I consider the photographs I take of people to be environmental portraits, even though there are no elaborate props or backgrounds in the images. I suppose I define "environmental" as adding a context to the photograph, or suggesting a lifestyle, interests, or relationships.

And when I'm taking photographs of people, less is definitely more. A...

George J. Rosa III, Founder and President of Hallmark Museum of
Contemporary Photography has announced that the museum will expand its
exhibition, archive and exhibit preparation spaces in January 2008.

...

Vertus, the graphics and imaging software division of Heligon, a technology
business specializing in image data interpretation, today announced the launch
of Fluid Mask 3 Public BETA. This latest version of Vertus' image editing
software is for rapid, powerful and intuitive masking and high-quality image
blending.



With improvements to the initial image processing time, Fluid Mask 3 users who
are operating multiple processors will realize increased speeds up to 40% faster
than the previous versions,. The result is a quicker transition from a base
image editing program, such as Adobe Photoshop, into Fluid Mask. Ultimately,
Fluid Mask significantly improves the overall efficiency of the image editing
process, from loading to the final cut-out.



With a more effective edge detection system, along with the improved "Smart
Blending" capability unique to Fluid Mask, this latest version makes separating
problem images, such as human hair and tree leaves, quick and easy. First there
is a slider, which allows the user to seamlessly switch between "Smart
Blending" and standard feather blending. Second, within focused areas,
the user may invoke special hair blending algorithms, which for the first time
automatically cuts out tricky hair such as highlights and hair with wide color
differences (e.g. black hair next to white hair against a grey background).



In addition to new blending and loading capabilities, Vertus has improved the
intuitive workflow of Fluid Mask 3 and added additional tools to the program.
These new features include:



· A new "Save Settings" option enables users to easily recall
edge detection, blending, and resolution options from previous sessions, eliminating
the need to continually reprogram these options when working with batches of
pictures;

· The "Color Work Space" palette now includes a "Color
Sampler" which enables users to select specific colors from an image and
see where else within that image the same color appears. Also available in the
"Color Work Space", the new 2-D color map enables more accurate
color selection;

· Several new brush tools and the improved "Localized Edge Detection
System" enable users to perform more detailed edge finding and more refined
blending;

· A new "Patch" system allows users to make changes affecting
a selected localized region without affecting the rest of the image.

· "Patches" can be easily selected with a highlighting brush
tool rather than relying on a standard box shaped patch. Once a "Patch"
has been selected, users can call up the most popular editing options with a
simple right click of the mouse.

· Users are now able to launch a test rendering of the localized patch,
and toggle between the working image and a rendering of the final mask;

· Improved intuitive help features such as "Best of Breed Help"
offers XML help files and direct links to Fluid Mask tutorials, enabling easy
access to hands-on demonstrations.



Fluid Mask 3 Public BETA is currently available for Windows XP & Vista;
a Mac version will follow shortly. Fluid Mask 3 will continue to function as
a plug-in for Adobe Photoshop CS2, CS3 & Elements; and for the first time
will also work in stand alone mode for image formats that accept transitions
to transparency in 8 bit RGB color -- e.g. TIFF and PNG. Users working
on tablet style computers and peripherals, such as the Wacom Tablet, should
note that Fluid Mask 3 contains a new pressure sensitivity control that can
regulate brush size.



Users can download a free 30 Day Trial of Fluid Mask 3 BETA by visiting the
Vertus website at http://www.vertustech.com.
During the BETA phase, Fluid Mask 3 will be available for $199 US.

...

Workshop Spotlight

D-65 Seminars & Your Digital Workflow

by Howard Millard



For anyone shooting digitally today, there are an almost overwhelming number
of elements to keep track of: capture, downloading, color management, color
and tonal correction and enhancement, captioning, storage,backin...

Hawk Mountain Paper 2007 Inkjet Print Contest



Hawk Mountain Papers holds a print contest every year, encouraging inkjet printers
from all over the world to submit their best inkjet prints on Hawk Mountain
paper. The grand prize winner receives $500 in Hawk Mountain paper with many
category winners receiving $200 each.



Winning...

It'ssimple...

Technology Paves the Path

by Ron Leach

A decade ago pundits were describing the business of photography as a "sunset
industry," suggesting that the "smart money" should look elsewhere
for innovation and profits. Then came the digital revolution which not only
changed the manner in which we capture, share...

