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Following my recent brush with the law at Liverpool Street Station, Mike Johnston looks this week at the subject of where we are allowed to take photographs, and what we can do with them once we have taken them. “in Britain, where photographers are still considered harmless and are pretty much left alone (I know I’m going to hear it from you photographers in Britain, but I still think it’s better there than it is here)”. I guess I should write to Mike?!
“Where exactly are you allowed, and not allowed, to photograph?
I get this question all the time. Unfortunately, I’m not an expert on the subject, and I’m sure to make some errors in discussing it, whether of commission or omission. Also, all of what I have to say only applies to the U.S. of A., where I happen to live. The basic rule is that you’re allowed to photograph most anything if you’re on public property and you’re not going to do much of anything with the picture. There are exceptions to this.”
Following my recent brush with the law at Liverpool Street Station, Mike Johnston looks this week at the subject of where we are allowed to take photographs, and what we can do with them once we have taken them. “in Britain, where photographers are still considered harmless and are pretty…
This will be of interest to all new or prospective Canon 10D owners looking for a wide-angle lens. Michael Reichmann has reviewed the new Canon 17-40mm f/4L lens, which at $800 may be the default wide-angle solution for the richer 10D owner. That counts me out, especially as I’m happy enough with my Canon 20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens.
“Are these two lens samples representative? I can’t say for sure. I’ve been using my 16-35mm f/2.8L for many months and have been happy with the images it produces. Is it as sharp as primes in this focal length range? No, of course not. But it is very versatile, and I don’t hesitate to use it in demanding situations. The new 17-40mm f/4L is a welcome surprise though. At nearly half the price of the faster and slightly wider 16-35mm f/2.8L it provides excellent image quality, surpassing that of the more expensive lens in several areas.”
Website: Luminous Landscape - Canon 17-40mm f/4L Lens Review
This will be of interest to all new or prospective Canon 10D owners looking for a wide-angle lens. Michael Reichmann has reviewed the new Canon 17-40mm f/4L lens, which at $800 may be the default wide-angle solution for the richer 10D owner. That counts me out, especially as I’m happy…
Canon have surprised everyone, except for DPReview, by announcing a new compact digital camera and 2 new dye-sub printers. The Canon PowerShot SD100/Digital IXUS II (US/Europe + Asia names) is a very compact 3 megapixel camera which uses SD storage cards.
Here’s a brief excerpt from the Canon press-release:
“To make this its smallest digital camera ever, Canon has miniaturised nearly every element of the camera. These include the ‘one dime lens’, first time use of the tiny SD memory card, smallest flash ever to appear in a Canon digital camera, reduced battery size and the unique DIGIC processor. Despite its tiny size, the Digital IXUS II’s 3.2 megapixels will ensure its popularity amongst users looking to achieve high quality prints up to A4 size.”
Website: DPReview - Canon PowerShot SD100/Digital IXUS II Review
As well as the SD100/Digital IXUS II, Canon have also announced two new dye-sub printers, the CP-200 and CP-300, which produce 6x4 inch prints at 300dpi.
Canon have surprised everyone, except for DPReview, by announcing a new compact digital camera and 2 new dye-sub printers. The Canon PowerShot SD100/Digital IXUS II (US/Europe + Asia names) is a very compact 3 megapixel camera which uses SD storage cards. Here’s a brief excerpt from the Canon press-release: “To…
DPReview have been burning the midnight oil to produce their usual detailed reviews of 3 different 3-megapixel cameras. As well as the Canon PowerShot SD100, they have also reviewed the Pentax Optio S and the Casio EXILIM EX-Z3. Which one of these cameras comes out on top? Find out here:
DPReview have been burning the midnight oil to produce their usual detailed reviews of 3 different 3-megapixel cameras. As well as the Canon PowerShot SD100, they have also reviewed the Pentax Optio S and the Casio EXILIM EX-Z3. Which one of these cameras comes out on top? Find out here…
...or some photography training? David Prakel has let me know about his new photography training and holiday business, the Centre of Britain PhotoWorkshops Partnership, which is based near the border of England and Scotland. They run a wide range of training courses that cover digital, traditional and general photography.
