Gretchen Thompson's Photoblog

Snowy Owls at Boundary Bay

2012-02-13T12:28:00.000-08:00

The Acrobat

Snowy Owls appear every 5-7 years on the dikes at Boundary Bay in Delta, BC. What a treat to photograph these owls. Use your longest lens because the owls should not be disturbed and they are a fair distance out in the bog. I used a 100-400 mm lens plus a 1.4 extender. Many people had 500 and 600 mm lenses. However there were lots of people with point and shoot cameras who were doing just fine photographing and enjoying the owls' behavior. The number of owls seemed to vary each day from about 10-20.

Sleepy Head

Lift Off

As this owl yawned you could really hear the cameras click!

Young owls, especially males, get whiter as they get older. Females are darker than males, with dusky spotting, and never become totally white. Some older males do become completely white, though many retain small flecks of dusky plumage. This species of owl nests on the ground, building a nest on top of a mound or boulder. A site with good visibility and access to hunting areas is chosen.

If you visit arrive early to avoid a long walk to the dike on 72nd Street. This is a popular place!
3233-3689 72 St, Delta, BC V4K 3N2, Canada

More info at National Geo here:
and at Wikipedia...

Topaz Labs Releases Topaz Star Effects!

2012-01-27T20:01:00.000-08:00

This great new software is fun to use. You can enhance those long exposure stars in your photos so they shine. You can create realistic (or not) images where you embellish points of light in the photo. Make those sun flares glow or dew drops sparkle. This a Photoshop plug-in that works with Photoshop Elements, Aperture, iPhoto and Lightroom. Topaz Star Effects retails for $29.99, and will be discounted to $19.99 until 2/15/12. Use my discount code Thompson10 to save 10%

Sun Flare in the Alabama Hills, CA

This easy-to-use plug-in goes beyond traditional photographic star filters, giving you the ability to selectively create dazzling sunbursts and soft natural glows as well as graphic starbursts. Just some of the features that are unique to Star Effects™:

Automatic light source detection.
Selective brush for quickly adding or removing light sources to be used.
Star type selection - choose from options like traditional, starburst, cross star, hollywood star and more!
Ability to stack a variety of star effects via the "Apply" button.
Fully customizable - with added adjustment controls for color, temperature, secondary spikes, glow and ring flares.

Back-lit June Lake Aspens

Pike Place Market (lamp post enhanced)

Yosemite Sun-Lit Trees

Check out the FREE upcoming webinars to learn more about the new Star Effects™! Please see the Topaz Webinars page and be sure to watch John Barclay with Star Effects™! . Have fun with the stars!

Skagit Valley Eagles and Snow Geese

2012-01-10T14:06:00.000-08:00

ISO 800 F11 1/1000 Canon 100-400 lens

Wow! It's time to visit Conway and the Skagit Valley again. Take a drive along Fir Island Road and discover Bald Eagles, Snow Geese and other birds of prey. Hunting season will end January 29, 2012 so after that date the birds will be less shy. However, there are great photo opportunities now! (Exit 221 from I-5)

ISO 800 F11 1/1000 Canon 100-400 lens

ISO800 F11 1/1000 Canon 100-400 lens

ISO 800 F11 1/1500 Canon 100-400 lens

Snow Geese Lift-Off ... Earth Shots Photo of the Day Contest The shot of a hunter's gun or an eagle swooping low makes these geese take off in a hurry. This was taken in late afternoon sunlight. The Lesser Snow Geese wintering in the Skagit Valley are part of the Wrangel Island (Pacific Flyway) nesting population. Wrangel Island lies in the Arctic Ocean, north of Siberia, and belongs to Russia. ISO 800-F8-Shutter speed 1/1500...

Fireworks Brushes

2011-12-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Pam Loeffler for this idea of using fireworks brushes... No longer do you have to sit outside or fight the traffic and crowds. You can use a photoshop brush to enhance your image right now.

You can find the fireworks brushes used in the above image here...

http://www.brusheezy.com/Brushes/9764-10-Fireworks-Brushes by digitalyardsale

http://sakura222-stock.deviantart.com/art/Firework-Brushes-62561468 by Sakura222-stock

http://www.obsidiandawn.com/fireworks-photoshop-gimp-brushes

Pam Loeffler
Ventura, California
www.naturalmomentsphoto.net

Happy Holidays

2011-12-24T10:55:00.000-08:00

Capturing the Journey

2011-09-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

Take a journey with my talented friend, Darin Rogers, and pick up his travel photography tips. I love his new ebook.

"The best ebook you didn’t know you needed!
Tired of trying to find helpful and understandable information for taking better photos of your travels and only being confused with a lot of technical jargon? If so, then this ebook is for you! Written for the average traveler who isn’t interested in carrying around a huge heavy dSLR or worrying about f-stops, iso, and other confusing terms.
To find out more about this eBook click here!
Only USD $10.00

I believe anyone can improve their travel photography by following a few basic principles… and some practice. Have a small point and shoot camera? The type of camera you have is less important than what you do with it. Worry less about mega-pixels and more about technique.
In this ebook, you’ll learn:
1. How to effectively compose an image
2. Ideas for capturing more than just the everyday tourist shots
3. To recognize good lighting
4. Suggestions for presenting your photos once you get back home
And many other useful tips and suggestions!
Beautifully illustrated with many stunning photographs that help to demonstrate the discussion points, these images will also motivate you to get out there and make some of your own. Over 50 pages of inspiring photographs, helpful tips and useful suggestions.

Although written from the perspective of travel photography, most of the principles and techniques presented in this ebook are applicable to many types of photography." by Darin Rogers...

