Site blog: ProudPhotography | Best Online Photography Courses | Photography School

HEYA

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:18:21 CDT

by melissa.

HI GUYS........Im only new here - actually i only just payed and checked over the first course - im at work so im unable to upload photos yet......im soo excited and have no patience, so lucky its friday and im able to play over the weekend!!! chat with you soon.......

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 21:45:33 CDT

by Cindy.

Hello I'm a new kid on the block, with need of suggestions from some of you photographers out there experience in racing photography. I am taking photographs of 1/4 scale radio controlled cars using Nitro Fuel to race around an indoor oval dirt racetrack. Inside has incandecent lights and I do not use my flash. What settings would you suggest me to use to get the optomum still shots of the fast cars zooming around the track.

To get an idea of my challenge, please see last weekends race pictures. I will be shooting the pictures this Saturday 7-June-2008. Any mentorship or suggestion is deeply appreciated.

Please click on the link below:

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/Uy7Xt3Vx

Thank You: Cindy Washam

Take the course you'll be glad you did....

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 12:27:54 CDT

by Pat.

Hey ,Everyone !!!

Just wanted to drop a note to tell everyone who is considering this online course...PLEASE take it....!!! You willlll ... be glad you did ...Your instructors are great and will give you honest feed back ...I learned about things that I didn't put to much thought into before I took this course,and I have done 100's of grad photos for people ?? ....So go for it ,take the course you'll be glad you did....Its not allot to spend and you will improve the quality of your photo's

Truly Mrs. Wilcox

P.S Thanks Greg

Olympus SP-560UZ Firmware Version 3.1

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 01:32:18 CST

by mike.

The Olympus company now makes it possible for the SP-560UZ superzoom digital camera to gain a wireless flash thanks its release of the firmware version 3.1.
The update allows the camera to wirelessly control multiple Olympus flash units such as the FL-50R and FL-36R.
The firmware version is now available to download via Olympus Master 2 software.
Here is the manual for Shooting with the Olympus Wireless RC Flash System:

The wireless flash system enables you to take pictures using multiple wireless flashes.
The built-in flash is used to communicate between the camera and the external flashes.

Here is an illustration along with a step by step guide to using the wireless system :

Position the flash while referring to the â€œWireless flash setup rangeâ€, and turn on the flash.
Press the MODE button on the flash to set it to RC mode, and set the channel and group of the
flash. Set the group to A (the flash will not operate if B or C is selected).
Select [RC] from [FLASH] on the camera, and then set [CH1] - [CH4] to the same channel
as the flash. (SP-560UZ Advanced Manual P.30 â€œFLASH Setting to use an external flashâ€)
Press [FLASH] button (Flash pop-up) to raise the built-in flash.
Select a flash mode. (Red-eye reduction flash is not possible in RC mode).
After shooting preparations are completed, take some test shots to check the flash operation
and images.
Begin shooting while checking the charging completed indications of the camera and flash.

Note:

    * Although there is no limit to the number of wireless flashes you can use, it is recommended that no more than three flashes be used to prevent flash malfunction due to mutual interference.
    * In RC mode, the built-in flash is used to control the wireless flash. The built-in flash cannot be used for flash shooting in this mode.
    * For rear curtain synchronization, set the shutter speed to within 4 seconds. Wireless flash shooting may not operate properly when using a slower shutter speed.

Click here to update the Olympus SP-560UZ.

Click here for the complete manual.

Samsung's Wireless 8-inch SPF-83V Digital Photo Frame

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:24:24 CST

by mike.