...or some photography training? David Prakel has let me know about his new photography training and holiday business, the Centre of Britain PhotoWorkshops Partnership, which is based near the border of England and Scotland. They run a wide range of training courses that cover digital, traditional and general photography. Website…
I’ve finally found enough time in the day to completely re-design my other personal site -:- http://www.markgoldstein.co.uk. You can view a selection of my photographs. You can leave your comments on them or sign the guestbook. You can buy a photograph as a print or for use in graphic/web design.
I’ll be gradually adding more photographs from my archives during the next month or so. If you find any bugs or have any questions, then don’t hesitate to email me (shameless plug now over…).
Website: markgoldstein.co.uk
I’ve finally found enough time in the day to completely re-design my other personal site -:- http://www.markgoldstein.co.uk. You can view a selection of my photographs. You can leave your comments on them or sign the guestbook. You can buy a photograph as a print or for use in graphic/web design…
As usual ePhotoZine have published a number of new digital photography articles and techniques. This month includes “Photoshop Masterclass 1”, in which the site’s editor improves a reader’s picture beyond all recognition, and “Tree time!”, which offers fresh angles on photographing trees.
Website: ePhotoZine - May Techniques
As usual ePhotoZine have published a number of new digital photography articles and techniques. This month includes “Photoshop Masterclass 1”, in which the site’s editor improves a reader’s picture beyond all recognition, and “Tree time!”, which offers fresh angles on photographing trees. Website: ePhotoZine - May Techniques
Completing the updates for the month of May, Phototexels’ “May Editorial” is a long, rambling but very enjoyable personal look at a number of digital photography issues, including the difference between a professional and amateur photographer (what category do you fall into?), and what the future may hold for 5-megapixel consumer digicams like the Canon Gx series.
Website: Phototexels - May Editorial
Completing the updates for the month of May, Phototexels’ “May Editorial” is a long, rambling but very enjoyable personal look at a number of digital photography issues, including the difference between a professional and amateur photographer (what category do you fall into?), and what the future may hold for 5-megapixel…
During Easter I “visited” a partly-derelict factory building that I had previously noted down as being a good photographic opportunity. I tend to make these mental notes all the time, and then forget about them a few hours/days later, but I couldn’t forget this location as I frequently drive past it. And it is a pretty imposing building. After taking the first 15 or so shots on manual focus without realising and without actually focusing, I think the remaining 40 images managed to capture some of the spirit of the place. Here are 6 of my favourites:
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Dereliction #1 | Dereliction #2 | Dereliction #3 |
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Dereliction #4 | Dereliction #5 | Dereliction #6 |
During Easter I “visited” a partly-derelict factory building that I had previously noted down as being a good photographic opportunity. I tend to make these mental notes all the time, and then forget about them a few hours/days later, but I couldn’t forget this location as I frequently drive past…
If you’ve reached the stage in your photography where you’re looking to sell your work, then Photoconnect.com may be the answer. Here’s the official press release:
A new way for photographers to sell images online
Photoconnect.net is a new affordable option for photographers wanting to sell online who want flexibility but do not wish to go as far as building their own website or hand over commission on sales. Compared to other options, photographers with confidence in the market for their images should find substantial time and cost efficiencies - there are illustrations on the site.
In designing its features, photoconnect.net surveyed the varied participants of the UK stock photography listing in Yahoo. As an example of its findings, the survey suggested that in web searches only one in fifteen sites stood any chance of having one of their images found directly in a search for a subject featured in the photography.
The features of photoconnect.net which emerged that differentiate it from online alternatives are:
- Individual images may be found directly and prominently by buyers from the major search engines or through two structured search options on the site
- It provides a collaborative non-exclusive environment which promotes participation and structured links to independent photographers and libraries
- Photographers may link images directly to their images at other websites - for example an agency such as Alamy or a fine art fulfillment outlet such as Caf? Press.
- A photographer’s work may be promoted by Photoconnect submitting mailings that feature highlights their work to buyers selected by the photographer
As an example of costs, a showcase of 100 images will cost ?80 (US$120), with a charge of ?24 pa (US$36) after the first year.
