Posted December 27th, 2008
by David Peters
by David Peters
I came across an in-depth article that details a lot of information regarding Adobe CS4, mostly things about Photoshop CS4, Bridge CS4 and the launch date of the latest version of Adobe’s Creative Suite.
First of all, the launch is predicted to be around the time of Adobe Max, which takes place November 16th-19th in San Francisco. Typically Adobe Creative Suite product cycles are 18 months and since Adobe CS3 was released on April 16th, 2007 Adobe Max would mean 19 months since the last product release. Let’s look at some features that may or may not be included in Adobe CS4.
Adobe Photoshop CS4: Codename: Adobe Stonehenge CS4 Extended. Stonehenge is the splash screen. 1. The User-Interface is similar to CS3 however there are some minor polishes 2. Support for “Extensions” is listed under the “Window” menu 3. The extension manager is in every CS4 application 3. “Kuler” which is an Intranet color pallet collaboration tool for sharing color swatches with others on your team. 4. Support for Flash (more on this later)
Adobe Panel Configurator 1.0 (Alpha Version): 1. Allows you to create your own Photoshop toolboxes. 2. You can choose from over 860+ commands, tools and application features and from there create your own toolboxes that work in any CS4 application 3. Supports Actions and Scripts 4. Drag and drop text fields into toolboxes 5. Support for SWF and Quicktime video files in toolboxes 6. You can export the toolbar file and re-open it in any CS4 application.
CS4 Suite New Features: 1. Flash SWF support across all applications 2. You can play SWF files in any app 3. A tool is being developed for creating flash content without any coding experience
Adobe Bridge CS4: 1. New Interface (cleaner, more like Apple’s Leopard Finder) 2. Sidebar and search tool location are just like Mac OS Leopard 3. Folder navigation just like Windows Vista Explorer 4. Labels and star ratings are easier to access. 5. Filtered searches are now much faster even across thousands of images 6. List View in Bridge 7. Auto Photo Downloader to download photos from your camera is now easier and better than Bridge CS3 8. Improved slideshows. Spacebar starts slideshow (like quickview in leopard) 9. From Slideshow, just hit “r” and Adobe Camera Raw opens automatically. 10. Review Mode: (full screen review of photos) a. Just like a full screen version of Apple coverflow b. Loopt tool built in c. Open all photos and review photos and drop photos out of view that you don’t want and other stay in full screen d. Upon leaving review mode, photos you kept are now selected in bridge. Ones you dropped are still there but not selected. e. Ability to create photocollections from within review mode 11. Collections are just like Playlists in iTunes. Ability to group photos. Location of photo is not changed. 12. More sharing options a. Upload directly to FTP within Bridge b. Web gallery templates are easy and uses the same templates available in Lightroom 2 c. Ability to create flash galleries with a few clicks and upload instantly d. Uses the Opera engine to render galleries within Bridge e. Photoshop Web Gallery is going away and being replaced by Bridge Web Gallery 13. Bridge CS4 Menus (in order left to right) File - Edit - View - Sttacks - Label - Tools - Window - Help
Adobe CS4 Applications are exactly the same as CS3 but the text in the icons is black instead of white.
Tags: adobe photoshop, editing photos using photoshop, get photoshop, hobbies, internet, learn photoshop fast, Learn Photoshop now, learning photoshop, Photography, photogrpahy, Photoshop, photoshop guide, photoshop tutorials, software help Posted in Photography
Posted December 25th, 2008
by Arcol Mertin
by Arcol Mertin
What is your favorite pastime? Hobby enthusiasts know that free time is not to be “spent”, but savored. If you have a past time that you enjoy, never look at his leisure in the same way again. If you are not sure what the last time your favorite hobby to you, here are some suggestions.
Many people listen to music as a hobby. There is much you can learn about all types of music. You can learn composers famous melodies, and all the performers in the past and the present. You can develop sophisticated tastes in jazz or classical music or to collect a wide variety of CD’s. Music is a great time hobby.
