Photo.net Newsletter: December 16, 2008

Hi %%First Name%%,

The year is drawing to a close. And what a year it’s been! So many changes have taken place. So many improvements. Design updates, improved functionalities, more features, cleaner organization, etc. Thanks to everyone for participating in the November 2008 User Survey. We’ve made note of your suggestions, comments, and have compiled a longer list (even longer than last year’s spring cleaning agenda!) for improving Photo.net in 2009.

If you haven’t done your holiday shopping, there’s still a little window of time. Make sure you consult the Photo.net Holiday Gift Guide. My personal favorite sections are the Accessories and Books & Magazines. Great gifts for everyone on your list. Everyone. Even hard-to-shop-for Uncle Terry. Also, Adorama offers a peace of mind ordering special for the holidays. All orders placed between November 27 and December 20 may be returned by January 5, 2009. Look for the “Special Deals from Adorama” section below.

Look out for new articles on Color Management advice, Travel Photography tips on wildlife photography, Photography Business words-to-the-wise, Waterproof Camera comparison review, and a Nikon flash guide.

Also, look for a new Editors’ Picks on Holiday Photography, highlighting some interesting unique ways our members have depicted holiday scenery. In 2009, we’ll be adding Community Picks. Members will have an opportunity to nominate the best photographs in the Photo.net Gallery for a series of preselected themes. As we’re in the process of selecting the themes for 2009, jump on board and send us your thoughts. Respond to this thread to add your suggestions to various themes you would like to see highlighted for the Community Picks.

Have a safe and happy holidays and enjoy the newsletter!

Sincerely,

Hannah Thiem

Photo.net Managing Editor

Editorial Highlights

This month, the last month of 2008, we have a number of articles to help you while away countless hours of your time off or your cozy weekends with nothing to do but brush up on your photography skills and knowledge. We cover many topics, including the first article in a series on color management, advice on building your client base, p&s reviews, film camera review, and more.

Color Management Primer

Introducing a new author on the site Jay Kinghorn, Adobe Photoshop Certified Expert, Olympus Visionary photographer and full-time digital workflow consultant and trainer.

The first article in this series, Part I, is a high-level overview of color management—what purpose it serves and how it works. Part II will address the cornerstone of an effective digital photography workflow—the monitor—with recommendations on how to select an appropriate monitor and how to calibrate and profile the monitor to ensure accurate on-screen color. Part III helps you configure the color management options in the major image editing and correction applications. Part IV tackles color management in the print process, a source of frustration for many photographers, so stay tuned for the rest of the series in the upcoming months.

Read Jay’s Color Management Primer: Part I for everything you wanted to know about color management.

Client Contact

Tony Luna continues his 9-part series on “The Lifecycle of a Freelance Photography Job.” The second article is on Client Contact. Tony guides us through a step-by-step process to improve your marketing by incorporating his techniques on putting Passion First. Do what you love to do with photography, be passionate about it, and market your work as such. The article features beautiful photographs from Mark Alberhasky, who recently traveled to Africa.

Look for at least one new article in the series each month as Tony covers everything you need to know about a systematic approach to being a successful freelance photographer. Upcoming topics include: Self-promotion and Marketing, Estimating, Coordination, Execution, Expense Accountability, Billing, and Payment.

Read Part II of the series: Client Contact.

Travel Photo Tips Series: Wildlife Photography

Rick Sammon continues his travel photo tips series with an interesting article full of techniques on Wildlife Photography. He just returned from a cold but visually exciting trip to Antarctica, and shares some of his photographs and tips for both photographing wildlife as well as his surroundings.

There are a few things to keep in mind when photographing wildlife. And a few tricks to get the looks you want without risking your life for the shots!

Take a deeper read into Rick’s Travel Photo Tips Series: Wildlife Photography.

Johnston on Photography

The Johnston on Photography column ends the year with a bang (don’t worry, these will continue into 2009 as well). Mike’s column is always dryly humorous with an opinionated stance on a specific area or aspect of photography and/or equipment. His column is directed primarily at passionate amateurs, and his primary concern is that we all have fun with our interest in photography.

In this month’s column, Mike Johnston discusses various prevailing assumptions in photography, such as the dominant fact that “fixer is heavier than water.” Certain bits of knowledge just seem “reasonable” to the brain, even though they may not actually be true. This is especially apparent in the world of digital photography.

Read Mike’s musing thoughts this month on That Sinking Feeling. As always, you are welcome to join the discussion at the end of the column.