Seattle Fishermen's Terminal

2011-05-27T15:41:00.000-07:00

Now is the time fishermen are preparing for fishing in Alaska. The terminal is really busy with preparation for June salmon, cod, and halibut openings. Net mending is a prime activity. On the blurred hands I used the new Topaz Lens Effects Upgrade. It works well and is fun to use.

One salty fisherman!

Layers for Lightroom!

2011-04-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

Wow! Can't wait to see how this works...

New product provides photographers with streamlined functionality for creating and

working with layers, offering new creative possibilities!

- Combine multiple images from Lightroom, Aperture or Bridge into a single, layered Photoshop file.

- Adjust layer size, position, blending mode and opacity.

- Use the built-in layer masks and masking tools to blend multiple layers together.

- Layered files are easily opened in Photoshop if needed.

- Super fast launch and file-opening speed.

- Free for all registered owners of Perfect Photo Suite 5.5.

Portland, OR – April 20, 2011 - onOne Software, Inc., a leading developer of innovative, timesaving

solutions for professional and advanced amateur photographers, today introduced the Perfect Layers Public

Preview. Perfect Layers gives photographers the ability to easily create and work with layered files in their

workflow application of choice. Perfect Layers supports the creation of layered files that can be opened and

edited by Adobe Photoshop software and can be used directly from within Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

software, Adobe Bridge and, with the shipping version, Apple Aperture.

“The impact Perfect Layers is going to have on photographers using Lightroom makes it a game changer!”

said Scott Kelby, Editor-in-Chief of Photoshop User magazine. “This is the must-have plug-in for

Lightroom.”

“Through our partnership with the National Association of Photoshop Professionals and from invaluable

insight gained from Scott Kelby, we’re excited to get the Perfect Layers Public Preview into the hands of

digital photographers everywhere,” said Craig Keudell, president of onOne Software. “We hear from

photographers every day, that more and more of their image enhancement is taking place in applications

like Photoshop Lightroom and they tell us they need additional tools to let them do even more like easily

create composite images, retouch portraits and get creative with blending modes. Perfect Layers will allow

photographers to do all of these things. That’s why we’re happy to make this Perfect Layers Public Preview

available to the photographic community now so they can start using it to enhance their images.”

Wacom Announces New iPad Pen

2011-04-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

Wacom has announced a pen product for the iPad. It has a 20% smaller nib than the average competing product and gives the "feel of a pen". Along with the pen comes a Bamboo Paper app to enhance note taking. Designed to be an input device for the iPad and other tablet devices, the Bamboo Stylus has a conductive barrel that communicates with capacitive touchscreens. Translated from geek speak, that means you can hold the Bamboo Stylus like a traditional pen to write and draw on a display.

This will be available in mid May and costs around $29.00.

MotionX-GPS Drive V9.4 now in the App Store!

2011-04-13T16:55:00.000-07:00

Share tips, destinations and trip status with family and friends. Just touch the share button. Share any destination by email. Recipients just touch a link and meet you there. Everything is live and dynamic on this app.

After using this app on my iPhone this weekend, I was really impressed. This app only costs .99 plus $2.99 for 30 days of live voice guidance. This is compared to my $1000.00 on board, out of date, navigation system in my car. As a photographer, I could share my destinations by email with an attached note. How handy for marking those places where you want to return and can never find. Save this info on phone or email home with details. How many times have you wanted to find that rusty old truck on some unimproved road in the Palouse? You can even import maps to store on the iPhone or iPad just in case there is no service available. The voice was easy to hear and understand. Back in Seattle, I found the Daily Grind Expresso in Colfax WA, 239.2 miles away by clicking on the coffee cup POI icon.

A few facts from MotionX;

✔ The best at any price, at a fraction of the cost!

✔ HD synthesized voice for high quality spoken street names.

✔ Map data is always up-to-date.

✔ Live traffic flow maps.

✔ Integrated free real-time and predictive traffic-based routing.

✔ Multi-stop routing.

✔ Facebook Places integration.

✔ Local Search and Wikipedia integration for the best POI search.

✔ Full support for portrait and landscape mode.

✔ iPod integration: Listen to music, audiobooks, & podcasts.

✔ Place a phone call directly from search results.

✔ iPhone contacts address book integration.

✔ Share your current location or destination with friends via email.

✔ Magnetic compass.

✔ Fast easy download from your iPhone!

There are also ways to integrate this GPS with the larger screen on your car GPS. Check out MotionX's website.

I will try this on my iPad2 soon.

The iPad version was totally revised
for the iPad2 - 3g. Find out more at the app store or on Motion X website
You will love this app.

Crisis in Japan!

2011-03-16T16:50:00.000-07:00

Will this affect you as a Photographer?

My heart and empathy goes out to Japan.
Please text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10

Most affected tech products: iPad 2, iPhone and similar products(Apple), Blu-ray DVDs, PlayStations, PC laptops (Sony), DLP TVs, video projectors (Texas Instruments), Plasma TVs, LCD TVs, camcorders and DVD players (Hitachi), lithium-ion batteries, flash memory chips (Toshiba), and Various Canon, Nikon products.

Apple: According to analyst Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray, the earthquake could adversely affect Apple's income by as much as $202 million in the March quarter. In a worst case scenario, which assumes no sales in Japan for the first half of the June quarter, Munster sees a negative impact of 2.7 percent, or $563 million.

Canon: Canon is inspecting their manufacturing status at various plants in quake-struck Japan to determine when operations can begin.. They still report minimal injuries, some power outages, and production stoppage. Damage was significant at Canon Inc.’s Utsunomiya Office and Fukushima Canon Inc.

