Adobe Elements 9 Released!

You can tell that Photokina is generating quite the buzz with all the product launches and announcements that have been leaking out recently.  Adobe is no different as they announced today the release of Photoshop Elements 9!

This is a great product and actually is my recommendation for the cost-conscious crowd when it comes to editing your photos.  While Lightroom is a great resource for managing your photos and doing the “quick edits”, sometimes you do need the power of layers and more heavy-lifting tasks that Lightroom just isn’t equipped to do.

To add Photoshop CS5 adds a pretty big hit to the wallet, and unless you either have deep pockets, really need it for graphic work, or have a LOT of photos to manipulate, Elements is a great low-cost alternative that gives you most of what the CS5 option has, with some notable restrictions.  Elements 9 retails for $99, but as always, I’ve got a treat for you!  You can save $20 off your purchase by using the affiliate link below (and thanks to Adobe for offering it to me to give to readers).

Adobe Photoshop Elements 9

There are bundles and Elements Premiere (video editing) options available too…so if you’ve got previous bundled or Premiere versions, use the following links to save $30!

Premiere Elements 9 – Save $20

Elements and Premiere Bundle – Save $30

The frenzy has started, and there’s money to be saved, so get in while the gettin’ is good!  Happy shooting and we’ll see you back here again tomorrow!

Free 3d Photo Maker

I don’t often do a weekend post, but every once and a while, and since I have reduced the blogging schedule somewhat, figured I’d share this little nugget here today.

A friend told me about a site that produces tons of free applications for things like video, audio and stuff – that I should check them out.  I took a look and sure enough – there’s literally dozens of apps they offer for free.  Now, my mantra is always that “you get what you pay for” but when I saw they had a photo-specific app, figured I had to at least try it.  It’s called 3-D Photo Maker, and is a pretty quick and easy download/install and to create the images.  (I don’t think there’s a Mac version as of yet.)

It’s a neat idea and I am not sure what algorithms they are using, but here’s the upshot of what it does.  You reference two images and it does some sort of processing to them that theoretically creates a 3-D look.  It was hard to tell the results because you do need those 3-D glasses to view the results, but on a first glance, it’s kind of neat.  Here’s a few sample screenshots from the program:

You Need the Glasses

Adding Images (w/ dropdown)

The Results (w/out glasses)

Finish Notificatoin

For those interested in trying it themselves, the download link is here:
Free 3D Photo Maker