US celebrity wedding photographer Joe Buissink shares some secrets of his success courtesy of an interview sponsored by Lexar Media
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Joe Buissink - wedding photography and the psychology of the job
US celebrity wedding photographer Joe Buissink shares some secrets of his success courtesy of an interview sponsored by Lexar Media
Monday, 16 May 2011
Think Tank Photo set to update Speed Convertible series
Pro camera bag maker Think Tank Photo has announced today that they will update the popular Speed Demon, Speed Freak and Speed Racer belt bags as shoulder bags - they'll feature a 'disappearing' belt design to switch seamlessly between the two. Interested parties can leave their details here in anticipation of the release next month.
Press release:
Think Tank Photo to Release Redesigned Bags in New Speed Convertible Series
Santa Rosa, Calif. – In June, Think Tank Photo will release its redesigned Speed Demon™ V2.0, Speed Freak V2.0™, and Speed Racer™ V2.0 as shoulder bags in its new Speed Convertible Series. Each Speed Convertible bag features a “disappearing” belt that tucks away into the sides of the bag, significantly reducing bulkiness. Within seconds, the shoulder bags seamlessly convert into belt packs once the integrated belts are deployed.
Features include a flip-top lid that folds away from the body for rapid and convenient access to gear. A fully padded shoulder strap with embedded non-slip material is included, which also supports the bag while in belt pack mode. The soft kidney-shaped design contours comfortably around the body. Built-in Modular rails allow attachment of Think Tank’s Modular, Skin or Multimedia components.
Not only can photographers choose how to carry their bag, they can also select the right capacity between the three sizes in this series. The smallest, Speed Demon V2.0, can carry a standard size DSLR with a standard zoom lens attached (hood reversed) and a wide angle zoom lens beside. The medium size Speed Freak V2.0 also carries a standard size DSLR with a zoom lens attached and is tall enough to accommodate a 70–200 f2.8 lens in the bag. The Speed Racer V2.0, the most spacious of the series, effortlessly fits in the main compartment a pro size DSLR with a standard zoom lens attached and a 70–200 f2.8.
Gear Profiles
Speed Demon V2.0: Carries a standard size DSLR with two to three small zoom or prime lenses
• Canon EOS 60D with 17-85 f4-5.6 IS attached (hood reversed) and 70-300 f4-5.6 IS beside
• Nikon D7000 with 35 f1.4 attached and 50 f1.4; 85 f1.4 beside
Speed Freak V2.0: Carries a standard size DSLR with two to three large zoom lenses
• Canon 5D Mk II with 24-70 f2.8 attached (hood reversed) and 70-200 f2.8 IS beside (hood reversed)
• Nikon D700 with 14-24 f2.8 attached and 70-200 f2.8 VR beside (hood reversed)
Speed Racer V2.0: Carries a pro sizeDSLR with two to three large zoom lenses
• Canon 1D Mk IV with 16-35 f2.8 attached (hood in position) and 50 f1.2; 85 f1.2 beside (hoods reversed)
• Nikon D3 with 24-70 f2.8 attached (hood in position) and 70-200 f2.8 VR beside (hood reversed)
Key Features
• Easily converts from streamlined shoulder bag to functional belt pack
• Integrated waist belt "disappears" by tucking into zippered size pockets
• Modular rails on waist belt for adding Modular Rotation System components to increase gear capacity
• Flip-top lid opens away from the body for rapid access to gear
• Cushioned, non-slip shoulder strap included
• Ergonomic, kidney-shaped design contours around body
• Easily accessible front organizer pocket
• Stretchable mesh side pockets with reinforced bases
• Highest quality YKK RC Fuse zippers
• Seam-sealed rain cover included
Product Specifications
Speed Demon V2.0
• Internal Dimensions: 9.3” W x 6.8” H x 5” D (23.5 x 17.2 x 12.7 cm)
• External Dimensions: 12” W x 8.5” H x 8” D (30.5 x 21.6 x 20.3 cm)
• Weight: 1.6–2.1 lbs (0.7–1.0 kg)
Speed Freak V2.0
• Internal Dimensions: 10.3” W x 8.8” H x 5.5” D (26 x 22.2 x 14 cm)
• External Dimensions: 12.5” W x 10.5” H x 8.5” D (31.8 x 26.7 x 21.6 cm)
• Weight: 1.9–2.5 lbs (0.9–1.1 kg)
Speed Racer V2.0
• Internal Dimensions: 11.8” W x 10” H x 7” D (29.8 x 25.4 x 17.8 cm)
• External Dimensions: 12.5” W x 10.5” H x 10” D (31.8 x 26.7 x 25.4 cm)
• Weight: 2.3–3.1 lbs (1.0–1.4 kg)
Interested parties can leave their details with Think Tank Photo here.
Calumet announce Sunbounce Photo and Lighting Workshop with portrait photographer Greg Gorman
The Sunbounce Kid comes to town
World-acclaimed celebrity portrait photographer Greg Gorman is set to hold an exclusive workshop in London on June 13, as part of a European tour.
Gorman, whose philosophy is that ‘life itself is art’, is linking with Calumet to host the seminar at Holborn Studios, Eagle Wharf Road London N1 – and places will be limited to just twenty five.
Gorman has photographed dozens of stars and luminaries over the years, including Al Pacino, Michael Jackson and Sophia Loren – and American filmmaker and actor John Waters famously said that Greg Gorman was the only photographer he would ever let photograph his corpse.
The Sunbounce Photo and Lighting Workshop will focus on an overview of Gorman’s career; reviews of delegates’ work plus a unique tutorial showing how the portrait master sees and assesses a person’s face.
He will also reveal lighting secrets and host a lengthy afternoon shooting session and Q&A period. Cost £250 incl VAT.
For more details visit here.
Greg Gorman, copyright the artist.
Visit Greg Gorman's website
Saturday, 14 May 2011
Friday, 13 May 2011
Panasonic announces Lumix G3
Announced to the UK photography press on Tuesday at an event in London, Panasonic has officially released details of the new 16-megapixel Lumix G3, the first of the mass-market mFT models to breach the 12-megapixel resolution limit. Expect to see an Olympus high-end model to follow in the not so distant future.
Press release:
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC- G3: Creativity without limits
Smaller, lighter and with outstanding image quality, the LUMIX G3 is designed to go anywhere you do
Panasonic has today launched the LUMIX G3, the world's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system camera with a built-in Electronic View Finder (As of date of release, 12 May 2011). With an exceptional range of features and stunning image quality packed into a beautifully lightweight aluminium design, the LUMIX G3 turns everyday moments into works of art.
The LUMIX G3 lets you capture great photos from the very first shot. A new 16.0-megapixel sensor and light-speed autofocus gives you the exceptional image quality that was once restricted to large, heavy DSLR cameras. The intuitive automatic shooting modes and full range of advanced features, combined with high-resolution free-angle LCD touch screen or Electronic View Finder, mean you get the picture you want, how you want.
