Adobe Photoshop CS5.... For $198!

I have already stepped up to the counter, put my money down, and begged them to please send me Adobe Photoshop CS5 as soon as it comes out. In fact I am sitting on the front porch as I write this because I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Usually I hem and haw when it comes to upgrades, sometimes I will skip a version, buying software with every other major release.

Not this time, after hearing the opinions of photographers I respect I knew I was getting on the Adobe CS5 bandwagon.

Two weeks ago when Joel Grimes was here he displayed his workflow and it's obvious by his work that he uses Photoshop, but he uses third party programs to perform some of his tasks, like HDR and making complex selections. More than once he commented that he was looking forward to CS5 as it would eliminate the need to use other programs to perform these tasks.

One greatly improved feature people are raving about are the selection tools, you can watch Terri White separate a woman with long flowing (and blowing) hair from the background using the new edge detection tool here.

Wanna see more new (or improved) features in CS5 like noise reduction, layers improvement, content aware fill, and puppet warp in action? Scott Kelby (and friends) have put together a new Adobe Photoshop CS5 learning center that you will want to visit.

I am sure at this point you are thinking "Please, just tell me where I can get CS5 for $198!". If you are lucky enough to have a student or teacher in your house you can get the full (and boxed) version of Photoshop CS5 Extended at Journey ED for only $198 (Windows version here, MAC version here)!

Crazy, I know! And if you order by April 30th they will ship it to you for free.

You can compare what is new and/or different between "regular" Photoshop and Photoshop Extended at the Adobe website (extended version here and regular version here).

And just in case I haven't provided you with enough links, here's one more, probably the greatest collection of CS5 resources in one place.

I will leave you with a video, probably one of the most talked about features in CS5 is "content aware fill" and this video demonstrates just how well it works.

If you are a subscriber (and you know who you are) you know that videos are not pushed through with your subscription so you'll need to return to the blog or head directly to YouTube to watch it.

Enjoy...

DIY studio for product photography...

I wanted to share this video I came across that shows how easy it is to setup and light product photography, it demonstrates that with a little effort (and little money) you can get big results.

The cans with sticks look extremely useful and I will be making some for myself this weekend.

If you find this video interesting/useful you might want to check out the library of videos done by Pro Photo Life, they have over 30 well done photography videos of interest to photographers of all levels.

Subscribers will need to return to the blog or head over to YouTube to watch the video posted below.

Westcott Ultimate Flash Kit Review...

Here are a few points I did not make I didn't make well) in the above video.

The quality of the materials and workmanship in this Westcott softbox is as good as it gets. Two things that really stuck out for me: 1) I loved how the rotating adaptor ring spins 360 degrees so I could position the softbox at any angle I want allowing me to wrap light on my subject in unlimited ways, and 2) the light stand/flash bracket is all metal so it stayed in the position I put it in and I could tighten it without the fear of it breaking (which is pretty common in the less expensive plastic models).

Westcott is currently running a $100 off sale for this kit, you find more about it here, you can also get more product details here.

Below are sample images we took using the Westcott Ultimate Flash Kit, no bounce, no other light modifier or enhancer. Imagine the things you could do in combination with other light modifiers.

The model in these shots is Bethany, she was one of the models that we used at a recent seminar and we will surely be using her in future projects. If you are in southern Maine and are looking for a model for an upcoming shoot/project you can find Bethany on Model Mayhem.

Click on any image to view larger and in a new window.

Interview with Joel Grimes...

Here is an interview we did with Joel on Sunday and not only does he take great images, he gives great advice and insight too (he's my new man crush).

One thing Joel talked about (but it did not make the interview) is one way to grow as a photographer is to push yourself with weekly self assignments. Great advice.

The interview is (just) under 10 minutes and worth every second, except the parts where my chin wobbles like a freaking turkey gobbler.

;)

You subscribers know the routine, videos don't get pushed thought with your subscription so you'll need to return to the blog or head directly over to Weekly Photo Tips on YouTube to watch it.

HOME OF PRETTY

ban.do was created by Jen and Jamie - two stylists from LA who are inspired by color, wild about cupcakes (hence their motto "dress like a cupcake should feel") and enjoy laughing until soda comes out their noses. With a bio like that, how can you not love these two?!

Their pieces have been featured on many a celebrity head (Taylor Swift is a big fan!) and in countless magazines (Glamour, The Oprah Magazine, People, US, In Touch, InStyle Weddings, and Martha Stewart Weddings to name just a few).

Recently launched, Black Label is their couture collection. With a nod to hollywood glamour and a wink at many current trends, these pieces are all either one of a kind or limited edition.

The ban.do line is where it all began. While not one of a kind, these vintage inspired pieces are spectacular.

Heart by ban.do is an amazingly affordable line in which you'll find every piece priced at $50 or less.

And of course there's the line Viva is all over - ban.do for the bride. Choosing which head pieces to feature on our blog from this collection was a painful process. They're all so fabulous! But alas, we finally narrowed it down to a few favourites. Be sure to check out the link above to view the rest. You won't be dissapointed!

PS. Yes ladies, they ship to Canada! We would never be so cruel as to tempt you with these beautiful images otherwise.

As Jen & Jamie would say - They are guaranteed to make you feel special and pretty and they're still cheaper than plastic surgery. Feel pretty. Wear ban.do

A woohoo weekend...

This past weekend was the Joel Grimes seminar and it was a game changer.

There will be a lot more to follow, a video interview, a behind the scenes video covering the two days, and images from the attendees, but for now I am going to leave you with these four images, kindly supplied by Trent Hobbs.

It is important to note that the last image of Bethany has not been edited in any way, it is straight out of the camera and is a great example of how incredible the lighting techniques are that Joel taught us over the weekend.

(a lot) More to come...

More on DIY LED lighting...

I have a couple more links to share with you to "enhance" our post of a few days ago on DIY LED lighting.

Here is a post from Judith on Photojojo showing her LED keychain lighting setup, shots she did along with comments and sample shots from her readers.

You will find a handful of articles here posted on DIY Photography from an introduction to LED lighting to Painting with LED's, all well worth your time.

It would be very cool to see the images you do using this lighting method so please feel free to post them on our Flickr group and share them with the rest of us (I double dog dare you!).

If you need a refresher or missed the original post you can find it here, or you can go directly to our YouTube channel just to watch the video.

Don't be surprised if you don't hear from me again until next week, we are busy getting ready for the two day Joel Grimes workshop being held at our studio this coming weekend.