After a freaky Friday yesterday filled with podcast-associated technical difficulties including broken URL’s, missing media, and quieter than normal audio, the idea of writing a blog post for the day completely slipped my mind. So, the awaited hardware review for the week got pushed back a little, as well as the announcement of the winner of the Scott Kelby Digital Photography book, volume 3!
The former is a little to late to push out on a Saturday, but the latter is accomplished easily enough, so I turned to my trusty Random Number Generator website (which I learned about from friend-of-the-blog Datchichfirgs), and entered the post count total into the fields. With a whopping 29 entries (double the previous post comment record), I gotta admit, it was kind of a rush!
And, without further ado, the moment you’ve been waiting for, and sans drumroll (unless you want one here), the winner is none other than poster #19:
Mary Angelini! Her clever response posted above wins her the book! (And I kind of like the off-beat stuff from time to time myself – at least it means people are reading) Congrats to Mary – please email me so I can get some information and get this book out to you!
For the 28 that didn’t win, don’t forget, there’s still the Flickr LDP monthly giveaway – simply submit a photo (or two or three) to the Flickr Group to have a chance at the bundle of prizes for the November giveaway, including a $25 B&H gift card, a book from author Matthew Bamberry, and a DVD for the Best of Photoshop User – 11th Season.
Thanks to everyone for participating in the Comment Contest, thanks to NAPP for sending out the book, and we’ll have another one soon – that was a lot of fun! In the meantime, keep on shooting, have a great (rest of the) weekend, and we’ll see you back here on Monday!
The folks at Personal Life Media are having some technical difficulties with podcast content and it is still unavailable for listening. S, until they sort things out, an old school MP3 download is available here. I’ve also edited the previous post to include the download there too. My apologies for the hiccup from PLM. Thanks for your patience all!
Last week we looked at 5 different ways to create compelling captures here on the blog. Well, today the latest podcast is available where we go into a little more granularity on the subject. A little dash of some photo news and tidbits are thrown in too, but more importantly, the previously hyped and promoted conversation with David DuChemin is now live and ready for your listening enjoyment. We look not only at how to create compelling captures, but also at how the idea of controversy fits into the picture. Can controversial pictures make for more compelling images? What defines controversy? Is it the photographer, the conditions, the viewer, or something else altogether?
David and I also talk about his travels, share a few anecdotes, and look at the world of photography in new and exciting ways – coming at things creatively rather than technically. Lots of great stuff for your listening enjoyment. Here’s the show notes for Episode #33 of Learning Digital Photography:
That’s it for today, make sure you get the podcast from either the download link over at PLM, or via iTunes and let me know what you think! Happy shooting and we’ll see you back here again tomorrow!
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PODCAST ALERT!!!
The hosting folks are having some technical difficulties, so please bear with them as they sort things out – in the meantime, the ad-free podcast can be downloaded as an mp3 file here!
UPDATE: Now that TinEye is in Beta, an invitation is no longer needed to try the service. Still no charge, and worth the time to register (also free), so make sure you stop in and sign up for this today!
The truth? That’s right, this post is all about the truth in digital photography. “What? Is there a hidden truth?” I know, that’s what you all are asking, but no, it’s not hidden, just something we don’t take into account too often and that is the use of our images either without our permission or consent. For many photogs, the use of their photo can elicit excitement: “Hey look, I floated up to the top of the Flickr Explore thread!” I myself got a little excited at the possibility of having my images used in a magazine (They never were selected, but that’s another story…) Meanwhile, others may find their images start popping up on questionable websites, where their images are used to sell everything from cars to prescription drugs and homes, and all sorts of stuff. I know, these trolls are just a painful part of the internet age…but we’re talking more than trolls here. Legitimate websites are starting to use web crawlers to pull images from various sites to use in their own online marketing.
There was a well-publicized case last year I think about a cellular company in Australia that culled images from Flickr for a marketing campaign. After some outcry, they pulled the images, and photographers were compensated. Well, it’s now hit the U.S. too – Toyota recently caught some flack over the same issue.
So, what can we do? Well, the efforts of the Flickr faithful kept this car company honest with the outcry, and it looks like they are coming clean – but that’s just one site. How could you possibly troll the internet for mis-use of your images? You can’t, but TinEye can! What’s Tineye, you ask? It’s pretty cool, and is the subject of this weeks software review:
TinEye is very much like the web crawlers in that it crawls the web, looking for nothing more than images. The text on websites? Doesn’t care… The CSS, HTML, JS, PHP, and all of the rest of that jibberish code on websites? Doesn’t matter…nope, it’s just images. But, what makes it cool is that Tineye will look at those photos in comparison to ones YOU PROVIDE! That’s right, simply upload an image to Tineye, and the beta web application will scan more than a billion images online to see if your matches any in use.
