Yes some of them are affiliate links and I make a small percentage off each sale.  But I do not intend to ever place advertising on my web site, and I will only promote products and things that I actually use myself (or wish I had) and can vouch for their usefulness and value.

So, I’d like to briefly describe some of them and talk about what I use, why, and how as well as some things on my own Wish List. I’ll cover them in no particular order.

#1 Craft and Vision

“Craft & Vision provides exceptional photography education at irresistible prices.” as described on their site.   It’s the brainchild of humanitarian photographer David duChemin who has become a personal mentor of mine.  I have all four of his printed books and have personally bought about 6 of the e-books from the Craft and Vision site.  At only $5 each they are a great value, and a great read.  I’ve gotten great ideas, inspiration, and motivation from reading them.  Some of the books are about technique, some are about art itself, and why we have to take photographs.  But the main focus of Craft and Vision is to help improve your photography – and do so without having to buy more expensive gear.   For David duChemin it’s more about “why” you take a photo, what do you want to say with it – than it is about what lens and aperture you used.  Perfect for any level of experience from beginners, the advanced hobbyist, to long time pros that need a boost.  Buy one – buy them all!

Find out more about Craft & Vision.

#2 Adobe Photoshop CS5 and Lightroom 3.0

Adobe makes the industry standard in photo manipulation software – Photoshop.  It’s such an icon that it’s even become a verb “can you just Photoshop that out?”.  You know you’ve made the big time when . . .  I use a combination of Photoshop CS5 and Lightroom 3.0 for processing my digital images.  I’ve been digital for several years now, and even though I love film, and seeing a black and white image appear in the chemistry will always be magical – I also love the digital medium and what it enables me to do.  I can be as creative as I can imagine and make my images sing.  I probably use Lightroom 3.0 for about 90% of my processing and then 10% Photoshop for things I need extra features for like layers, etc.  If Photoshop is a little over your head for now (frankly some of the features are still over my head) you might want to try Photoshop Elements which is a sort of “light” version, less complicated.   I use Lightroom more than Bridge because I love the cataloging elements where I can tag images, and sort and view them even if the actual Hard Drive they reside on is offline.  Photoshop was created for design professionals, but Lightroom was created specifically for photographers.  I highly recommend both of these upgrades to Photoshop CS5 and Lightroom 3.0 if you haven’t done that yet – go now!

Visit the Photoshop & Lightroom website to find out more.

#3 HDR soft – Photomatix software

HDR is a recent phenomenon in the photography world and I have spent the last couple years working with it and sort of perfecting my technique and my style.  HDR stands for High Dynamic Range and through capturing a series of multiple images of the same scene, taken at different exposures, and then processing them in a software that will merge them together allows the photographer to create a final image that shows much more detail in both the highlight (brightest) and shadow (darkest) areas of the scene.  It allows for creating photo realistic images that just hold more detail, or surrealistic, or grungy images in a more artistic manner, or somewhere in between.  There are many different software and plug-ins on the market that offer this type of image processing, including an HDR engine inside Photoshop (CS4 and later).  However, I’ve tried quite a few of them and keep coming back to Photomatix.  I find that I like the style I’m able to achieve with it and it integrates quite seamlessly with Lightroom.   I can export an image from Lightroom to Photomatix and when I save the finished file it automatically imports the new image into Lightroom, where I continue working on it.  For me it fits into my workflow perfectly and I am more than happy with the results.   Judge for yourself by viewing my HDR gallery.

Use the code “HERVIEWPHOTO” to get a 15% discount when you purchase Photomatix.

#4 Topaz Labs plug-ins for Photoshop

I found out about Topaz from another photographer’s site exactly like this, it was in a list of things that he used.  I did a trial of it and liked the results so I bought the whole suite (which at the time included: Adjust, Clean, DeJpeg, DeNoise, and Simplify).  You can buy one or all of them, they each do something different.  Topaz Adjust, which I use most often to finish off my HDR images, gives them just a bit more pizzazz, punch and edginess.  Topaz Simplify can create unique images that I’ve never seen any other software or plug-in do including: cartoon-like effects, charcoal drawings from photos, and more.  They now have several new plug-ins like Star Effects, Lens Effects, B&W Effects and InFocus – which I have not tried yet but may be reviewing some time in the future.  