Samsung Electronics America Inc. has launched the Samsung SPF-83V which is a new 8 inch digital photo frame.
The frame uses Microsoft technology which enables photographs to be viewed wirelessly from sharing sites such as Windows Live Spaces or from your PC of course.
Additionally the 8-inch frame sports an 800 x 600 resolution display with a 500:1 contrast ratio and 200 nits of brightness.
The Samsung SPF-83V frame also communicates with Windows Media Player and open standards such as RSS.
Christopher Franey, vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing at Samsung Electronics America explained:

â€œOur latest digital photo frames, based on cutting-edge technology from the Microsoft Research labs, are easy to use and are one of the few offerings in the marketplace that offer a â€˜networkâ€™ approach to digital photo sharing.â€

The Samsung SPF-83V 8â€ Digital Photo Frame is expected to come with 64MB of storage .
This perfect little Christmas gift is priced at $230.

Fujifilm Finepix F50fd Review

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:14:24 CST

by mike.

Fujifilm has upgraded its classic F30/F31fd digital camera to an F50fd camera.
The Fujifilm Finepix F50fd comes equipped with most of the features of its predecessor such as outstanding performance in low light but a wide range of improvements were made including a mechanical CCD-shift image stabilization system, an enhanced face detection and a 2.7" LCD monitor.
Nonetheless the most obvious changes are the 6 megapixels sensor that went 12 megapixel and the image stabilization system.
Additionally Fujifilm has switched to a more appealing and warmer color which is silver and has moved from the boxy shape of the F30/F31fd to more curves and edges.The F50fd Aero's design makes the camera appear slimmer.
The Fujifilm Finepix F50fd is available and is priced at $220.

Specifications include:

Face Detection 2.0 Technology built-in to the cameraâ€™s processor,Dual Image Stabilization (High sensitivity + CCD shift),2.7-inch TFT screen with 230.000 pixels,ISO 1600 sensitivity at full resolution,12 million pixels Super CCD HR VII sensor,3.0x optical zoom,IR Communication (IR simpleâ„¢/IR SSâ„¢),VGA movie capture of 25 frames per second with sound,Micro thumbnail view (up to 100 thumbnails visible),5fps continuous mode (3MP, 12 frames max),Aperture and shutter priority modes.

Delkin's "world's fastest" 16GB UDMA CF Pro card

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 02:40:38 CST

by mike.

Delkin Devices, Inc. has released the world's fastest 16GB UDMA CompactFlash PRO card.

The CompactFlash Card boosts the capability of a 305x read/write speed (45MB/sec sustained).This is partly due to the fact that the CF card uses high grade SLC NAND flash modules, which allows the aforementioned large data transfer rates.

Best suited for the Canon 1Ds Mark III or D300 and D3x from Nikon,nonetheless it also works with non-UDMA shooters.
Additionally the card-to-computer transfer times are touted to be very low, especially when the card is used with the company's UDMA enabled ExpressCard and CardBus adapters.

In conclusion the Compact Flash PRO 305x 16 GB seems to be well equipped to provide both very large data transfer speeds, as well as a storage capacity to match.

The 16GB UDMA CompactFlash PRO card is now available worldwide for $400.

12 Megapixel Camera On Newman's L1200 PMP

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 02:15:38 CST

by mike.

Newman-Hyun has launched a new digital camera called the L1200 PMP.
The L1200 PMP is unique because it is actually an "MP4" player with a 12 megapixel and 8X digital zoom camera.
The camera is conveniently placed on the edge of the device like a hinge, making it possible to swivel 180 degrees with the capacity of 30fps video recording.
Additional features include a 3-inch QVGA touchscreen that supports 260k colors and a built-in USB 2.0 .
Not forgetting an SD/MMC card slot for more storage, SD expansion, non-specific AVI video support, along with a variety of shooting modes and setting for that camera.
As a PMP it supports AVI videos with up to 24fps playback and MP3 audio files with JPEG .
The L1200 is also said to be equipped with TV Out and can be yours for just $132.
For that low price it's worth it.

Samsung Releasing S860 And S760 In January

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 02:32:29 CST

by mike.

