Video Training Review – Photoshop CS3 Channels And Masks: Advanced Techniques With Deke McClelland From Lynda.com.
Posted on January 28, 2008 - Filed Under Culture, Photo | Leave a Comment
Photoshop CS3 Channels And Masks: Advanced Techniques is the final part of a two part series that covers the use of channels and mask under Photoshop CS3. Part one, the essentials, showed that Alpha channels are collections of luminance data that control the transparency of images, and they influence just about everything in Photoshop.
Your trainer for this library is Deke McClelland. Deke McClelland is a well-known expert and lecturer on Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and the broader realm of computer graphics and design. To date, he has written 85 books that have been translated into 24 languages, with more than 4 million copies in print. This library is divided into 9 lessons and runs 20.5 hours. This is the second part in Photoshop CS3 Channels And Masks. Part one is called Photoshop CS3 Channels And Masks: The Essentials and is also available from Lynda.com
Lesson 10, "Advanced Blending" continues the subject of blending by discussing topics such as luminance blending, fill opacity, color matching, and ways to blend a masked image with a new background to create a credible effect. Here you will learn to make a custom contrast mode, luminance blend, you will work with blending smart filters, matching colors, as well as restoring normal colors.
Lesson 11, "Layer-Specific Masks" shows how masking goes to the heart of a more common function in Photoshop, which is of layers. Every layer carries a transparency mask that defines the boundaries of the layers. Here you will learn how to use these layers to control adjustments. In this lesson you will learn how to use adjustment layers, layer masks, and clipping masks to achieve the effects that you want. By using layer based masks you always have access to your original pixels.
Lesson 12, "Specialty Masks" clarify techniques that will allow you to change colors in one portion of an image while preserving them in another. Perhaps you want to adjust the focus of just the edges in an image or even blur away just the background. The maskings described in this lesson are really ones that can be applied to day-to-day image adjustment. You are shown how to deal with hair, fabric, work with archival photographs, as well as working with the edge mask.
Lesson 13, "Channel Mixing and Other Tricks" illustrate how to work with the Channel mixer and how it can be used to work with Black and White images, Sepia tone images, and creating an infrared effect. You can bolster contrasts with the green channel, learn three ways to gray, and get a lesson in expert red-eye correction.
Lesson 14, "Calculations (aka Channel Operations)" examines how you can use the Calculation command to blend two Channels to create a base Alpha Channel; this makes it a great tool for distilling masks. In the old days people use Channel Operations or Chops for short to accomplish the same thing with many more steps. These now would be called MaskOps. Here you will work with blue screen blending, add/subtract blends, dodging/burning, and nondestructive layer painting.
Lesson 15, "The Pen Tool and the Paths Palette" will show you how to draw a meticulous selection outline one point and control handle at a time. Because the pen tool does not see or modify pixels, it lets you create and edit vector outlines that, in turn, allow you to trace outlines that no other tool in Photoshop can see. This lets you draw outlines in a super sharp manner and place them exactly where they need to be. Then you can convert the path to a selection outline with the best anti-aliasing available in Photoshop.
Lesson 16, "Masking the Tough Stuff" explores how to mask difficult images. Objects that say are casting a shadow that you want to bring the shadow with. Or how about translucent subjects, subjects that contain the same colors as the background, or perhaps contains lots of colors? Maybe they have lots of ruffles or fringes and are set against a colorful background. While all of these situations are not covered here; hey this video is already over 20 hours long, you will learn some techniques to get you started on these hard to mask items.
Lesson 17, "16-Bit/Channel and HDR" begins by describing bit-depth and what it means to your images. While the 16.8 million colors that are available in an 8-bit image may seem like a lot, when you edit your images you may experience clipping and banding. The other issue is if you have a camera or scanner that captures 10-bits or 16-bit images, should you throw all of those other colors away? Photoshop can handle 16-bit images and if you want to work with High Dynamic Range images (HDR), they can handle 32-bit images. Here you will learn some pretty fantastic methods for working with these types of images.
