Saturday, February 27, 2010

Robert Harding World Imagery sees website changes key to web traffic increase

Robert Harding World Imagery, the travel photography specialist has forged partnerships with many specialist collections to add a wider, more diverse offering to its already established world image collection.

Sergio Pitamitz / Robert Harding World Imagery

National Geographic, Tao, Godong and Last Refuge are just some of the numerous collections being added to the website to increase the total offering of travel related imagery. In line with the addition of over 250,000 images the company has re-launched the website making it easier and faster for clients to search, organise and download their image selections.

Fantastic new website features such as the Lightbox Tools allow customers to rearrange their selections quickly and easily with a simple drag and drop function and the new BIG IMAGES option for displaying search results and lightboxes help picture researchers see a full screen of preview size images showing the amazing quality found on the Robert Harding website.

"The policy these days from the principal distributors of stock seems to be more is better and while we have always preferred to adopt a quality rather than quantity approach we have found that by carefully selecting our partners we have been able to add quantity without compromising the quality we are synonymous with..." says Fraser Hall, Senior Content Editor.

Over the next 12 months Robert Harding will continue to add more niche collections that compliment its world imagery offering and would welcome enquiries from both individual photographers and established libraries to contact the company with view to representation on the www.robertharding.com website and/or through its channel of international distribution partners.

Founder and Managing Director Robert Harding added, "We have seen a 20% increase in our web traffic over the past 6 months with customers spending longer on the site than ever before which demonstrates they are finding more images relevant to their searches and ultimately taking the time to select and download the high res files. The feedback we are getting is that they are really enjoying the user experience on the new website which of course then makes me very happy".

About
Robert Harding World Imagery was founded by Robert Harding in 1972 and is the UKs leading specialist in travel, tourism, cultural and related subjects.

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Wix Free Website Builder Launches New Partnership Program

February 25, 2010 (MMD Newswire) -- Wix.com is a New-York based start up that was first launched back in 2005.Since then the company has been growing steadily and its product has been gaining popularity, particularly in the North American region, where hundreds of new Flash business websites are being designed with Wix on a daily basis.

The ingeniousness of this start up stems from its free website builder which allows people with zero technical and/or design experience to create a Flash website from scratch. While the website provides free Flash templates that can be worked on, the websites are not template based and each site is an original creation. Because Flash is such a visual language, some of the most popular niches include art and photography websites and portfolios in addition to small businesses and non-profit organizations.

As the next step in its growth and development, Wix is expanding the opportunities to join the company as part of the community. This includes its web designer directory which connects between professional web designers and clients who don't wish to manage this aspect of the creative process and wish to create a Flash website with Wix. The next step in its community aspirations involves this new partnership program which invites webmasters and web publishers of every kind to join and enjoy the company's success. By entering the affiliate program, the web publisher will gain access to various types of promotional materials, including banners and marketing emails. These materials will be used in order to advertize and promote Wix and send traffic to the website. Wix will be paying a commission to each affiliate for traffic that is converted into a premium user, regardless of the time it takes for this conversion to take place.

Wix.com free v plans to continue evolving as a community for web designers and web builders around the world, with surprising success in the face of tough competitors in this fast growing market. The start-up was established in 2005 and has its headquarters in NY and offices in Tel-Aviv. It is backed by Mangrove Capital Partners and Bessemer Venture Partners.

More information on can be found at www.wix.com.

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myPhotopipe.com Significantly Expands Presence in Fast-Growing Photo Book Segment of Digital Photo Industry

TruePhotoTM Photo Books Rolled Out Nationwide This Week

ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - February 25, 2010) - myPhotopipe.com, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: MPPC), a web-based online provider of digital photo processing, photo finishing, photo-sharing, and related services, today announced the nationwide rollout of its TruePhoto™ photo book product line.

The advent of digital photography led to the development of new technologies designed to enable almost anyone to create table-top books from their personal photos with the quality normally associated with fine art books sold in bookstores. According to InfoTrends, so popular has this become that the creation of photo books by consumers and professionals generated more than $550 million in sales in 2008 and is expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the digital photo industry through the year 2013, when sales should top $1.2 billion. "That sort of growth creates a high-priority business opportunity for us," observed Pete Casabonne, President of myPhotopipe.com, Inc. "Our new TruePhoto brand of photo books offers customers dozens of combinations of sizes, styles, and page counts -- all with that high-end look and feel that people associate with our Company."

myPhotopipe.com developed TruePhoto photo books to complement its already successful line of photo book products marketed in conjunction with strategic partner blurb.com. The Company earns royalties from sales of the blurb.com line of products and is a co-sponsor of an annual international photo books competition in conjunction with flickr, SmugMug, HP, Canon, and others (see http://pbn.blurb.com/sponsors).

The TruePhoto brand of photo books represents the largest new product initiative in the Company's history and allows myPhotopipe.com to offer customers a full portfolio of choices. "We don't think anyone matches the assortment we now offer the photographer, and choice is what all photographers want," added Casabonne. "Photo books allow anyone to do what we all want to do -- to express ourselves in our own way, and that's why this segment is growing so fast. We think myPhotopipe is now positioned to capture a significant share of that growth, and we expect photo books to be a major factor in our revenue mix going forward."

About myPhotopipe.com, Inc.
myPhotopipe.com, Inc. is a web-based online provider of digital photo processing, photo finishing, photo-sharing, and related services. The Company's unique blend of 1000 print options, combined with manual print inspections and professional color management, have positioned myPhotopipe.com as one of the fastest-growing providers of digital photography services for professionals and serious amateurs.

The Company is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and its common stock is listed on the OTC Pink Sheets under the symbol "MPPC". Additional information is available on the Internet at www.myPhotopipe.com.

"Safe Harbor" Statement
This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, and is subject to the safe harbor created by those sections. The forward-looking information is based upon current information and expectations regarding myPhotopipe.com, Inc. These estimates and statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results could materially differ from what is expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking statements.

myPhotopipe.com, Inc. assumes no obligation to update the information contained in this press release. myPhotopipe.com, Inc.'s forward-looking statements in this press release and future results may be materially impacted by any number of factors, any or all of which could have a negative impact on sales, operating results, financial and budgetary constraints. The statements made herein are independent statements of myPhotopipe.com, Inc. The inclusion, if any, of any third parties does not represent an endorsement of any myPhotopipe.com, Inc. products or services by any such third party.

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Friday, February 26, 2010

CorelDRAW® Graphics Suite X5 Delivers More Versatility, Content and Color Tools for Graphics Professionals

Newest Edition of Award-Winning Graphics Suite Puts Community Requests at Center of Development Efforts

Ottawa, ON - February 23, 2010 - Corel Corporation today introduced CorelDRAW® Graphics Suite X5, the newest edition of the company's award-winning package of professional graphics applications. With more than fifty new and enhanced features, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5 includes major enhancements to asset management, color management, web graphics, a wide variety of learning resources and more content than ever before. The trial and electronic download versions are available today and the product will start shipping before the end of March in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese and Dutch.

For more than 20 years, CorelDRAW® has helped PC users worldwide create graphics with impact. Known for its versatility and power, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite has won hundreds of international industry awards by consistently addressing the most pressing needs of its loyal community of users. The new version of the suite continues in this tradition by focusing on innovations that matter the most to users in a wide variety of industries including sign making, graphic design, fashion/apparel design, wide format printing, marketing, print production and other businesses of all sizes.