With the LUMIX G3, there really is no limit to your creativity.
Exceptional image quality
The LUMIX G3 has raised the bar in interchangeable lens camera image quality. With an optimal balance of the imaging engine and sensor size, the LUMIX G3 produces exceptional image quality to take your photography to the next level:
· Large sensor, low noise: A 16.0-megapixel Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Sensor means images will be cleaner and freer of noise than ever. With newly developed processing capabilities, the low-noise pixel area and the low-noise circuit are combined, resulting in a noise level of less than one third of a conventional sensor
· High-speed, high-performance: The Venus Engine VI FHD, incorporating the image processing technology Advanced Intelligent Resolution and Intelligent D-range Control, allows beautiful photos and high-definition movies to be captured with superior signal processing. Users can take clear, high resolution photography even at high ISO sensitivity levels, without the bleeding of colours
· Never miss the perfect moment: Speed is of the essence for exceptional photography. The LUMIX G3 pushes the boundaries of high performance with the world’s fastest pinpoint auto focus speed, approximately 0.1 seconds*. A wide range of AF modes are available, including multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas, Face Detection, and AF Tracking meaning the LUMIX G3 can lock onto any subject and keep it in focus even if it moves
· Crystal clear high speed action: The LUMIX G3’s burst shooting capability has been improved to make sure you get the perfect image, even of a fast-moving subject. With up to 4 fps capability in 16.0-megapixel resolution and 20 fps at 4.0 megapixels, the LUMIX G3 allows the ultimate action photography at high resolution
· Rich detail definition: With the Advanced Intelligent Resolution technology, three areas — outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation areas - are automatically detected. Outlines are enhanced to give more clearly defined edges, while emphasising more highly textured areas of the image. The Venus Engine VI FHD also provides selective noise reduction to the outline, to let it have more naturally-balanced curve without any deterioration in resolution
· Full HD Movie quality: The quality advances of the LUMIX G3 are not restricted to still photos. The camera lets you take over the Hollywood director’s chair to record Full HD movies. Long recording times and intuitive controls help you create perfect movies with ease. The LUMIX G3’s 16.0-megapixel sensor means the camera can record in Full HD AVCHD 1920 x 1080, 50i, producing higher quality movies with minimal noise. Due to the inter-picture prediction method for compression, the AVCHD format enjoys almost double the recording time compared to Motion JPEG. The Full-time AF and AF Tracking functionality allows you to take high-quality movies effortlessly. With just one touch of the screen, the LUMIX G3 locks on and automatically "tracks" the subject and keeps it in focus as it moves
Stunning images, with no boundaries
With its ultra-compact and lightweight aluminium-bodied design, the LUMIX G3 goes wherever you do, with no limits. High precision, digital processing functions are combined in an easy-to-grip body. While a choice of using either the Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) or the 3.0-inch free-angle LCD featuring Full-time Live View for image-taking allows you to take capture the moment as the situation demands:
· Sleek, ultra-compact and lightweight: At 25 percent smaller the LUMIX G2, weighing less than 340 grammes and with an easy-to-handle grip, the LUMIX G3 lets you take memorable photos, wherever you are
· You choose how to shoot: Whether you want to take photos from above your head at a concert, or frame a portrait with your eye close to the camera, the high-resolution free-angle LCD screen or the Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) gives you the right set up for the right moment.
· Get the perfect result: With the Live View function, you can check you’ve got the perfect result, before pressing the shutter button. You can view the effects of your creative settings on the high-resolution, 460,000-dot free-angle Intelligent LCD and 1,440,000-dot 1.4x Live View Finder with a 100 percent field of view. The LCD screen rotates 180° from side to side and tilts 270° up and down. The correlation between shutter speed and aperture is shown on Live View, with a colour-coded warning that alerts you when the settings are not in the proper range
· The world’s largest range of Micro Four Thirds lenses: The LUMIX G3 gives you the widest range of Micro Four Thirds lenses to choose from to make sure you have the right set up for the right job. With eleven Panasonic lenses and the option to use all Leica M and R Micro Four Thirds lenses**, you can select a lens for every kind of shoot
Let your creativity loose and make the most of every shot
For experienced photographers looking for advanced functionality of a DSLR, or a beginner who wants to take eye-catching images at the click of the button, the LUMIX G3 lets you get the results, as you want them. The LUMIX G3 provides the assistance to help beginners make the most of every shot, with advanced controls to take photography to the next level:
· Touch control shooting: The LUMIX G3 features revolutionary touch control shooting, including full-area touch focusing where the focus can be set immediately to the subject, or to the background, by just one touch of the large LCD screen
· Rich colour reproduction with Intelligent D-range Control: With the new Intelligent D-range Control, the LUMIX G3 allows photographers of all levels to achieve the rich colour reproduction expected by professionals. The blues skies of summer will appear more natural than ever, as the camera optimises the exposure and ensures that gradation and individual details are artfully reproduced
· Intelligent Auto Plus functionality: In addition to these advanced functions, Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto Plus (iA+) mode provides the best shooting results when a photo opportunity appears or when you do not have time to make manual settings. This includes MEGA O.I.S (Optical Image Stabilising) With selected compatible lenses, which helps prevent blurring from hand-shake, and Intelligent ISO Control, which reduces motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves as the shot is taken. With Intelligent Scene Selector the camera automatically switches to the appropriate mode according to the subject touched. For example, a touch on a human face switches to the portrait mode and a touch on the background to the scenery mode. My Colour mode has a total of seven preset effects - Expressive, Retro, High Key, Sepia, and High Dynamic - alongside custom mode, which lets you manually set the colour, brightness and saturation levels
· Taking photography to the next dimension: The LUMIX G3 also lets you add an extra dimension to your photography skills, with high-quality 3D still photography with the LUMIX G 3D 12.5mm / F12 lens. The lens produces 3D images without distortion or time lag between left and right images, even for moving objects
Key features:
· Image Sensor 16.0 MP LIVE MOS
· Engine Venus Engine VI FHD
· ISO setting Auto / Intelligent ISO / 160 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 / 6400
· AF speed Approx 0.1 seconds (measured with the LUMIX G3 attaching LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS014042) to move the lens position to “2m” from “infinity” position )
· Burst shoot: 4 fps (16.0M) / 20 fps (4M)
· Movie recording: AVCHD 1920x1080 50i (Sensor Output 25fps), AVCHD 1280x720 50p (Sensor Output 25fps)
· View finder: Approx. 100% Field of View, 1.44mil dots equiv.
· LCD Screen: 3.0”, 3:2, 460K dots Free Angle Touch LCD
· Size: 115.2 x 83.6 x 46.7 mm (excluding protrusions)
· Weight: 336g (body only)
· Built-in Flash: TTL Built-in-Flash, GN 10.5 equivalent, built in pop-up
· Interface: HDMI, USB 2.0, Digital AV Out, Remote input, microphone, speaker.