Lesson 18, "DMaps and Lighting Effects" look at two highly specialized functions that employ independent channels to create 3D quality effects. The first is the Displace filter uses a Displacement map to move pixels to wrap one image around another. The second, Lighting Effects lets you light the edges which create a 3D embossing effect. You will learn such techniques as creating custom waves, moonlight reflecting off water, and wrapping stone around a face.
As in the first set " Photoshop CS3 Channels And Masks: The Essentials," I really like Deke McClelland's presentation in this video. He describes to you a very complicated topic and brings it down to earth in an easy to understand dialog. Again, I really like the fact that the introductions to each chapter are films of the instructor explaining what the lesson is all about. I think that it makes the instructor more real than just hearing them talk in the voice over. Yes it makes for some large segments, but it sooo worth it.
You can get Photoshop CS3 Channels And Masks: Advanced Techniques two ways. One is as a DVD training package Photoshop CS3 Channels And Masks: Advanced Techniques and the other is part of the online training experience at Lynda.com. The DVD Training Package is $149 USD and includes Photoshop CS3 Channels And Masks: The Essentials as well as containing everything you need.
The online training Photoshop CS3 Channels And Masks: Advanced Techniques comes in three flavors. Monthly at $25 USD/month gets you all of the videos that are available online (approximately 21,811 videos on 318 topics at this time). Annually at $250 USD per year or Premium at $375 USD per year which get all the videos as well as all of the exercise files. Take note that the exercise files are not included with the monthly or annual subscriptions. They are included on the DVD and Premium subscriptions.
You can use Photoshop CS3 Channels And Masks: Advanced Techniques as a training program for the individual student, as well as the college or vocational teacher looking to supplement their educational materials. It is of benefit to anyone who needs help understanding Channels And Masks. You can also try out most of the first lesson for free at Lynda.com.
Photoshop CS3 Channels And Masks: Advanced Techniques Lesson Listing:
- Advanced Blending
- Layer-Specific Masks
- Specialty Masks
- Channel Mixing and Other Tricks
- Calculations (aka Channel Operations)
- The Pen Tool and the Paths Palette
- Masking the Tough Stuff
- 16-Bit/Channel and HDR
- DMaps and Lighting Effects
Sciple’s Mill
Posted on January 28, 2008 - Filed Under Photo | Leave a Comment
“Mr. Edward Sciple- the owner of a watermill (Mississippi) that has been in operation since before the War Between the States”. Taken by Fotokew
Olympus Europe extends free E-3 grip offer
Posted on January 26, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Photo, Reviews | Leave a Comment
Olympus Europe has again prolonged its offer of a free HLD-4 grip to existing E-System users purchasing a new E-3. Originally scheduled to end on Dec 31st 2007, the promotion was first extended to Jan 31st and the folks at Olympus now say customers have until the end of March to get their claims in – most generous. Full details on how to ‘get a grip’ coming up after the jump.
Please note the link below still mentions the cut-off date as being Jan 31st but should soon be updated with the new date. All other information is correct.
Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1 Digital Camera
Posted on January 26, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
The EXILIM Pro EX-F1 incorporates a new high speed CMOS sensor and high speed LSI processor that is claimed to have the world’s fastest burst shooting performance. After building in 6.0 million effective pixels and a 12X optical zoom, the developers focused on achieving a burst shooting speed capability that was hitherto unheard of.
Using the camera’s ultra-high speed burst shooting for still images or its high speed movie recording mode at 1,200 fps for high speed movie recording capturing movement faster than the eye can see for ultra-slow motion replay. Users can now capture a split second’s movement with greater detail than before, allowing them to catch each decisive moment, even motion that the human eye cannot ordinarily perceive and can record movies at full High-Definition.
