Interested? Click here.
press release

Datacolor, a global leader in digital colour management technology, today announces a new and exciting competition for photographers of all ages and abilities to show off their creative skills called ‘The Real Colors of my Life’. Now open for entries, ‘The Real Colors of my Life’ will be a celebration of art and amazing images submitted from photographers all around the world and chosen by a panel of passionate industry professionals.

Photographers from all walks of life can take part in this competition with the chance that their image will be one of 30 chosen for a glossy photo coffee table book entitled ‘The Real Colors of My Life’.

Christoph Gamper, European general manager of Datacolor, says: “We are looking for images of all types for this photo book - art that encompasses all emotions and feelings. We are looking for images that are windows of expression for an individual’s personality, wishes, identity, dreams, hope and pain. Each photographer featured in the book will get their own free copy and if chosen will need to supply the image in a high resolution format. For three winners, whose images are chosen overall, there are extra prizes. ”

Entries will be accepted from now until the 31st of January 2009 and can be in colour or black and white. To enter the competition, photographers should upload their two favourite images to www.artlimited.net/colorsofmylife <http://www.artlimited.net/colorsofmylife> .

For three lucky participants, whose images are chosen overall, the prizes will be:
- First prize - A one week workshop with TPW (Tuscany Photographic Workshop, www.tpw.it)
- Second prize - Adobe Lightroom and Adobe software (www.adobe.com/lightroom )
- Third prize - A complete collection of nik software plug-ins (www.niksoftware.com/completecollection)

The photo book will be available from Blurb’s bookstore www.blurb.com/bookstore from the 9th February 2009. All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to Las Mariposas, a children’s village in Chile managed by the organisation ‘Hope for Children’.

ShareThis

Press release below: 

Nikon UK is pleased to introduce its new top-of-the-range premium D-SLR - the D3X. Building on the reliability, handling and durability of the award-winning D3, the D3X offers an imaging sensor with over twice the resolution of the revolutionary D3, breaking new ground in image quality.

The all-new 24.5MP CMOS sensor makes the new model eminently suitable for the broadest range of shooting situations, both in the studio and on location – ideal for photographers seeking unrivalled detail.

“This is the camera that many professional photographers have been waiting for,” said Robert Cristina, Professional Products and NPS Manager at Nikon Europe. “Just as the D3 has become the professionals’ camera of choice in sports photography, the D3X’s extremely high imaging resolution will raise the bar for commercial, fashion and stock photography. The results speak for themselves: this is without doubt our highest-quality camera to date.”

The World is Your Studio
The D3X boasts a specially-developed FX-format CMOS image sensor with 12-channel readout, gapless micro lens array and on-chip noise reduction. It delivers class-leading levels of continuous shooting speed and noise management at higher sensitivities without sacrificing detail.

The D3X supports a broad ISO range from ISO 100-1600, extendable down to ISO 50 and up to 6400 equivalent with up to 5 fps continuous shooting at full resolution, or 7 fps in the 10MP DX-crop mode. The acclaimed MultiCAM3500FX 51-point autofocus system enables extreme accuracy with outstanding dynamic tracking for fast moving subjects in low light.

The camera’s LiveView function offers a smooth workflow option, perfect for studio work or other situations where the use of the viewfinder is impractical. The camera also delivers a superb response rate, with a start-up of just 12 milliseconds and 40ms shutter lag. The Kevlar/carbon fibre composite shutter has been designed for intensive professional needs and tested to 300,000 cycles.

Images with the X factor
The D3X reaps the benefits of the very latest developments in sensor design and image processing technology. Designed to produce files suitable to meet the demands of tomorrow’s commercial and stock requirements, the camera produces 50MB 14-bit NEF (Raw) files. Using Capture NX2 software, NEF files can be processed into medium format terrain; 140MB (16-bit TIFF-RGB). Fine details are reproduced with incredible clarity, whilst shadows and highlights contain tonal gradation with minimal clipping for pictures with a unique look and feel.