Visit Topaz Labs, download them and try them out now and see if you like what they do.

#5 NAPP – National Association of Photoshop Users (and Photoshop User Magazine)

As professed on their website it’s “The World’s Best Photoshop Training!” and I’d pretty much have to agree. Membership is only $99 US a year and you get so many things for that, it’s just such a great value, it’s a no brainer. You get:

• 10 magazines a year delivered to your door
• technical support and learning centre (ask a question of one of the experts and get an answer usually within 24 hours – I’ve used this service many times!)
• an ever expanding online database of over 1000 Photoshop and Lightroom tips and tutorials
• bonus sign up gifts
• product discounts from companies like Adobe, Apple and more
• discount on a yearly subscription to Kelbytrain.com

#6 Camera Gear

My camera gear of choice is Canon. However, I don’t want to get into a Canon/Nikon debate here as it is my belief that whichever brand you choose is perfect. It’s all about what you get used to and what works for you, and for me it’s Canon.  I find the Nikon bodies a bit too big as I have small hands, you may find exactly the opposite.  

For a list of gear I own or covet check out my Amazon page.

#7 Books

 
There are so many great books about photography.  I have many in my own collection and many in my Amazon wish list too. So many books, so little time – I think I need a book on speed reading!  Some of my favorites are by David DuChemin (who you may remember from Craft & Vision above), Joe McNally, and Scott Kelby (who is also the brains behind NAPP).  I suggest you get a good selection of books that cover topics including technical aspects of photography like camera settings and  Photoshop processing, as well as aesthetic aspects like how to make better photos and putting more depth and feeling into your images.  With all the electronic devices, video, online streaming, etc – there’s still nothing like a great book you can hold in your hands and put on the coffee table.  I have a collection of books from some of my favorite photographers of all time.  The history of photography and the masters is something I recommend reading about too.  Learn about the beginnings of photography the trailblazers of the art, try to learn to see and think and feel like they did and your images can’t help but improve as well.

These are the books I recommend.

Please comment here and tell  me what you use, or if there’s something you’d recommend. What are your tools of choice?  What good books have you read?  I’m always looking for new ideas.  Let’s share!

Wallpaper for February 2012 – HDR of the Rocky Mountains

The February 2012 desktop wallpaper is now available for download in the top six most popular screen resolution sizes and proportions.  Please select the one closest to your screen size and proportions for the best fit.  Once you’ve clicked on the image it will open in a shadowbox over this page.  Right click on it and choose the option to save it as your desktop image.  If it’s not quite the right shape or size you may have to choose “stretch to fit”.  If it doesn’t look quite right you may have to chose another size that’s closer, check the proportions of your screen.

Please note: I’ve added a sixth larger size, 2560×1440 as I got requests for wallpaper for larger monitors.

Download February 2012 wallpaper below:

1024×768 | 1280×800 | 1280×1024 | 1366×768 | 1440×900 | 2560×1440

Hope you enjoy this image as much as I enjoyed creating it!

Start the year off right

I became a bit jaded with the commercialism of Christmas over the years so I started giving Bissell a lump donation from my photography company, in the names of all my loved ones, in lieu of gifts.  I asked them to do the same or give to a charity of their choice in my name.  I’m happy to say it caught on in my family and we continue to do so in some fashion to this day. Last year we each were told to do something good (donate our time, money, pay it forward, etc) for someone else and just write a letter to tell the rest of the group what you did.  To me, THAT is the true spirit of Christmas and giving.  Going to the dinner on January 1st just adds to that feeling and lets one see how much we have, and how little others have, and yet how they still somehow survive and are happy.  As I said, gives me perspective on what’s really important.