While a great idea, even a billion images is mere drop in the bucket by todays standards, and if it grows as it could, this could become a very useful way to look up not only photo uses, but also seek out copyright violations, and et photo buyers in touch with those of us selling photos – the photographers! Here’s how it works:
Find someone that can give you an invite. (They don’t have a lot of invites – I have 1 of two left…so you will likely have to ask someone that already has it to give you one of thiers..)
Once you are invited, simply register, and then download the plugin for your browser of choice – they have them for Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari.
Then, if you want to see your image usage online, grab a photo of yours and upload to the Tineye scanners – within seconds, they will find any other uses.
Here’s a few screenshots of what things look like once you are registered:
Login
So, here’s the upper right corner of your screen once you are invited and logged in. Now, just navigate to toe homepage, and use the dialog to upload an image and search:
Upload DiaogHomepage Dialog
So, basically, click the button and select a folder off your computer or use a URL to a specific image, and then click on the “Search” button…then let Tineye do the rest.
I tried two different images, and one came up as in use on the internet (my own site, so Phew!), and the other returned no results.
Photo Usage based on Tineye
Not in use
So, this means that (for me), it seems like no one has appropriated or taken anything without permission..yet. Do you want to put your images at risk? With the simple addition of a browser plugin for FF, IE, or other browser of your choice:
Plugins
So, find an invite, download today, and keep a list – it just might save (or make) you a lot of time and frustration using other techniques to protect your images online with things like copyright graphics, embedded EXIF and password information, and all that jazz. I’d highly recommend this software even though it’s still in beta – simply because of the reward vs consequences it can offer. Remember though, this is just my thoughts on this software – others could differ greatly so make sure you do your research and know wht kinds of limits this has (all software has limits it’s just a matter of keeping current with updates – if you are a pro photographer, you may want to consider using additional methods like watermarking and entering EXIF data).
After all, this is still in Beta and not to be used in lieu of adding copyright, exif, and contact information to your photos – actually, it’s meant to encourage it, simply because it can save you a lot of grief and headaches down the road. Think I’m wrong? Disagree? Agree? Sound off in the comments – would love to hear your thoughts as well!
In the meantime, couple contest nuggets here you:
The Scott Kelby Digital Photography Book Vol.3 book giveaway is the latest comment Contest frenzy to hit the blog so don’t miss out on our chance – make sure you enter today! Good luck to everyone! The other is the November Fickr Photo thread, feel free to upload here just make sure you are saving our images as low res and to the correct pix sizes! Good luck here as well…in the meantime, keep on taking good shots – hope all yours are good ones! See you back here tomorrow!
In the interests of giving people enough time to participate, here is the awaited review of Scott Kelby’s Digital Photography Book, Volume 3. To be eligible to win this book, simply comment on this post – you have until Friday to make a comment – the winner will be announced then. One entry only per person, and free shipping to anywhere in the US. If you live outside the US you can still participate, but shipping won’t be free. Details to follow for the winner… Good luck all and thanks to those at NAPP and Kelby Media for sending the book out (little did they know I’d be turning around and giving it away again). So, ready for the “review”? Here goes:
Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Book, Vol. 3
The relatively recent release of Scott Kelby’s latest book on photography has met well with readers and reviewers so when I got an opportunity to read through it in some detail, figured this would be a good time to give a Canon-centric rundown.
First off, the book is interestingly organized. Scott’s impressive background with Photoshop has lent itself well toward his particular writing style in that a work flow of sorts can be how reading material is organized. With photography, a “work flow” is not as easy to adhere to because things will vary from one type of environment to another. There are some basics that will be the same across the board, and given the layout of this third volume, I am guessing he found a flow for the first book or two. For this third book though, it’s not typical “Kelby-esque” style writing. Sure, the wit still comes through, and for those accustomed to his writing style, this is a welcome element. The flow aspect being different though, takes some adjusting. To that end, here’s how the book is laid out in its chapter organization:
Flash Tips
Studio Tips
Lens Tips
Product Photography
Outdoor Photography
Portrait Photography
Sports Photography
General Photo Tips
Avoiding/Dealing with Problems
Because in previous works, I have been accustomed to reading something like a story as things easily transition from one element to the next, this was a bit more challenging at first. Once I made the shift to this new style, it became easier – so, my recommendation, read this book more as a quick reference guide. The tips, tricks, and pointers he gives on all subjects are spot on for the specific subject matter. The content shifts quickly though with each tip lasting about a page (and this includes graphics).
When all is said and done though, would I recommend this as a book to read? I can honestly say that though I’ve probably advanced past his introductory books, this is definitely a keeper. Not only are there some great tips in here, but they aren’t just cheesy ones like “Don’t forget to take your lens cap off…” These are real tips, true gristle that you can sink your teeth into. Want to know how to use mirrors? Scott tells you! How about what to do if your flash isn’t bright enough? Scott tells you! There’s even nuts and bolts info on things like how to get specific effects with your photography in all genres of work. I think what I like best is that he actually goes through some of the specifics for both Nikon (his camera gear of choice) and Canon equivalents, for camera and lighting settings. This way no one is left out (unless you shoot Pentax, but then even there, the tips for photography still apply.)