EXILIM Pro EX-F1 Specifications
Number of Effective Pixels: 6.00 million Image Sensor: 1/1.8-inch high-speed CMOS
Total Pixels: 6.6 million File Format: Still Images: RAW (DNG*), JPEG (Exif Version 2.2), DCF 1.0 standard, DPOF compliant Movies: MOV format, H.264/AVC, IMA-ADPCM (stereo) Built-in Flash Memory: To be advised Recording Media: SDHC Memory Card / SD Memory Card / MultiMediaCard / MultiMediaCardplus compatible Number of Recorded Pixels: Still Images: RAW, 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1872 (3:2), 2816 x 1586 (16:9), 2304 x 1728, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480 STD Movies: 640 × 480 (30 fps) HD Movies: 1920 × 1080 (FHD HQ/FHD Normal, 60 fields per second), 1280 × 720 (HD LP, 30 fps) Hi-Speed Movies: 512 × 384 (300 fps), 432 × 192 (600 fps), 336 × 96 (1200 fps) Recording Capacity (when set at maximum image size): To be advised Operating Speed: To be advised High-speed Continuous Shutter: Maximum is 60 frames per second Flash Continuous Shutter: Maximum is 7 frames per second Lens: Construction: 12 lenses in 9 groups, including aspherical lens F-number: F2.7 (W) to 4.6 (T) Focal Length: f=7.3 to 87.6mm
35mm film equivalent: Approx. 36 to 432mm Zoom: Optical Zoom: 12X Digital Zoom: 4X (48X in combination with optical zoom) Focusing: Focus Type: Contrast Detection Auto Focus Focus Modes: Auto Focus, Macro Mode, Infinity Mode, Manual Focus AF Area: Spot, Free or Tracking AF Assist Lamp: Included Focus Range: Auto Focus: Approx. 40cm** to ∞ (W) Macro: Approx. 5cm** to 50cm (W) Infinity Mode: ∞ (W) Manual Focus: Approx. 5cm** to ∞ (W) Exposure: Exposure Metering: Multi-pattern, center weighted, spot by imaging element Exposure Control: Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Speed Priority AE, Manual Exposure Exposure Compensation: -2EV to +2EV (in 1/3EV steps) Shutter Type: CMOS electronic shutter, mechanical shutter Shutter Speed: Auto: 1 to 1/2000 second Aperture Priority AE: 1 to 1/2000 second Shutter Speed Priority AE: 60 to 1/40000 second Manual Exposure: 60 to 1/40000 second Aperture: F2.7 (W) to F15***** (W), auto switching Aperture Priority AE / Manual Exposure: F2.7 (W) to F7.5 (W) White Balance: Auto WB, Daylight, Overcast, Shade, Day white FL, Daylight FL, Tungsten, manual WB Sensitivity (SOS/REI)******: Still Images: Auto, ISO100, ISO200, ISO400, ISO800, ISO1600 Movies: Auto (Hi-Speed Movie when Manual Exposure mode: ISO100,ISO200,ISO400,ISO800,ISO1600) Other Recording Functions: Prerecord still images: Maximum speed: 60 fps, Maximum recording capacity: 60 images Slow Motion View: 2 seconds by 30fps Auto Bracketing: AE, WB, Focus BEST SHOT: Included YouTube™ Capture Mode: Included Face Recognition: Included Self-timer: 10 seconds, 2 seconds, Triple Self-timer Built-in Flash: Flash Modes: Auto, Flash Off, Flash On, Red Eye Reduction, External Flash Flash Range: Approx. 0.5 to 10.4m (W), approx. 1.1 to 6.3m (T) Finder: Monitor Screen: 2.8-inch wide TFT color LCD (Super Clear LCD), 230,160 dots (959 × 240) Electronic View Finder: 0.2-inch, 201,600 dots Timekeeping Functions: Date and Time: Recorded with image data On-image Time Stamp Function: Included Auto Calendar: To 2049 World Time: 162 cities in 32 time zones, city name, date, time, summer time Input/Output Terminals: USB/AV port, HDMI™ Mini Connector (output), hot shoe, external microphone jack, AC adaptor connection (DC-IN) USB: Hi-Speed USB Microphone: stereo Speaker: Monaural Power Requirements: Rechargeable lithium ion battery (NP-100) x 1, AC adaptor Battery Life: To be advised Dimensions (excluding projections): 127.7 (W) x 79.6 (H) x 130.1 (D)mm Weight (excluding battery and accessories): Approx. 671g Bundled Accessories: Rechargeable lithium ion battery, lithium ion battery charger, AC power cord, USB cable, AV cable, strap, lens cap, lens hood, remote shutter release, CD-ROM * DNG file format is one type of RAW image file, and it is recommended by Adobe Systems for use as a standard image file format. ** Range is affected by optical zoom. *** Shutter speed range may be different depending on the BEST SHOT scene. **** Using optical zoom causes the aperture to change. ***** F15 is the aperture when an ND filter is being used. ****** SOS: Standard Output Sensitivity. REI: Recommended Exposure Index.
