The Photographer's Ephemeris iOS App Just Updated

One of our favorite apps, The Photographer's Ephemeris, helps you plan outdoor photography shoots, particularly landscape and urban scenes. It is a map-centric sun and moon calculator: see how the light will fall on the land, be it day or night, for any location on earth. This app has now been updated for the iPad UI and has many other fixes. As a photographer this app should definitely be on your radar/device.

TPE's map-based approach means you aren't limited to a predefined list of locations, which often don't include the places many photographers go. Instead, search for any place name on the planet or position the map pin exactly where you want it.

Advanced features including visual sun and moon search, automatic time zone and elevation detection, correction for atmospheric refraction and height above the horizon, ensuring that you have the best possible information for planning your shoot.

You can even determine when the sun or moon will be visible behind nearby hills and mountains.

Key features

- Time and direction of sunrise and sunset
- Time and direction of moonrise and moonset
- Phase of the moon and % illumination
- Times of civil, nautical and astronomical twilight
- Graphical display on a map (Map, Satellite and Hybrid views)
- Movable map pins - drag and drop the pin exactly where you need it
- Save any location you want - no fixed lists
- Does not require network connection for rise/set times and azimuths. (Note: maps and elevation do require a data connection)

Advanced features

- Automatic time zone detection for any location on earth
- Determines elevation above sea level
- View azimuth and altitude of sun/moon for any time of day/night
- Distance, bearing and elevation angle between any two points

Geek features

- Find when the sun/moon will appear from behind a hill
- Visual sun and moon search: find sunrise/set at a specified bearing between two map markers
- Compensation for atmospheric refraction
- Compensation for elevation above the horizon

TPE desktop version has been a favourite of photographers around the world for over a year. Now you can carry it with you.

$8.99/Download

We've Just Gone Live In The Kindle Blog Store

As we all know the Amazon Kindle really is a triumph, it is a phenomenal device with incredible battery life and a screen that you can read even in the brightest sunlight. We wanted to ensure our readers are always in touch with us and we have now published our blog to the Kindle Blog Store. You can subscribe to our blog with the link below for free for 14 days and if you love it, which you will of course, then it is $1.99 per month thereafter. Now that is great value for money for the incredible content we bring to you every day, keeping you up to date with all the latest news, reviews, interviews of the professional photography industry.

Click the link below to start your free trial, right now.

Download Free Trial Here/US
Download Free Trial Here/UK

The Woodmans

Francesca Woodman committed suicide at the age of 22 in 1981 but not before producing a body of work consisting of roughly 800 rich but hauntingly powerful images - mainly self-portraits in which she appeared often only partially clothed. Her artist parents have seen their daughter's professional reputation eclipse their own, long after her death. Directed by C. Scott Willis The Woodmans tells her story through her work and parents' interviews and by all accounts is garnering critical acclaim. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear to be showing anywhere in the UK, unless anyone can tell me to the contrary.

More of the trailer can be found here.

Further reading can be found here (The Telegraph) as well as here (The NYR blog) and here (The Wall Street Journal).

A monograph of the photographer, Francesca Woodman, written by Chris Townsend and lavishly published by Phaidon, goes in and out of stock in the US, but can be found regularly available in the UK (Amazon UK link)

Phase One updates Capture Pilot app

Phase One has updated Capture Pilot the iPhone app for Capture One Pro 6, that allows users to wirelessly view, zoom and pan high resolution images while shooting tethered. The update adds user ratings and color tagging, adds internet access to Capture Pilot servers away from the LAN and now allows variants and names to be shown in the browser. For more details including a link to download the app, please see the press release below.

Press release:

Free iPad/iPhone App for Capture One Pro 6 adds user rating and tagging, remote viewing features
 
With Phase One's Capture Pilot app you can use your iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch to wirelessly view, zoom and pan high resolution RAW, JPEG and TIFF images while you shoot.  The new, unique and easy-to-use rating and tagging feature of Capture Pilot enables clients and colleagues on remote locations to participate in the shoot and to provide instant feedback.

What's New in Capture Pilot 1.1 
 
1) User rating and color tagging of images to help assist the selection and editing process. 

