Thursday News Stuff
I’ve got a few cool little news things today, but first my thanks to Rod Harlan for his Special Guest blog yesterday, which came at photography and Photoshop from a very different angle. From the comments I read, I think it got a lot of us thinking about new ways to show our work, new techniques to try, and new ideas to consider. I can’t wait to see sample of what you guys come up with using his techniques (don’t forget to send me links). Anyway, way to go, Rod!
Now, onto the news:
- My in-house Tech Editor Cindy Snyder asked me to donate a print for a charity auction she’s involved with, and so I went to MPIX.com to have a 20″x24″ print sent to her. I was just going to have it mounted on matboard, but when I was on their new site, I saw that they now offer custom framing, so I thought I’d try it out (I thought it might make the auction piece more attractive to potential buyers if it was framed).
Well, yesterday it arrived and I was just bowled over at how nicely it came out (that’s me holding it above—-photo by “New Daddy” RC). I showed it to Matt, Dave and some other folks and by last night I literally had friends and co-workers emailing me that they had just ordered their own framed prints from MPIX. In case you were wondering, I had then output the 20″x24″ print, had it mounted on matboard, framed with that large flat black frame (which I think look great with photography), including glass, for only $82.84, (plus they shipped it overnight Fed Ex next business day for only $10.75). Anyway, I thought I’d pass that on becuase I know a lot of you use MPIX but may not have tried out their new framing stuff.
- This week’s new online class at KelbyTraining.com is from photographer Rick Sammon, and it’s called, “Exploring Digital Photography” and it’s an online version of the presentation that Rick does across the country at seminars and workshops, and it’s packed with photography tips, techniques, and some very inspirational images. Here’s the link.
- I just found out some absolutely wonderful news yesterday—I got a call from the Church handling the donations for “Springs of Hope, Kenya,” and they wanted to let me know that readers from this blog had been sending in their own personal checks directly to them, as donations to help build the orphanage in Kenya. I was just so touched by your generosity, and so grateful to have such wonderful, caring readers. My personal thanks to you guys for making a real difference in stuff that really matters.
- My buddy Dave Cross has come up with a pretty interesting thing on his blog. It’s called “Finish the Sentence” and it’s a quick interview-style article with different people in our industry, and his first one is with Photoshop Hall of Famer, Eddie Tapp. Here’s the link.
- Canon announced their long-rumored Canon EOS 5D Mark II yesterday (which sounds like just an amazing camera), and Terry White over at Terry’s Tech Blog, has a really interesting angle on one of its new features—the ability to shoot high def video built right in. Anyway, you’ve got to give it a quick read (here’s the link). Also, if you’re a iPhone freak (like me), make sure you stop by Terry’s site on Fridays, as he posts his “iPhone Application of the Week” pick.
That’s it for today. See you guys tomorrow for the Friday festivities!
Thanks to you Scott, I spend the whole of last night experimenting what Rod offered yesterday and it’s amazing. I’d definitely pass you a link once i’m done with something cool.
By the way, If you’re thinking of a guest blogger for the weeks to come, I think Chase Jarvis can be a very good one. I really love his work.
Have a great day Scott
Scott,
I assume you set up the picture in photoshop to get the ”gallery” print look?
Also, I think it might be useful to in the future post about setting up your specs in photoshop or lightroom to send to Mpix. I recently exported some work out of lightroom as 8×10’s and still had they still cropped it a bit on their end.
I was curious about the Mpix framing, judging from RC’s snapshot they look pretty good. How is the quality of the actual frame? I’d assume from Mpix it’s a pretty solid frame and not a chintzy target quality one.
Great guest blog yesterday too,
-Nate B
nbenson.wordpress.com
Just got a framed print from mpix myself a couple of weeks ago, and I had the same reaction it was just WOW, and all my friends said the same thing, you cant beat 16×24 metallic 2″ matte and 2″ frame with glass for 92 bucks!!!
Just got into Mpix a couple of weeks ago based on your recommendation. Very impressed with the quality / price of their frames.
Have you had a chance to order any of their “Standouts” yet? I just ordered my first one last night. Curious about what to expect.
Thanks for the heads up about the framed picture!
Scott, I know that a lot of your readers are digital photography nuts, so I wanted to pass along a tidbit of info that people might not be aware of.
B&H Photo is getting ready to go to their holiday schedule and will be closed for a few days or a week or so.
So if you’re thinking of making some kind of photography purchase, make sure you know that their schedule won’t set you back at all!
