Best of the Palouse Photo Workshop – June 19-23, 2012

Jack Lien and David Saffir, June 19-23, 2012

On a Palouse Country Photo Tour and Workshop, you’ll capture the uncommon photograph in a region described by National Geographic Magazine as “A Paradise called the Palouse.”

This 4,000 square-mile region sprawls across the Washington-Idaho border, encompassing uncommonly rich farmland.  Crop patterns form a vibrant patchwork appearance and a wild sea-like wave as the winds cause fields of wheat and barley to bend and sway. The Palouse offers photographers the opportunity to capture a diverse landscape and a chance to witness an unforgettable land formed by the Lake Missoula glacial flood path of 15,000 years ago.  Palouse Country Photo Tours is the only photography tour company that specializes in and is intimately knowledgeable with this amazing country.

This 5-day workshop, includes intensive field work, plus hands-on, practical, image-editing and printing instruction.

 

Field Work: Images From the Palouse

 In the field portion of this photo workshop we will capture images of the rapidly developing stages of crop growth and farmers working the fields. This is an excellent time to photograph the deep rich green fields against the freshly plowed ground and the pastoral scenes only found on the Palouse. The bold colors, patterns, lines, and contrast against the contours of the Palouse landscape is breathtaking. 

 Field Workshop leader Jack Lien has lived on and photographed in the Palouse for over 40 years. He’s discovered countless photographic opportunities throughout the region and has gained access to private land, nostalgic buildings and landscape that are often unknown or off limits to others.

Jack will get you into the heart and soul of the land and its people and you’ll have abundant opportunities to photograph historic buildings, barns, windmills, and fields. He also knows where to catch the best light for every shooting situation. You will have the opportunity to meet and photograph area farmers preparing their equipment for a long day in the field.

Segment Two: “Make Your Images Sparkle From Start to Finish” 

 In these segments, you’ll learn to optimize camera setup, get the right color from your computer, and edit your images to give them the sparkle and depth they deserve! We’ll emphasize Photoshop, Lightroom, Camera RAW, and fine art printing in these sessions.

 

Workshop Leader: David Saffir is an internationally-recognized photographer and printmaker. The author of two books, he provides color and imaging consulting services to individuals and organizations worldwide. He is the author of Mastering Digital Color: A Photographer’s and Artist’s Guide to Controlling Color, published by Thomson/Cenlar. His second book, focused on his photography, is titled The Joy of Discovery, published in Spring 2009. Other publications include Rangefinder Magazine, Professional Photographer, Pro Photo West, Great Output, Digital Imaging Technology, and others.

 www.davidsaffir.com

http://davidsaffir.wordpress.com

Details, Workshop Itinerary:

June 19

•     3pm – 4pm Orientation meeting

•     4pm – 5pm Briefing on camera settings for color and exposure before we head out into the      field (handout included)

•     5pm – Head out into the field until dusk to photograph this incredible land and its endless photo opportunities

June 20, 21, 22

•     Each morning we will depart from the motel at 4:30-5:30am and return around 11 am for a much needed rest.

•     2pm to 3pm - Review and critique of images shot in the morning (w/ David Saffir).

•     3pm return to the field and shoot until after sunset.

June 23

•     8 am to 12 noon - Classroom instruction, “Make Your Images Sparkle From Start to Finish” – David Saffir
Includes image editing and final critique of images captured during the week, plus printing.

Learn how to manage image quality from capture, to editing, and on to display or print. Get the most from your camera, computer, software, and printer, and create images that meet or exceed your expectations!

Agenda:

 •     Camera settings – white balance, ISO, shutter and aperture, color settings, JPEG vs RAW

•     Review: Transferring and backing up images after the shoot.

•     Organizing and selecting images for further processing and editing – including cataloguing and adding keywords for accessibility

•     Setting up the computer and display for correct color

•     Processing images in Camera RAW/Lightroom

•     Image editing in Photoshop

•     Printer setup and printing fine art images

 ____________________________________________________________________________

Limit 12 photographers – Workshop Fee: $795

Local transportation and lodging not included in fee

To register for this “Best of the Palouse Photo Tours and Workshop” go to our website at www.palousetours.com or contact us at: palousetours@comcast.net or call Jack Lien: (360) 481-4575

We suggest early registration as classes fill up quickly. A laptop is recommended but not required. 

