Vision is Better 3 – A New Book by David duChemin
David duChemin is nothing if he isn’t consistent in the messages that he delivers. Whether those messages are delivered via his blog or in his books or through his photographs he expounds on the virtues of vision. While gear is important, as are technical skills, as photographer we must have passion that drives our creativity and our vision.
Vision is Better 3 was released today by Craft and Vision and it’s 145 pages of essays, articles and tutorials from David duChemin. This is a compilation of articles from David’s Pixelated Image blog and never before published material. The articles are thought provoking and eloquently written. David shares his insights into the how and why of photography. If your a fan of David duChemin or whether your a photographer who wants a glimpse inside the mind and eye of a very talented artist then this book should be part of your library.
You can get Vision is Better 3 for only $5 here. Want an even better value…you can purchase the series, Vision is Best which includes Vision is Better 1, 2 & 3 for $10. You can purchase the bundle here.
The Compelling Photograph – Techniques for Creating Better Images
So you want to create better images but you don’t know where to start? What techniques should you utilize and what should you be focusing on (pardon the pun)? How do you know if your resulting images are successful.
Back in the fall I reviewed Anne McKinnell’s first ebook, 8 Ways To Accelerate Your Photography (you can see that review here) and I was really excited about that book. I had been following Anne’s photography for quite some time and with 8 Ways I felt she had really created something that spoke to not only creating a good image but being able to see beyond the (sometimes) rose-colored glasses we wear as photographers and teaching us how to carefully select our best images in order to build a comprehensive portfolio.
With The Compelling Photograph I believe that Anne McKinnell has now taken us from looking at “the big picture” to getting down and dirty in the details. Ok…maybe not really dirty but certainly with this book we start to delve into specific techniques about design and composition which will get you on the road to creating better, stronger and more impactful images.
Anne herself says in the introduction, “This is the first in a series of eBooks designed to teach a combination of camera skills, the elements of good image design, and creative photography techniques to five you a solid foundation on which to base your vision.” The Compelling Photograph is a straight forward narrative aimed at introducing and teaching the various techniques combined with stunning photography that reinforces that which is taught.
The ebook is comprised of 8 lessons:
- Textures
- Lines
- Colour
- Reflections
- Silhouettes
- Close-ups
- Frames
- Twilight
After each lesson there is an assignment to help you go out and practise what you’ve just learned.
The Compelling Photograph is being offered at a special introductory price of $7.99. To complement the ebook Anne also has 2 other offerings, an eCourse where you will get direct feedback from Anne to help keep you on track and get tips for improving your images and an eCourse + Personal Coaching. You can purchase the ebook and get more information on the eCourse and Coaching here.
Behind The Action – Creating Adventure Imagery, Step By Step
I just finished Dan Bailey’s, just released ebook, Behind The Action – Creating Adventure Imagery, Step By Step. I’ve been following Dan’s blog for quite some time now 
but truthfully this is the first book of his that I’ve read. I’m not quite sure why I waited so long. If you’re interested in sports or adventure or action photographs then this is a must read.
What really impressed me was the way that this book is structured. Dan focuses on 12 different adventure and outdoor images. These include:
- Skate Skier
- Trail Runner
- Skier
- Rock Climber
- Mountain Biker
- Hiker
In each of these “adventures” comes with its own recipe for success. This is what I found so unique about Behind The Action. It was almost as if I had Dan providing me with personal instruction on how to create a successful image. The recipe is:
- Concept – here Dan discusses what his conceptual vision was for the image that he wanted to create even before he picked up his camera.
- Gear – he describes in detail what equipment he used and what his reasoning was behind his choices.
- Light – look at the images of each of the adventures and then read what Dan’s challenges were when the lighting was optimal and how he used existing light to his advantage.
- Approach – learn what his approach was with each shot from the settings he used, the vantage point he decided on and why. Dan describes the “approach” as the “creative problem solving in the photographic process.”
- Execution – once the approach has been decided upon the execution is all about the experience of the actual shoot. Did he change lenses, wait for better light, change his vantage point. Capturing people in action situations, the execution may end up being different from the planned approach. Gain insight into Dan’s thought process throughout the shoot.
- Final Thoughts, Quick Tips and Post Production - in this final ingredient, Dan talks about analyzing the shots that he came away with, why the were successful and why they weren’t. He also describes his post processing for each image.
Dan Bailey is a professional outdoor, adventure and travel photographer. His clients include Outdoor Photographer, The North Face, Patagonia and many others.
This ebook is a must read if you want to take better action and sports images but really the ingredients that Dan uses in his recipes can be used whenever you go out shooting.
Behind The Action is published by the team at LightStalking. You can click here to go to their page and order the book. Today only…use the code “EARLYBIRD” to get 20% off Behind the Action – so get it now at only $19.95.
TIMELAPSE – An Introduction to Still Photographs in Motion
Attempting a Timelapse is one of those techniques that’s on my to-do list of things to learn and try. I understand the basics of it but never quite knew how to turn it onto a movie…until now. Craft & Vision’s latest release TIMELAPSE – An Introduction to Still Photographs in Motion by Dave Delnea demystifies the “how” of timelapse. 
This is the first piece that I’ve read on the topic that really lays out the fundamentals of timelapse photography. Dave Delnea covers the equipment you need (not to worry you probably have most of it already), the software to use and how to put it all together.
While the first section dealing with the gear you need is pretty straight forward, Delnea then gets very specific into dealing with focus, framing of your subject and how to ensure that your exposure is controlled throughout your sequence. He also discusses what causes both exposure flicker and mechanical flicker and how to fix both of those issues. This is essential in ensuring that your final movie has a smooth and pleasing look.