Samsung announced the release of two digital cameras the S760 and the S860 earlier today .
The pair of low-end digital cameras are perfect for beginners.
Although the S760 and S860 come with only 7 megapixel and 8 megapixel respectively ,they both feature a 3x optical zoom Samsung SHD lens, digital image stabilization and face detection.
The S760 and the S860 will have a 30fps VGA video recording mode in AVI (MJPEG) format, and the ability to motor off a pair of AA batteries in an photographic emergency.
A special effects calls the "E" button gives PC-less control over red-eye and basic image manipulation.
The S760 will be priced at $169 and the S860 will cost $179,both cameras are due in January 2008 .
Additionally they will be available in pink , blue , silver and black.

Features include:

3x Optical Zoom Lens,2.4â€ LCD Screen,Digital Image Stabilization,High Sensitivity ISO 1000,Function Description and Self Shot.

Canon EOS-1D Mark III firmware V 1.1.3 Released

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 02:12:29 CST

by mike.

A firmware version 1.1.3 has been released by Canon for its EOS-1D Mark III DSLR .
The update is now available on Canon's website and increases transmission speed when using high-speed SD cards, improves AF-tracking in certain situations and fixes a couple of bugs.

This firmware update (Version 1.1.3) incorporates the following improvements and fixes:

Increases transmission speed when using high-speed SD cards.
Fixes a phenomenon involving not being able to release the shutter.
Improves AF tracking in specific conditions.
Corrects errors in the Spanish and Korean menu screens.
Improves the look of images when played back on the LCD monitor.
Fixes a rare response error in the Main Dials in which they either did not respond when rotated or would change several clicks' worth even if only clicked once.
Reduces the tendency to autofocus on the background instead of the main subject when shooting in AI Servo AF under certain conditions.
Reduces the tendency of the camera to autofocus on high-contrast backgrounds when shooting in conditions where AF detection is difficult, such as when the main subject is not completely covered by the AF frames or if the main subject's contrast is low.
Corrects errors in the Italian and Simplified Chinese menu screens.
Fixes a rare phenomenon in which the camera cannot start normally when the battery is inserted, such as after replacing the battery. This phenomenon sometimes occurred with the version 1.0.9 firmware when the battery was inserted into the camera due to the camera's communication timing. The occurrences were extremely rare, and abnormal operation could be fixed by reloading the battery.
Click here to download the update.

Kenko's Field Catch Camera Preview

Sun, 02 Dec 2007 01:27:47 CST

by mike.

Kenko introduced the Field Catch camera zooms for those passionated by outdoor photography and for bird lovers.
The Kenko Field Catch digital camera features a 14x, 70-mm optical zoom lens, 3.1 megapixel CMOS, SD slot, and optional power from a pair of AAs.
Additionally it comes with a viewfinder, a high / low throw-switch on top that allows a quick 24x or 7x zoom on the 2.0-inch LCD. It's expected to be priced at $589 and will be available by mid-December 2007.
It would make a great Christmas gift.

Specifications include:

SUPOTTINGUSUKOPU integrated allowing 3.1 million pixel CMOS imaging in the device. Record maximum resolution is 2048 x 1536 pixels.Pixel interpolation of 5 million worth (2592 x 1944 pixels) in the shot ,TFT color LCD monitor adoption of the TTA shooting pictures on the spot checks. 32 MB of internal memory or SD card. Grab-and-go dedicated bag,still image recording size 5.0MP (2592 x 1944) 3.1MP (2048 x 1536) 2.0MP (1600 x 1200) 1.3MP (1280 x 960) 0.3MP (640 x 480).

Nikon D3 and D300 DSLR Update

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:54:53 CST

by mike.

Nikon has released a software update for their newly released D3 and D300 Digital SLR's.
The company has made available "Picture Controls" aiming to emulate the color reproduction of the D2X(s) on the new D3 and D300.
There are three controls, mirroring the original color modes I to III.
These settings may be used as a base point to add further tweaks and should prove a major time-saver to photographers wishing to upgrade their camera bodies and continue with their existing work flow.
The "Picture Controls" are available now via Nikon's website.
Here are the modifications provided by Nikon :

D2XMODE1
This optional Picture Control simulates color reproduction at a D2X/D2XS Color mode setting of I. Skin tones and gradations are reproduced naturally with rich reproduction of tones.

