Saturday, June 21, 2008

The Mood of the Morning by Phil Thomson IPA


This is another discovery I made on RedBubble. Phil is an Australian member of the community at RB. Like myself, he is a Christian and takes a similar approach to the world around him. However, I chose this shot before I knew that.

The notes tell us that its an image of "a rather misty morning at the ‘Leigh Estate’ farm,West of Geelong." As you look into the scene don't you just wish you were there right now, drinking in the scene and enjoying the morning light as it filters through the damp mist. I do and that's why I chose this shot.

Do drop by his gallery and enjoy some of the many fine images he has on display. I am sure you will find much to delight in. Why not leave a nice comment or two, or even better, buy a card or print!

Steve
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Friday, June 20, 2008

My latest addition to RedBubble | Poppy

1294979-1-just-as-beautiful-from-behind

This is my latest upload to my RedBubble gallery. I took it with a Nikon D80, lent to me by a friend. I was trying out various lenses and this one was taken on a Sigma APO DG 70 - 300mm f4 - f5.6 zoom.

I love the detail on the stem that the lens has picked out... I am impressed with the AF of the camera and the sharpness of the lens. This was taken without a tripod too... just hand held in daylight.

There was minor tweaking in iPhoto (levels and minimal sharpening, together with some increase in saturation).

Steve
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Thursday, June 19, 2008

Gunned-down Iraqi journalist wins Amnesty UK media award

Source:
Stephen Brook; guardian.co.uk, Wednesday June 18 2008

Journalists are often casualties in the battle for the minds of folk like you and me. Another journalist has paid the ultimate price for daring to speak the truth.

Amnesty International has posthumously awarded its new media award to Iraqi journalist Sahar al-Haideri.

Al-Haideri was shot dead weeks after the Institute for War and Peace Reporting published her article "Honour killing sparks fears of new Iraqi conflict" on its website.

She was killed in her home city of Mosul, after receiving 15 death threats prompted by her series of stories on "honour" killings and the rising tide of violence against women in Iraq.

Continue reading the original article here

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Firefox 3 | Coming 17 June

Mozilla Firefox

Firefox 3 is almost here. Mozilla has announced 17 June as the release date of what is probably one of the most eagerly awaited browser versions ever. After all, who awaits the arrival of another version of IE or even Safari? IE is never worth the wait (ever!) and Apple never tells us too much about Safari s we never really get excited about it... at least I don't.

Mozilla re even trying to capitalise on it by declaring it "Download Day 2008", which even I think is a bit much. Come on folks, get real. Still, apparently 1,000,000 people have pledged to download the new version on 17 June. I ask you.. "pledge" is a word you use when you give up the demon drink or make your pledge as a scout, girl guide etc.

Please can we have some perspective on this thing, please...


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‘'Flamingo In Abstract'’ Framed Print by Sky Fox FPP

1013353-4-flamingo-in-abstract
Another fine image from a fellow artist on RedBubble. Sky Fox FPP is based in Florida Keys, USA. She describes herself as being addicted to photography! Certainly, her gallery would seem to back this up.

Visit her and maybe buy a card, mounted print of framed print here

Remember to say I sent you too!

Steve
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Thursday, June 12, 2008

Photo answers Online Tutorials | Aperture priority


























Bauer Consumer Media publish, among others, practical Photography and Digital Photo. They also have a website called Photo answers, with lots of tutorials available online.

I have chosen to highlight one on Aperture Priority Mode.



The tutorials are all videos.
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Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Canon announces EOS 1000D DSLR


Canon has announced it is introducing a new consumer model DSLR, the EOS 1000D. It is intended as a replacement for the 400D, with a cheaper price point. However, it will offer the same DIGIC III image processor as the Pro models in Canon's range, as well as Live View mode, RAW files and integrated sensor cleaning.

No UK price has been announced as the exchange rates are somewhat turbulent, with all the talk of the economic situation getting worse before things improve. It should be available in July when the new camera is probably going to be available for around £499 inc VAT.