Intuitive control
The D3X shares the same ergonomics and handling as the D3, which have been designed to enable anyone to get to work quickly and efficiently. The bright, uncluttered viewfinder features 100% coverage and comprehensive illuminated displays, while the high-definition, 3-inch, 920,000-dot VGA TFT monitor enables outstanding playback quality for on-the-spot image assessment. The D3X’s magnesium body, which is sealed for moisture and dust resistance, also supports Nikon’s wireless system (the WT-4), HDMI output, offers a dual slot for CF cards and is compatible with the new GP-1 GPS unit.

ShareThis

Press  release below:

Now in its fourth year, Nikon’s Solutions Expo is back to offer photographers a look at complete workflow solutions; from inspiration, to tips and advice on getting the right shots, to software processing and printing.

Visitors will have the chance to check out Nikon’s latest professional products including the flagship D3 and D700 digital SLR cameras. The D90 – the world’s first digital SLR camera with High Definition video mode will also be on display.

Nikon partners, including Apple, Adobe, Epson, HP and Mitsubishi will be supporting this year’s show with a series of talks and product demonstrations. Together, these brands will offer photographers the flexibility to shoot outstanding images in any given situation, as reflected in the show’s theme, FREEDOM.

Live interactive shooting demonstrations will be held throughout the two-day event featuring ballerinas, Chinese circus and a bridal shoot in the studio area. A selection of high profile photographers will also be giving talks at the show, offering insight into their images and photographic experiences. Photographers include:
Alex Bailey
Joe Cornish
Donovan Wylie

More information and photographer profiles within the expert showcase can be found at: http://www.solutions-expo.co.uk/expert_showcase_d3.htm

Visitors to the show will also be able view entries to the Nikon’s student photographer competition, the Discovery Awards, and to participate in a silent charity auction for images shot by top photographers.

ShareThis

ShareThis

Click for cheap Photoshop CS4

press release

Adobe CS4 Student Discount Prices

• Photoshop CS4 Student Edition ($199)
• Web Premium CS4 Student Edition ($349)
• Design Standard CS4 Student Edition ($299)
• Design Premium CS4 Student Edition ($399)

Eligibility For Student Editions
Student Edition products are for purchase by higher education students only. A higher education student is defined as a full- or part-time student enrolled at a higher education institution defined as an accredited public or private university or college (including community, junior, or vocational college) that grants degrees requiring not less than the equivalent of two years of full-time

ShareThis

Three times Advanced Photoshop cover artist, Brand Nu’s work is colourful, vibrant and inspiring. Find out more about the book and how to order at www.brandnu.co.uk.

ShareThis

Press release

Independent research announced today by iStockphoto® has revealed significant variations in the way men and women source imagery for business use.  Nearly 70% of men take their own images compared to 55% of women and while almost half of men commission photography only a quarter of women choose to do so.  Women are more likely to source their imagery from stock photography websites, demonstrating their willingness to shop around when sourcing high quality imagery.

The research, conducted on behalf of iStockphoto by tickbox.net, focused on how SMBs across Britain source imagery (imagery defined as - photography, video, and computer generated imagery or vector graphics) for their business. The findings from the research showed that, despite being more likely to use made-to-measure imagery, one in five male respondents felt their use of imagery was either a ‘distraction’ or a ‘waste of resource’ while women were more likely to feel that their use of imagery reflected their company’s culture and that imagery is a ‘powerful reinforcement of messaging’.

The fact that men don’t feel they are getting value for money is perhaps linked to the fact that women are more likely to spend less than £100 a year on imagery. On the other hand, men outspend women in the £101-£1000 bracket with almost 70% of men falling in this group compared to 50% of women.

Kelly Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at iStockphoto comments, “The right imagery, not overused, or overdone, perfectly illustrates a feeling, a brand or an idea with little explanation needed, and should reduce the need for too many words on a page. Female SMB leaders are demonstrating how smaller companies can use online stock photography as a great way to get professional standard imagery on a budget and tell their stories visually. Perhaps the reason why male respondents are less satisfied with their imagery is that they are more likely to have either done it themselves or overspent.”