*As of date of release, 12 May 2011. The time for focusing on the subject is measured with the DMC-G3 attaching LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS014042) to move the lens position to “2m” from “infinity” position. The zoom position is in wide range. Panasonic measurement method.
** Editor's note; that should read 'Leica Micro FourThirds, M and R series lenses' .
Thursday, 12 May 2011
New Photo Editing Software - FX Photo Studio For Mac Coming Soon
FX Photo Studio for Mac is a new venture for developers MacPhun. Predominately iOS app developers with a whole host of photography apps to their name, including their app version of the above, FX Photo Studio, which is currently ranked at number 31 in the US Apple App Store.
Due to the success of this app MacPhun decided to venture into the highly competive world of Photography software for the Mac and will be releasing FX Photo Studio for Mac this later on this week. The developers explain that:
'FX Photo Studio for Mac will bring a whole new photo processing and image editing experience to the Mac'.
Keep checking back for our review of this app, coming soon.
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
Phase One announces Media Pro management utility
Phase One, the back maker and publisher of the outstanding Capture One raw workflow solution has announced Media Pro, a new digital asset management (DAM) utility based on iView Media Pro (this was became Microsoft Expression Media, before Phase One acquired it outright last year). As well as seamless integration with Capture One (C1), Media Pro uses that utilities RAW image rendering engine so that users can rapidly evaluate raw files as they would individually with C1. Adjustments made in Capture One are updated in Media Pro and the two utilities now provide metadata exchange including imaging description (rendering), and convey ownership and licensing information. This increased compatibility and support between these two distinct applications provides a much needed improvement in workflow for professional users.
Press release:
Phase One Media Pro is Released - the Photo Management App for Serious Photographers
Copenhagen, May 10, 2011 -- Phase One, the world’s leading pro photography equipment provider, today released Media Pro. Originally created by iView Multimedia, this professional digital asset management software has recently been known as Microsoft Expression Media. In its first release since Phase One’s acquisition of the product from Microsoft last year, it has been re-christened Media Pro.
Media Pro is a professional photo manager built for photographic, video and multimedia collection management. Media Pro offers a flexible and intuitive way to catalog, organize, and utilize digital media assets.
Its strength is in organizing photo files, no matter where they are stored -- on shared folders, CDs, hard drives, DVDs or other media. It’s an application comprising visual catalogs which can be easily and quickly browsed, searched, and annotated.
Images within these very large catalogs (Media Pro now supports more than 128,000 files per catalog) may be non-destructively edited with Capture One and other image editing applications. They may also be converted into other file formats. And all catalogs may be archived, backed up, published via slide shows, web galleries, and distributed via email, contact sheets, prints, and other custom options.
What’s new?
Seamless workflow with Capture One -- Phase One’s Capture One raw image rendering engine is built into the new Media Pro. Photographers can instantly magnify and evaluate raw images with correct colors, in detail, including adjustments. Images and adjustments made in Capture One are updated in Media Pro and the two applications offer integrated exchange of the metadata that describe images, and convey ownership and licensing information. This increased compatibility is a major improvement in the workflow between the two applications.
Openness
Media Pro offers exchange of metadata information by way of XMP, the extensible metadata platform. Media Pro also provides options to permit Windows-based systems to use Windows Imaging Components and Mac-based systems to use Core Image processing as their image rendering engines. This means that Media Pro maintains its independence as a best-of-breed digital asset management solution supporting other popular image editing software.
More camera support
Raw files from more than 100 new camera models are supported, including raw image and video support for Canon, Nikon and other popular pro and semi-pro digital cameras.
Larger Catalogs
The limitation of 128.000 files per catalog and the maximum size of 2GB per catalog has been removed to allow for larger photo collections. Users can still create an unlimited number of visual catalogs.
Updated User Interface
Media Pro comes with a redesigned user interface to match the sleek look of Capture One.
While this version continues to provide support for audio, DTP, font, text and HTML files, Media Pro is primarily a photo manager for photo and video files.
For more information about Media Pro, please see: www.phaseone.com/media-pro
“Working with Phase One to develop the new Media Pro tutorials has been very exciting, “said Peter Krogh, leading DAM expert and professional photographer. “I’ve long considered Media Pro to be one of my favorite DAM resources, and it’s clear that its future is bright.”
“Phase One is committed to investing in professional photo management and image editing software,” said Carsten H. Olsen, Phase One Software Product Manager. “This Media Pro release is designed to deliver a combined photography software toolset that will satisfy the world’s most demanding professional photographers.”
Capture One
Capture One is an image editing software that delivers the world’s highest image quality with excellent color and detail. The software comprises all the tools required to capture, organize, edit, share and print images for a highly efficient workflow.
Availability and Pricing
Media Pro is available now via download for USD 199 and EUR 139 through Phase One’s Online Store and through leading professional photography dealers worldwide.
Current Expression Media 2 customers can upgrade to Media Pro for USD 59 and EUR 39.
Current iView MediaPro/Expression Media 1 customers can upgrade to Media Pro for USD 69 and EUR 49.
NPG call for entries in Taylor Wessing Photographic Portait Prize 2011
The National Portrait Gallery, located in the heart London, has announced it is calling for entries in the influential Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2011. The competition is open to all photographers aged 18 and over and the First Prize winner will receive not only £12,000 but also widespread recognition. The resulting exhibition of work will run at the National Portrait Gallery, London, from 10 November 2011 until 12 February 2012. One of the exhibiting photographers will also be selected to shoot a feature story for ELLE magazine, at standard commissioning rates and expenses. Please see below for more details, including the entry submission criteria.
UPDATE 16 May 2011, the entry fee for the competition is £23 ($37) per photograph. All entry forms must be received in advance, either online or by post, by 7 July 2011
Press release:
10 May 2011
CALL FOR ENTRIES - TAYLOR WESSING PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAIT PRIZE 2011
The National Portrait Gallery is delighted to announce the Call for Entries for the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2011, a major international photographic award. Entry forms are now available and the closing date for entries is 7 July 2011. To enter, visit www.npg.org.uk/photoprize and complete the online application form.
The Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2011 is open to all photographers over the age of 18 and provides an important platform for portrait photographers including gifted amateurs, students and professionals of all ages. Around 60 photographers will be selected for the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, and the winner of the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2011 will receive £12,000. The exhibition will run at the National Portrait Gallery, London, from 10 November 2011 until 12 February 2012.
For the third year running ELLE magazine will commission a photographer selected for the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize exhibition to shoot a feature story for the magazine. Clare Shilland won the second ELLE Commission in 2010 for her portrait Merel.
Last year the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize attracted nearly 6,000 entries and was won by David Chancellor, for his portrait Huntress with Buck. Prizes were also awarded to Panayiotis Lamprou, Jeffrey Stockbridge and Abbie Trayler-Smith.
