GREAT OUTPUT

IPI Offers Fall Workshops on Fine Art Digital Prints and Preservation

2013-05-17T08:33:00.000-04:00

The Image Permanence Institute (IPI) of Rochester Institute of Technology is offering three digital print workshops for fine-art printmakers, contemporary photographers, collectors of contemporary photography, museum and archive professionals, photograph conservators, and photography educators.

The workshops will be held at the Image Permanence Institute in Rochester from November 11-15 and are sequenced to allow you to attend one, two, or all three workshops.

Workshop 1: November 11-13
The History, Aesthetics and Craft of the FIne Art Digital Print
This 2-1/2 day workshop is for those who want to learn more about the history and application of various digital print processes and those who want to better understand a digital fine art photography printing workflow. Knowing exactly how a print is produced provides valuable insight into the visual and physical characteristics that make a print special..

The course includes live demonstrations of the pigment inkjet printing process and discussions of basic color management theory, and the various tools and software currently available for monitor and printer calibration. To learn how to identify different types of digital prints, each participant will get a sample set of 25 prints with distinctive characteristics.

The instructor for this workshop is Ryan Boatright, an arttist and former research scientist at the IPI. He created the website www.graphicsatlas.org, and has lectured widely on the subject of contemporary digital printing. In 2011, he started the digital printing studio Atelier Boba, where he collaborates with contemporary artists and photographers. Ryan is currently making artwork that examines various aspects of the medium itself.

Workshop 2: November 13
An Introduction to Graphics Atlas
During this free half-day workshop (from 12 to 5 pm), you will learn how to use the Graphics Atlas, a new online resource that brings sophisticated print identification, characterization, and exploration tools to collectors, archivists, curators, historians, conservators, and the general public.

This workshop will be taught by Alice Carver-Kubik, a research scientist at IPI who is currently building content for Graphics Atlas. She has a masters degree in photographic preservation and collections management and co-authored the book, In the Darkroom: An Illustrated Guide to Photographic Processes Before the Digital Age.

Workshop 3: November 14-15
Preservation of Digitally Printed Materials for Libraries, Archives, and Museums
This class presents an overview of the history, technologies, and materials used in digital printing so you can identify and preserve the most common digital print types: inkjet, electrophotography, and dye sublimation. Practice with real examples of each process will give you a better understanding of what types of preservation challenges you might encounter when working with collections of books, photos, manuscripts, fine art, etc. You will also review how modern digital prints compare with the traditional prints such as offset lithography and traditional color photography. The vulnerabilities of each type of digital print will be covered, along with advice for safely storing, handling, and displaying digital prints.

The workshop is primarily designed for library, archive, and museum collection care professionals, but can also benefit artists, photographers, industry representatives, and students.

The course instructor is Daniel Burge, a senior research scientist who has been at the IPI for 25 years. He has worked with cultural heritage collection care specialists; manufacturers of imaging products, photo storage suppliers, professional picture framers, and the general public. He currently heads IPI’s research into the preservation of digitally printed materials.

LINKS

IPI: Digital Print Workshops

About the Image Permanence Institute

Two-Day Photography Events Offer Seminars, Hands-On Learning, Portfolio Reviews

2013-05-15T10:39:00.000-04:00

If you are an emerging photographer striving to get your business off the ground or an experienced professional photographer interested in pursuing new markets, check out On the Road, a two-day photographic experience created by WPPI, PDN PhotoPlus Expo, ASMP, and Kelby Training.

Established photography educators will share paths to success plus creative shooting techniques, post-production skills, and successful business and marketing practices. Class tracks include Wedding, Portrait, Commercial and Editorial Photography, Post-production, and Small Group Hands-On experiences.

The photography workshops will be offered in four cities:

Chicago: May 20-21
Atlantic City: June 3-4
Los Angeles: July 15-16
Las Vegas: August 5-6

Day 1 (8:00am - 7:00pm) will features a full day of seminars on topics such as lighting and posing, business and marketing, post-production, and workflow techniques. One-on-one portfolio reviews will be conducted during the Happy Hour mixer.