Key findings from the research indicate:
Gender divide -
·         40% of women see imagery as a ‘powerful reinforcement of messaging’ while 20% of men view imagery either as a distraction or as a waste of resource.
·         Men are more likely to spend more money on imagery than women. 69% of men surveyed spent £101-1000 on imagery, compared to 50% of women.
·         21% of women spend less than £100 on imagery compared to just 5% of men.
·         Men are also more likely to source their own imagery in-house or commission it specially. 67% of men take their own images compared to 55% of women and 45% commission photography compared to 24% of women.
·        Women are more likely to use online stock photography (41% compared to 36.5%)
Other findings -
·         The baby boomer generation (categorised as those aged 55 or over) were found to be most likely not to use any imagery at all. Nearly 50% of those questioned used no imagery in their business, while Generation Y (categorised as those aged 16-24 years old) are far more likely to use imagery with 94% of those surveyed doing so.
·         90% of baby boomers source their own images - more than double the percentage of Generation Y who do so (40%).  Generation Y are more likely to obtain their imagery from stock photography websites (46% do so compared to 30% of baby boomers).
·         Nearly 75% of baby boomers spend £101-1000 a year on imagery - the most common bracket for all SMBs. Nearly half (46%) of Generation Y SMBs spend this amount with 35% spending less than £100. Of the baby boomers that do use imagery, over a quarter require images once every 6 months. Most Generation Y SMBs use imagery every day/2-3 times a week.
·         90% of SMBs in Wales get imagery from stock photography libraries. This far exceeds the overall percentage of companies doing so (just 39%). In Scotland, 100% of businesses source their own imagery.

• Similarly, the east of Britain is far more willing to use video in business materials. 25% of SMBs in the east said they used video compared to just 5% overall. Independent research announced today by iStockphoto® has revealed significant variations in the way men and women source imagery for business use. Nearly 70% of men take their own images compared to 55% of women and while almost half of men commission photography only a quarter of women choose to do so. Women are more likely to source their imagery from stock photography websites, demonstrating their willingness to shop around when sourcing high quality imagery.

The research, conducted on behalf of iStockphoto by tickbox.net, focused on how SMBs across Britain source imagery (imagery defined as - photography, video, and computer generated imagery or vector graphics) for their business. The findings from the research showed that, despite being more likely to use made-to-measure imagery, one in five male respondents felt their use of imagery was either a ‘distraction’ or a ‘waste of resource’ while women were more likely to feel that their use of imagery reflected their company’s culture and that imagery is a ‘powerful reinforcement of messaging’.

The fact that men don’t feel they are getting value for money is perhaps linked to the fact that women are more likely to spend less than £100 a year on imagery. On the other hand, men outspend women in the £101-£1000 bracket with almost 70% of men falling in this group compared to 50% of women.

Kelly Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at iStockphoto comments, “The right imagery, not overused, or overdone, perfectly illustrates a feeling, a brand or an idea with little explanation needed, and should reduce the need for too many words on a page. Female SMB leaders are demonstrating how smaller companies can use online stock photography as a great way to get professional standard imagery on a budget and tell their stories visually. Perhaps the reason why male respondents are less satisfied with their imagery is that they are more likely to have either done it themselves or overspent.”
Key findings from the research indicate:
Gender divide -
·         40% of women see imagery as a ‘powerful reinforcement of messaging’ while 20% of men view imagery either as a distraction or as a waste of resource.
·         Men are more likely to spend more money on imagery than women. 69% of men surveyed spent £101-1000 on imagery, compared to 50% of women.
·         21% of women spend less than £100 on imagery compared to just 5% of men.
·         Men are also more likely to source their own imagery in-house or commission it specially. 67% of men take their own images compared to 55% of women and 45% commission photography compared to 24% of women.
·        Women are more likely to use online stock photography (41% compared to 36.5%)
Other findings -
·         The baby boomer generation (categorised as those aged 55 or over) were found to be most likely not to use any imagery at all. Nearly 50% of those questioned used no imagery in their business, while Generation Y (categorised as those aged 16-24 years old) are far more likely to use imagery with 94% of those surveyed doing so.
·         90% of baby boomers source their own images - more than double the percentage of Generation Y who do so (40%).  Generation Y are more likely to obtain their imagery from stock photography websites (46% do so compared to 30% of baby boomers).
·         Nearly 75% of baby boomers spend £101-1000 a year on imagery - the most common bracket for all SMBs. Nearly half (46%) of Generation Y SMBs spend this amount with 35% spending less than £100. Of the baby boomers that do use imagery, over a quarter require images once every 6 months. Most Generation Y SMBs use imagery every day/2-3 times a week.
·         90% of SMBs in Wales get imagery from stock photography libraries. This far exceeds the overall percentage of companies doing so (just 39%). In Scotland, 100% of businesses source their own imagery.