2) Access Capture Pilot servers outside the local network. This allows users on remote locations to see and provide feedback on your images in Capture One with their iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch where Internet access is available.

3) Variant numbers and names in browser

4) Preferences to show names below the images in the browser

5) A number of minor enhancements and bug fixes

Capture Pilot 1.1 requires Phase One Capture One Pro version 6.1 or Capture One DB version 6.1 (for digital backs).  Capture Pilot 1.1 is available now and can be downloaded at: http://itunes.apple.com/app/capture-pilot/id404906435?mt=8#

MyService Offers 3TB iMac Hard Drive Upgrade

MyService has announced a new 3TB hard drive upgrade for the iMac and Mac Pro. These new 3.5" Deskstar drives by Hitachi are the largest desktop drives available. MyService has these drives in stock and the complete upgrade service is $299. The price includes the new 3TB drive, professional installation and data transfer.

Your old hard drive is returned to you and can be used for backups. Since MyService is an Apple Authorized Service Provider, the 3TB upgrade will not void your Apple warranty.
The new Hitachi Deskstar 7K3000 3TB hard drive comes with 7200RPM performance, 64MB data buffer and uses the new 6Gb/s SATA interface. This configuration shows an improvement of up to 27% over previous generation products. Leveraging eighth-generation power management technology, including power-saving innovations like HiVERTTM technology, this drive delivers excellent power efficiency and thermal emissions to help lower energy use and extend drive life. Bottom line - these drives are big, fast and efficient.
MyService makes the upgrade process fast and easy. No phone trees, no appointments, just awesome service. Most hard drive upgrades are completed the same day. After the service is complete, your Mac is cleaned, tested and returned back to you along with your old drive.

More information can be found here.

Cambo UK becomes official Leaf dealer

Leaf Welcomes Cambo UK as its Newest UK Dealer
New Dealer to Provide Sales and Support to Leaf UK Customers
 
TEL AVIV, February 10, 2011 – Leaf Imaging today announced that Cambo UK has joined the Leaf family of partners and will now be an official Leaf dealer in the UK.

Cambo specializes in high-end digital photography equipment and accessories. With a strong focus on Studio, Architecture and Archival shooting, Cambo also produces video rigs for DSLRs and has a new copy camera which creates stunning captures with Leaf Aptus-II backs – especially with their latest 80MP back, the Leaf Aptus-II 12.  Cambo offers high quality products produced with care and attention based upon over 60 years of accumulated expertise and experience.  Next to this broad range of standardized products, Cambo offers to their customers many possibilities to modify products for specific use, where possible.

More about Cambo is available at www.cambo.com.

Leica updates Akademie programme

Leica Akademie updates workshop programme for Spring 2011
 
10 February 2011: Leica has today announced its Akademie workshop and training programme for Spring 2011. The company’s London-based training facility at 34 Bruton Place (www.leica-akademie.co.uk) offers a variety of photography workshops for existing and prospective customers, run by experienced Leica photographers.
 
New to the Akademie, starting on 1 March 2011, is the Introduction to Digital Photography, a one-day workshop designed to provide budding photography enthusiasts with an understanding of the basics of digital photography. With a maximum of five attendees per workshop, participants will learn about camera technology, manual controls, metering, focusing, composition and basic photography techniques. The workshop also includes hands-on creative and practical sessions to enable attendees to become confident enough to move away from their camera’s automatic settings.
 
In addition, Leica has introduced Let’s Talk Leica, a series of individual one-hour advice sessions with Leica M photographer and expert, Brett. These sessions are designed for photographers to discuss anything from achieving the best results from their camera, to lens requirements, software and processing questions to image critique, project discussion and coaching. Let’s Talk Leica sessions are run on Thursdays and Fridays, by appointment only.
 
Photographers interested in trying the company’s highly successful M9 rangefinder can take part in the Leica M9 Experience, which runs at the Leica Akademie on Friday mornings. This popular, interactive and hands-on workshop demonstrates the camera’s capabilities, allowing attendees to shoot with the M9 and ask any questions they may have about the camera or associated lenses and accessories. This workshop is complimentary and subject to availability.
 
