Tidbits for June 2013
This is something I started last month. I will do one a month but with a twist. I’ll continue to add tidbits to this one page for the entire month.
June 17, 2013
MetaRAW Plugin Extends RAW Editor For Older Versions Of Photoshop and Photoshop Elements
Update your RAW editor for older Photoshop and Photoshop Elements with a new Plugin from The Plugin Site. Have you purchased a new digital camera and your version of Photoshop or Elements doesn’t support it? Problem solved with the MetaRaw plugin. More info at the Plugin Web Site.
June 10, 2013
Photo Contests Come With Risks
Many photography contests are simply photo grabs. The idea is to get a bunch of amateurs to enter their contest so to get free access to good photos. Photo Attorney explains in this post.
June 10, 2013
Two tips for the price of one.
1. Lightroom 5 is now on sale. Currently only the full boxed version is for sat at B&H Photo Video is taking orders even though they haven’t received any copies. At Adobe’s website you can purchase the upgrade version but I don’t see any link to purchase the full version. And you can only order the download version. No boxed version yet.
2. Here are some videos for both experienced Lightroom users and those just starting out. All the videos are from Abode and feature Julieanne Kost. she is probably the teacher, instructor out there for both Lightroom and Photoshop.
Photography Not Allowed Sir
Opening of the Broad Contemporary Art Building At LACMA
Yes I was told that I couldn’t take photos of the art because the owner of the art, Mr Eli Broad, would not allow it. This appears to be a common problem at museums across the country.
But everyone has some kind of photographic device, especially smartphone cameras. With large crowds it can get to the point that all the guards do is stop visitors from taking photos.
It’s frustrates me because I’m not after the art but the people viewing it, like the photo above. None the less I can’t take the photo. But wait I did. Yes we will still try to get the picture anyway. After all we have to share our experiences on every social media on the Web: Facebook, Tweeter, Tumblr, Flickr, etc. For me it’s my blog johnkrill.com. I’ve got to fill it with content, right?
Here’s an article on what museums around the country are trying to do about photography and art.
June 2013 Beginning Digital Photography SIG Report
Jacaranda Tree In Bloom
SIG Leader: John Krill #3160
Using Older LCD Projectors
My new laptop doesn’t have a VGA connector. It only has HDMI. The LCD projector doesn’t have HDMI. This meant I needed to get a converter from HDMI to VGA. I purchased one this month and the test was Sunday. It worked. Also the graphics in the laptop was smart enough to know that the resolution needed to be reduced for VGA and it matched the laptop to the LCD projector.
Now I need to remember to bring in my special audio cable and we can have sound as well.
Google+ Has A New Look
While showing some of the new features of Google+ I had seen just last week I was asked if the pictures in an album could be arranged in a specific order then shown as a slideshow? Yes you can. But when I tried I failed. What worked last week didn’t work Sunday. Turns out between last week and Sunday Google+ again changed the procedure. It’s really simple to do. Just select an album and then click the Organize button. Then just drag and drop the pictures into the order you want them. What we couldn’t do was change the settings for the slideshow. Basically you couldn’t set the duration for each photo to be seen on the screen.
I still say using Picasa in combination with Google+ is a great way to organize and share your photos.
Questions and Comments
Member Tip: One member needed to have some very small prints made so they could be used in a bracelet. Turns out all he had to do was go to his local photo store and they were able to make prints to the exact size needed. And the cost was small.
So if you have some weird print request don’t forget to check out the local photo store. They probably can deliver just what you need.
Smartphone Accessories: New products up popping up everyday. One member showed us a Web site (http://www.istabilizer.com) that has tripods and dollies for the iPhone. Seems that the smartphone is replacing the Point & Shoot camera.
Just do an image search for ‘iPhone Tripods’ and you will see hundreds of iPhone products.
Keep bringing in your questions. It really is the fun part of being a SIG Leader – answering question.
‘Guess Which Picture’ Challenge
I brought in two prints that were made with different cameras using different sensors and recording methods. The results of the comparison test is elsewhere on this blog.
July Meeting
We will take an extended look at Flickr. It’s changed but are the changes an improvement?
I still want to do a ‘Walk About.’ Didn’t I say that last month? Bring your camera and we’ll walk about and see what kind of picture taking problems we can find and maybe answer.