• Similarly, the east of Britain is far more willing to use video in business materials. 25% of SMBs in the east said they used video compared to just 5% overall.

ShareThis

Press release:

BALLISTIC PUBLISHING ANNOUNCES —EXOTIQUE 4: —The World’s Most Beautiful CG Characters
Adelaide, South Australia - 24th November 2008

In its fourth edition, EXOTIQUE 4 firmly establishes itself as the benchmark for CG character art featuring the work of artists from 45 countries (a record for the EXOTIQUE series). EXOTIQUE 4 includes more art from China, Korea, Indonesia, and Singapore showcasing a broader range of styles and cultures. It also packs an additional 30 pieces of artwork into 16 more pages than the previous edition.

“In our sixth year of collecting and publishing the best digital art in the world, it’s exciting to see the number of countries from which artists submit their work continuing to grow”, explains Daniel Wade, Co-Publisher at Ballistic Publishing. “While still receiving a healthy number of North American and European entries, we are now seeing substantial entries from countries like China, Korea, Indonesia and Singapore which expands the breadth of styles we can present. From traditional styles to the new, there are many more opportunities to gain inspiration from the remarkable work submitted by artists from diverse cultures. We believe this diversity makes this book the best EXOTIQUE so far.”

The EXOTIQUE series is the world’s best showcase of character artwork. The latest edition in the series packs more wonderful artwork into more pages than any previous edition making it the biggest and most beautiful EXOTIQUE collection to date. The work of 215 highly-talented artists fill EXOTIQUE 4 with 322 pieces of inspiring character art in genres from science fiction, fantasy, and anime, to photorealism and stylized realism. The new edition also presents the work of 117 artists (over half the artists featured) who are published for the first time in a Ballistic Publishing book. With just over 2,500 entries in total, roughly one in eight images entered for EXOTIQUE 4 were successful.

Established Taiwanese artist Jen Der is featured in a Ballistic book for the first time with EXOTIQUE 4, and great new artwork is on show from high-profile artists such as Kekai Kotaki, Michael Kutsche, Wei-Che Juan, Bobby Chiu, Jonas Thornqvist, Hong Kuang, Henning Ludvigsen, and Marta Dahlig. Indonesian artist Mario Wibisono is featured on the cover of EXOTIQUE 4 with ‘Pepper Project’ (character concept by Stanley Lau) in addition to a number of pieces in the book.

From the traditional to the new, there are more opportunities to gain inspiration from the amazing art submitted by artists from many cultures. This diversity makes EXOTIQUE 4 the best book in the series so far, and with the enormous talent in our online communities the EXOTIQUE series will continue to document the development of character art and the world’s best examples of digital character art.

