Photoshop Elements Techniques Adds Exclusive Subscriber-Only Benefits To Their Website

KW Media Group Press Release

TAMPA, Fla.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Dec. 31, 2004—KW Media Group has announced the launch of the much anticipated subscriber-only area of the Photoshop Elements Techniques website, http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com . This valuable benefit complements the newsletter and allows subscribers to take full advantage of exclusive Photoshop Elements tutorials, video tutorials, tips, and techniques written by leading Photoshop Elements instructors and authors. The content rich Photoshop Elements Techniques newsletter and website are the leading resources available to Photoshop Elements users today.

KW Media Group is a leading provider of Photoshop, Photoshop Elements and digital imaging education, training and news. The company publishes digital imaging and Photoshop magazines, books, DVDs, and conducts training seminars and conferences in the U.S. For more information about KW Media Group visit http://www.kwmediagroup.com, or call 813-433-5000.

LifePics Press Release 30/12/04

LifePics announced today that it has won Photographic Processing magazine’s 2004 Reader’s Choice award for best online photofinishing service. Photographic Processing magazine is one of the top sources of product and industry news for photofinishers in North America. Readers were asked to vote for their favorite product in 25 categories, and LifePics was selected by readers as the top online service.

“We are thrilled to receive The Reader’s Choice award,” said Rick Patch, LifePics CEO. “The number of consumers using our service has absolutely exploded. This award further demonstrates that customers appreciate the ability to print via the Internet to their favorite retail photofinisher.”

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held in Las Vegas, US, starts on January 6th. DIWA member website LetsGoDigital will be there to cover all the new photography announcements from the show floor - they even have a website dedicated to the show.

Website: LetsGoDigital - CES 2005

Canon have published the latest issue of their monthly CPS (Canon Professional Services) Newsletter, which has some interesting articles about wildlife photography, the new Speedlite 580ex flashgun, and a great portfolio by Manuel Presti.

Website: Canon CPS Issue#10

Thom Hogan has published his photography predictions for 2005. For 2004, 16.5 out of 31 of Thom’s stabs in the dark actually came true, so head over there now to find out what the future holds…

“The D100 gets dumped and replaced, and four new DSLRs get announced, three released in 2005. That makes the lineup D50 (new announcement), D70, D80 (new announcement and ship), D2h, D2h 2nd Edition, D2x, and the full-frame-but-not-available-in-2005 D3. So you want to know what the details for the new models are? Well, I’ve already described them all, actually. See here. D80 and D2h 2nd Edition would be early 2005, D50 and D3 late 2005. [5 predictions total: 1 drop, 4 new]”

Website: Thom Hogan’s 2005 Predictions

SAA and PicScout Identify Uses and Misuses of Rights Managed Photographs On the Internet.

December 17, 2004.  The StockArtistsAlliance (SAA) and PicScout have launched a joint trial using the high technology PicScout Image Tracker Service to investigate Internet use of photographs.

“We are very pleased with the opportunity to work with PicScout. In the first few days of using the Image Tracker Service we have already received our first matches” said Betsy Reid, SAA Executive Director. As part of the trial, SAA members provided PicScout with their own copyrighted Rights Managed images that were not licensed for Internet use and are distributed by leading stock photography providers such as Getty (GYI) Images and Corbis.

Reuters Press Release

London – Reuters.co.uk has launched a brand new photo section featuring the award winning work of Reuters international team of photographers. The service, www.reuters.co.uk/picturestories, includes many exclusive and up to the minute pictures from the world’s largest multi-media news agency.

Visitors to the site can choose from of a range of galleries offering the latest pictures of world news stories, major sporting events and images from the world of entertainment taken by Reuters global network of 600 photographers.

The site offers users a visual way to catch up on key news events with a series of pictures on each of the day’s main stories. An “Editor’s Choice” section also offers the very best of Reuters pictures from the last 24 hours, specially selected by Reuters editors from the 1,000 pictures taken by Reuters every day around the world.

Wind-Up Labs Press Release 13/12/04

HeyPix! Revolutionizes Digital Photography, Links Online Sharing and Desktop Management to Build Interactive Photo Sharing Community

Wind-Up Labs’ HeyPix! first digital photo service to combine desktop organization, Internet sharing, online social networking and blog photo integration

Arlington, MA – December 13, 2004 – Wind-Up Labs today announced the launch of HeyPix!, a revolutionary online photo sharing service and desktop application that combines the best attributes of desktop photo organization with advanced online photo sharing and blogging capabilities.

Digital photography is ubiquitous, but the sharing of digital photos has been limited to sending out slow, cumbersome email attachments or sharing via print-focused Web-based services. HeyPix! represents the next generation in digital photo sharing. By tightly integrating a powerful desktop photo organizer with an online photo sharing service, HeyPix! makes it easy for users to organize their photos on the desktop and create dazzling photo albums on the web. Sharing is a simple one click operation and users manage both the photos on their computer and their online photo albums using a rich desktop interface.

