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The Future of Digital Image Processing
As photographers we have a love-hate relationship with the announcement of new software and equipment in the world of digital photography. A new camera is announced and immediately our current camera seems old, slow and outdated. A software program or plug-in is released with promises of ease of use and better end results. While we ooh and awe at the possibilities, the new tools and the new custom functions, our minds are reeling at the amount that we don't know and are still trying to learn with our current equipment and software programs. As consumers we realize that our quest for the best photographs fuels the race for these products but we are the ones that ultimately fall behind.
Is it too much to ask that photographers are given a heads up on the things to come? Yes, the preview of products kills the element of surprise. But, in an attempt to keep up with the technology it would be nice to have a little time to adjust; time to learn and make decisions about the hot new items in the digital world before they are deemed obsolete. It's uncertain whether Adobe heard these consumer cries for help, or if they realized that by asking for their customers' opinions they could improve their products in the long run. Either way, for the first time ever, Adobe has released two beta versions of software that not only allow people to test the new tools but also to see the future of digital image processing for photographers.
In the past year, Adobe has offered two of its future digital imaging software program as beta versions, Lightroom® and Photoshop® CS3. Both have been available for anyone to download from their Web site. Last Monday, Adobe announced that Lightroom was available for pre-purchase on their Web site. It will be interesting to see if all of the feedback they received from beta testers was really used to better the product. To Adobe's credit, it seems as if they have been listening to customers as they went through four beta versions before announcing the release on January 29, 2007.
The release of Lightroom has many photographers asking how their workflow will change or if they even need to buy Lightroom. The software was created with professional photographers in mind. It provides easy adjustments in one application for a large amount of digital images. The program was created so that professional photographers could spend less time behind the computer and more time behind the camera. Although it was created for professionals, Lightroom is a great tool for any photographer who works with a large number of images. It is ideal for making quick global adjustments, correcting white balance, exposure, lens distortion and color casts. If local adjustments are needed in an image, any photographer, professional or otherwise, will still need to use Photoshop.
Many of RMSP's instructors are members of Adobe's beta testing group and have been working with Photoshop CS3 and Lightroom since before their beta versions were released to the public. Because of their familiarity with both products, RMSP will start using and teaching these products in our Digital Process and Print workshops starting in May. Our instructors have already been teaching Lightroom in Digital Intensive because, even in its beta version, it has proven to be an effective tool for professional photographers.
To best know how either of these products will work in your workflow, try the beta versions for yourself. If you are hesitant to download the beta versions because you are afraid you'll have no idea where to start or where to go after you open the program, have no fear. Due to the release of both beta versions of these products, the leading Photoshop experts have already released tutorials and tips so you won't be fumbling blindly through the programs. Some of the most comprehensive information on Lightroom and Photoshop CS3 can be found on the Photoshop User Web site, http://www.photoshopuser.com/cs3/index.html. Whether you are interested in Lightroom or what's new in Photoshop CS3, take this opportunity to see where the world of digital image processing is going. Your commitment is minimal and the products are the future of digital imaging.
If you are interested in downloading the beta version of Photoshop CS3 or reading more detailed release notes visit, http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/photoshopcs3/
For more information about Lightroom visit, http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lightroom/
Find out more about RMSP's Digital Process and Print Workshops in 2007
Find out more about Digital Intensive for 2007
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2007 brings two new workshop instructors to RMSP, Keith Graham and Jeremy Lurgio, and a new Professional Studies instructor, Steven Winslow.
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Keith Graham, originally from the South, has been living and in teaching in Montana since 1998. He has lived all over the country working for various newspapers in cities such as San Jose, Calif., Miami, Fla., and Roanoke, Va. Keith currently works as an associate professor and director of the photojournalism program at the University of Montana School of Journalism. He has been busy photographing Montana family ranches, the state's unique landscape and regional rodeos. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Time, Newsweek, Life, Sports Illustrated, Paris Match and other publications. This summer Keith and Neil Chaput de Saintonge will be traveling around Western Montana for a new workshop, entitled Character of Montana. To learn more about Keith visit his instructor page on our Web site.
Jeremy Lurgio is a freelance photojournalist and documentary photographer based in Missoula, Montana. His photography is driven by a passion for documenting people and places. A native of New Hampshire, Lurgio began his study of documentary photography at the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies in Portland, Maine. Jeremy has a master's degree in journalism from the University of Montana, and worked as the photo editor and chief photographer at the Ravalli Republic newspaper in Hamilton, Montana. for four years. During that time he won numerous awards for his photojournalism. His work has appeared in two books, America 24/7 and Montana 24/7, as well as The New York Times, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, High Country News, Big Sky Journal, The Drake, Fly Fisherman and the Montana Journalism Review. Jeremy will be teaching in Summer Intensive and co-instructing a new workshop in Missoula with Tony Rizzuto entitled The Photography of People.
