Learning to See Creatively :: Book (photography)

Almost everyone can “see” in the conventional sense, but developing photographic vision takes practice. Learning to See Creatively helps photographers visualize their work, and the world, in a whole new light.

Now totally rewritten, revised, and expanded, this best-selling guide takes a radical approach to creativity. It explains how it is not some gift only for the “chosen few” but actually a skill that can be learned and applied. Using inventive photos from his own stunning portfolio, author and veteran photographer Bryan Peterson deconstructs creativity for photographers. He details the basic techniques that went into not only taking a particular photo, but also provides insights on how to improve upon it—helping readers avoid the visual pitfalls and technical dead ends that can lead to dull, uninventive photographs.

This revised edition features the latest information on digital photography and digital imaging software, as well as an all-new section on color as a design element. Learning to See Creatively is the definitive reference for any photographers looking for a fresh perspective on their work.

BUY -Learning to See Creatively: Design, Color & Composition in Photography (Updated Edition)

34 Handpicked Firefox Add-Ons/Extensions. Who Needs Chrome Now…(Part 2)

Ever since Firefox rolled out its 4.0 version, the number of visitors to our blog using this browser has increased considerably. So to make things better for you we published a post featuring 34 Handpicked Firefox Add-ons where we covered extensions for: Browsing, Emails & Reminders, Internet Marketing and Entertainment.

In the sequel of that article, add-ons for following categories are featured:

• Social Media
• Web Development
• Reading

[read]

The Ultimate Guide To Managing Batteries On Location

If you’re using strobes, pocket wizards, remotes, or RC cars, you are probably using AA batteries. Those are small little wonders of energy.

Here is the big question, how do you manage them on location? How do you keep the loaded batteries ready for grab?

How do you make sure the empty ones get enough charge?

How do you sleep at night knowing that a battery may stop working at any given time? [read]

Color Correction with the Curves Eyedropper in Photoshop

The Curves Eyedropper technique provides a fast way to simultaneously correct color and fix exposure problems in your photo all at once. That’s a lot of benefit for just a few clicks.

Here’s how it works.

1. Open a photo that you think needs correcting. Our example photo suffers from a blue-green color cast, and it is also a bit “washed out” i.e., lacking contrast.

2. Create a Curves Adjustment Layer by clicking on the Adjustment Layer icon in the Layers Palette, and then choosing Curves from the drop-down menu. [read]

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In need of photography and/or post-production help? :: 3 Penguins Design

VIDEO: Jeff Beck talks through his guitar collection

MUSICRADER.com :: It’s always nice to unearth a YouTube gem. Apropos of nothing in particular, here’s a wonderful clip that’s been doing the rounds on the guitar blogs lately that sees Jeff Beck talk candidly about some of the pieces in his guitar collection. He also can’t resist giving a few of them a quick workout. [watch video]

 

Eight Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Started A Business

When I started my first business, I didn’t know another self-employed person. There was no Internet and not many books that were written for someone wanting to create a one-person operation. It was all trial and error…lots of error. Today there are abundant resources, but some of the most important things I learned, still aren’t being acknowledged. Here are eight things I wish I had known sooner. [read]

Simple, Direct Flash for Effect [photography]

There’s no doubt that light modifiers are extremely useful for controlling the look and behavior of flash. Manufacturers are constantly coming up with new ways to snoot, spot, diffuse, bounce, color, and ring-light a basic flash unit. It’s gotten to the point where you rarely see anyone use a speedlite (or speedlight) these days without some extra attachment. But it doesn’t mean your flash is useless without a mini-softbox or piece of plastic on the end of it. Many people choose to use their flash units with no modifier, aimed straight at the subject. [read]

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Looking for a photographer? Joe Randeen :: 3 Penguins Photography (IE, OC, LA)

Mixing Light with Finn O’Hara

Good afternoon Strobistors. My name is Finn O’Hara, and I’ll be your guest blogging pilot for the day.

I’m thrilled that David asked me to guest blog this week while he’s off on his road trip of a lifetime. I greatly admire this site and it’s community based approach to photography.

I’m most likely new to a lot of you, so I’ll give you a little background on myself, and how I fit into the photography world. I first came to photography at a young age, as my father worked at Kodak after we emigrated to Canada from England. I dabbled in photography growing up, but it wasn’t until 8 years ago that I started to take it more seriously.

I’m self taught, so my camera and lighting techniques are all cobbled from a few years of assisting, as well as a lot of trial and error. I specialize in location based portraiture, and some of my clients include Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Esquire, Time, Nike, Coca-Cola, and the Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Club. [read]

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Looking for a photographer? Joe Randeen :: 3 Penguins Photography (IE, OC and LA) PETS :: PEOPLE :: PLACES

22 Creative Landing Page Designs – A Showcase, Critique, and Optimization Discussion

After my last landing pages examples post (Your Landing Page Sucks – Here are 10 That Don’t), people asked for some examples from smaller companies. At Unbounce there is a giant pile of cool small-to-medium sized businesses that are creating landing pages every day, so I trawled through the community and asked some people to share their work. [read]

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Need help with design, social media and/or marketing? – 3 Penguins Design

Your Emails are Too Long

One of the worst problems I’ve seen when people send me emails is amazingly common: they’re way too long.

I’m a fairly busy guy, but who isn’t busy? I try to be responsive but when I get an incredibly long email there is no way I’ll answer quickly. If an email is short, I’ll shoot out a reply as soon as I read it.

So why send long emails?

Here’s a rule: a long email is never necessary. Never.

Why am I writing this? Is it a rant against people who’ve emailed me? No, it’s a general problem that I’ve seen with email, and I hope this will help people write more effectively. [read]