Detailed specs are as follows:

With a 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor and technology inherited from Canon's professional models, the EOS 1000D offers EOS imaging power in an affordable, easy-to-use package

Feature

  • 10.1 MP CMOS sensor
  • Up to 3fps
  • 7-point wide-area AF
  • Self-Cleaning Image Sensor
  • 2.5” LCD with Live View mode
  • DIGIC III processor
  • SD/SDHC card slot
  • Picture Styles processing
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Compatible with EF/EF-S lenses and EX Speedlites
10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
A 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail to make A4-size prints, even when cropping your image. Canon’s CMOS sensor technology also ensures crisp, sharp images even in low-light conditions.

Up to 3 frames per second
For dramatic mid-action shots, the EOS 1000D allows continuous shooting of large JPEG images at speeds of up to 3 frames per second, until the memory card is full. With a 2GB card, this lets you shoot up to 514 images without a pause.

7-point wide-area AF
A wide-area Auto Focus system uses 7 separate focusing points to lock onto subjects fast. The central focus point enables focusing even under low-light or low-contrast conditions.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System
Canon’s built-in dust prevention system guards images against the effects of dust in three ways: reducing dust generated inside the camera, shaking dust from the sensor each time the camera is turned on or off, and mapping stubborn dust spots for removal with the provided Digital Photo Professional software.

2.5" LCD with Live View mode
In Live View mode, use the bright 2.5” LCD to frame and take shots from awkward angles. During playback, the LCD provides detailed review of shots, and features a wide viewing angle for easy sharing with friends.

Large viewfinder
A large, bright viewfinder allows framing of subjects even in the brightest conditions.

DIGIC III processing
Canon’s cutting-edge DIGIC III processor – as used in professional EOS models - delivers rapid operation, accurate colour reproduction, fast start-up times, and low power consumption.

SD/SDHC memory card compatible
Shooting to the popular SD/SDHC memory card formats, the EOS 1000D is ideal for those who already own SD-compatible devices.

Total image control
Take control over the look and feel of your images with easy to use Picture Style presets. Contrast, sharpness and saturation can be customized in-camera or with Canon’s comprehensive software suite, supplied with the EOS 1000D.

Compact, ultra-lightweight body
The smallest and lightest Digital EOS model yet, the EOS 1000D weighs just 450g - and is ergonomically designed for comfortable handling.

EF lenses and accessories
The EOS 1000D is compatible with the complete range of EF/EF-S lenses, Speedlite EX flash units and EOS system accessories.

For further info visit Canon UK

Retro Vectors Photoshop Brushes | Obsidian Dawn

retro vectors brushes
A set of Photoshop brushes made up of various vectors in a retro style.
All high resolution, with the average size being approx. 1800 pixels.

Includes: numerous halftones, lots of circles, squares,
diamonds, etc in various designs, some stuff that you couldn't put a
name to if you tried (hence the "misc" brush names!), wavy lines, and
much more!

Visit Stephanie Shimerdia's excellent site here

You can find lots of excellent brushes at her site and I highly recommend her creations as useful to all designers and graphic artists. I use many of her brushes in my own products for Zazzle.

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Out_Doors | Don Simon




This post I have chosen to highlight a work by a fellow artist on imagekind, another online gallery and storefront for artists (not just photographers).

Don Simon

Screen Name: Nationality: US Currently Living: Bucks County Pennsylvania
Member Since: 8/2/2006
http://www.flickr.com/photos/donsimon/

Check out his gallery at imagekind

Why did I choose this image? Well, its my favourite out of his gallery and I am a sucker for monochrome! Also, I like the gritty nature of the image and I think it is appealing because of its lack of extraneous detail. Plus I like anything with an urban feel to it.

I will be featuring stuff on a regular basis from imagekind artists, along with redbubble artists in the future. remember too that artists' work is available for purchase, so if you are looking to purchase something special, be it greeting cards or prints, then imagekind and redbubble are the places to go (along with Zazzle of course!).

Steve

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Friday, June 06, 2008

Photoshop Tutorials at CreateBlog site | Fire Lines

If you are looking for  Photoshop tutorials then you can do worse than check out the ones at CreateBlog. Here is an example of what you can achieve when following their easy to follow tutorials.