"Throughout the development cycle for CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5, our team worked hand-in-hand with our user community to ensure we were delivering the new features and enhancements that would make a meaningful difference to them. We wanted to truly understand what they loved about the product and what they needed to make their experience that much better," said Gérard Métrailler, Senior Director of Product Management, Graphics, for Corel. "We believe we've delivered a product that enables our current users to discover new possibilities with the suite while allowing new users to get up and running quickly and create projects with confidence."
New Suite Provides Users with More Flexibility, More Versatility

In developing the newest version of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5, the Corel team focused on five areas that were ranked as key priorities by our users:
Corel CONNECT Simplifies Workflow; Gives Quick Access to Even More Content

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5 makes it easy for users to connect to their content. The new Corel® CONNECT is a brand new application that synchronizes with both CorelDRAW and Corel® PHOTO-PAINT™ to provide quick access to content on a computer, network, or disc. In addition, industry-leading support for more than 100 commonly used file formats ensures users can easily collaborate and exchange files with clients and colleagues. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite also continues its tradition of providing one of the broadest selections of fonts, clip-art, and other collateral available, including:

* 10,000 clipart
* 1,000 high-resolution, royalty-free photos
* 1,000 fonts
* 2,000 vehicle templates
* 350 design templates

New & Enhanced Tools Enable Even More Precision and Experimentation

With CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5, the introduction of significant new and enhanced features help users create with confidence. These features include a B-Spline tool, updated artistic media, scalable arrowheads, enhanced Connector and Dimension tools, and the new Segment Dimension tool. The Mesh Fill tool has also been significantly improved to help users design multi-colored filled objects with more fluid color transitions. New web graphics tools enable users to work in bitmap mode directly within CorelDRAW, viewing detailed pixels, and the ability to preview their work before publishing online.
Reinvented Color Management System Ensures Accuracy and Accelerates Project Completion

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5 represents a complete change in approach to color management, assuring users accurate color representation. The new Document (CorelDRAW) and Image (Corel PHOTO-PAINT) dockers allow users to save project-specific colors and to reuse colors from a previous project. In addition, eyedroppers have been added to several color dialog boxes, color palettes, and color pickers, providing more convenient color sampling opportunities.
Easy Output to Multiple Formats

With industry-leading file format compatibility, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5 offers the flexibility today's designers need for outputting their work. The same design may be needed for Web banners, printed ads or brochures, and t-shirts, billboards or digital signs. In addition, the inclusion of SwiSH miniMax helps users create Web animations for Web production more easily than ever before.
Full-Color Guidebook and Video Tutorials Provide Insights and Inspiration to Jump Start Projects

It's easier than ever to get started with CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, regardless of your experience level. The new full color, hard-cover guidebook provides techniques and tips for users of all skill levels and offers a unique opportunity to learn from professional designers who use the suite in industries including fashion and jewelry design, book illustration, vehicle wrapping, and product packaging. The suite also comes with more than two hours of video tutorials.

"CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is a vital part of my day-to-day workflow. With the numerous enhancements introduced in CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5, I now have an even more powerful tool to help me complete projects accurately and efficiently," said Michal Polák, owner of FRANCISDRAKE design studio. "It's clear that the Corel development team really listened to its users and worked with them to create the best CorelDRAW Graphics Suite yet."
What is Included in CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5 includes CorelDRAW, an intuitive vector-illustration and page-layout application; Corel PHOTO-PAINT, a professional image-editing application; Corel® PowerTRACE®, a utility to quickly and accurately convert bitmaps into editable vector graphics, and Corel® CAPTURE™, a one-click screen capture utility.

New to the suite is Corel CONNECT, a full-screen browser that lets users search the suite's digital content and/or their computer or local network to quickly find the perfect complement for a design. CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5 also includes many supporting applications, a wide variety of content, and in-depth training resources.

For more information about CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5 and to see a detailed list of new and enhanced features, please visit www.corel.com/coreldraw. To learn more about how CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is used worldwide, please visit the product's community site at http://coreldraw.com.
 

Availability
CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X5 is immediately available as an electronic download through www.corel.com. The boxed version of the suite is available immediately for preorder through Corel or through retailers including Amazon.com.


About Corel
Corel is one of the world's top software companies with more than 100 million active users in over 75 countries. We develop software that helps people express their ideas and share their stories in more exciting, creative and persuasive ways. Through the years, we've built a reputation for delivering innovative, trusted products that are easy to learn and use, helping people achieve new levels of productivity. The industry has responded with hundreds of awards for software innovation, design and value.

Our award-winning product portfolio includes some of the world's most widely recognized and popular software brands, including CorelDRAW® Graphics Suite, Corel® Painter™, Corel DESIGNER® Technical Suite, Corel® Paint Shop Pro® Photo, Corel® VideoStudio®, Corel® WinDVD®, Corel® WordPerfect® Office, WinZip® and the recently released Corel® Digital Studio™ 2010. Our global headquarters are in Ottawa, Canada, with major offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, China, Taiwan and Japan.

© 2010 Corel Corporation. All rights reserved. Corel, CorelDRAW, Paint Shop Pro, Painter, Corel DESIGNER, VideoStudio, WordPerfect, WinDVD, WinZip, Digital Studio and the Corel logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Corel Corporation and/or its subsidiaries. All other product names and any registered and unregistered trademarks mentioned are used for identification purposes only and remain the exclusive property of their respective owners.

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Nikon Celebrates Digital Imaging Industry Leadership And Showcases Latest Innovative Products At PMA 2010

Nikon Exhibit Highlights First Look of New COOLPIX Line-Up, Nikon D3S, and Legendary NIKKOR Lenses

PMA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW, BOOTH # 2200, ANAHEIM, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2010) – Attendees of the 2010 PMA International Convention and Trade Show looking to experience the latest innovations in digital imaging will visit the Nikon booth where a vast array of award-winning digital imaging solutions will be on display. In addition to the impressive line-up of products, the Photo Imaging Manufacturers and Distributors Association (PMDA) appointed Nikon Corporation President Michio Kariya as PMDA 2010 Person of the Year. This year, Nikon will highlight seven new high-performance and stylish COOLPIX digital cameras, the easy-to-use D3000 D-SLR and the professional-grade D3S, Nikon’s first FX-format camera to offer HD video recording. In addition, visitors to the Nikon Booth # 2200 can also experience the popular COOLPIX S1000pj which is the recipient of multiple industry accolades, including the Popular Mechanics 2009 Breakthrough award. Also, the Nikon D3X Popular Photography Magazine’s 2009 Camera of the Year, and a selection of high-quality NIKKOR lenses will also be on display.

For nearly 40 years, Nikon has been a landmark exhibitor and brand presence at the PMA tradeshow. Nikon’s participation at PMA 2010 serves as yet another opportunity to interact with its retail and channel partners, photographers, journalists and loyal consumers about the latest trends in the world of digital imaging.

This year, PMA marks a momentous occasion for Nikon, as Nikon Corporation President, CEO and COO Michio Kariya was named 2010 Person of the Year by the Photo Imaging Manufacturers and Distributors Association (PMDA). The 2010 Person of the Year award was presented to Kariya prior to the opening of the 2010 PMA tradeshow to honor his dedication to Nikon and the industry for more than 40 years.

NIKKOR lenses and the extremely versatile Creative Lighting System (CLS) represent an integral part of Nikon’s complete high-performance Digital Imaging System featured at PMA. Visitors to the Nikon Booth # 2200, can experience a wide array of NIKKOR lenses, including the recently announced 16-35mm f/4 VR and Ultra-Fast 24mm f/1.4 as well as the versatile AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom and professional AF-S 300mm f/2.8 telephoto lens. Nikon’s series of CLS products, including the flagship SB-900 Speedlight and other lighting accessories, will also be on display highlighting the agility and overall effectiveness when used in-studio or on location.

Nikon’s complete line of digital SLR cameras, COOLPIX cameras and accessories, high-quality COOLSCAN scanners, world-renowned binoculars and other accessories will be accessible for PMA 2010 patrons. With a spotlight on Nikon’s series of COOLPIX digital cameras, Nikon’s “theater-on-the go” display showcases the capabilities of the revolutionary S1000pj camera, the world’s first digital camera with a built-in projector. Lastly, visitors can experience the complete Nikon imaging solution with instruction and demonstrations of Nikon’s Capture NX2 photo editing software.

As in years past, Nikon will bring to light some of the latest works and projects from its dedicated base of photographers. With images from various COOLPIX and D-SLR products, the Image Gallery calls attention to the overwhelming capabilities of the cameras and the creative possibilities.

Attendees are encouraged to experience Nikon’s entire line of photographic, digital imaging and optical solutions, including Nikon’s sport optics products, on display at the PMA 2010 tradeshow, from Feb. 21-23 at exhibitor booth # 2200. For more information, please visit Nikon.


