Ethical / Natural grading and retouching services – Photoshop and Lightroom training – Imaging workflow design and advice
Clients who are using LaCie BIG5 devices may have noticed that security updates to Internet Explorer may have blocked their ability to download files using the HTTPS facility (secure web browser).
I will need to look into how to sort this but in the meantime just use Firefox instead, if you dont have it its a free download here:
http://www.mozilla-europe.org/en/firefox/
(Its also a very good web browser for general use).
Stephen
I have just updated my camera to the latest version of the firmware available from Canon (as of yesterday).
Its version 1.1.0 and the main improvements are in the movie mode, basicaly you now have control over asa, aperture and shutter speed.
This was a much requested feature (the camera was auto everything before this – with no easy way to control any variable).
Previously the popular way to control aperture in movie mode was to use Nikon lenses on an adapter, this may have been noticed by Canon…..
If you do shoot short movie clips when on location (a good idea) then consider the upgrade, if not then read about the changes first then decide if you want to update, you can read and download from here:
http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/firm-e/eos5dmk2/firmware.html
Andrew Jackson at ACTPIX has a large fire resistant data safe for sale.
I know many of my clients have amassed a large collection of images that in some cases are of significant scientific interest. Protecting these images from damage is not an insignificant task and something that needs careful consideration.
You can view the safe model here:
http://www.thesafeshop.co.uk/products/4623.html
(Andrew has the full set of drawers and shelves)
Andrew can be contacted via his website http://www.actpix.com
Stephen
I have been working on some interesting projects recently, unfortunatly client confidentiality means that I cannot mention them here, this blog would be much more interesting if I could talk about my work a little more 🙂
The photolibrary business is going through one of its crisis of confidence at the moment but there is no general trend, some parts remain viable and its no surprise to see that the high quality/original thinking end is doing well, keeps us on our toes anyway…
CS4 has bedded in nicely here, the Bridge has a nice solid feel and the Wacom brush size control saves me a few seconds each time I use it – which is often.
Im running Photoshop and Lightroom in full 64bit mode with 6GB of ram on a new self built quad core Intel i7 process running Vista 64. Nice and smooth though not the big hike in processing power that previous generations have given, looks to me like performance is hitting a plateu since most of Photoshop seems single threaded.
Middle to late June is quite busy with client visits so let me know if I can help over the next few weeks.
Stephen
Its been a while since I posted here last so I thought I would make a short note.
I have been travelling helping with shoots and onsite client visits for various jobs and projects. A relatively quiet period of retouching is next.
As always if you or your organisation needs help with imaging related matters, whether workflow or training related then please feel free to get in touch.
Stephen
Andrew Jackson over at ACTPIX will be known to many of my clients for his professional drum scanning / high volume scanning services and his wide format printing services (http://www.actpix.co.uk/)
Andrew has recently launched a new consumer site that makes uploading pictures and purchasing framed prints from these pictures very easy and offers very good value. Have a look here:http://www.mypix-framed.co.uk/
If your looking for a last minute gift for your family or clients then give him a go.
Stephen
As many of you may know, I was not a fan of lightroom 1.0
My main concerns were of complexity and preformance/reliability it just seemed seemed a little too flakey.
I still beleive that for handling the workflow for production retouching Lightroom still lacks the simplicity of Bridge/Photoshop that is central to my workflow recommendations.
However, for keeping track of the “Master Collection” once created I now beleive Lightroom 2.0 has a place.
I am currently looking into how Lightroom may find a place within a small photolibrary/photographer situation and how it would impact the needs of different users.
Lightroom 2 holds promise, Im keeping an open mind.
Stephen