The last element I think is worth mentioning is that while this book is not complete on any given subject matter, that it is still a good choice because now you aren’t trying to get everything out of one book – you get nuggets and tricks and tools for any genre that can help you. Even if you knew everything in this book at one point in time, it would still be useful because we all need reminders every once and a while, so this is one to be sure to hold on to. Scott gives enough detail to get you started in whatever field interests you – or even enough to take you from beginner to serious hobbyist, or even to maintain your skills as a general reference guide. Is it too late? Can I retract the “Comment Contest” and keep the book? No worries – out it goes for some lucky reader.
I do feel that I should give some fair warning here though – this book is not for beginners. If you’ve got a few things down, some of the basics of gear and lighting, and known your rules of composition, then yes, jump right in, the water is warm. If the terms I just mentioned are somewhat new or you are still getting them down pat – you might want to start with his Volume 1 or Volume 2 book (or even just keep reading the blogs – I know a few good ones! 🙂 )
So, there you have it – thanks to Scott for putting out yet another must-read book (what’s he at, like 60 books now?). Thanks also to Kelby media for sending this one out – I wasn’t sure if it would come or not. And lastly, now it’s time to share your thoughts…did you like it? Did it stink? Needed more? Needed less? About right? Should he switch to Canon and leave the Nikonians behind? (Ok, just kidding on that last one…) But sound off – this is your chance to win the book for free!
Happy shooting all, and thanks in advance for all that stop in to comment – don’t forget the month long contest going on over at Flickr to win a bunch of prizes including some more stuff from NAPP. It’s in the Flickr tab up at the top, but I’ll link here again for convenience sake! We’ll see you back here again tomorrow!
This week is shaping up to be an exciting one here at CB/LDP. Here’s what’s in store for the upcoming week, both on the blog, and for the podcast:
Hardware Review
Software Review
Podcast Publication
Comment Giveaway for Scott Kelby Digital Photography Book, Vol. 3
So, with four days of the week already accounted for, what the heck am I doing on here talking about it rather than doing it? Well, if you are reading this via feed, then get yerself on over to the blog, because something should look drastically different to you! That’s right, the blog has gone through a major update in layout and design change. As you can see, the upper right has a rotating gallery of images, so each time you come back, you will see a new image featured in your browser. You will also notice the headline looks a lot cleaner with tabbed links to major sources of content, including an About Page, a Flickr Page (for contest news and such), and soon to come is the Digital Photography page. A slight shift in layout is taking place there in development mode and will roll out soon with dedicated galleries, client contact forms, and bunches of other stuff. I will also be incorporating a podcast link across the header so you can get your latest fix of podcast news from there as well.
I know, it’s a lot to take in, but I seriously would like some feedback. Is there anything substantial missing that you used to like or enjoy? What about stuff you would like to see (excluding the teaser info above about what’s forthcoming)? Is it too empty? Need more color? I am trying to take advantage of the appeal of “negative space”, but at the same time, don’t want it to be too boring. What would you (the readership) like to see? Sound off in the comments, and who knows what may come of it! 🙂
Here’s a sample view for the feed readers to entice you to seriously stop in for a critique-style visit to the blog:
With the blog updates nearly complete, and the schedule kind of “leaked” a little early for the week, I’ll leave you in the dark as to when each item will come out, so just keep on stopping in for your daily fix. In the meantime, keep on shooting and we’ll see you back here tomorrow for…well, you’ll have to stop in to see, won’t ya? 🙂
Don’t forget the Flickr contest now underway…it’s linked in the header (remember that?) navigation, but here’s a quick link for the less adventerous: November Contest
As you may or may not recall, Scott Kelby held the 2nd annual Worldwide Photowalk this past September in cities all over the world. This is sure to become an annual staple for the folks at Kelby Media and NAPP due to the popularity of it, and with good reason.
Well, during this most recent one, I had the honor of having my image selected as the city’s winner, so was in the running for the grand prize which was just a prize package that no other giveaway could ever hope to compare to. It was really insane. No surprise though that from all the beautiful images submitted from various cities that Denver was not really high in the “cream of the crop” list. Nonetheless, it was cool for the notoriety.
So, what makes this so cool? Well, yes it was fun being recognized but in addition, each city winner also was to receive a copy of Scott’s Digital Photography Book, Vol. 3. After a month or two had passed, I was reading another book about photography when it dawned on me that I never heard anything after the worldwide photowalk. A quick chat with the walk leader and a visit to the website and I realized that addresses were supposed to be submitted by a due date so that the books could be shipped out…and I had missed it.