Royalty Free Images

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The Search Is Over For Serious Image Seekers

PACA pacaSearch™ Advances Search Results For Photo Buyers

Picture Archive Council of America (PACA) is about to make a huge impact on the way image buyers utilize the Internet to purchase licensed images. While PACA will never be confused with Google, its proprietary search tool will provide the stock photography industry with a much-needed digital solution. PACA’s pacaSearch™ is a free, Web-based stock image mega meta-search engine designed to greatly enhance the online image buying experience. pacaSearch, currently in Beta, is set to launch on February 25, 2010.

Developed and supported by PACA, pacaSearch serves to bridge the void left by existing image search engines. Unlike Google, pacaSearch provides buyers with results for only licensable imagery. Other existing search engines serve up both commercial and personal images in their photo search results. This can be especially problematic for professional image buyers.

“Learning about the functionality and usefulness of the PACA enhanced directory put a big smile on my face,” Lee Horton, Multimedia Editor, K12 Inc. said. “As a photo editor and art buyer I search multiple sites daily. This tool puts more control in my hands. With the launch of pacaSearch I can successfully and accurately find imagery in less time, with less hassle, while having more agency resources at my fingertips.”

Here is how it works in a nutshell. A buyer submits a term into pacaSearch to locate a library of images to explore. Almost instantly pacaSearch returns an index ranking of member libraries by both relevancy and most matches providing the searcher with multiple perspectives. Clicking on any of the libraries takes the user directly to the relevant imagery.

pacaSearch allows buyers to rapidly sample choices from multiple collections. They will relish the vast improvements pacaSearch provides over any existing image-based search engines. For example, searching by concept (a common weakness of image-based search engines).

pacaSearch is a powerful new tool for highly focused research across a wide range of excellent stock photo agencies

stated Judy and Roger Feldman of Feldman & Associates.

pacaSearch helps members achieve broader online distribution of their image libraries at near zero cost. pacaSearch also facilitates the creation of highly coveted direct personal relationships between buyers and member agencies. Conversely, buyers will be constantly exposed to previously unknown sources of highly relevant content from among PACA’s globally diverse group of trusted professional image collections. PACA members will be provided access to traffic reports that include statistics detailing the number of searches, most frequent terms, and terms with no search results.

Keeping with PACA’s Mission Statement, pacaSearch does not collect a fee, bounty or royalty of any kind. The purpose of this powerful search technology is to provide the entire marketplace with a solution as dynamic as the collections available and with the convenience of a personal assistant. “PACA took on this project as a means to expose their members’ archives to a broader marketplace. PACA is working to be an advocate for our members commercially as well as with industry standards and issues,” noted PACA President, Maria Kessler.
About PACA

PACA, the Picture Archive Council of America, is the trade organization in North America that represents the vital interests of stock archives of every size, from individual photographers to large corporations, who license images for commercial reproduction. Founded in 1951, its membership includes over 100 companies in North America and over 50 international members.

Through advocacy, education and communication, PACA strives to foster and protect the interests of the picture archive community. Accordingly, we work to develop useful business standards and promote ethical business practices; actively advocate copyright protection; collect and disseminate timely information; and take an active role in the picture community by building relationships with organizations from related industries.

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Pentax Introduce Eleventh Genration Waterproff Optio W90 Digital Camera Built For Adventure

Latest Optio Features Unique Macro Photo LED Lighting, Carabiner Strap And Eye-Fi Connectivity

GOLDEN, CO (February 24, 2010)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the eleventh generation PENTAX Optio waterproof digital camera built for rugged adventure in every way. The PENTAX Optio W90 offers enhanced waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, and coldproof performance and features an inventive Digital Microscope mode with LED lighting to capture small but intriguing subjects. Designed with the look of mountaineering equipment, the Optio W90 kit includes a woven web fabric strap complete with a carabiner to attach the camera to a backpack and other outdoor gear.

Adventure photography doesn’t get any better than this. The rugged Optio W90 offers photographic performance, innovative features and style that surpass other outdoor compact digital cameras now available on the market.

• Waterproof to 20 feet for reliable underwater photography

• Shockproof to 4 feet withstanding the rigors of extreme use

• Coldproof to sub-freezing temperatures for use in wintery, snowy activities

• 12.1 megapixel sensor and wide angle 5X optical zoom (28-140mm equivalent)

• Digital Microscope mode with LED lens lighting perfectly captures the smallest and closest macro subjects as near as 1cm from the camera

• Eye-Fi wireless SD memory card connectivity for built-in Wi-Fi capability to transfer photos and videos from the camera to a computer or an online sharing site such as Picasaweb, Flickr, Facebook and YouTube (Eye-fi cards sold separately.)

• Large 2.7 inch LCD with 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio that is easy to view in strong light or underwater

• Capture movies in widescreen 720p HD video at 30 frames per second

• An HDMI port plays back beautiful high resolution imges and video on HDTVs

• Advanced Pixel Track Shake Reduction captures blur-free images in any lighting

• Fast Face Detection, Smile Capture, Blink Detection, and processing modes specifically designed for portraiture, and new Pet Recognition captures up to 3 pre-programmed pet faces in memory

• Infrared remote control compatibility with new waterproof Remote Control WP, as well as other PENTAX infrared remotes

• Autofocus assist lamp helps to quickly and accurately focus, even in challenging lighting

Priced at $329.95 USD, the PENTAX Optio W90 will ship in April 2010. A waterproof infared remote control (sold separately) for use with the PENTAX Optio W90 and other infrared compatible Optio models will be available at the same time for $29.95 USD.


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Thursday, February 25, 2010

Apple Releases Aperture 3

New Features Include Faces, Places & Brushes

CUPERTINO, California—February 9, 2010—Apple® today introduced Aperture™ 3, the next major release of its powerful photo editing and management software, with over 200 new features including Faces, Places and Brushes. Building on the innovative Faces and Places features introduced in iPhoto® ’09, Aperture 3 makes it even easier and faster to organize large photo libraries. Aperture 3 introduces new tools to refine your photos including Brushes for painting image adjustments onto parts of your photo, and Adjustment Presets for applying professional photo effects with just one click. Stunning new slideshows let you share your work by weaving together photos, audio, text and HD video.

“Millions of people love using iPhoto to organize, edit and share their digital photos,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “Aperture 3 is designed for both professionals who edit and manage massive libraries of photos and iPhoto users who want to take their photos further with easy-to-use tools such as Brushes and Adjustment Presets.”

“Aperture 3 gets it right,” said National Geographic photographer, Jim Richardson. “The image editing tools are exactly what I have been asking for, they’re so easy to use and give me a level of control that I never even thought possible.”

“I chose Aperture because it was the most powerful archiving application around, but it’s now an unbelievable imaging tool as well,” said Bill Frakes, Sports Illustrated staff photographer. “I am beyond impressed with the massive changes made in Aperture 3.”

Aperture 3 allows you to organize large photo libraries with even more flexibility using Projects and the new Faces and Places. Faces uses face detection and recognition to find and organize your photos by the people in them. You can view faces across your entire photo library or view just the faces that appear in selected projects. In a new view that speeds up the organization process, Aperture 3 displays faces that have been detected but haven’t yet been named. Places lets you explore your photos based on where they were taken, and like in iPhoto, Places automatically reverse geocodes GPS data into user-friendly locations. In Aperture 3, you can assign locations by dragging-and-dropping photos onto a map or by using location information from GPS enabled cameras, tracking devices or your iPhone® photos.

The new Brushes feature allows you to add professional touches to your photos by simply painting effects onto the image. Aperture 3 includes 15 Quick Brushes that perform the most popular tasks like Dodge, Burn, Polarize and Blur, without the complexity of layers or masks. Brushes can automatically detect edges in your images to let you apply or remove effects exactly where you want them. Aperture 3 includes dozens of Adjustment Presets that apply a specific style or look to the entire image with just a click. You can create your own custom presets or explore the techniques of other photographers by importing theirs.