Adobe Elements 6 for Mac Available for Pre-Order
Posted on January 26, 2008 - Filed Under News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Elegant space: Elements 6, now in haute dark gray, has a streamlined new workspace that allows your photograph maximum screen real estate. In Full Edit mode, shown here, you can work with Layers and use a multitude of tools.
Adobe has announced the Mac version of its Photoshop Elements 6 image editing software, and has begun accepting pre-orders for the $89.99 program. A Windows-compatible version of the software was released in September 2007. Adobe says it will release the Mac version early in the second quarter of 2008. Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 for Macintosh will run on Mac OS X versions starting with 10.4.8.
For more information and to pre-order the software, go to Adobe’s Web site.
Russia answers call for Prime Minister Gordon Brown lookalike, photographer tells magazine (update)
Posted on January 25, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Photo | Leave a Comment
The photographer who launched an appeal for a Gordon Brown lookalike has received a big response from Russia, she tells British magazine .
Known for her pictures of celebrity lookalikes in compromising positions Alison Jackson launched the campaign on her website earlier today.
Asked what the response has been so far she told : ‘I’ve had lots of responses from Russia.’
So far, no-one from the UK has come forward despite trawling locations including ‘butchers’, farms and shops.
As part of upcoming castings in Glasgow and London, Jackson plans to take to the road using a special ‘Gordon mobile’ – a car from which a loud hailer and the ‘heads of Gordon Brown on sticks’ will be used to advertise the vacant position.
‘I’m absolutely amazed it’s so difficult. He’s got reasonably regular features. I just dread that I go to the open castings and no-one is going to be there because people are just not coming forward as Gordon Brown,’ she told us.
When asked how long it took to attract a Tony Blair double, the photographer said it took no time at all for as many as 10 Tony Blair impersonators to come forward.
‘It’s so ridiculous. Some lookalikes own Porsches, four-bedroom houses… it’s a good job to have.’
Jackson plans to use the Gordon Brown stand-in for a documentary project.
The photographer adds that the results of her search for a Gordon Brown will be published in magazine.
As part of future projects the photographer will also need lookalikes for presidential hopefuls Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. ‘My lookalike for Hillary Clinton is redundant now,’ explains Jackson. ‘She has changed so much and seems to get younger and younger.’
First Look: Sony Alpha 200
Posted on January 22, 2008 - Filed Under Cameras, Photo, Reviews | Leave a Comment
In its new Alpha 200, Sony has given its original DSLR (and our 2006 Camera of the Year), the Alpha 100, a makeover. Although it bears a slight outward resemblance to Sony’s higher-end A700, inside, not much has changed. The camera does get new firmware, a boost in ISO sensitivity to 3200 from the previous 1600, and a tweak of the sensor-based Super SteadyShot image stabilization that Sony says will allow a half-stop more handholding leeway than the A100. While the nine-point autofocus array remains, AF speeds are said to be improved 70 percent, and with better tracking. Otherwise, it uses the same 10.2MP CCD imager of the A100, and metering, flash, viewfinder, and image adjustments are all carried over from the A100 with little alteration.