Pricing and Availability
EXOTIQUE 4 is available in two editions: Softcover (USD$52); & Special Edition (USD$115).
More details about the books and availability can be found on the Ballistic Publishing website at: http://www.ballisticpublishing.com/books/exotique_4/

Publication Details:
* ISBN: 978-1-921002-54-0 (Softcover), 978-1-921002-55-7 (Special Edition)
* Pages: 208 pages (Softcover & Special Edition)
* Dimensions: 220 x 297mm
* Editors: Daniel Wade, Paul Hellard
* Co-Publishers: Mark Snoswell, Daniel Wade

The Special Edition release includes four Special Edition prints.
A set of four bonus prints from:
* Mario Wibisono, INDONESIA “Pepper Superstar” Pepper character © Stanley Lau
* Tang Yuehui, CHINA “Butterfly”,
* Yang Qi, CHINA, “Red Angel of revenge”
* Benita Winckler, GERMANY “The beckoning”

ShareThis

In addition, Adobe has updated Camera Profiles, which are now available natively within Camera Raw 5.2 and DNG Converter 5.2. Camera profiles provide the visual starting-point for photographers using a raw processing workflow. Adobe supplies different styles of profiles while also providing the ability for customization.

The new Camera Raw 5.2 plug-in supports the following additional seven camera models: Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon PowerShot G10, Panasonic DMC-G1, Panasonic DMC-FX150, Panasonic DMC-FZ28, Panasonic DMC LX3 and Leica D-LUX 4. Photoshop Lightroom, leveraging Adobe Photoshop Camera Raw technology, will add support for the cameras listed above in a future update.
Pricing and Availability

The Photoshop Camera Raw 5.2 plug-in is available as a free download for existing customers of Photoshop CS4, Photoshop Elements 7, and Premiere Elements 7. Follow this link to download the update:  http://www.adobe.com/downloads/updates/. The Adobe DNG Converter 5.2 is also available today as a free download at www.adobe.com/dng.

ShareThis

press release

Dodge the cold, rain and credit crunch this winter with Linx! Buy any stylish and sleek Linx Memoire frame starting at only £49.99 including VAT and get a £150 travel voucher towards your next holiday!* Imagine packing your bags and jetting off to some exotic far flung location to lap up the sunshine, saving money for the more important parts of the holiday such as relaxing drinks by pool or a local tourist attraction. For those who love the cold then it’s perfect for skiing or snowboarding holidays! But the digital dazzle doesn’t stop there; Linx is also including a FREE family portrait voucher in each box, redeemable at hundreds of photographic outlets nationwide. Snap your suntan before it becomes a hazy memory!
Hurry to www.linx-av.com

Beat the credit crunch, buy any Linx Memoire frame and be part of two amazing promotions with a combined gift value in excess of £250!

The range comprises of three stylish cutting edge, high definition models (7″, 8″ and 10.2″). The Memoire range of photo frames are packed with the latest technology delivering a range of slideshow modes including the new Life transition mode. This function allows you to literally ‘bring your old photo’s and memories back to Life’ by using a variety of pan and zoom transitions between images.
Relive your old memories with Linx!

The Linx Memoire series ups the ante in the style stakes and offers dramatic image and movie playback in any stylish home or office location. You can even customise your frame courtesy of Linx Skins - a simple press on - peel off frame surround in wide a variety of colours and designs. www.linxskins.com

The frames display pictures, videos and broadcast audio and come complete with a remote control handset to enable ease of use and up to the minute image management, at the touch of a button**.

The remote control receiver is located in the front panel of the screen. An in-built rechargeable battery enables the frames to be placed anywhere in the home or office without the need for power sockets.

All frames include a 4 in 1 card reader to enable the data to be viewed quickly and without hassle. Users can choose to only feature one image at a time or they have the facility to run the frame in a looped sequence, offering hours and hours of fun and enjoyment, time and time again. An integrated calendar and clock further add to the functionality of each frame*.

Users can enjoy superior stereo sound on the 8″ and 10.2″ models thanks to two built in speakers encased within the frames and witness crisp movie playback courtesy of MPEG1, MPEG2 and MPEG4 and MP3 file support.

For ultimate convenience, the 8″ and 10.2″ frames can be powered by the built in battery or powered through an AC cable, included as standard. The sleek, streamlined design along with the amazing quality, technology and excellent price make it a must have for any stylish home or office location.

ShareThis