Aperture 3 makes it easy to share your work with stunning slideshows that weave together photos, audio, text and HD video. You can select one of six Apple designed themes or choose your own transitions, background, borders and titles, and even add your own soundtrack. You can export your slideshows directly to iTunes® to take with you on your iPhone or iPod touch®. You can also share photographs as beautiful prints, create custom-designed hardcover books and publish to online photo sharing sites like Facebook and Flickr, right from Aperture 3.

Pricing & Availability
Aperture 3 is available through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) and existing Aperture users can upgrade for a suggested retail price of $99 (US). A downloadable 30-day trial version is available at www.apple.com/aperture/trial. Aperture 3 runs as a 64-bit application on Mac OS® X Snow Leopard® on Macs with Intel Core 2 Duo processors. Full system requirements, online tutorials and more information on Aperture 3 can be found at www.apple.com/aperture.

Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.



Computers & Electronics

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Wednesday, February 24, 2010

About Google Buzz



http://www.newmediaphotogra... talks about the basics of Google Buzz

Author: Rosh03
Category: Education
Tags: Google buzz social media video new media photographer friend feed


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Sigma Corporation announces five new lenses, three new cameras at PMA 2010

Company also highlights new “F” Low Dispersion lens glass used in three of those lenses

Ronkonkoma, NY, Feb. 23, 2010 – Sigma Corporation of America (www.sigmaphoto.com), a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, announced five new lenses and three new cameras, as well as its use of a new “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) lens glass, at this year’s PMA 2010 International Convention in Anaheim, Calif.

During the event, which took place between Feb. 21 and 23, Sigma Corporation of America unveiled the new 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM, 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM, APO 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM, APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM, 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM, the DP1x and DP2 compact cameras and the SD15 digital SLR camera. Exact availability dates and pricing information are pending. All of the lenses will available for purchase this spring, and will be available in Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Sony and Pentax mounts.

In addition to the new lineup of products, Sigma is pleased to announce the incorporation of its new FLD glass, which has a performance equal to fluorite glass, in three of its new high performance lenses. Four elements have been included in Sigma’s 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM and two elements have been included in both the APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM and the 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM.

8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM

The Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM is the first ultra-wide zoom lens with a minimum focal length of 8mm, designed specifically for APS-C size image sensors. This lens has an equivalent angle of view of a 12-24mm lens when used on digital cameras with an APS-C size image sensor. The wide-angle of view from 121.2 degrees* produces striking images with exaggerated perspective, enabling photographers to emphasize the subject. Four FLD glass elements, which have the performance equal to fluorite glass, compensate for color aberration. One hybrid aspherical lens and two glass mold elements give excellent correction for distortion and astigmatism. Incorporating an inner focusing system, the lens produces high-definition images throughout the entire zoom range. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting while superior peripheral brightness ensures high contrast images throughout the entire zoom range. This lens incorporates Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), ensuring quiet and high speed auto focus, as well as full-time manual focus capability. It has a minimum focusing distance of 9.4 inches throughout the entire zoom range, which allows photographers to emphasize the subject by creating exaggerated perspectives. This lens has a compact construction with an overall length of 4.2 inches and a maximum diameter of 2.9 inches.

*The angle of view varies depending on which camera the lens is mounted on.

17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM

The Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM is a large aperture standard zoom lens designed for digital SLR cameras. It incorporates Sigma’s efficient Optical Stabilization (OS) function and is a compact lens with an overall length of just 3.6 inches. This lens covers a focal length from 17mm wide angle and offers a large aperture of F2.8 throughout the entire zoom range, making it ideal for many types of photography such as portraiture and landscapes. The OS function offers the use of shutter speeds approximately four stops slower than would otherwise be possible. For Sony and Pentax mount, the built-in OS function of this lens can be used even if the camera body is equipped with an image sensor shift anti-shake system. As compensation for camera shake is visible in the viewfinder, the photographer can easily check for accurate focus and ensure there is no subject movement. Two FLD glass elements, which have performance equal to fluorite glass, plus two glass mold and one hybrid aspherical lens, provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghost. This lens has superior peripheral brightness and provides sharp, high-contrast images even at the maximum apertures. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. Incorporating Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), the lens provides fast and quiet auto focus. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 11 inches throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:5. The rounded seven-blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out of focus images. The inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for use with the supplied petal-type lens hood and circular polarizing filters.


APO 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM

The Sigma APO 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM is a 10x high-zoom ratio, ultra telephoto zoom lens incorporating Sigma’s original Optical Stabilization (OS) function. This lens covers a wide range of focal lengths from 50mm to 500mm ultra telephoto. The OS function offers the use of shutter speeds approximately four stops slower than would otherwise be possible. For Sony and Pentax mount, the built-in OS function of this lens can be used even if the camera body is equipped with an image sensor shift anti-shake system. As compensation for camera shake is visible in the view finder, the photographer can easily check for accurate focus and ensure there is no subject movement. Four Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements provide excellent correction of color aberration. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting, and ensures high image quality throughout the entire zoom range. This lens has a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.1 (at the focal length of 200mm), making it ideal for close-up photography. This lens incorporates Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), ensuring quiet and high-speed auto focus, as well as full-time manual focus capability. The addition of the optional 1.4x EX DG or 2x EX DG APO Tele Converters produce a 70-700mm F6.3-8 or a 100-1000mm F9-12.6 MF zoom lens, respectively. This lens is equipped with a petal-type hood to block out extraneous light. The filter size of this lens is φ95mm and the lens is supplied with a step-down ring enabling digital cameras with an APS-C size image sensor to use a φ86mm filter.


APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM

The Sigma APO 70-200 F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is a large aperture, telephoto zoom lens that incorporates Sigma’s original Optical Stabilization (OS) function. The lens covers a medium telephoto range of focal lengths from 70mm to 200mm and has a large maximum aperture of F2.8 throughout the entire zoom range. The OS function offers the use of shutter speeds approximately four stops slower than would otherwise be possible. For Sony and Pentax mounts, the built-in OS function of this lens can be used even if the camera body is equipped with an image sensor shift anti-shake system. As compensation for camera shake is visible in the view finder, the photographer can easily check for accurate focus and ensure there is no subject movement. Two FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements, which have the performance equal to fluorite glass, and three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements provide excellent correction of color aberration. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range and an optimum optical power layout provides superior optical quality in all shooting ranges from close-up to infinity. Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. This lens incorporates Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), ensuring a quiet and high-speed auto focus, as well as full-time manual focus capability. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 55.1 inches throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:8. The rounded, nine-blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out of focus images. This lens is equipped with a petal-type hood. For digital cameras with an APS-C size image sensor, a dedicated hood adapter, which expands the length of the lens hood, is supplied.


85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM

The Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is a large aperture, medium telephoto lens optimized for use with digital SLR cameras features a focal length of 85mm, ensuring a natural perspective. The large aperture of F1.4 is especially ideal for portrait and low light photography. When used on digital cameras with an APS-C size image sensor, the lens effectively becomes a 127.5mm F1.4 lens. One Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass element and one glass mold element give excellent correction for all types of aberrations and ensure superior optical performance. This lens is equipped with a rear focus system that minimizes fluctuation of aberration caused by focusing. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghost, even in backlight photography. Incorporating Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), this lens provides quiet and high-speed auto focus, as well as full-time manual focus capability. It features a minimum focusing distance of 33.5 inches and a maximum magnification 1:8.6. This lens has a round, nine-blade diaphragm, which creates an attractive blur to the out of focus images. This lens is supplied with a petal-type hood to block out extraneous light. For digital cameras with an APS-C size image sensor, a dedicated hood adapter, which expands the length of the lens hood, is supplied and enables the hood to block out extraneous light more effectively.


SD15 Digital SLR camera

The SD15 Digital SLR camera is the latest model in Sigma’s SD series. Powered by the 14-megapixel Foveon X3 direct image sensor, it can capture all primary RGB colors at each and every pixel location arranged in three layers. The new SD15 incorporates the “TRUE II” image processing engine, which processes the large amount of data from the 14 megapixel direct image sensor. It also provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images with impressive three-dimensional detail, rich in gradation. The camera adopts the SD card and incorporates a highly visible 3.0 inch LCD monitor, 77-Segment AE sensor and Analog Front End (AFE). It provides high image quality and user friendly design. In addition, the durable shutter mechanism, which has a life of over 100,000 actuations, is ideal for the demands of digital photography.

