LEICA M-SYSTEM 2012 WALL CALENDAR

SHOWCASES WORK OF INTERNATIONAL MAGNUM PHOTOGRAPHERS

Solms, Germany (November 30, 2011) - Leica Camera AG, in conjunction with Magnum Photos, presents the Leica M-System wall calendar for 2012. Titled ‘Past. Present. Future.,’ the calendar shares its name with the motto of the partnership between Magnum and Leica and contains six monochrome and six color images shot with Leica’s flagship M cameras by a selection of well-known Magnum photographers.

Each calendar image is accompanied by a few words from the photographer along with information about the camera used. The photographers selected include: Alex Majoli, Richard Kalvar, Bruno Barbey, Martine Franck, Paul Fusco, Alex Webb, Constantine Manos, Rene Burri, Mark Power and Elliott Erwitt. Each photographer is represented by at least one image and several contributed two. The result is a high-quality wall calendar with widely differing images that provide impressive insights into the world of photojournalism captured with the Leica rangefinder system.

TAMRON ANNOUNCES "SIMPLE SECRETS TO BETTER PICTURES" SEMINARS FOR NEW DIGITAL SLR CAMERA PURCHASERS

Complimentary photo seminars will be given at select Tamron authorized retailers* to new purchasers of digital SLR cameras this holiday season.

November 23, 2011, Commack, New York - Tamron will be conducting a series of complimentary seminars through the US at select authorized dealers. Beginning November 25, 2011 thru December 31, 2011, any customer that purchases a DSLR kit from one of 26 select retailers (*see list below) is cordially invited to attend at no charge a Tamron "Secrets to Better Pictures" Seminar during the first half of 2012.

Attendees of the event can expect to go behind the lens and learn a multitude of useful photographic tips and insights that will improve their picture-taking abilities with their new DSLR camera. The topics discussed during the seminar include understanding light, point of view, composition, and knowing your lens in order to shoot the types of pictures the new DSLR user desires.

*Select Participating Retailers Tickets for the seminars will be distributed upon purchase of any brand digital SLR camera kit from 11/25/11 - 12/31/11 at the following participating camera specialty retailers. Seating is strictly limited and attendees must register online for the complimentary event in order to reserve a seat.

Meet the Instructors Jeff Allen is a member of Tamron's technical team. He travels the country extensively helping people to choose equipment that's right for them and speaks on behalf of Tamron dozens of times a year. Jillian Bell is the newest member of Tamron's technical team. She travels the country educating consumers on choosing the right equipment for their needs. Photography is a useful tool, and her goal is to inspire others and build on photographic skills creating better, more consistent results. Andre Constantini is a freelance photographer and artist based in New York City. Constantini is also a member of Tamron's technical team and conducts seminars on photography and lighting at professional schools and consumer trade shows. Ken Hubbard is the Field Services Manager for Tamron. He is responsible for the company's events, including Tamron's popular consumer workshop series. A talented photographer himself, Ken has had nationwide gallery showings of his portrait and landscape photography and teaches enthusiasts how to take better photos at numerous events. Rob Moody is a member of the Tamron technical team and has a strong knowledge of the SLR market. Moody speaks regularly at Tamron consumer events. John VanSteenberg is Tamron's Senior Education Manager. John has photographed everything from landscapes to rock stars to prize fughters. His strong technical background combined with artistic abilities makes John a great speaker and writer about all things photo-related. For more on Tamron's technical team, please see the Tamron Blog with contributions from them and many other Tamron sponsored photographers at http://tamrontechtips.typepad.com.

About Tamron

Tamron is a leading manufacturer of photographic lenses. Among its many optical and mechanical innovations since the founding of the company in 1950, Tamron's development of mass-produced hybrid Aspherical elemnts paved the way for today's compact high power all-in-one lenses when, in 1992, this technology was incorporated into the ground-breaking 28-200mm. Tamron continues to lead in this catagory of lenses with the new 18-270mm Di II VC PZD - the world's smallest and lightest 15X zoom lens featuring Tamron's propietary VC (Vibration Compensation) system for blur-free hand-held shooting of photos in low light and at a telephoto settings and PZD (Piezo Drive) autofocus system for fast and quiet AF operation. Tamron has garnered international acclaim for its extensive line-up of professional and consumer lenses.