Leica film camera owners who would like to know more about their product or learn new photography techniques may be interested in the Leica M Film Owner one-day workshop. Starting at the Leica Akademie, attendees learn photographic theory and core camera techniques, followed by a practical shoot around London’s vibrant West End. Films are processed during the day, and prints are reviewed for instant feedback and group critique. This workshop commences on 15 February 2011.
 
Other workshops available at the Leica Akademie include:
 
·                     Creative Photography: See the World in Black & White
·                     Creative Photography: Holiday and Travel Photography
·                     Creative Photography: Pictures for Profit
·                     Compact Digital Camera workshops (Leica X1, D-Lux 5, V-Lux 2, V-Lux 20)
·                     Lightroom for Leica – introduction to Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom®
·                     LEICA M9 Owners Workshop
·                     LEICA M8/8.2 Owners Workshop
·                     LEICA M System Bespoke
·                     Introduction to LEICA S2
·                     LEICA S2 Owners Workshop
·                     LEICA S2 Assistant Workshop
 
About the Leica Akademie
 
The Leica Akademie is located at 34 Bruton Place, London W1J 6NR, above the Leica Store Mayfair, and offers a comprehensive range of workshops, providing a destination for photographic inspiration, learning and knowledge.
 
Leica Akademie workshops operate in small group sizes to allow attendees to get the utmost support from the experts and maximise their learning potential. There is a variety of workshops to suit the needs of every Leica photographer from practical, hands-on and ‘in the field’ workshops, to classroom and workstation-based sessions.
 
Whether participants are brand new to Leica, more experienced or somewhere in between, Leica Akademie workshops will take their skills and knowledge to the next level.
 
The team of Akademie tutors and experts includes: Brett, Ian Farrell, Will Cheung, Robin Sinha and Vijay Sebastian, as well as a selection of world-class guest speakers.
 
Further information on the full programme of workshops can be found at: www.leica-akademie.co.uk

HDRsoft announces Photomatix Light 2.0

HDRsoft has announced version 2.0 of Photomatix Light, popular HDR software for enthusiasts. Photomatix Light 2.0 is available for Windows (XP/Vista/7) in 32 and 64-bit versions as well as Macintosh (OS 10.5/10.6). The price (one license) is USD $39. Photomatix Light 2.0 is a free upgrade for licensed users of Photomatix Light 1.0 and is free for licensed users of Photomatix Pro.

Press release:

Montpellier, France – February 9, 2011 - HDRsoft announces the release of Photomatix Light 2.0, the latest version of its high dynamic range (HDR) software intended for enthusiast photographers.

Photomatix Light is a simple and intuitive stand-alone photo processing application that merges bracketed photos to allow a greater dynamic range than is possible with conventional digital photography. It was designed for photographers who want an easy-to-use introduction to HDR that is powerful enough to produce professional-quality results.

Based on the same internal HDR processing engines as Photomatix Pro (the industry-leading HDR software by HDRsoft), Photomatix Light merges bracketed photos and processes them with HDR tone mapping or exposure fusion methods.
After selecting the source photos, users can adjust the processed image by changing various settings, or choose from built-in presets such as 'Painterly' or 'Grunge'. Photomatix Light automatically aligns bracketed exposures, allowing photographers to create HDR photos with or without a tripod.

The new version adds high-quality noise reduction, a second tone mapping method, and visualization of presets, allowing users to quickly choose between built-in presets.

Photomatix Light 2.0 is available for Windows (XP/Vista/7) in 32 and 64-bit versions as well as Macintosh (OS 10.5/10.6). The price of one license is US$39. Photomatix Light 2.0 is a free upgrade for licensed users of Photomatix Light 1.0 and is free for licensed users of Photomatix Pro.

For more information and to download a free trial version, please visit www.hdrsoft.com.

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Sigma To Manufacturer Lenses For Micro Four Thirds

"The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the development of new lenses for Micro Four Thirds and E-mount camera system. As demand for compact system cameras increase, we intend to meet the requirements of users and develop new lenses for these systems, utilizing our advanced interchangeable lens development technology. Detailed information including specifications, product names, pricing and launch schedules will be announced in due course".