Since October 2002, Sigma has introduced three digital SLR cameras, the SD9, SD10 and SD14. In March 2008, Sigma also introduced a high-end compact digital camera, the DP1, which uses the same large image sensor as featured in Sigma’s digital SLR cameras. The DP and SD series have established a strong following from a wide range of photographers, both amateur and professional. This new SD15 has been developed with the principle of producing superior image quality from the direct image sensor, as well as improved processing speed, operation and performance.


DP1x

The Sigma DP1x compact digital camera incorporates a “TRUE II” image processing engine, as used in the Sigma DP2 and SD15 digital SLR. In March 2008, Sigma introduced a high-end compact digital camera with the concept of “a new compact digital camera featuring the same technology as an SLR.” The DP1 featured the same large image sensor as Sigma’s digital SLR cameras. The DP1 has established a strong following from a wide range of photographers, both amateur and professional. The Sigma DP2 was then launched in April 2009. After the launch of the DP2 camera, users could continue to enjoy the image quality of the DP1 for wide focal length photography and also take advantage of the DP2’s standard focal length. This new DP1x includes the “TRUE II” image processing engine, improving the image-processing time, as well as a new AF algorithm, providing high speed auto focusing. In addition, the user interface has been unified with the DP2 series by changing the Set Up Menu and adopting the Quick Set (QS) button. This provides photographers easier operation of the camera controls when the DP1x is used with the DP2 series.

Many dedicated accessories, such as the view finder VF-21, hood adapter HA-21 and electronic flash EF-140 DG are available for the DP cameras.


DP2s

The Sigma DP2s compact digital camera features a 14-megapixel FOVEON X3® direct image sensor (2,652× 1,768× 3 layers), which is also used in the DP1x and the SD15. The Sigma DP2s is the successor to the DP2, which was introduced to market in April 2009 and incorporates a new AF algorithm, a Power Save Mode and a new rear design. The new AF algorithm provides high-speed auto focusing, ensuring convenient shooting. The Power Save Mode lowers the battery consumption. When this mode is enabled, a greater number of pictures can be taken with a single charge of the battery. The new rear design aids quick recognition of the controls. The addition of red markings has been used to enable easier operation of the cameras controls.

The latest RAW image processing software, “SIGMA Photo Pro 4.0,” is supplied with the DP2s and makes processing RAW images quick and easy. Version 4.0 has a superior image processing algorithm and improved compatibility with multi core CPUs. It provides better image processing speed and improved image quality. Incorporation of a new noise reduction algorithm reduces Chroma and Luminance noise when processing X3F files taken at ISO400 or more. It is possible to adjust the level of reduction for noise just by moving the slider in the control pallet. With the Macintosh version, functions such as JPEG conversion and batch white balance settings, which were previously incorporated into Windows versions, have been added. In addition, the print function and the display speed for the review window and thumbnails have also been improved.


“F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass

“F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass has been adopted and used in Sigma’s new, high-performance lenses. FLD glass is the highest level, low dispersion glass available with extremely high light transmission. With a performance equal to fluorite glass, this optical glass has a low refractive index and low dispersion compared to current optical glass. It also benefits from high anomalous dispersion. These characteristics offer excellent correction for residual chromatic aberration (secondary spectrum), which cannot be corrected by ordinary optical glass and ensures high-definition and high-contrast images. FLD glass offers superior optical performance, equal to fluorite, at an affordable price. The density of FLD glass is lower than traditional optical glass, ensuring a lighter construction of large aperture lenses.

FLD glass has been incorporated into three recently announced lenses. Four elements have been included in the Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM and two elements have been included in both the Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM and the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM.



www.DickBlick.com - Online Art Supplies

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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

New Shutterstock Facebook App

Last August Shutterstock introduced Shuttertweet, https://submit.shutterstock.com/admin.mhtml#shuttertweet a program for Shutterstock submitters that sends a tweet when your images are accepted and sold on Shutterstock.

It’s been such a hit that Shutterstock decided to build a similar app for Facebook. It’s simple. Visit your Shutterstock submitter account page https://submit.shutterstock.com/admin.mhtml#facebook_connect, follow the instructions, and you’ll be able to make posts on your Wall sharing your successes at Shutterstock.

You can set it to post a daily summary when your images or videos are accepted to Shutterstock, a daily summary of your Shutterstock sales stats, or both. It works with both images and footage, and you can set it to make posts automatically, or you can make them manually. And as a bonus, you’ll earn referral fees when your posts lead to subscription sales (under the terms of the Shutterstock Referral Program http://submit.shutterstock.com/reforder.mhtml.)

Also, if you haven’t already, be sure to visit the Shutterstock Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Shutterstock and become a fan.

Shutterstock is looking forward to seeing you on Facebook!

Shutterstock

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Transforming web users into video producers

NEW YORK, NY, February 22, 2010 – Flixtime debuts a free site where users create custom, production-quality videos. Anyone with images, videos, and text can use Flixtime’s software to create, share, and download free 60-second videos on www.flixtime.com. Nearly two years in the making, Flixtime launches worldwide February 22, 2010.

Users create high-resolution videos on www.flixtime.com using their own photos and videos, or by choosing from a library of royalty-free stock images provided by Fotolia. AudioMicro also provides users with a selection of award-winning tracks, sound effects, and stock music. Flixtime videos are easy to produce with state-of-the-art technology that integrates the user’s choice of music, text, images, and videos. All Flixtime video productions can be used both for personal or independent commercial use.

“We have been getting more and more demand from users who want a tool that easily creates stunning videos by using images and text. Companies from all over the world have video needs, whether for websites, projects, or presentations. Until now, production costs were very high,” says Fotolia and Flixtime CEO Oleg Tscheltzoff. “Just like we democratized stock images on Fotolia by offering images for under $1 USD, we have made videos accessible and affordable to countless companies. Instead of investing tons of money in equipment, talent, and a location to produce videos, our users can simply use their content, or the images and music provided by Flixtime, to create the videos they envision.”

Visitors to www.flixtime.com create a free account and then follow three simple steps to create custom videos.

Ryan Born, CEO of AudioMicro says, “We are very pleased to partner with Flixtime to provide the music for such an amazing technology. With just one click, Flixtime users can bring energy and emotion to their videos by adding music. We've supplied a handpicked selection, spanning nearly every musical genre and style. With tracks for everyone, Flixtime users are sure to have the perfect soundtrack and take their videos to the next level."

About Fotolia
Over 1.5 million people prefer Fotolia, LLC for affordable, royalty-free images, graphics and HD videos. With the introduction of the Infinite Collection, Fotolia became the first worldwide microstock organization to offer both crowd-sourced and professional images on one site. Founded in New York City in 2004, Fotolia spans the globe with websites in 10 languages and offices in 12 countries. With over 8,000,000 images to choose from, find it on Fotolia. www.fotolia.com

About AudioMicro
AudioMicro offers advertisers, music supervisors, creative directors, webmasters, filmmakers, and “YouTubers” an affordable, high-quality solution for obtaining stock music and royalty free sound effects for use in creative projects. With content purchased from AudioMicro, a movie or webisode can be scored at a fraction of the cost of a traditional music library. AudioMicro offers the largest micro stock music library, with over 200,000 tracks from songwriters, publishers, composers, record labels, and sound designers worldwide. www.audiomicro.com


Fotolia

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Monday, February 22, 2010

Britney's Candie's Photo Shoot



Britney Spears is back at work as a spokesperson for Candie's at Kohl's doing a photo shoot for the new Spring 2010 campaign.

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Meet the Hasselblad 2009 Masters

22/02/2010 Hasselblad recently announced its 10 Masters photographers for 2009, as selected by an international jury and the public. Celebrating the best established photographers and promising newcomers, Hasselblad Masters Awards recognize photographers' creativity, composition, conceptual strength, and technical skill.