Cheers,
Mark
Thanks Scott,
I can’t wait to try the Mpix framing. Everything else they do, from prints to customer service is always stellar!
Also, I would have to second Shiraz’s recommendation for having Chase Jarvis as a guest blogger. His work is so amazing and many of the accompanying videos are just as good! The latest Kung Fu shoot is so worth the watch: http://blog.chasejarvis.com/blog/
Does anyone know of a similar site to Mpix for those of us who are UK-based?
Ill third the vote for Chase Jarvis as a guest blogger. The videos that he does that take you behind the scene of shoots really give you a sense of what it takes. And his how to pack for a shoot video, is amazing.
Hey Scott,
I think the response of your readers to Springs of Hope is definitely heart warming.
I also think that Chase Jarvis would make an interesting guest blogger. Just please make sure that he lets you link some of the Ninja stills that he took. I saw the video but can’t find the stills and would really like to see how that shoot came out!
I agree with Terry totally on the Nikon Vs Canon camps. The rabid foaming at the mouth that you get from both sides is a little rediculous. A camera is a tool. It is how you use that tool that counts. If ___ (insert great professional’s name) were to pick up the other company’s camera, it would probably take them all of five or ten minutes to start producing out of the park images.
That being said and disclosing that I shoot Canon, I am a little bit disappointed by the 5D Mark II announcement for a number of reasons. First, I am going to make this statement from my perception; Canon listens to Canon and Nikon listens to its customers. Canon designs what’s best for Canon and Nikon tries to make their customers jobs easier.
I say this because when I look at the little features on Nikon cameras I don’t see these things in Canon’s design concepts. Things like the ability to select the number of FPS burst that you shoot in Continuous Low and the ability to shoot up to nine, count ‘em, nine! frame brackets. Has Nikon maybe realized that people like playing with HDR? And I am absolutely in love with the Leveling Screen on the Nikons. “We have a sensor to tell the orientation of the camera, why don’t we think outside of the box and turn it into a bubble level as well?” Brilliant.
While Canon produces a great product as well, maybe technologically superior when it comes to sensor design and most always cutting edge, some of their decisions just leave me scratching my head and thinking that they really take the arrogant approach that they know better than the people that use their tools.
- If the 5D Mark II is all that it looks like it will be at 21MPS and ISO from 100-6400 that actually produce usable, clean images, then that’s great. But would an 18MP camera with even better noise performance and the ability to shoot at 5 to 6FPS been no more spectacular?
- Why couldn’t Canon have upped the ante like Nikon has and migrated its pro level autofocus system from the 1D’s to the 5D or even the 50D for that matter?
- Canon adds an infrared shutter release to the 5d Mark II, which I think they have on the Rebels but leaves it off of the 50D?????
- Canon makes the battery for the 5D Mark II proprietary to the entire EOS line, So now if you are a 5D Mark II primary shooter with an XXD as a backup camera, it means two different battery types, two different chargers, etc. If you are going to make the change, change the 50D as well and use it in all of your designs moving forward. You had that problem as a 1D shooter, but at least before the EOS line was limited to two types of batteries. Now if you include the new Rebels, the EOS line has four different types of batteries.
- If you believe the article on the European Yahoo! site where they interviewed a Canon engineer who said that they were held back from making this an even better camera because they had to meet the marketing department’s demands for MP count, then what does that say to Canon’s consumers?
I shoot Canon because the 20D was best in class for what I could afford when I converted from Film to Digital and I will stay with Canon because of the investment in lenses, but I really, really wish that they would do a case study of Nikon’s design philosophy when it comes to their customers. Maybe the difference is that Canon is a Multinational electronics conglomorate and Nikon is still mainly just a Camera and Optics company?
Karen, you’re right, Chase Jarvis’s Kung Fu shoot was amazing. And those shots were so cool. I really loved the water shot.
Alessandro, if you haven’t seen his Kung Fu shoot images, visit this link
http://blog.chasejarvis.com/blog/2008/09/chase-jarvis-raw-kung-fu.html
There are few there!
That sounds like a bargain. I think I’ll have to look into it… Gav
Definitely have to look into using MPix for my future prints.