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Hands-On with the Kata Light Pic - 40 DL

Not being the girliest of girls, this photographer generally shies away from photography things that are marketed specifically toward women as often, they are just too girly for taste. But my oh my, Kata has a goodie. This black shoulder bag, previewed at PPE this year (2011) looks deceptively like a slouchy, classy hobo purse that coordinates well with a wide variety of personal styles. Behold. It is a camera bag, and a deceptively roomy one at that.

Facing reality for a moment, it is a fact of life that not every bag can be everything to every photographer. Often if there is favorite feature, there are compromises to be made elsewhere. Such is the case here. But if style is needed, the compromises are certainly workable.

The basics: The LightPic series comes in three sizes. For the purposes of hands-on reviewing, the 40-DL, or the middle size was used. Feel free to guesstimate up or down in terms of what can be carried accordingly. The LightPic 40-DL is equipped with three exterior pockets and eight interior pockets. On the outside, one pocket extends the length of the bag, with the other two being on the ends. One of the end pockets has a mesh, two-part divider. Inside, there are three pockets along each long end, with large open pocket on each end. I have found the end pockets handy for holding larger items like a flash or extra lens. These end pockets, however, are not padded so it's a good idea to use a protective pouch for any lenses carried in these.

TIFFEN® UPDATES AWARD-WINNING DFX® VERSION 3 FILTER SUITE WITH SUPPORT FOR 64-BIT AVID SYSTEMS; EXPANDS SONY CAMERA OPTIONS

Tiffen Dfx version 3.0.5 plug-in now compatible with Avid Media Composer v6, Symphony v6, and NewsCutter v10; adds camera support for Sony DSLR, NEX, SLT, and STV Models

Hauppauge, NY – November 18, 2011 – The Tiffen Company, a leading manufacturer and distributor of award-winning accessories for still and video imaging, motion picture, and broadcast markets today announced that its Tiffen Dfx v3 digital filter suite is now compatible with Avid 64-bit systems, Media Composer®, and Symphony™ v6.0 as well as NewsCutter® v10.0. In addition to 64-bit, the updated Dfx v3 plug-in sports enhanced filter control and adds support for 16 Sony camera models. "We are always looking for ways to enrich the Tiffen Dfx capabilities whether it is qualifying new editing system releases such as Avid's 64-bit or expanding our already comprehensive list of cameras we support. Our customers can count on Tiffen to keep pace with the changing technology and continue to take advantage of their Dfx investment," says Steve Tiffen, President and CEO, The Tiffen Company.

The Tiffen Dfx v3.0.5 update is free to existing Dfx v3.0 users and can be downloaded from the Tiffen website.

MOTHER KNOWS BEST: TAMRON USA LAUNCHES MOM-TO-MOM PROJECT

Interactive Exhibits Showcase Photography Tips and Imaging Inspiration by Moms, for Moms at MyPhotoExhibits.com

November 15, 2011, Commack, New York ― There’s a reason why Mom often doesn’t appear in the family photo album: She’s usually the one taking the pictures. Tamron USA, Inc., leverages the unique photographic perspective of this dynamic demographic with the debut of its Mom-to-Mom Project, a series of photo exhibits that feature technical tips and artistic inspiration from image-making moms. The exhibits, which focus on a new theme each month, are designed to encourage other moms to experiment with their cameras, lenses, and accessories to hone their own photographic skills.

Moms take significantly more photos than the general population and exhibit unique photography preferences and behaviors, according to InfoTrends’ “Spotlight on Moms” series. Participants on Tamron’s Mom-to-Mom panel share their own personal approaches and tips to the craft by photographing a family-centered “assignment” with select Tamron lenses, including the Tamron 18-270mm Di II VC PZD 15X lens, SP 70-300mm Di VC USD lens, SP 90mm F/2.8 Di macro lens, and SP 17-50mm F/2.8 Di II lens. Panel photographers upload their images, as well as behind-the-scenes commentary and techniques, to the Mom-to-Mom portal, located on Tamron’s MyPhotoExhibits (MPE) site. The Mom-To-Mom exhibits are accessible from the MPE home page under featured exhibits. Tamron USA updates its Facebook page when each new themed exhibit goes live.

