C.A. Boylan

Book Reviews
Book Reviews
C.A. Boylan  |  Aug 29, 2012  |  First Published: Jul 01, 2012
Black and White Step by Step; by Roger Hicks and Frances Schultz; $9.99; e-book; www.rogerandfrances.com.
This is one of the many new e-books from noted photography team Roger Hicks and Frances Schultz. Overflowing with plenty of sample images, the book begins with a review of the basics like choosing the right camera and lens, film, using 35mm, medium and large format, exposure, and filters. It then moves on to explain basic and advanced film development, chemicals, printing materials and technique. Hicks and Schultz provide a wealth of pro-quality advice and easy-to-understand lessons that are certain to help you not only understand but master black-and-white photography to take your work to the next level.

Continue Reading >
Book Reviews
Book Reviews
C.A. Boylan  |  Jun 29, 2012  |  First Published: May 01, 2012
Photography and the Art of Seeing: A Visual Perception Workshop for Film and Digital Photography, Fourth Edition; by Freeman Patterson; Firefly Books Ltd.; $24.95; (ISBN-10: 1-55407-980-2)
Author Freeman Patterson created this guide as a workshop designed specifically to train you to see artistically, to allow your eyes to pick out those special colors, shapes, and fine details that others would normally miss in order to find the art in the everyday objects that surround us. He provides a variety of tips and examples that help you think creatively and find ways to express your imagination in a unique and purely visual way. This is a wonderful resource for those who desire to expand their horizons and take their photography to the next level of creativity.

Continue Reading >
Photo Accessory NewsPhoto Bag News
Covering The Photo Beat: Backpacks, Lens De-Creepers & Smartphone Remotes
C.A. Boylan  |  Jun 01, 2012  |  First Published: Apr 01, 2012

One Bag Version 2
The stylish, lightweight One Bag is crafted from ultrahigh-quality wetsuit-grade neoprene. It can easily accommodate a 15” to 17” laptop, photography equipment, and assorted electronics. It features an ultra-soft lining and four pockets, and the Photo Insert allows you to change the laptop bag into a camera gear bag with three pockets for lenses and other gadgets. The designer neoprene strap features leather bindings and stretches to conform to your body. The swappable designer covers are sold separately and allow you to transform your bag for any occasion. Version 2 is 1” wider than the original and offers more accessory pockets. It comes in Black Leather, Midnight Web, and Smokey Damask covers. The suggested price is $128.

Continue Reading >
Book ReviewsPhoto Accessory News
Covering The Photo Beat: A Custom Book For Every Occasion
C.A. Boylan  |  May 07, 2012  |  First Published: Mar 01, 2012

Bay Photo Lab’s BayBooks are high-quality digital press printed photo books for any occasion. They are available in various sizes and in square, horizontal, or vertical formats with hard or soft full-wrap photo covers. There are 48 cover material choices and hundreds of customizable page templates to help you easily build a one-of-a-kind album.

Continue Reading >
Photo Accessory News
Covering The Photo Beat: Makeovers, Albuming, Straps & More
C.A. Boylan  |  Mar 28, 2012  |  First Published: Feb 01, 2012

Free ArcSoft Perfect365 Software For One-Touch Photo Makeovers
Perfect365 is a free photo makeover software application that lets you easily adjust up to 21 facial features on pictures and portraits with the touch of a button. The patented imaging and facial recognition technology offers fast cleanup with accurate, natural results. Style makeup templates are included for various looks with the ability to fine-tune according to your preference. Perfect365 is available as a free download for Windows. An enhanced version for Windows that allows you to save and print high-resolution images is available for $29.99. Versions for the iPhone and iPad are currently available and the Facebook and Mac versions will be available soon.

 

Continue Reading >
Lighting NewsNewsPhoto Accessory News
Covering The Photo Beat: An LED Light Panel, Flash Trigger, And Lens Cleaning Kit
C.A. Boylan  |  Feb 24, 2012  |  First Published: Jan 01, 2012

Nik Software Color Efex Pro 4 This is the latest version of Nik’s popular digital photographic filters for image retouching and enhancement. Color Efex Pro 4 is easy to use and offers a new generation of technologies and features that help you to create stunning effects. It has stackable filter combinations, visual presets, filter recipes, and new filters such as Detail Extractor, Vintage Film Efex, and Image Borders. The software also includes a History Browser, improvements to imaging algorithms, greater performance, and enhanced usability. The Color Efex Pro 4 Complete Edition contains 54 filters for a suggested retail price of $199.95. The Select Edition contains 25 filters for $99.95. You may also upgrade to the Complete Edition from any edition of Versions 2.0 or 3.0 for $99.95.

Continue Reading >
Mirrorless Camera NewsPhoto Accessory NewsTripod News
Covering The Photo Beat: Gel Kits, Leveling Clamps, And A String Tripod
C.A. Boylan  |  Feb 03, 2012  |  First Published: Dec 01, 2011

Nikon 1 J1 Camera
The new Nikon 1 J1 is a compact system camera that features a 10.1-megapixel CX-format high-speed AF CMOS sensor. It has a dual core image processor and an advanced hybrid autofocus system that provides the user with fast AF with 73 focus points. The J1 can also capture 10 frames per second (fps) with a full resolution continuous shooting speed of 60 fps (AF locked). The camera comes with Short Movie Creator software and My Picturetown and features a Smart Photo Selector mode that allows the camera to select the best photo from a series of images based on a number of factors, including exposure, composition, focus, and facial recognition. The color choices with matching kit lenses include white, pink, red, silver, and black. The suggested retail price for the J1 10-30mm lens kit is $649.95.

Continue Reading >
Lighting News
Covering The Photo Beat: Flash Diffusers And A Beauty Dish
C.A. Boylan  |  Jan 05, 2012  |  First Published: Nov 01, 2011

Graslon Prodigy And Insight Flash Diffusers
Made in the U.S.A., Graslon’s Prodigy and Insight flash diffusers were designed to provide softer shadows than traditional portable diffusers. Graslon diffusers feature an optical reflector system that redistributes the light before sending it through the lens. They also have a universal nonslip mounting system and a variety of interchangeable diffusion lenses, including flat, dome, and amber. The Prodigy line offers a large 8x5” diffusion surface, while the Insight line offers a smaller 6x4” diffusion surface.

Continue Reading >
Book Reviews
Book Reviews
C.A. Boylan  |  Jan 03, 2012  |  First Published: Nov 01, 2011
The New Complete Guide to Night and Low-Light Digital Photography: Updated Edition; by Lee Frost; Amphoto Books; $29.99; (ISBN: 978-0-8174-4968-1)
Don’t let low-light conditions cause you to miss another photographic opportunity. This informative guide solves that problem by providing information on gear choices, such as how to pick the right digital camera, lenses, filters, flash, and accessories for the job. Lee Frost then explores the fundamentals of understanding light, metering, exposure, and digital image processing. This wide selection of tips, tricks, and techniques are paired with sample images to make learning fast and easy.

Continue Reading >
Photo Accessory News
Covering The Photo Beat: Backdrops
C.A. Boylan  |  Dec 05, 2011  |  First Published: Oct 01, 2011

In this month’s Roundup we offer an introduction to a sampling of backdrop companies with products ranging from cloth to paper to virtual. Space prohibits us from covering their often extensive product lines, so we encourage you to follow up by contacting them directly. Many offer online as well as printed catalogs.—Editor

Continue Reading >

Pages

X