In the Post-Production Workflow section TIMELAPSE deals with how to use Lightroom to edit your images (and remember we’re dealing with hundreds of images for one timelapse sequence) and then sequence them to a video file. I really found Dave Delnea’s step by step instructions excellent here especially for a newbie to timelapse photography as I am.
The bonus section of the book deals with advance techniques such as motion control; bulb ramping – a technique where you use your camera’s bulb setting to manage exposure and LRTimelapse Effects Ramping where you can change exposure, white balance and other parameters over the course of a sequence.
Examples of the authors’ own timelapse sequences are scattered throughout the book and in the case studies and they’re a great example of what can be achieved with this technique.
For the first five days only, use the promotional code TIME4 at check out and you can have TIMELAPSE for just $4 OR use the code TIME20 to get 20% off when you buy 5+ PDF eBooks from the Craft & Vision collection. These codes expire at 11:59pm (PST) March 22, 2013. Click Here to Purchase.
Growing the Vision Monger 2 – A Kick-Ass Guide for the Photographic Entrepreneur
You’re a photographer. You operate a website and/or blog that you post to regularly. You get good feedback on your images, maybe you’ve sold a few. You’d like to turn this into more than just a hobby. Sound familiar? I know what I’m talking about. Do you know why I know? Because that’s me. One of things that I did over the holiday break was really give some thought to where I wanted to take Edith Levy Photography. I have some ideas, actually I have a lot of ideas and I came to the realization that I’m not short of ideas right now just time but I’m trying to get myself organized to work around that. Yes it may take me a little longer to achieve what I’m setting out for myself but I plan to stick with it.
There are questions that I ask myself (and if you’re in this situation, you’re asking yourself) what’s the best way to market myself; how do I brand my business; how do I sell myself to a potential client? My little black Moleskine is filling with cryptic notes faster than you can say….Growing the Vision Monger 2 – A Kick-Ass Guide for the Photographic Entrepreneur….whew that’s a mouthful and it’s also the title of Craft & Vision’s last ebook. 
I really believe that the good folks over a Craft & Vision have a real talent for scheduling their releases at just the right time of year. Why else would they release an ebook geared towards photographers or photographic entrepreneurs at the beginning of the year when most of us take stock of the past year and plan out the new one.
Growing the Vision Monger is written by Corwin Hiebert, a management and marketing consultant to creative entrepreneurs (such as world-renowned photographer and best-selling author David duChemin). He is the author of Living the Dream: Putting Your Creativity to Work (And Getting Paid For It), published by Peachpit Press as well as other C&V titles, Growing the Vision Monger and Your Creative Mix – Growing Your Photography Business Through Creativity & Collaboration.
Growing the VisionMonger 2 is a candid and no-holds-barred eBook about freelance work, business ownership and self-promotion. In the book, Corwin focuses on 20 actionable things that can help you make better decisions about your photography business. This isn’t about spending money it’s about strategies that you can implement such as growing your network; developing a sales Q&A instead of the typical sales pitch; generating demand by making people curious and building a pricing approach. Each section includes a “Take Action” task to help you jump-start your thinking.
Also included are over 10 short interviews with professional photographers where he asks them what they would do differently if they could start over today; what are some of their “Do’s” and “Don’ts” and any words of wisdom and advice they can share with the reader.
For me this was perfect timing. There’s some great ideas in Growing the Vision Monger. I don’t know that I’m ready to do it all now but I will be and at least its given me some great strategies and tools that I can start tackling right now.
Special Offer on PDFs – Click Here to Purchase
For the first five days only, use the promotional code MONGER4 when you checkout and pay only $4 OR use the code MONGER20 to get 20% off when you buy 5+ PDF eBooks. These codes expire at 11:59pm (PST) January 18, 2013.
Buy the Bundle
Get both Growing the VisionMonger titles for $8 USD. That’s 20% off.
A Sense of Place – A New Craft & Vision Release
There are times when I feel uninspired with a bad case of photographers’ block. That happens to me when I haven’t traveled in a while and I’m itching to get out and visit new places so that I can make unique photographs. It’s times like those where I have to give myself a swift kick in the butt and look around at my wonderful city, community, neighborhood and challenge myself to see differently. 
A Sense of Place – Finding Your Eye At Home And Abroad by Younes Bounhar, this month’s Craft & Vision release, focuses on this very topic. Actually this is quite timely as some of us are either getting ready to enjoy some time off at home or are getting ready to go on vacation to a far away land (okay maybe not so far away).
Bounhar ebook endeavours to help the photographer “see” differently. How do you photograph a place that your so familiar with that you’re not seeing the uniqueness of it? Bounhar answers this when he travels back to his homeland of Morocco and realizes that “it is our responsibility to see a place, not the responsibility of a place to be seen.”
As the title and subtitle suggests, the ebook is split between “At Home” and “Abroad”. The author discusses how to act like a tourist at home and give yourself assignments to spark your creativity. When traveling do you take the time to really learn about a new place and go back to the same location several times so that you can get a feel for the place, the people and how the light plays out at different times of day? How do you increase your awareness and train your eye to see things that others may not? What about the human element? A place is defined by the people who live there or a person placed in the frame of a vast landscape will provide scale to your image. These are just some of the topics that Bounhar provides insight too.
“A Sense of Place is more than just a travel photography workbook; it’s geared towards helping you learn to experience a place more fully, see it with wider eyes, and photograph it more intentionally.”
“Photography, for many of us, is all about learning to see. Younes Bounhar’s A Sense of Place, Finding Your Eye at Home and Abroad, is a 42-spread eBook that can help you make stronger photographs, whether at home or elsewhere, by honing your ability to see and express, not just point the camera.”
