December 8, 2010

Ok folks. The 2nd PPS Christmas giveaway is here and we over two thousand dollars in prizes up from grabs from 5 great sponsors.

No strings here. It’s simple and you can win some great prizes. Go here for all the details and to enter using the simple form…

Enter here – prophotoshow.net/contest

Merry Christmas… Gav

Read More

November 14, 2010

by Gavin Seim: Pricing is an interesting thing. Those of you that listen to me on the Pro Photo Show podcast know that I don’t try to be the cheapest in my photography.  Not by a long shot. Truth is I don’t try to be cheapest with Seim Effects either, though I often am for what I offer. I just try to make the best tools and charge what I think is sensible. Through that process I often come out less expensive than other editing products available in the industry.

Now it’s true that often you get what you pay for. It’s also true that sometimes people buy something just because it’s more expensive. That’s perceived value. How much you can charge because of your brand. Experience and service are worth something too, but sometimes paying more does not mean you get that.

Most effects out there are different and have something unique to offer, so I’m not saying mine are the only ones worth buying. I’ve not used all the editing products available, but I’ve used a lot of them. Some are really good, some less so. In the end I just want to sure my product is something special. I’ve had people essentially call to ask…

“Are Seim Effects any good. Their so much cheaper than brand K or Z”.

The answer of course is yes. In fact many users tell me their a lot better. Truth is I put my heart and soul into this stuff. I’m fanatical about making it as flawless and effective as I can. Their not $5 because their good and their worth a lot more. Their not $200 either. Not because I hate money, but because I think that would be overkill and the overall benefit would go down.

Read More

October 28, 2010

by Gavin Seim: my Hollywood 2 Photoshop actions were featured in the October issue of Shutterbug Magazine, in the Digital Innovations column by Joe Farace. Back in September, Joe took a look at my Naked Elements Textures and Creative Essentials actions and gave them a great review. This month Joe came back for more, taking a peek at HE2, a collection of effects dedicated to adjustable finishing touches and giving any type of photo a little something more.

Joe gave a glowing review, Calling HE2 “Outstanding” and stating “If you photograph people, you need this inexpensive set of actions”. A shout out to him and the folks at Shutterbug for taking the time to notice my work. Here’s a copy of the review (click for larger version). You can also pick up the Oct 2010 issue of shutterbug and see it on pages 37-38.

You can learn more about Hollywood Effects 2 here as well as download some free samples… Gav

Read More

September 2, 2010

Click To Listen>> Photography Podcast. PPS #71
Review in iTunesVote on Podcast AlleyDirect Podcast Feed

30x70 Family Wall Portait on Canvas
This is the 30x70 classical framed canvas Gavin made from the large family project discussed on this episode. More links below.

Today’s Host... Gavin Seim. This week Gavin look at news, a bit on LR3, the stolen photo and a look at the technique and results of the large family portrait, the underwater senior session and more.

Podcast #71 forum discussion:

Notable Time Indexes:

  • 00:00 Introductions and news
  • 01:40 Lightroom 3.2
  • 04:44 Stolen photo update
  • 08:35 Canon Lenses still coming off
  • 12:00 Introducing Power Workflow 3
  • 14:19 Things I’ve Learned
  • 16:50 Fusion Wedding Videos
  • 23:30 The Twin Cities Trip
  • 25:30 The large family portrait
  • 41:43 The underwater portrait session.
  • 52:24 Pick of the Week.
  • 52:12 Closing nerdyness.

PS. These are things I’ve learned. I’m only 25 so I have a lot more to learn. I reserve the right to  learn better in the future 😉

Gavin’s new Power Workflow3 LR Presets. Use code PPS to save 15%

Gavins new fine art blog. f164. A travelogue and deep analysis journal.

Read More

August 16, 2010

by Gavin Seim: I have to say I’m pretty excited. Seim Effects tools were just featured in a glowing review by Joe Farace, in his Digital Innovations column inside the September issue of Shutterbug Magazine. It was a nice bit of recognition, by a great photographer, in a magazine that’s nearly as familiar to the photo world as the camera itself. Gave me a really nice bit of exposure (no pun intended). Below is a capture of the page 41. Go pick up the latest issue and take a peek.

I confess. When I started making all this stuff I was determined to make it really good. But I can’t say I expected it to take off so well. It’s been a few years and a lot of work, but I feel the system is really solid now and getting better all the time. This part of my job is almost like being a scientist. I sit down in my little test lab and just start trying things, searching for little nuances that do something remarkable. After the dust settles and I get it refined, I get to share what I discover with photographers all over the world.

Now I’m a huge proponent of getting things right in the camera. But when we get in right in camera, then get it right in post. We can make something magical. Being able to make these tools has really been a blessing and I want to give a shout out of thanks to all of you for helping it happen. Not to mention one to Joe, and Shutterbug for taking the time to notice this little punk fish in a big sea… Gav

Read More