If you are looking for slideshow software CoffeeCup software is offering "Photo Gallery" for just $19.
I bought it and can tell you it's powerful AND easy to use.
The only thing is the sale is for a short time only (I believe it ends in a week), so you can learn more about Photo Gallery here (including some sample slideshow), check out the video tutorials here, and use this link to order it at the discounted price here.
If you love photography and are looking for educational opportunities, this post is a must read.
I have been getting a bunch of emails lately, some looking for where to find photography courses and others looking for camera clubs in their area (if I haven't responded your email yet I will, I promise).
The theme for all the emails have been pretty consistent, they are looking to bring their photography to the "next level".
I can't begin to tell you how many books, DVD's, and courses have come to us for review over the last 5 years and there are two that are head and shoulders above the rest.
So if you want to take your camera off "P", if you want to be comfortable shooting in manual, and if you want to control the light instead of being controlled by it then right these down.
There are two things I would recommend (strongly urge) you do before anything else. ANYTHING ELSE.
I could ramble on about what is so great about these two products, but it would a re-hash of the original reviews, so take a minute to read them for in-depth product details (David Hobby here and Zack Arias here).
These will do more than take your photography to "the next level", they will shoot you over the mountain and leave your sprawled on the other side.
It will have you saying things about lighting ratios that will leave your photography friends dumbfounded and wanting to know if you can teach an upcoming class at the camera club.
;)
Seriously, these are the best educational opportunities available out there, I promise, and having them on DVD will give you the chance to watch, re-watch, stop, pause, and study anything you want at times convenient for you.
The first time I saw a picture of BongoTies my first thought was, "that looks like a cool idea" but it wasn't until I received mine last week that I truly fell in love!
They happened to arrive on the same day we had to pack up all kinds of gear for a remote shoot, so I broke open the box and started organizing our bazillion cables and cords. From 50 foot heavy duty extension cords to small 6 inch PC Sync cables.
That was the day I came upon our new cable management system, BongoTies.
In the past I have used things like Velcro wraps but they collect dust and dirt, catch at inopportune times, and tend to be a bit pricey.
You can get a ten pack of BongoTies for less than $5 (here and here).
And they can be used for a lot more than cable organization, search YouTube and you will be surprised at the number of different applications (I was).
They even come packaged in their own (ziplock) carrying case.
Are you picking up that I like them? They get two thumbs way up from me.
One of our lucky readers will love them as well as BongoTies will be included in a future prize package.
This originally ran a couple years back but really is timeless and if you want to see some stunning imagery, a peak behind the scenes of National Geographic photography assignments, and meet a truly interesting man, you really really want to watch this.
He tells a FANTASTIC story about photographing wolves in Yellowstone that you won't want to miss. There is also an image at the very end of the show that he took of his feet while on assignment in Alaska that drives home the point that a picture truly is worth a thousand words.
Joel is as good a story teller as he is a photographer, I could sit around a campfire and listen to him talk all night.
At the very least this show will make you want to travel to (and photograph) Nebraska. Seeing "Nebraska's Big Rodeo" has been added to my list of things to do before I die.
After watching the show I visited Joel's website, the fact that he is an outstanding photographer was reinforced and but the best part was learning more about him as a person.
You can read his essay on his wife Kathy's battle with cancer and how it changed his life, Joel's insightful words will make you sit back and take pause.