Casio, Inc. has announced the release of the newest model in the series of EXILIM
digital cameras, the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z1200. The new camera is Casio's flagship
EXILIM Zoom, boasting 12.1 effective megapixels.

...

DxO FilmPack, a software application that automatically gives digital images
the style of the most celebrated conventional films -- the colors and the
grain of over 20 film types, and onOne Software's new Plug-In Suite 3
for Photoshop® that combines full versions of four essential software tools
-- Genuine Fractals 5, PhotoFrame Pro 3.1, Mask Pro 4.1 and Intellihance
Pro 4.2, are now available together for a limited time at a significant savings
exclusively from the online store of onOne Software (www.ononesoftware.com).

...

Panasonic LUMIX has announced the dates and locations of its first Digital Photo
Academy workshops in 20 cities across the United States. Digital Photo Academy
is a series of classes for all digital camera owners who want to maximize their
cameras' features and create more rewarding and enjoyable photo experiences.
The Academy courses are taught by local professional photographers, giving students
ongoing access to photo experts and tips in their own community. Furthermore,
after courses have finished, participants can enter photo contests and assignments
with other Academy students from across the country.



The Digital Photo Academy is designed for a digital camera owner, at any level,
with classes offered to accommodate the beginner, intermediate, and advanced photographer.
Students are welcome to bring whatever brand of camera they currently own and
courses will be available in the following markets: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago,
Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis,
New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa
and Washington, D.C.



In each market, courses will be taught in professional studios, museums and other
inspirational locations. To view the locations and schedule of all 20 cities visit
www.DigitalPhotoAcademy.com. Some locations and dates include*:



Atlanta

Location:

The Bonaventure

650 Bonaventure Avenue

Atlanta, GA 30306

Dates:

· Beginner: 6/21/07, 6-9pm

· Intermediate: 6/23/07, 2-6pm

· Advanced: 6/10/07, 10am-7pm



Boston

Location:

Griffin Museum of Photography

67 Shore Road

Winchester, MA 01890

Dates:

· Beginner: 6/9/07, 9am-12pm

· Intermediate: 6/9/07, 2-6pm

· Advanced: 6/10/07, 10am-7pm



Detroit

Location:

The Park Shelton

15 East Kirby

Detroit, MI 48202

Dates:

· Beginner: 6/13/07, 6-9pm

· Intermediate: 6/14/07, 6-10pm

· Advanced: 6/30/07, 10am-7pm



Initially, each level of Digital Photo Academy courses will be offered once a
month in each city. Class descriptions include:



Beginner, Three-Hour Course, $50: Targeted for the family record keeper, passionate
scrapbooker, casual point-and-shoot user, or for the person looking to choose
the right camera, the beginner class, "Discovering Digital," is perfect
for all these types of users. Instructors will address how to reduce red-eye,
better use a flash, include special effects and create better composition. Beyond
photographic techniques, the course will also teach valuable "post-capture"
skills, such as how to use Adobe® Photoshop® Elements to create a greeting
card or calendar, and send prints to friends and family via email.



Intermediate, Four-Hour Course, $65: The "Digital Endeavors" intermediate-level
course is perfect for users who are quite familiar with the settings on their
point-and-shoot and are looking to take digital photography to the next level.
Either a recent purchaser of a digital SLR, or someone considering buying one,
would benefit from this course. The class will compare point-and-shoot cameras
to SLRs, discuss the differences between the two categories, helping to ensure
a smooth transition. For those who have some experience in post-capture and Photoshop,
this class will offer more advanced techniques, such as burning and dodging and
an introduction to color management. It will also discuss printed layouts, and
how to make newsletters and brochures.



Advanced, Two-day Course, $150: At the advanced level, the "Digital Vision"
course is be divided into two parts: in-field shooting and learning post-capture
computer application skills. The four-hour in-field shooting session is held in
local parks, vibrant streets, during seasonal events like fairs and marathons
to capture newsworthy current affairs. The second component, involves six hours
of classroom time learning techniques from Adobe® Photoshop® Creative
Suite 2, such as converting and processing RAW files, using layers and masks,
working with black and white files, and more.



To sign-up for Digital Photo Academy, please visit www.DigitalPhotoAcademy.com
or call 1.877.DP.ACAD.4. Instructor biographies, additional schedules and workshop
locations are also available on the website.