Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Axtremex UDMA 128GB CompactFlash Memory Card

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Axtremex Technology has launched a high-performance 128GB 600x CompactFlash card.


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Win a Fantastic New Manfrotto Tripod!

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Win a fantastic new Manfrotto 190XPROB Tripod, worth ?139.95!


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Fujifilm FinePix HS20 Camera

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Record-breaking, innovative, versatile; the new Fujifilm FinePix HS20 is all this and so much more. Replacing the multiple award-winning FinePix HS10, this latest addition to the range of Fujifilm bridge cameras represents the perfect picture taking solution for photographers...



- DigitalPixels.net



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Nik Silver Efex Pro 2

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Nik Software announced today Silver Efex Pro 2, a major upgrade to its black-and-white conversion software. Silver Efex Pro 2 includes new features such as the History Browser, Dynamic Brightness, Amplify Blacks, Amplify Whites, Soft Contrast, Fine Structure, Image Borders, and selective colourisation, as well as a variety of speed and quality improvements. Nik Software has worked closely with NVIDIA Corporation and has incorporated GPU-based image rendering to offer the fastest, most efficient processing on systems equipped with dedicated GPU processors, the company says. Silver Efex Pro 2 will be available in February at a price of $199.95. Note that Silver Efex Pro 2 installs as a 32-bit and 64-bit plug-in for Adobe Photoshop CS4, Lightroom 2.6 or Apple Aperture 2.1.4 or later.

Nik Press Release

Nik Software Announces Silver Efex Pro™ 2 for Adobe® Photoshop®, Lightroom® & Apple® Aperture®

New and more powerful features make it easier than ever to create stunning black-and-white images

San Diego, CA –January 17, 2011– Nik Software (http://www.niksoftware.com) announces today Silver Efex Pro 2, a major upgrade to its award-winning Silver Efex Pro software, widely regarded by photographers as the leading black-and-white software solution on the market today. Silver Efex Pro 2 introduces new features that offer even more control over detail, contrast, and tonality, making it easier than ever to transform color photographs into stunning black-and-white images. Silver Efex Pro 2 includes new features such as the History Browser, Dynamic Brightness, Amplify Blacks, Amplify Whites, Soft Contrast, Fine Structure, Image Borders, and selective colorization, as well as a variety of speed and quality improvements. The new features of Silver Efex Pro 2, combined with Nik Software’s award-winning U Point® technology, will continue to evolve black-and-white photography. To learn why Silver Efex Pro is the leading black-and-white imaging software users can watch training videos, download a free trial, and join live online training sessions at http://www.niksoftware.com/silverefexpro.

“Silver Efex Pro 2 has been created to provide photographers with the world’s best black-and-white conversion software enabling them to utilize new and powerful capabilities that were not available in the traditional darkroom,” said Michael J. Slater, President and CEO of Nik Software.

Ideal for any photographer passionate about black-and-white photography, Silver Efex Pro 2 features a wide variety of innovative enhancements to ensure the highest quality results. Silver Efex Pro includes unique features and functions, including specially designed algorithms for black-and-white photography, a unique all-in-one workflow, and the ability to fine-tune images with precise selective adjustments powered by U Point technology.

Nik Software’s proprietary U Point technology provides revolutionary selective editing by enabling photographers to precisely make detail, contrast, and tonality enhancements without the need for complicated selections or layer masks. Enhancements are automatically blended throughout an image for natural results. Finishing adjustments such as vignette controls, toning, burn edges and borders make it possible to easily accomplish everything needed for amazing black-and-white images.

Silver Efex Pro 2 is the first Nik Software product to take full advantage of the latest graphics processing units (GPUs). Nik Software has worked closely with NVIDIA Corporation and has incorporated GPU-based image rendering to offer the fastest, most efficient processing on systems equipped with dedicated GPU processors.

“We are extremely excited that Nik Software’s Silver Efex Pro 2 taps into the power of the many cores available in GeForce GPUs to deliver multiples of performance beyond the CPU alone” said David Ragones, Director of Product Marketing, NVIDIA.  “Photo enthusiasts can now take advantage of all the available horsepower in their computers to produce beautiful black-and-white images.”

Key Features

New History Browser facilitates intuitive comparison of previous edits and different looks New Dynamic Brightness enables adaptive brightening adjustments for different areas in the image
New Amplify Blacks and Amplify Whites increases the presence of highlights and shadows adaptively throughout the image, creating a unique contrast effect
New Visual Presets categorized by photographic style provide great, single-click starting points, which can be edited and shared with others
New Soft Contrast applies contrast intelligently, based on image details, creating a less harsh contrast and a stylized mood
New Fine Structure brings out even the smallest details and textures resulting in more visible image detail without creating an over-sharpened look
New Image Borders use organic image elements to create unique and completely random borders, giving classic darkroom-style edges a modern look with infinite possibilities
New Selective colorization easily adds color elements back into images utilizing U Point technology to precisely select objects
New GPU Processing takes full advantage of the processors found on advanced display adapters providing even faster performance

Pricing and Availability
Silver Efex Pro 2 will be available in February 2011 directly from Nik Software (http://www.niksoftware.com), through specialty camera retailers, and through online and national resellers. A list of Nik Software resellers may be found at http://www.niksoftware.com/resellers.

The suggested retail price of Silver Efex Pro 2 is $199.95.  Upgrades from the first version are $99.95. Customers who purchased Silver Efex Pro or a Complete Collection bundle after December 6, 2010 are eligible for a free upgrade. To pre-order Silver Efex Pro 2, users can visit http://www.niksoftware.com/silverefexpro.