Nikon: Nikon has suspended operation near the disaster area due to damage and has set up Emergency Headquarters for Disaster Relief. Nikon reports injuries, damage to buildings, and power outages.

Sony: Sony shut down six factories last week and another two this week. One of those factories took a direct hit from the tsunami. The plants are all involved in making Blu-ray discs, magnetic heads, PlayStation 3s and lithium-ion batteries. The company makes about 10% of the world’s laptop batteries. The factories are likely to remain shut for at least the next two weeks.

Toshiba: Toshiba makes NAND Flash memory chips used in the iPhone, iPad and other tablets launching this year. Toshiba says it is examining damage to its plant, and has no date set for reopening. Toshiba. President Norio Sasaki has more important things on his mind at the moment: Prime Minister Naoto Kan has ordered him to help with efforts to stop radiation leaking from the Fukushima plant, according to reports.

Hitachi: Hitachi has six manufacturing facilities in the quake-struck north of Japan, all of them now closed, all of them now being inspected for damage. No word as to when they will re-open.

How will this affect photographers? This is a no-brainer. Expect shortages in the next months for the popular products that are produced in Japan.

Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10

Tim Grey Speaks at Boeing Photographic Society

2011-02-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of Tim Grey

Wednesday, I had the good fortune to listen to Tim Grey, digital imaging expert, speak on some of the new Adobe CS5 features. Tim demonstrated tips and tricks and answered questions from the audience on comparing Lightroom3 to Photoshop CS5. Tim called this a "Full Circle Presentation" because he began presenting at Boeing years ago and now is relocating in New York.

The topic of image sequencing in Lightroom came up and is answered on the Ask Tim Grey eNewsletter. Sign up for the free Ask Tim Grey Newsletter here.

Tim began with, "How many of you use the rule of thirds?" and commented, "It's the spirit of the law, not the letter of the law when you use this handy grid in CS5." He demonstrated Refine Mask, Puppet Warp, and talked about Lightroom vs Photoshop and/or using both. Tim suggests, "Lightroom will ultimately replace Photoshop, but you can't beat the image management in Lightroom." He pointed out that Adobe Camera Raw and the Lightroom Develop Module are exactly the same algorithm... same formulas. He reminded us to always use 16 bit if you're using Pro Photo RGB. If you're just getting started in photography, Tim recommends Lightroom.

If you haven't bookmarked Tim's website check this out and also his Digital Darkroom Quarterly.
It was fun to return to Boeing Employees Photographic Society and renew friendships with members.

Where are all the Snow Geese?

2011-02-03T12:09:00.000-08:00

The Snow Geese are hiding! "They were here yesterday," said one local farmer.
After three photo trips to the the Skagit Valley with not finding many geese we headed up towards Padilla Bay looking for raptors and then on to Edison, Wa. Driving east on Bay Edison Road you pass over a bridge and look down on this scene.

Samish River View

The real find was the Farm to Market Bakery half a mile east in Edison. You must stop here. There are only two tables inside but you won't mind sharing a table, sitting outside or in your car because the food is that good... Their signature item, Lime Soaked Polenta Cake is to die for. The Pecan Cinnamon Rolls are huge and wonderful. The Thai Chicken Soup with Fresh Cilantro and will warm you up on a cold day. Jim and Lisa Kowalski, owners, really know how to cook! 14003 Gilmore Ave, Edison, WA
Wed-Sun 9am-4pm

Check out the famous eagle tree left of the bridge facing north...on Bay Edison Road. You'll recognize it because it's a favorite roost for many eagles. I've seen as many as 8 eagles in the tree at once.

Introduction to iPainting with Teri Lou

2011-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

An introduction to iPainting

Hello, my name is Teri Lou, Gretchen so kindly asked if I would be a guest blogger today.

I am an iPhoneographer who is very passionate and excited about the art of iPhoneography. As an iPhoneographer I capture images with my iPhone and then process them with apps available on the iPhone or iPad. I have a daily iPhoneography blog that teaches the many processes I use, please visit it if you like: Teri Lou Blog

What I enjoy most about iPhoneography, is having all my processing tools literally in the palm of my hand, and therefore I can practice my craft anytime and anywhere.

The image I chose to share with you today, I captured in New Hampshire last fall, using the app ProHDR. The process I used to create this image is called iPainting. I start with the original photograph and then literally paint the entire image with my finger, smearing the colors as you would smear paint across a canvas. I use the app PhotoForge on my iPad to accomplish this process which is very time consuming and requires lots of patience.

After the entire image was iPainted, I used the app SketchHD and made an outline of the original image. I then made some other creative choices that pertain to the particular look I want to create and blended the layers together using the app Iris. Blending the images allowed some of the detail to come back into the iPainted image.

Finally I framed the image and put my copyright on it. Please keep in mind that all my processing is done strictly with apps and has never been processed using software on a laptop or desktop computer.

If you have any questions about this process or would like to take my iPainting online class please contact me at teri@terilou.com.

SketchHD - blended with the version below.

iPainted with PhotoForge

Prime Time for Snow Geese and Swans in the Skagit Valley

2011-01-17T15:05:00.000-08:00

With duck and goose hunting ending January 30, 2011, February is prime time for photographing snow geese, swans and other raptors in and around Conway in the Skagit Valley, WA. Directions: Interstate 5, Exit 221 Conway, drive west and then right to follow along Fir Island Rd. You will find geese and swans on any of the side roads that branch off from here north or south. Geese arrive shortly after daybreak. Now sometimes they are hiding on the bay but keep your eyes open for tens of thousands of snow geese. Watch an eagle fly close to them and they are all up in the air. Swans are found in large numbers this year, but they are shy and back off from the edge of the farm fields so use your longest lenses.

onOne Software..