A lot of people love animals. Pets of all sorts can become your hobby. Perhaps you enjoy watching birds. If you have trouble finding them in the trees to watch, maybe you’d like to get a pair of canaries, a budgie, or a cockatiel. People who live in the country sometimes become interested in raising ornamental chickens, pigeons, or pheasants. It is very interesting to watch a mother bird take care of a nest of young chicks. Perhaps you can even raise some prize winners!
Dogs make a big hobby, too. Walking and enjoying a pet dog is one thing, but the breeding and raising show is another thing. Show dogs may require a bit of an investment, but many pups are free. There is also the aspect of training of a dog in obedience. Dogs love to give back to their owners, too, so that if you start a hobby of time spent caring for a dog, you will never be lonely. However, dogs require a bit of work and care, especially when it is forming, so keeping dogs is not for everyone.
Bicycles can be your hobby. Hobby cyclists are becoming increasingly common to see less traveled by bicycle along the highways up close and personal the campaign. Cycling requires a helmet and appropriate clothing, and a small tool kit for repairs side of the road. Or perhaps you do enjoy cycling on a smaller scale, simply taking pleasure walks with your family. The choice is yours.
The world is full of interesting things to learn and do. It is not limited to just sit and watch TV. Get involved in a past time hobby. It’s good for your mind. In fact, it could even prevent you go senile in his old age, if you stay active in a past time hobby. And it is a good example to our children and grandchildren if we spend our time doing something meaningful.
Tags: Collecting, hobbies, Photography Posted in Photography
Posted December 8th, 2008
by Daniel Edwards
by James Charcha
Yes, digital photography for beginners is possible. However there are some differences between taking a photograph with a digital camera and with a conventional camera.
Naturally once you have a firm grasp of these differences you can really start to take advantage of them. It really doesn’t matter who you are, with a little dedication you can learn this stuff.
Never be limited again
Probably one of the most powerful advantages of the digital format is the fact that you are practically no longer limited with the number of photos you can take. No more paying for prints that didn’t come out right or you just plain and simple didn’t really want!
It is a good idea though to make sure you keep your photo collection tidy by removing or editing those photos that just don’t quite cut it or are too much the same. This really is essential since otherwise you will probably never find your good photos.
Ways to best go about storing your digital photos
One great way to save on space is to save your images in a lower resolution format. Lower resolution images can take up considerably less space, although you will lose some quality so you may want to experiment a little bit.
You will only need a high resolution for your photographs if you need a crisp image for a large printed photograph. If you are only going to use the pictures online or with a computer, you can use a lower resolution setting.
You can also increase the compression the camera uses for your images. Your images will take up less room in the storage space when you compress the pictures.
You should increase your storage space because eventually, you will run out. This will instantly bring your level of fun down if you were planning to take pictures and you cannot because you just ran out of memory.
How to avoid running out of battery
Healthy batteries for your camera is simply essential. Just like with running out of space running out of battery power can be a real nightmare.
The first and most obvious thing to do is to only use the camera’s built-in LCD when you 100% need it. In many cases it is also possible to turn off things like auto focus as well, but this may result in being more of a hassle, still you’d have to try it.
Use rechargeable batteries and keep a couple charged batteries on hand, in case you notice your batteries going low before you can recharge them.
All amateurs, no matter what their level of experience, can enjoy digital photography for beginners. You can be proud of your images, right from when you first get your digital camera.
You may feel that you are very much a beginner in photography right now, but in the near future if you’re dedicated and determined you will find that with practice and trial and error you will be taking shots like the pros.
Tags: art, Cameras, Digital Photography, education, entertainment, family, hobbies, hobby, leaning, lessons, lifestyle, outdoors, Photography, photos, recreation, technology Posted in Photography
Posted November 20th, 2008
by SFXsource
by SFXsource
There are so many beautiful landscapes. You don’t even have to travel outside of the United States, just visit a local or national park! These tips will help you take wonderful photographs of landscapes. Whether you are a beginning photographer, or a professional, these are simple tips to keep in mind when photographing landscapes.
