Lights Camera Photoshop

First issue is free. I can't wait to see mine!

Photoshop isn't just for zapping zits and adding freaky colors to sunset pictures! You can use it for fun, altered-reality pictures, too. If you have a tripod and some friends, you can combine many exposures as separate layers and using layer masks, make one super cool image from many slightly cool images.

Difficulty Level: If you have eyes, you can do this.

Summer is the time for natural light. What's your best shot? What time of day do you like to shoot?

Digital cameras can produce freaky sharp images—it's one thing that sets them apart from film cameras. A DSLR doesn't have grain, it has noise—and that sounds a lot less charming for a reason. If you shoot at a low ISO, high f-stop and fast shutter speed, you can wind up with a super sharp image that might look great even on a billboard.  But sometimes, sharp isn't everything.

Love this work! Time to stop trying to make every shot perfect!

So, you just bought Photoshop. It's time to familiarize yourself with the rudimentary tools. Let's start at the very beginning!

German photographer Peter Langenhahn's process is incredibly laborious; similar to photographer Lori Nix, he can spend up to three months on a single photograph. But while Nix spends the time constructing elaborate sets, Langenhahn is anchored to the computer, editing.

A short video on Jon Rafman, Google Street View "photographer" (previously 1, 2).

There are a lot of resources on the web for using your flash. For Nikon shooters, the Strobist and Joe McNally are the best resources. For Canon shooters, maybe Syl Arena is the best. It doesn't matter because if you are a Canon portable flash user, just use it on the Manual setting. Only a rocket scientist can figure out those damn ETTL settings. Maybe Scotty from Star Trek was a master of the Canon Speedlighting system; maybe if Einstein were around... If you're a Canon shooter like me, just...

Moving up from a point and shoot to a digital single lens reflex camera is a big step. And actually, a DSLR can be a better buy than a new point and shoot, many of which rival the prices of entry level or used DSLRs. Keep in mind when you buy a new body, the lenses are the most important elements. Once you start investing in them, it makes it much harder to switch brands. So if it isn't too late, do some research.

Want to try HDR? Trey Ratcliff's site Stuck in Customs is THE go-to place for beginners as well as experts. Free tutorials and advanced video tutorials, books, iPhone apps and Creative Commons images for your personal use. Yowza--a jackpot website for photography fans.

Hipstamatic! Don't have an iPhone. I'd love to see a straight shot and then a Hisptamatic shot from someone! Should I cross over to the i side?

Last week in New York, I saw the new show Otherworldly: Optical Delusions and Small Realitiesat the Museum of Arts and Design, at Columbus Circle near the edge of Central Park, between Broadway and Eighth. Below is the museum's description of the show:

Amazing new technology by PrintDreams—pocket-sized ink jet printer with a built-in digital camera. Swipe it across the page, and you have an instant print.

Photoshop. It's like a mountain to climb. You can chug up to the top, working hard, never letting up, or you can just go part way up and scoot around the side of the mountain and still get to the other side. Not everyone needs to be a Photoshop guru, or ninja pixel punisher. There are a few things to know and be comfortable with in order to do lots of cool things. Here are some tips that will take you a little way up the mountain, somewhat in order of altitude.

Rent that lens before you buy it! Try it out! Need a fisheye for one particular project? Don't buy--rent from LensRentals.com. They have awesome customer service and reasonable prices. If you're a NAPP member, you qualify for a discount. Check out NAPP's member discounts for details.

KEH has a great website and awesome resources for photographers who don't need the newest thing, but know lots of other photographers do, which means KEH is there to scoop up all the gently-used and barely-used gear for the more budget minded or just plain more sensible. Also, KEH is the go-to place for vintage equipment. Who needs to get in a bidding war on eBay and pay more than the true value of a vintage camera? Keep your eye on KEH instead.

Joe McNally is a master of small, portable flash lighting. He's great at demonstrating and explaining what he does--and he shares everything.

One of THE go-to guys for all things small flash. How to, what for and DIY.