54 turkeys arrive to be carved

I am usually involved in serving the meal (about 1000 pounds of turkey and 1000 people get served each year, all time, cooking and food is donated) but this year they added “photographer” to the volunteer list and I jumped at the chance to photograph it.  I hope my images do the event justice and serve to help them make a difference for those people that come to Bissell Centre for help.  As photographers, I think most of us dream that our images will somehow make an impact and make a difference in the world, if even in the life of one person. If this story and my images touch you and move you to donate or volunteer please do so, and please let me know (add a comment below) so I can feel that I have succeeded in a small way.

If you’re not familiar with the Bissell Centre hop on over to their web site and see all the good things they do.  Short answer is they support inner city folks, most of whom are a bit down on their luck. They provide hot meals, resume writing help, counseling, child care, summer camps, toiletries, clothes, food hampers, special events, gifts at holiday time, a place to shower and have a hot coffee, and so much more.  The biggest thing that I’ve seen them provide is hope.  It’s in their mission statement and it permeates everything that they do at the centre.  Hope to those that feel hopeless and helpless. A hand UP, not a hand out.

The food arrives

Over the years I’ve done various things with the centre including; sitting on the fund raising committee, and gathering donations for their big auction held annually; sorting donations; helping serve the daily meal in the drop-in centre; putting on a Christmas party for the kids; volunteer at special events like the auction, New Years day, and round dance events; and photography a couple times.  I’ve done the New Years dinner and served more coffee and orange drink than I care to count (my thumb has actually turned orange a couple of those years from pressing the button on the juice dispenser). This year they wanted a photographer and I jumped at the chance to document what it is this dinner is all about and help the Bissell promote community awareness of their programs and get some much needed funds.

About 1000 pounds of turkey was cooked and served

Much of their funding comes from individual and business donors, ordinary people like you and me.  I actually give a portion of my salary to them as well now each month. If your company supports the United Way and matches donations or adds to it – you can choose what agency your funds go to if you wish, I choose Bissell, you can too!  Or you can donate directly through their site.

Click on any of the images to view them larger.

Volunteers spend hours slicing the turkeys

Desserts are donated from local businesses, all arranged by volunteers

Last minute instructions for us from the volunteer co-ordinator

The line up starts about an hour before the doors are opened

Gloves, hats, scarves and socks are passed out as people enter the dining area

Greeters welcome everyone with a smile and a Happy New Year

The happy volunteers in the food serving line

Over 1200 meals served on this day

Gary is always at the centre helping out, he's great!

Our oldest attendee of the day at 102 years young, getting served

Part of the security team that helps keep the event safe and fun for everyone

Terry is a photographer as well, we had a great chat, and he has great accessories: hand carved cane, gold Haida ring, hand beaded buckskin gloves and that awesome hat!

More volunteers, they make the event happen

This smile is why I do this! Watch this series for what happens next!

Love the fact that big sister shared with her

Pure joy!

Does it get any better than happy kids like this?!

One of the volunteers prepares extra meals for take out

One of the staff at Bissell, Josh, talks with a volunteer

Take out dishes ready to hand out

A regular volunteer with Bissell Centre, Veejay, right, has a fan (I like her too!)

over 1000 cups of coffee served

Everyone pitches in at the end to clean up

This is what it's all about. Love for each other, need I say more?

Some of the stats from the day as posted on Twitter.

If you use Twitter, please follow the Edmonton Bissell Centre

I often think of this quote and try and do my part.

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” Helen Keller

These images and the time I’ve spent at the Centre over the years are my contribution. What can you do today? What WILL you do?

It’s our world. I challenge you to do something good for someone else today, or this week. Post a comment here and tell me how you’ve contributed to help. Let’s see what our community can achieve together.

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world” Ghandi

Happy New Year everyone!

Wallpaper for January 2012 – Winter Scene At Night

New for 2012 starting with this month, January, Her View Photography will be posting a FREE monthly desktop wallpaper.  They will be available for download at the end of each month in the top five most popular screen resolution sizes and proportions.  Please select the one closest to your screen size and proportions for the best fit.  Once you’ve clicked on the image it will open in a shadowbox over this page.  Right click on it and choose the option to save it as your desktop image.  If it’s not quite the right shape or size you may have to choose “stretch to fit”.  If it doesn’t look quite right you may have to chose another size that’s closer, check the proportions of your screen.