Steven Winslow is a Bozeman, Montana based wedding photographer. He has received numerous Kodak Gallery and Fuji Masterpiece awards at state and regional print competitions, as well as being named Photographer of the Year for both Montana and the Rocky Mountain region for the year 2000. He has represented Larson Enterprises for the past six years at national, regional and state conventions and trade shows. Steven has covered nearly 600 weddings over the past 16 years since the opening of Winslow Studio and Gallery in Bozeman. His passion and insight have made him one of the most sought-after wedding photographers in the Rocky Mountain region. Steven will be teaching RMSP's Professional Studies Wedding Photography course. To learn more about Steven visit his instructor page on our Web site.
RMSP would like to welcome two new program directors to the office staff. Michelle Lousen is our Weekends Director and Carolyn Cutler is our Workshops Director. Both have brought a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to their positions and are fabulous additions to the office.
Our 2007 catalog was sent out in October and with it we launched a new web design. Take a look around to see what's new. | |
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Nancy Rotenberg
Nancy Rotenberg is an extremely unique photography instructor. Her creative perspective and fabulous personality make her one of the most sought after instructors by RMSP's workshop participants. Nancy's photography invites you into the world of the small and spectacular. As a guest in that world, her color palates will at once soothe and excite you. It is her photographic expertise and creative eye that have landed her images and articles in such publications as Adirondack Life, Birds & Blooms, Canadian Camera, Country Gardens, National Geographic, Nature's Best, Peterson's Photographic and Outdoor Photographer.
In her workshops, Nancy shares everything she knows with her students, and that isn't limited to the world of photography. She discusses everything from technique, to creativity, to food. For Nancy all three are intertwined. On her Web site she displays her photographs, the equipment in her camera bag, and recipes. In Nancy's newest book, Photography and The Creative Life, in a note to her readers she writes, "I like to think of this book as a buffet. Offered to you are the dishes that have nourished my own quest for a creative life. Some ingredients may appear unusual at first, but I invite you to be curious. Nibble slowly and decide which morsels best suit your individual palette."
This year Nancy is teaching several favorite workshops such as Oregon Coast, and Callaway Gardens but she is also teaching a new workshop. Photography and the Creative Life is based on her book about techniques, anecdotes and imagery. Nancy shares her experiences while nurturing and guiding you on your own personal journey towards leading a creative life. Throughout the week, you capture images in and around Missoula, Montana, as you are inspired by Nancy's energetic zest for photography and life.
Learn more about Photography and the Creative Life or Nancy Rotenberg.
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Recommendations |
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Books
Elizabeth Stone recommends The Moment of Seeing, a book about Minor White and others, compiled by Comer & Klochko.
On This Earth: Photographs from East Africa, by Nick Brandt.
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Coming Up! |
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Charm of the South: Charleston, South Carolina--Elizabeth Stone and Tony Rizzuto take to the streets, plantations and swamps of Charleston. Photograph the wonderful mix of modern day Charleston with its Colonial, Victorian and Antebellum architecture surrounded by lush azalias, oaks and dogwood that the South is known for.
Springtime in Seattle holds a plethora of photographic opportunities. From budding trees to Pike Place market, Advanced Photography in Seattle, Washington will provide you with a fresh outlook on your photography.
Moab and the surrounding area are always gorgeous but the spring is particularly beautiful. Join Don Mammoser for Springtime in Arches: Arches National Park, April 21-27, 2007.
Summer Intensive is only four months away! If you have been thinking about taking Summer Intensive or any of the Career Training courses, there is still time to apply.
2007 Weekends are in full swing! We have had a great response to our Photo Weekend events in Sacramento, Eugene and Indianapolis. Coming to a city near you this winter and spring!
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Neil's Corner |
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Neil Chaput de Saintonge has been teaching photography for over 30 years. With the founding of two schools under his belt, he is now giving back to the community by teaching photography and giving lectures to schools around Montana. As more and more public schools lose funding for art programs, Neil recognizes that people need to volunteer their time to bring art and photography to students. Last year Neil traveled around Montana to rural schools, many of them one-room school houses, giving lectures and slideshows about photography and equipment.
On February 13, Neil began teaching basic photography for the Flagship Program in Missoula's Hellgate High School. The Flagship Program is a community/school partnership whose mission is to enhance the social, academic and cultural achievement of Missoula's youth by creating opportunities for skill development, both in and out of school. When the Flagship Youth Development Coordinator at Hellgate posted the announcement about Neil's photography class, she received more than 30 responses from interested students for the class that was limited to ten.
It is evident that not only do students need programs like basic photography but they want them. This is exactly the reason Neil encourages people to volunteer and share their passions. If you're not sure where to get started Neil suggests giving lectures or presenting slideshows on recent travels at your local schools. Remember to gear your lectures towards the kids and make it fun and exciting. If you don't have time to give lectures or create slideshows there are other ways that you can provide photography opportunities to schools. You may have equipment, old film or digital cameras lying around that students could use. Call your local schools to see if they need equipment for the yearbook committee or the school newspaper. There are plenty of ways to share your love of photography! | |
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