LEICA CAMERA OFFERS FIRMWARE UPDATE 1.174 FOR THE LEICA M9 AND M9-P

 Allendale, NJ (November 14, 2011) - Leica Camera, Inc. is pleased to announce the latest firmware update, 1.174, for the Leica M9 and M9-P, the world’s smallest, full-frame digital system cameras. Users wishing to benefit from the new offerings can now download the firmware update from the Leica Camera website and take advantage of new, improved features.

Review of Glen Johnson's Digital Wedding Photography

Digital Wedding Photography: Capturing Beautiful Memories

by Glen Johnson
Wiley Publishing Inc.
2011

With such a wide selection of wedding photography books currently available, it's always a good sign when there is something new learned within the first few minutes of opening a book. After all, the point of reading these books is to learn. Such was the case when first opening Glen Johnson's Digital Wedding Photography in it's early discussion of business models.

This 2011 release, published by Wiley, contains three parts: Understanding Digital Wedding Photography, Wedding Photography Techniques and Concepts, and The Business of Digital Wedding Photography.

FUJIFILM LAUNCHES HOLIDAY 2011 ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

Comprehensive Campaign Showcases High End Design, Outstanding Performance and Quality Features to TV, Print and Internet Audiences

FUJIFILM North America Corporation announced that the company will launch a highly visible multi-media digital camera advertising campaign for the 2011 holiday selling season. The new campaign highlights the innovative global Fujifilm brand as it again focuses on the professional digital camera business and broadly showcases its award-winning FUJIFILM X100, plus the all-new FUJIFILM X10, the FinePix F600EXR, and family of long-zoom digital cameras.

The advertising campaign consists of Network television, outdoor media, national print and online media buys including the re-launch of Fujifilm’s Everypicturematters.com website, that were developed to address the unique benefits of each camera highlighting their superb image quality, design, performance and features for a wide range of photographers.

Lensbaby Announces the Winners of its Senior Style Portrait Photo Contest

The top three winners chosen from hundreds of creative submissions

Portland, OR – November 8, 2011 – Lensbaby, manufacturer of creative effects camera lenses, announces today the top three winners in its inaugural Senior Style Portrait Contest.  The contest drew submissions from photographers all over the world and showed a tremendous movement in creative portraits that truly capture a subject’s uniqueness and spirit.  

First Place: Kristin Villano of Kristanne V. Photography, based in Westminster, CO “This image is successful because of the pose, Lensbaby effect, and expression,” said judge Lindsay Adler.  “As with any good portrait, the expression of the subject is key to the image's success. Her smile here is genuine and glowing. The Lensbaby was used successfully in this image to help create a dream-like scene. The bottom of the dress almost melts away into the field. Finally, the pose is playful and fun. The negative space and triangles in the pose make it dynamic. Put these three ingredients together and you get a successful portrait!”

Second Place: Mandy Lynne of Mandy Lynne Photography, based in Springfield, MO “We loved the creative aperture in this image and the soft, ethereal feel”, said the Aus 10 Photoartists judges. “This is truly a one of a kind senior image that perfectly brings together lighting, posing and mood into a gorgeous piece of art. We always find ourselves so concerned about focus and being able to see the face of the subject in portraiture, but the Lensbaby helps to beautifully and gracefully break all rules and create something very special!”

Third Place: Jess Bishop of Photography by Jess, based in Cedar Hills, UT "I was immediately drawn to this image for many reasons and knew instantly that it would be one of my top picks,” said judge Holli True.  “I love the indy vibe this picture gives off, the post-processing treatment, her pose and expression all work together perfectly.  Despite there being several elements in this shot, the dynamic blur directs your eyes right to her.  This image is the amazing result of the power of Lensbaby."