Fujifilm Press Release 06/12/04

Imaging sections combined: Photography, Medical Imaging, Print and Media Industry

From December, Fujifilm’s homepage will appear in a new design using the most up-to-date technology. In addition to detailed information covering all product areas served by Fuji Photo Film (Europe) GmbH - Photo, Medical Imaging, Print and Media Industry - you will find services, a link to the Call Center, contacts and reference sources. The rubrics Knowledge, Know-How and Fun with Photos round off the pages on offer.

The latest Sunday Morning Photographer column from Mike Johnston discusses which is the bast lens for a Leica. That should spark off a bit of heated debate!

“In the last issue of the newsletter, unfortunately, what with all my gushing about the new 50mm and all the other lens-related stuff, I left out the promised “best lens for a Leica” recommendation. Readers, of course - well, okay, a few of you - let me have it. Herewith, for your holiday lens purchase enablement, are my thoughts.

The best basic lens for a Leica, in my humble opinion, is a 35mm f/2 Summicron (or an equivalent Voigtlander or Konica lens). As for which version, take your pick ? they’re all good enough, although the later the better. If finances are a factor, try looking for a 35mm f/2.8 Summaron, or the very nice little Voigtlander 35mm f/2.5. Summarons sell for $400 to $600 or so, and the C/V lens, which is actually quite a sweet little lens, can be had for less than $300.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - The Best Lens for a Leica

MSN Press Release 01/12/04

MSN Introduces New Communication Service That Enables Blogging, Picture Sharing and More

MSN Spaces Debuts Alongside Improvements to MSN Messenger and MSN Hotmail To Help Customers Connect in a Seamless and Meaningful Way

REDMOND, Wash. - Dec. 1, 2004 - The MSN network of Internet services today introduced updates to its free communication services to make e-mail, instant messaging and online sharing easier and more personal for consumers. The updates include a beta version of MSN Spaces, a new Web logging (blogging) service that enables consumers to create their own personal place on the Web, as well as a beta version of MSN Messenger 7.0, updates to MSN Hotmail, and deeper integration between the services to enable more compelling communications experiences for consumers.

“Communicating with others is the No. 1 thing people do online. As widely used as our individual services are today, we know we can do more to help our customers communicate across the different modes they use, like blogs, instant messaging and e-mail,” said Blake Irving, corporate vice president for the MSN Communication Services and Member Platform Group. “The investments MSN is making in MSN Spaces, MSN Messenger and MSN Hotmail are designed to break down some of the barriers between the services so people can focus less on the technology and more on the people they care about.”

NikonNet Press Release 01/12/04

NikonNet and ‘Legends Behind the Lens’ Honor the Work of Internationally Renowned Photographer Sandro

MELVILLE, N.Y., Dec. 1 /PRNewswire/—It is one thing to capture an image, but a photographer who has the ability to capture the soul of his subject is one worthy of honor.  For over 25 years, world-renowned photographer Sandro, has been doing just that.  Considered to be one of the most successful commercial photographers working today, Sandro’s images have
an ability to capture the personality of the subject through techniques that range from the subtle to the provocative.

This December, NikonNet’s inspiring monthly, “Legends Behind the Lens,” honors the work of award-winning photographer Sandro (His last name is Miller, but he is known professionally by his first name only).  Sandro’s work has appeared in The New Yorker, Time, Newsweek, Forbes, Details, Wired, and ESPN the Magazine, among many others. He has photographed some of the most recognizable images in national advertising campaigns for Allstate Insurance,
American Express, Anheuser-Busch, BMW, Miller Brewing Company, Gatorade, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Nikon, Microsoft, Nike, Adidas, Champion, and the U.S. Army.

FotoInside Press Release 01/12/04

Cambridge, 1 December 2004. The web’s fastest growing photo processing service has a new face: www.FotoInside.co.uk launched its new, much enhanced website. It now features easy upload straight through drag & drop (JPEG, TIFF, PNG) from file trees and as a UK first the option to upload complete ZIP and RAR folders. FotoInside also offers the convenient and secure upload through its photo editing software “HomePhotoService OrderPro”.

The best photo gift range
FotoInside promises increased quality, higher perceived resolution, brighter colours and overall better looking pictures on real photographic premium paper plus the most extensive range of photographic gift items. All this can be ordered online, from the comfort of your home and delivered in the UK, Ireland and most European countries.

ShootSmarter.com has updated for November with some great new articles:

- CONQUER FLASH WITH THE TWEEDIE TECHNIQUE
- USING HARD LIGHT FOR DIGITAL
- COMPUTER MONITORS: OUR RECOMMENDED LIST
- DIGITAL “MAT CUT” COMPOSITES

Website: ShootSmarter.com

DesignerPrint.co.uk Press Release 26/11/04

November 26, 2004—DesignerPrint.co.uk, a newly established Southampton based company that offers customers the opportunity to turn their favourite images into a work of art by having them printed onto canvas, block mounted or a poster print.