Tim Eyles, Managing Partner of Taylor Wessing says:
‘We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize and we look forward to further strengthening our relationship with the National Portrait Gallery. As a multi-jurisdictional law firm we are proud to support an international competition that reflects our own firm-wide commitment to developing talent and supporting the arts, and which provides such pleasure and inspiration to those who take part and visit the exhibition. We hope that amateur and professional photographers internationally will be inspired to submit their entries to make this year’s competition the best yet.’
Publication
A 72 page catalogue (RRP £15) featuring all the selected photographs will accompany the exhibition.
Notes to Editors
▪ Call for entries information may be downloaded at www.npg.org.uk/photoprize or by sending a stamped addressed A4 envelope to:
Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2011
National Portrait Gallery
St Martin's Place
London
WC2H OHE
• The First Prize winner receives £12,000. In addition the judges, at their discretion, will award one or more cash prizes to the shortlisted photographers.
• ELLE magazine will choose one photographer selected for the exhibition to shoot a feature story. They will pay standard commissioning rates and expenses to the photographer chosen. ELLE is the world’s biggest-selling fashion magazine with 39 editions worldwide. The British edition of ELLE sells 195,455 copies a month (ABC January-December 2009). The Gallery is very grateful to ELLE magazine for their collaboration. www.elleuk.com
Adobe Nav for Photoshop - New iPad App
With Adobe Nav—a Photoshop Touch app for Adobe Photoshop CS5 software (version 12.0.4 or later required)—you can now use your iPad to activate Photoshop tools and browse and select open Photoshop documents. As long as you have a network connection between your iPad and computer, you can customize the Photoshop CS5 toolbar on your iPad to easily access the tools you use most. Browse, reorder, view, and zoom in on up to 200 open Photoshop documents on your iPad. Tap a document on your iPad to immediately make it active in Photoshop CS5. And use your iPad to easily share and review files you are working on in Photoshop CS5 while you are away from your desk or computer.
•Use your fingertips to select Photoshop CS5 tools from your iPad screen.
•Customize the way the Photoshop CS5 toolbar appears on your iPad screen to make your most-used tools easily accessible. You can save one Adobe Nav toolbar configuration with up to 16 tools.
•Browse, reorder, view, and zoom in on up to 200 open Photoshop documents on your iPad screen.
•Tap any open document in Photoshop on your iPad to make it the active document in Photoshop CS5.
Extend the Photoshop CS5 experience to your iPad with Adobe Nav for Photoshop.
Requirements:
•You need Photoshop CS5 version 12.0.4 or later to connect this app with the desktop version of Photoshop
•Current Photoshop CS5 users must update their copies of Photoshop CS5 to version 12.0.4 or later to use this app with their copy of Photoshop CS5
•This app will not work with Photoshop CS4 or earlier
To update your copy of Photoshop CS5 to version 12.0.4 or later, do one of the following:
•Download the update from www.adobe.com.
•Select Check for Updates from the Help menu in Photoshop CS5.
This app is available for $1.99 from the Apple App Store and you can download it here.
Adobe Color Lava for Photoshop - New iPad App
With Adobe Color Lava —a Photoshop Touch app for Adobe Photoshop CS5 software (version 12.0.4 or later required)— you can now use your iPad and your fingertips to mix colors and create custom swatches and five-swatch color themes. Immediately access those color creations within Photoshop CS5—all you need is a network connection between your iPad and your computer. Or use Adobe Color Lava on the go whenever inspiration strikes, and then save your colors on your iPad to bring into Photoshop CS5 when you're connected. You can also email your Adobe Color Lava creations to yourself and others.
•Dab, smudge, and swirl your way to creating unique individual color swatches and five-swatch color themes.
•Interact with Photoshop CS5 in real time. Simply tap a swatch on your iPad to make it the foreground color in your Photoshop CS5 Color panel—or create a color theme and see your colors instantly in the Color panel.
•Make fine adjustments to your color creations using Hue/Saturation sliders, and view HSB and RGB values.
•Mix colors even when you’re away from your computer. You can save them on your iPad to bring into Photoshop CS5 when you’re connected.
•Easily share your swatches and color themes by emailing them directly from Adobe Color Lava.
Take your creativity mobile with Adobe Color Lava for Photoshop CS5.
Requirements:
•You need Photoshop CS5 version 12.0.4 or later to connect this app with the desktop version of Photoshop
•Current Photoshop CS5 users must update their copies of Photoshop CS5 to version 12.0.4 or later to use this app with their copy of Photoshop CS5
•This app will not work with Photoshop CS4 or earlier
To update your copy of Photoshop CS5 to version 12.0.4 or later, do one of the following:
•Download the update from www.adobe.com.
•Select Check for Updates from the Help menu in Photoshop CS5.
This app is $2.99 in the Apple App Store and you can download it here
Adobe Eazel for Photoshop - New iPad App
With Adobe Eazel —a Photoshop Touch app for Adobe Photoshop CS5 software (version 12.0.4 or later required)— you can now use your iPad and your fingertips to create beautiful paintings. Get amazing color blends thanks to a painting technology that offers a new kind of interaction between “wet” and “dry” paint. Enjoy a unique user interface that lets you paint across the entire expanse of your iPad screen and easily access the tools you want.
As long as you have a network connection between your iPad and computer, you can send your Adobe Eazel artwork directly to Photoshop CS5 from anywhere you are. Then you can enhance a higher-resolution version of your artwork using industry-leading image-editing tools. Or do all your painting in Adobe Eazel. You can always share your work via email or save it to the built-in Photos app on your iPad.
•Paint beautiful works of art using just your fingertips.
•Mix “wet” and “dry” paint to create rich, realistic color blends. Breakthrough technology allows digital paint to “dry” over time.
•Paint more freely using the entire iPad screen. Controls for changing color, opacity, brush size, and other settings appear only when you place all five fingers on the screen.
•Send your paintings directly to Photoshop CS5, where they’ll be re-rendered at a higher resolution and can be saved in any file format you choose. (Photoshop CS5 must be open, and a network connection between your iPad and computer is required.)
•Save paintings to your iPad Photos app, and then email them as JPEG files.
Take your creativity mobile with Adobe Eazel for Photoshop.
Requirements:
•You need Photoshop CS5 version 12.0.4 or later to connect this app with the desktop version of Photoshop
•Current Photoshop CS5 users must update their copies of Photoshop CS5 to version 12.0.4 or later to use this app with their copy of Photoshop CS5
•This app will not work with Photoshop CS4 or earlier
To update your copy of Photoshop CS5 to version 12.0.4 or later, do one of the following:
•Download the update from www.adobe.com.
•Select Check for Updates from the Help menu in Photoshop CS5.
Available in the following languages:
English, French, German, and Japanese
This app is available from the Apple App Store for $4.99, you can download it here
Friday, 6 May 2011
Sigma announce details of Northern Japan relief effort
Sigma has announced they've received more than £4 Million in relief funds for the Japanese Red Cross Society.