The winners of the Hasselblad 2009 Masters awards, by photo specialty, are:

ARCHITECTURE. Stuttgart, Germany-based Stephan Zirwes, www.stephanzirwes.com, is best known for his aerial shots, and his ability to find poetic forms in both mundane and exciting environments. While revealing the patterns, connections, borders, uniformities, and contrasts of buildings and structures, his images also touch upon current political and socio-critical themes.

EDITORIAL. New York City-based Nina Berman, www.ninaberman.com, whose primary focus is the U.S. political and social landscape, has been published in Time, Newsweek, The Sunday Times Magazine, The New York Times Magazine, Colors, German Geo, Harpers, National Geographic, Fortune, and Marie Claire. With awards in art and journalism from the New York Foundation of the Arts, the Open Society Institute Documentary Fund, the World Press Photo Foundation, she is recognized worldwide for her portraits of wounded American military. Her image "Marine Wedding" is considered one of the most iconic images of the human cost of war.

FASHION /BEAUTY. London, UK-based Dirk Rees, www.dirkrees.com, spent 10 years in the production industry, on film, advertising, and documentary projects. The transition from moving images to stills and the ability to capture narratives has inspired his love of experimentation, innovative lighting, and other creative techniques. A strong sense of storytelling and narrative flow characterize his commercial and personal work.

FINE ART. Born in Beijing, China, Quentin Shi (Shi Xiaofan), www.quentinphotography.com, began his career photographing local underground musicians and artists. Splitting his time between Beijing and New York, he has worked recently with commercial and fashion photography, including projects for Adidas, Microsoft, Sony, Siemens, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Esquire. More recently, he has returned to fine art photography. He has won numerous international advertising and photography awards.

GENERAL. Toronto, Canada’s Mark Zibert, www.markzibert.com, a prize-winning commercial and documentary photographer, won his first national campaign, Nike, at age 23. Recent projects include the Adidas Olympic advertising campaign for the 2008 Games in Beijing, for which China won its first Cannes Gold Lion and which helped him win Photography Campaign of the Year at the Lucie Awards. Outside the commercial realm, Zibert has traveled to Africa (Rwanda, Uganda, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania) to shoot documentary work for Non-Governmental Organizations that work to improve the lives of refugees, former child combatants, young people with, or orphaned by, HIV/AIDS.

LANDSCAPES/NATURE. Hong Kong photographer Bang Peng, who focuses on landscapes with a strong compositional element, feels that the act of seeing and capturing images has changed his basic understanding of life. Photographic works, he believes, should not just be understood intellectually; they should have a direct effect on the heart and soul. Masterpieces cannot exist without a soul.

UPCOMING. New York photographer-filmmaker Lyle Owerko, www.owerko.com, has a diverse clientele including the Sundance Channel, Time, MTV, and a number of corporations, entertainers, and celebrities. His images have appeared in films, including Henry Singer's The Falling Man and The Omen, as well as books such as Jonathan Safran Foer's Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. His work is included in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

PORTRAIT. Slitting his time between Miami, Florida, and Caracas, Venezuela, Claudio Napolitano, www.claudionapolitano.com, focuses on social commentary. With a clientele that includes corporations, small firms, and individuals, he has worked independently for advertising agencies for some 19 years. Claudio has earned recognition from the Cannes Lions National Diploma, London Festival, ANDA (Venezuela’s Advertising Standard), FIAP, Festival del Caribe and Photographer of the Year for two consecutive years.

PRODUCTS. San Francisco-based Mark Holthusen, www.markholthusen.com, is best known for creating images that push the boundaries of traditional photography. Mark’s award-winning work, which merges digital ingenuity with boundless imagination, has drawn recognition from Communication Arts, Graphis, American Photography, and PDN. Primarily known for creating bold advertising for clients such as Honda, Napster, Microsoft, Kohler, Quest, Target and HBO, Mark creates editorial images that speak to his love for unusual Americana, eccentric people, and nontraditional subjects.

WEDDING/SOCIAL. Working out of Lisbon and New York, Portuguese photographer Joao Carlos, www.milkmanstudio.com, approaches his shoots as a painter, conveying emotions through storytelling and rich settings, primarily in natural light. Joao envisions his photography as an opportunity to create inspiring artwork that goes beyond the conventionality and impermanence of fashion and commercial photography. His work has been published in Numero, J’adore Magazine, Six Degrees, Umbigo Magazine, and Nstyle. Clients include Nike, Avon, and Pfizer.

The 2010 Masters competition will award Hasselblad Masters designations in 10 categories - Fine Art, Nature/Landscape, Social/Wedding, Portrait, Fashion, Editorial, Product, Architecture, General Photography, and Up and Coming - plus a new 11th category: Wildlife. The competition is open to all professional photographers using large- and medium-format cameras, regardless of brand, and to new photographers in the Up and Coming category, open to all professional photographers, regardless of camera used. Winners receive use of an H4D digital camera system to create images for the Masters program and a Masters Commemorative book.

HP, Broncolor, Hahnemuhle, and SanDisk are program sponsors.

The closing date for submissions is December 31, 2010. For your chance to win the coveted Hasselblad Masters 2010 title, click here.

Text by Alice B. Miller


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Friday, February 19, 2010

IllustratingStories.com Tutorials - DIY School Rule Paper: Part 2 - Creating the Paper



In this tutorial, we demonstrate how to make a school ruled paper from the pattern demonstrated in part 1. This video is great for the do-it-yourself artist/crafter that wants to make elements for collage, digital/hybrid scrapbook, and art journal projects.

Author: ISFlicks
Category: Education
Tags: digital hybrid scrapbook art journal projects school rule tutorial illustrating stories pattern DIY do-it-yourself artist crafter video paper

DepositPhotos

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Photographer's Contract Maker | Michael The Maven iPhone App



This is the first introduction video on how to use your Photographer's Contract Maker iPhone App. Available for purchase now! http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/photog...

Author: MichaelTheMentor
Category: Education
Tags: Photorgaphy Photographer Photos Contract Maker Legal Forms iPhone App Michael The Maven Canon Nikon

Royalty Free Images

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Photography Business: PicScout and PhotoShelter Partner to Assure That Every Photographer's Image Gets Its Credit

Partnership Gives Photographers Access to PicScout Technology; Provides a Clear Path to License PhotoShelter Images No Matter Where They Reside Online

NEW YORK, NY and SILICON VALLEY, CA--(Marketwire - February 18, 2010) - PicScout, the worldwide standard for image credit, information, and commerce, and PhotoShelter, the leader in websites and online tools for serious photographers, today announced a partnership to automatically include PhotoShelter photographers' images in the PicScout ImageIRC™ (index, registry and connection platform). This partnership gives individual photographers access to the same powerful PicScout technology used by major image libraries worldwide, enabling them to connect with more image buyers and ensure critical metadata remains accessible to image users anywhere online.

Once included in PicScout's ImageIRC, PhotoShelter photographers' images will be identified by PicScout's ImageExchange™ add-on which populates an (i) icon on images wherever they are used online. This universally recognized (i) icon provides valuable information to image users while they're searching for new images to license or purchase, and in one click provides a direct connection back to the PhotoShelter photographer's e-commerce page to facilitate legitimate image sales. Kicking off the partnership will include initially enrolling eight million publicly available and priced PhotoShelter images in the PicScout ImageIRC, complete with identification and ownership information that allows for immediate transactions.

"Our partnership with PicScout gives our photographers a truly tangible way to increase image sales by allowing their images to be identified with PicScout's ImageExchange. When image users encounter one of our photographer's images online, whether it be via a search engine, at a content website, or wherever an image resides, the user will be provided a very obvious link directly back to the photographer's e-commerce enabled site on PhotoShelter," said PhotoShelter CEO Allen Murabayashi. "With PicScout, our photographers not only will enjoy a new channel for image buyers to discover and license their work, they also are assured that image ownership and attribution is clearly identified, which provides greater image protection and promotion. We are proud to be partnered with PicScout in this important endeavor that brings great value to our current and new photographers."