Website: Photoconnect
If you’ve reached the stage in your photography where you’re looking to sell your work, then Photoconnect.com may be the answer. Here’s the official press release: A new way for photographers to sell images online Photoconnect.net is a new affordable option for photographers wanting to sell online who want flexibility…
...who are unsure whether their shiny new camera is suffering from the now legendary front/back focus issue, Bob Atkins has posted a quick guide to checking the focus. I’l be testing my camera later today - fingers crossed that it’s OK…
“There are many reports of focus problems with the EOS 10D. There are also many examples where the reported focus errors turned out to be user errors rather than camera errors. For a lot of users the 10D seems to be their first serious camera, their first SLR and their first exposure to the Canon AF system, so operator error isn’t unexpected. However the possibility does exist, and there certainly does seem to be some evidence to support the hypothesis, that some EOS 10D bodies have a problem which manifests itself as focusing in front of the intended subject. It’s also possible that in some cases the 10D has no worse errors than those in film bodies (Canon, Nikon or other), but the ability to do “free” tests in digital reveal those errors! It’s also possible that after being told that there is the possibility of the 10D focusing in front of the desired focus point, some users will find just that, whether or not an objective test shows it to be the case!”
Website: Photo.net - Focus Testing
...who are unsure whether their shiny new camera is suffering from the now legendary front/back focus issue, Bob Atkins has posted a quick guide to checking the focus. I’l be testing my camera later today - fingers crossed that it’s OK… “There are many reports of focus problems with the…
The second RAW conversion contest over at Outback Photo has just finished. This time a Nikon D100 RAW file was used as the source, and once again the range of different looks and effects that have been achieved are quite eye-opening. I particularly like entry #3 by Magne Nilsen, but then I do like bold colours having used Kodak EBX 100 and Fuji Velvia film for so long…
The second RAW conversion contest over at Outback Photo has just finished. This time a Nikon D100 RAW file was used as the source, and once again the range of different looks and effects that have been achieved are quite eye-opening. I particularly like entry #3 by Magne Nilsen, but…
There are 2 new reviews of the Pentax Optio S, this time from DCResource and ePhotozine. Here’s what DCResource had to say:
“In terms of design, you can’t beat the Pentax Optio S. It’s a stunning work of engineering that gets attention wherever it goes. That’s nice and all, but what about photo quality? In general, it’s good, but it has one big flaw: blurry edges and corners. The Minolta DiMAGE X—which also has a unique lens design—had the same problem. Every picture didn’t have the blurry edges, but most of them did. Whether it’s a deal breaker is up to you. I see the Optio as more of a “second camera”, which you can take anywhere, rather than your primary camera. “
Website: DCResource - Pentax Optio S Review
Website: ePhotozine - Pentax Optio S Review
There are 2 new reviews of the Pentax Optio S, this time from DCResource and ePhotozine. Here’s what DCResource had to say: “In terms of design, you can’t beat the Pentax Optio S. It’s a stunning work of engineering that gets attention wherever it goes. That’s nice and all, but…
A new version of the popular alternative to Adobe Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro from Jasc Software, has just been released. Version 8 includes several features aimed squarely at photographers, including the Perspective Correction, Straighten, One Step Photo Fix and Scratch Remover tools. There’s a free trial version available to download so that you can try before you (maybe) buy, although at a whopping 54Mb this is perhaps only an option for broadband users!
Website: Paint Shop Pro 8
A new version of the popular alternative to Adobe Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro from Jasc Software, has just been released. Version 8 includes several features aimed squarely at photographers, including the Perspective Correction, Straighten, One Step Photo Fix and Scratch Remover tools. There’s a free trial version available to download…
iView Multimedia Ltd. have just released iView Media - “essential software for managing your digital photos, music and videos. It’s a cross-platform solution, suitable for all who need a way to manage their growing inventory of digital media.” Retailing for $29.95 and now available for both MAC and Windows, this new software product competes with the likes of Adobe Photoshop Album and IMatch. There’s a free, time-limited download (2.5Mb), so there’s no reason not to try out iView.
Website: iView Media
iView Multimedia Ltd. have just released iView Media - “essential software for managing your digital photos, music and videos. It’s a cross-platform solution, suitable for all who need a way to manage their growing inventory of digital media.” Retailing for $29.95 and now available for both MAC and Windows, this…
DPReview have posted their 3rd review so far this week, looking at the Canon Powershot S400 (called the Canon Digital IXUS 400 in Europe), a 4-megapixel camera that retails for ?500. Phil Askey seemed to like it, awarding it his “Highly Recommended” rating and saying:
“The PowerShot S400 is a stylish ultra-compact, it follows in the tradition of previous ultra-compact PowerShots in being functional, of very good build quality and producing excellent images. The new ‘Cerabrite’ material used for the S400’s case is a bit of a revelation, it looks far brighter and cleaner than the older stainless steel, doesn’t show finger prints and is harder to scratch. It will I’m sure look great on the shelves and in the shop windows.”