Press release:
North East Japan Disaster Relief
On the 11th March, the North East of Japan was struck by a massive earthquake and tsunami. Sigma’s state of the art factory is located in the Fukushima prefecture but was fortunate to escape with limited damage and disruption. Unfortunately some of Sigma’s sub-contractors and suppliers situated on the coastal plain were not so lucky.
The devastation and suffering in the North East of Japan is on a scale seldom seen before. In response to this humanitarian disaster, the Sigma Corporation, together with its worldwide network or distributers and business partners, has raised just over £4,000,000 towards the "North East Japan Disaster Relief" organised by the Japanese Red Cross Society.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our friends and customers for their support, understanding and generosity at this time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the people in north east Japan where the huge disaster hit on 11th March 2011.
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Drobo announce 'What Would You do with 100 Drobos?' competition
Drobo, makers of data storage products for photographers, has announced a new competition, ‘What Would You do with 100 Drobos?’ Drobo are giving away 100 Drobos over May and June to entrants with the most original or appealing ideas. Please see below for more details and submission requirements.
Press release:
Announcing the ‘What Would You do with 100 Drobos?’ Contest
Searching for the Most Creative Answer to this Question; One Lucky Individual or Organization will Receive 100 Drobos to Execute on the Winning Idea
SANTA CLARA, Calif. –May 4, 2011 – Drobo, makers of the award-winning data storage products for businesses and professionals, today announced the “What would you do with 100 Drobos?” contest. Convince the Drobo community that your cause is worthy by creating an essay, video, collage, or other creative presentation of your idea, post it publicly (YouTube, Facebook, blog, etc.) and submit the idea URL with your contact information online at http://www.drobo.com/100drobos.
What: Drobo is giving away more than 100 Drobos throughout May and June to the most original or appealing idea, cause or use – whether that’s improving education, combating world hunger, fostering the arts or just stretching the imagination, the only limit is your own creativity.
Over 100 Drobos to be given away over the course of the contest:
• 100 Drobos to the winning idea
• Top 10 finalists receive a Drobo
• All votes will be entered to win a Drobo a day over the course of the contest (winner to be chosen at random)
For contest details and submission requirements, please visit the Drobo contest site at http://www.drobo.com/100drobos.
Who: Anyone with a great idea!
When: Submissions accepted – Wednesday, May 4th - Tuesday, May 31st
Voting closes– Friday, June 17th
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Apple outs iMac with Thunderbolt I/O, new processors, graphics cards
One of the shortcomings of the current iMac is the bottleneck of data caused by the FW800 port, if it had eSATA then great but the update announced today circumvents that with Thunderbolt. While the new processors and whopping 2GB vRAM are to be welcomed the clever Thunderbolt I/O masquerading as a mini Display-port is reason enough to make the upgrade. Apple has even gone one better than the MacBook Pro and provided two Thunderbolt ports, so you can add your external storage (you can daisy-chain up to 6 devices) and keep your second 27-inch monitor.
Press release:
Apple Announces New iMac With Next Generation Quad-Core Processors, Graphics & Thunderbolt I/O Technology
CUPERTINO, California—May 3, 2011—Apple today updated its signature all-in-one iMac with next generation quad-core processors, powerful new graphics, groundbreaking high-speed Thunderbolt I/O technology and a new FaceTime HD camera. Starting at £999.00 inc VAT, the new iMac is up to 70 percent faster and new graphics deliver up to three times the performance of the previous generation.*
“Our customers love the iMac’s aluminum enclosure, gorgeous display and all-in-one design,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With next generation quad-core processors, powerful new graphics, Thunderbolt technology and a FaceTime HD camera, we've made the world’s best desktop even better.”
The new iMac features quad-core Intel Core i5 processors with an option for customers to choose Core i7 processors up to 3.4 GHz. These next generation processors feature an integrated memory controller for an amazingly responsive experience and a powerful new media engine for high-performance video encoding and decoding. With new AMD Radeon HD graphics processors, the new iMac has the most powerful graphics ever in an all-in-one desktop.
iMac is the first desktop computer on the market to include groundbreaking Thunderbolt I/O technology. The 21.5-inch iMac has a single Thunderbolt port while the 27-inch model features two ports for even greater expansion. Developed by Intel with collaboration from Apple, Thunderbolt enables expandability never before possible on an all-in-one computer. Featuring two bi-directional channels with transfer speeds up to an amazing 10Gbps each, Thunderbolt delivers PCI Express directly to external high performance peripherals such as RAID arrays, and can support FireWire and USB consumer devices, and Gigabit Ethernet networks via adapters. Thunderbolt also supports DisplayPort for high resolution displays and works with existing adapters for HDMI, DVI and VGA displays. Freely available for implementation on systems, cables and devices, Thunderbolt technology is expected to be widely adopted as a new standard for high performance I/O.
iMac includes a built-in FaceTime HD camera and Apple’s innovative FaceTime software for crisp, widescreen video calling the whole family can enjoy. The new camera supports high definition video calls between all FaceTime HD-enabled Macs and standard resolution calls with iPad 2, iPhone 4, the current generation iPod touch and other Intel-based Macs. The iMac continues to feature its signature aluminum and glass design, gorgeous IPS LED-backlit high resolution display, SD card slot and comes with Apple’s innovative Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad.
Continuing Apple’s commitment to the environment, Apple’s desktop line is a leader in green design. The iMac meets stringent Energy Star 5.2 requirements and achieves EPEAT Gold rating.** iMac features LED-backlit displays that are mercury-free and made with arsenic-free glass. iMac uses PVC-free components and cables, contains no brominated flame retardants, uses highly recyclable materials and features material-efficient system and packaging designs.
Every Mac comes with Mac OS X Snow Leopard, the world’s most advanced operating system, and iLife, Apple’s innovative suite of applications for creating and sharing great photos, movies and music. Snow Leopard builds on more than a decade of innovation and includes the Mac App Store for finding great new apps for your Mac. iLife ’11 features iPhoto with stunning full screen views for browsing, editing and sharing photos; iMovie with powerful easy-to-use tools to transform home videos into fun theatrical trailers; and GarageBand with new ways to improve your playing and create great sounding songs.
Pricing & Availability
The new iMac is available through the Apple Store (www.apple.com/uk), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorised Resellers. The 21.5-inch iMac is available in two configurations: one with a 2.5 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6750M and 500GB hard drive for a suggested retail price of £999.00 inc VAT (£832.50 ex VAT); and one with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of £1249.00 inc VAT (£1040.83 ex VAT). The new 27-inch iMac is available in two models: one with a 2.7 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6770M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of £1399.00 inc VAT (£1165.83 ex VAT); and one with a 3.1 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5, AMD Radeon HD 6970M and 1TB hard drive for a suggested retail price of £1649.00 inc VAT (£1374.17 ex VAT).