If you have specific picture taking problems then bring your camera and just maybe we can solve your problem.
Adobe Lightroom or A New SIG Maybe
I got so wrapped up in the Print Test that I forgot all about trying to start a new Lightroom SIG. No one showed up at Irvine Hall and complained about the lack of a meeting. So what follows is just a repeat of last month. I STILL want to try and get some kind of Lightroom SIG.
It will be at 12 Noon in Science 127. I plan to start at the very beginning and gradually go through the entire program in the coming months.
Or maybe only experienced Lightroom users will show up and we then can discuss just about anything related to Lightroom.
Or maybe it will be a little bit of both.
Sadly, for me, no one showed up for the May meeting. Maybe a little more publicity. Can’t give up yet.
If you’re interested in a Lightroom SIG then e-mail me at: noccc.bgphotosig@gmail.com
Standard Stuff That Is Always In This Report
If you have a special request for information regarding digital photography let me know. E-mail me using the address listed below.
Check out the SIG BLog for other information and maybe info on what we will discuss at the next meeting.
As always we will answer any and all questions.
If you have a special request for information regarding digital photography let me know. E-mail me using the address listed below.
We had 7 members at our SIG meeting.
See you at the next meeting.
Note: I am using a new Web location for the photos I take at the meeting. I now upload the photos I take to Microsoft SkyDrive. A link will be put here every month to the folder location with the current month’s photos.
SkyDrive Photos for the May 2013 Club Meeting:
http://sdrv.ms/12ZdaNh
Email: noccc.bgphotosig@gmail.com
About The Picture
The tree is a Jacaranda. This one is on Temple Hills Dr. in Laguna Beach, Ca. This is attempt number two. Better.
Is It Raw Or JPEG?
By John S. Krill NOCCC #3160
I’m a photographer. I worry about the content of a photograph and give little attention to all the technical mumbo/jumbo you see on the WEB. To this end I get really tired of all the EXPERTS telling us unenlightened what we really need to use in order to get that perfect photograph.
Well most of what they tell us is just bunk anyway.
To test my ‘Theory of Bunk’ I brought two 13X19 inch prints to the NOCCC monthly meeting and asked the membership to try and determine which print was from a 10MP sensor or a 16MP sensor. Which one was recorded in the camera as a JPEG image and which imaged was recorded as a RAW image. And finally I asked the group if they could tell which print was cropped.
I also gave the members a third option and that was ‘Undecided.’ I didn’t want any guessing.
I actually thought the cropped decision would be simple in that you really couldn’t crop a JPEG image and still have a good print. Right? Especially since the print was 13”X19”. But wait the results were really interesting.
So what happened? Here is the raw (Pun Intended.) data. For me it looks like a draw and considering how many voted ‘Undecided’ I would come to the conclusion that you CAN’T tell the difference between the two prints. Or it could be that the two cameras weren’t that far apart in the quality of the images they produced. The cameras were a Nikon D40X with a 10MP sensor (Picture 2) and a Nikon D5100 with a 16MP sensor (Picture 1.)
Picture 1 |
Picture 2 |
|
Sensor Size |
16MP |
10MP |
| 10 MP |
3 |
5 |
| 16 MP |
4 |
1 |
| Undecided |
3 |
3 |
File Type |
RAW |
JPEG |
| JPEG |
4 |
|
| RAW |
4 |
|
| Undecided |
6 |
6 |
Cropped |
No |
Yes |
| Yes |
3 |
1 |
| No |
2 |
|
| Undecided |
7 |
7 |
The Pictures? No I’m not going to show them because a JEPG version for the Web or for the Orange Bytes would result in photos that no one would be able to see any difference in quality. Photos on the Web will look great even using a smartphone. This is one time you just had to be there.
Tidbits for May 2013
This is something I’m starting this month. I will do one a month but with a twist. I’ll continue to add tidbits to this one page for the entire month.
May 30, 2013
What’s coming in the upgrade to Windows 8
Personally I’m glad the Start button is history or was history. But other changes are being made for Windows 8.1.
Read about what’s coming in Windows 8.1 here.
May 27, 2013
Do I really need that digital camera?
If all you’re doing is making 4X6 inch prints and posting to the Web then probably not. Just get a good smartphone and have at it.
