I Use – Hoodman Portable Computer Shades

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Have you ever needed to see your portable computer in a bright environment, like out in the field in the middle of the day? I use the Hoodman Eclipse 15″ Laptop Hood.
“Sun Shades for PowerBooks / PC’s Eliminate Glare! Allows Private Viewing! Pops into Shape! Folds Flat in Seconds! Travel Bag Included! LCD screen sizes are measured on the Diagonal. If you own an Apple PowerBook, order the Apple hoods. If you own a PC laptop computer order the PC hood.”
Private viewing aside, the shade this provides, though not total can help you see what’s on your screen on location. It’s a simple idea and a simple device. The simple things are often the easiest to use and so the most useful.
You can see it in use in my field workshops.
Check out Hoodman here.
Check out the other products I use in my AStore here.
Check out my PDF Reviews here.
Check out my field workshops here.
Get a 20% discount on my Iceland (8/18-22) workshop here – expires 8/10.
Get a 15% discount on my Fall Foliage (10/17-20) workshop here – until 8/17.
The first 5 Insights Members get $1000 off South America (2/2-14/09), thereafter $250.

I Use – AquaTech's Sport Shield Rain Cover

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So, you want to photograph but it’s raining? Get the shot and save your camera. Get a rain shield. I use AquaTech’s Sport Shield Rain Cover. So do many of today’s top pro sports photographers.
“Sport Shield rain covers are designed to protect professional cameras and lenses from adverse weather conditions such as wind, rain, salt, air and sand. They are manufactured using a versatile, high-performance and Multi-Layer Barrier Fabric System. This design seals the fabric with a series of coatings or “layers” that prevent driving rain, water, snow or dust from entering the fabric.”
“The Multi Layer Barrier Fabric System “sandwiches” the textile. The outside face is treated with a Teflon water-repellant finish preventing surface absorption of water, dirt, dust and oil. The inside surface is coated with three successive layers of a specially engineered formula which combine to create a tough, durable and permanent waterproof system.”
“The Aqua Tech SS-ZOOM Sport Shield Rain Cover (Navy) is primarily designed to fit Nikon or Canon digital or film SLR cameras, with lenses up to 5.0 x 5.0” attached. It is made of high-quality, 3-ply, waterproof, breathable fabric, fully tape seam sealed with waterproof silicone sealing around the view windows. It is made with YKK weatherproof zippers for ease of application and removal. The rain cover provides a watertight seal around lens front. The one-piece design provides complete enclosure and moisture protection for both the camera body and lens with a “glove-like” fit. It is designed with a waterproof sleeve to access and operate the camera controls safely and easily. There are draw strings on hand access and tripod sleeve for protection when not in use. It has waterproof view windows to monitor camera functions. The eyepiece cover flap protects the viewfinder when not in use. It requires an eyepiece to hold cover to camera and maintain waterproofing.
Key Features …
Tape seam sealed
YKK weatherproof zippers for ease of application and removal
It provides a watertight seal around lens front.
One-piece design provides complete moisture protection for both camera and lens
Waterproof view windows to monitor camera functions.
Designed with a waterproof sleeve to safely and easily access and operate camera controls.
Draw strings on hand access and tripod sleeve for protection when not in use.
The cover is quickly and easily applied and removed.
Eyepiece cover flap to protect viewfinder when not in use.
Compatible with …
Canon 16-35mm f2.8 L, 17-35mm f2.8 L, 17-40mm f2.8 L, 24mm f1.4 L, 35mm f1.4 L, 85mm f1.2 L
Nikon 17-35mm f2.8 AF-S, 24-85mm f2.8-4 AF, 28-70mm f2.8 AF-S, 35-70mm f2.8 AF, 70-300mm f4-5.6 AF, 28-85mm f2.8-4 AF
Other lenses up to 5.0 x 5.0″ (L x Dia)
You can see it in use in my field workshops.
Find this product and many others I use in my AStore.
Check out my PDF Reviews here.
Check out my field workshops here.
Get a 20% discount on my Iceland (8/18-22) workshop here – expires 8/10.
Get a 15% discount on my Fall Foliage (10/17-20) workshop here – until 8/17.
The first 5 Insights Members get $1000 off South America (2/2-14/09), thereafter $250.