D2XMODE2
This optional Picture Control simulates color reproduction at a D2X/D2XS Color mode setting of II. This optional Picture Control is suited to images that will be extensively processed or retouched.

D2XMODE3
This optional Picture Control simulates color reproduction at a D2X/D2XS Color mode setting of III. Choose for nature or landscape shots. Greens and blues are vividly reproduced.

The links can be downloaded here:

Windows - DX2 Picture Control for D300
Macintosh - DX2 Picture Control for D300
Windows - DX2 Picture Control for D3
Macintosh - DX2 Picture Control for D3

Pentax Releasing K20D and K200D In 2008

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 02:11:23 CST

by mike.

It is being reported that Pentax is getting ready to update not one, but two of its DSLR cameras early 2008.Pentax's K10D and K100D will be replaced by the K20D and K200D.
The new Pentax K20D will include the following features:

    * Pentax Proprietary 14MP CMOS Sensor
    * 14 bit RAW A/D Processor
    * 3â€³ Live View LCD
    * Improved In-Body Shake Reduction
    * Body Design Similar to K10D
    * Significant Custom Functions (including AF trimming/programming for different lenses)
    * PC Sync

The K100D that is set to be replaced by the new Pentax K200D, will include the following specifications:

    * 10MP Sensor from Sony
    * PRIME 12-bit Image Processor
    * 3 FPS (10 Max RAW; Infinite JPEGs)
    * Larger LCD (3 inch?)
    * 11 AF Points
Pantax will officialize everything on January 24th, which is when the company will announce the follow-up to the K10D and the K20D at a press conference.Proudphotography will keep you posted.

Olympus E-3 DSLR Preview

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 02:11:25 CST

by mike.

The yet-to-be released Olympus' E-3 DSLR is making quite a stir.
Olympus recently invited the press to Istanbul, Turkey, for the introduction of the long expected successor of the E1.
The professional photographers agreed that after testing that Olympus' E-3 DSLR under heavy rain that the waterproof construction of the lenses makes it a piece of cake for this camera to function well no matter the conditions.
Under the bad weather circumstances the D-SLR camera was also able to demonstrate stability and solidness.
It was underlined that an important innovation carried out is the LCD monitor on the back of the camera that is a combination of a 2.5 inch LCD screen with a vari-angle construction which happens to be a joy to work with.
Another great detail is the enlargement of the optical viewfinder with a reproduction area of 100%.
All in all the camera offers features that are of indescribable value to professional and beginners in photography.
The Olympus' E-3 DSLR is currently priced at $1,700, but availability is not yet known.

Specifications include:
2.5-inch 230k pixel live view display, "World's fastest autofocus" with 11-point biaxial AF system,Image stabilization, sonic dust cleaning on sensor, shoots up to ISO 3200,3/4 lens mount, takes CF and xD media.

The Best Photography Collections Of 2007

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:03:00 CST

by mike.

The Guardian's Prudence Hone revealed some of 2007's best photography collections. Here are the top five selected:

The first is Steve McCurry's new collection In the Shadow of Mountains which covers his visits to Afghanistan over the past 30 years, documenting daily life through the ruins nonetheless the book is full with colors.

The second is Mine Eyes Have Seen: Bearing Witness to the Struggle for Civil Rights, done by Bob Adelman, that explains the difficulties faced by black Americans in the mid-20th century with the photos mostly in black and white to stress the contrasts.

Black Britain: A Photographic History by Paul Gilroy gets third place ,it embraces lighter topics from a jolly Jack Straw, Condoleezza Rice and to a football shirt.

An obvious pick is Propaganda: Photographs from the Soviet Archives that lands in number four by Mark Holborn who writes in his introduction:
"If you were to replace the title of this book with 'Advertising', it could be reconstructed on the American postwar dream."

Which leads me to number five which is Ralph Lauren by Ralph Lauren that is mainly one huge advertisement, showing the master-seller's glamorous campaigns through the years, interspersed with more personal shots of the Lauren family at home or on holiday.

