Trey Ratcliff has a new downloadable version of his HDR Tutorial DVD set. . .

The Stuck In Customs crew has come out with a downloadable version of their very informative and successful HDR Tutorial. There are now 3 versions, Basic, Premium and now the downloadable. I can tell you that there is a ton of great information in the Premium set. From what I see on their site, this is a scaled down version. Even so, at the new price point of $99 I feel that their is still a great deal to be learned. Check it out here.

Topaz Labs Releases ReMask 3

Topaz Labs has announce the release of Topaz ReMask 3 upgrade. ReMask 3 introduces improves masking technology that further simplifies and expedites the creation of complex masks and cutouts. The update is available as a free download to current ReMask users and they are offering quite a nice discount for first time buyers until Jan. 1, 2011. Check it out here.

Thank you Lowepro

I use a Lowepro Slingshot 302 AW Backpack. I can't say enough good things about it. It holds all the gear I need when out shooting and is comfortable to wear. I always carry a tripod with me for the HDR shots so the tripod mount is great and easy to access.

The last time we were in New York City I'm sorry to say that the zipper broke. OK, what to do. I contacted Lowepro through their website offering to mail the pack back to them for repair. Within an hour or so I got an email asking for some additional information. After a very short while another email came telling me that the would replace my slingpack at no cost and that I would have it in a few days. It just arrived. How great is that.

Offering a great product and with service like that, Lowepro has a customer for life. I'll pass this information on to my photography club. We have over 200 members.

Photomatix Discount code

Best if viewed larger - click image

Today's image is a single Raw frame HDR taken in New York City and processed in Photomatix. The reflection is of the new "World Trade Center" construction site. I wouldn't dare try to set up a tripod in that part of the city.

I'm very happy to announce that I can now offer you a 15% discount when you buy Photomatix. Just enter the coupon code "alan8686" when you check out. You should check out their website for more information, here.

New York is always interesting

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New York at night always offers great opportunities for HDR images. This is one I took from my hotel room over looking the construction site of the new Freedom Tower at Ground Zero.

There are a lot of mixed feeling but I'm glad that the politicking has stopped and building has started.

Topaz Labs Discount Available Here

If you have never tried the Topaz Labs line of software your really missing out on a treat. The software features a set of powerful and advanced tools each offering a solution to some of the most common and challenging post processing tasks. The bundle lineup offers tools and features for creating pseudo HDR effects, adjusting color, exposure and detail and much, much more...


You can find all the information you need here. And if you use the code alan8686 you'll get 10% off their already very reasonable price.

Did you vote?

We were in New York City for a few days last week. One of the more fun things we did was go to a satellite location for the "Restore Sanity" rally in Washington. I agree with the concept. No matter what side your on, the conversation should remain civil with facts that are true.

Please get out today and VOTE.

Joe McNally has a new book

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Joe McNally, winner of the Alfred Eisenstaedt Award for Magazine Photographers, has released his new book. "The LIFE Guide to Digital Photography" offers personal tips from his 30 year career. Joe was LIFE Magazine's last staff photographer and the author of two previous best selling photography books. I have ordered mine from Amazon and very much look forward to reading it.

HDR Efex Pro is now available

Today NIK Software announced the release of their new HDR Efex Pro processing software.
Here is their site, take a look. They are pricing the package out at $159.95 but I found a 15% discount offer on Rick Sammon's blog. You can find that here. When you get to the page just scroll down to get the discount code. NAPP members can get a 20% discount. Just go to the NAPP site and click discounts.

Nik also offers a free 15 day trial and an unconditional 30 day money back guarantee.

I'm going to download the 15 day trial just to see if it's what they say it is. I do love the "U" point technology they offer with their other software packages, so this may be a real winner. I'll let you know.

Photomatix and NIK Announcements

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This image was taken in an art gallery in Portland, Maine. I couldn't resist the temptation of asking the artist if it would be OK. He was very appreciative and let me take this and a few others. I must send him a print of this one.

Photomatix has a release a free upgrade of it's hdr processing software package. It pretty much looks and works the same way with a few additions that I found helpful.

1. Selective de-ghosting tool. This is very cool.


2. Better noise reduction.


3. Ability to tone map a single image in 8 bit.


4. Some presets. Not so cool. Well maybe they give you a place to start but I would rather do my own.

The new de-ghosting is a bit confusing at first but once found it works great. There are a few videos on the web. You can find a really good one here

I have heard that HDR Efex Pro will be available from NIK very soon. I plan to download the trial version to see if it's all they say it is. I'll let you know what I think.