Software & Books etc:
Plug-In Suite 5:
During mid June 2009 "OnOne Software" released their very latest and most powerful 6 piece package of "plug-ins". This is called the "Plug-In Suite 5 fully compatible with Adobe Photoshop CS2, CS3 CS4 and Aperture 2 & 3. The plug-in packages consist of Genuine Fractals V6, Focal Points V2, Photo Tune V3, Mask Pro, Photo Frame V4.5, and finally Photo Tools V2.5. All of these tools have been completely upgraded and made to be extremely powerful. The licence issued with this software is a "two machine license" as is that of Adobe Photoshop, therefore allowing you to run one licence on your main imaging machine whilst the second is perhaps on your laptop to assist you whilst you are on your travels. The technical support provided by the many offices around the world belonging to "onOne" is inmy opinion second to none, if fact absolutely brilliant and I will be telling you all why in the main article.
Data Backup:
Some times you will find the phrase "backup" where photography is concerned can cause virtually instant panic. Are my images safe, what is the best way to back them up? In fact some people "backup" on a very regular opportunity, daily, weekly etc, whilst some people get totally paranoid about this problem and backup after every action/process has been completed. I think that before we start to discuss what can we do, and how do we do this, we need to have a look at what is available to help us to undertake this task efficiently and economically. First of all remember that todate there is no system available, irrespective of the cost which is guaranteed 100%. For the purpose of this article I have split the "Backup" procedure into two halves, one being the camera and secondly being the computer.
At the camera
1) Do we backup in camera?
2) Do we backup our memory cards instantly?
3) Do we backup our memory cards as and when the card comes full?
4) Do we backup a backup?
At the computer
1) Do we backup our hard drive?
2) Do we backup to CDR's/DVD-R's
3) Do we backup to an external hard drive's?
4) Do we back up to an internet storage company?
Scott Kelby Books:
The author Scott Kelby is an extremely well recognised photographer and author of digital photographic books, in fact Scott has currently got in excess of 50 publications along with videos and tutorals. Some of which include such subjects as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Channels, digital photography and many more. Scotts books are published in countries all around the world and are of a very handy size of around 7.5" x 9" and are usually softback. The style in which Scott writes his books are of a very easy to follow, using the "step by step" method and if your really unlucky the book(s) you purchase may also be subjected to some of Scotts American wit and sarcasm!!!
Copyright & the Photographer:
The phrase "copyright" and the photographer is very often looked at with the attitude of "that doesn't effect me", WRONG. If you are working within the creative industries in any sense of the word, irrespective whether you are an amateur or a professional, then the copyright laws can quite seriously effect you, your work, and if you are operating on a commercial basis, your income. Prior to the "Copyright, Design, & Patent Act 1988" being introduced, the UK law excluded photographers from ever claiming "first ownership" of any copyright when the photographic work in question was commissioned, and therefore denied photographers of any protection or benefits. It is also noted and very, very important to note that the 1988 act does not actually cover the "World Wide Web/the internet". It is my suggestion to publicise the fact of who owns the copyright of your work by marking your image. There is many waysof doing this which I will go into in the main article.
The Photographer and the Police:
This subject has recently been growing on a daily basis, and in some cases with disastrous happenings. I will also be liaising with a photographers national trade paper who have been featuring and fighting this subject no matter what the consequences. Has you an experience of this, if so please get in touch.