Wild Brush 02 frame

Kevin Kubota Flower Frame

Decoys - Kevin Kubota Macho Frame

What is it About Fog?

2011-01-11T16:27:00.000-08:00

What is it about fog that photographers love so much? Mystery, intrigue, subdued, changing light? Add the sun breaking through at sunset and you have drama. Twenty minutes of ground fog near Padilla Bay, WA provided this exceptional light for images. With a light dusting of snow the light was magical. The temperature last weekend was around 28-32 degrees with icy roads. I only wish I had more time to pull over and find subjects. After driving around looking for Snow Geese and Tundra Swans all day, this was a welcome change. Processed with Photoshop CS5. The image frames were done with onOne Software- PhotoFrame 4.6 Professional edition. The coupon code GTHOMPSON15 will give you a 15% discount with onOne Software...

Tired of Over-Saturated HDR?

2011-01-05T14:34:00.000-08:00

Try Nik HDR Efex for artistic, creative images. The presets in this software allow you to create realistic images with many special effects. Just the names of these presets encourage you to try them. Everyone loves Granny's Attic, Realistic (Strong), The Old Cottage, and Vintage Colors. Then of course you can tweak and save the presets to make your own version. Here are some images of my favorite vineyard in Oregon, Sokol Blosser, optimized with Nik HDR Efex.

Sokol Blosser October 2010

Sokol Blosser

Changing Skies at Sokol Blosser

Changing Color

There are more presets you can download by John Barclay and Tony Sweet and others on the Nik website. Tony Sweet is offering 14 free presets to go along with his new E-book on HDR Efex with Jason Odell! Visit Sokol Blosser here

Incredible iPhone Accessories

2010-12-27T14:18:00.000-08:00

Have you used any of these accessories? I'm not suggesting anyone buy any or all of the accessories listed, but you may find one or two items could really improve iPhone photography.. So, take a look at the add-ons, and let me know in the comments if there are any iPhone accessories that have helped you with your iPhoneography or look promising. I'm really amazed that all of these items are available!

1. iPhone Tripod Holder

A real bargain for $10.00

2. Owle Bubo

$169.95 for iPhone 4, $159.95 for 3G/3GS

The Owle Bubo is a pricey accessory for the iPhone. It transforms the mobile device into a camera. It adds a full-size lens, an external microphone, four tripod mount points and an integrated cold shoe for adding lights. With the added weight the Bubo provides increased control for a more camera-like experience.

3. Flip-Cage with iPhone 4 Mount

$38.90

This folding tabletop stand for your iPhone 4 or 3GS model can be used as a small tripod and doubles as a desktop stand for watching movies or making Facetime calls. In addition, the iPhone mount can be removed so you can use your phone on any tripod.

4. Factron Quattro Cases

$220.00

The high-end Factron case for your iPhone will add some metallic and leather chic to your phone, giving it a classic camera look and feel. The five interchangeable lenses (sold separately) will add more effects to your shooting repertoire. The case is available in 15 different colors and finishes and is made of duralumin.

5. Zacuto Zgrip iPhone Jr. Handgrip

$69.00

The Zgrip iPhone Jr. is a handgrip system for shooting more stable video on the move with your iPhone, and it also offers a thread to mount the handgrip to a tripod for stationary shooting. There’s also another thread on the top for mounting other accessories such as a light.

6. USBFever’s Special Effects Lenses

$13 to $22

If you can’t afford to splurge on Factron’s case-and-lenses system above, then USBFever offers some affordable alternatives. Its range of detachable lenses for mobile devices include fish eye, wide angle, macro and telescopic. The success of the results will no doubt vary, but there’s certainly some fun experimentation to be had.

7. Griffin Clarifi

$34.99

Designed for iPhone 3G and 3GS, Griffin’s Clarifi case boasts a built-in lens that claims to give your iPhone a boost in camera resolution. Macro and close-up shots are instantly finer in detail, while you can still slide the lens aside for normal photography.

8. Joby GorillaMobile for iPhone 4

$34.99

Joby is offering this product for the iPhone 4. The stand-alone bumper protects your phone, while the detachable, flexible tripod offers adaptable positioning. In addition to photography, the GorillaMobile can also be used as a desk stand, or even, suggests Joby, attached to a treadmill to watch your favorite show while working out.

9. ZoomIt SD Memory Card Connector

$59.95

This dock connector accessory (and the free app) allows you to use SD memory cards with your iPhone. It lets you view, access and share all of your photos (and other files) from your SD cards on the go without the need to connect to your camera, Mac or PC.

10. Glif (on back order)

$20

The Glif offers two functions: letting you mount your iPhone to a standard tripod and using a kickstand to prop your phone up at an angle.

Best Wishes for 2011

2010-12-23T12:48:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for 2011. May you all create fabulous, creative, images.

Oregon Maples Near Silverton ©Gretchen Thompson

Take your camera with you for all of your holiday outings, parties, and festivities. Charge the batteries and bring lots of extra cards.

Check out these articles on shooting Christmas lights from the STROBIST and from Darren Rouse, Christmas Lights Photos with a Twist!.

Thanks to all of you for following this blog and I'll see you in 2011.

Canon Offers a New Locking Mode Dial

2010-12-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

For those of you who use the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Cameras and the EOS 7D Digital SLR Cameras there's a new locking mode dial available.