Fire Lines

By Damian139 View profile · Photoshop Tutorials / Advance

This tutorial will teach you how to create creative and stylish fire lines in
10 easy steps.


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Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Walk in the Clouds | Colin Powell

907274-2-a-walk-in-the-clouds

Another of my favourite images from the RB community. This one is by Colin Powell. It features Clevedon Pier and some dream-like clouds. The composition and exposure are just perfect IMHO for this shot. Having been to the location myself I can only say that Colin has done a great job and I am definitely inspired to try my hand at this scene when I next visit Clevedon.

Pay a visit to Colin's gallery at RedBubble here and leave some nice comments. if you like his stuff a lot then make a purchase.

Steve
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Nikon Cash Back Deals

Nikon announces its Spring 2008 Cashback promotion. Buy a new Nikon D40* or D80 single or twin lens kit between 25th February and 30th June 2008 or a D60* single or twin lens kit between 20th March and 31st May and receive up to £75 cashback. You can also benefit from our NEW, free 2 year warranty.

*Please note, for full compatibility with the D40 and D60, AF-S lenses are required.

If you purchased your D60 camera over the bank holidays in May (1st May - 7th May 2008 or the 22nd May – 28th May) click here to find out how to claim an extra 50% cashback.

Receive up to £90 cashback on D60 purchases between 1st June and 30th June (inclusive). Click here to find out more.

Image of D40 & Genuine, new AF/AF-S Nikkor lens* - £30 cashback. Image of D40 & Genuine, new AF/AF-S Nikkor lens* - £45 cashback
Image of D60 & Genuine, new AF/AF-S Nikkor lens* - £40 cashback. Image of D60 & Genuine, new AF/AF-S Nikkor lens* - £60 cashback
Image of D80 & Genuine, new AF/AF-S Nikkor lens* - £50 cashback. Image of D80 & Genuine, new AF/AF-S Nikkor lens* - £75 cashback

To find out more about the free 2 year warranty please click here.

For a list of qualifying lenses please click here.

For full terms and conditions please click here.

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Samsung cash back on GX Series DSLRs

Samsung's latest cash back offer is available on their GX series of DSLRs.




Terms and Conditions:
This Promotion is only open to UK residents and Channel Island residents aged 18 or over.

£100 cash back offer available to purchasers of the Samsung GX20 Digital SLR Camera together with either a single lens (18-55mm) or a twin lens offer (18-55mm and 50-200mm). £75 cash back offer available to purchasers of the Samsung GX20 body only. £50 cash back offer available to purchasers of the Samsung GX10 Digital SLR Camera together with either a single lens (18-55mm) or a twin lens offer (18-55mm and 50-200mm).  This offer is subject to availability of Samsung GX10s, GX20s and lens kits.

To be eligible to claim your cash back you must have purchased your qualifying Samsung GX10,or GX20 Digital SLR Camera and, if relevant, lens kit new (not second-hand) between 1st May  2008 and 31st July 2008 from a retailer in the UK or the Channel Islands. For the Samsung GX10 Digital SLR Camera and lens kit offer and the Samsung GX20 Digital and lens kit offer the qualifying camera and lens kit must be purchased at the same time. This offer is only available on qualifying Samsung GX10 and GX20 Digital SLR Cameras and lens kits originally sourced from Samsung Electronics UK Ltd (you should check with your retailer for confirmation on this point).

The cash back offer is available to end-users only and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to any person who has purchased for the purposes of resale.

To claim your cash back you must (i) go to www.samsungcamera.com/uk/gxcashback and print off the promotion claim form (ii) complete the claim form by inserting your name, address, email address, contact telephone number, date of birth and date and place of purchase, and (iii) post it together with a cut out section of the GX10 or GX20 packaging showing the product serial number (see www.samsungcamera.com/uk/gxcashback for instructions) with your original proof of your qualifying purchase (meaning a receipt or other standard proof of purchase in the event that there is no receipt proving the purchase) to Samsung GX Series Cash Back Offer, Dept No. D5554, PO Box 99, Aylesbury HP19 8RR so that it is received by 31st August 2008.  Proof of purchase submitted must detail the product purchased, the retailer’s name, address and telephone number, the serial number of the product purchased, the date of purchase and the price paid.  Any claim made or proof of purchase received after 31st August 2008 will be rejected.   We recommend that you take a copy of your proof of purchase although the original will be returned to you with your cash back cheque.