Guide to Nikon TTL Flashes

Nikon recently released the new SB-900 flash, which offers photographers many advantages (360 degree swivel head, more power output, FX/DX compatible), but the much larger size may be an issue for some. Shun takes a close look at all the currently available accessory flashes from Nikon. The article is a great resource for comparing flash models, including specs and capabilities, and includes some example images demonstrating various Nikon flash applications.

“For serious amateurs to professional photographers, especially those who are into wedding, wildlife, news, and certain types of sports photography, the SB-800 and SB-900 should be the best tools because of their power and fast recycle times. Additionally, for a lot of indoor, controlled settings, multiple Nikon CLS flashes can work together to produce beautiful results. At this point the SB-900 is certainly state of the art, but some may find its large size to be somewhat inconvenient.” -Shun Cheung

Read Shun’s Guide to Nikon TTL Flashes.

P&S Waterproof Camera Comparison: Pentax Optio W60 vs. Olympus Stylus 1030SW

Underwater photography used to be once of the most complicated and expensive forms of photography you could find. Then along came the digital revolution. Now we have underwater cameras that can go along on your snorkeling excursion for coral reefs and still slip into a pocket for an above-water trip to a child’s birthday party (more importantly, they can survive both outings).

How well do these cameras work? We look at the two most popular underwater point and shoot cameras. If you have a tropical vacation coming up or you just like to spend time hanging out under waterfalls, this article might be for you.

Read our Pentax W60 & Olympus 1030SW Review.

Panasonic Lumix DCM-LX3 First-Look Review

The Panasonic Lumix DCM-LX3 is a camera that has gotten a lot of attention recently for boasting features like a fast f/2-2.8 24-60 lens, selectable aspect ratios, and a TTL hot shoe. Many advanced and professional photographers have been looking for a compact camera that has abilities like their larger cameras. Could the LX3 be the one?

While our full review is still a few weeks from being complete, Josh Root has written a “first look” review based on his experiences so far.

Read the Panasonic Lumix DCM-LX3 First-Look Review.

Special Editorial Feature of the Month

Digital Camera System Guides

Each manufacturer has a unique system of digital cameras and compatible lenses and accessories. Photo.net takes some of the guesswork out of looking at a complete system by offering guidance on each particular manufactured strain of digital equipment. All of the articles include example images taken with cameras and lenses from that particular system. We also offer advice on beginner, intermediate, and advanced photography kits. Even if you are already a dedicated Olympus, Pentax, or Nikon photographer, it never hurts to be familiar with what other camera manufacturers are currently offering.

You can also view a comprehensive list of cameras, lenses, and accessories by visiting our Photo.net Equipment section.

Canon DSLR System Guide

The Canon EOS system of digital single-lens reflex (SLR) bodies and lenses is the standard choice among professional photographers worldwide. This article concisely runs through all current Canon digital bodies and EOS lenses, as well as a few exceptionally good third-party components.

Refer to the Canon System Guide as your one-stop resource for everything Canon.

Nikon DSLR System Guide

The Nikon system of digital single-lens reflex (SLR) bodies and lenses is a very popular choice among professional photographers worldwide. Take a look at this article for reference on Nikon lenses and Nikon digital camera bodies. Every component manufactured by Nikon is covered, plus a few exceptionally good third-party components.

Refer to the Nikon System Guide as your go-to resource page for everything Nikon.

Sigma Lenses for Digital SLR Cameras Guide

Sigma is mainly known as a third-party lens manufacturer, producing lenses in mounts compatible with the major brands: Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony, Olympus. They offer high-quality glass in many of the popular focal lengths which, in many cases, are at more affordable prices than the specific manufacturer’s offerings.

Look no further for advice. Take a deep read into the Sigma Lenses Guide.

Pentax DSLR System Guide

All Pentax digital SLR bodies are compatible with older Pentax film lenses (FA, F and A mounts) as well as newer lenses (DA and DA-starred mounts). Pentax offers a different approach to image stabilization than market leaders Canon and Nikon. The Pentax DSLR bodies electronically shake their sensors to compensate for camera shake, rather than adding image stabilization to specific lenses. This article covers every current Pentax product and some good third-party components.

Take a look at the Pentax System Guide for an understanding of all current product offerings from Pentax.