For the first five days only, use the promotional code PLACE4 during checkout, to purchase SENSE OF PLACE for just $4 OR you can use the code PLACE20 to get 20% off when they buy 5+ PDF eBooks from the Craft & Vision collection. These codes expire at 11:59pm (PST) December 22, 2012. Click Here to Purchase
LIGHTROOM 4 UNMASKED – A COMPLETE GUIDE TO ADOBE PHOTOSHOP LIGHTROOM by Piet Van den Eynde
Well it looks like Craft & Vision has done it again. Not only have they released a new quarterly magazine – PHOTOGRAPH, and an ebook on Long Exposures this month, but now they’ve just announced a new release that is being referred too as the “Big Book.” This tome can’t only be measured in page count (which weights in at a hefty 312 spreads) but in content as well. 
Whether your new to Lightroom in general or just new to Lightroom 4 or an advanced user then Lightroom 4 Unmasked – A Complete Guide to Adobe Photoshop Lightroom is a book that should and must be in your library.
- This Lightroom BIG BOOK is up to date, all the way up to Lightroom 4.2.
- It’s written by Piet Van den Eynde a Photographer, writer and an Adobe Certified Expert.
- It’s aimed at both beginning Lightroom users and at more advanced ones. It grows with you as your Lightroom knowledge grows.
- In addition to the regular text, the eBook features 60 cases, 10 of which are pro-cases for advanced users.
- It’s ideal for upgraders: text boxes labeled ‘New in Lightroom 4′ immediately draw the attention to things that have changed between versions.
- Two cases also deal specifically with what’s new in Lightroom 4.
- The BIG BOOK does not limit itself to Lightroom as it comes out of the box, but points the reader to useful third-party applications and plugins that integrate well with Lightroom.
- It focuses on Lightroom as an entire workflow application. There’s thorough coverage of ALL the modules, not just Library and Develop.
- An entire chapter deals with the Lightroom to Photoshop integration.
- It’s digital so it’s fully searchable and loaded with hyperlinks!
Piet Van den Eynde has left no stone unturned in this very detailed and insightful new book. By the time I made it through Chapter 1 I had made so many mental notes of things I realized I didn’t know about Lightroom that I knew that this was not a book to be read once and put away but a resource that I would be referring to time and again.
The content is thoughtfully laid out starting with a general introduction of Lightroom, what it is and what it isn’t, then moving methodically through an in depth review of everything you want and need to know about LR including the catalog; importing photos & videos; the library module; the develop module; the print module and so on.
The author interweaves cases into each of these chapters which really brings the topics to life (so to speak). As an example, in the chapter dealing with the Develop Module, there are case studies that deal with creating the HDR look in LR; a case study focusing on soft proofing & calibration; a pr0 case study dealing with what’s new in the develop module in LR4. Each of these case studies include step by step how-to guidelines.
Special Offer on the BIG BOOK
LIGHTROOM 4 UNMASKED retails for $20 but for the first seven days only, use the promotional code LR4FIVE at checkout and get this incredible book for just $15. This code will expire TUESDAY, November 27, 2012 at 11:59PM (PST). Click Here to Purchase.
Oh and this just in from Craft & Vision….Black Friday Special!
Hold on to your hats! Visit Craft & Vision before Friday, November 23 at 11:59pm (PST) and you’ll find every eBook marked down by 50%. That’s right, we’re moving out the old stock and need to make way for the new (OK, we made that part up…). No discount codes required – we’ve already done it for you. Happy reading!
Exclusions: Big Books and Magazines are not discounted.
Slow – The Magic of Long-Exposure Photography
As you can tell from the images above I love long exposure photography and creating effects with intentional camera movement. So you can image how excited I was when I found out that this month’s Craft & Vision ebook release was entirely about this topic.
With Slow - The Magic of Long-Exposure Photography by Andrew S. Gibson, Craft & Vision adds another well written and informative ebook to its ever-expanding photographic library.
If you enjoy long exposure photography or are looking to get started then this is a great resource to include in your personal library of photography books.
While I’ve been using the term “long exposure” and the subtitle of the book states it as well there is so much more that Andrew Gibson delves into. Andrew covers various topics such as:
Recording Motion using a slower shutter speed to convey motion in your photographer in order to tell a story.
Panning with and without people.
Intentional Camera Movement covers different techniques where the photographer deliberately moves the camera during an exposure thus creating interesting blurs and abstract images.
Long Exposures (admittedly my favorite section) discusses the equipment, techniques and the types of locations to seek out in order to create striking compositions and images.
Andrew also covers off camera settings; using the correct exposure (and how to calculate it); exposing to the right; different types of light for long exposures and more.
In addition, there are also two case studies included by Outdoor Photographer Dough Chinnery and Fine Art Photographer Joel Tjintjelaar.
Andrew S. Gibson is a photographer and writer who has written many titles for Craft & Vision as well as his own releases.
Special Offer
For the first five days only, use the promotional code SLOW4 when you checkout and pay only $4 OR use the code SLOW20 to get 20% off when you buy 5+ PDF eBooks. These codes expire at 11:59pm (PST) November 18, 2012. Click Here to Purchase.
Essential Development – 20 Great Techniques for Lightroom 4
Craft & Vision released its latest ebook today - ESSENTIAL DEVELOPMENT: 20 Great Techniques for Lightroom 4 by Sean McCormack.
Do you use LightRoom 4? Are you thinking of getting LightRoom 4? Whether you’ve been using the software or are going to purchase it you can’t miss out on this offering. It’s going to change the way you process your images and make life so much easier.
