Calm Photos

Seths Blog: Wow

Is it just me, or does it seem like Apple does a better job of not only connecting with their customers but also putting on a more exciting show when they introduce new products ?

I currently use Windows XP Professional on two networked (and somewhat dated) PC’s - an old Gateway from home and a Dell that I purchased for my business back in 2003. I use this system primarily for storage, back-up and as a server for my Epson 7600.

About six months I ago I purchased a MacBook Pro.

I now do about 95% of my image processing and editing work on the Mac, not only with the beta version of Photoshop CS3, but more and more with Apple Aperture. In fact I’m now finding that Aperture is the superior product when it comes to initial image editing and processing. As is often the case with their hardware, Apple delivers software that is more intuitive when it comes to the intended user. In the case of Aperture it’s professional photographers.

Not to mention the fact that is far, far easier and more reliable to obtain and maintain accurate color profiles on a Mac. This was something that was always a struggle when working within a Windows environment using Samsung LCD monitors and Epson printers - a struggle of trial and error until I thought I had the right mix of a properly calibrated monitor, paper and printer profiles.

But that process is now a thing of the past, especially in how I will soon market and sell fine art prints of my photographs in a much less expensive and time consuming process. More on that subject in my next eNewsletter (which I also manage from my Mac).

My point being: I use both systems, so I think I’m in a somewhat fair position to compare and critique, especially from the viewpoint of a professional photographer.

It’s Mac for me.

Jeff Han on TED Talks

Remember those scenes of Tom Cruise in “Minority Report,” working to predict a soon-to-be committed crime by way of touch-based screen and an intuitive computer interface ?

Well, that technology is here and represents the future of how we will be using and interacting with technology that is designed in how we move, think and create. Jeff Tan makes the excellent observation that we are finally turning the corner on developing an interface that is designed toward our physical characteristics and needs rather than continuing to have systems that force users to adapt to the hardware, i.e. mouse, wired desktop systems, etc. And thanks to the soon-to-be released Apple iPhone, the new touch-based, interface technology (which to a degree has already been around for a while) is about to be introduced, accepted and adapted by the masses.

It is going to be fascinating to see the next two or three versions of Photoshop and Aperture which will most likely be designed around this next generation of computer-user interface. So long LCD screens. You’re about to join the CRT in the graveyard of technology past.

It is almost February and we just now had our first measurable snowfall here in Dayton, Ohio. During my frequent breaks in my effort at clearing the driveway, I’d stop to capture some of the scenes and faces of winter, just outside our front door.

NowPublic

Tags: Wildlife | photographs | nature | landscapes | sale | photography | Ohio | Life | LICENSING | image | Crotty

This is something that I should have included within my most recent e-news email blast, however, I had so much on my mind from attending Imaging USA in Texas that I completely forgot.

This coming Monday - January 22nd - I will be appearing on the local morning television news program of ABC 22 and Fox 45, Dayton. I’m scheduled to appear at around 7:40 AM. I will be presenting a print of my award-winning wildlife photograph that was recently published in National Wildlife and Nature’s Best magazines as well as being part of the current Nature’s Best show at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington, D.C.

I will also be showing some other large display prints from my work in nature, landscape and wildlife photography and sharing a few tips on nature photography in general. Hopefully I will also be able get a plug in for my commercial and studio photography services. In a market like Dayton, being labeled as just a nature photographer has created far more challenges than opportunities. I just need to think of a way to communicate the fact that Picture Ohio is indeed a full-service photography studio.

Well actually I’m reporting from a Best Western in Corpus Christi. My return flight from San Antonio to Cincinnati was canceled due to the ice storm, so the next earliest flight was from a location somewhat south of the freeze line.

Imaging USA is perhaps the largest conference and convention of professional photographers in North America, representing the membership of Professional Photographers of America, Society of Sport and Event Photographers and Commercial Photographers International. Some of the best photographers in the business are featured as guest speakers and instructors, including John Harrington, John Paul Caponigro and Gregory Heisler.

Needless to say I will be implementing many of the new ideas and techniques learned at the conference within the business operations of Picture Ohio, LLC as well as some new product and service offerings, including an improved online order fulfillment process for sale of prints of my original images, wrapped canvas prints, audio-visual slide show presentations of client images on CD and DVD and portrait package offerings for models, children, seniors and families. Improvements in my pricing structure and policies regarding image licensing will also be put into place.

Now all I have to do is get back to Ohio !

3V149 Irish Brigade Monument at Gettysburg in Autumn by Jim CrottyFW.jpg

Originally uploaded by jimcrotty.com.

I know, I know. This image doesn’t have anything to do with Imaging USA and Professional Photographers of America Pre-Conference Program in San Antonio, which is where I’m blogging from, but it does have to do with one of many, many valuable tips, techniques and lessons that I’ve learned since arriving last Wednesday.

The digital technique applied to this photograph from my series on Autumn in Gettysburg was something I just picked-up a few hours ago. It’s actually an effective technique for softening and enhancing portraits. I decided to give it a try with one of my favorite photographic subjects at Gettysburg. I was pretty pleased with the results. I think it brings out what I wanted to visually communicate when I first captured the image, this past October.

Also, here’s some pics captured during lunch breaks and on my walk after class, from the conference center to my hotel. I pass right by the Alamo.