Sony DSLR System Guide

The Sony system of digital single-lens reflex (SLR) bodies and lenses, built on the bones of the discontinued Konica/Minolta SLR system, is ideal for photographers with a cabinet full of Minolta-mount autofocus lenses. All Sony digital bodies are “small sensor” bodies and incorporate sensor-based image stabilization. Thus handheld photos taken with any compatible lens, including Minolta film-era lenses, will benefit from reduced camera shake.

Read the Sony System Guide to get a glimpse into the wonderful world of all things Sony and cameras.

Olympus DSLR System Guide

The Olympus system of digital single-lens reflex (SLR) bodies and lenses was a clean sheet of paper design, introduced in 2003. The Olympus system should be seriously considered by photographers specializing in travel or those whose shoulders are aching. The aspect ratio is 4:3 rather than the 3:2 of 35mm film and most digital cameras. The Olympus aspect ratio is closer to old standard paper sizes, such as 8×10, 11×14, and 16×20, and older film formats, such as the 4×5 view camera. It is probably a better aspect ratio for portraits and not as good for landscape.

Peruse the contents of our Olympus System Guide for an insight into the many offerings in Olympus’ line of digital SLR cameras and lenses.

Now for the “Gold” Articles

Let’s take a look at some articles that really are worth their weight in gold (if you could weigh virtual knowledge) or platinum if you prefer that precious metal. Take time on your next vacation (if you haven’t taken one yet this year, please do!) or on a weekend when you’re not doing anything particularly interesting. Here’s to the revival of some interesting older content!

• Street Photography Tutorial by Philip Greenspun
• JPEG Compression Details and Facts by Gordon Richardson
• Interview with Henry Horenstein, documentary photographer by Hannah Thiem

Special Deals from Adorama

The ATP Photo Finder calculates and records GPS position data and allows you to precisely track the exact location and time of where your pictures were taken. Activate the Photo Finder while you’re taking pictures with your digital camera.

After you finish taking pictures, simply insert your SD, Memory Stick or MMC memory card into the Photo Finder’s built-in card slot and the GPS data will be synchronized and added to all pictures on the card.

Even more convenient is the fact that this is all performed “on the go” without a computer. All you need to carry with you is your digital camera to take the pictures and the ATP Photo Finder to log your location.

Photos GPS tagged by the ATP Photo Finder can be used with any GPS compatible photo software or geotagged photo compatible sites such as Google Maps, Flickr, and Panoramio.

For example, when used with the Google supplied software Picasa2, Google Earth, or Google Maps, your photos will be shown on an online map, giving you a whole new way to organize, enjoy and share your pictures. Share your pictures and trip route with your friends and family.

Buy now from Adorama: ATP Photo Finder [sale price: $79.95]

Other deals from Adorama:

• Western Digital 1TB External Hard Drive [sale price: $159.95]
• ExpoImaging Digital Warm Balance 77mm [sale price: $99.95]

Photo.net Holiday Gift Guide

Last minute holiday shopping? Need the perfect gift for your photography-fanatical uncle or sister? Eliminate some of the confusion by consulting our Holiday Gift Guide in advance. Yes, it’s down to the wire, but you still have time to order gifts online if you act quickly.

This season, Photo.net’s Editors and Moderators team up to take a look at the season’s best in everything photographic: Digital SLRs, Lenses, Point & Shoot Cameras, Software, Books & Magazines, and Accessories. There’s something for everyone. Dive into the guide and get advice on the best prices and the best gear for those pro and enthusiast photographers on your list.

Read the Photo.net Holiday Gift Guide

Categories include:

• DSLR Bodies & Flashes
• Lenses
• Point & Shoot Cameras
• Accessories
• Software
• Books & Magazines

What’s Happening In Our Forums

• Beginner Photography Questions (33 Responses) The Challenge: Concise, accurate answer to simple fill flash problem. (Was: "Why does the blue sky appear grey in my shots")
• Leica and Rangefinders (89 Responses) Leica M full frame CCD sensor camera DIY prototype - with pictures!
• Casual Photo Conversations (54 Responses) Dedicated B&W camera anyone?
• Canon EOS (99 Responses) Canon 5D Mark II: Banding... c'mon, still?

Go To Photo.net Forums. »

Editors’ Picks

We have a new Editors’ Picks for your enjoyment: Holiday Photography, highlighting some of the best Holiday photos in the Photo.net gallery.

Holiday Photography

Samples:

Also, take a look at some of the most popular Editors’ Picks from previous months:

• Macro Photography
• Dramatic Digital Images
• Children’s Portrait Photography