So let me start this review a little bit differently because this ebook is a bit different then others that I’ve reviewed.
I don’t normally talk about page count because really whether a book is 20 pages or 80 its the content that counts, and I truly believe that, but this ebook is jam packed and at 125 pages the largest that Craft & Vision has produced. This ebook can be purchased on its own for $5 or as a package which includes the eBook, a Preset Toolbox Guide and a Zip File with 85 LightRoom Presets.
Sean McCormack delves into various techniques, 20 to be exact, that is going to make your workflow simpler and help you create incredible images. Some of the techniques covered in Essential Development includes:
- Back To Basics
- Making White White
- Beauty Retouching
- Cross Processing
- Fixing Skies in Lightroom
- Correcting Lens Issues
- Presets: Making, Using and Savings
Each topic is covered in depth. Every slider is explained and demystified with photographic examples of the resulting effects. Sean explains not only how each slider works but how adjusting one will effect the other and the overall image. In the Back To Basics section he discusses creating an HDR-like image without the need for multiple brackets. The reader also benefits from a thorough explanation of brushes, shortcuts and presets.
If you’re looking to increase your knowledge of LightRoom or are new to the software then this is an indispensable book.
Special Offer on Essential Development Package
The retail price on this package is just USD $7, but for the next six days, use the promotional code DEVELOP6 when you check out so you can have the Essential Development Package (incl. the Toolbox of 85 Lightroom presets) for just $6 OR use the code DEVELOP20 to get 20% off when you buy 5+ PDF eBooks from the Craft & Vision collection. These codes expire at 11:59pm PST Tuesday – October 23, 2012. Click here to purchase.
PDF Only
If you want to keep it simple, you can purchase the PDF only for just $5 – Click Here.
8 Ways to Accelerate Your Photography – A New eBook by Anne McKinnell
I just spent last weekend attending a landscape photography workshop; I read a lot of photography books, I follow other photographers blogs that I respect and admire and I go out and shoot, shoot, shoot. That’s how it is when you’re a photographer. You’re always striving to fine tune your craft. There’s always something new to learn even though you may think there isn’t.
Last year I came across a photographer that had just quit her job, sold her house, bought an RV and embarked on a year long adventure as a photographer, writer and nomad. I was enthralled at first with her decision to do this (don’t we all wish we can make a change like that). What kept bringing me back to her blog, post after post, were her images. I travelled with Anne McKinnell for the year, revelling in her adventures that she shared both through the written word and through her photographs.
When Anne asked if I was interested in a review copy of her latest ebook I thought to myself “are you kidding me?” yup I’m interested. Now just as a side bar, her email came to me at 1:00AM my time so when I woke up the next morning I said to myself (just for a second)…”oh my god what if I don’t like it.” (yes I talk to myself quite a bit). Well my moment of concern was unfounded.
8 Ways To Accelerate Your Photography is a book that you’re going to read and keep close by so you can refer to it every so often. Anne McKinnell does a wonderful job of taking the reader through (well) 8 ways to not only accelerate your photography but improve your technique and become a better photographer.
In the first half of the book Anne discusses topics such as composition and how to create a compelling image; techniques for nailing exposure especially in difficult situations, different natural lighting situations and how the quality of light will affect your images and processing your images. The second half deals with developing your portfolio; sharing your images on the web and making money with your photography.
This is where this book differs from so many others before it. Whether your just starting out in photography or you’ve been doing it for a while we all ask ourselves whether we’re good enough to sell our images. You’ll have to answer that question for yourself but Anne not only provides direction on how to capture the best images possible she also reveals what methods she uses to select her best images and create a comprehensive portfolio.
Anne’s easy conversational style writing makes the reader feel like they’re sitting in a room having a one on one discussion with her as she eases in to the topics at hand. This ebook, at 88 pages, is one that you’ll read and keep referring to for a long time.
8 Ways To Accelerate Your Photography is being launched with a special introductory price of $7.99 but, for a limited time, you can get 25% off by using the discount code “accelerate25″ in the cart. That brings the price down to only $5.99! Click here to purchase.
Great Light, Easy Light – A New eBook from Craft & Vision
As some of you may know I don’t shoot portraits, at least not the traditional studio portraits that is the focus of Craft & Vision’s latest ebook release, Great Light, Easy Light – Strobe Techniques That Don’t Look Lit by Kevin Clark. Nonetheless the book was about lighting your subject and as a photographer that was something I wanted to find out more about.
I don’t think that I’m opening a studio in the near future but regardless I did find this ebook of great interest. Let me explain. I believe that as a photographer, regardless of your area of interest, it’s important to understand the different elements in creating a powerful or dramatic image. Light is the key essential ingredient in making a photograph. Whether your shooting landscapes, still life’s or portraits, the image won’t work if the light isn’t right.
In Great Light Easy Light, Kevin Clark takes the reader through 10 different case studies (all filled with outstanding images) to show you how different lighting set ups affect the final image. What really blew me away is that all his set-ups make the subject look like they are naturally lit. The light is soft when it has to be or dramatic for greater impact. The author discusses how to mix flash and ambient light to create a natural look and offers insight into one, two and three light set-ups complete with diagrams and photographs of those set-ups.
Special Offer on PDF eBook – Click Here to Purchase
The retail price on Great Light, Easy Light is just USD $5, but for the next five days, use the promotional code EASY4 when you check out so you can have this PDF eBook for just $4. Or use the code EASY20 to get 20% off when you buy 5+ PDF eBooks from the Craft & Vision collection.These codes expire at 11:59pm PST September 29, 2012.