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Kodak Sells Image Sensor Business to Platinum Equity

Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) announced today that it has completed the sale of its Image Sensor Solutions (ISS) business to Platinum Equity in a move that will sharpen Kodak’s operational focus and strengthen its financial position. While the financial details were not disclosed, Kodak will have continuing access to the image sensor technology involved in this transaction for use in its own products. Kodak has previously communicated that it would sell assets that are not central to its transformation to a profitable, sustainable digital company. This sale is aligned with that strategy to generate cash to complete the transformation.
Included in the sale is a 263,000 square foot facility in Eastman Business Park in Rochester, N.Y., that houses manufacturing and research facilities.
The ISS business develops, manufactures, and markets the world’s highest performance solid state image sensor devices. Over the past 30 years, Kodak’s image sensors have delivered unrivaled image quality and innovative features for use in a broad range of demanding imaging applications. From precision manufacturing inspection to digital radiography, from earth imaging satellites to traffic monitoring, from the world’s highest performing studio photography cameras to DNA sequencing systems, customers around the world rely on high-performance products from ISS in the most mission-critical applications.

ARTRAGE FOR IPAD 1.3 - NEW VERSION RELEASED –

            

SHARE YOUR ARTWORK WITH FACEBOOK, DROPBOX & DEVIANTART http://www.thomas-pr.com/ambientdesign/artrageipadv13release.html

The new version of ArtRage for iPad 1.3 is now available.  It allows you to share your artwork with Facebook, Dropbox and deviantArt, along with providing the ability to record your paint strokes and play back on ArtRage 3.5 Studio/Studio Pro on Mac/Win for further editing and providing higher resolution output for printing and showing your artistic process in tutorials.  Current ArtRage for iPad owners will be able to download the update for free in their local App Store.

To bring the new ArtRage for iPad artwork sharing options for Facebook, DropBox and devianArt to a wider audience

New ArtRage for iPad 1.3 Features:

- Upload to Facebook: Upload your images directly to your Facebook Photo Album.

- Upload to Dropbox: Upload painting files to your Dropbox account.

- Upload to deviantArt Sta.sh: Upload your images directly to your deviantArt account using the new sta.sh system. Details on sta.sh can be found here: http://hq.deviantart.com/blog/44578909/

- New Export Options: Export PNG or JPG files to the iTunes shared file space or PNG, JPG, native PTG via Email.

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERA CAPABLE OF SHOOTING 3D PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

New LUMIX 3D1 Digital Camera Features Twin-Lens Design for 3D Images, or to Shoot Video and Still Photos Simultaneously

SECAUCUS, NJ (November 7, 2011) – Panasonic today announced the LUMIX DMC-3D1, a cutting-edge digital camera that employs two newly-developed lens units with folded optics design in a stunningly compact body that can capture crisp and clear 3D and 2D photos and videos. The LUMIX 3D1, with a twin-lens design, features 25mm ultra-wide angle lenses with 4x optical zoom that offer the outstanding capability to record high resolution 8-megapixel 3D photo and 1920x1080 60i high quality 3D HD video using side-by-side method. The LUMIX 3D1’s optics give users a wider range of composition possibilities with approximately 169% larger viewing space compared to that of 35mm cameras.

Featuring a unique shooting option, the new twin-lens system allows the LUMIX 3D1 to capture 2D images and video simultaneously. The LUMIX 3D1 can shoot 12-megapixel 2D photos and record 1920x1080i full HD 2D videos. In conventional standard digital compact cameras, users must shoot in either photo or video mode and when photo mode is selected, video recording is interrupted. The twin-lens design of the LUMIX 3D1 breaks through these conventional barriers with two separate mechanisms for image capturing, allowing for dual shooting capabilities. Additionally, the two-lens design allows users to record photo or video in different angles of view simultaneously. For example, users can record an entire party scene with one lens while zooming in on and capturing the photo of a specific person with another lens. Users can easily switch between 2D and 3D mode with the dedicated 2D/3D switch conveniently located on the back of the camera.

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES NEWEST COMPACT SYSTEM CAMERA, LUMIX GX1 EXCELS IN SPEED, IMAGE QUALITY AND SIZE

The LUMIX GX1 Finds the Perfect Balance of Size and Performance – Making it the Ideal ‘Everyday’ Digital Camera for Professionals and Photo Enthusiasts Alike

SECAUCUS, NJ (November 7, 2011) – Panasonic today announces its latest Compact System Camera (CSC), the LUMIX DMC-GX1, which joins Panasonic’s award-winning LUMIX G Series of digital cameras, which are acclaimed for their high image quality with small and compact body and lenses. The new LUMIX GX1 features a 16.01-megapixel Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine, helping to ensure real-to-life images through excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction. Even in low-light situations and at maximum 12800 high ISO sensitivity, the LUMIX GX1 can produce stunning photos and videos, and because of its compact size it can be easily carried for daily use.