Pentax announces 25mm f/4 AL[IF] SDM AW for 645D

Pentax has announced the smc Pentax-D FA645 25mm f/4 AL[IF] SDM AW the second lens for the maker's 645D medium format camera. It's the equivalent to a ultra-wide 19.5mm lens in 35mm terms, boasts two aspheric lens elements, and a dust and water resistant construction. Unusually, the new lens has a filter drawer and is supplied with a circular polarizer, which can be rotated in-situ. The new lens will have a RRP of £3,799.99 when it goes on sale in April 2011.

Pre order from B&H Photo Video $4,999.95. Thank you for buying through this sites links.

Press release:

Pentax Imaging Systems is pleased to announce the launch of the smc Pentax-D FA645 25mm f/4 AL[IF] SDM AW. 

Developed as the second model in the Pentax-D FA645 lens series, this unifocal, ultra-wide-angle lens not only features Pentax-original optics optimised for high-quality digital photography to ensure exceptional image-description performance, but also offers a dependable dust-proof, weather-resistant construction for active outdoor photographers.

Pentax adds chrome K5 limited edition to range

It's not just Leica that has seen the benefits of offerring limited edition versions, now Pentax is doing the same. However it appears the pricing is far more reasonable; the black K-5 body has a RRP of £1199.99 while the new chrome (silver) limited edition version is selling for just £100 more. Unfortunately there are just 50 units allocated to the UK.

Press release

Pentax has announced that its multi-award winning K-5 is now available in a beautiful new silver colour.
This limited version (only 50 units are available in the UK) has had a complete face lift and features a new finish, thumb wheels, buttons and packaging. In addition, the back LCD and top screen of the Silver K-5 have been reinforced to provide additional durability. The camera also benefits from a redesigned handle, making it more comfortable to use.
The Silver K-5 is also equipped with the latest firmware update, ensuring it offers the latest in technology.

To complete the new K-5 silver version, three already existing pancake lenses are now also available in silver:
•    smc DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited Silver
•    smc DA 21mm f/3.2 AL Limited Silver
•    smc DA 70mm f/2.4 Limited Silver
The RRP of:
-    The Silver K-5 : £1299.99
-    The smc DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited Silver : £529.99
-    The smc DA 21mm f/3.2 AL Limited Silver : £609.99
-    The smc DA 70mm f/2.4 Limited Silver : £609.99
-    The Silver K-5 and its three silver lenses will be available from all good retailers in March, 2011.

 

Sigma announces DP2x

Sigma has announced the new DP2x, the replacement to the current DP2s. The new model features a 14mp Foveon sensor, 24.2mm f/2.8 prime, improved AF operation and faster image capture thanks to something called Analougue Front End (AFE). There's no word on price or availability, but it's expected to be in the region of £620 inc VAT.

 

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma DP2x compact digital camera featuring a 14 megapixel FOVEON X3® direct image sensor (2,652× 1,768× 3 layers).

The new Sigma DP2x is the latest DP2 series model and incorporates AFE (Analog Front End) and faster autofocus. AFE is also used in the DP1x compact digital camera and SD15 digital SLR and converts full color data, which the FOVEON X3® capture system records, into a digital signal. This enables the camera to reproduce high definition and richly colored images. In addition, the new AF algorithm provides high speed autofocus, ensuring convenient shooting.

SLR-sized image sensor
The size of the image sensor used in the DP2x camera is 20.7mm x 13.8mm. It is approximately seven to twelve times larger than sensors used in ordinary compact digital cameras. The large photodiodes deployed capture light efficiently and give the DP2x its high resolution and richly-graduated tones.

Full-colour image sensor
Utilising the special features of silicon, which is penetrated to different depths by different wavelengths of light, this 14 megapixel direct image sensor succeeds in full-colour capture with the full RGB in a single-pixel location.

TRUE II image processing engine
The DP2x incorporates the “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engine which improves the processing speed and overall image quality. The unique image-processing algorithm provides high resolution and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones.

AFE (Analogue Front End)
AFE (Analogue Front End) converts the colour data, which full-colour capture systems record, to a digital signal. This enables the camera to reproduce high definition and richly coloured images.