Serious photographers rely on PhotoShelter as their complete online solution to display, market, sell, and archive their photography. During the initial PicScout ImageIRC roll-out period, compensation to PicScout for image sales derived through the PicScout ImageExchange will be waived, and all PhotoShelter photographers' publicly searchable and priced images will be automatically enrolled. Following the initial trial period, financial terms will be announced and photographers will have the opportunity to continue or opt-out. During subsequent phases, PhotoShelter and PicScout will also expand services to include PicScout's ImageTracker product.

"Our partnership with PhotoShelter delivers on a promise we made to photographers everywhere to find solutions for them to participate in the PicScout ImageIRC. During the initial phase, we are delivering our value proposition for image promotion and transaction through the highly respected PhotoShelter platform. We bring strong support to photographers in their ongoing efforts to secure, identify and equip their images for transaction across the digital landscape," said PicScout CEO Offir Gutelzon. "PhotoShelter is a model for how images enrolled in the PicScout ImageIRC can benefit from PicScout's ImageExchange add-on, which connects image owners with image buyers through any service or platform."

The many millions of images now available through PicScout ImageIRC™ can be recognized by anyone equipped with the free PicScout ImageExchange™ browser add-on. Image buyers, whether they are creative pro, designers or communication workers using the ImageExchange™ browser add-on, will recognize PhotoShelter enrolled images every time they are online, whether conducting an image search, browsing at a particular site, or anywhere on the internet. Wherever they may appear, ImageIRC images are noted with the universal information symbol, a small encircled "i" icon. Clicking on the icon reveals a box of metadata where ownership is identified along with an option to click and transact for use. Owners and buyers are made aware of each other and connected at the point of encounter.

PhotoShelter has been educating photographers in the value of metadata and SEO to maximize the potential for use of their images, and now offers a suite of tools that help photographers spread their work online through SEO and social media. In 2009, 61% of image buyers surveyed by PhotoShelter claimed to use search engines in their efforts to find new photos and photographers.

Enrolled photographers are advised to promote ImageExchange among their customer bases, so potential buyers who have installed the free tool will always be able to recognize and transact for the photographer's work wherever they see it online.

Photographers and media are invited to join a webinar on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 3 PM EST, as PhotoShelter CEO Allen Murabayashi and PicScout CEO Offir Gutelzon will discuss the complete details of the new partnership, including rollout timing and future plans. Register here: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/203535395.

About PhotoShelter

PhotoShelter is the leader in portfolio websites, photo sales and archiving tools for photographers.

Over 50,000 photographers worldwide use PhotoShelter to power their success online, with customizable website templates, searchable photo galleries, e-commerce capabilities, and bulletproof image storage. Photographers can create a professional PhotoShelter website in under five minutes, or customize PhotoShelter to power their existing photography website. A true solution designed to make the business of photography easier to manage -- PhotoShelter offers image security, global accessibility, and advanced marketing tools so photographers can make their images work harder for them. To join our community, visit www.PhotoShelter.com. To read our free reports with online marketing insights for photographers, visit http://www.photoshelter.com/ref/FREEREPORTS.

About PicScout

Founded in 2002, PicScout™, is the worldwide standard for image credit, information, and commerce. Through its proprietary and highly scalable image recognition and identification technology, PicScout created the image copyright protection marketplace through its widely used ImageTracker™ product and is now leading the way for image commerce to become a legitimate Internet economy. A financially independent, privately held company, PicScout has offices in the Silicon Valley and Hertzella, Israel. The company's products ImageTracker™ and ImageExchange™ utilize the company image IRC™ service platform which is based on its proprietary image recognition technology for its index, metadata registry and API connection to provide a wide variety of solutions involving image protection, ownership, identification, commerce, as well as business intelligence. PicScout is a member of PACA www.pacaoffice.org, CEPIC www.cepic.org, and BAPLA www.bapla.org.uk.


Henrik Lehnerer Stock Photography Info

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Corbis Simplifies How to Price Rights Managed Images

New online pricing calculator for Rights Managed (RM) images makes it faster and easier to price and license premium quality photography

SEATTLE (February 17, 2010) - Corbis (www.corbisimages.com), a leading visual media provider for the creative community, today announced that it has introduced a new approach to Rights Managed (RM) pricing that makes it simpler to price and license RM imagery. Corbis’ exclusive new online RM pricing calculator makes it faster and easier to license RM imagery from CorbisImages.com than from any other major stock photography web site.

“Corbis has brought the RM price calculator into the Internet age,” said Rajiv Jain, CTO and SVP/General Manager of Corbis Images. “We have made it a lot simpler to license premium quality RM imagery at Corbis while maintaining all the customer benefits of the RM licensing model.”

Corbis’ new online RM pricing calculator significantly streamlines the process for pricing an RM image, making it simpler and more transparent for customers. Corbis now allows customers to see the price for multiple types of pre-defined usages at once, presented in an easy-to-view grid format. This makes it faster and more convenient for customers to see and compare prices for a variety of uses instantly.

“The new pricing calculator is a great improvement and really simplifies pricing images,” said Sarah Osinski, Account Representative at Adams Hussey & Associates, one of the most renowned, award-winning full service direct marketing firms in the U.S., addressing the needs of both non-profit and for-profit clients. “It works great and helps me make more informed choices easily.”

The new RM pricing calculator offers Quick Licenses, which are pre-configured license options that can be selected for purchase in as little as a single click, or Custom Licenses, which are for creating a more specific license by answering a few simple questions after a customer selects the desired use.

“Customers are now empowered with a range of usage options and their related prices so they can quickly find the right use and price to meet their needs,” said Jain. “Corbis has taken a fresh look and reinvented the online process for pricing RM images.”

# # #

Follow Corbis on Twitter: @CorbisImages
Corbis Images on Facebook: CorbisImages
Corbis Images on YouTube: CorbisImages

About Corbis
Corbis Images is a leading visual media provider for advertising, marketing and media professionals, providing a comprehensive selection of stock photography and illustration. Corbis’ award-winning creative, documentary, archival, fine art, current events and entertainment imagery helps the creative community make distinctive advertising and publishing for web sites, magazines, newspapers, books, television and films. Corbis has offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia that serve more than 50 countries. For more information, visit www.corbisimages.com.


View My Portfolio

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WebMediaBrands Launches New User-Generated Content Logo Website - StockLogos.com

(New York, NY - February 18, 2010) - WebMediaBrands Inc. (Nasdaq: WEBM) has launched StockLogos.com, a new e-commerce enabled website which sells user-generated content logos from designers worldwide. Buyers are able to purchase complete ownership rights by easily downloading original, ready-to-use logos for prices ranging from $50 to $500. StockLogos.com will greatly expand sales opportunities for designers while making logo purchases economical for businesses of any size.

"StockLogos.com is an excellent companion business to our UGC sites BrandsOfTheWorld.com and AdsOfTheWorld.com, which together have over 2 million unique visitors monthly," stated Alan M. Meckler, Chairman and CEO of WebMediaBrands. "We believe that StockLogos.com is presently the only UGC site devoted exclusively to the business of buying and selling logos."

About WebMediaBrands Inc.
WebMediaBrands (www.webmediabrands.com), headquartered in New York, NY, is a leading blog network which provides content, education, jobs, and events for business, media, and creative professionals. The company's brands include mediabistro.com, LearnNetwork, Graphics.com, AdsoftheWorld.com, BrandsoftheWorld.com, SocialTimes.com, AllFacebook.com, Freelance Connect, Semantic Web, and others.


DepositPhotos

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Alamy pays £8 million to contributors

Oxfordshire, UK 11 February 2010 - As the photography industry continues to feel the effects of the recession, Alamy is offering some good news with the announcement that it paid out over £8 million to its contributors in 2009.

Despite a tough trading year, the world’s largest online stock photography site was able to produce a healthy income for its image providers. Alamy pays 60 per cent of each sale to the photographer, one of the highest royalties in the industry. Of the £8 million, around £5 million went to individual photographers rather than picture agencies.

Head of Content, Alan Capel said: “Yes it’s a tough market but we’ve come through a tough year and are still turning a good profit. In these testing economic times for us all, we feel it’s even more important that we return the largest share of the sale to the creator of the image. This can in turn lead to the production of a steady supply of high quality imagery.”