Oh..as for Rick Sammon…went to our local photo groups (Schenectady Photoshop Society) kickoff meeting last night…Rick was the guest speaker. He’s a great guy..learned a lot and he’s got a great sense of humor. Recommend anyone who gets a chance to view his work and if possible see him at a speaking engagement.
hi scott
I saw the new episode of photoshopuser tv with Matt teasing you… I feel for you
scott,
In the past you had a blog on how you set up your gallery prints (layout.title etc.). i have tried to search and find it but i was unable to locate it. Could you please send/post a link to this info. Thanks in advance. sr
Hey Scott,
I like the new option of framing by mpix. Just curious as to what paper and finishing technique did you specify or recommend for showing under glass ?
As always thanks for the info.
Scott: In your books on presenting digital images on-line you generally center the image with a slight larger space on the bottom of the image.
As well as putting a subtle stroke around the image all in all your photos
are just so impressive, and I thank you for teaching me how to do that.
Yet your photograph today (beautiful without comment) is mounted by mpix but it presents several problems for me in that it does not compliment your image at all.
First of all, t there is an enormous space that off-centers your photo making
the viewer look above the center of the image.
This extra-large space below the image is awkward, and does not compliment the strength of your photo.
At the same time, the dark frame adds nothing to enhancing the image.
I was not impressed that the work done by mpix really did nothing to enhance delight at seeing your photo, and in effect lower the aesthetic value for me. I have found that framing is really important in setting off the image, and especially taking into account that it will be placed in some one’s home, or office or gallery. I think that the frame is a problem not yet resolved to compliment your photo.
I would not take for granted that any basic frame is ok, and the mounting of the photo is a problem as well in terms of aesthetic composition,placement. As you are a renaissance man you can’t take for granted others are more creative than you are in finalizing the framing of a photo of such professional caliber and treating it as a mass produced item for their business.
Hey, here is another idea for your seminars -how to frame a photo and make it look great! What do you think Scott? or Matt? or Dave?
I’m reading Ch 10 of the Adobe Photoshop CS3 book for digital photographers and the section on quadtones, in particular. When I follow your guidelines to bring up the file (BL 541 513 5773) I get no further in the Duotone folder than a blank screen. How do I get further into the Duotone nest for the pantone files?
I’m using a PC with CS3 and even have a pantone-compatible monitor calibrator.
Thanks in advance…Jerry
It looks like you sent them the entire image, aligned off center to make room for the text and they just printed and framed it. But I’m not sure, is that the entire image you sent them in the frame or did you just send them the photo and they matted it? If they matted it for you, then how did they print the text/title on the matting? Thanks, -M
Scott,
I haven’t seen you post anything about your Lightroom2 Book on sale at
Barnes & Noble yet. I was browsing around in the local store tonight and there it was. Thought you might like to know. BTW, I came home with one
To Steve:
The extra space below isn’t awkward. It’s referred to as a “Fine Art” mat or gallery layout, and it’s very popular for showing photographic work in galleries, and I intentionally offset the image above the center in Photoshop for that very reason.
The framing I chose is also a very popular style, and the framing style I most often see in gallery showings of photography is a simple black frame with glass.
As for MPIX; they did a wonderful job with the framing (see other comments from other readers above who have tried their framing), and it has no “mass market” feel to it whatsoever (at least it sure didn’t to me).
I’m sorry you think it didn’t “compliment my image.” When you frame your own work, feel free to give it a fancy frame, and center your image. Also, send me a link to a photo of your finished piece. I’d love to give you my unsolicited critique of your layout.
-Scott
I am about ready to scream! I am trying to decide right now on the 5d or the d700. I am hoping you will get a hold of that 5d and do a review that will help make up my mind. Nikon has that great focus, canon has 21mp, so I can put away my medium format.
PLEASE review it (and tell me which is better
Scott,
where are all of the Joe McNally Kelby Training Classes. I know there in the can waiting to be published, I’ve been waiting for EVER…..please, please, please post some new McNally vids.
Congratulations on buying the 4/200-400VR. If I were a Nikon shooter (instead of Canon) this would probably be on of my first lenses I would buy, despite the high price.
I could play with it (on a D300) for a while last year and it was just awesome. The lens is a dream and it is beyond me why Canon still doesn’t offer a 4/200-400L IS.
Scott,
I love that framed print you had Mpix do and what I’d like to know is, did you “prep” the photo yourself for printing (i.e. made your signature below the photo and the white border) or did you just sent Mpix the original and let them do it for you? I’d really like to have a print done similar to that but don’t know what processing I should do for maximum print quality before sending it to them.
Thanks so much!
Yes, Chase…
As for Nikon vs Canon reminds me about the arguments my dad & uncle would have back in the day about Ford vs Chevy.
As for “fine art” framing with the added space at the bottom its also known as the optical center.