Courtesy of Canon

Effective December 6, 2010, Canon will provide as a chargeable service, a locking mode dial modification for the EOS 5D MarkII and EOS 7D digital single-lens reflex cameras.

This modification is available, for a fee, to owners of these cameras who would prefer a Mode Dial which locks in place and can’t be accidentally moved during normal camera operation.
For USA residents, the pricing of the locking mode dial modification service for EOS 5D Mark II and 7D cameras has been set at $100 per camera as of December, 2010. (Pricing and availability subject to change without notice.) For further details, see contact information for inquiries below.

Once modified, users must first press and hold down the central lock-release button in order to turn the Mode Dial. The modification is intended to prevent the Mode Dial from accidentally moving, once set to a particular exposure mode by the user.

Click here for more information:

onOne Software Releases Perfect Photo Suite 5.5

2010-12-03T20:30:00.000-08:00

onOne Software Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 for Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Apple Aperture and iPhone and iPad applications

For the first time photographers will be able to use FocalPoint 2, PhotoTune 3, PhotoFrame 4.6 and Perfect Resize 7 directly within Lightroom and Aperture without the need for a separate host application. (these are stand alone products or plugins) In addition, owners of the Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 will receive Perfect Layers when it becomes available next year. This completely new product provides photographers with the ability to create layered files directly from within Lightroom and Aperture that are fully compatible with Photoshop for later editing!

Perfect Resize 7 – The next generation of Genuine Fractals – Based on the same proven and patented algorithms as Genuine Fractals, the newest version of the industry standard for image resizing introduces new Smoothness and Sharpening controls to achieve the highest quality results when enlarging images. In addition, Perfect Resize adds features that make printing easier and faster including the new Loupe Tool for an instant 1:1 magnified preview. The upgrade also adds the ability to save custom Presets, a new Gallery Wrap preview with Auto Corner Fill, and Image Tiling improvements. Perfect Resize 7 now enables those who prefer a Lightroom or Aperture only workflow to resize a single or batch of images directly within those applications.

Use Perfect Resize to add a gallery wrap to your photo.Perfect Resize offers 4 different wrap-around edges: Reflect, Reflect Soft, Stretch and Stretch Soft.There is an opacity slider for each method.

Reflect- Notice the edges have been mirrored

Stretch - Edges have been stretched by 2 inches

Determine the size of the gallery wrap by the size of the stretcher bar. For a 1.5" bar use 3" if you are going to staple canvas on the back side of the bar. Printing on canvas will be easier and faster with this software.
Use this coupon code GTHOMPSON15 for a product discount. Find out more about Perfect Resize 7

Find out more about Plug-in Suite 5
Find out more about Perfect Layers

Topaz InFocus

2010-11-29T00:13:00.000-08:00

After Before

After trying out the new software Topaz Infocus you get a feel for the amazing job this does. This image was taken along the Umpqua River in Southern Oregon on a breezy, fall day. It didn't work in HDR because the image was blurry so I tried the trial version of InFocus. Can you tell which has been sharpened adding more detail and clarity? In this jpg it's hard to see the clear difference but if you printed this image you would see a major change.

According to Topaz Labs, Topaz InFocus uses image deconvolution technology to mathematically reverse image blur, increasing the actual sharpness. InFocus can enhance the clarity of an already well-focused image, as well as deblur an out-of-focus or motion blurred image.

You can download a 30 day fully functional trial version to try this out or buy for $29.99 using the code Super Sharp.. until 12/03/10 Visit Topaz Labs and enjoy Infocus. I know I will be using it often.

Shutterbug Magazine and Topaz Labs...

2010-11-08T17:06:00.000-08:00

Topaz Labs has featured my photo, Crater Lake Sunrise in their ad in the December and November issue of Shutterbug magazine. Thank you, Topaz editors. I used Topaz, Adjust on the foreground snow and rocks which gave that cold, crunchy look. And it was cold! Topaz Adjust and Detail work very well for this.

NWCCC PHOTO Conference on the Sound

2010-10-11T12:11:00.000-07:00

Your committee is busy planning for the upcoming NWCCC Photo Conference November 13th. Don't miss this one featuring Mark Fitzgerald and Kevin McNeal. Check out their websites. Wow!

Here's the NWCCC council meeting at the Landmark Event Center. Pictures taken with the iPhone.

Tagged: Sam Ruljancich, Duane Blocker, Hal Muhrlein, Jerry Joquin, Renata Kleinert, Herb Johnson,

Mary Pease.

Hope to see you there Saturday, November 13, 2010.

Veggie's at Carpinito's

2010-10-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

Veggies in the farm produce store are great subjects for HDR this time of year. Here are some images from Carpinito Bros. in Kent, WA. The staff is constantly bringing in new produce from their nearby fields every few minutes. You can photograph indoors or outside and tripods are welcome. Carpinito Brothers also has U-Pick pumpkin fields and a corn maze. Great family fun with carmel corn and hot roasted, buttered, fresh corn from the fields. The apples, cauliflower and peaches I bought were oh, so fresh!

At the U-Pick Pumpkin Patch there are over 10 acres of pumpkins and corn mazes. The fun never ends with hot popped Kettle Korn and hot corn on the cob. The U-Pick Pumpkin Patch is located at 6868 So. 277th St. Kent, WA 98032 The nursery and produce store is located at 1148 Central Ave North, Kent, WA. Check their website for more details.

Add a Prop to Your Image

2010-09-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

When you add a prop to your image it's an easy way to focus attention, add drama and improve your image.