Here are the other photography collections that made it on Prudence Hone's fancy list:

Song Without Words: The Photographs and Diaries of Countess Sophia Tolstoy by Leah Bendavid-Val
The Faces of World War I by Max Arthur
Africa by SebastiÃ£o Salgado
Tribes of the Great Rift Valley by Elizabeth L Gilbert
The Genius of Photography by Gerry Badger
Edward Steichen: Lives in Photography by Todd Brandon and William A Ewing
Women Seeing Women: A Pictorial History of Women's Photography, edited by Lothar Schirmer
Dior: 60 Years of Style, from Christian Dior to John Galliano, by Farid Chenoune and Laziz Hamani
Lanvin by Dean Merceron
I Love Pictures! by Tim Walker
New York Noise: Art and Music from the New York Underground, 1978-88.by David Byrne, Cindy Sherman, Glenn Branca, and Robert Longo
Tiffany Colored Gems by John Loring

Discovering Pin-up Photography

Thu, 22 Nov 2007 01:59:16 CST

by mike.

Here is an idea for women who are looking for a great gift for themselves or to share with someone they love.
What about a photography session? A pin-up photography to be precise.
Angela Karen who works in Birmingham has opened her studios for that purpose.
Karen is a photographer specialized in making everyday women look like glamorous 40's era models explains:

"Some women work all day and they just kind of have to come out of their shell and play."
"Its all about the lips and the liner and the eyelashes."

Karen insists that her start in photography wasn't with pin-up work, but it evolved towards it as the style became more mainstream again.

One of the photographer's recent client, a Birmingham businesswoman named Angela Turner who had trendy photos taken of herself said she'd do it again and added:

"I thought how great would that be when I'm 80 years old to have something like that. I thought it'd be a lot of fun so that's why I did it,".

Karen hopes by giving women a chance to get all dolled up and have their picture taken, they will realize how beautiful they really are.

She said that she has always wanted to make women feel beautiful,and as long as she is able to do that she will consider that she has accomplished her goal.

Angela thinks every woman should do it because it's a unique experience for a lady to look at herself in a new way and see different parts of her personality.

The photography session starts at around $500 a day.

For more information, log on to her website by clicking here.

Tips For Indoor Photography

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 01:11:11 CST

by mike.

When you can not leave your house to photograph the beauty of nature due to harsh weather or geographical issues,focus your attention on indoor documentary or still life photography better known as "tabletop."

Well known photographer Paul F. Moloney explains that you should set up a table to avoid working from your knees.
Then arrange the elements you want in the pictures, and exploit your creative notions.

Moloney reveals that he still employs the basic compositional and lighting practices meaning that you should compose the elements for eyes traveling from left to right to the primary subject.
Paul admits that he personally prefers positioning the light at a 45-degree angle to the subject that will be photographed.
The photographer insists that you should not take his recommendations as rules,you should also explore your ideas and imagination.

When taking still life photographs it is better for the pictures to remain quite simple and close-up.

He advices you to begin with few elements, simple composition and carefully placed light, either electronic or ambient.

The more intense the light you use, the smaller aperture and greater depth of field you can achieve.
The closer the light, the more contrast it gives. The farther it is from your subject, the more diffused, less contrast you will see in your photograph.

Depth-of-field also is an important tool in this type of photography. The closer you are to the subject, the less the depth of field. Distance from your subject increases the depth-of-field.

After understanding the basics, you can integrate more elements into your photos. Multi-element photographs can be very rewarding and exciting for the viewers.

Canon Powershot Submerged Under Ice And Snow For Two Years Holds Functional Memory Card

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 02:18:07 CST

by mike.