Amazon Prime – PixSylated Excerpt

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Here’s an excerpt from a great blog run by a friend of mine Syl Arena.
“For a $79 annual fee, Amazon Prime provides unlimited free 2-day shipping. An upgrade to overnight delivery is just $3.99 per item. You can get a free, 30-day trial to Amazon Prime by clicking here. I’ve found that Amazon’s prices are very competitive on all kinds of photo gear and printing supplies – especially when shipping charges are figured in.
There are two keys to happiness with Amazon Prime. The first key to happiness with Amazon Prime is making sure that the item is in stock and sold by Amazon. The second key to happiness with Amazon Prime, if you need it tomorrow, is check to see that there’s still time to get it shipped today.”
Syl uses a real world example of needing ink fast and gives all the details in his post. Check out the rest of Syl’s post here. And check out PixSylated on a regular basis.
I use Amazon’s AStore to let people know what books and products I recommend. You can find it here.

Harry Sandler – The Fine Digital Print Expert Workshop Finding Your Voice

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(The above images are after and before.)
This is just one of the many reasons to teach. You make a real difference for some really great people. Harry Sandler had a breakthrough last week. He connected emotionally and intellectually to the work he was doing with a level of clarity he hadn’t achieved before. It’s given him a better sense of himself, the reasons he does the work he does, and how to approach both his old and new work. Mastering any tool (especially Photoshop) means more than knowing how to use it; it means knowing how to apply it to achieve specific results. To achieve those, you first have to know what you want to achieve – and why.
Here’s the letter Harry sent me after he left the workshop.
“John Paul,
First of all many thanks for a wonderful experience at your Fine Digital Print Expert workshop – it far outweighed my expectations. I am most appreciative of how technical information was balanced with the idea of discovering one’s artistic voice.
Having dabbled in imagery for most of my life without ever fully realizing what moved and in turn motivated me I enjoyed being pushed a bit toward finding a technical solution to being able to express myself physically, a breakthrough, albeit just a start, that happened on the third day of the workshop.
When asked to stretch the limits of one image (an image that we felt to be a cornerstone for a body of work) by taking it in various directions I had an epiphany of expression within myself. In particular it would appear that I connected this photo (and the way it was printed) with some inner turmoil from my childhood that opened during this exercise, and, that sense of discovery continued after working on another file from the same body of work. The instant feedback from the print resonated deeply and appears to be the catalyst for moving farther down the road to more self-discovery.
A quote came to mind that evening while viewing the image: “Be still with yourself until the object of your attention affirms your presence” – Minor White
PS: On my drive back on Saturday I also noticed myself drifting off into the cloudy sky noticing small shifts of saturation and color so maybe there is hope for this old time black and white brain of mine.
Regards,
Harry Sandler”

Download my PDF Portfolio Review here.
Download my PDF Aesthetics of Printing here.
Find out about my Fine Digital Print workshop series here.
Find out about The Fine Digital Print Expert workshop here.

I Use – ExpoDisc

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A majority of the time, I treat white balance subjectively. But, that doesn’t mean I don’t use a white balance target. Targets give you the option of setting white balance objectively. Without them you have to fall back on the SWAG method (Scientific Wild Ass Guess). My favorite white balance target is ExpoImaging’s ExpoDisc. (I use a Flat; while they’re more expensive, they can be used with any and all lenses.) Why do I like the ExpoDisc so much? It performs three functions at once – white balance, dust map, vignetting map. In addition to setting white balance you can use it to precisely map dust on you sensor and vignetting. Once you’ve identified these with a single exposure, you can automatically apply those corrections to all images shot during that session. Automatic retouching? Yes! Dust mapping will save you hours. Often, I’ve felt a resistance to using white balance targets in the field. Because the ExpoDisc offers so much more and is so easy to use, I use it consistently.
I demonstrate these kinds of techniques in all of my field workshops.
Download my Review of the ExpoDisc here.
Find out more about the ExpoDisc here.
Find my Review of the ExpoDisc here.
Get Insights free here, for upcoming alerts of new Reviews.
See more of the products I use here.
Check out my field workshops here.
Get a 20% discount on my Iceland (8/18-22) workshop here – expires 8/10.
Get a 15% discount on my Fall Foliage (10/17-20) workshop here – until 8/17.
The first 5 Insights Members get $1000 off South America (2/2-14/09), thereafter $250.