Lona Donaldson my friend in Steveston, B.C. transformed this eye-catching image into one that pops by adding the red hat and now it has mystery, intrigue, and a story to tell. Who is this elusive lady? Where is she? Who is she with? What is she doing? The hat draws you to the image immediately.

Victoria Waterfront HDR Topaz Adjust

Bring some props with you when creating your photos. Hats, shells, wine glass, a spray bottle for dew drops... The ideas here are unlimited. www.photographyprops.com/ has a variety of props to help you brainstorm but I'm sure you can find many props in your own closets.

Waterfront Park Victoria BC

Thank you Lona, for sharing your wonderful Victoria waterfront images.

Victoria Waterfront HDR Topaz Adjust

Nature Photography Summit (NANPA)

2010-02-24T18:03:00.000-08:00

The necessity of nature conservation and the disappearing biodiversity was emphasized by keynote speakers at NANPA 2010. "We must recognize, adjust, and grow in response to change in the natural world, the continually evolving digital photography age, and in our own lives" Jamie Konarski Davidson, NANPA Summit chair.
These photographers are sharing their vision and giving back at the NANPA authors' book signing event and Closing Reception:
(iPhone photos)

Carson Clark, 10 years old and son of Jim Clark, has published his first book, The Adventures of Buddy Beaver!

The Jim Clark and Carson team were masters of ceremonies throughout the summit.

What ten year old 4th grader do you know who is a published nature photographer? http://www.carsonclarkphoto.com/

Carson will never forget this week at NANPA. Thanks for your cool jokes, Carson!

Phil Borges, NANPA keynote speaker, autographs his book, Enduring Spirit ... Phil's mission is to bring awareness and inspire support for individuals and organizations that address social issues around the world.

Powerful presentation at the Nanpa Summit, Phil!

Roy Toft signing his new book, OSA Where the Rainforest Meets the Sea.
"The Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica, is one of the last places in the world where virgin rainforest grows right to the high-tide line. This union of land and sea creates a unique zone that supports exceptional biodiversity and offers refuge for sea turtles, scarlet macaws, Jaguars, and other endangered species." Roy leads photo workshops to the OSA Penninsula.

Your book reflects the NANPA theme of nature preservation, Roy.

Katherine Feng is a photographer and workshop leader with an emphasis on China. Her images of the giant pandas at the Wolong Nature Reserve, have been published internationally in National Geographic, National Wildlife, Paris Match and other notable publications. Kathy is showing, Panda Kindergarten, featuring Katherine's panda images published in 2009.
Kathy's images are engaging and fabulous.
Kathy, you're really giving back with your NANPA breakout presentation and publishing. Thanks, Kathy.

William Folsom photographer, discussing his book: Butterfly Photographer's Handbook: A Comprehensive Reference for Nature Photographers.
Looking forward to purchasing this book soon...

Brenda Tharp, photo workshop leader, wrote and photographed the book, Creative Nature & Outdoor Photography.

Thanks for your workshop presentation, the Essential Elements of Nature Photography. Brenda, it was so nice to meet you!

Jim Steinberg with Colorado Scenic Byways, Taking the Other Road.
I will be on my way to photograph Colorado soon after looking through this book. Thanks for sharing your talents, Jim.

Quang-Tuan Luong photographer-writer loves the national parks. His images have been published in more than 30 countries. Tuan and his work are featured in Ken Burns' new PBS documentary, The National Parks. Thank you for sharing your work, Quang-Tuan Luong.

Photographing Oregon...
a Guide to the Natural Landmarks of Oregon by Greg Vaughn
Greg’s photos regularly appear in travel-oriented
magazines such as National Geographic Traveler,
Backpacker, VIA, Travel Oregon and Islands.

This five star book is a necessity for your Oregon travels.

Brenda Tharp(workshop leader), Susan Day (President-elect), and Staffan Widstrand (keynote speaker) celebrate Nanpa's Summit at the closing reception.

Darrell Gulin, shares with a high school scholarship recipient.
The 2010 highschool and college scholarship students photographed on field trips, attended all the NANPA functions, and learned to find their own vision in photography, being true to themselves. Each group produced a slide show of the week's work.

They all outdid themselves with fabulous work that more than matched the professional photographer's work ...

Ian Shive, an award-winning environmental and conservation oriented-photographer, author and film producer, signs his new book, The National Parks: Our American Landscape.

Make plans to attend the 17th Nature Photography Summit presented by NANPA March 9-13, 2011.
McAllen Convention Center, McAllen, Texas. http://www.nanpa.org/

North American Nature Photography Association Summit

2010-02-10T23:06:00.000-08:00

It's not too late to register for NANPA Summit, February 16-21, 2010, Reno, Nevada. Attend the presentations and workshops by George Lepp, Phil Borges, Joel Sartore, Staffan Widstrand, Darrell Gulin, Lewis Kemper, Quang-Tuan Luong, Brenda Tharp, Rob Sheppard …and many others.

Network and share your passion with the pros. Visit the Trade Show and try out all of the new gear. You'll have lots of time to visit all of the booths. Chat with Gary at Hunt's Photo and Video, talk with the Nikon guy, or the Canon guy plus others and spend some time looking at photo trips. Special vendor and exhibitor educational sessions will be offered along with breakout sessions. Check out the silent auction for great opportunities and support the NANPA Foundation.

Consider a post-summit workshop on Marketing Your Work in an Ever-Changing Digital World with Darrell Gulin, The Nature Photography Website You Need by Jason Hahn, Writing Naturally: Keys to Composing, Paths to Publishing and Self-Promotion by David FitzSimmons, or Essential Elements of Nature Photography with Brenda Tharp.

John Ascuaga's Nugget Casino Resort is welcoming all of the NANPA attendees.