Bill Collins found his old Canon Powershot that was submerged under ice and snow for two years in a Nova Scotia river.
The digital camera retrieved had its body in fairly deplorable shape but the memory card tucked within seemed to be relatively unharmed.
Upon testing it out, the employee found some 300 pictures taken on the day in which Mr. and Mrs. Collins nearly perished during a canoe accident.
Bill and his wife Lori were canoing in Nova Scotia's Kejimkujik National Park in 2005 when they capsized, spilling themselves and their belongings into the frigid Autumn waters of Little River.
Collins returned to the park last August to hike and mentioned the incident to Charlie Hearn who is a park maintenance worker.
"We didnâ€™t have any expectation that it would ever be recovered because it was really off the beaten track" Mr. Collins said.
Nonetheless Hearn took it upon himself to find the camera.
Kejimkujik, is a breathtaking national park of Canada in the Maritimes,known for its abundant lakes and rivers ideal for outdoor photography.

Sigma Corporation Launches Two Fisheye Lenses

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 02:09:32 CST

by mike.

The Sigma Corporation recently announced the launch of two new lenses ,the first one is the 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC Circular Fisheye Lens .
It is the first time that the camera company is marketing a true fisheye optic for crop sensors, projecting a circular 180Â° image onto APS-C sensors.
The new lens provides a focal length of 4.5mm and maximum aperture of f/2.8, HSM silent focusing and SLD low-dispersion lens elements. Pricing and availability are not yet announced.

Specifications include:
Lens construction : 9Groups 13Elements,Angle of view : 180 degree, Number of blades : 6pcs, Minimum Aperture : F22, Minimum Focusing Distance : 13.5cm/5.3in, Maximum Magnification : 1:6, Filter : Insertion-type gelatin filter into rear of the lens, Dimensions(Diameter x Length) : Ã˜76.2mm X 77.8mm/3in. X 3.1in.,Weight : 470g / 16.6oz.

The other other one is the 10mm F2.8 EX DC Fisheye HSM which is the diagonal variety which squeezes a 180Â° angle of view into a standard rectangular format.
It captures a true 180Â° vista only when mounted in front of a Nikon DX sensor.
Nonetheless Canon and Sigma DSLRs users get 167Â° and 154Â° respectively.
Additional features include the built-in lens hood and HSM focusing that allow the lens to focus down to 1.8cm (0.7 in),from the front surface of the lens giving a reproduction ratio of 1:3.3.

Specifications include:
Fisheye lens designed specifically for APS-C digital SLR cameras,13.5cm minimum focusing distance and 1:3.3 maximum magnification allows close up photography,Equipped with HSM allowing full-time manual focus override,Equisolid angle projection system is possible for art and scientific use.

EDGE Tech Launches 12" Digital Picture Frame With MP3 Player

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 02:39:13 CST

by mike.

EDGE Tech Corp has launched the 12" Digital Picture Frame with MP3 Player something that could be hot, this holiday season.
The frame measures 13â€³ x 2â€³ x 10.5â€³ with a 12.1â€³ screen size putting out an 800Ã—600 resolution of your favorite digital photos.
It is equipped with USB connectivity, support for AVI, BMP, JPEG, MPEG1/2/4, WAV and WMA files, and flash card inputs that play nice with SD, MMC, Memory Stick, MS Pro, CompactFlash and Microdrive.
The 12" Digital Picture Frame also handles automatic slide shows and comes with a set of A/V cables allowing you to hook it up and output your pictures and music to your home entertainment center.
The 12" Digital Picture Frame with MP3 Player can now be pre-ordered and will be available on November 16th and is priced at $129.95 after a $40.00 rebate.
The EDGE 12â€³is the one device to have in an office or kitchen that scrolls through your family photos as well as plays back some of your favorite tunes therefore making it the perfect Christmas gift.

Specifications include:
Remote Control:Lightweight, about the size of a credit card,Warranty & support:1 year warranty & toll-free technical support,Computer:Simply insert your memory card or USB flash drive in the back of the Digital Picture Frame,Media:SD Memory Cards, MultiMedia (MMC) Cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, IBM Microdrive, and Type I/II Compact Flash (CF) Cards, USB Flash Drive devices.