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Thursday, February 18, 2010

Underwater Photography Website UWPhotographyGuide.com Launches the World's First Free Comprehensive Online Guide to Underwater Photography

Underwater Photography Is a Growing Activity Enjoyed by Tens of Thousands of Scuba Divers Each Year; UWPhotographyGuide.com Is a Comprehensive Resource on Underwater Photography Theory, Technique, Equipment, Travel Destinations and Marine Life for Beginners and Experienced Photographers

SANTA MONICA, CA--(Marketwire - February 16, 2010) - Underwater photography is the most challenging type of photography one can undertake. It is also one of the fastest growing segments, due to the rapid drop in the price of underwater camera housings over the last 10 years. UWPhotographyGuide.com is proud to be the first free comprehensive online guide to underwater photography to assist divers and photographers in learning this difficult art.

The website www.uwphotographyguide.com has been in beta for several months already, with articles on theory, technique and equipment being added every week. The instructional videos are also very popular. Many award-winning amateur and professional underwater photographers worldwide have contributed to the Underwater Photography Guide. Reaction to this resource by industry professionals has been overwhelmingly positive.

Well-known professional underwater photographer Alex Mustard says, "The Underwater Photography Guide is an excellent and free resource that every underwater photographer who wants to improve their photos should bookmark."

Bonnie Pelnar of TheUnderwaterPhotographer.com says, "The Underwater Photography Guide is a valuable resource for beginners as well as accomplished shooters. I recommend it to all my workshop students. It's the perfect combination of technical 'how-to' that's easy to understand, creative ideas and research and testing that backs it all up. I love the unbiased articles and straight-forward delivery. Nice job!"

Uwe Schmolke, a German Photographer who recently won best of show in the prestigious Los Angeles Underwater Photographic Society International Competition, says, "The Underwater Photography Guide is a very hands-on guide to Underwater Photography which enables both beginners and passionate amateurs to improve their capabilities in making underwater photos an unforgettable experience. It provides easy access to a lot of desired information."

Owner and Editor of UWPhotographyGuide.com Scott Gietler says, "Underwater photography can be very daunting the first time it is attempted. After 1,000 dives with a camera, I am still learning. My passion is not just photography, but sharing with others how to get more out of it. And at the end of the day, if more people are taking photos that they want to share, it's going to also drive interest in scuba diving and preserving our world's oceans."

In addition to photography theory and technique, the Underwater Photography Guide also has articles on underwater camera settings, underwater camera and lens reviews, unbiased, informative articles about dive destinations around the world that offer underwater photography opportunities, and articles on the natural history and behavior of marine life.

About UWPhotographyGuide.com

UWPhotographyGuide.com is a Santa Monica, California based website dedicated to helping underwater photographers and scuba divers learn and improve their underwater photography. For more information, visit www.uwphotographyguide.com


Stock Photos, Royalty Free Stock Photography, Photo Search

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Sony Introduces Waterproof Digital Still Camera with Performance And Style

Model Offers Outstanding Low-Light Performance, High Speed, Intelligent Sweep Panorama and More

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 17, 2010 – Leading the industry in innovation and design, Sony today unveiled two new Cyber-shot® digital still cameras (models DSC-TX5 and DSC-H55).

Slim enough to fit in your pocket or purse at less than an inch thin -- about the size of a deck of cards -- the TX5 is the world’s thinnest and smallest certified waterproof (up to 10 feet deep) digital still camera with Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization and touch operation. Additionally, the 10.2 megapixel model is Sony’s first digital still camera with an “Exmor R” CMOS sensor that is also certified to be freeze proof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, shockproof up to about a 5-foot drop and dust proof.

“Only Sony can deliver a technology-packed, ultra slim, fashionable T-series camera that is also durable. Until now, you couldn’t have it all in one camera” said Kelly Davis, director of the Digital Imaging business at Sony Electronics. “It is so versatile because it’s a great camera for both indoor and outdoor usage. You can easily take it from a day at the beach with the kids to a cocktail party with friends. This camera is also great for activities such as snorkeling, snowboarding or boating.”

Waterproof, Freeze Proof, Shockproof and Dust Proof

Waterproof in up to 10 feet of water for an hour, the TX5 lets you take high-quality photos, including panoramic pictures, and 720p high definition videos of your friends, family or pets underwater. From the tropics to the top of the mountain, the camera is also freeze proof down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can take pictures of the kids sledding or snowboarding. Not only is it ready for cold weather, but the TX5 is durable enough to withstand an accidental drop from up to approximately 5 feet. Additionally, it is dust proof, so you can take it with you on a camping trip or a mountain bike ride.

The camera features an “Exmor R” sensor and offers 10fps continuous burst shooting for capturing action shots, so you can get great photos of the perfect moment such as when your kids are in mid air while jumping into the pool. Additionally, the sensor provides outstanding low-light performance so you can take high-quality photos even after the sun sets.

In one easy press-and-sweep motion, take panoramic photos of the underwater landscape or breathtaking views from the top of the mountain using the Intelligent Sweep Panorama™ feature. Another benefit of the “Exmor R” sensor, this innovative feature combines separate captures, detects faces and subject motion and intelligently adjusts the width while stitching the images together, resulting in natural looking panoramic photos.

Equipped with a foldable, 25 mm equivalent wide-angle 4x optical zoom Carl Zeiss® Vario Tessor® lens, the TX5 delivers outstanding sharpness and high-quality photos while helping to keep the camera compact. The camera also has a three-inch (measured diagonally) Clear Photo LCD Plus™ (230,400 pixel) wide touch screen display that functions—even underwater. You can focus on your subject, operate the menu and share photos and videos with a touch of the screen—wet or dry. Additionally, you can decorate your photos using the paint feature or scroll through images by simply sweeping your finger across the screen.

Shadows and Details Made Easy

In addition to making it easy to capture entire landscapes or tall buildings, the TX5 camera also helps to manage difficult lighting situations. The “Exmor R” CMOS sensor lets you take high-quality photos in low light without a flash. Additionally, the TX5 has a solution for backlight situations.

With in-camera multi-shot Backlight Correction High Dynamic Range (HDR), the camera combines highlight and shadow detail of two separate captures into one remarkably natural looking image—even without a tripod. HDR offers a solution for strong backlight situations which typically result in either dark shadows in the foreground or a washed out background. Sony’s “Exmor R” sensor and BIONZ® processor help to correct these issues.

Sony also is introducing the H55 model, which offers high zoom in a compact design. The H55 camera’s 10x optical zoom Sony G lens with 25mm wide-angle (equivalent) takes better shots from greater distances and of wider landscapes. With a 14.1 megapixel CCD sensor, this camera lets you take panoramic shots in one sweeping motion with Sweep Panorama™ mode. You can also frame and view photos on its three-inch (measured diagonally) Clear Photo™ LCD screen (230,400 pixels).

Featuring 720p movie recording, the H55 model offers Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization to help reduce blur in photos without compromising image quality. It also adds Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode, which lets you shoot smoother movie clips even if you are walking while shooting. Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode allows a moveable lens element inside the camera to shift with greater range of motion—10 times the range of the Optical SteadyShot feature at wide end in standard mode—to compensate for camera shake.

The TX5 and H55 cameras share intelligent features including HD movie recording (1280 x 720 at 30p). Additionally, these cameras have a Self portrait timer that automatically takes the shot two seconds after one or two faces are detected, making hand held self-portraits easy. They also offer Smile Shutter™ technology to automatically capture smiles and iAUTO and Easy modes, which make it easy to get the best shot in nearly any lighting situation.

To give customers greater choice and enhance the overall customer experience, the TX5 and H55 cameras feature a memory card slot compatible with both Memory Stick® (PRO Duo™) and class-four and above SD/SDHC formats.

Pricing and Availability

The TX5 camera will be available in silver, black, pink, green, and red this April for about $350, and the H55 camera will be available in black and silver this April for about $250. Pre-sales begin in February.

The cameras and a range of accessories will be available online at Sonystyle.com, at Sony Style® retail stores (www.Sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.


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