For more information on the summit visit: http://www.nanpa.org/ Most of all, I hope to learn more about networking and have a relaxing, inspiring time in Reno. I hope to meet all of you in person at the welcome reception Tuesday night, February 16, 2010!

February Color and Flavor!

2010-02-03T21:51:00.000-08:00

February 14th is Valentine's Day and a great time to get creative with your photography.
However, it won't last long enough for a photo op.. So enjoy!

INDIVIDUAL MOLTEN
CHOCOLATE CAKES

Adapted from Jean-Georges Vongerichten

SERVES 4
ACTIVE TIME: 15 MIN
START TO FINISH: 30 MIN

This seductive little cake is just the thing for your chocolate craving. Super-simple "mix and bake" cake is the ultimate chocolate indulgence from Ruth Reichl at the former Gourmet.com.

1 stick unsalted butter
Unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

4 oz 70%-cacao bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 whole large eggs plus 2 large egg yolks
¼ cup sugar
1 tsp all-purpose flour

• Preheat oven to 450ºF with rack in middle. Butter ramekins and dust with cocoa powder.
• Slowly melt butter (1 stick) in a small heavy saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate until melted and smooth.
• Beat eggs, yolks, sugar, and a pinch of salt with an electric mixer at high speed until pale and tripled in volume. Fold in warm chocolate mixture and flour gently but thoroughly. Pour batter into ramekins and arrange ramekins in a 4-sided sheet pan.
• Bake cakes until puffed and just starting to crack on the surface (cakes will still be wobbly), 8 to 10 minutes.
• Immediately invert a plate on top of each ramekin and reinvert. Let stand 1 minute, then gently remove ramekins. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

EQUIPMENT: 4 (6-oz) ramekins (2¼ inches tall) or 4
(8-oz) ramekins

ACCOMPANIMENT: vanilla bean ice cream

Edit Photos with Picnik Online!

2010-01-04T22:04:00.000-08:00

Photo editing online... Do complicated editing effects with Picnik in just a few seconds. Come up with many dynamic effects just by moving the sliders. . . Design a card, scrap book, collage, or frame your images. Add special effects, drop shadows, zoom blurs, and basic edits with levels, and curves, etc. Begin with the free software and then upgrade for $24.95 U.S.D. to the premium version for more fun. Picnik "lives online" but you can work on images from your computer, Flickr, Facebook, Picasa, or other sites. You can send your images to photo sites or download to your computer. This software is awesome for quick edits and effects!

Some sample images edited with Picnik:

Using frames, drop shadow, collage, focal pixelate, focal blur in Picnic inspired me to turn my photos into art. They are now ready for display on the web. Give Picnic a try for quick photo editing and special effects. Enjoy!

Best Wishes for 2010

2009-12-29T19:18:00.000-08:00

Create a Wordle in 2010! Enter the URL of any blog, blog feed, or any other web page that has an Atom or RSS feed. Or paste in some text and see what happens... These are the words from my blog:

Write your own text and create a word cloud. Use this for a variety of reasons. You can alter the language, font , layout and color schemes. Randomize the designs. Put your own words on a mug, or tee shirt, or web site.

Check out this website...Wordle

Have fun creating cool word clouds.

Wishing you Happy New Year and the best for 2010!

Once in a Blue Moon

2009-12-26T14:35:00.000-08:00

On December 31 we are having a Blue Moon -- two full Moons in the month of December! Once in a Blue Moon usually means not very often and this only happens about every 2 1/2 years. Full Moon sounds like a photo op to me!

This data is provided by the U.S. Naval Observatory.
Phase of the Moon on 30 December: waxing gibbous with 99% of the Moon's visible disk illuminated.

MOON on DEC. 31

Moonrise 3:17 p.m. on preceding day
Moon transit 11:43 p.m. on preceding day
Moonset 8:02 a.m.
Moonrise 4:34 p.m.
Moonset 8:46 a.m. on following day
Full Moon on 31 December 2009 at 11:14 a.m. Pacific Standard Time.

You can get the worldwide times for moonrise, moonset, and moon phase here at the US Naval Data Services

The days between Full Moon is about 29.5 days and the average month is about 30.5 days so it's unusual to have two full moons. This was photographed during an eclipse of the moon in Seattle from Alki Avenue.

Swans and the moon during an eclipse composited.

This composite image has Tundra Swans and the Moon from Golden Gardens Park in Seattle.

Best wishes for 2010 and hope you have clear weather for some Moon shots.

Best Wishes for 2010

2009-12-24T01:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for 2010. May you all create fabulous, creative, images.

Take your camera with you for all of your holiday outings, parties, and festivities. Charge the batteries and bring extra cards.
Check out this article on shooting Christmas lights from the Strobist.

Season's greetings from Gretchen.
Thanks to all of you for following this blog and I'll see you in 2010.

More Texture Blending

2009-12-21T17:24:00.000-08:00

This Snow Geese image from the Skagit Valley has been texture blended with three different photographs.

The original image looked like this...

Next I added texture with this image from SkeletalMess on Flickr.

After texture blending with Uwe Steinmueller's script I ended up with this:

Then wanting to add a moon, I added this image using the script which you can download at Outback Photo: This script gives you a lot of control because you can adjust the different layers in Photoshop.

I used the texture blending script once more and ended up with this:

Give this texture blending a try. Some subjects work and others don't but this sure provides a new avenue for creative expression. To get the blur I photographed at 1/30 of a second with my Canon 100-400 lens and a 1.4 extender. I enhanced the detail with Topaz Adjust software.