Yea like any piece of artwork some folks love it, some don’t. And so goes the world of art, its always open to personal interpretation & well I guess offering personal critiques as well.
For me framing and/or matting is simply a finishing touch used to show case a photograph.
hi sean
thanks for your kind words. i had a blast at your club…..and at the dinner before:-)
take care
rick
So what about Mpix requiring submission in sRGB? It seems that on one hand Adobe RGB is touted as THE color space to be using in the digital realm yet you RAVE about the Mpix printing.
Are you going to print with the full color gamut available or do you just defer to the printer and their output device parameters?
I think it is a bit disingenuous to not disclaim that Mpix is a partner and advertiser with which you are associated. No offense intended.
Got your post. Pubilc response.
The disingenuous statement is over the top.
That said, any publication (or media outlet) anywhere that relies on advertisers for revenue have to know that unkind criticism of an advertiser might result in loss of revenue. Does this mean that any person, publication, or article is directed by advertising revenue? No. Is there a possibility that this relationship could influence an opinion? I suppose. Does Scott do this? I don;t think so.
I know he is a titan in the Photoshop world and his writing, books and seminars have contributed positively to the knowledge base of digital photography and Photoshop.
@ Becky,
I am going to attempt to answer your question to Scott of which camera you should get by trying to give you some questions you can ask yourself to make that decision on your own.
- What type of photography do you do now and what type of photography do you see yourself doing over the next three years?
- Do you shoot mainly in controlled studio settings at low ISO or do you need a camera that can flexibly change ISO and produce a realitively noiseless image at high ISO? If the latter, then the camera with the best Signal to Noise response will be what you are looking for and the 5dM2 is yet unproven as a high ISO champ. Plus up until this point larger photosites usually equalled better noise response, so in that case the D700 in theory should be a better performer. Look to DPReview.com to see their tests when they publish them, because it may very well be that Canon has solved the noise problem in high MP count sensors with the 5dM2.
- Evaluate the lens systems from each manufacture and see which lens you will need to get for the photography that you do and which provide the best fit for your needs. Both have pretty much an equally good line of lenses that cover most needs, the difference may come down to that one specialty lens that one line may have and the other does not.
- Are you going to be using Speedlites a lot in your photography or are you mainly natural light or studio strobes? If you are going with speedlites then the edge is probably Nikon’s creative lighting system.
- Do you need a camera that shoots at a higher frame rate or do you not shoot in “motor” drive? If it is high frame rate, then the D700 is the camera for you.
- What is the main use of your images? Are they printed to large format or are you mainly printing 13×19 or less or are they mainly for web or computer use? If large format, the more MPs, the less interpolation you will need to get a large print so 5dM2. Also do your clients request the highest possible resolution or are they willing to take an image from a 12MP camera?
- You mentioned Medium Format. Are you transitioning from Film to Digital for the first time? If so, you need to evaluate the computer you have and decide whether it can working with a 60MB single layer 16 bit image file in Photoshop, because if it can’t and you decide to go with the 21MP 5dM2, that is the file size you will be starting with which means you should tack on the cost of a new computer to the price. And don’t forget that each time you duplicate the background layer, the file becomes 60MB larger.
- Go to a camera store and hold these two cameras (well in November when the 5dM2 ships). Which cameras ergonomics fit you better? How does it feel in your hands? Which viewfinder fits your eye better? Which button layout is more intuitive to you? How easy and fast is it for you to set the functions you need to set in your general shooting situation and how fast can you make changes when you need to? How does AF on each respond? Bring a CF card with you and take some shots in the store with each and open them at home on your computer to see which you like better? Set the cameras to how you normally shoot and evaluate those images for noise and sharpness. Ask them to show you the camera with the lens you figure you will use the most. How does the camera balance with that lens on? Does the Autofocus system work well with that lens?
A camera is a tool. Either Canon or Nikon make a great product and if you are able to make great images now, you will be able to make equally great images with each of these cameras. Because Scott like one better than the other doesn’t mean that Scott’s preference is the best camera for you. you need to ask yourself the questions above to come up with the best answer for you.
One last question to ask yourself is which company is going to be making the camera that you are going to buy to replace this one? Reason I say this is because once you start buying lenses and flashes, you have pretty much married that camera company. That isn’t to say that you can’t make a switch in the future, but just remember that the switch then will cost you.
Hope this helps a little.
Scott
Regarding MPIX - I notice you have the title of the picture on the matboard. How did you achieve that? I see no option for that on their website…
thanks