“Panasonic expects the LUMIX GX1 to please a lot of photo enthusiasts who have been eager for a technology upgrade comparable to the LUMIX DMC-GF1, which continues to be a very popular digital camera with dedicated followers who appreciate the compact size, yet high quality of photos and video,” said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The LUMIX GX1 is an extremely flexible and capable digital camera with fast AF speeds and outstanding image quality. Plus with a built-in flash and a hot shoe allowing for accessories like an external view finder, the GX1 is a powerful compact system camera that is small enough to be a photographer’s everyday camera choice.”

New Page for CES news (non photo related)

As we continue to grow we keep getting more and more news non Photo related but want to bring it to our readers, Some is purely Computer stuff, others is fen and yet some is just entertaining. 

As an effort to keep you, our reader happy and informed we have branched out and just started  

P3 NR Consumer Electronics News    

Stop by and check it out, more content coming by the day!

Kevin Kubota's Lighting Notebook

101 Lighting Styles and Setups for Digital Photographers

This recent publication (copyright date 2011) published by John Wiley and sons, and on display at Photo Plus Expo 2011, is another book that helps the photographer with the complicated subject of lighting. There are several points about this particular publication, however, that sets it apart from many others.

The book is divided in to two basic parts, the fore-matter, and the lighting notebook. Much of the meat of the lighting know-how is contained in the fore-matter. The chapters in this section include a history of lighting in photography, lingo, skills, tools, and post processing.

In the lingo section there is a list of lighting terms with easily understood definitions. This seems to be in order of category. While this makes sense in from a reading standpoint, a glossary at the end in alphabetical order as well would be useful for a quick reference.

Throughout it's pages, this book is absolutely wonderful for it's basic explanations of what can be complex principles. There is very good direction for a basic light set up, not just using examples of the best and most expensive, but gives tips for saving money using DIY methods. Sample lighting kits are described for a variety of price points and levels/situations of usage.

In the chapter that covers basic steps in achieving certain looks in post processing, examples and instructions are included using different photo editing software programs.

All of this happens before we even get to the notebook part.

Kata's D-Light LightPic Shoulder Bags Offer a Stylish Carry

At PDN's Photo Plus Expo, Kata (Manfrotto) introduced a yet-to-be-released bag aimed at photographers of the more feminine persuasion. For all appearances it looks like a mid-sized tote or purse but features a camera insert. The insert increases in size along with the bag.

Removal of the insert renders the bag an everyday tote or purse. External pockets on the ends helps organize smaller items. With the classy circular adjustment and the K-A-T-A with spiral logo dangly ornament the bag adds a touch of class, yet function to the photographer wanting or needing a more upgraded look. The LightPic is slated to become available at the end of the month. See http://www.kata-bags.us for a complete list of Kata products and availability.

TAOPIX™ Incorporates Perfectly Clear® To Produce Stunning Images!

Perfectly Clear^® Automatic Correction available with TAOPIX™ Portfolio enhanced version scheduled for release in Q4 20ll.

 

 Not satisfied with your digital picture? Don’t discard it – correct it! Digital images that are underexposed, lack contrast, contain “false” colors or even have an artificial lighting color cast can all be revitalized to their inherent brilliance with a single touch using TAOPIX™ Portfolio.

TAOPIX™ has launched the new release, TAOPIX™ Portfolio, and it incorporates Perfectly Clear as their automatic color correction.

“Our new release, TAOPIX™ Portfolio, is the culmination of countless months of research, 20,000 man-hours in development, 250,000 lines of new code, and extensive lab and field testing. Yet, like all impacting offerings, it started by simply listening to our customers and their evolving needs. The result is a TAOPIX solution that’s 95% enhanced to offer a more friendly and attractive user interface, numerous image editing features [such a one-button fix that corrects nine different image issues including red-eye], and so many other innovations that we know it’ll set new industry standards,” said James Gray, CEO and Founder, TAOPIX™. “We choose Perfectly Clear because it was easy to implement, flexible; we needed a solution that would work across our multiple platforms, and the corrections really grab your attention!  It will prove very popular with our customers that want their images looking their best.”