These geese breed north of the timberline in Greenland, Canada, Alaska, and the northeastern tip of Siberia, and winter in warm parts of North America from southwestern British Columbia through parts of the United States to Mexico. Scientists have actually tested the soil from Skagit Valley and found the same soil in Siberia where some of the geese nest. They usually forage around the Skagit Valley until the tulips bloom in the spring.

HDR with Ice Patterns

2009-12-17T13:56:00.000-08:00

Along with holiday cheer, December brings snow flurries, ice patterns, and frost along the riverside. This photo shoot along the mountain highway provided a chance to photograph lots of patterns, and textures.

I used Photomatix, CS4 and Topaz for post processing. The Topaz Adjust really brought out the texture.

Where are your favorite easy to access locations for winter photography? This was along the I-90 corridor west of the summit in Washington State.

Texture Blending

2009-12-03T15:07:00.000-08:00

Texture blending is a Photoshop technique useful for giving a painterly, sometimes mystical, magical effect to your photograph. The main image plus a texture image is opened in CS3 or CS4. Next go to file > scripts > and click on DOP_TextureBlending. Then sit back and watch the results! This great script from Outback Photo blends two images in a delightful way with options to change opacity, levels, and more. Here you'll find a free trial and more info on how to install and use the script. Tony Sweet has a cool video using texture blending on Facebook which is really helpful.

This image was taken hand held in the pouring down rain. The next image is the same but with a different texture.

There are great textures for free at Skeletal Mess' Photostream on flickr and other flickr members or you can photograph your own. All of the textures I used came from Skeletal Mess.

The wings were sharpened first with Topaz Adjust and then blended
with a white texture from Skeletal Mess.

Outback Photo has a gallery with examples of texture blending.

Visit my Zen web page for more texture blended images and have fun with texture blending!

PSA is Working for YOU: New Definition for Nature Category

2009-11-17T13:19:00.000-08:00

PSA is clarifying and strengthing the definition of the nature category. The new definition will take effect June, 2010. Photographers can now take advantage of technology to present their nature images. John Davis, Executive Vice President of PSA presented the new definition of Nature at the NWCCC Fall Conference, Nov. 14th.

Now with the new rules, wild mammals with tags or radio collars may be included.
HDR and Helicon Focus software may be used as long as the image appears natural.
Some human interaction is allowed if it contributes to the nature story.

There's more... Please read the new definition below and comment.

Here is the new text with ~~deletions~~, changes and additions.

Nature is restricted to the use of the photographic process to depict observations from all branches of natural history, except anthropology and archeology, in such a fashion that a well informed person will be able to identify the subject material and to certify as to its honest presentation. The story telling value of a photograph must be weighed more than the pictorial quality. Human elements shall not be present, except ~~on the rare occasion~~ (1) where those human elements enhance the nature story.
The presence of scientific bands, scientific tags or radio collarson wild animals is permissable. (2) Photographs of artificially produced hybrid plants or animals, mounted specimen, or obviously set arrangements, are ineligible, as is any form of manipulation that alters the truth of the photographic statement. No elements may be moved,cloned, added, deleted, rearranged or combined. No manipulation or modification is permitted except resizing, sharpening, cropping, selective lightening,or darkening, and restoration of the original color to the scene. No special effects filters can be applied. No techniques that add to, relocate, replace, or remove pictorial elements except by cropping are permitted. Techniques that enhance the presentation of the photograph without changing the nature story or the pictorial content are permitted.
(3) Any adjustments must appear natural.
Authentic wildlife is defined as one or more living organisms, living free and unrestrained in a natural or adopted habitat. Therefore landscapes, photographs of zoo animals, and game farm animals, or any living subject taken under controlled conditions are not eligible for wildlife competitions.

Thanks, John for your presentation. This is a giant step forward.

Crater Lake Workshop with Darrell Gulin and Jean Carter

2009-11-12T10:58:00.000-08:00

Images from Crater Lake, Rogue River, and the Umpquah River in Southern Oregon plus Silver Falls State Park… With six days of beautiful weather with no wind, rain and beautiful fall color we had much to choose from. The Dogwoods and Big Leaf Maples were in their prime as well as splashes of color from vine maples. Crater Lake frosted over in the morning with a light dusting of snow. Here’s a sample of some of my faves from the workshop Oct 09 ...

Snow Geese are Back

2009-11-09T11:14:00.000-08:00

Large numbers of Snow Geese are back on Fir Island in the Skagit Valley! They have been seen near Stanwood/Camano Island area, too. Yesterday they wanted to land on private property so here's an image from last season.

Weldon Lee

2009-11-05T17:30:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my photoblog. I’m hoping to share with you some of the challenges and rewards of photography, as well as thoughts on my own photography and links to other photographers I find inspiring, plus classes, workshops and sources for shooting in the Northwest.

Fall color is about gone…so now what? Your comments are welcome.

Nature Photographers of the Pacific Northwest is meeting Saturday, November 7 starting at 8:30am. Also on Friday night there will be a discussion on Wildlife Photography with Weldon Lee leading the topic at the Phoenix Inn.
The fall meeting will be November 7 at Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA. Doors Open at 8:30 AM, and the program will begin at 10 AM. The invited speaker will be WELDON LEE. Weldon is a veteran leader of photographic workshops and tours. His images have appeared in numerous nature publications, and he has authored several books on wildlife photography. His morning presentation is entitled “In Search of the Winning Image” and his afternoon presentation will be “Photography & Writing: The Fast Track to Success.” Check out http://www.weldonlee.com/ and check the web site at http://www.nppnw.org/
I hope to see you there!