“But, that’s not cool….” is probably what you are thinking. Perhaps not, but believe it or not, when I called over to the folks at NAPP with just an inquiry: “Is it too late?”, they were generous enough to not only take my address just in case, but to see the book arrive at my doorstep the other day was just another impressive feather in their cap from my perspective. Now that is an organization that stands behind its members…!
So, in the interests of paying it forward, I did a very gentle read of the book, and took some notes so that you can get a good summary review here on the blog. But how is that paying it forward? Well, when the book gets a review some time next week, by commenting on that post, you will be entered to win the book itself. I promise you, it’s still in pristine condition, and you will want to read the review as there’s some good stuff to keep an eye out for.. In closing, I’d like to express my thanks and shout outs to Scott Kelby and the folks at NAPP for their generosity…truly a class act!
As we head into the weekend, here’s a little throwaway photo I thought was kinda neat from the sun as it rose this morning while out on my morning ritual with the four-legged one!
Sunrise Reflection
Have a great weekend all – Happy Shooting and we’ll see you on Monday!
Just a few news nuggets today of some things that have been going on and simmering on the proverbial stove for the past few weeks. Many of these are now starting to bubble up to the surface, so here’s a little hint as to what I’ve been up to, and what is ahead for the blog and podcast… Continue reading “A Look Ahead…”→
We always are striving to make our images more compelling – to bring the viewer in closer, and to connect better wit our audience. I have had people ask me pretty much the same thing, but in may different ways and it basically comes down to the something like this: “I get the technical, but it’s the creative side of making compelling images that gets me stuck – what can you suggest?”
It’s the age-old question, and if I had all the answers, well, I’d be filthy rich! The reason this is the case is because what is compelling or inspiring for one person will be different for another, and yet another, and even a fourth or fifth person. The truth of the matter is that there is no magical silver bullet of what to do to create compelling images…but there are some things that we, as photographers, can rely on as starting points in our search for compelling captures. Here’s 5 compelling capture tips that I’ve come up with:
Color – striking colors are always noticeable. We see the world in shades, tones and nuances of color, so seek out those types of images where color is powerful. D0 this, and your chances of creating compelling captures increases exponentially!
Light – Surprise surprise! I’ve talked about light before, and it’s influence in photography (it’s all about light in photography, even the word itself translates partially as light). Find powerfully lit scenes and you’ve found a compelling moment.
Emotion – Photo journalism relies on this more than any other genre, but if you want to tell a story with your images, one way to do so is to evoke a sense of emotional connection. Bringing out the emotion in the viewer by presenting scenes that are filled with emotionally charged elements – whether it’s a controversial image of a war zone, or the passion of a mother and her unborn child, these types of scenes stay wit us for a reason, because of the emotion tied to it.
Action – In the words of Joe McNally, “action trumps everything.” Action shots also connect with the viewer because it speaks to a particular moment in time more than anything else. That moment a soccer player connects their foot wit a ball, or the moment a bullet shatters a wine glass – it’s something that sparks interest in the viewer, and cannot be ignored as a source of compelling interest.
Eyes – Spoken from the rulebook of a true portraitist, when you have the faces of people or animals in an image – make sure you can see their eyes. Remember, like the old saying goes, “The eyes are the windows to the soul”, and if you want viewers to connect with an image, one of the most compelling ways to connect with a portrait is to give a hint of what’s inside, and that is almost always done through the eyes of the subject.
So, there you have it – 5 ways to create compelling images. These are, of course, adages, and there will be exceptions to these rules at times, but as a general rule of thumb, these tips can help you create compelling captures. There’s also more to it than these 5 ideas, because you know that no single person can completely encompass the ideas behind what creates compelling captures. So, I would invite you to share your own ideas for what you look to in creating those decisive moments? Is it something here? Is there something else you look to for inspiration or to capture something compelling? What captures your interest when you look at pictures? Sound off in the comments!
Don’t forget, the November contest has started and a literal bundle of prizes is at stake for some lucky participant so get your creative caps on and throw an image (or two or three) in the Flickr thread. If you don’t play, you can’t win! 🙂 Until tomorrow then, keep on shooting those compelling images. Thanks for stopping in and we’ll see you then!
It’s kind of funny how things go in circles. As a regular reader of the Strobist website (as I am sure many of you are), I found it interesting that David was covering the RayFlash from ExpoImaging and comparing it to other styles of ringflahses over the last couple of days. The reason for my interest – today I am actually going to share with you some thoughts on the RayFlash specifically. Continue reading “Let Me Light the Way”→
Mary Angelini! Her clever response posted above wins her the book! (And I kind of like the off-beat stuff from time to time myself – at least it means people are reading) Congrats to Mary – please email me so I can get some information and get this book out to you!