Portraits of Earth, An Introduction to Landscape Photography A New eBook by David duChemin
What are the elements that make a landscape photograph jump out at you and make you say…”Why Can’t I Do That?!?” Is it the composition? The light? The Sharpness? It’s all of these elements and more.
Don’t let the title of Craft & Vision’s newest ebook, Portraits of Earth, An Introduction to Landscape Photography, fool you. This ebook isn’t just a simple introduction for new photographers, it’s for photographers of every level who want some insight into David duChemin’s “lessons learned” as he moved from photographing people to photographing landscapes.
David duChemin is a humanitarian and landscape photographer, best-selling author, workshop leader & teacher and founder of Craft & Vision. I’ve read his print books, his ebooks and follow his blog and am amazed when I find myself learning something new every time I pick up on of his books. He’s a prolific writer whose insights are both educational and enlightening.
In Portraits of Earth, David doesn’t focus on gear, he rarely does. In fact, in this 65 page ebook perhaps 1/10th is spent covering gear. What is covered is optics, filters and tripods and that’s because the use of this equipment has a “significant effect on the aesthetic of the image.” David discusses in great detail different types of light. Whether its soft, reflected, side or back light (and many more) each has its advantages and disadvantages and we learn how he’s used challenging lighting situations to his benefit.
Want to gather some insight (or Tips & Tricks as duChemin categorizes it) on how to shot land, water and snow? It’s all there in great detail. This ebook is filled with David duChemin’s astounding photography which he uses as examples for the topics he’s covering.
Special Offer on PDF eBook
The retail price on Portraits of Earth is just USD $5, but for the next five days, use the promotional code EARTH4 when you check out so you can have this PDF eBook for just $4. Or use the code EARTH20 to get 20% off when you buy 5+ PDF eBooks from the Craft & Vision collection. These codes expire at 11:59pm PST September 9, 2012. Click here to purchase.
Special Giveaway
David will send three lucky winners a signed 8.5 x 11 fine-art print of the cover photograph! All you have to do is buy the PDF before September 10, 2012, and cross your fingers.
Finding Focus – Understanding the Camera’s Eye – New eBook
Do you ever get frustrated when your images aren’t as sharp as they should be? You know you’ve done all the right things…you’ve selected an appropriate aperture, you’re subject was sharp when you looked through the viewfinder but yet your image is soft. I can’t begin to tell you how many times that’s happened to me and frustrating doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel when I’ve thought I have the money shot in the bag.
This month’s Craft & Vision latest ebook release deals with just that. Finding Focus – Understanding the Camera’s Eye by Nicole S. Young is an ebook, not just filled with Nicole’s eye popping photography but it’s an indispensable resource and learning tool on what it takes to get your images in focus.
So let me be clear here, while Nicole gets into the technical aspects of selecting the appropriate aperture, understanding depth of field and lens compression (among other things) she also discuss aesthetics. She delves into how to balance the technical with the creative part of photography. There’s a really nice mix here because while we as photographers understand the technical sometimes putting it together with the why is a bit more difficult. Where should your focus point be if you’re photographing a person or animal? What about group shots? Should landscapes and still life photography take a different approach? Nicole addresses all these different situations in detail as well as discussing lens selection; software choices for post processing and something I’ve been interested in for a long time, Focus Stacking.
Finding Focus, Understanding the Camera’s Eye is an invaluable resource for photographers who want to further develop their technique of on-camera and post-production focus. Nicole’s narrative will help you discover that the best expression of your photographic vision can only happen when your working knowledge and skills produce images that direct the viewers’ eye to what you intended.
Nicole S. Young is a full-time photographer and author specializing in food and stock photography, licensing her images through iStockphoto and Getty Images. She’s an accredited Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in Photoshop CS5 and has authored print books through Peachpit Press (Canon 7D: From Snapshots to Great Shots, EOS Canon 60D: From Snapshots to Great Shots and Food Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots).
Special Offer on PDF eBook
The retail price on this power-pack PDF eBook is USD $5, but for the next six days, use the promotional code FOCUS4 when you check out so you can have Finding Focus for just $4. Click here to purchase. OR use the code FOCUS20 to get 20% off when you buy 5+ PDF eBooks from the Craft & Vision collection. These codes expire at 11:59pm PST August 19, 2012.
Dodge & Burn – A New Craft & Vision eBook
“Dodging & burning are steps to take care of mistakes God made in establishing tonal relationships.” – Ansel Adams
That’s right, dodging & burning is not a phenomenon of the digital age of photography. It’s a craft that was performed in a traditional darkroom with a piece of cardboard placed between the enlarger and the photo paper. Today, in the digital age of photography, we can dodge & burn with steely precision given the software at our disposal.
Today, Craft & Vision released its latest ebook by Piet Van Den Eynde, Dodge & Burn – Leading the Eye with Lightroom & Photoshop. I’ve reviewed ebooks by Piet Van Den Eynde on the this site in the past. You may remember Making Light and Making Light 2 and, as in these 2 books, Piet’s aptitude as a teacher comes right through the page. The proper use of the dodging & burning techniques will add life and depth to your images and Piet takes the reader through the different techniques he employs to make his images more balanced and visually pleasing.
There’s a lot of information packed into this 90 spread ebook. not only does Piet take you through the techniques using Adobe Camera Raw, Lightroom and Photoshop but also using plug-ins such as Nik Software. What’s new for Craft & Vision this time around is they’re offering not only an ebook but an entire package. There are 2 versions to choose from…
Lite Version - This “LITE” bundle features Piet’s custom EasyDodge Photoshop Panel (a set of custom dodge and burn tools for Photoshop) and a matching user guide, all in a convenient .zip file. The Lite bundle is $5. To purchase the Lite Version click here.