Most noticeable external changes are a modestly bigger LCD monitor — now 2.7 inches, up from 2.5 on the A100 — and the elimination of the Function dial on top, which gave access to settings for ISO, white balance, Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO), color profiles, flash modes, focus modes, and meter pattern. Instead, the A200 has an A700-style Function (Fn) button within easy reach of the thumb on the back of the camera. This provides quick access to camera controls via the rear LCD panel, whose interface more closely resembles that of the A700. The new camera can also accept a vertical grip, VG-B30AM ($250, street) that can use one or two rechargeable batteries.
In spite of the bigger screen and a few tweaks, isn’t this camera a little less than the old A100? Well, yes. Sony is clearly positioning the A200 as the entry-level DSLR in its lineup, and its projected street price ($699 with 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 Sony DT lens) reflects that. Moreover, the A200 will be available only with the kit lens, not body-only.
It’s still quite a deal. You get a camera capable of Excellent image quality (with resolution right around 2,000 lines), useful image controls such as DRO, a fine-performing lens, and image stabilization that will work with virtually any lens that fits on the camera.
And for those who were hoping for yet another slam-bang Sony introduction, we can only say: Keep checking PopPhoto.com.
Editor’s Note: This story was originally published on January 6, 2008, and updated to include more information on January 7, 2008.
Joby Releases Gorillapod Go-Go!
Posted on January 22, 2008 - Filed Under News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Joby introduced a new Gorillapod kit at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show. The Gorillapod Go-Go! package includes an Original Gorillapod tripod and three mounting clips. One clip has a standard tripod screw for attaching a camera equipped with a tripod mount, the second clip has an adhesive strip so that it can be permanently attached to any device, and the third clip has a suction cup that can be used to temporarily attach a camera phone or any other electronic device. That allows the Gorillapod to be used both as a stabilizer while shooting photographs and video, and as a stand for devices that are displaying photos or videos. The Gorillapod legs are flexible and can be wrapped around available objects for creative camera positioning.
The Gorillapod Go-Go! package will be available in March 2008 for $34.95. Gorillapod owners will be able to purchase the three clips separately for $11.95.
Toshiba Camileo Pro
Posted on January 21, 2008 - Filed Under Digital | Leave a Comment
Toshiba Camileo Pro : Toshiba launched an all-in-one digital still and video camera with eight different functions. The Toshiba Camileo Pro camera is equipped with a 7.0 megapixel CCD sensor and also functions as a webcam, digital voice recorder, MP3 player, mass storage device, eBook and motion detector. The Camileo Pro features 3x optical and 4x digital zoom and using interpolation, still images can be enhanced to the equivalent of 11 megapixel definition. The camera saves all still and video images in MPEG4 format, which is extremely storage-efficient and enables more data to be stored on the in-built 64MB memory. The Toshiba Camileo Pro also features an SD/MMC card slot for additional storage for photos, videos and music.
Camileo Pro digital still and video camera
Finished in black and matt silver, the Toshiba Camileo Pro uses a rechargeable Li-ion battery, weighs in at just 165 grams and measures 118 x 64 x 30 mm. The camera is supplied with application software including Arcsoft Photo Impression, Media Converter and Show Biz. The camera can also be connected to a PC for software update support for Adobe Flash. Using the video and audio cables provided, users can playback video or still images onto a TV.
Toshiba Camileo Pro Features
• Digital Voice Recorder: using an in-built voice recording function that records voice or sound clips in WAV format that can be used for simple dictation or to provide sound clips on photos.
• eBook: the Toshiba Camileo Pro also serves as an eBook, by providing a text reader on any uploaded eBooks.