Here’s a bunch of examples of the iPhone photos.
May 21, 2013
5 Things To Know About the New Flickr
Ted Forbes over at The Art of Photography has put up a post on what you need to know about the new Flickr. Ted is a good writer and does a good job of explaining things. I read him often and also view his videos. Check him out.
Here’s the link to his Yahoo post.
May 21, 2013
RAW or JPEG?
Reasons why one photographer shoots RAW most of the time.
What I tell people wanting to know which to use: If you don’t use any photo editing software or you shoot for web sites like Facebook or Flickr then JPEG is what you should be using. Otherwise use RAW.
May 20, 2012
So What Are The Differences Between Photoshop And Elements?
I’ve always wondered what was missing from the cheaper version of Photoshop. After all $99 retail price for Photoshop Elements is way less than the $609 for Mac or the $649 for Windows for Photoshop.
Wonder no longer. Someone at the Adobe forums is compiling a list of differences.
May 15, 2013
Adobe publicly confirms stand-alone future for Lightroom
Adobe Product Manager Tom Hogarty stressed that Adobe has, ‘no plans to make Lightroom subscription-only at any point in the future.’ The statement, made in light of the overwhelming response to Adobe’s Creative Cloud announcement last week, was made during a Google+ Hangout today in which both Hogarty and Lightroom PM Sharad Mangalick responded to audience questions.
May 14, 2013
Windows 8.1 Due In Late June
Today at the JP Morgan Technology, Media & Telecom Conference in Boston, Tami Reller shared with the audience that the update previously referred to as “Windows Blue” will be called Windows 8.1and will be a free update to Windows 8 for consumers through the Windows Store.
May 9, 2013
Scott Kelby on Adobe’s Announcements at the MAX Conference
If you’re a user of any of Adobe’s CS software bundles then you should read this question and answer post by Scott Kelby.
May 7,2013
The Five Stages of the Camera Buying Process
You want or need a new camera and aren’t sure of the best process to use in deciding on and purchasing said new camera. Here’s a blog post that just may help you solve your dilemma. Read and weep.
Or just go out and buy the dang thing.
May 6, 2012
Adobe heralds subscription-only future for Photoshop and Creative Suite
Amazon is having a Gold Sale of the 3M Streaming Projector Powered by Roku (SPR1000.)
The portable ultra-compact 3M Streaming Projector Powered by Roku allows you to wirelessly stream your favorite online movies onto a 120-inch projection field. The rechargeable battery runs for up to 2.5 hours (on eco mode) between charges.
Sale Price: $169.99.
May 2, 2013
The High Cost Of HDMI Cables
First up this month is HDMI cables. Why do they cost so much? I’ve been of the opinion that merchants, including Fry’s Electronics, charge a hefty price because we have been told over and over that any HDMI cable is an expensive thing to build. It is really? The least expensive HDMI cable at Fry’s was $16.00 for a 6′ cable with most 6′ HDMI cables in the $30.00 range. So the question is can we do better?
Amazon to the rescue.
Amazon is selling two, I repeat 2, 2-meter HDMI cables for $9.99. Even with shipping and tax this is still cheaper than any local store’s price. And that’s FOR 2, I repeat two, HDMI cables.
I’m currently using one of the two HDMI cables I purchased from Amazon and it works just fine. The second one I needed for the club meetings.
![AmazonBasics 2-Pack, High-Speed HDMI Cables 6.5 feet -- Supports Ethernet, 3D, and Audio Return [Newest Standard]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41tWLforR0L.jpg)
Lightroom Develop Module
Note: I am now trying to start an Adobe Lightroom SIG. Since I have an existing BLog for the Beginning Digital Photography SIG I will be using this BLOG for both SIGs. SIG leader John Krill 3160.
The primary module of Lightroom is the Library. You will live or die by how well you use this module. But for the individual picture the Develop module is its master. The problem is this is the place we all are probably the weakest in skill. Where to start in learning the Develop module is a good overall tutorial from someone who is well verse in the product and is a good speaker. I don’t know how many of these online video lectures I’ve watched that ends up being a disorganized presentation is far to many too count.
Then there is Tim Grey. His presentation on the Develop module, Optimizing Photos in Lightroom, from B&H Photo Video is the first video I have seen that explains what is available in the Develop module and how to use it tops anything I’ve seen to date.
