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October 30, 2008

ID#78: The Image Doctors

Rick and Jason discuss Yosemite National Park.

Looking for an Image Doctors Episode? Check the show archives here.

Download The Image Doctors #78 (NPC-ID-2008-10-30.m4a; 53:50; 15.9MB; MP4 format)

Show Notes: October 30, 2008

3:46 Shooting in Yosemite National Park

31:37 Long Lens Technique, Part II

50:04 Photo Prescription: Attract birds with an iPod

Links:
Singh-Ray Vari N-Duo filter
William Neill phototography
Rick's Yosemite images

For the MP3 version of this podcast (audio only) click here (18.6MB).

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Image Doctors directly in iTunes.
[RSS] Add the Image Doctors feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically to you.
[Vote] Vote for us on Podcast Alley!

Posted by drjay32 at 6:00 AM

October 28, 2008

JungleJim shares PhotoPlus impressions

Nikonians Platinum member Jim Nichols (JungleJim) has had a very busy month of October. He has been on the road, starting the month at the 8th Annual Nikonians Photo Adventure Trip (ANPAT) in Yosemite Valley, and concluding with the PDN Magazine PhotoPlus Conference + Expo at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City last week. Jim was taking notes during his PhotoPlus Expo trip....


.....and he's graciously agreed to share them with us:

The show opened to the public on a glorious fall Thursday. I had the better part of the day to check out the show floor.
Nikon-booth_350.jpgUpon entering the Javits Center, Nikon Corp. had a very large area to the left of the doors and competed for my visual attention with the Canon booth. Guess all is as it should be within the photo industry. Also looking big were Casio, Sony, HP, Epson, as well as many of the accessory companies. All in all, I agree with the show publicity that there was much to see for all.

Although most of the major vendors had chosen Photokina to launch major product announcements, I did find a few to whet your appetite for NAS (Nikon Acquisition Syndrome or GAS (General Acquisition Syndrome). My major impression from the show was that video and still photography are on a road to a merger. Nikon with the D90, Canon with the EOS 5D MKII large pixel format model, as well as even Casio are showing their camera's video capabilities. I think all future cameras will be including these specs. It was not enough to know all the current digital terms, but now we will add many more videographer terms. I'm hoping Nikon soon shows us more full frame pixel models like the D3/D700 platforms or they might soon be seen as playing follow the leaders to Canon, Leica, Sony.

Notables from the show include:
LOWEPRO - www.lowepro.com (but not on their website yet)
A couple of new hardware products I found are the Lowepro "Classified AW" Series of 4 new bags designed by and for photojournalists. They looked to be a good, waterproof design with a unique design of folding top not seen another bags. Also introduced is the Lens Trekker 600AW which holds a 600mm with body or 800mm lens sans body. Nice if you have one of those.

BODABAGS - www.goboda.com
A new release for Boda Bags was a unique side holster model in both large and junior sizes. Check out their nice web flash product show.

VIDEO PERCH - www.videoperch.com
VideoPerch_350.jpgThis is a light and easy universal mounting arm. Retailing at $79, it allows a camera to be clamped to many surfaces with a flat clamp. Great for windows, edges, and other structures. Designed by a couple of golfers to hold a video camera, it is something I had not seen before. After my input and them seeing my Arca Swiss style plate on my D300, they agreed to add a non quick release option and will look into this new to them style of quick release.

BLURB - www.blurb.com
Here is what I found to be the best in class of the book self publishers.
The quality was incredible. A Softcover 8x10 book of 20 to 40 pages was $19.95! Also unique is that books are kept on line so orders can be placed directly at the website. The author does nothing but receive the income check. A real class act and a very busy booth.

DATACOLOR - www.datacolor.com
Dave-from-Spyder-Datacolor-_250.jpgI was pleased to run into the Datacolor Spyder support rep, Dave who had presented to the ANPAT 8 group at Yosemite.
He was displaying photos achieved with the help of their monitor and printer color calibration tools.
His booth included the new Spyder3Elite, which Datacolor is describing as the next generation in calibration accuracy, precision and speed.
Hint: There are rebates currently available from Datacolor for the Spyder products. Make sure you check the Nikonians Photo Pro Shop for this product.

CLEARBAGS - www.clearbags.com
This vendor is a leader in the Promote, Protect, and Preserve market. They showed a wide array of options to choose from.

SCANDIGITAL - www.scandigital.com
Here is a great way to move your film slides and video to DVD or CD. Send them all your old boxed up stuff and they convert it for you. (Although I did not see them at the show, www.scancafe.com is another option).