1. It is important to consider light quality. Determine whether the light is soft or harsh. Are you photographing in the afternoon, or at sunrise or sunset? Is it overcast, and are there clouds? Generally, the best light is in the mornings and evening (before 10 a.m. and after 2 p.m.).
2. Look for interesting lighting. Back-lighting and side-lighting are great for mountains. Side-lighting can be created by turning 90 away from the sun. Back-lighting is very dramatic and creates silhouettes.
3. Think about composition. Symmetry often works with landscapes. Also, simple is beautiful. How do you want to place the trees, lakes, streams, and mountains? What kinds of shapes are in the frame?
4. Try to include bridges, paths, and roads. Use their shapes to draw the viewer in and lead them around the photo. If you photograph them at an angle, you are able to create that effect. Place the start of a road or path in the corner of the photo.
5. Try using infrared film for your landscape photography. Infrared film is more sensitive to infrared light. This means that your photographs will have darks skies and light/ bright leaves and vegetation. It’s awesome!
6. You will want your entire photo to be in focus, so use a large depth of field (small number, large aperture). Also, long exposures increase depth of field.
Try both long and short exposure times, specifically when you have water in your photos (lakes, waterfalls, ocean). So, grab your tripod and have fun with landscape photography.
About the Author:
SFXsource writes articles on a variety of interesting subjects, hosts a sound effects chere,alog here,
Sound Effects and hosts huge numbers of royalty free production music which can be heard here,
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Tags: art, Cameras, graphic arts, graphics, hobbies, Landscape Photography, landscapes, multimedia, nature, photographers, Photography, photos Posted in Cameras
Posted November 15th, 2008
by SFXsource
by SFXsource
Close-up photography is also known as macro photography. If your subject is small, you are able to photograph the small details by getting closer. Macro lenses are 1:1 (”life size”). This means that the image of your subject is the same size in real life. Listed below are macro photography tips to help you get started.
1. The first thing you will want to do is research the type of equipment you want. Experiment using the following: a macro filter, close-up lens, a telephoto extender, or a bellows attachment. For those of you just beginning, you may just want to invest in a macro filter.
2. In macro photography, it is important to know that the depth of field is different. Choose a high f-stop number such as an F16 or F22 (small aperture). Most of what is in the background will not be in focus.
3. Be careful when focusing your subject, because if you are not, the part you want to be in focus will end up blurry. Except under bright lighting conditions, you will probably use a slow shutter speed.
4. Lighting is another important aspect. Because you will be very close to your subject, there must be sufficient light between your lens and your subject. Ring flashes can be used to avoid this problem.
5. High film speeds will allow you to increase your shutter speed, since you will be using a slow shutter speed. It is recommended to stay at ISO200 or lower.
6. Have fun photographing a number of different subjects. Be aware of the shape and texture. Keep in mind composition as well as colors in the background.
You can experiment with light balance, use a diffuser, or use a tripod. Take your time with macro photography, and always have fun. Flowers and bugs are great subjects.
About the Author:
SFXsource publishes articles on a wide array of interesting subjects, hosts a sound effects library at
Sound Effects and offers vast amounts of royalty free production music which can be heard at
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Tags: art, Cameras, graphic arts, graphics, hobbies, macro, media, multimedia, nature, photographers, Photography, photos Posted in Photography
Posted November 10th, 2008
by SFXsource
by SFXsource
Though color photography is quite common, black and white photography is often a great choice for exploring your creativity. This article lists quick tips for black and white photography.
1. You can choose from different formats (different film sizes): 35mm (1″ x 1″), medium format- 120 (2″ x 2 “), and large format (4″ x 5″). Usually, beginning photographers will start off on a 35mm SLR (single-len reflex) camera. This camera allows the photographer to view and focus on the subject directly though the lens.