Silver Efex Pro 2 installs as a 32-bit and 64-bit plug-in for Adobe® Photoshop® CS4 or later, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom® 2.6 or later (Windows and Macintosh) or Apple® Aperture™ 2.1.4 or later (Macintosh). For more information about Silver Efex Pro 2, including a video tutorial and a free 15-day fully functional trial version, please visit: http://www.niksoftware.com/silverefexpro.

About Nik Software
Nik Software, Inc. is a privately held company that develops software solutions and provides award-winning educational programs for the digital imaging and photography markets. Established in 1995, Nik Software has become the recognized leader in digital photographic filter development and produces award-winning technology and software products for digital photography and imaging professionals including U Point® technology (http://www.upoint.com), HDR Efex Pro™, Dfine®, Viveza®, Color Efex Pro™, Silver Efex Pro™, and Sharpener Pro™ software. For more information, visit http://www.niksoftware.com.



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It's the Humidity


A bit of banter is not a bad thing. Small talk, much maligned, is often useful as a lubricant to get the wheels of social machinery turning. But there is a limit and there are things that are often repeated ad nauseum that are just too infuriatingly obvious. Like heat and humidity.I recall one specific instance when a UPS driver entered my business premises on an extremely hot and humid summer day. I tried to show some compassion and in an offhanded way commented that is was really HOT out there. Being that this was just meant as sympathetic chit chat, I did not feel that I needed to expound on this with meteorological completeness. However, with tremendous gravitas and as if I was being told something I did not know for the first time he said "It's not the heat, it's the humidity." The absurdly obvious statement was further compounded by the fact that my family, unbeknownst to him, has a morbid obsession with humidity (along with making sure shoes are not too big - see One Size Too Small here).There are other refrains that are equally annoying, like any variant about thin crust pizza (along with brick oven). Is their pizza thin crust, I love thin crust or their pizza has a thin crust, typically followed by an explanation of what and why for all of us who have not heard about thin crust. Much like the No Honking horn law, perhaps New York City could pass a local ordinance: "It will be assumed all pizza is 'thin crust' as long as not otherwise specified. Any unnecessary use of the phrase 'thin crust' within the five boroughs will be subject to a fine."On the other hand, we don't hear much about the desirability of thick crust. At one time I used to enjoy Sicilian styled pizza or Chicago deep pan pizza (ala Pizzeria Uno), both with thick crusts. Sunday, after reading about Rosario's Pizzeria on the Lower East Side, I decided to make a short trip and sample the goods. Located at 173 Orchard Street and Stanton, the awning proclaims "The Best Pizza in Town" and "Since 1963." So, they get points for authenticity and longevity. However, I was not particularly pleased with their style. The crust was thick and somewhat cakey. Have you ever had thin crust pizza?The reviews I have read range the gamut with 5 star reviews just as impassioned as the 1 star. The highlight of my excursion was an animated conversation in Italian between the shopkeeper and a customer about I don't know what. Perhaps the patron was informing the shopkeeper about thin crust pizza and the shopkeeper was explaining that the problem in the summer is that it's not the heat, it's the humidity :)

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SanDisk 128Gb Extreme Pro CompactFlash

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SanDisk Corporation (NASDAQ: SNDK), the global leader in flash memory cards, today announced the world?s fastest high-capacity CompactFlash? card. The latest milestone in SanDisk?s long history of industry-leading products, the SanDisk Extreme? Pro? CompactFlash? card features...



- DigitalPixels.net



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Judith & Mike's Maternity Photos

Tue. January 18, 2011   |   peopleOne of the things I LOVE about being a wedding photographer is getting involved in the lives of my brides and grooms!  Not much makes me happier than when I get a call from a past couple or friend of a couple to ask me if I would photograph something else for them.  Most often, the next thing I get to shoot for a couple is a maternity session!
Judith and Mike were married in June of last year on a gorgeous day--you can check out the photos HERE.  They had already dated for many years, so as they jetted off to Italy for their honeymoon and some R&R, they decided to let the fate of their future family take its course, and now they're expecting a new little one in a few months!
We decided on a morning shoot for this session.  I'd been wanting to shoot in the morning at one of my favorite parks for some time, and even though it meant getting up early and a long drive, Judith & Mike obliged.  I"m so glad we did--we found some beautiful light and spots to photograph them as they wait (mostly) patiently for their baby girl!
They are just so excited and sweet together:They brought along a little picnic:Judith asked me what to wear for this shoot, and I told her a solid dress and bright accessories--the girl sure does know how to take a hint!  I LOVED the teal and red Judith chose:As much fun as weddings are, I have to say, there's such a different kind of energy and joy around expecting couples:They will be wonderful parents, I'm sure:I think that dads have a special bond with babies, especially baby girls:So much nice light that morning!A few clean portraits:Judith's dress--don't be jealous ladies--she actually wore it on her honeymoon and it still fits!I wonder what she's saying in there...Just some cuteness:I always try to shoot some belly shots!It's so important for couples to value one another and put each other first, even with the arrival of a baby.  These guys do this well:Sweetness for baby girl:Pregnant women are really beautiful, especially when they are comfortable with their changing bodies!  Judith is, and I'm so glad I was able to capture this time for her (and future daughter):One more...my favorite:Judith and Mike, GOOD LUCK with everything!  I can't wait to meet the new little one, and share here with all you readers out there :)

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Suki's Small Studio in Seattle House Call

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Name: Suki

Location: Capitol Hill — Seattle, Washington



It has taken me two years and four months to get my 470 square foot condo finally ready for a House Call. It proves that my style is patience! It takes me forever to find any object that I truly love. Every shopping experience is like searching for a soul mate. I am mostly drawn to old, used objects that make you wonder their life story. Therefore, used goods stores, craigslist, and garage sales are my muse and inpiration.



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