IMAGESPAN - www.imagespan.com and its affiliate LICENSESTREAM - www.licensestream.com
Here is a new company hitting the ball out of the park for integrated ways to "Register, Protect, Assign Rights, and License" your photos. A major issue for all of us is the ability to protect our rights after we take a photo.
This company has packaged it all together with their database. They also have an amazing application called IMAGE TRACKER which searches the web for copies of your images and alerts you to their use. Then you are presented with options to protect your rights for that image by email or letter contact to negotiate terms of use. This is a huge benefit for signing up for their service.

To wrap up, the show had everything for the professional on down to take, produce, print, publish and distribute images. There was a wide variety of web based services from starting/building/hosting websites. It appears there is much more to offer all of us in that area. A few that caught my eye are, ANIMOTO to turn pics into video presentations, MOODBOARD to offer stock photo sales, SITEDESIGNWORKS and LIVEBOOKS for site creation. I failed to mention that EPSON, CANON and HP all had big displays for printer technology that was truly brilliant and dazzling. Along with remote print companies like MPIX, and the book self-publishers, there is no excuse for not producing stunning hardcopy for yourself or for sale.
So -- grab your camera gear and get out there and shoot. Remember, the pixels won't do it by themselves.

Posted by flashdeadline at 3:27 PM

October 27, 2008

The Nikonians On Location #39 - Strobist Meetup

Shooting models at a Strobist Meetup in Copenhagen. Photographers and models getting together and shooting with off camera flashes.

Click here to download Nikonians On Location Podcast #39 (NPC-OL-2008-10-27; 17:45; 8.1MB, MP3 format).

Show Notes: October 27, 2008

Nine photographers and six models got together in a small theater, and On Location's host Martin Joergensen was there to shoot models and try new stuff with flashes.

The sound file:

  1. Intro
  2. Strobist phenomenon
  3. Annica
  4. Christine
  5. Steffen
  6. Bye

Video supplement:

A few impressions from the shoot as well as pictures of the models and some tips on touching up model images.
Click here to view Nikonians On Location Video Supplement #39 (NPC-OLV-2008-10-27; 7:55; flash format)

Music used on today's show:

Admit onw performed by John Williams on Magnatune

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Nikonians Podcast directly in iTunes

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Questions, Comments, Announcements?

Email Martin at onlocation@nikonians.org, or drop us a line in the Podcast Feedback forum!

Posted by martinj at 1:30 PM

October 20, 2008

The Nikonians On Location #38 - Autumn Leaves

Martin Joergensen has caught autumn in several ways: outdoors in the withering forest, indoors in the form of leaves on a white background... and in the shape of a cold. So this time he will lead you through a sniffing and nose dripping fall episode of On Location.

Click here to download Nikonians On Location Podcast #38 (NPC-OL-2008-10-20; 19:21; 13.7MB, MP3 format. or NPC-OL-2008-10-20; 19:21; 14.3MB, Apple M4A format - no embedded images).
Video supplement available here (NPC-OLV-2008-10-20; 7:55; flash format).

Show Notes: October 20, 2008

The episode both covers shooting fall outdoors in your local neighborhood as well as shooting indoors in a makeshift studio, where the aim is to get autumn leaves isolated on a white background.

The sound file:

  1. Intro
  2. In the forest
  3. In the neighborhood
  4. In the garden
  5. In the living room
  6. Bye

Video supplement:

A few samples of the shooting both indoors and outdoors as well as a super short course in isolating stuff on a white background.
Click here to view Nikonians On Location Video Supplement #38 (NPC-OLV-2008-10-20; 7:55; flash format)

Music used on today's show:

Vivaldi's Concerto No.3 in F Major Allegro, probably better known as Autumn from the Four seasons performed by American Baroque on Magnatune.

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Nikonians Podcast directly in iTunes

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[Vote] Vote for us on Podcast Alley!

Questions, Comments, Announcements?

Email Martin at onlocation@nikonians.org, or drop us a line in the Podcast Feedback forum!

Posted by martinj at 9:30 AM

October 19, 2008

Nikonians News Flash #105

News-Flash.png

Tune in for your weekly dose of Nikonians News Flash! Chock full of news from your friendly neighborhood Nikonians Community!


Download Nikonians News Flash #105 (NPC-NF-2008-10-19.mp3; 5:46; 5.3MB; MP3 format)

October 19, 2008
In The News:

News from OxfordEye!