DPReview have posted their 3rd review so far this week, looking at the Canon Powershot S400 (called the Canon Digital IXUS 400 in Europe), a 4-megapixel camera that retails for ?500. Phil Askey seemed to like it, awarding it his “Highly Recommended” rating and saying: “The PowerShot S400 is a…
Here are a couple of websites that offer informative lessons in digital photography techniques, such as sharpening and creating custom borders. Definitely worth bookmarking and browsing during a coffee-break or two (found via digicamera.net and Photexels).
Website: Petteri’s Photo Lessons
“By popular request, here is the web version of Petteri’s Photography Classes. These lessons were first published on the Minolta Forum at Digital Photography Review. For the web work, I’ve edited the texts, cleaned up some of the graphics, and set up this framework into which to plug them. Enjoy!”
Website: Russell Brown - Tips and Techniques
“Welcome to the official, and experimental, Russell Brown Tips and Techniques page. This is your one stop shopping location for the latest in hot new tips right off the silicon wafers. In the effort to stay on the cutting edge of technology were offering QuickTime movies of some of my favorite tips. In some cases we will also offer a PDF document to accompany the movie. Beware, the movies are large and will take time to download when using a slow connection. These movies have been optimized to download as fast as possible and still look good in most cases.”
Here are a couple of websites that offer informative lessons in digital photography techniques, such as sharpening and creating custom borders. Definitely worth bookmarking and browsing during a coffee-break or two (found via digicamera.net and Photexels). Website: Petteri’s Photo Lessons“By popular request, here is the web version of Petteri’s Photography…
I think Steve’s Digicams is the first website to review one of Fuji’s new fourth-generation Super CCD HR (High Resolution) cameras, the FinePix F410 Zoom.
“As always the bottom line is image quality and price. The FinePix F410 delivers well saturated color images that are very true to the original colors. There’s a little confusion with the maximum image size because of the SuperCCD imager. The F410 uses a 3- megapixel imager but can deliver a 6-megapixel image in its highest resolution setting. These 6-megapixel size images are optimized for making larger prints. The problem with the images is that Fuji has used too high of a compression level.”
I think Steve’s Digicams is the first website to review one of Fuji’s new fourth-generation Super CCD HR (High Resolution) cameras, the FinePix F410 Zoom. “As always the bottom line is image quality and price. The FinePix F410 delivers well saturated color images that are very true to the original…
Phil Aksey over at DPReview has taken his usual in-depth look at two 5-megapixel compact digital cameras - the Olympus C-50 Zoom and the Pentax Optio 550.
“The Optio 550 sports a wide range of manual controls, flexible settings and a powerful Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery which puts it up at the prosumer end of the market, a street price of around US$600 means it’s a very attractive proposition for anyone considering a five megapixel prosumer compact digital camera.”
Website: DPReview - Olympus C-50 Zoom Review
Website: DPReview - Pentax Optio 550 Review
Phil Aksey over at DPReview has taken his usual in-depth look at two 5-megapixel compact digital cameras - the Olympus C-50 Zoom and the Pentax Optio 550. “The Optio 550 sports a wide range of manual controls, flexible settings and a powerful Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery which puts it up at…
Digital Outback Photo have been busy of late posting some very interesting articles. You can vote for the winner of the first RAW Conversion Contest, have a go at Contest #2 and catch up with Uwe’s experience with the Kodak 14n DSLR. There’s also an impressive monochrome entry to the RAW Conversion Contest #1, with details of how the overall effect was achieved.
Website: RAW Conversion Contest #1 - Monochrome Entry
Website: Outback Photo
Digital Outback Photo have been busy of late posting some very interesting articles. You can vote for the winner of the first RAW Conversion Contest, have a go at Contest #2 and catch up with Uwe’s experience with the Kodak 14n DSLR. There’s also an impressive monochrome entry to the…