Color Efex Pro 4 is out

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I've mentioned many times before that Color Efex Pro 3, from NIK software, rocks. Everyone of my photos is touched by one or more of the filters inside it.  Tonal Contrast is a favorite. Now NIK has introduced Color Efex Pro 4. The changes and additions are extraordinary. If you don't believe me, go to their site and take one of their free webinars. You'll be blown away.  Here's the link. You can also get a 15% discount, if you decide to buy it, by adding the code AKESS.

Canon introduces the new EOS-1D X

Yesterday, Canon released their new EOS-1D X.  The specs sound great but at an estimated $6,800 I won't be ordering one any time soon. I'm really not a gear head. I still have my Canon 50 D that has served me well for the type of photography I do. To be honest, I'll probably take a very hard look at the replacement for the 7D whenever that comes out. Take a look at the Canon press release here.

Trey Ratcliff talks about how he gets photos without people in them

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In his video, Trey shows one of the techniques he uses when there are lots of people and he doesn't want them to appear in the photo. I've tried something similar and it really works.  Take a look at the video here. You may find an increase in "Noise" with these long exposures. You'll have to deal with that in post.

In the photo above, I actually wanted the people.  I think it adds to the excitement of the location.

I've decided to add back in as many photos as can

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I don't know how long this will take, but I'll do my best.  I have them all in one file but it will still take some time. The photo posted today was taken in  Berlin,Germany at the Sony Center. What a great place for a beer and photo ops.

I'm getting there

I think I now know what happened with the blog. When I signed on to Google + I had to do something with Picasa. That may have thrown the whole thing off. I haven't decided if I'll go back and try to insert all the photos again. What a pain. I'll let you know.

I don't know what's going on

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Something has gone terribly wrong with my blog. I have been trying to get it back on track but no luck so far. I'll keep working on it now that I'm back from Germany and Belgium.

I'll get to post some photos soon and some other interesting things that are going on.

Ibarionex Perello interviews Scott Kelby

Ibarionex Perello, the host of "The Candid Frame", interviews Scott Kelby on his latest show. I have heard many interviews Scott has given. This is the best ever. Ibarionex ask very thoughtful questions and Scott gives some very thoughtful and informative answers. You can fine it here.

Scotte Bourne Has a FREE ebook

Scott Bourne has written 9 essays over the years. His hope was to give photographers the motivation they need to succeed in photography. They're a worth while read. You can find the ebook here.

Do you like street photography?

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I love spending time in cities doing street photography. I've enjoyed and learned much watching the 2 videos Scott Kelby made with Jay Maisel. They can be found at Kelby Training.

Now here is a free, yes free, 96 page ebook written by Thomas Leuthard that will blow you away. It's an "Everything you wanted to know" book. Not only that, but his photos are fantastic. You can find it here.

Scott Kelby's 4th Annual International Photo Walk

It's official. His 4th Annual International Photo Walk will be held this year on Oct. 1 and Oct 2. He changed the date to a bit further in the year because of the heat during the summer. Good move. Last year, in New York City, the temperature was almost 100 degrees. Bad news.
Scott has also given the leaders their choice of days. Sat. or Sun. Another good move.
I won't be able to go this year. I'll be in Berlin visiting my son. Maybe I'll look for one there.