at the exact right moment.
3. TIP: Know what to shoot by learning about winter sports.

Another fact about shooting winter sports is how to correctly expose and white balance the pictures. Most of the images will have a large amount of show (white surface) in the composition.
4. TIP: Little overexpose the image and use custom white balance. This way you can make sure that the white is not too bluish or too yellowish, and either grey.

If it is a sunny day, the shadows will have a blue tone but that is cool. Also, at this weather, blow the snow and it will look great under natural light (sometimes like some kind of fog, but even greater).
5. TIP: Capture your subjects as they raise the snow in the air. For all action shots use short exposure time (the minimum you have – like 1/2000).

However, like all rules that can be broken, shooting short is not a requirement. For example, while at sky in low light conditions (very cloudy or evening/morning), the model will leave behind him a sinuous trace if you use longer exposure.
6. TIP: For best results, keep the ISO low and use a tripod.

During summer and autumn you got used to take beautiful images of water reflections. Now it’s time to use the same principles for ice reflections.
7. TIP: Get down close the ice surface and capture a skater with his/hers reflection.

At the end of such exhausting action day, you and your friends can gather around a fireplace.
8. TIP: Capture this moment too without using a flash – the fire light will cast silhouettes and creates a story-telling environment.

9. TIP: Hot chocolate in the hands can make the subject of some photos with narrow DOF.

You can even step outside for a minute and take advantage of winter nights.
10. TIP: Capture the lights of the houses over the blue snow and also capture the amazing clear sky full of stars. There is no better night sky than in the winter nights over the mountains.

Note: Some of the above pictures were taken by me last winter in Baisoara Mountains, Romania.

Tags: photography tutorial, photo tutorial, photo tips, photography tips, winter photos, winter photography, winter photo tips, snow photo tips, snow, winter sports, photography how to

Grand Prize: Mountain’s Majesty
The 2007 Grand Prize Winner: Tracy Arcari of Wheatogue, Connecticut who took top honors for her breathtaking picture of The Mittens, a justly renowned rock formation in Monument Valley, Arizona.

A Favorite: Gateway Arch In Winter
Timothy O’Brien of Florissant, Missouri captured this powerfully graphic and somber image of the famed Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the big city closest to his home.

A Favorite: The Lincoln Memorial Lives
Matthew Johnson of Shortsville, New York shot this unusual and compelling view of the Lincoln Memorial while visiting his sister, who lives in Washington DC.

The Tamron “Make Your Mark: Landmarks—Natural or Manmade” 2007 Photo Contest was open to U.S. residents submitting any original photograph prominently including a natural or manmade landmark that was taken with a Tamron lens. The Grand Prize: A magnificent Tamron AF18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Aspherical LD Di II (IF) Macro zoom lens in the DSLR mount of the winner’s choice, plus having the winning picture showcased in the Tamron Viewfinder newsletter, and in the Gallery section of the popular Tamron website. In addition, twenty photographers whose images were selected as Favorites would have their names and winning images published on the website for all to admire.

In addition, the theme for the next Tamron’s big 2008 Photo Contest is “Wet & Wild,” a very broad and exciting picture category that includes any images prominently including water—a lake, ocean, river, stream, pool, water slide, waterfall, even a sprinkler or bathtub!
Pictures submitted must be original, the property of the photographer, and photographed using a Tamron lens. The contest is open to Tamron users residing in the United States and all entries must be received no later than October 31, 2008. Complete details and an entry form can be found at http://www.tamron.com. The Grand Prize Winner of the 2008 contest will receive a Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical IF Macro zoom lens featuring Tamron’s new Vibration Compensation mechanism (a $599 value).

Douglas Software understood that there are allot of geeks out there who would like to calculate the exact value of some photographic parameters (useful for camera comparison and understanding the photo technology). Therefore, they released Camera Module for Windows. This software calculates various optical equations such as depth of field or hyperfocal distance to let photographers make more effective use of photographic equipment.

This software provides a photographer with instant assistance in solving many day-to-day optical equations such as angle of view for selected lens and film format combination, depth of field, including near focus, far focus, total depth of field and hyperfocal distance as well as image width and height. The Camera module covers 37 digital formats including 9 digital backs and 12 conventional film formats. With Camera module for Windows, both amateur photographers and professionals will be able to make a more effective use of their photographic equipment while leaving the complexity of optical calculations and formula in the background.

Example:
Let us say, for example, you want to know what the depth of the field is with a 35mm camera with a 100mm lens at a distance of 2 metres and a resolution of 5 lines per mm at an aperture of f8. Using the module, you specify the 35mm film format, select the resolution of 5 lines per mm. Then you should specify a focal length of 100mm, an aperture of f8 and the Manual option for Distance and enter 2. The programme will immediately respond with a calculated figure. The best thing in this software is that all your efforts are restricted to a few simple clicks when selecting the calculation options.

http://www.photo-software.com/downloads.htm

Photoaxe is going to celebrate 1 year of photo-blogging. With this occasion, I decided to run a contest and as a prize for the winner, a book will be given away.

Why should I participate?

By participating you will have the following benefits:
1. the great prize the book Associated Press Guide to Photojournalism”. You can find out more about this book here.
2. a link to your blog for all the participants
3. audience and fame

How can I participate?

1. The theme: tell a story in pictures. The requirement is to have a series of pictures (3 to 5 pics) depicting a story.
2. Post your pictures on your blog and indicate your participation by linking to this post (a trackback will be received). If you want to be sure you can send me an e-mail at contest@photoaxe.com
3. Among with the series of pictures I’m also asking for a short text in which you explain what you felt about the subject and why did you choose it.
You can make new shots or use the ones from your own archive. I want you to tell me a story in pictures, no matter what story. Imagine that you are a photojournalist and I send you over to get me a story for a magazine. What would you do? How would you think of this?

What is the schedule?

1. The deadline: January 1st
2. The winner will be announced two weeks after the deadline.

My personal example

Below you can see an example of such photojournalistic series. In this example the images are black&white but you can also submit color. If you like the idea, then you will surely like the prize: “Associated Press Guide to Photojournalism”. There is no such thing as age limit or nationality. Also, don’t worry about copyrights: it’s all yours and Photoaxe will not use it for any purpose.

Indian Culture on Today’s Streets

Inside today’s busy city life, a group of enthusiastic artists remembered the passing watchers about native Americans and their culture.
Singing and dancing under the moon light, they managed to gather an impressive number of people around them and a photographer: me.
The feathers, the colorful leather clothes, the paintings on their faces, everything was done in a very eye-catching manner.
However, the sound of their music was amplified by modern electronic gears like microphones and high voltage speakers. I felt like this was ripping away the magic of the moment and the message which is supposed to be send:
“We must all stand together as a force of love. Arm yourself with truth, love and perseverance. People of the earth take back your heritage. I am not speaking of skin color or religion. Our heritage is this earth… Our heritage is also extended beyond this earth into the heavens where the spirit once lived before our birth into this world. You are bound to both.”

You are in the Jury

For complete objectivity I decided to ask your help too, my reader.

So the winner will be decided like this:

1. One week you will vote your favorite story. You can choose only one story. It will be nice to comment why you chosed that story.
2. In the jury will be me, Brian and Tudor. Based on your votes and our opinions we will chose the winner.

Shoot Your Questions

If you have any questions or suggestions please leave a comment. I will sure answer you.
If you would like to sponsor this contest please contact me.