Download January 2012 wallpaper below:

1024×768 | 1280×800 | 1280×1024 | 1366×768 | 1440×900 | 2560×1440

If you are using a large monitor and have resolution that is larger than any of these options, please contact me and tell me what size your screen is set to.  If I get multiple requests for that, or a similar size, I will likely add it for future months.

This month’s image was taken during a recent Night Photography field trip that I did with a few of my students from my last Night Photography workshop (the next one will be in spring).  We went out to a farmer’s field, with his permission, and photographed old farm buildings and relics like this antique wagon. We used painting with light techniques that I teach in the class, using flashlights and long exposures to create this effect. I then combined four of the images in Photoshop to get light just right. You can see some of my earlier students images in a recent post.

Also New

Also new is the ability to subscribe to this site and sign up for updates, so you will get an email notice when the new wallpaper for the month is available for download.  You will also get notices of all blog posts including subjects such as:

• quick photography tips and tricks
• photography tutorials and techniques
• tips on using software such as Adobe Lightroom, Photomatix, and Photoshop
• reviews of photography related books, equipment and software
• dates and information on upcoming photography workshops and field trips (Edmonton and area)
• information on upcoming photography travel tours (the first one is being planned for Cuba April 2012, more info on that to come very soon)

Privacy policy: I do not ever sell my list of subscribers, nor would I ever send you spam or unsolicited inappropriate mail. All emails will relate to what is on this site and photography in some way.  You can unsubscribe at any time if you wish to stop receiving the updates.

To sign up now fill in the boxes below and click the red button.  Welcome aboard!

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FREE ebook by Craft and Vision authors

This ebook is a compilation of articles by eight of the Craft & Vision authors including the following photographers:  David duChemin, Piet Van den Eynde, Andrew S. Gibson, Nicole S. Young, Alexandre Buisse, Stuart Sipahigil, Eli Reinholdtsen and Michael Frye.

Oh, did I mention that it’s absolutely, 100% free?!

So maybe you don’t even want to bother reading this review, just go get it already!  If you still want the low down, keep reading.

Photography Skills They Wished They Had Learned Earlier

Tthis book is a compilation of articles by some of the Craft & Vision authors, on the subject of what they wish they had learned sooner in photography.   Some cover basics like exposure, others get more into composition and directing the viewer’s eye.   Here’s a few highlights I got from it, and yes I did read the whole thing.  I never post a review on something I don’t personally use or have read.

Create More Dynamic Images Using Time & Movement

The first chapter is by Piet Van den Eydne, author of Making Light (and part two of that book, which I’ve yet to read).  He had some good tips on that book so I expected good things from him and was not disappointed.  This section is about how to create more dynamic images using time and movement in your images.  He goes over some of the technical “how tos” of using shutter speed to freeze motion or blur intentionally.  Panning is another technique he demonstrates, and when you’d want to use it.  There’s a few others, but I’ll let you read it for yourself.  He does mention his other two books on lighting but he offers some good basic tips on using motion to make your images more interesting.

Understanding Your Camera Meter & Histogram

David Duchemin himself does the next section, taming your digital exposure.  What is a good digital negative, how your camera meter works, what is a histogram and how to read and use it are all topics explained here.  I actually even learned something about the histogram I did not know myself!  So it must be good information.

Making The Most of Digital Printing

Mark Bailey goes into the power of the print and gives you some really basic, but good, tips on getting results out of your printer that match what you see on your monitor. He has a new book coming in January with more detail on the subject.