Full Version - The FULL package includes Piet’s custom EasyDodge Photoshop Panel (normally a USD $10 purchase on it’s own) and a matching user guide. On top of that, C&V has included 10 exercise files to go along with the tutorials in the eBook so you can practice on your own or go through the included history steps to see the post-processing unfold right in front of your eyes. The full bundle is $10, or $8 for the next six days using the discount code DODGE8. Click here to purchase.
Software: The EasyDodge Panel only works with English versions of CS5/CS6, but even if you’re on a different version, the eBook explains the steps to take so you could make your own action set in your own language-specific version).
Up Close – A Guide to Macro & Close Up Photography
Talk about good timing. If you’ve been following this blog for a few months, you’ll know that I purchased a new Tamron 90mm Macro lens over the Christmas holidays. I’m really enjoying this lens but quickly realized that I had a bit of a learning curve when it came to macro photography. Understanding depth of field and focusing techniques when getting very close to a subject isn’t as simple as one might think. I’m still working on mastering macro photography but I still have a lot to learn so the release of Craft & Vision’s newest ebook, Up Close – A Guide to Macro & close Up Photography by Andrew S. Gibson couldn’t have come at a better time. 
Gibson really covers all his bases in this new ebook. He discusses the different types of equipment that you can use in close up photography from the obvious macro lens, extension tubes and close up lenses to the reverse macro lens. This was completely new to me. I had no idea that you could take a lens and with a simple reversing ring mount the lens with the front element attached to the camera in order to increase magnification. What I really useful was his detailed overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the different tools.
In the latter part of the book Gibson discusses technique and lighting and this is really the meat and potatoes of this ebook. Focusing, creating sharp images and depth of field are techniques a photographer must understand in order to create stunning macro images and through his detailed explanation of all these topics and more photographers of every level will find they’ve just learned something new.
Included in the book are two case studies featuring the gorgeous close-up work of photographers Mandy Disher and Celine Steen that will really inspire you to explore smaller worlds.
I’ve always said that Craft & Vision books are a great value and Up Close is no exception. For the next six days only, the PDF version of Up Close is just $4, use the promotional code CLOSE4 when you check out OR use the code CLOSE20 to get 20% off when you buy 5+ PDF eBooks from the Craft & Vision collection. These codes expire at 11:59pm PST June 24, 2012. Click Here to Purchase
eyePhone – Making Stronger Photographs with your Camera Phone – ebook Review
Craft & Vision released its latest ebook today and you can imagine my surprise and excitement when I learned that the topic was camera phone photography. If you’ve visited or followed this blog then you know that I have a weekly post called ‘iPhone Friday’ and that I love to shoot, edit and share my iPhone images. 
“eyePhone – Making Stronger Photographs with your Camera Phone” by Al Smith is a good starting point if your new to camera phone photography or even if you’re looking to pick up some new tips.
While I use my iPhone on a regular basis to take pictures I still consider myself new to this genre of photography. I’ve experimented with different apps and techniques and I’m a “believer”…iPhone (or any camera phone) photography is here to stay.
Al Smith’s “eyePhone” is not a technical how-to ebook (although he does provide some tips that I didn’t even know about) rather it’s an introduction to the world of camera phone photography discussing some of its limitations (are they really?) and the freedom it provides.
Smith discusses how the simplicity of this camera acts as a catalyst for creativity and how to create imagines that speak to the viewer in profound ways by eliciting feelings and emotions that create a connection to the image.
Whether you shoot and process hundreds of images each month or you just take the casual snapshot, you’ll discover exciting ideas and concepts that are sure to turn your camera phone image gallery into a portfolio you’re proud of.
Special Offer on PDFs
For the next six days only, use the promotional code EYEPHONE4 when you check out so you can have the PDF version of eyePhone for only $4 OR use the code EYEPHONE20 to get 20% off when you buy 5+ PDF eBooks from the Craft & Vision collection. Click here to purchase. These codes expire at 11:59pm PST May 27, 2012.
Special PDF Offer “The duChemin Bundle”
Renowned photographer, author and Craft & Vision founder David duChemin has packaged up his 7 most popular ebooks into one amazing bundle! If you’re new to Craft & Vision or you simply want to fill up your digital library with the best photography eBooks on the web, you’ll want to check out this exceptional collection. The regular retail price of these 7 eBooks is $35, we would normally sell a bundle at 20% off but if you purchase this bundle using the special discount codeDAVID19 before 11:59pm PST May 27, 2012 then you will only pay $19!
To see the list of titles included click here.
Shoot & Share – Getting Your Photographs Out Into The World – A New Craft & Vision eBook
A good number of visitors to my blog are artists, photographers or individuals who simply have a love of photography. Chances are that whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional your taking pictures because you have a vision and a love for the craft. You may have a website that you post your pictures too or a photo sharing site such as Flickr or 500px. The question that I’ll throw out to you is do you have a photo sharing plan? Is there an audience that you’re trying to target? How do you edit your pictures to decide which ones belong in your portfolio? 
Today Craft & Vision released its latest ebook, Shoot & Share – Getting your photographs out into the World by Stuart Sipahigil.
In his new book, Sipahigil helps you get started in your thinking about why you should share your photographs and who you should share them with. Wether it be on your own site; through social media; photo sharing sites; galleries or prints, the author helps you sort through all the confusion and provides useful tips that will help you grow as a photographer and potentially your business. Sharing photographs with family & friends is very different from sharing with clients or with other photographers for that matter.
Stuart will help you define your goals, understand your opportunities, and determine the best approach to navigating the seemingly endless choices of where and how to display your work. SHOOT + SHARE has idea-packed action steps that provide the context and content you’ve been looking for, helping you to understand why you want to share your photographs, who needs to see them, which photographs they need to see, and where to find your audience.