Photography Quote of the Day

© D Saffir

And then shall I come to you, a boundless drop to a boundless ocean. – Gibran

So the darkness shall be the light, and the stillness the dancing. - T. S. Eliot

An Incredible Painter – and Incredible Marketing Idea!

recommended to me by Jack Duganne…

Entitled “Postcard From Provence”, this site is run by Julian Merrow-Smith.

The fundamental idea is that he creates an exquisite painting ever day, and auctions it on the website through a simple login screen.

The web address is: http://shiftinglight.com/

Here’s an example of his recent work:

Garic and Balsamic Vinegar © Julian Merrow-Smith

Workshop – Basic Landscape Photography

Basic Landscape Photography

Tuesday, January 31st – 6:30pm to 9:30pm
David Saffir instructor $79
Location: Santa Clarita Valley Center for Photography

Go beyond snapshots and lets get into photographs that really get that “wow” reaction! This workshop is about learning to make the right selection. Whether it is picking the correct location, the right time of day, or just the correct camera settings. We will also discuss basic composition guidelines and what might be the best angle or point of view. Please bring your camera, but it is not required.

TO REGISTER: Call Mell Carll, 661-904-2092

Ten Questions to Ask Before Choosing Your Next Digital Camera – on the HP Pro Photo Blog

Ten Questions to Ask Before Choosing Your Next Digital Camera – on the HP Pro Photo Blog

By David Saffir

No matter how fun, versatile, and convenient the camera in a smartphone might become, every serious photographer still needs a collection of cameras that can handle a wide range of imaging requirements in the studio, on location, and during travel.

If you are ready to add a new digital model to your collection, here are 10 questions that can help you choose the camera that’s right for you…..

http://h30507.www3.hp.com/t5/Professional-Photography/Ten-Questions-to-Ask-Before-Choosing-Your-Next-Digital-Camera/ba-p/105843

Nikon D4

Datacolor Announces Availability Next-Generation Spyder4 Calibration Device – See It At PMA

Datacolor have announced availability of the new Spyder4 – its next-generation device for color calibration of computer displays, laptops, projectors, and mobile devices (such as the iPhone and iPad).

I was involved with the beta test of the Spyder4, and I’ve found it to be quite useful across the range of devices I use in my professional photography work. Accuracy is remarkable, and the new software facilitates a high degree of control and customization.

I’ll be working with Datacolor at the upcoming PMA conference at the Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas, starting Jan 10. Come by the Datacolor exhibit (booth #72129) for a demo of this and other products from the company.

Quoting from the press release:

Spyder4 is designed for the way photographers work, combining an easy-to-use interface with advanced levels of brightness and color control. The full-spectrum color capture technology uses a seven-channel sensor, which registers color in the same way as the human eye, ensuring the colors on the screen are true-to-life.

Since no two devices display the exact same color, precise calibration is imperative in order to ensure consistent, true color representation. In addition, even calibrated monitors, TVs and tablets will gradually decrease in accuracy, requiring color calibration every one to two months in order to display sharp, accurate colors, shadows and highlights.

Spyder 4 provides an easy-to-use calibration solution for all display devices, which greatly improves workflow efficiency for busy professionals and photo enthusiasts,” said Dave Faulkner, Product Manager, Imaging Color Solutions at Datacolor. “Our team is dedicated to developing color management tools that are extremely intuitive while still delivering the highest levels of accuracy that professional photographers demand. The industry is competitive, and anything that gives photographers an advantage, especially with the technical details of color management, is a huge asset. Photographers need to be able quickly edit and process shots to deliver to clients on deadline, and the Spyder4 will calibrate all their monitors in just minutes.

A range of Spyder 4 devices are available, enabling users to choose the model that best matches their color management needs. The Spyder4 calibrates a variety of wide-gamut and normal-gamut displays. All models feature a simple install wizard, and deliver an average of 26% more accuracy and improved low luminance performance over previous Spyder3 technology.