Using the latest digital printing technology DesignerPrint.co.uk offers a large format printing service, creating prints that will last many years.

Canvas Prints are the best way to display your favourite photos, memories or artwork. DesignerPrint.co.uk prints your image directly onto 340gsm matte artist’s grade canvas which is then laminated to protect your picture from dust and stains. This process, combined with the Epson pigment based inks we use, means that your prints are guaranteed to remain crisp and vibrant.

Snapfish UK Press Release 22/11/04

Snapfish UK Launches Premier Online Digital Photo Service and Offers Industry’s Best Value

—With Deep Local Market Experience, Leading U.S. Online Photo Service Opens UK Operations and Launches www.snapfish.co.uk—

London,- November 22, 2004 - Snapfish, the leading online photo service in the U.S., today announced the opening of UK based operations and the launch of Snapfish UK (www.snapfish.co.uk). Offering United Kingdom customers the same unsurpassed digital photo services that over 10 million Americans already enjoy, Snapfish UK opens with the market’s best value, 4"x6” prints just 15p everyday and as low as 12p with a pre-paid plan.

Snapfish already powers the online photo service for Truprint, the leading mail-order film brand in the UK. According to data from independent monitoring group Hitwise, Truprint quickly became a top-3 online service within just weeks of its launch. With a wealth of experience in the UK and understanding of the marketplace, Snapfish now offers local users the quality, pricing and breadth of services that has become the gold standard in the industry.

“We are excited to begin providing British consumers the highest quality, lowest cost online photo services. Snapfish UK is a decidedly UK based operation that is dedicated to fulfilling the needs of local consumers, not simply syndicating an American idea,” said Helen Vaid, Managing Director, Snapfish UK. “According to CAP Ventures, in Western Europe there were only
8 million digital cameras in 2002. In 2005 that number is expected to balloon to over 22 million. We are looking forward to playing a big roll in helping that growing group share their precious memories.”

Fujifilm UK Press Release 23/11/04

Fujifilm’s online guide dispels confusion surrounding digital camera technology

For those new to the world of digital photography, understanding megapixels, image quality and the difference between optical and digital zooms can be a daunting prospect. Fujifilm has developed a useful online guide containing helpful tips for those new to the technology, with the aim of helping to dispel some of the myths that currently surround digital cameras.

Available to view online at http://www.fujifilm.co.uk/digital/cameras/ten_things.php, the handy guide is packed full of information and advice about digital photography, and what customers need to know when buying a camera.

Have you ever wanted to ask a photography manufacturer a specific question, or suggest something to them? Now’s your chance, as the UK website Photo-i has launched a new feature called Eye to Eye:

“In keeping with the “interactive review” theme, I am launching a regular new feature to photo-i ? i2i. Eye to Eye will give you a chance to air your views, make suggestions and ask questions to the various manufacturers. I will be visiting companies and putting the questions to them directly, hopefully this will avoid your own phone call after phone call with the usual “press button 1 for sales, button 2 for technical support” etc. So as not to put anyone on the spot and also ensure you get the right answer, the list of questions will be emailed prior to any arranged visit.”

The first visit is to Canon on 25th November, so head over to Photo-i now to submit your questions.

Website: Photo-i - Eye to Eye

InsideOut Travel Magazine Press Release 21/11/04

Hit us with Your Best Shots!

It’s time for InsideOut Travel Magazine’s second travel photo contest! Photo editor Alex Robinson has chosen the theme “Faces of the World.” You don’t need to be a professional photographer to participate but you do need to read our submission guidelines:

- JPG format only.
- Maximum size should be 1,000 pixels on the longest side.
- One photo per e-mail, but send as many e-mails as you’d like.
- Include when and where you took the picture.
- Be sure to include your full name, mailing address and phone number.
- Please don’t superimpose text on the photo with copyright information, etc. You retain all your rights, but we’ll include the photographer’s name in a standardized way on all of the photos.
- Send photos to [email protected] by Jan. 15, 2005.

We’ll show the pictures at one of our Travelers Happy Hours in early spring and have some cool prizes for the best photographers. Good luck!

http://www.insideoutmag.com/index.htm

Kodak publishes a monthly online magazine aimed to professional photographers. Issue 10 of ProPass magazine includes articles on the new KODAK PROFESSIONAL 1400 Digital Photo Printer, Kodak’s new Pro Lab Locator and an interesting look at the topic of Image Stability:(found via Rob Galbraith).

“You’ll often see stability reported as, ‘Resistance to light fade’ or ‘Light fastness, good for 75 years,’” says LaBarca. “It may also say, ‘...75 years, when stored behind glass’ or ‘when stored in protective sleeves.’ All those statements are clues that they’ve only tested for light fade. ‘Behind glass’ presumably protects the print from ozone, other atmospheric pollutants, and humidity. So, most of the claims that you see today are claims for light fastness only.”

Website: Kodak ProPass Magazine - Issue #10