Hot Lights Camera Photoshop Posts

News: New Magazine by Scott Kelby for the iPad!

First issue is free. I can't wait to see mine! (PS-That's a screen shot, down there. The demo won't play. Click through to the link!)

News: Love Alex Garcia!

Forget the cheesy band picture. Check out Alex Garcia's location work.

The Sun King: Using Your First Off-Camera Light

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

News: My new favorite!

I've been trying to get a picture of my favorite pond for years. Jerking the camera vertically over a slightly long exposure did it. It's not a perfect pond but I love it anyway. The blur got rid of the stuff I didn't like. I can't wait to try this in other places.

How To: Embrace the Blur

This is a continuation of a previous post about getting "unfocused" with your DSLR. We all work hard to get pictures that are sharp and have perfect focus. Maybe we’re missing the forest for the trees. Think about mood, color, ideas—in other words, not your gear.

News: A Glossary of Essential Photoshop Tools for Beginners

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

News: German Sports Photographer Captures Every Goal, Foul & Kick in a Single Photo

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.

Photoshop Project: How to Use Layers Creatively

Difficulty Level: Moderate Photoshop Skills 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.

How To: Easy DSLR Project—Get Unfocused!

(Difficulty Level: from Newby to Expert) 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.

News: Check this DIY for your flash!

News: 9 Eyes Of Google Street View

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

News: Portrait Inspiration!

Trying to think of something different to try the next time you have a subject? Check out this link from photo.tuts.plus for inspiration.

News: So You Just Bought Your First Off-Camera Flash. Now What?

Introduction to the Basics of Off-Camera Flash

News: So You Just Bought Your First DSLR. Now What?

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.

News: New to HDR?

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.

Otherworldly: Optical Delusions and Small Realities

Last week in New York, I saw the new show Otherworldly: Optical Delusions and Small Realities at 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:

Photo Essay: Children of the Russian Oligarchs

Brief interview with photographer Anna Skladmannon regarding her project on the children of the Russian elite upper crust.

News: Tiny Printer "Paints" Images Like a Brush

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.

News: So You Just Bought Photoshop. Now What?

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.

Family Fun: Three Kids in The Yard

This picture is the basis of my first how-to blog post. I made it a couple summers ago with a neighborhood family. I really wanted to show how much fun the kids. I could have tried to capture each of them individually in one perfect shot but this picture is the real story! Such a fun family!

News: Moving Kids and Still Shadows

A different kind of example of compositing a family portrait. The kids are moving, the shadows are from a still exposure. Just for fun!

News: Family Portrait on the Porch

Another example of layering multiple exposures. Three kids! Super fun!