Using Light, Design & Post Image Processing

Michael Frye helps you create a more successful image by using 3 elements to direct your viewers eye where you want in your image.   By using light, design (composition), and processing (digital or darkroom) he shows how you can

“become a creator and communicator with a camera not just a snap-shooter.  Take charge, be the director of your photographs …”

Understanding The Stages of Being a Photographer

One section intrigued me just by its name and I have to admit I did skip ahead and read this one first actually.  Alexandre Buisse talks about understanding the stages of being a photographer.  Admittedly they are his own made up stages of how he feels a photographer evolves as he/she develops. I could see it being very helpful to identify with where you are on the timeline and he also gives a final summation and tip to move you forward no matter where you are now.

Lenses – When, Why & How

Piet Van den Eynde returns, he and Duchemin are the only authors to have two chapters in this book each, with a discussion about lenses.  He has some great tips and tools on how to avoid getting stuck in a rut of always using the same lens for a certain type of shot (i.e.: portrait lens).   He creates dynamic story telling portraits using a wide angle and show how you can too, and why you’d want to do so.

Slow Down – The Power of Observation

Towards the end, second last chapter, is a very refreshing topic which is completely non-technical but very valuable, a lesson we could apply to all areas of our lives not just our photography.  His simple message is to slow down.  Learning to see is a skill one can develop and practice and Stuart Sipahigil gives very applicable advice for life and better photograph creation. There’s also exercises you can use to help improve your powers of observation. This intangible how to is invaluable, simple and costs nothing to implement.

How To Take Better Portraits

David Duchemin wraps up the book with a final section with five suggestions for making stronger portraits. He talks about getting closer (as I do in my photography tip about taking better toddler pictures), not just physically but relationally to your subject, lens selection, lighting, finding and capturing the right moment, background, and “the eyes” as the most important element. One of the things that drew me to following David Duchemin’s work was his amazing portraits.  To me they really do what a portrait is supposed to do, the “portray” something of the character of the person he’s photographing, not just their likeness. I strive to do work like this, in my own style, and I’m inspired to go deeper and get closer on my travel portraits.

There are a few other chapters which I haven’t mentioned that go over doing projects and collaborating; refining your composition; and the power of the moment (a la Cartier-Bresson’s Decisive Moment). I’m not familiar with these authors but their content is informative, brief and to the point, and is a good starting point for beginners or a good review for even us season veterans.

In summary I suggest that you never stop learning.  Read the section on the stage of development of a photographer, as  I too believe we never reach the end stage and rather than a final goal it’s a journey.   Now if you haven’t already done so, please just go get the book 11 Ways You Can Improve Your Photography !  It’s free!

Get Down to Their Level, and Get in Closer

If you think you’re close enough, just take a few more steps or inches closer anyway, just for variety. Play with them and be ready to catch the great expressions as they happen. If you aren’t ready, with camera in hand, finger in the trigger, you might miss it!

For better toddler pictures, get in close

Squat down, get level with the subject, in this case the park bench

Taking better toddler pictures is more about perspective. The subject is low, so the shot should be taken from the same height. You may find that as you get down to their level, it will pique their interest and not only will the picture be better, you may also get some great expressions of curiosity. Oh, and if your curious, this is my niece. Cute eh?

We’ve all seen holiday photos taken at places like Disney’s Magic Kingdom castle where the family and kids are placed in the scene and the photographer has to back up far enough to include the wife, kids and the castle. The result is tiny people with a castle in the background. Lets fix that with this tip.

Holiday Pictures – Standing On The Corner In Winslow Arizona

When you want your holiday pictures to show someone at a special place, get them far away from the actual background so they become the subject. In this example it’s at “Standing on the Corner Park” in Winslow AZ.

Then take two photos:

1. Just the special place on its own
2. A portrait of your travel partner / family members where the location or scene becomes just the background.

Get them just a few feet away from you (showing from their waste up only), further from the background, and make sure to focus on the person. Instead of a photo of a great scene that happens to have a little itty bitty ant sized person in it – you get a nice travel photo of the family member showing where they are by using the scene as the background.

Better travel photos focus on the subject, using the location as a back drop. As years go by, your family will appreciate holiday pictures that showcase them instead of the castle.

I personally highly recommend any of the titles from the Craft and Vision line up.  I’ve read several of them myself (see my reviews section for more details) and trust the company to provide high quality, high value publications.   Get them all today! 

