August 27, 2008

I’ve been on the run with seniors this part week, and loving some of the results. Between a great subject, the umbrella, and the cool fence this was exactly what I wanted. I’m humbled at God’s amazing world that we use as a backdrop, and often take for granted. Even a simple wood fence can give just the look needed. Simplicity is KEY to a great portrait.

On a technical note, I know her hand is positioned a bit odd. I like the feel though. I try to encourage hand movement and let things go naturally. I just presetted with Power Workflow, and them smooth with action. My latest fav it the Simply Soft series from Creative Essentials. It’s just simple, and soft. The border is done automatically with a color coordinating action I made.

I getting into what I call the three keys. The eye’s, the moth and the hands. I think the key to controlling all these is learning to direct your subject in such a way that it happens naturally.

See more from this session on my siteGavin Seim

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August 26, 2008

Canon lens

Canon released a New lens along with the 50D announcement. I think this lens will be the ultimate travel lens for us Canon users. Nikon has had an 18-200 for awhile now and I’ve been on the look out for a Canon compatable clone for a long time. Now I’ll just grab one of these. No word on the pricing yet.

Compact, lightweight and a wide magnification range – this standard zoom lens features a wide focal length range from normal to telephoto equivalent to 29-320mm in the 35mm format. It features an Optical Image Stabilizer for up to 4-stops of effective correction even at full zoom. Since Canon’s optical image stabilization system is in the lens, not in the camera, you can see the stabilized, steadier images through the viewfinder. And the circular aperture can give beautiful background blur effects. This new wide zoom ratio EF-S lens delivers excellent high-speed performance at an affordable price.

Link to Canon’s site.


Jarrod Michael

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August 26, 2008

Update 02/2011. I’ve updated this sampler pack with fresh effects that reflects the refinements in version 1.6. Download and enjoy.

UPDATE 02/2008: I had the wrong files in the download so people were getting one of my LR preset samples instead of the PS actions. It’s been fixed now.

Hey everyone. As many of you know I recently launched the new Creative Essentials actions. I’ve been using CE like crazy because it’s filled with actions I can use on everyday images I want to look great. It’s everything from skin softening effects, and fast glows to a mix of B&W’s, and workflow enhancers all in one simple action set.

I thought I’d post up a few freebies for you all. Here’s three actions that come from the Creative Essentials set, including Boost IT, Simple Sharp, Simply Soft I and Milk Chocolate. The whole set has over twenty actions, so if you like em check out the complete set.

Here’s the direct download, no strings, FREE as in totally. Enjoy… Gavin

Download Creative Essentials sampler PS actions

Check out the Complete collection and watch video

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August 26, 2008

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Update 08.26.08: Rumors are turning up true right and left. USA today let out the dirt on the D90. Most the specs look pretty normal, except this baby also shoots HD video clips. Not a bad add on. Looks like another win for Nikon. Here’s their official press release.

I think most of us are getting a bit tired of rumors, but I always try to keep reader from both Canon & Nikon camps up to date on the bigger ones.

Engadget is reporting on this shot the the Nikon D90 that seems to have been leaked on Targets website. It supposed to sport a 12mp sensor, 3″ lcd, 11 AF points, and ISO 3200. Nothing too earth shaking, but this should be a nice incremental upgrade. Besides, Nikon’s been sending out some pretty crazy stuff lately. They don’t all have to be ground breaking. Do they?

Gavin Seim

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August 25, 2008

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 * 08.26.08 UPDATE! The 50D is official via Canon’s press release.  Shipping in Oct. Here’s the product page on Canon’s site.

This is yet another Canon rumor, but it does seem to have decent foundation. It seems these pics of the up coming 50D were leaked on Canon’s Japan website. It seems to me that the 40D just came out, but I guess with Canon having now fallen behind Nikon in the game,it stands to reason the whole line will be revamped.

Rumor has it this will be a 15mp body with ISO levels up to 12,800. This makes sense since it would be pitting itself against the Nikon D300.

The world is still waiting on the 5D MK2 (7D), and here we are talking about a EOS 50D. I say their both likely to be released late this summer, to fall. Canon has to make a move soon, but again, just rumors. More on Engadet, and Gizmondo. Thanks to FullMetal in the forums.

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