I Use – X-Rite ColorChecker

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The X-Rite ColorChecker is the standard target for getting accurate color in the studio. But, it’s useful in any shooting situation. You can create a custom calibration setting for your camera using the X-Rite ColorChecker and Tom Fors Adobe Camera Raw camera calibration script. Do this once for significantly different lighting situations; daylight, overcast, full shade, tungsten, florescent, etc. You only have to do it once for each lighting situation. The calibration is model specific and chip specific, so do it for every digital camera you use. Performing this routine makes an appreciable improvement in color rendition. Saturated hues will be represented more accurately.  In the field, I use the credit card sized ColorChecker.
I demonstrate these kinds of techniques in all of my field workshops.
Click here for a step-by-step guide to using the X-Rite ColorChecker and the Tom Fors script.
Download Tom Fors script here.
Find my Review of the X-Rite ColorChecker here.
Get Insights free here, for upcoming alerts of new Reviews.
See more of the products I use here.
Check out my field workshops here.
Get a 20% discount on my Iceland (8/18-22) workshop here – expires 8/10.
Get a 15% discount on my Fall Foliage (10/17-20) workshop here – until 8/17.
The first 5 Insights Members get $1000 off South America (2/2-14/09), thereafter $250.

I Use – 3 Filters / Polarizer, ND, IR

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Because it offers so many more options, digital imaging may change the way you use your tools.
For instance, I use only 3 filters – a circular polarizer, a neutral density filter, and a infrared filter.
No other filter is as useful to me as a polarizer. Polarizers remove glare making colors more saturated and reflections allowing you to reduce or remove images on the surface of reflective surfaces. No software filter can do this. I use Canon’s circular polarizer. Whenever possible, I prefer to match filters to the manufacturer of the lens,
I’ve been experimenting with long exposures. Singh Ray makes a unique neutral density filter – the Vari-ND filter. Rotate it and you can slow reduce light between 2 and 8 stops. This eliminates the need to carry multiple filters and to stack them during exposure. It’s fantastic. (As an aside, I prefer all graduated filtration to be done with software because you can control both the effect and the graduation precisely.)
For infrared imagery I use an infrared filter. It’s not exactly the same as converting a camera to infrared, but it’s closer than simulating IR effects with software and it’s doesn’t permanently change your camera. I prefer to carry as little equipment as possible, move freely, and take long walks. Because I prefer to keep my options open, many times I will shoot in full color and use software to create an IR effect. If you take both a full color and IR filtered exposure of the same subject you have many more options.
I demonstrate these kinds of techniques in all of my field workshops.
See more of the products I use here.
Check out my full Review on the Singh Ray Vari-ND filter here.
Get Insights free here, for upcoming alerts of new Reviews.
Read about essential camera tests techniques here.
Check out my field workshops here.
Get a 20% discount on my Iceland (8/18-22) workshop here – expires 8/10.
Get a 15% discount on my Fall Foliage (10/17-20) workshop here – until 8/17.
The first 5 Insights Members get $1000 off South America (2/2-14/09), thereafter $250.

