Continuing education...

As a busy photographer, husband, dad, coach, and friend one of the things I find hardest to do is keep up on my education as a photographer. While most of what I know is self taught through experimentation and experience, I do turn to the web, books and workshops to keep myself up to date on current trends.

I take my education seriously and only rely on those learning experiences that are either recommended or are offered through a trustworthy site.

Having said all of that, nothing frustrates me more than when I spend my hard earned money on a service to be highly disappointed. This happened recently with a photography learning website that had all sorts of promise but failed miserably to deliver. I can understand that maybe the content does not live up to my elevated expectations, but poor customer service is unacceptable. I have sent email after email (they do not provide a phone number, so email is the only form of communication) with NO responses.

Here is a little suggestion and something I am going to incorporate moving forward. Prior to signing up for any learning site, I will send an email to their support to give it a pre-customer test. If I am treated well as a non-customer, then reason dictates I should be happy with the level of support as a customer.

WAY TOOOOO COOL

Auto Photography

I have become very interested in automotive photography as of late. Weather and schedules have kept me away from pursuing over the past couple weeks, but I had a couple older shots and have been playing with them.....take a look

Hope to have some new photo's soon!

Really cool Youtube Video

Photoshoot with Annie Leibovitz using the new Profoto lighting system.

Silver Efex Pro

My wife purchased a copy of Nik Software's Silver Efex Pro for Christmas. I decided to do little comparison of the B&W Conversion tool in Apple Aperture vs. Silver Efex Pro. Below are the photo's in color, Aperture conversion and SFX conversion.

Original Color Photo


B&W Conversion using Apple Aperture


B&W Conversion using Silver Efex Pro

These conversion were done using the default setting of both programs. I have to say that the default from Silver Efex Pro has much better definition and contrast than Aperture.

I will be playing with this software alot in the days to come and will post more thoughts as I complete more conversions.

Happy Holidays!