Get (or Give) the Gift of Photography Education
They’ve updated the website and you’ve got until tonight to cash in! The new PDF eBook bundles, collections, and gift coupons are available at the insane low price of almost nothing! Well, not quite. Below are the discount codes you need to get 50% off.

Stocking Stuffer
50% Discount Code: XMASCARD

The new Craft & Vision gift coupon is valued at $40 but today you can purchase it for just $20! That’s a massive gift of 8 ebooks that will be sure to wow your friends and family.

It’s so simple to use! Once you make the purchase the shopping cart system will email you a unique 5-digit code which is valid for PDF eBook purchases at www.craftandvision.com. You can write that code in a card or send it digitally to your chosen gift recipient.

*NOTES: Gift coupons do not expire. Gift coupons cannot retain any unspent value for future use. Gift coupon codes will be activated for use (Saturday) November 26, 2011 at 12:00am PST.

Bundles & Collections
They’ve packaged up some bundles that I know you’ll love! 

The Entire Collection
Bundle Price: $132
Today’s Discount Price: $66
50% Discount Code: XMASALL

Making Light I & II
Bundle Price: $8
Today’s Discount Price: $4
50% Discount Code: XMASLIGHT

The Print & The Process Collection
Bundle Price: $28
Today’s Discount Price: $14
50% Discount Code: XMASPROCESS

All Black & White
Bundle Price: $16
Today’s Discount Price: $8
50% Discount Code: XMASBW

The Deal
The discount codes listed above expire tonight (November 25th at 11:59pm PST) and are for PDF purchases only.

Happy Holidays!

The most common thing new photographers want to do when photographing people is to make use of the sun to light them. In actual practice though, this is the exact opposite of what you want to do. The first thing to get a more flattering photo of a person outdoors is to get them out of the sun, and put them into the shade. This will give you nicer, more even lighting and stop them from squinting.

The Sun Creates Hard Lighting

In a recent post about how to find good lighting for photography, I discussed hard and soft lighting.

…putting the model into bright sunlight and how that is a “hard light” source which creates harsh shadows, makes [the subject] squint, and is generally not flattering for most people because it accentuates every flaw, bump, and wrinkle on their face.

The sun is not flattering. For best results, get your subject out of the sun and into the shade.

It was a tough job choosing the winning photo for the 2011 Edmonton Photo Walk (for the Oct 1st group), but after narrowing it down to 6 images and then finally 3, the winner was Dave McQueen. You can see more of his images on his photo walk flickr set. I liked the colors, the texture and the composition. The final verdict came when after asking my husband about them, he said “I’d put this on canvas and hang it in the house”, and that was that.

Runner Ups

In no particular order, these are the other photographs from the photowalk that made up the top 3.

~ Lone Man ~

Lone Man by Randy Pond, a Vegreville Portrait Photographer.

Tracks Over the High Level Bridge

This image was submitted by Mike Moruzi from In Search of Style. Mike is currently near the end of a Post a Day project (on day number 245 as of today), and I encourage you to visit his website and have a look at his work.

His description of the image he submitted:

I captured this image while on the International Photo Walk in Edmonton on October 1. These tracks are used for the tourist tram that runs from Old Strathcona over the High-Level Bridge and north into the city. This is an HDR image with the addition of some textures (captured on the walk) overlayed selectively onto the image. With this image, I’m trying to capture the historic significance of the link from the south side of the river to the north.

Three great images that made judging them quite difficult. Thanks for the submissions.

The Rest of the Images

Here are all the images that were submitted by walkers to be judged for winning photo. When you see them, you’ll understand how difficult a choice this was.

Edmonton Old Strathcona Photo Walk contest entries.

A winning photo is chosen by each walk leader for each city and submitted to Scott Kelby. From those submissions, a winning photo is chosen to represent the global event. Open to everyone, the Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk is a social event for photographers put on each year in cities around the world. If you’ve not yet participated in on, make sure you come out next year for fun and photos.