Only one cash back cheque will be available in respect of each qualifying camera purchased.

The cash back offer will not be available where the claimant has cancelled or received a refund to purchase the Samsung GX10 or GX20 Digital SLR Camera and/or the lens kit, whether under the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 or otherwise, cancellation including for the avoidance of doubt circumstances where the claimant has replaced the qualifying Samsung camera and/or lens kit purchased with a non-qualifying camera and/or lens kit under the terms of sale of the retailer.  In the event that any claimant cancels their contract to purchase the qualifying Samsung GX10 or GX20 Digital SLR Camera and/or lens kit then the claimant shall forthwith either return the cash back cheque received from the Promoter or, in the event that the cheque has already been banked, repay to the Promoter the cash back by way of cheque made payable to Samsung Electronics UK Ltd and sent to the UK address stipulated by the Promoter.  The Promoter reserves the right to take legal action against claimants who fail to return the cheque or repay the cash back on cancellation of their contract to purchase.

Offer is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative.

The Promoter shall not be responsible for any delay in delivery of any proof of purchase by retailers to purchasers.   For the avoidance of doubt, where relevant, the proof of purchase submitted must include both proof of purchase of the qualifying Samsung camera and the lens kit.  The Promoter shall not be responsible for any shortage of stocks of qualifying Samsung cameras and/or lens kits held by retailers.

The Promoter shall have the right, where necessary, to undertake all such action as is reasonable to protect itself against fraudulent or invalid claims including, without limitation, to require such further verification as to the identity and details of the claimant and/or the verification as to their qualifying purchase before sending to the claimant a cheque for the relevant amount made payable to the claimant.  Claimants will need to ensure that they have a bank or building society account into which they can pay the cheque.

Subject to clause 10, the cheques will be dispatched via first class post to the addresses of the respective claimants, as provided by them in their claims form, within 28 days of a claim being made (as set out in clause 5 above) and receipt of proof of purchase.

The decision of the Promoter is final.  The Promoter accepts no responsibility for claims or accompanying documentation lost, misdirected, illegible, late, mutilated or altered.  Claims that do not comply with these terms and conditions may be disqualified by Promoter.

The Promoter shall not be liable for any disruption to this Promotion, whether due to technical problems or otherwise, which is beyond its reasonable control.

By entering this Promotion you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.  Any breach of the terms and conditions may, at the Promoter’s discretion, result in forfeiture of the cash back cheque.  In the event that any claim is disqualified then the claimant shall either return the cash back cheque received from the Promoter or, in the event that the cheque has already been banked, repay to the Promoter the cash back by way of cheque made payable to Samsung Electronics UK Ltd and sent to the UK address stipulated by the Promoter.  The Promoter reserves the right to take legal action against claimants who fail to return the cheque or repay the cash back on disqualification.

Instructions form part of the terms and conditions.

This Promotion shall be governed by English law.
Promoter: Samsung Electronics UK Ltd., Samsung House, 1000 Hillswood Drive, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 0PS.
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EOS Cash Back Promotion

Canon are offering cash back on several of their EOS products:

Buy selected EOS cameras and lenses during the promotional period to receive cash back on your purchase. 

Click here  for more information.

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Sunday, June 01, 2008

Latest upload to RedBubble | Five Alive

This is my latest upload to my gallery on RedBubble, where you can prints and cards featuring this image.

1213006-1-woodrolfe-creek-five-alive

Taken at a local estuary in Essex, UK. There are several places like this on the coast of Essex. This one is quite close to where we live and so is easy to get to. Makes for an enjoyable few hours out and about and there are plenty of opportunities for photography.
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