Video – Dove's Evolution of Beauty, Onslaught & Fried

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Since their release less than 2 years ago, Dove’s Evolution of Beauty, Onslaught, and Fried videos have been viewed by millions of viewers and inspired numerous spin offs and spoofs.
Evolution reduces hours of makeup and digital retouching to one minute with time-lapse images.
Onslaught raises challenging questions about perception of femininity and early stereotyping.
Fried’s display of coiffure creation is more tongue and cheek with an inevitable conclusion.
Many people like to criticize contemporary notions of idealized beauty. I feel the core problem is not fantasy itself but confusing fiction with reality. Our fantasies (cultural or individual) can tell us a lot about ourselves psychologically. But, we all know that disaster can strike when we confuse fiction and fact, fantasy and reality. In the case of confusion over contemporary western female beauty, a long list of problems arises – greatly reduced self-esteem, prejudice, stigma, anorexia and bulemia, even death are just a few. All of us suffer when we adhere to limited definitions of beauty. Expanding our awareness of the many kinds of beauty (both external and internal, physical and social) that surround us is not only conscientious but enlightened. Imagine how much more inspiring your life would be if every day you saw more beauty all around you. Kudos to Dove (a company in the business of selling beauty products) for taking this stand and not only effectively raising awareness but also offering education, skills, and choice.
The Dove Self-Esteem Fund was developed to help free the next generation from self-limiting beauty stereotypes. Committed to reaching 5 million young women by the end of 2010, the Dove Self-Esteem Fund invites you to play a role in supporting and promoting a wider definition of beauty.
“At Dove®, our mission is to make more women feel more beautiful everyday. We believe women with strong confidence and positive self-esteem are beautiful. That is why we have partnered with the Woodhull Institute for Ethical Leadership, a not-for-profit organization, to encourage real women to share real success stories and learn from one another. We invite you to participate in these online training modules as a first step to begin a successful and beautiful journey.”
See the Dove videos here (including Amy).
Find out more about the Dove Self-Esteem Fund here.
Find out about Dove’s partnership with the Woodhull Institute for Ethical Leadership here.
What do you think about Dove’s initiative? Comment here!

Photoshop World 2008 – $100 Discount Until 8/1

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Photoshop World is coming to he Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV, September 4-6, 2008.
Held annually on the east and west coasts, Photoshop World is the official convention of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals. NAPP is the largest digital imaging and design association worldwide with more than 70,000 members in 105 countries. It’s the leading resource for Adobe Photoshop training, education and news. Now in its 10th year, Photoshop World is the largest Photoshop educational event in the world. There’s something for every type and skill level of Photoshop user. If you want to get up to speed on the latest developments in a short time, there’s no better place to do it. Dont’ miss the opening keynote session – there are always special announcements and previews of exciting upcoming developments.
The cost of this amazing event is $599 for members and $699 for nonmembers. (I highly recommend you become a member, even if you aren’t able to attend PhotoshopWorld.) You can get a $100 discount by registering before August 1.
It’s three days of world-class training by the best in the creative industry lead by Scott Kelby, NAPP president and the world’s bestselling computer and technology book author. This year’s conference offers the biggest and most comprehensive conference schedule. Attendees will choose from 100 classes taught by 40 of the best and most creative industry experts and instructors, including Jack Davis, Julieanne Kost, Jay Maisel, Joe McNally, Dan Margulis, Vincent Versace, Jeff Schewe, Ben Wilmore and many, many more.
I’ll be presenting in four sessions – the pre-con Epson Print Academy (Wednesday pm), The Fine Art of Digital (Friday pm), The Power of Color (Saturday am) and Drawing With Light(Saturday am).
You can see video highlights here.
You can see the complete list of instructors and their sessions here.
Find out more about all of my seminars here.

Jane Davenport – Alumni Success Story

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Australian artist Jane Davenport returned this week for a second workshop with me – The Fine Digital Print Expert. I love to hear success stories from my alumni. Jane’s is exceptional. “In 2001 I took my first workshop with John Paul and decided to follow my bliss. Since then I’ve published 4 books, had 30 solo exhibits, and over 4,000,000 people have attended my large scale outdoor art installations. I know how incredibly lucky I am to be doing this. I also know that you create your own luck.” Jane’s passionate, committed, works hard and smart. It’s a winning combination. She’s gone very far in a relatively short time.
“Workshops make me reassess what I’m doing and why I’m doing it. If you don’t stop and take the time to discover new tools you could miss out on something amazing, something that adds a new dimension to your work. Getting feedback from peers is extremely helpful, particularly people who don’t know you and your work.”
Jane’s created a unique niche focussing on insects. She works with zoos and environmental organization to raise awareness of and promote affection for her subjects. She also licenses her images in interesting merchandising opportunities giving here cause a broader reach.
This week she explored a new developing theme – kites.
Find out more about Jane Davenport here.
Find out about my workshops here.