Spyder4 Express is a cost-effective colorimeter that quickly calibrates a single display computer or laptop right out of the box. iPad and iPhone calibration is also available with Datacolor’s free SpyderGallery app.

Spyder4 Pro is ideal for those that want more control over light and color management, offering ambient light measurement and the ability to calibrate multiple displays, as well as iOS devices.

Spyder4 Elite offers the highest level of customization. In addition to the previously noted displays, it can also be used to calibrate projectors. Developed for professional photographers, videographers and others who must match colors precisely, the Spyder4 Elite provides the tools to manage multiple displays and calibrate them using a full set of gamma and non-gamma tone response curves to create custom workflow settings. The user can even define a custom calibration. The Spyder4 Elite includes the L-Star workflow and supports the video standards Cineon, NTSC, PAL and HDTV.

Pricing and Availability

Spyder4 products are available at photography and consumer electronic retailers nationwide or online at www.datacolor.com. The Spyder4Express is priced at $119, Spyder4Pro is $169, and Spyder4Elite is $249.

New Webinar: Get Prints That Match Your Display (Advanced Printer Profiling Tips & Tricks)!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST

For photographers the best display of your work is your prints. So it’s frustrating when a shot you worked on for hours doesn’t represent the true quality of your work in print. Datacolor is here to help. We’re dedicating an entire hour to teaching you how to get great prints with the Spyder3Print SR printer profiling system.

REGISTER NOW! (link)

On Tuesday, November 22nd from 2 pm – 3 pm EDT, listen as David Saffir and Manfrotto Distribution Product Manager, Will Holowka, discuss how to get a great printer profile using the Spyder3print SR system. They’ll go over how to setup your printer, turn off color management on the most common printers, like Epson, Canon and HP. Plus, you’ll see how to use the Advanced Editing feature’s that come with the Spyder3Print SR.

During this Webinar, you have exclusive advantages:

1. Interact one on one with our special speakers. Ask questions & get the answers you need!

2. Automatic Chance to Win one of our three exclusive Prize Giveaways – one Datacolor Spyder3 Elite (DC S3EL100), a value of $249; and two people will each win a SpyderCube (DC SC100) valued at $59 each. The 3 winners will be announced at the end of the Webinar, so you must attend the Webinar in its entirety, from beginning until end to qualify for a chance to win.*

3. FREE recorded version of the entire webinar. Within 24 hours of the event, you will automatically receive an email with instructions on how to access the webinar.

*In order to be eligible to win a prize, you must have a valid United States address and a valid email address upon registration.

REGISTER NOW! (link)

Best of the Palouse Photo Workshop – June 19-23, 2012

Jack Lien and David Saffir, June 19-23, 2012

On a Palouse Country Photo Tour and Workshop, you’ll capture the uncommon photograph in a region described by National Geographic Magazine as “A Paradise called the Palouse.”

This 4,000 square-mile region sprawls across the Washington-Idaho border, encompassing uncommonly rich farmland.  Crop patterns form a vibrant patchwork appearance and a wild sea-like wave as the winds cause fields of wheat and barley to bend and sway. The Palouse offers photographers the opportunity to capture a diverse landscape and a chance to witness an unforgettable land formed by the Lake Missoula glacial flood path of 15,000 years ago.  Palouse Country Photo Tours is the only photography tour company that specializes in and is intimately knowledgeable with this amazing country.

This 5-day workshop, includes intensive field work, plus hands-on, practical, image-editing and printing instruction.

 

Field Work: Images From the Palouse

 In the field portion of this photo workshop we will capture images of the rapidly developing stages of crop growth and farmers working the fields. This is an excellent time to photograph the deep rich green fields against the freshly plowed ground and the pastoral scenes only found on the Palouse. The bold colors, patterns, lines, and contrast against the contours of the Palouse landscape is breathtaking. 

 Field Workshop leader Jack Lien has lived on and photographed in the Palouse for over 40 years. He’s discovered countless photographic opportunities throughout the region and has gained access to private land, nostalgic buildings and landscape that are often unknown or off limits to others.

Jack will get you into the heart and soul of the land and its people and you’ll have abundant opportunities to photograph historic buildings, barns, windmills, and fields. He also knows where to catch the best light for every shooting situation. You will have the opportunity to meet and photograph area farmers preparing their equipment for a long day in the field.

