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On Press – Banding

Event - Exhibit, Printing  Comment
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We’ve been finishing the last prints for my annual open studio exhibit where I unveil New Work from 2008 for the first time. We ran into subtle banding in a few prints. So how do we trouble shoot it?
First check the file at 100% screen magnification. If it’s in the file add a touch of noise. If you need to use more noise than you’d like, use Noiseware afterwards.
Second check the printer. Is the data transfer fast enough? (Don’t perform other calculation intensive operations while printing. Close other programs if necessary. Make sure your cable connection isn’t too slow or too long.) Are the heads aligned? Are you sure it’s banding and not nozzle clog? (Nozzle clogs are tiny light lines. Banding is dark lines, often thick with soft edges.) Are you printing at high speed? (Try printing it slower.)
Third, as a last resort, rotate the image 90 degrees and try printing it again. Huh? Right! Many of my files are particularly difficult to print – semi-neutral fields with very smooth gradations. These types of images display incompatibilities with printer drivers and their screening frequencies that just don’t happen in most images. It has to do with screening frequencies. Why does rotation help? I don’t have an explanation for it. But it works.
Hopefully all of this will help you with your prints.
Get information on my Annual Exhibit here.
Check my blog for the most up to date information on the event.
Check out my blog during the event to see video of my new installation events.
Check out my Gallery to see more images.
Check out my Gallery during and after the exhibit to see new images.
Check out my workshops series The Fine Digital Print here.

Exhibit – New Work / Annual Open Studio

Event - Exhibit  Comment
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You’re invited! My Annual Open Studio Exhibit (in my gallery/studio in Cushing, Maine) of New Work from 2008 is open for one weekend only – August 2-3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. I’ll discuss my work daily at 2 p.m, sign books at 3 p.m, and post content online at 6 p.m. This is the best time to see and purchase new work as introductory prices are available for a limited time only. (Thereafter, private viewings for print purchases will scheduled by appointment only.)
This summer’s event simultaneously presents two galleries of work – one highlighting bold color and the other highlighting drawn forms. These new images are my most painterly to date. Upstairs, bright, bold colors exude a lush sensuality, producing an almost physical sensation while evoking strong emotional responses. These new additions to several of my most popular series simply glow. Downstairs, spaciously atmospheric compositions are filled with subtle iridescent whites, grays, and blacks. New work from the series Refraction reveals an evolution in my recent explorations into incorporating drawn elements with photographs.  If photographs are light drawings, these are also drawings of light. Simultaneously representational and abstract, this daring new work contains a powerful energy that transports the viewer.
During the exhibition, video documenting my recent related explorations with environmental performance art can be seen in the studio and here on this blog.
And don’t forget to see the Two Generations (father and son) exhibit at the Maine Media Workshops.
You can see two exhibits in one day!
Get information on my Annual Exhibit here.
Check my blog for the most up to date information on the event.
Check out my blog during the event to see video of my new installations.
Check out my Gallery to see more images.
Check out my Gallery during and after the exhibit to see new images.
Contact us here for print purchases.

Exhibit – Two Generations at MMW

Event - Exhibit  Comment
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Father and son exhibit together in a special exhibit – Two Generations (Paul Caponigro and John Paul Caponigro) at the Maine Media Workshops. The exhibit runs from July 26 to August 22. Saturday, July 26 from 4-6 pm is the opening and at 7 pm I’ll present a lecture. The following day we’ll run a special workshop (all proceeds benefit scholarships for aspiring photographers at MMW); with a visit to and demonstration in our personal studios – first in my father’s studio (analog) and then in my studio (digital).
Two Generations was first exhibited in 1995 at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art in Rockport, Maine. Following that, it’s traveled to many museums and galleries including the George Eastman House in Rochester, NY. It’s been several years since its last showing. Now, it’s been updated with new work and it’s coming to Maine Media Workshop’s Union Hall in Rockport, Maine. The prints are drawn from my personal collection. There are over 50 prints (silver gelatin and pigmented ink) representing classic highlights from our careers as master printers.
Our work is at once very similar and very different.
Our processes are entirely different. My father remains one of the premiere masters of 20th century technology while I’ve become one of the leading pioneers in 21st century technology. I work primarily in color, my father works primarily in black and white – though we both work with the other palette on a more limited basis.
On a more soulful note, our work is very similar. We both share intense interests in nature and spirituality. Our primary impulses are essentially mystical and poetic. Our themes and our stances towards nature and art are closely allied.
This show is actually somewhat nostalgic for me. At the age of 19, I had my very first group exhibit at The Workshops with my father, George Tice, and Eliot Porter.
Want to hear what happens when father and son share scotch?
Read our father son conversation here (first published in View Camera magazine in 1995).
Check my Calendar for other upcoming events.
Sign up for Insights to receive alerts on special opportunities like this and others coming soon.

I Use – Bogen 3265 Grip Action Ball Head

Tools  Comment
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This is one of the accessories that make using a tripod easier, more fun and more intuitive. This grip is so fluid it doesn’t get in my way. I can move more freely. That means I make images more freely. That means I make more images. That means I make more interesting pictures. That means I make better pictures. The best tripod head may not be the sturdiest, it may be the most fluid. Strike the balance you’re most comfortable with.
There are sturdier heads. If you need super-stability (perhaps you have a very heavy camera or use super long lenses) this may not be the head for you. But it’s plenty steady for me (even with my Canon 1DSMKIII and 100-400 IS zoom).
Check out this product and many others 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 – Bogen Carbon Tripods

Tools  Comment
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One of the keys to using a tripod is making it easy to use. This tripod is light and sturdy. That means I carry it with me – even on long walks. I lash it to my backpack or if I’m walking without my backpack I use a camera strap to sling it over my shoulder. It’s all well and good to say “I will use my tripod more!” But it’s like a diet or an exercise routine. You have to make it easy and fun to actually stick with it for the long haul. Get a tripod you like, not what you should like. And use it!
As an aside, many people use tripods to slow down and make more considered images. Try making pictures exclusively without a tripod. Then try making pictures exclusively with a tripod. Compare your experiences. It’s not better or worse, it’s different. Note the differences and what they helped you accomplish and how they affected the way you related to your equipment and subject. Then, next time, choose whether to use a tripod or not to get specific results. It’s a simple thing really. But it makes a big difference!
Check out this product and many others 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 – Joby's Gorilla Pod

Tools  Comment
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Gorilla Pod’s. It’s not for your music. It’s for your camera. These little baby’s are adorable! More importantly, they get you thinking about where you can place your tripod in entirely new ways. Put your camera on the floor. Put it on the back of a chair. Put it on the edge of a table. Put it on the top of a door. Put it on a car door, mirror, or bumper. Put it on a beam in the ceiling. Put it on a street sign. Put it on a trash can. You get the idea. It turns where you put your camera into a game. And you get even more creative!
The smallest unit isn’t stable enough – pass on it. All the others are great. While I take extra care when using my Gorilla Pod with my Canon DSLRs (particularly with a long lens), I use my Gorilla Pod without hesitation with my Canon G9 point and shoot – even for video! Video from the ceiling? Yes!
You can see it in use in all of my workshops.
Check out the Gorilla Pod and the other products 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 – Hoodman Portable Computer Shades

Tools  Comment
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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

Tools  Comment
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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

Tools  Comment
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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

Alumni, Workshop  Comment
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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.