2. There are different film speeds for different situations; film speeds are rated by an ASA (American Standards Association) number. For brightly lit subjects, a slow film such as 32 ASA is used; slow film produces fine grain negatives. Outdoor photographers will typically use a medium film speed such as 125 ASA, and that produces medium grain negatives. A fast film speed, such as 400 ASA is best for indoor use, and produces coarse grain negatives.
3. The aperture is adjusted to control the amount of light entering the lens. F-stop is a measurement of the size of the lens opening. A smaller F-stop number is a bigger opening and allows more light to reach the film. A larger F-stop number decreases the amount of light that reaches the film. The following is a typical F-stop range: 1.4, 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22.
4. Focal length is a measure of the lens size, measured in mm. For a lens with a longer focal length, the angle of view is narrower. A short focal length has a wider angle of view. The following are lens types and their focal lengths: normal (50mm), wide angle (21-35mm), and telephoto (105-300mm).
5. Shutter speed refers to the length of time the film is exposed to light. A fast shutter speed means the length of exposure time is short. A slow shutter speed means the length of exposure time is long. Shutter speeds: B, T, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 125, 250, 500, 1000. Shutter speed time can be better understood if you place a 1 over the number to turn it into a fraction. When you place a 1 over the 2, that means the shutter speed is a second.
6. The B stands for bulb, and the T stands for time. Bulb means that the shutter will stay open for the amount of time you are pressing the button down. Time will keep the shutter open until you press the button again.
About the Author:
SFXsource writes articles on a variety of interesting subjects, hosts a sound library here,
Sound Effects and hosts vast amounts of royalty free production music which can be heard here,
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Tags: art, Black and White Photography, Cameras, graphic arts, graphics, hobbies, media, multimedia, photographers, Photography, photos Posted in Black and White Photography
Posted November 7th, 2008
by David Peters
by David Peters
1. Watch films. Hard work I know. Films have an infinite amounts of ideas for inspiration with different concepts for lighting and composition. With 30 images per second, you’ll have some great ideas in no time.
2. Enter photography contests online. Contests often give you topics or themes which can give you inspiration when you don’t know what to shoot.
3. Plan a trip to a local zoo. Zoos have loads of interesting things to shoot and animals are always photogenic.
4. Look at things through the eyes of creativity. Pick anything and shoot it just to see what it looks like: things around your house, in the refrigerator, etc. The subject doesn’t really matter all that much, what matters is how you shoot it. Shoot, shoot and still shoot even more. Digital is cheap.
5. Composition is the key. Think about what you are doing. Frame your photo in your mind. Look for interesting angles and light, go high, go low. The key is to shoot the subject in as many different ways, under different lighting, and try to make those images interesting. So, don’t just point and shoot, but consider composition.
6. Plan a trip to a local botanical garden or a zoo. Make sure to visit such places from time to time, - there are lots of things to shoot there.
7. Shoot boring things. Take a look around you in a whole new way. Make an effort to shoot things that you would never consider shooting. A bottle. A phone. A lamp. Anything, just shoot it in lots of different ways and see what comes out.
8. Explore the web. The internet is an amazing resource for visual inspiration. Type anything you can think of into the search engine and see what comes up. The internet gives you access to lots of amateur photographer’s work, among them some hidden gems, which will surprise you.
9. Shoot in different conditions. Shoot at different times of day for different lighting effects and atmosphere. Shoot in different weather for subtle changes of tone.
10. Shoot at different times of day to achieve different types of atmosphere. Experiment with dusk, noon, night and see what fits with your subject matter best.
Tags: advanced adobe, advanced fotoshop, advanced photoshop, advanced photoshop tutorials, Digital Cameras, Digital Photography, edit photos, editing digital photography, hobbies, internet, Photography, photography guide, software, software help Posted in Photography
