Wednesday
Aug042010

Surprised by Photoshop CS5

DateWednesday, August 4, 2010 at 9:11AM

At this point in my career it takes a lot to surprise me with imaging software. I've lived through every release of Adobe Photoshop and each year take the plunge into their latest update and creation. I held out on CS5 thinking that there probably wouldn't be much of a difference. There really wasn't a lot of hype around the release either. So I was very surprised when I started using it that it was indeed a major improvement.

Speed... CS5 on an Intel based Mac just seems more responsive and smooth. Whatever is under the hood of this release is a very pleasant ride. The Mini Bridge is something I've really been waiting for. I have no need to launch the full bridge, and haven't used bridge in any release as it was always slow. But, the mini-bridge is extremely fast and intuitive.

The new quick selection tool is also a big deal. I was in need of a selection tool for a project I was working on and the quick selection tool was brilliant. The days of long choppy selections are over and this is a very welcomed new feature.

The painting brushes surprised me as well. I was off creating some pretty amazing effects and artistic renderings within moments of choosing a brush.I know these aren't the features that are being praised or talked about in great length. But, at first glance these were the features that I knew would enhance my workflow and creative offering. Amazing Adobe! CS5 is truly a work of art.

AuthorCharles Maring | CommentPost a Comment |
Monday
Jul262010

Camera of the Future

DateMonday, July 26, 2010 at 6:07PM

Professional photography has been changing non-stop over the past decade. Pros have really had to adopt new technologies or watch as their businesses slipped away. Well, who knows is if this new concept will ever come to fruition, but one thing is for sure we are going to be moving towards video capture for still photography. Like it or not, 2k and 4k resolutions will be soon be in a DSLR from one manufacturer or another.

So, what about the Wonder Camera? Check out this concept camera, which could be the future.

AuthorCharles Maring | CommentPost a Comment |
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Tuesday
Jul062010

Hot Summer Parties Deserve a Hot Album

DateTuesday, July 6, 2010 at 8:05PM

We recently photographed an over the top birthday celebration in Manhattan with decor in hot pink and candy apple red. Every great partiy deserves a designer album, so we created this particular book to compliment the decor and party theme.

You should be able to judge a book by it's cover. In fact that is what makes it a conversation piece. While it isn't easy for clients to often step outside their comfort zone, once we started sharing books that radiated designer elements, it has really taken off. So, take some time to design some specialty books rather than the typical boring black or brown. The cover of the book is what makes guests in your apartment, home, or studio want to pick it up. Each book should be as special as the party itself and LuxArt Books allows photographers to completely customize books in all sorts of fashions.

AuthorCharles Maring | CommentPost a Comment |
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Sunday
Jun272010

iPhone 4 is both business and personal

DateSunday, June 27, 2010 at 10:12AM

So, I managed to get the new iPhone 4 the day after their debut without waiting in too long of a line. I am not one to purchase technology just for the sake of spending money. In fact, I was still using the original iPhone up until now. But what intrigued me to step up to the iPhone 4 was the camera and the video camera.

Bottom line. I am absolutely blown away with the new iPhone. Unlike most technical things, the iPhone 4 is both business and personal. The first shots with the camera on the walking home on the Highline in New York and I quickly realized just how amazing it is going to be for families, parents, and friends to be able to share and connect to fluently and easily.

As a photographer, I am also a visual person. If I am going to take a picture, I want it to look worthy and usable and be of a quality I can enjoy rather than toylike. The iPhone camera and video camera deliver. I can see myself taking more pictures and sharing more with friends and family because the quality of the pictures and video are remarkable considering the fact that they are in a cell phone.

It does make me wonder what will become of the consumer camera and video camera market though. Most certainly I expect a major drop in camera sales for a lot of retailers and for camera manufacturers. Once again, Apple change the game and the playing field. 

AuthorCharles Maring | CommentPost a Comment |
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Thursday
Jun242010

Apple launches the iWait... Again

DateThursday, June 24, 2010 at 7:51PM

So, after getting a haircut today, I thought "let me walk down to 14th street to the Apple Store and pickup the new IPhone 4". Guess again.... The line was a full LONG city block and security said it was two blocks this morning.

I've been in a lot of discussions about Apple lately. I am a big fan of their products. But, I have to say Apple is getting kind of scary in some ways. They single handedly closed record stores for the most part. Now with the iPad, I expect the concept of the bookstore will soon be gone as well.

On the flip side, they may have single handedly saved the magazine industry. They open doors to any entrepreneur that wants to write a book, write a song, create magazine, create an app... And gives them a place to sell it along with advertisers built in to foot the bill. I have to admit, the FREE WEB concept we all dreamed about simply isn't working. It's a great idea gone terribly wrong. New websites and blogs are started daily and yet few of them make much if any money.

Love love love the idea of a 5 megapixel camera and full HD video in my pocket at all times. That changes things. Of course, I expect this will hammer on sales of consumer digital cameras and video cameras big time from other manufacturers.

Everything you need or want for information, news, weather, entertainment, knowledge, and your memories is sold through Apple, which is kind of weird when you think about it.

So, here we are... Hundreds, and probably thousands worldwide waiting in line for the next big thing from Apple. No other company in the world has this kind of following including entertainers. No doubt I will upgrade this time around from my old 1st edition iPhone. But, I'll be waiting till next week when the line clears.

Amazing that such a big company just keeps doing it right.

AuthorCharles Maring | CommentPost a Comment |
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