Dublin-based student Conor Clinch has been named a winner of Samsung’s ‘Launching People’ project, a search for undiscovered British and Irish talent with a passion for food, film, music and photography. The 18 year-old was revealed as Rankin’s chosen protégé in the ‘Photography’ category this weekend in a new television series, The Ones To Watch, airing on Sky 1 at 7pm every Sunday until 8th June. Conor’s project was a photography exhibition based around the idea of ‘lad’ culture in Dublin, which aimed to portray the subjects’ pride in their fashion and how they presented themselves outwardly though their clothes. After learning he had won the ‘Photography’ category, Conor spent two weeks working with Rankin one-on-one on a unique project. Conor’s Launching People submission can be found at the website below.

The Group of the Party of European Socialists (PES Group) in the Committee of the Regions (CoR) has launched a photo competition. Jobs for Europe – Europe for Jobs invites amateur photographers to capture in a photo the diversity of job realities and job aspirations in Europe. The competition runs until 30 June 2014 and is open to European residents aged 18 and older. The first prize is photographic equipment worth €2000 plus a three-day trip to Brussels  The winners will be announced in October 2014.

TeoreX has released an update to PhotoScissors, a smart software tool capable of removing unwanted backgrounds from photos. Targeting users who don’t want to learn the secrets of retouching, PhotoScissors is really easy to use: the user marks foreground and background zones in the image and immediately sees the results, which can then be fine-tuned with a few mouse gestures. Version 1.1 smoothly feathers the edges of the cutout for a professional look. Conveniently, the feathering radius can be now changed depending on the user´s needs. Additionally, the latest version adds support for HiDPI and Retina displays, a convenient option to pan the image while holding the SPACE button and few more GUI improvements. The price for a single license of PhotoScissors is $19.99.

Calumet UK have launched a new website. Located at www.calphoto.co.uk, the new site offers the same features as previously with the facility to purchase a wide range of photographic products, award-winning customer service, next-day delivery service and much more. To celebrate the launch, Calumet is offering 30% off Calumet branded products and free standard delivery using the code CALPHOTO. This offer is valid through 1st June.

Corel's new AfterShot Pro 2 software is billed as the industry’s fastest raw converter and photo management application. Available for Linux, MacOS and Windows, Corel AfterShot Pro 2 features 64-bit processing, 26 new camera profiles, workspace enhancements, a complete range of HDR imaging tools (currently Windows only), easier batch processing, manual redeye removal, local contrast enhancements, Athentec noise removal algorithms and better performance with TIFF files. AfterShot Pro 2 is available now in English, German, French, Dutch, Italian and Japanese. Suggested retail pricing is $79.99 / €69.99/ £57.99.

DxO Labs have released DxO Optics Pro 9.5 for Mac and Windows. This version offers a new image transfer feature that lets users process their raw  photos from Adobe Lightroom. The upgrade also adds support for 4 new cameras including the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark II, the Nikon 1 V3, the Panasonic Lumix GH-4, and the Sony A6000; and adds 165 new camera-lens combinations to the ever-growing library of DxO Optics Modules.

Panasonic has released a firmware update for its GX7 compact system camera. According to the company, version 1.3 incorporates the following improvements/fixes:

"Connection problem with Apple iOS devices via Wi-Fi is fixed."
"Improved stability of startup process in the use of UHS-I compliant SD memory card."

Joint update service for FourThirds

Olympus has posted a firmware update for its OM-D E-M10 compact system camera. According to the company, version 1.1 incorporates the following improvements and fixes:

• Image stabilisation compensation while shooting videos has been stabilised.
• A 0-second setting has been added to Anti-Shock mode.

You can update your camera's firmware via the free Digital Camera Updater utility.

Olympus has issued a firmware update for the OM-D E-M1 compact system camera. Version 1.4 incorporates the following improvements:

• AF response when using FourThirds lenses has been improved.
• Stabilisation of shooting in C-AF has been improved.
• Shooting images when using the remote control function of the smart phone application "OLYMPUS Image Share" now supports Art Filters, custom self timer, zoom operation when using the electric zoom, Digital Tele-converter, and Release mode.

You can update your camera's firmware via the free Digital Camera Updater utility.

Butterfleye today unveiled a smart camera with Active Eye Intelligence that lets you see and hear what’s happening in your home when you are away. " When you are nearby, butterfleye becomes your personal photographer, capturing candid moments that might otherwise be missed," the company says. The smart, social and connected Fukk HD camera features Active Eye Intelligence that automatically captures pictures and videos throughout the day and uploads them to the Cloud, where they can then be accessed via an iPhone and shared on social networks including Facebook, Instagram and Vine. butterfleye now available to pre-order, for $199.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is a 12" tablet featuring 4th-generation Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 processor options, click-in keyboards, and a multiposition kickstand. The display boasts a resolution of 2160x1440 pixels and an aspect ratio of 3:2. Connectivity options and ports include Wi-Fi 802.11ac/802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 3.0, Mini Display Port and a microSD memory card slot. The Windows 8.1 powered Microsoft Surface 3 Pro is capable of running desktop software suites and features two 5-megapixel camera modules. Pricing starts at £639/$799.

Booq has unveiled the latest addition to their Boa collection, Boa flow graphite. The bag's weatherproof ballistic nylon exterior is equipped with water-repellent coating to endure even the most hazardous weather conditions. To keep you fully covered, a rain cover with reflective elements makes you visible in low light conditions. A malleable interior compartment allows you to enhance or collapse the main and bottom compartment, making room for a DSLR, large headphones and other necessities. A back laptop compartment has been densely padded to fit up to a 17” MacBook or PC, meanwhile a plethora of exterior pockets keep all other fundamentals safely tucked away and easily accessible. Boa flow is available now for $225.

Manfrotto has launched a new Pro Light Collection; the lightest bag collection available in the Manfrotto range. The new bags feature Manfrotto’s CPS (Camera Protection System) which has been specifically engineered to provide maximum protection at the core of the bag by using 3D shock absorbing foam to give the highest level of safety and resistance. The collection also features Advanced Harness System and gecko EVA foam harness straps which allow the Pro Light bags to be extremely comfortable to wear. Furthermore, the anatomic shape is designed to perfectly fit the body of the camera, while the removable waist strap ensures stability. The Manfrotto Pro Light range includes a total of 33 items.

The fourth annual IdeasTap and Magnum Photographic Award is now open to all photographers aged 16+ worldwide. Aimed at identifying, showcasing and celebrating documentary photographers, the competition offers prizes including £5,000 cash, £1,500 project funding, mentoring from Magnum photographers and the chance to work at Magnum’s offices. The winners of the 2013 award will be announced on Thursday 22 May 2014. The deadline for entries is 17 July 2014.

Apple has released a Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update for iPhoto '11 and Aperture 3. Version 5.05 adds support for raw image files generated by the Nikon D4S, the Canon EOS 1200D and PowerShot G1 X Mark II (pictured), and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. You can download the update from the website below.

Website: Apple Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 5.05

SWPP & WPPI have entered into a partnership to offer members joint membership of both photographic organisations. SWPP members are now able to access previously exclusive WPPI competitions, be enrolled as a WPPI member and gain discounted rates to WPPI’s annual Las Vegas Convention. Phil Jones, CEO of The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers said, “This is a terrific opportunity for our members to share in the benefits of another world leading organisation and have the opportunity to attend a Las Vegas Convention’.