Archive for Reviews

naturephoto | November 2, 2010
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‘A World In HDR’ by Trey Ratcliff – quick book review

A World In HDR

A World In HDR


Like many photographers these days I have been experimenting with HDR photography (see previous post). I wanted to see if I could pickup some tips by getting Trey Ratcliff’s book on the subject titled: ‘A World In HDR’. Trey and his website; StuckInCustoms.com are known as an authority on the subject of HDR photography.

Unfortunately the book does not provide much in terms of tips and technique.

The bulk of the book (first 171 pages out of 208) is made up of a collection of HDR photos by the author with general commentary about the locations of where the photos were taken, his views on HDR photography, art, and life in general.

The remainder of the book covers what is basically the same tutorial that is available online at the author’s website: StuckInCustoms.com : HDR Tutorial – Everything you need to know about HDR Photography.

The print quality of the book does not do justice to the photos when compared to what is available online at StuckInCustoms.com either.

I can’t hide the fact that I was quite disappointed with this book. I would not recommend it for anyone wanting to learn anything more than the basics of HDR photography!

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naturephoto | April 27, 2010
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Canon PowerShot S90 mini review

I had the chance to spend a few days in PEI last weekend and took the opportunity to take a few photos. I was traveling light so I only brought my Canon PowerShot S90 point and shoot camera.

Canon PowerShot S90

Canon PowerShot S90

A few words on the PowerShot S90; I really like this little camera. While many photographers rave about the Canon Gxx series of cameras, I find that they are compact but not truly pocket cameras as the S90 is.

Here are some of the nice features of the Canon PowerShot S90:

  • Same over-sized low light sensitivity 10.0 Megapixel sensor coupled with Digic 4 image processor as the Canon G11!
  • Raw file support which is rare for such a small compact camera.
  • f/2.0-4.9 28-105mm equivalent Image Stabilized lens
  • Programmable Control ring which allows quick control of programmed feature which can allow you to control one of Aperture, ISO, Exposure Compensation, White Balance, Manual Focus, Lens zoom step
  • Advanced features such as: AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing), FEB (Flash Exposure Bracketing), Exposure Compensation, Flash Exposure Compensation,P + Tv + Av + M modes,
  • 3.94 x 2.30 x 1.22 inches (100.0 x 58.4 x 30.9mm), Approx. 6.17 oz (175g) camera body only

    • Being a small compact camera it is expectedly not fast enough to shoot action, flash is not powerful, etc.

    The only feature that I am disappointed with is the macro focusing abilities which keeps hunting for focus.

    Overall I would highly recommend this camera for someone wanting a true pocket camera with advanced features. It won’t give you the photo quality of a DSLR, but because you can carry it in your pocket at all times, it will allow you to get some shots you would otherwise miss! This is the ideal bring everywhere pocket camera for times you are not bringing along your camera bag with DSLR and lenses with you.

    Here are a few sample pictures taken with the PowerShot S90 and some Photoshop/ACR processing descriptions. Unless indicated otherwise all photos captured at ISO 80:
    Read more

    Category: Gear, Photoshop, Reviews | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
    naturephoto | April 14, 2010
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    NAPP – Get the best in Photoshop resources and training

    Join the National Association of Photoshop Professionals

    Join the National Association of Photoshop Professionals

    NAPP is the National Association of Photoshop Professionals. Become a member and you get access to Video Tutorials, Tips & Tricks to expand your Photoshop knowledge. You also get a yearly subscription to Photoshop User Magazine, published 8 times a year, which is packed with essential information related to Photoshop. Your membership also allows you to get discounts on a wide selection of Books, DVDs, Hardware, Software, Training and more.
    These are just a few of the advantages of joining NAPP, to join or learn more visit www.photoshopuser.com Register now and get a 15% discount on Adobe products!  Just in time to save on a Photoshop CS5 upgrade.

    Category: Photoshop, Reviews | Tags: , , ,
    naturephoto | March 23, 2010
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    Save on photography magazine subscriptions

    You can save a few dollars on some photography magazine subscriptions through Zinio.
    Zinio allows you to subscribe to magazines in electronic format and save compared to regular magazine subscription prices.

    Popular Photography regular subscription price: $12.95 / Zinio $10.00 for 6 issues.

    Popular Photography regular subscription price: $12.95 / Zinio $10.00 for 6 issues.

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    Category: Reviews | Tags: , , , ,
    naturephoto | January 31, 2010
    2 comments

    Understanding Close-up Photography by Bryan Peterson

    I really enjoyed reading ‘Understanding Close-up Photography by Bryan Peterson’

    Understanding Close Up Photography

    Understanding Close Up Photography by Bryan Peterson

    Whether you’re a beginner that wants to learn the basics of close-up photography or an advanced macro shooter wanting to learn new techniques and ideas, this is a great book for all.

    The book starts by describing the difference with ‘Close-up vs Macro Photography’. One third of the book covers the different ‘Equipment’ options available to photographers wanting to get into close-up/macro photography (macros lens vs extension tubes vs closeup lens vs Canon 500D lens). A section of the book covers Depth of Field and Aperture which every photographer wanting to do macro photography should be aware of. The last sections of the book cover ‘Close-up Tips’ and a section giving inspiring subject shooting ideas titled ‘Up Close Indoors’.

    The book is well written, very interesting, inspiring and filled with beautiful photographs. I recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about Close-up photography. Not all books you read as a photographer have to be about Photoshop! This is a book about photography techniques.
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    Category: Photo Techniques, Reviews | Tags: , , , ,
    naturephoto | September 27, 2009
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    TheBestCamera.com

    I have joined ‘TheBestCamera.com‘ community.

    Quote from the website:

    What is The Best Camera?
    The Best Camera Is The One That’s With You™, but it’s also an inspirational 3-part “ecosystem” created by world-renowned photographer, Chase Jarvis. Introducing an iPhone app that allows you to shoot, edit and share your images; a book that celebrates photography with any camera; AND a thriving, online community made of iPhone images from around the world.

    I have my page at: Paul Downing

    Category: Reviews | Tags:
    naturephoto | October 1, 2008
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    Great Photography Podcasts

    Review of ‘TWIP – This Week In Photography’ and ’7 Photography Questions’ Photography related podcasts.
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    naturephoto | June 25, 2008
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    Resource for Canon camera eqipment lineup

    I came across this site today which I think is a great resource for Canon Digital SLR equipment. You can find reviews on Canon Digital SLR, Canon, Tamron, Sigma Canon compatible lenses, Canon flashes and more. The site is a great reference for anyone looking for information on Canon Digital SLR systems, check it out at The-Digital-Picture.com

    Category: Gear, Reviews | Tags: , , ,
    naturephoto | June 24, 2008
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    NAPP: Get the best in Photoshop Resources and Training

    NAPP is the National Association of Photoshop Professionals. Become a member and you get access to Video Tutorials, Tips & Tricks to expand your Photoshop knowledge. You also get a yearly subscription to Photoshop User Magazine, published 8 times a year, which is packed with essential information related to Photoshop. Your membership also allows you to get discounts on a wide selection of Books, DVDs, Hardware, Software, Training and more.
    These are just a few of the advantages of joining NAPP, to join or learn more visit www.photoshopuser.com

    Category: Photoshop, Reviews | Tags: , ,
    naturephoto | June 6, 2008
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    Flash Lighting Videos From – Confessions of a Photographer

    Watch ‘Confessions of a Photographer – Episode 1′ from a series of short videos, by Belgian photographer Bert Stephani. Read more

    Category: Photo Techniques, Reviews | Tags: ,
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