From The Forums:
In the Cafe'
Noted threads to look for are:
"Maybe I Just Don't Get Fine Art?", "What do you do with them?" and "D3 shutter in super slow motion".
Forum of the Week:
Nikonian Ladies

Jessica's Choice Photo:
Norweigan Meadow Hut.
Questions, Comments, Announcements?
Email Jessica at newsflash@nikonians.org, or drop us a line in the Podcast Feedback forum!

Posted by odle2 at 11:00 AM

October 17, 2008

Upgrade of Login -- MAINTENANCE NOTE

A maintenance upgrade has been installed.
Members will notice that they will be asked to login with their username and password, even if they had an open user session. This is a result of an improved procedure which now will allow Nikonians to access both the forums and galleries with a single login.
Members will also notice that they will be asked to login manually (this one time) with their username and password, even if they had their automatic re-login option set to "yes."

Posted by flashdeadline at 2:18 PM

October 16, 2008

ID#77: The Image Doctors

Rick and Jason interview Associated Press photographer and fellow Nikonian Michael Mariant.

Looking for an Image Doctors Episode? Check the show archives here.

Download The Image Doctors #77 (NPC-ID-2008-10-16.m4a; 59:52; 16.2MB; MP4 format)

Show Notes: October 16, 2008

0:55 ANPAT 8 preliminary report (Yosemite)

1:43: Photojournalism: Interview with Michael Mariant

41:21: Night High School Football

57:35: Photo Prescription: Storing custom settings in your flash card

For the MP3 version of this podcast (audio only) click here (20.6MB).

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Image Doctors directly in iTunes.

[RSS] Add the Image Doctors feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically to you.


[Vote] Vote for us on Podcast Alley!

Posted by drjay32 at 2:33 PM

October 15, 2008

Oxford Eye's ToneUp Studio 3 and TetherPro

For Digital SLR shooters who are on the cutting edge of configuration settings to maximize their image quality, ToneUp is a familiar name. Todd Gibbs' software tool gained popularity early on by overcoming Nikon Capture limitations such as the ability to swap built-in curves between Nikon DSLR models. Nikonians is pleased to announce that Todd is offering a significant fifty (50) percent discount on all products to our Silver, Gold and Platinum members, including his latest iteration of the custom curve program - ToneUp Studio 3 and his newest addition - the TetherPro tethered shooting utility.

Posted by covey22 at 3:03 PM

October 13, 2008

The Nikonians On Location #37 - Windsurfing

On Locatin's Martin Joergensen had the chance to shoot windsurfers at a championship in Denmark. The day was a bit dull, but good images were caught anyway - and a few lessons on high speed sailing were learned.

Click here to download Nikonians On Location Podcast #37 (NPC-OL-2008-10-13; 19:21; 9.5MB, MP3 format).
Video supplement available here (NPC-OLV-2008-10-13; 7:02; flash format).

Show Notes: October 13, 2008

One thing not mentioned in the podcast or slide show is: be prepared for saltwater! When the wind is good for surfing, you have waves and spray coming over you constantly, and your gear will get wet. That's the price you pay for getting close to the action.

The sound file:

  1. Welcome
  2. Gear used
  3. Bumpy ride
  4. Missing the laptop
  5. Back home
  6. Winding down

Video supplement:

A selection of today's images - on the water as well as on dry land.
Click here to view Nikonians On Location Video Supplement #37 (NPC-OLV-2008-10-13; 7:02; flash format)

Music used on today's show:

Sam the Cat performed by Jeff Wahl on Magnatune

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Nikonians Podcast directly in iTunes

[RSS] Add the Nikonians Podcast feed to your RSS reader

[Vote] Vote for us on Podcast Alley!

Questions, Comments, Announcements?

Email Martin at onlocation@nikonians.org, or drop us a line in the Podcast Feedback forum!

Posted by martinj at 1:10 PM

October 12, 2008

Nikonians News Flash #104

News-Flash.png

Tune in for your weekly dose of Nikonians News Flash! Chock full of news from your friendly neighborhood Nikonians Community!


Download Nikonians News Flash #104 (NPC-NF-2008-10-12.mp3; 5:00; 4.6MB; MP3 format)

October 12, 2008
In The News:

NIkon's new UP headset!

From The Forums:
Nikonian in San Francisco.
Nikonian looking for wildlife shooters interested in Wolf Haven tour in Washington.
In the Cafe'
Noted threads to look for are:
"Problems when photographing in public places", "Upsetting Reaction" and "Rockslide in Yosemite".

Forum of the Week:
Sports Photography

Jessica's Choice Photo:
Mason's Feet.
Questions, Comments, Announcements?
Email Jessica at newsflash@nikonians.org, or drop us a line in the Podcast Feedback forum!