I’ve embedded the video here but you can also watch it on Youtube.
May 2013 Beginning Digital Photography SIG Report
SIG Leader: John Krill #3160
Windows 8
Is it two computers in one? Your traditional Intel based Windows and a version of Microsoft’s new OS, Windows RT, for their tablet and phone. Is Microsoft trying to sell its new OS, Windows RT, to the masses? Trying to convince us its OK to try something new?
Currently I use only two apps from the RT side – Twitter and Solitaire. Less often the Nook and Kindle readers. That’s it. I’m still a die hard Windows user. Love my desktop. Love the disappearing taskbar. And can’t get enough of Adobe Lightroom 4.3. And soon Adobe Lightroom 5 will be here.
Questions and Comments
Member Tip: Ever get your prints back from wherever you sent your pictures to be printed and can’t figure out what they’re from or who is on them? Well part of the solution is here right in your own backyard. It’s Costco. See Costco prints the image file name on the back of every print. So all you have to do is search for that image by file name and then you can probably figure out what they’re of. Repeat I said probably.
Keep bringing in your questions. It really is the fun part of being a SIG Leader – answering question.
The Real Advantages Of The Digital Age
Do I want to go back to the film days? Not on your life. Never happen. Build another wet darkroom? Nope. Make silver based black and white prints? I was a good production printer but if you needed a really fine archival print I wasn’t your boy. I think I only made 2 11X14 inch prints for myself ever. If you wanted to do 11×14 inch prints that meant getting bigger trays. You needed at least 4 trays. That meant you needed a bigger sink to hold the four bigger trays. With the bigger sink you now need a bigger darkroom. You getting the picture?
And that was just for making black and white prints. Color was a completely different picture. Starting with a special color enlarger. I’ll stop there.
Now in the digital age I make 13×19 inch color prints all the time. My darkroom? It’s in my computer plus a good photo-printer. The total cost of the computer with software plus the printer is much less than building a complete darkroom. It’s also cleaner and doesn’t smell.
I still like to produce black and white prints. Adobe made big improvements with Lightroom 4. Now I can make black and white prints from my color digital images that get very close to what I like to see in a black and white print.
In short digital is just plain fun.
Microsoft Surface Pro
The Surface Pro is the Windows version of the Surface. Now you can run your windows apps on the Surface. Apps like Adobe Lightroom. Cost for the Surface Pro, $899 with 64GB storage or $999 with 128GB storage, is a problem for me but maybe, just maybe.
To see what it’s all about just do a search for Microsoft Surface Pro
June Meeting
I’m considering a ‘Walk About.’ Didn’t I say that last month? Bring your camera and we’ll walk about and see what kind of picture taking problems we can find and maybe answer.
If you have specific picture taking problems then bring your camera and just maybe we can solve your problem.
Also we are going to have a ‘Guess Which Picture’ challenge.
Adobe Lightroom or A New SIG Maybe
I want to start a SIG for Adobe Lightroom. It will be at 12 Noon in Science 127. I plan to start at the very beginning and gradually go through the entire program in the coming months.
Or maybe only experienced Lightroom users will show up and we then can discuss just about anything related to Lightroom.
Or maybe it will be a little bit of both.
Sadly, for me, no one showed up for the May meeting. Maybe a little more publicity. Can’t give up yet.
If you’re interested in a Lightroom SIG then e-mail me at: noccc.bgphotosig@gmail.com
PS: I just realized that would mean TWO SIG reports.
Standard Stuff That Is Always In This Report
If you have a special request for information regarding digital photography let me know. E-mail me using the address listed below.
Check out the SIG BLog for other information and maybe info on what we will discuss at the next meeting.
As always we will answer any and all questions.
If you have a special request for information regarding digital photography let me know. E-mail me using the address listed below.
We had 6 members at our SIG meeting.
See you at the next meeting.
Note: I am using a new Web location for the photos I take at the meeting. I now upload the photos I take to Microsoft SkyDrive. A link will be put here every month to the folder location with the current month’s photos.
SkyDrive Photos for the May 2013 Club Meeting:
http://sdrv.ms/10B1VaJ
SIG BLog:
http://nocccbgphotosig.wordpress.com/
Email: noccc.bgphotosig@gmail.com