Segment Two: “Make Your Images Sparkle From Start to Finish” 

 In these segments, you’ll learn to optimize camera setup, get the right color from your computer, and edit your images to give them the sparkle and depth they deserve! We’ll emphasize Photoshop, Lightroom, Camera RAW, and fine art printing in these sessions.

 

Workshop Leader: David Saffir is an internationally-recognized photographer and printmaker. The author of two books, he provides color and imaging consulting services to individuals and organizations worldwide. He is the author of Mastering Digital Color: A Photographer’s and Artist’s Guide to Controlling Color, published by Thomson/Cenlar. His second book, focused on his photography, is titled The Joy of Discovery, published in Spring 2009. Other publications include Rangefinder Magazine, Professional Photographer, Pro Photo West, Great Output, Digital Imaging Technology, and others.

 www.davidsaffir.com

http://davidsaffir.wordpress.com

Details, Workshop Itinerary:

June 19

•     3pm – 4pm Orientation meeting

•     4pm – 5pm Briefing on camera settings for color and exposure before we head out into the      field (handout included)

•     5pm – Head out into the field until dusk to photograph this incredible land and its endless photo opportunities

June 20, 21, 22

•     Each morning we will depart from the motel at 4:30-5:30am and return around 11 am for a much needed rest.

•     2pm to 3pm - Review and critique of images shot in the morning (w/ David Saffir).

•     3pm return to the field and shoot until after sunset.

June 23

•     8 am to 12 noon - Classroom instruction, “Make Your Images Sparkle From Start to Finish” – David Saffir
Includes image editing and final critique of images captured during the week, plus printing.

Learn how to manage image quality from capture, to editing, and on to display or print. Get the most from your camera, computer, software, and printer, and create images that meet or exceed your expectations!

Agenda:

 •     Camera settings – white balance, ISO, shutter and aperture, color settings, JPEG vs RAW

•     Review: Transferring and backing up images after the shoot.

•     Organizing and selecting images for further processing and editing – including cataloguing and adding keywords for accessibility

•     Setting up the computer and display for correct color

•     Processing images in Camera RAW/Lightroom

•     Image editing in Photoshop

•     Printer setup and printing fine art images

 ____________________________________________________________________________

Limit 12 photographers – Workshop Fee: $795

Local transportation and lodging not included in fee

To register for this “Best of the Palouse Photo Tours and Workshop” go to our website at www.palousetours.com or contact us at: palousetours@comcast.net or call Jack Lien: (360) 481-4575

We suggest early registration as classes fill up quickly. A laptop is recommended but not required. 

Photography Quote of the Day, October 12, 2011

A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know.” – Diane Arbus

New Article from National Geographic: Ansel Adams and Peter Essick

National Geographic has published an article about Ansel Adams in its October issue – but it’s not like any article in this genre that you’ve ever seen. It includes a portfolio by renowned photographer Peter Essick, paying tribute to the man who inspired generations, and thousands of photographers.

An excerpt:

“A portfolio by Peter Essick pays tribute to Ansel Adams and the craggy California wilderness named in his honor”

“On his first trip to the Sierra Nevada, in June of 1916, Ansel Adams went armed with a camera—a Kodak No. 1 Brownie—and started shooting. “I expect to be broke if I keep up the rate I am taking pictures,” the budding 14-year-old photographer wrote to his Aunt Mary in San Francisco that summer. “I have taken 30 already.”

He kept shooting for almost seven decades, until his death at age 82 in 1984, by which time he had become a world-famous photographer and a powerful voice for wilderness. Although he traveled far and wide, he returned again and again to the Sierra—”a noble gesture of the earth,” in his phrase—for the adventure, artistic inspiration, friendship, and solace he found among its jagged granite peaks, snow-swept passes, and brooding skies. His uncompromising portrayal of these subjects still draws pilgrims to the wilderness that bears his name, deep in the heart of the High Sierra, in hopes of seeing what Ansel Adams saw there.”

All images and excerpt above are courtesy of National Geographic. A link to the web article is provided below.

National Geographic – Ansel Adams / Ansel Adams Wilderness