Day 2 (8:00am - 5:30pm) will offers a combination of seminars and small group hands-on photography experiences that allow you to apply what your learned on Day 1.

Registration is $199 for WPPI or ASMP members and $249 for non-members. See the website for special discount offers.

LINKS

On The Road 2013: Photography Workshops

Speakers for Chicago Session

Speakers for the Atlantic City Session

Speakers for the Los Angeles Session

Speakers for the Las Vegas Session

Guide Shows How to Use iPad for Photography and Photo Business

2013-05-13T20:53:00.001-04:00

In his new guide, “iPad for Digital Photographers,” photographer Derrick Story explains many different ways an iPad can support both your photography and your photography business. For example, you can use the iPad as a portable portfolio, editing tool, and payment-tracking system.

“The iPad is a terrific tool for photographers because it allows us to travel much lighter than carrying a laptop around,” said Story, “Not only is the iPad good for quickly uploading photos and editing them, but also for helping us keep up with our day-to-day business needs through email access, invoicing, and scheduling client appointments.”

In the guide, you will learn how to:

Use your iPad to schedule client appointments, accept payments, sign model releases, and track business expense.
Perform on-the-fly edits when using the iPad on location
Use Apple’s iCloud or other cloud services such as Dropbox or Google Drive
Show your portfolio on an HDTV
Make time-lapse movies
Use weather, mapping, notes, checklists, and reminder apps

The information is organized in ten chapters:

Chapter 1: Adding Pictures to Your iPad

Chapter 2: Organizing Your Photos

Chapter 3: Editing Your Photos

Chapter 4: Transferring from the iPad to a Computer

Chapter 5: Transferring from the iPad to the Cloud

Chapter 6: Presenting Your Mobile Portfolio

Chapter 7: Shooting, Editing and Sharing Movies

Chatper 8: Take Care of Business

Chapter 9: Transporting an iPad and Camera

Chapter 10: Tips for the Road Warrior

Published by Wiley, iPad for Digital Photographers is now available for purchase online and at retailers nationwide in both print and all e-book formats.

LINKS

Wiley: iPad for Digital Photographers by Derrick Story

iPad for Digital Photographers

Adobe Updates Photoshop in Creative Cloud

2013-05-10T08:39:00.000-04:00

To get the new enhancements to Photoshop, you will have to subscribe to Adobe Creative Cloud™.

Photoshop, and other Adobe programs that were previously part of Adobe Creative Suite® (CS), will now be branded "CC" to reflect that they are an integral part of Creative Cloud. Adobe Photoshop CC will be available, exclusively to Creative Cloud members in June.

The announcement of Adobe Photoshop CC was part of a major update of Creative Cloud that was unveiled earlier this week at Adobe MAX, the Creativity Conference. All Creative Suite programs have been reinvented to support a more intuitive, connected creative workflow.

Photoshop CC brings a wide range of new features to unleash creativity and boost efficiency whether you are perfecting photographs, designing for online and offline media, creating 3D artwork, or shooting video.

Enhancements in Photoshop CC include new image deblurring and sharpening features and new Camera Raw capabilities. Plus, this update combines Photoshop Standard and Photoshop Extended features to deliver greater accessibility to 3D tools and image analysis.

“With the ability to quickly deliver new innovations, we’re empowering photographers and creatives to push the boundaries in digital imaging and design,” said Winston Hendrickson, vice president of products, Creative Media Solutions, Adobe. “Our customers will no longer have to wait 18 to 24 months to access new Photoshop innovation. When a new Photoshop feature is ready – whether it’s the next Healing Brush or something as mind-blowing as Content Aware Fill – we’ll deliver it via Creative Cloud.”

New Features in Photoshop CC
The new Camera Shake Reduction tool analyzes and corrects for blur from camera movement to produce a better image.

The all-new Smart Sharpen tool uses adaptive sharpening algorithms to minimize noise and halo effects while producing high-quality results.

With intelligent upsampling users can increase the size of an image – large enough for a billboard – without pixelating the image.

Adobe Camera Raw 8 brings three new photo-editing capabilities to Photoshop CC.