Configure-to-order options include faster Intel Core i7 processors up to 3.4 GHz, additional hard drive capacity up to 2TB, a 256GB solid state drive, additional DDR3 memory and AppleCare Protection Plan. Additional technical specifications and configure-to-order options and accessories are available online at www.apple.com/uk/imac.
*Testing conducted by Apple in April 2011 using preproduction iMac configurations. For more information visit www.apple.com/uk/imac/features.html.
**Claim based on energy efficiency categories and products listed within the EPA ENERGY STAR 5.2 energy database as of April 2011. EPEAT is an independent organisation that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products meeting all of the 23 required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria are recognised as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT programme was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more information visit www.epeat.net.
Monday, 2 May 2011
Epson reveals 13-inch Stylus Photo R2000
Epson has announced today the new 13-inch Epson Stylus Photo R2000. Equipped with the dye-base Epson UltraChrome Hi Gloss 2 inks and Epson's latest MicroPiezo AMC print head, the Epson R2000 is said to deliver 'vibrant, glossy prints on a range of paper types'. Image quality is further enhanced by AccuPhoto HG screening technology it's claimed that maintains high image quality even when printing in high speed modes.
The R2000 also features larger ink cartridges, flexible media handling and connectivity with Ethernet, Wireless-N and USB 2.0 support. It will be available in May 2011 through authorized resellers for $499.99 (MSRP). There's no word as yet of the R2000 being available in Europe.
Press release:
May 02, 2011
Epson Stylus Photo R2000 Gives Advanced Amateur Photographers, Hobbyists and Creative Professionals a New Level of Productivity and Creative Control
LONG BEACH, Calif. – May 2, 2011 – Epson America today introduced the latest 13-inch printer to join its award-winning line of products, the Epson Stylus® Photo R2000. Taking advantage of Epson’s next-generation pigment printing technology, this printer produces vivid, archival prints with an unmatched glossy look and feel that’s optimized for serious photography and other high-level creative applications.
The Epson Stylus Photo R2000 provides several features and qualities that are typically found in professional-level printers, such as pigment-based inks, flexible media handling, and significantly larger capacity cartridges that deliver up to 50 percent more printsI. The printer’s connectivity options are unparalleled for its class, making it easy to print from a home office or studio via Ethernet®, Wireless-N and USB 2.0II. Its media flexibility is also unsurpassed, giving users the ability to print on a full range of papers, including cut sheet and roll paper, photographic and fine art media, canvas, art boards, and CD/DVDs.
The R2000 uses Epson’s innovative MicroPiezo® print head with AMC™ and Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss® 2 Ink to create images with vibrant color on a broad range of paper types. The printer’s unique eight-color ink set takes advantage of Epson’s exclusive high-gloss encapsulated pigments including an enhanced gloss optimizer that creates photos with a uniformly smooth finish and feel. Image quality is further enhanced by AccuPhoto™ HG screening technology that ensures outstanding image quality even when printing in higher speed modes.
“The Epson Stylus Photo R2000 is an incredible tool for serious photographers, creative professionals and hobbyists who want to step up to superior quality printing,” said Richard Day, senior product manager, Professional Imaging, Epson America. “Whether you’re printing a series for gallery display, producing a comp to present to a client, or making a 12x12-inch scrapbook page, this printer has the capability and versatility to deliver outstanding results that will impress the most demanding of critics.”
Following are additional details about the Epson Stylus Photo R2000’s technologies and benefits:
- Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss 2 Ink: Award-winning, eight-color pigment ink set, for gallery-quality archival prints that are water, smudge and fade-resistant. Red and Orange inks provide bold colors and smooth, natural skin tones; additional advancements also offer vibrant greens and intense blues. An enhanced gloss optimizer delivers a uniform gloss finish, and auto-selecting Photo and Matte Black inks deliver deep blacks on matte, fine art or glossy media.
- AccuPhoto HG Image Technology: Created in collaboration with the Rochester Institute of Technology’s Munsell Color Science Laboratory, this complex mathematical architecture and advanced screening technology ensures precise placement of each ink droplet to produce smooth, grain-free images. This technology helps to maximize color gamut, smooth transitions and gradations, and achieve consistent color under different lighting conditions. The R2000’s new Automatic Ink Density Optimization feature also contributes to delivering prints with consistent pigment density and superior color accuracy.
- MicroPiezo AMC Print Head: The eight-channel, high-precision print head produces a maximum resolution of 5670 x 1440 optimized dpi and variable-sized droplets as small as 1.5 picoliters. For decreased maintenance and increased reliability, the print head also incorporates an ink-repellent coating.
- Individual Larger-Capacity Ink Cartridges: The Epson Stylus Photo R2000 delivers up to 50 percent more prints than the previous model for increased productivity and less frequent changing of cartridgesI.
- Auto-Selecting Black Inks: The Epson Stylus Photo R2000 automatically selects Photo or Matte black ink to produce the deepest blacks and richest color on glossy, matte or fine art media.
- Unparalleled Connectivity: Built-in 100 Mbit Ethernet for wired networking, Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ 802.11n wireless technology and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 provide multiple options for fast connectivity anywhere in a home or studioII.
- Flexible Media Handling: A main top-loading, high-capacity auto-sheet feeder supports photographic and matte papers. A rear, single-sheet, fine art paper path handles heavier fine art and specialty media. Included roll paper support allows for panoramas up to 44-inches long, even on canvas, and a front, straight-through path handles media up to 1.3 mm thick, and direct CD/DVD printing.
Pricing, Availability and Support
The Epson Stylus Photo R2000 will be available in May 2011 through authorized resellers for $499.99 (MSRP). The printer is supported by a one-year whole-unit exchange limited warranty plan and specialized technical support staff. For more information on the Epson Stylus Photo R2000, visit www.epson.com/R2000.
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Help for Heroes calling for volunteers
Help for Heroes, a UK based charity supporting our wounded servicemen, is calling for volunteers to help with fundraising collections at Tesco stores during the weekend of 1st & 2nd July 2011. For more information please see below.
HELP FOR HEROES NEEDS YOU!
Help for Heroes are calling for volunteers to help with one of their biggest fundraising pushes yet!
During the weekend of 1st & 2nd July 2011 there is a huge opportunity for you to do your bit during nationwide collecting days at your local Tesco store, whether that be for a few hours or all day.
The volunteering days form part of the Help for Heroes One Hour for Heroes (1H4H) appeal which launched earlier this month, which everyone, from politicians, companies, sportsmen, actors, celebrities to the millions of generous and decent people across the country are giving One Hour.
Bryn Parry OBE, CEO & co-founder, Help for Heroes said: “At H4H we rely heavily on our wonderful volunteers to help keep our overheads low and ensure more money goes to the wounded servicemen and women who need it. It is our hope that the 1H4H call to action will be heard across the country become a demonstration of National support for our boys and girls as well as enabling H4H to continue to provide direct, practical support to those who have been injured.”