The author says it best….“Your photo sharing plan is an integral part of your identity as a photographer. As much as it’s important to understand what you’re trying to say with your photographs, it’s just as important to understand who you’re trying to say it to – and where they can be found.”
Click Here to purchase. For the next five days only, use the promotional code SHARE4 when you check out so you can have the PDF version of SHOOT + SHARE for only $4 OR use the code SHARE20 to get 20% off when you buy 5+ PDF eBooks from the Craft & Vision collection. These codes expire at 11:59pm PST April 28, 2012.
Forget Mugshots – 10 Steps To Better Portraits
Ahhhh….portraits…they scare me….a little. I’m not a portrait photographer but I do like taking “portraits” of people when I’m travelling. You learn a lot about a place and a culture from people. Being able to capture the essence of an individual and bring out their true character in an image really embodies the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words.”
Today Craft & vision releases its latest ebook, Forget Mugshots – 10 Steps To Better Portraits by David duChemin. I think I’ve mentioned in previous reviews of David’s books that what I enjoy most about the way he writes that I feel that he’s speaking directly to me…a direct interaction between teacher and student. In this case the teacher is a photographer whose living and calling for the last 6 years has been creating compelling portraits and people photographs for clients all over the globe.
In Forget Mugshots, David doesn’t discuss camera equipment or flashes he discusses the behavioural, emotional & aesthetic aspect of capturing truly remarkable portraits. David duChemin walks the reader through the 10 Steps To Better Portraits and discusses each of these in detail from the point of view of someone whose taken great steps to convey a story through the eyes of their subject. The 10 Steps he covers are:
- Relate
- Wait For The Moment
- Use the “Right” Lens (yes its gear but not in the way you think rather the unconventional may become conventional)
- Use More Than One Frame
- Understand The Smile
- Watch The Eyes
- Play With The Light
- Control Your Background
- Get Level
- Pose Carefully
David discusses the value of waiting for that great moment (and how to make sure you don’t miss it), how a true smile differs from a fake one, and other solid insights that are guaranteed to give you tangible ideas to make the most of your next portrait shoot. Combining these steps with Portrait Profiles and Creative Exercises, Forget Mugshots will help you photograph real people in the real world, leveraging the techniques and best practices that have made David’s portraits known around the world.
Special Offer on PDFs
For the next five days only, use the promotional code MUGSHOTS4 when you checkout so you can have the PDF version of Forget Mugshots for only $4 OR use the code MUGSHOTS20 to get 20% off when you buy 5+ PDF eBooks from the Craft & Vision collection. You can Click Here to purchase and download the book. These codes expire at 11:59pm PST March 17, 2012
Exposure for Outdoor Photography by Michael Frye – a New eBook
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where the lighting conditions were less than optimal? How do you expose for a scene that has extreme highlights or dark shadows or both? Understanding the nuances of correctly exposing a scene or subject is the one technical skill that every photographer must master. This months newest release from the fine folks at Craft & Vision does just that.
In his new ebook, Exposure For Outdoor Photography, Michael Frye delves into this topic with the knowledge and experience that he’s earned as a professional landscape photographer, author and teacher. This ebook will serve the novice and seasoned photographer well. For the novice, this book is the primer that covers the topic that you must master in order to make the light coming through your lens paint the story that you’re visualizing. As with every profession we always have to do a little re-training every so often so that we stay on top of our game, so whether you’re a beginner, hobbyist or professional this ebook about natural-light photography and the creation of exposures that are not only technically perfect, but aesthetically compelling will be a resource for a long time.
Topics covered include:
- The Exposure Triangle
- Metering Modes
- Exposure Modes
- Handling High Contrast Scenes
- The Histogram
- How to use the Zone System to achieve a perfect exposure
Michael also includes 10 case studies that provides information on how he achieved some of his most beautiful images and the techniques he used. Throughout is a collection of Michael Frye’s beautiful and iconic images.
There’s a Discount…..Special Offer on PDFs – You Can Click Here to Order
For the next five days only, use the promotional code EXPOSURE4 when you checkout so you can have the PDF version of Exposure For Outdoor Photography for only $4 OR use the codeEXPOSURE20 to get 20% off when you buy 5+ PDF eBooks from the Craft & Vision collection.These codes expire at 11:59pm PST February 20, 2012.
Making the Print – Printing Techniques for the Digital Photographer (A Masterclass) by Martin Bailey
Craft & Vision released their latest eBook today, Making the Print – Printing Techniques for the Digital Photographer by Martin Bailey.
We each, as photographers, go through various stages of learning as we try to master our craft. We read books, we take courses, we go out and shoot to improve our technique and we try different post production software so that we may produce a unique and appealing final product. We tend to show our work online but what if you wanted to produce a print.
Martin Bailey is a photographer and educator who outlines a thorough step by step workflow process that will help you produce fine art prints.
This 65 wide-page eBook covers it all from choosing a printer and papers, to profiling and sharpening, and then he moves on to calibration, fine-tuning, adding borders, basically everything you need to get competent, which is what most of us are looking to accomplish. But he doesn’t stop there… Martin also dives head-first into creating your own canvas gallery wraps and printing for an exhibition.
Special Offer on PDFs
As usual the Craft & Vision ebook is an exceptional value at $5 but for the next five days only, use the promotional code PRINT4 when you checkout so you can have the PDF version of Making the Print for only $4 OR use the code PRINT20 to get 20% off when you buy 5+ PDF eBooks from the Craft & Vision collection. These codes expire at 11:59pm PST January 21, 2012. Click here to purchase and download your book.
