May 11 2008
Posted by Bob under Uncategorized
May 09 2008
Posted by Bob under Friday Favorite, Image Post
Friday Favorite
It’s been a long week with a business trip in the middle just to make it interesting. But I did find a little bit of shooting time down in Maryland. Here is my favorite from that shoot.
May 07 2008
Posted by Bob under Image Post
Maryland Pond
I was on a business trip in Maryland the last two days. This morning I got up to go running around a pond near the hotel. The sun was just rising to there was great light. I didn’t get far on my run before I turned around and went back to get my camera. Here are a couple of the results.
May 06 2008
Posted by Bob under General Post
Street Photography - Joe’s NYC
I enjoy taking my camera out during my lunch hour in NYC but overall street photography is not my “thing”. But I do appreciate good street work when I see it. And one of the best street shooters I’ve seen is Joe Holmes of “Joe’s NYC” photoblog fame. Joe’s blog is one of the first p-blogs that I came across when I started getting involved with digital photography and blogging. I think I have seen every images he has posted every since. Here is the link to Joe’s site. Here is a recent example of his images:
May 05 2008
Scott Kelby Event - Summary
I really had a good time at the event. As Scott said during the talk, the B&H store in Manhattan is INCREDIBLE. I managed to get out after the event without spending any money, but mostly only because there was a long line at the checkout and I had to get back to work.
Being at the talk with Scott was very much like reading one of his books. Entertaining, informative, and “real”. Once Scott determined that the large screen at the front of the room was not very good quality, he was bluntly honest about it and just pointed us to the other monitors. After all, the whole point of the talk was about getting accurate colors, contract, etc. If he had tried to continue with the poor screen we wouldn’t have learned as much.
What was different than the books was seeing a true Photoshop expert move through the user interface in real time. I don’t think I know ANY piece of software as well as Scott knows this stuff. Truly incredible. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised since Scott has written over 50 books (many of which are on Photoshop).
As for the 7-Point system, I pre-ordered the book before it was available, and read it in a few hours. (Not because it is short but because I really got into it). There are very impressive what I call “image transformations” throughout the book. I continue to struggle with my workflow (the topic of a promised coming post) and this book was very helpful. My skills with Photoshop are getting better but I can’t decide whether to give up my Capture NX and whether or not to adopt Lightroom as well. Today’s talk gave me some more to think about in that respect.
I found myself wishing I could have stayed for the other sessions today on Lightroom, etc. but alas I had to return to my day job…….
Thanks Scott (and B&H)!
May 05 2008
Kelby Event Live Blog #5
Getting near the end of the session. Scott’s showing some neat “moves” he uses to adjust colors, shadows, etc. using LAB color mode. People are asking questions. Someone asked a question that was way off topic. Scott was gracious and stopped and answered the question with a different image, etc….. then returned, along with some joking (sort of) about the diversion…..
I’m wondering if I’m going to get trampled so I’m going to pack up my camera and laptop now. I will post a summary in a while.
One last photo before I shut down…..
May 05 2008
Kelby Event Live Blog #4
Well, cool. During the break Scott signed my book. I got the shot below of him talking to another guy in the crowd.
Of course, there was a lot I would have wanted to chat with Scott about, including his reference in his recent “5’s list” about wanting to write the book that “He wants me too” but there was a long line. But the few moments we had were great and he was very gracious. Thanks Scott.
May 05 2008
Kelby Event Live Blog #3
Scott’s talking about how its always better to overexpose than to underexpose. I’ve heard the opposite before, but he’s right because it helps you avoid amplifying noise in the dark regions.
He says the Contrast Slider in Camera Raw is for LOSERS. Phew, glad I don’t use it…….
Now he says the guy that invented the Vibrance Slider algorithm has never had a date…..
Now we’re taking a break. I hope I can get Scott to sign my copy of “7-Points”.
May 05 2008
Kelby Event Live Blog #2
Scott is (almost) as funny in person as in his books. 
He’s talking about adjusting white balance. There are monitors around the room and a main screen in the front. The color on the main screen isn’t too good so everyone is having to turn to the side to see the correct colors. Minor problem. I don’t mind. Here is the good monitor on the side wall.
May 05 2008
Kelby Event Live Blog #1
Well, I made it. This place is packed. People on a waiting list.
Scott is sitting in the front. Hard to see him sitting. Hopefully he’ll stand some of the time…..
They are introducing him. Turn your cellphones off, where are the restrooms, etc. etc……
NOTE: I’m a little embarrased by these photos. The lighting wasn’t good and I shot in .jpg low resolution so I could quickly upload and then post them. Given that the event was about turning “bad” images into great images using Scott’s tips I’d say that all of these are candidates for a little “7-Points” magic. Help me Scott!