“We’re often asked what people can do to help and hope these two days will give our supporters a great opportunity to raise much needed money for our wounded heroes.”
If you’re interested in collecting at your local Tesco store, or to find your local store, call 01725 514121, visit the Help for Heroes website at www.helpforheroes.org.uk/tesco or email susan.gibbings(at)helpforheroes.org.uk to find out more.
For other volunteering opportunities over the coming months visit the Help for Heroes website at www.helpforheroes.org.uk
Phase One release Capture One 6.2 adds support for Fuji X100
Hot on the heels of yesterday's announcement by Adobe Phase One has today announced Capture One 6.2. As well as adding support for the Fujifilm X100, as well as a number of other new (and not so new) cameras), C1 6.2 includes several new features and enhancements. For a full list of the supported cameras and features, please see the summary below.
The new Capture One 6.2 release offers enhanced options for local adjustments, additional camera controls for Canon and Nikon and improved XMP metadata functionality.
The release also adds camera support for the latest Samsung, Fuji, Ricoh, Panasonic, Canon, Sony and Nikon camera models as well as camera support for Phase One IQ180, IQ160, and IQ140 including tethered support.
Capture One 6.2 includes the following new features and enhancements:
- Local adjustment of saturation and clarity
- Invert local adjustments mask
- Copy local adjustments mask from other layer
- Auto sync of XMP metadata (sidecars only)
- Additional camera controls for Canon and Nikon
- Improved OpenCL and 64 bit performance
Capture One 6.2 offer support for the following new cameras and hardware:
- Phase One IQ180, IQ160 and IQ140 including tethered support
- Canon 600D/Rebel T3i and 1100D/Rebel T3 including tethered support
- Fuji X100
- Nikon D5100* and tethered support for Nikon D-7000 (*preliminary)
- Panasonic DMC-GH2 and DMC-GF2
- Ricoh GR DIGITAL, GR DIGITAL II, GR DIGITAL III, GX100, GX200, GRX S10, GXR P10, GXR A12
- Samsung NX5, NX10, NX11 and NX100
- Sony SLT-A55, SLT-A33, NEX-3 and NEX-5
The upgrade and release notes (pdf) can be found here.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Sony World Photography Awards 2011 L’Iris D’Or and winners announced
Press release:
Sony World Photography Awards 2011 L’Iris D’Or and winners announced
www.worldphoto.org
• Argentinean photographer Alejandro Chaskielberg wins the coveted L’Iris D’Or Sony World Photography Awards Photographer of the Year 2011
• Chan Kwok Hung announced as overall Open winner
• Professional category winners and Student Focus Award winner revealed
• Bruce Davidson receives the Outstanding Contribution to Photography Award
Argentinean photographer Alejandro Chaskielberg has tonight, 27 April 2011, been announced as this year’s winner of the illustrious L’Iris D’Or, the 2011 Sony World Photography Awards Photographer of the Year. Over 105,000 images were entered into the 2011 competition from 162 countries. Chaskielberg was presented with the award during the Sony World Photography Awards Gala ceremony at the Odeon Leicester Square. Previously held at Cannes' prestigious Palais des Festivals, this is the first year that the awards have been held in London.
Beginning his career at the age of 18 as a photojournalist for a local newspaper, 34 year old Buenos Aires born Chaskielberg has spent 16 years developing a highly successful career as a photographer. His winning photographs offer a rare and insightful look into the lives of a community of islanders who live on the Parana River Delta. Devoting himself entirely to his ‘High Tide’ project, Chaskielberg lived with the islanders for two years, immersing himself in their daily life in order to document the way they live and work. Chaskielberg said of his series of striking night time portraits, “Using photography I have been able to present another version of the Parana River Delta and its community that has been photographically ignored throughout the years.”
Chaskielberg was chosen as the winner of the L’Iris D’Or by a panel of 12 judges. In addition to winning a $25,000 cash prize plus Sony digital SLR camera equipment, he joins previous L’Iris d’Or winners David Zimmerman, Vanessa Winship and Tommaso Ausili as a member of the World Photographic Academy. Attending the gala award ceremony at the Odeon Leicester Square, Chairman of the 2011 Honorary Judging Committee Francis Hodgson said, "The judging process is never straightforward when comparisons are made between imagery of so many different types on such a wide range of subjects. Yet this year's panel of judges found no great difficulty in agreeing to honour the powerful work of Alejandro Chaskielberg's series High Tide. These carefully directed pictures tell solid truths - about toil and communality and marginal economic survival - in a splendidly allusive way."
The Sony World Photography Awards Open Photographer of the Year title was awarded to Chan Kwok Hung for his stunningly dramatic image ‘Buffalo Race’. The 37 year old jewellery manufacturer from Hong Kong was at the awards ceremony to collect his $5,000 cash prize as well as Sony digital SLR camera equipment. Chan purchased his first SLR camera in 2006 and using books and the internet taught himself basic photography skills. He began to develop a passion for travelling to undeveloped places, and hearing about the buffalo race, Chan made a special trip to Indonesia in search of his spectacular image. After an early start and hours of waiting, Chan’s patience paid off, and what he describes as an unforgettable trip culminated with his winning photograph.
Other announcements on the night included the professional category winners, covering Current Affairs to Commercial, Travel to Fine Art Portraiture. Among the winners are Javier Arcenillas from Spain who, after being shortlisted in four categories, triumphed in the Current Affairs and Contemporary Issues categories, and the UK’s Adam Hinton, winner of the Commercial Campaign category, who began his photographic career at the age of 12 when his father bought him an SLR camera.
Astrid Merget, Creative Director, said: “Alejandro’s spectacular winning images are testimony to the incredibly high standard we have seen this year. We have been extremely impressed with the quality of entries across all categories, notably the standard of entries for the Open competition. The Student Focus Award also continues to flourish year on year and it is very exciting to be working with the next generation of photographer.”
Tatsuya Akashi, Vice President of Digital Imaging at Sony Europe, said: “This year's entrants have once again amazed and enthralled us with the sheer diversity and high caliber of entries submitted from across the globe. We would like to congratulate all the winners on their fantastic achievements."
The Winners’ Showcase is the flagship exhibition and one of several photography exhibitions running as part of the World Photography Festival at Somerset House, London, 26 April – 22 May. Featuring a vast collection of international contemporary photography, spanning genres including documentary, sport, portraiture, landscape, fashion and much more, the Showcase captures a unique view of the world in 2010/11 as recorded through the lens of winning photographers who entered this year’s competition.
Outstanding Contribution
A further highlight of tonight’s gala ceremony was ground-breaking photographer Bruce Davidson receiving the Outstanding Contribution to Photography Award. Davidson, 77, has a career spanning more than half a century, and is one of America’s most distinguished photographers. An exhibition of his work is being shown as part of the World Photography Festival at Somerset House. The exhibition, selected by Bruce Davidson with Simon Baker, curator of photography and international art, Tate, will include some of his most famous works from the East 100th Street and Circus collections.