Rabari – Encounters With the Nomadic Tribe
A New eBook from Light Stalking
When Light Stalking approached me and asked if I would be interested in reviewing a new ebook that they were getting ready to release I was intrigued. They stated that this new ebook provided great insight into the photographic process of a travel photographer by Mitchell Kanashkevich.
The first thing that struck me when I received the book were the images. They started to tell me a story right away, that of a talented photographer who engages his subjects in order to exude a sense of familiarity and serenity in his subjects. How else could he capture such personal and enthralling images of his subjects.
As I read the book I quickly realized that this was much more than just the technical side of the photographic process (although that it is) it also lays out, in detail, the thought process of a photographer as he defines his objectives of what the final portrait is to convey.
The book is comprised of 10 images and for each image Mitchell Kanashkevich out lines the following:
- background information of how he selected his subject and where he shot
- Objectives
- Lighting which is modeled with a detailed lighting map
- Composition
- Equipment used and camera setting
- Challenges & he overcame them
- The “what” and “why” of post processing
I really felt that I was along for the ride on this photo shoot. It helped demystify how these images were taken. I’ve always found it intimidating shooting portraits when I’m travelling and Mitchell has created a guide that answers all those questions that you’ve ever asked as a photographer. To me the most useful part was understanding his thought process, how he lit his subjects and his post processing work….yes these images didn’t come straight out of the camera looking like this.
Kanashkevich is a travel and documentary photographer who’s written for Digital Photography School and Craft & Vision. His work is used by Getty and Corbis and has been seen on the cover of Geographical magazine and Digital SLR Photographer as well as in many other magazines. He has visited exotic locations such as Indonesia, India and Ethiopia to further his photographic experience and travel photography portfolio.
Rabari – Encounters With the Nomadic Tribe is available for download for the special Christmas release price of $19.95 when you apply the special launch discount code “HAPPYXMAS” until Dec 25th. Click Here to get the ebook.
New eBook – Vision Is Better II By David duChemin
The latest Craft & Vision ebook, Vision is Better II – Free the Mind, Free the Camera. Again. by David duChemin is being released today. I was very excited to receive my copy of David’s latest ebook because, by my own admission, I’m a big fan of David duChemin. Why? Well I admire his photographic talents and his integrity as a photographer. His mantra of Gear is Good / Vision is Better oozes out of every blog post and book he writes, in a good way. As a writer he’s honest, brutally honest truth be told.
Vision is Better II is a compilation of 44 essays which were published on his Pixelated Image blog this year. David has also included some previously unpublished essays. Whether you’ve followed David’s blog throughout the year or not this ebook will make you think. This is not a book about photographic technique although he does go there. It’s about the creative process; getting inspired; taking risks, not only as an artist & photographer but as a person. Follow David through a year where he’s made some changes in his life, planned for an adventure and then suddenly it came crashing to a halt, quite literally, when he fell of a wall in Italy, fracturing both ankles and his pelvis. While going through months of surgeries and rehab he continued to inspire, he continued to hone his craft and define his vision. Is he done? Nope. This is an ongoing journey which I’m happily tagging along for.
This massive 95-spread eBook is the follow-up to one of Craft & Vision’s best-selling titles. The Vision is Better series acts like a PixelatedImage yearbook that gives readers a no-holds-barred vantage point into the adventures and life of David duChemin while at the same time providing you with fresh ideas and insights about making the most of your own photographic journey.
Discount Offers
Save $1 – Pay just $4 if you use coupon code VIB4.
Save $3 – Get the Vision is Best Bundle for just $7 if you use coupon code VIB7.
Save 20% - Purchase 5+ PDF eBooks and use the discount code VIB20.
Click here to purchase These discount codes expire Wednesday, December 21 at 11:59pm (PST).
“Square” – An eBook by Andrew S. Gibson
Last month I reviewed “Beyond Thirds – A Photographer’s Introduction to Creative Composition” by Andrew S. Gibson. This month Andrew has just released his latest e-book “Square – The Digital Photographer’s Guide to the Square Format”.
In Square, Gibson delves deeper into creative composition but this time with the intent of producing an image with an aspect ratio of 1:1. The rule of thirds doesn’t apply here…so what does? This book isn’t just about cropping your images (although he does discuss this). It’s about composing your shots and making conscious decisions that will have an impact on the final image.
Some of the topics that Andrew covers are as follows:
- The History of the Square Format
- Going square (three ways to create square format images)
- Square Subjects
- The 35mm problem
- Cropping Square
- Design & Balance
- Shape
-
The Four S’s (shape, simplicity, space, and subtlety)
-
Creative layout
-
Framing
In addition to this Gibson also includes case studies by photographers Matt Toynbee and Flavia Schaller and additional tutorials in the appendix.
Square retails for $9.97 and can be purchased directly from Andrew Gibson’s site here.
11 Ways to Improve Your Photography – eBook…and its Free!
Yes you heard me right…it’s a free download. Consider it a gift from Craft & Vision.
Their newest ebook 11 Ways to Improve Your Photography is a compilation of 11 chapters/articles from Craft & Vision authors which includes:
- David duChemin – Make Stronger Portraits
- Martin Bailey – The Power of the Print
- Michael Frye – Learn to Direct the Eye
- Andrew S. Gibson – Create Projects and Collaborate
- Stuart Sipahigil – Slow Down and Learn to See
- Nicole S. Young – Refine Your Composition ….. and more
This compilation is jam packed with practical and insightful information that will help take your photography to the next level. Actually I can’t believe that it was free…thank you Craft & Vision for a terrific ebook. You can download 11 Ways to Improve Your Photography here.