24.2mm F2.8 lens
The DP2x is equipped with a 24.2mm F2.8 large aperture lens, equivalent to 41mm on a 35mm SLR camera, which has been designed exclusively for DP2 series. Two high refractive index elements and two molded glass aspherical lenses provide superior image quality and allow its compact construction.

RAW format recording
The DP2x includes JPEG recording format for convenience plus a RAW data (X3F) recording mode for retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality. The RAW images can be processed in the supplied Sigma PhotoPro software.

 

 

Sigma outs upgrade to popular 12-24mm f/4-5.6

Sigma has announced this morning an upgrade to the well-regarded 12-24mm f/4-5.6 ultra-wide angle zoom. The original was designed for film but this model has been brought up to date for full-frame digital cameras. In addition to four FLD elements which are said to be equal to fluorite in performance, the new lens is said to have improved peripheral brightness or reduced vignetting - always an issue with extreme wide-angle zooms. The price and availability have yet to be announced.


Press release
The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 DG HSM II.
One SLD and four FLD glass elements compensate for color aberration and provide excellent image quality throughout the zoom range. Three glass mold elements and one hybrid aspherical lens give advanced performance in a compact and lightweight construction and the Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting.
This lens has superior peripheral brightness and provides sharp and high contrast images even at the maximum apertures.
Incorporation of HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures quiet and high speed autofocus while allowing full-time manual focus override. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 28cm (11.0") throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:6.4. In addition, this lens features Sigma’s splash proof design for use in harsh conditions.

Stunning Photographs Taken By Blind Man

Photography is of course a very visual art and for that most of us are blessed with two exceptional human lenses. Imagine though, for a moment that you couldn't see but you still wanted to take photographs - sounds like some kind of mental torture. Not though for one unique man, Pete Eckert. Pete Eckert only took up photography after he became blind, he says 'I am only a tourist in the sighted world. I 'see' each shot very clearly, only I use sound, touch and memory'.
Take a look at this video that explains how Pete takes the images. Also, don't miss looking at some of his remarkable images below.


To find out more about Pete Eckert - go here

New iPhoneography Competition - Pixels: The Art of iPhone

In December of 2009, Knox Bronson approached Rae Douglass at the Giorgi Gallery in Berkeley, California with the idea of presenting the first ever gallery exhibit of iPhone photography. Rae said yes, and within days, Knox had created a website and had put out a call for submissions through iphontography bloggers and flickr groups.

Pictures flooded in from all over the world. Amazing pictures, all done on iPhones. No editing on a computer was allowed, and suspect images were checked and removed if found to have been edited elsewhere.

Well, now Pixels: The Art of iPhone has just posted a call for entries for an iPhone Photography exhibition at the Orange County Center For Contemporary Art in Santa Ana, CA. The exhibition runs March 31-April 30, 2011.

All photos MUST be shot with and processed using an Apple iPhone.  No computer-based processing allowed.  Any model of the iPhone may be used. Any image found to be taken with another device or processed on a computer or iPad will result in entrant being disqualified and forfeiture of entry fee.

Winning entries will be printed and exhibited in the month-long exhibition. There will be a program printed with all works, which will be available for sale.

The Entry Fee is  $30.00 for five entries. Deadline for entries is February 27, 2011.

The exhibition runs March 31 – April 30, 2011 at the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art. The Opening Night Celebration is Saturday, April 2, 2011, 6 PM-10 PM

Click here for much more information and entry submission on the Pixels: The Art of the iPhone website.

10+1 Stunning Sports iPhoneography Images

Mashable like us have embraced iPhoneography, there are some superb camera apps available and with the skill of so many with an iPhone, spectular images are captured and most importantly, shared.

Mashable have taken a look at sport and have selected their top 10 shots, to view the complete article from Mashable go here. We have posted the images below for your enjoyment.

Image by Alexander Kesselaar

Image by Jamie Ferreyros

Image by Matthew Lacroix

Image by Menno de Ruiter

Image by Adam Lorber

Image by T.S. Elliott

Image by Jamie Pachomski

Image by Dave Weekes

Image by Juan Calderon

Image by Hans de Kort

The Basketball I

Image by Alexander Kesselaar