Student Focus
Tonight’s Leicester Square event also saw student photographer Louis Boulet from École Nationale Supérieure Louis Lumiere, France announced as the winner of the Student Focus award. Recognised as the world’s most high-profile student photography prize and open to universities worldwide, Louis fought off fierce competition from entries from over 200 institutions across six continents.
Created in partnership with the Young Tate Online, Tate’s digital programme for young creative’s, photographers from each of the shortlisted institutions were given one month to produce a series of images on the subject of ‘Actions speak louder than words’ with Sony Alpha cameras. Having been flown to London to receive his prize, Louis has been awarded approximately 45,000 Euros worth of Sony digital imaging equipment for his school.
Focus Award 2011/12
Each year WPO collaborates with an international charity for the special Focus Award, dedicated to using photography in order to raise awareness on a particular global issue. As part of the ceremony, WPO and Sony announced a partnership for the 2011/12 Focus Award with Save the Children.
Chosen by the 2011 Honorary Judging Committee, chaired by Francis Hodgson, the professional category winners are:
PHOTOJOURNALISM & DOCUMENTARY
Current Affairs
• Winner: Javier Arcenillas (Spain)
• 2nd: Robin Hammond (New Zealand) / Panos
• 3rd: Ahmad Masood, (Afghanistan) / Reuters
Contemporary Issues
• Winner: Javier Arcenillas (Spain)
• 2nd: Christian Lutz (Switzerland) / Agence VU
• 3rd: Balazs Gardi (Hungary) / basetrack.org
People
• Winner: Alejandro Chaskielberg (Argentina)/ Michael Hoppen Gallery
• 2nd: Denis Rouvre (France)
• 3rd: Lucia Herrero (Spain)
Sport
• Winner: Pavel Wolberg (Israel)
• 2nd: Javier Arcenillas (Spain)
• 3rd: Palmer + Pawel (United Kingdom)
Arts and Culture
• Winner: Amit Madheshiya (India)
• 2nd: Tommaso Bonaventura (Italy)
• 3rd: Mahesh Shantaram (India)
COMMERCIAL
Campaign
• Winner: Adam Hinton (United Kingdom) / Saatchi & Saatchi
• 2nd: Richard Bailey (United Kingdom)
• 3rd: Tomg Meng (China)
Travel
• Winner: Liz Loh-Taylor (Australia)
• 2nd: Javier Arcenillas (Spain)
• 3rd: Andrew McConnell (Ireland) / Panos
Lifestyle
• Winner: Saja Seus (Germany)
• 2nd: Frank Bayh & Steff Rosenberger-Ochs (Germany)
• 3rd: Fabrizio Cestari (Italy)
FINE ART
Architecture
• Winner: Alnis Stakle (Latvia)
• 2nd: Frank Meyl (Germany)
• 3rd: Frank Bayh & Steff Rosenberger-Ochs (Germany)
Portraiture
• Winner: Alain Willaume (France)/ Tendance Floue /Galerie Vu
• 2nd: David Kretschmer (Germany)
• 3rd: Paolo Verzone (Italy) / Agence VU
Landscape
• Winner: Florence Iff (Switzerland)
• 2nd: Guido Castagnoli (Italy) / Periscope Creative
• 3rd: Frank Day (United States)
Still Life
• Winner: Renhui Zhao (Singapore)
• 2nd: Peter Franck (Germany)
• 3rd: Charles Emerson (United Kingdom)
Conceptual
• Winner: Paul Gisbrecht (Germany)
• 2nd: Ana Cop (Canada)
• 3rd: Zhongyin Gao (China)
Adobe updates Lightroom to 3.4 adds support for Fuji X100
Adobe has announced Lightroom 3.4 with additional camera support for several new camera models, including the Canon Rebel T3i (600D / Kiss X50), Nikon D5100 and Fuji FinePix X100. Additional updates include Adobe Camera Raw 6.4 for Photoshop, Photoshop Elements and DNG Converter 6.4
The updates can be found here .
Nikon updates 50mm f/1.8 to AF-S
After being inadvertently revealed briefly on the Nikon US website a week or so ago now the company has officially announced the AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G . Not only does the new 50mm boast similar spec to the AF-S 50/1.4G, with the inclusion of a SWM and M/A focus switch, the optical construction is a new 7-element design incorporating an asphere - an unusual addition at this level. Unlike the earlier AF-D offering, the new lens will autofocus on all Nikon DSLRs and will be available in June for a estimated price of $220 / £200 / 232 Euros inc tax.
Press release:
Evolution Of The Classic: The New AF-S Nikkor 50mm F/1.8G Lens
MELVILLE, N.Y. (April 27, 2011) -- Nikon Inc. today announced the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G lens, a fast, compact lens that affords photographers the versatility of the classic 50mm focal length and the benefits of a fast aperture for photos and D-movies. Whether a new D-SLR enthusiast or a seasoned pro, users will appreciate the tack-sharp image quality, extreme low-light performance, shallow depth of field and Nikon core technologies that improve upon the original to make a great lens even better.
"The 50mm lens has been a staple for photographers since the 35mm film days, and this new lens enables Nikon customers that shoot photos and movies to discover the creative benefits of this traditional focal length," said Lisa Osorio, general manager of marketing at Nikon Inc. "This f/1.8 prime lens offers exceptional image quality and control, and benefits from modern Nikon technologies to enhance performance such as the Silent Wave Motor and use of an aspheric lens - it's a very attractive package for any shooting discipline."
Lightweight, compact and affordable, this lens will easily become a favorite and find a home in any photographer's gear bag. With the unique ability to mimic the focal length of the human eye, the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G lens is ideal for travel, general photography, low-light, landscape shooting and portraiture. This lens continues the tradition of NIKKOR precision optics to provide photographers with sharp, high-resolution images and the ability to focus as close as 1.48 feet, with amazing depth of field control for intimate details. The integration of an ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor ensures fast, whisper-quiet AF operation, which is essential when recording movies. Optimized for Nikon FX-format cameras, this lens is also a great option for Nikon DX-format photographers seeking a fast, sharp lens for capturing images with amazing color and contrast.
The new 50mm f/1.8 lens construction consists of seven elements in six groups, with one aspherical lens element to reduce instances of coma and aberration, even when shooting wide open. A rounded diaphragm opening combined with the seven-blade aperture contributes to a substantially more circular bokeh for a more natural appearance of out-of-focus background elements. Additionally, instances of lens flare and chromatic aberration are suppressed using Nikon's exclusive Super Integrated Coatings, which also help ensure vividly accurate color balance.
The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G lens is scheduled to be available at Nikon authorized dealers beginning June 16, 2011 at an estimated selling price of $219.95.* For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
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