• Mass storage device: it can be connected to a PC via USB 2.0 to download or upload photos and videos, which can be stored, viewed and shared wherever the user goes.
• Motion detector: when connected to a PC, the Toshiba Camileo Pro can work as a motion detector to monitor activity.
• MP3 player: coming complete with earphones and featuring a lyrics display to scroll through the words to the songs karaoke-style, the Toshiba Camileo Pro functions as a portable MP3 player with songs being stored on a separate SD/MMC card or on the in-built 64MB memory.
• Webcam: the Toshiba Camileo Pro works perfectly as a high quality webcam, with 640 x 480 video resolution, to enhance and online, gaming or instant messaging communications. The camera is available from 30th August 2007 and prices start from €179 Euro, depending on model.
Panasonic 32GB class 6 SDHC
Posted on January 21, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Photo, Reviews | Leave a Comment
CES 2008: Egg consolidation* fans will delight at the launch of the World’s first ‘class 6′ 32GB SDHC memory card. Panasonic unveiled a prototype of the capacious card, capable of sustained write speeds of at least 6MB/sec and maximum data speeds of up to 20MB/sec.
The card, launched alongside two SD card-carrying camcorders is described as "ideal for AVCHD High Definition video," and can hold over five hours of full resolution 1080i video. In digital camera terms, the card should be able to store around 6800 images from the latest 12MP compacts (assuming an average file size of around 4.5MB per image). Or more than 190 rolls worth of 36 exposure film, for those who still think in such terms. Certainly enough to last for even the most shutter-happy holidays.
The 20MB/sec maximum data transfer speed would see this card considered as 133X in conventional SD terms. The 6MB/sec minimum sustained write speed implied by its ‘class 6′ designation is probably more significant.
* The putting of all one’s eggs in a single basket.
Press Release: PANASONIC SHOWCASES WORLD’S FIRST* PROTOTYPE OF 32GB
SDHC MEMORY CARD, WITH FAST SPEEDS TO CAPTURE HD VIDEOS
Adds Labeling Feature to Make Writing on SD Memory Cards More User-Friendly
Las Vegas, NV (January 6, 2008) – Panasonic, a leader in High Definition technology, today announced the development of the world’s first* 32 Gigabyte (GB) SD High Capacity (SDHC)** Memory Card with Class 6 speed specification, perfect for recording High Definition video. With the ability to store up to eight hours of High Definition video, the 32GB SDHC Memory Card prototype will be showcased at the 2008 International CES in Las Vegas from January 7-10 at the Panasonic booth #9405.
The newly developed card, featuring a massive 32GB of capacity is ideal for AVCHD High Definition video recording, which is experiencing growing demand with the recent expansion of High Definition SD Camcorders. With double the storage capacity of the current 16GB card, the 32GB card is able to record approximately eight hours of 1440 x 1080i High Definition video and approximately five hours and 20 minutes of 1920 x 1080i full High Definition video. With the Class 6 speed specification and maximum data transfer speeds up to 20MB/s, the 32GB card allows users to enjoy superb performance and high-quality recording.
The card is also equipped with a new user-friendly labeling feature, which allows users to write titles or comments directly onto labels on the front and back of the card. Panasonic is planning to introduce the new labeling feature in its other SD Memory Card models, with a running changeover from the current card designs in spring 2008.
The arrival of Panasonic’s 32GB model further strengthens its Pro High Speed line-up which currently has five models available: 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB and 16GB card sizes with the Class 6 speed specification.
* A 32GB SDHC Memory Card having Class 6 speed specification.
** 1 GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes. Usable capacity will be less. SDHC Memory Cards can only be used in SDHC host devices, which support the SDHC Memory Card.
Panasonic 32GB SDHC specifications
| Memory capacity | 32GB |
|---|---|
| Usable capacity | 30,979 MB |
| Data transfer rate | Up to 20 MB/s |
| Speed class | Class 6 |