Posted by odle2 at 12:00 PM

October 8, 2008

Nikon Breaks Into Interactive Media with the UP Headset

Nikon has entered the Interactive Media market with their Media UP headset. A combination A/V media player that fits on your head - it can play videos and music, display images and connect wirelessly through the Internet. Nikonians seeking this latest breakthrough in personal entertainment will have to make the trek to Japan though. The unit will be sold exclusively through NIkon's dedicated store.

Posted by covey22 at 12:27 AM

October 6, 2008

The Nikonians On Location #36 - Wireless Darkness

Nikonian podcaster Martin Joergensen experimenting with wireless flash in the darkness. Just for fun, nothing big, and no great results - creatively at least.

Click here to download Nikonians On Location Podcast #36 (NPC-OL-2008-10-06; 22:46; 21MB, MP3 format).
Video supplement available here (NPC-OLV-2008-10-06; 4:39; flash format).

Show Notes: October 06, 2008

Martin also talks you through some arguments for using wireless triggers rather than Nikon's CLS - the built-in flash exposure system.

The sound file:

  1. In the dark
  2. Why wireless
  3. Setting up
  4. Playing with light and trees
  5. Bedrollers
  6. Bye

Video supplement:

A few of the not-so-interesting samples and some shots of the Flash Waves trigger system used for the shoot.
Click here to view Nikonians On Location Video Supplement #36 (NPC-OLV-2008-10-06; 4:39; flash format)

Music used on today's show:

Faded Images by Blind Divine on Magnatune

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Nikonians Podcast directly in iTunes

[RSS] Add the Nikonians Podcast feed to your RSS reader

[Vote] Vote for us on Podcast Alley!

Questions, Comments, Announcements?

Email Martin at onlocation@nikonians.org, or drop us a line in the Podcast Feedback forum!

Posted by martinj at 6:00 PM

October 5, 2008

Nikonians News Flash #103

News-Flash.png

Tune in for your weekly dose of Nikonians News Flash! Chock full of news from your friendly neighborhood Nikonians Community!


Download Nikonians News Flash #103 (NPC-NF-2008-10-05.mp3; 5:40; 5.2MB; MP3 format)

October 5, 2008
In The News:

Nikon CoolPix involved in spy scandal!
Hoya ceases Pentax production in Japan.

From The Forums:
October's Online Photo Assignment is Colorful Backgrounds.
Nikonian Ladies' October theme is Fall Foliage.
In the Café :
Noted threads to look for are:
"Assumed to be a pro?", "You feel lucky punk? Well, do ya?" and new Poll "Nikon going windows? What's your 'Photo Platform'?".
Forum of the Week:
Digital Imaging Software & Hardware

Jessica's Choice Photo:
The Path.

Questions, Comments, Announcements?
Email Jessica at newsflash@nikonians.org, or drop us a line in the Podcast Feedback forum!

Posted by odle2 at 1:43 PM

October 2, 2008

ID#76: The Image Doctors

Jason and Rick offer tips on shooting fall colors, and discuss manual focus lens techniques for digital users.

Looking for an Image Doctors Episode? Check the show archives here.

Download The Image Doctors #76 (NPC-ID-2008-10-02.m4a; 56:08; 17.2MB; MP4 format)

Show Notes: October 2, 2008

0:55 Techniques for photographing fall colors

15:22: Using a kit of prime lenses

34:58:  Colonial Williamsburg and manual focus lenses

45:23 Long Lens Technique (Part 1)

51:26: Photo Prescription: Flash card storage tips for the field

For the MP3 version of this podcast (audio only) click here (19.3MB).

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Image Doctors directly in iTunes.
[RSS] Add the Image Doctors feed to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically to you.
[Vote] Vote for us on Podcast Alley!

Posted by drjay32 at 3:43 PM

Nikon D700: The Thom Hogan Review

Thom renders judgment on Nikon's newest FX sensor camera and finds his closest match to his film days.

I've now had the chance to shoot with the D300, D700, and D3 on extended trips. Which would I pick? Well, it's looking like the D700, as that's the way my Ready Kit is packed. For the first time in a long time I'm close to where I was when I was shooting film.

Posted by covey22 at 3:57 AM

October 1, 2008

Pentax: No Longer Made In Japan

Hoya has ceased production of all Pentax brand cameras and lenses in Japan. The manufacturing operations will move to existing factories in the Philippines and Vietnam. This completes the off-shoring of all camera equipment, as DSLR, lenses and compact camera manufacturing was previously sent to the aforementioned countries and Taiwan. (JPEA International via PMA Newsline)

Posted by covey22 at 10:52 PM