The Advanced Healing brush allows photographers to “heal” or “patch” images with a brushstroke instead of a circular area.

The new Radial Gradient offers powerful controls to draw attention to the focus of an image without applying a standard vignette.

The Upright tool automatically straightens horizons and applies perspective corrections without distorting the image.

Camera Raw edits can also be made to any layer or file within Photoshop CC.

For designers, improvements to rounded rectangles add the ability to adjust corner radii at any time. Users can also now select multiple paths, shapes and vectors at once, providing a faster, easier workflow for working with multiple objects.

Photoshop CC is the first Adobe desktop app to include the ability to post files directly to Behance, an online creative community with more than 1.4 million members. This means you can showcase your work immediately and integrate peer feedback into the creative process.

Photoshop CC also includes all the Photoshop features that were delivered exclusively to Creative Cloud members over the last year, including: Smart Object support for Blur Gallery and Liquify effects, Conditional Actions, and CSS support for faster web design.

Adobe is also previewing a new workflow from Photoshop CC to Edge Reflow CC that will enable creatives to build web designs in Photoshop that can easily be turned into responsive websites, viewable across devices. Adobe expects to update Photoshop CC with this new capability this summer, underscoring the constant stream of innovation delivered to Creative Cloud members.

"I capture thousands of images for my 'Day to Night' projects and am always looking to improve my creative process," said award-winning photographer Stephen Wilkes. "With Photoshop as part of Adobe's Creative Cloud, I don't have to wait every year for a new set of tools and features, like Smart Sharpen and the new upsampling capabilities, to help achieve my vision. I'm also excited about the integration with Behance. As a photographer, the ability to connect to a global community of artists, art directors, and designers is very inspiring."

About Creative Cloud

Adobe Creative Cloud is a membership-based service that provides users with access to download and install Adobe creative desktop applications; game developer tools and integration with the Adobe Touch Apps.
With Creative Cloud membership, users also have access to: a vibrant global creative community; publishing services to deliver apps and websites; cloud storage and the ability to sync to virtually any device; and new products and exclusive updates as they’re developed.
Membership Plans and Availability
By signing up for Creative Cloud now, creatives will be set up to immediately download and use these latest cloud-enabled innovations from Adobe, when they become available in June.

Creative Cloud membership for individuals is US$49.99 per month based on annual membership. Adobe customers who own CS3 to CS5.5 get their first year of Creative Cloud at the discounted rate of US $29.99 per month. Students and teachers can get Creative Cloud for $29.99 per month.

Single application membership plans for customers, who require only Photoshop CC, are available for $19.99 per month. Special promotional pricing is available for some customers, including CS6 users.

Special pricing is also offered for teams, enterprises, educational institutions, and government.

LINKS

Adobe Photoshop CC

Press Release: Adobe Unveils Major Update to Creative Cloud

Webinar on May 14 Discusses Photographic Vision and Portfolio Creation

2013-05-08T16:04:00.001-04:00

During a webinar co-sponsored by X-Rite and PhotoShelter, you can gain some ideas for developing your vision as a photographer and improving your portfolio.

The webinar will be presented live at 4 pm ET on Tuesday, May 14 by Eduardo Angel who is a visual storyteller, educator, and consultant. He is known for his keen sense of aesthetics and technical expertise in digital photography and filmmaking workflows.

Eduardo Angel’s global workshops help photographers and filmmakers use technology to enhance their creativity. During the webinar, Angel will share essential topics from one of his most popular workshops: How to improve your portfolio and develop your vision. He will discuss how to find a focus and visualize a theme within a body of work.

While sharing stories from a recent Middle East trip, Eduardo will talk about the online portfolio he created from more than 1,500 images. He will also describe his digital workflow, including how he uses X-Rite’s ColorChecker Passport to improve image quality.

X-Rite (which makes color-management tools for photography) and PhotoShelter (which provides websites and business tools for photographers) both offer extensive libraries of additional resources for learning.

