Topaz Labs "Star Effects" is a winner

A few days ago I posted that Topaz Labs had announced their new Star Effects program. Well since then I have downloaded the trial version and within a few minutes of working with it, I bought it.

Not only is it easy to work with, but it's fun. There are so many effects and each one is fully customizable. Not only that but you can stack different effects on the same image.  Very cool.

The image above was created in just a few minutes. Now, could I have done that in Photoshop? Yes, but why waste the time.

I strongly suggest that you give it a try. You can find it here http://www.topazlabs.com/stareffects/  and if you add the coupon code alan8686, you'll get a 10% discount.

One more thing.  Make sure you check out their training videos and all their other products.

Kelby Training discount code

Hi all.  This is great. I can now offer a 10% discount for Kelby Training.  You'll learn more than you thought possible and dramatically improve your photography skills, and it's guaranteed!
I'm from the school that says "gear is good, education is better". You should give it a try. Copy this discount code ANCJQ12 and paste it when prompted.

You'll love the courses. I have for years.

21 HDR Photography myths busted, from farbspiel

Check out the latest post from farbspiel. You may not agree with them all, but they are thought provoking.

Also, don't forget to sign up for our workshop in Princeton on April 28, 2012. You can find all that information here. http://princetonphotoworkshop.wordpress.com/

An amazing response to the Princeton Photo Workshop

We have had an outstanding response to our workshop announcement. It looks like it's going to be an amazing event. You can find all the information here http://princetonphotoworkshop.wordpress.com/.

Along with the speakers, we'll be giving away some NIK Software and a signed copy of
"RC" Concepcion's "The HDR Book" compliments of Peachpit press.

Announcing our new workshop...

Our new workshop has just been announced. The date is April 28, 2012 and will be held in Princeton , New Jersey. Sponsored by NIK Software, this workshop will feature Jack Reznicki of Photoshop World and Kelby Training fame. A popular lecturer, Jack Reznicki is always very informative, insightful, entertainingly outspoken, and refreshingly candid. Jack will discuss in this far reaching session, his commercial and personal work and how they interact, in addition to key concepts and practical information related to lighting and composition.

In addition to my presentation of "An Introduction to HDR" that will include multiple software demonstrations, Steve Dreyer, an international workshop leader, will discuss how to improve photos by reducing digital noise, enhancing color and sharpness, and converting to black and white.
He'll use various software tools such as Lightroom, Photoshop and Nik software in his workflow

For more information and registration, go to princetonphotoworkshop.wordpress.com

Topaz announces "Topaz Star Effects"

Today, Topaz Labs announces the release of their new "Star Effects" software. The following is from the website.
"This new plug-in gives photographers a more intuitive and simplified way to add creative star and lighting enhancements to images – for the perfect finishing touch! You can easily create a wide range of light enhancements from natural, realistic effects to more artistic, graphic effects."
Topaz is offering this program at a great introductory price of $19.99.  I've added some of these effects using Photoshop.  This should save lots of time with great results.  Find more information here.

Adobe's official announcement about CS3 and CS4 upgrade

Today, Adobe published its official upgrade announcement for CS3 and CS4. You can find it here.
It is worth a read and you can make your own determination as to its fairness.  Personally, I think it works.  Let me know what you think.

If you shoot HDR and this doesn't inspire you... nothing ever will

Trey Ratcliff posted this on his facebook page today. It took my breath away. It needs no more introduction than that.

It's a MUST see.

Is the DSLR going the way of the Dinosaur?

There is a wonderful discussion about this subject on You Tube featuring Zack Arias, Gordon Laing from Cameralabs.com , Frederick Van Johnson, Trey Ratcliff plus others. It's very interesting.  I've been waiting for an announcement from Canon on the upgrade for the 7D, but now I don't know.  Maybe I should wait to see how the mirrorless cameras  evolve.
I'll keep you informed. You can find the discussion here.

Adobe CS Upgrade policy

I just got this email from Adobe so I thought it best to pass it along ASAP.  I guess I'm not the only one to write about it.

Hi Alan– Since you have written about the Adobe Creative Suite Upgrade Policy in the past we wanted to give you heads-up that we’ll be offering CS3 and CS4 users special introductory pricing on the upcoming new CS6 when it is released later this year. The special introductory offer will last through December 31, 2012. For more information about the Creative Suite Upgrade Offer, please see http://www.adobe.com/products/creativesuite/faq/upgrade-policy.htmlhttp://www.adobe.com/products/creativesuite/faq/upgrade-policy.html