HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Photo Credits: Heather Forsythe Photography

Mastering HDR in Photoshop CS5 - Our review...

I swear that if you looked up "HDR" (high dynamic range) in the dictionary you would see a picture of Matt Kloskowski.

The DVD, "Mastering HDR in Adobe Photoshop CS5" is from Kelby Training and is 2 hours and 15 minutes of everything Matt knows about HDR, which I think is everything there is to know about HDR.

Matt walks us through what HDR is and why you would consider using it, the different styles available to us, from getting a more balanced and natural image, shooting a night image, and ends with an image with that fantasy, surreal look. He shows us the series of images we would want to capture (and why) and what finished image would be.


Following his explanation of what HDR is Matt provides important tips to consider when shooting (like using a tripod and cable release), what your camera setting should be, and how many frames you need to capture. He even even explains why (if you are shooting Nikon) you would shoot 5 images but only use three of them.

That's just the warm-up.


The real meat of this instructional DVD is how to process HDR images.

It starts with opening images in the HDR Pro dialog box and shows us (in detail) how an image will respond to each and every slider, button, and check box. He then shows us the best settings to use for the type of HDR image we are trying to create.

From the HDR Pro dialog box the image is then brought into Photoshop, camera RAW, and Photoshop (again) for its final processing.

But wait, there's more.

Matt also walks us through a complete HDR workflow for Lightroom and another (complete HDR workflow) for Bridge.

Still not done (I feel like an infomercial, "wait, if your order in the next 10 minutes...").

Ever wonder what an image would like like with an HDR look but only have a single shot? Matt takes us through that process as well, along with teaching us how to create an action for future use (if you don't want to create your own action you'll find Matt's on the DVD for us to use).

Some of the things I like about the DVD is that it's presented in small manageable bites, no segment is more than 13 minutes in length so it doesn't seem overwhelming and it's also easy to keep track of where you've been.

Matt's teaching style is thorough and easy to follow, even if you have never heard of HDR before you would be able to follow along AND master everything that is presented on the DVD.

All of the RAW files that Matt works on through out the DVD are included so you can easily follow along, step by step.

There are iPod/iPad files included for truly mobile learning.

Now for the things I don't like... well... ahhh... insert sound of chirping crickets here... because there is nothing I don't like about "Mastering HDR in Adobe Photoshop CS5".

If you have an interest in HDR photography want to learn everything there is to know about it you'll want (and need to) pick up "Mastering HDR in Adobe Photoshop CS5", anythng else would be incomplete and a waste of your time.

Serioulsy.

Photoshop Elements - tutorials & resources...

An email from a reader prompted todays post (thanks Bill).

Because I don't use Photoshop Elements I have dedicated very little space to writing about it (out of ignorance not because of snobbery), so I hope to rectify it with todays post.

So what follows is a bakers dozen of blogs, websites, and podcasts that are dedicated to Photoshop Elements. I would appreciated your feedback on which ones you found most useful so I can create a list of permanent links for future reference (and future readers).

1. Photoshop Elements Techniques has a great many resources and a learning center that will help you get the most out of Elements.

2. Tim Grey has video tutorials, a YouTube channel, and a weekly Elements newsletter you will want to check out.

3. Head over to AdobeTV for Element video tutorials.

4. EasyElements.com not only offers tutorials, but free things like free brushes too.

5. Photoshop Support has put together a very nice Photoshop Elements Resource Center.

6. Alibony has both a website and a blog offering a collection of Photoshop Elements tutorials, tips and goodies.

7. SimplePhotshop.com is an "Animated Introduction to Adobe Photoshop Elements" with 8 video-tutorials.

8. Tutorials Experts offers almost 50 video tutorials collected from various sites.

9. Photoshop Roadmap also offers a large numbers of Elements video tutorials.

10. About.com has also compiled a HUGE list of Photoshop Elements tutorials and resources.

11. The Essential Guide for Photoshop Elements, the title pretty much says it all. They have a blog too.

And wrapping up the resources are a couple podcast you will want to check out:

12. Adobe Photoshop Elements Killer Tips By Corey Barker.

13. Graffi's Graficalicus Workshop

The client from hell...

This is a funny video, at least it was while I was watching it.

When it was over I started going through the clients that have said these things to me and I found myself in the fetal position, sobbing like a baby.

;)

But seriously, chances are that there is little you can do for (potential) clients who are fixated on pricing as their focus is strictly on what you cost, NOT the services you provide. Run (not walk) in the other direction because you will never do enough so they will feel they got their money's worth.

Lowering your price to gain one client is such a bad idea for so many reasons, if previous clients find out you "negotiated" they will not be happy they paid the full price and will never come to you again, future clients will expect you to "negotiate" with them as well, and in general it will send the message that you are not serious about what you do.

That said, enjoy the video, subscribers will need to return to the blog to watch it as videos (still) don't get pushed through to you.

"Limited Edition" marketing tool... our review...

V Gallery has produced yet another "must have" marketing tool for any photographer that is looking to make money with their camera (make sure you check out the special offer at the end of this post).

This is not marketing "theory" it's what V Gallery has been doing in their own studio for some time and, as is their style, it is so complete that if you wanted all you would need to do is remove their name and insert yours.

There is a reason of all the products we reviewed in 2009 it was a V Gallery product that was named "Product of the Year", they produce great stuff.

The "Limited Edition" module contains 13 mini sessions that you run throughout the year, each session comes with documentation, instructional videos, Photoshop templates, actions, sample images, Facebook marketing info, email marketing templates and so much more.

If mini sessions are new to you they are usually a 15-minute session with a theme, has a reduced session fee, and is for one day only.

These unique "themes” appeal to families with children, while allowing the photographer to shoot multiple clients in the time that it would normally take to photograph just one.

It's a win for the studio and a win for the client.

Here is a description of 5 of the (13) sessions that are part of this module:

That’s Amore: That’s Amore is a simple Valentine’s Day theme. Featuring pink and red hued backgrounds, outfits, rugs and furniture, this event attracted parents of young girls and babies.

Just for Dad: Just for Dad is targeted at fathers and their son(s) and/or daughter(s).

Dog Days of Summer: The Dog Days of Summer event is our most popular event for pets. We coordinate with our local, no-kill animal shelter to raise awareness and donated pet food.

Vintage Fields: Vintage Fields is shot on location, in an outdoor setting like a beautiful nearby field. We use several props including an Urban Outfitters chandelier, an old bathtub we found on Craigslist, umbrellas, a few wooden crates and more.

Christmas in September: This event was created to allow families to get a head start on holiday photographs and encourage them to purchase Christmas Cards.

Though this product may not be for the casual photographer, it's a MUST for those who want to make in income with their photography.

The V Gallery Limited Edition module sells for $169 but the readers of Weekly Photo Tips can purchase it for 50% off this week only!

Yup, half price, simply type in the coupon code "WPTLE" at checkout to receive your discount. Keep in mind that the offer expires this coming Friday (10/22).

Delkin’s USB 2.0 universal card reader just $8!...

You can get the Delkin universal card reader for free (regularly priced at $24.99), yes FREE. It's yours in return for agreeing to allow Delkin to send you promotional emails (keeping in mind you can opt out at any point in the future).

It's an all in one, UDMA enabled, universally compatible, high speed USB 2.0 card reader, meaning it's fast and fits all memory cards.

You will need to pay shipping (just $8) and to get it for free you need to use the promo code "RANGE10" at check out.

I just ordered mine, use this link to get yours.

I need your help.... Please...

Professional Photographers of America is conducting a talent search looking for "a few good bloggers", especially those who blog for the benefit of other photographers.

Assuming you think I am one of those good bloggers I was hoping you good people would go to their Facebook page and leave a comment and/or link for Weekly Photo Tips.

Thanks!