LINKS

Webinar: Developing a Vision and Editing Your Online Portfolio

Eduardo Angel

X-Rite Webinar Archives

PhotoShelter Library of Photography Business Guides

PhotoShelter Videos on Vimeo

IT Supplies and Inkjet Art Merge

2013-05-06T20:50:00.002-04:00

Two well-known distributors of digital printing equipment and supplies for creative professionals and graphics producers have merged. IT Supplies Inc. in the Rolling Meadows suburb of Chicago has acquired Inkjet Art of Salt Lake City, Utah.

The merged organizations now operate under the IT Supplies brand and support the product lines previously offered by both companies.

Inkjet Art products such as Museum Digital Fine Art papers, Illuminata Art Papers and Canvas, and Micro-Ceramic photo papers and complementary finishing products are now offered through the dedicated Inkjet Art Division at IT Supplies.

On the IT Supplies website, you can buy a wide selection of equipment and inkjet-printable materials to make photo and art prints, gallery-wrapped canvas prints, notecards, indoor and outdoor banners, adhesive-backed fabric graphics.

Customers Will Benefit
Both IT Supplies and Inkjet Art were founded in 1998, and are united by a common business culture.

“This merger is a great move for both companies,” says Inkjet Art founder Royce Bair. “The founding ideologies of both organizations have been built around fairness, outreach to our communities, and exceeding customer expectations, and that remains the daily focus.”

“Inkjet Art is a perfect fit for us,” says Greg Lahart, president and founder of IT Supplies. “We are thrilled with this expansion, and our team is ready to listen and serve. We will never lose sight of the importance of each and every customer, long-standing or brand new.”

Customers will not only gain easy access to a broad selection of products, but will also enjoy benefits such as more competitive pricing and enhanced customer support—both online and over the phone.

A Wide Selection of Products
If you are new to digital printing, you may be surprised to see how many different brands and products you can buy directly from the IT Supplies site.

Along with digital-printing devices from Epson, Canon, HP, Brother, and Xerox, you can buy Epson scanners, Xrite color-management tools, Wacom graphics tablets, and specialized print-management software (RIPs) such as ImagePrint, Mirage, Colorburst, and Caldera Graphics.

As for materials, choose from many types of inkjet-printable photo papers, fine-art papers, art canvases, graphic films, adhesive-backed fabrics and other supplies from Epson, Canon, HP, Moab, Hahnemuhle, Canson, Inkpress, Ilford, Museo, Premier Imaging, Innova, Simply Elegant and Phototex.

IT Supplies also offers finishing equipment and materials, such as: laminators; heat presses; stretcher bars; protective clearcoats and sprays; cutting equipment; acid-free backing boards; clear envelopes; and tools such as the Bienfang D-Roller that removes the curl from prints output and cut from rolled media.

To support their brand promise of “Everything for the Perfect Print,” the service team at IT Supplies offers pre- and post- sales support, installation, and color management assistance.

LINK

IT Supplies

Inkjet Art Supplies

Photo Art E-Book Uses New Rich Image Technology

2013-05-03T08:48:00.000-04:00

A new type of art e-book by Israeli photographer Angelika Sher can be downloaded free from Apple's app store. Because innovative hipix® technology was used to create the ebook, iPad users can view and navigate the 65 images in the book at the highest possible resolution.

Developed by Pervasent Consulting, the photo art book includes two gigapixels of full-resolution images. Single images that exceed 100 megapixels are displayed in fraction of a second.

Created by Human Monitoring Ltd., hipix® is a compression and rich image format technology that uses ubiquitous video support to create and display still images. It alleviates some of the challenges associated with publishing image-rich content in a compact app.

By compressing files far more effectively than prevailing technology, hipix keeps app sizes reasonable while enabling highly responsive and immaculate display of ultra-high image resolutions. The download size of the Angelika Sher art book is about 25 MB.

Tap any of the images in the book to get a full resolution view. Tap again to return to album view.

"For the first time, I could wholeheartedly share pictures over the digital medium, knowing that the full level of detail is available to the viewer", said photographic artist Angelika Sher. "The production of hipix® based books or magazines is a fast and simple, low-cost process of enhancing existing PDF based material with the original high resolution images, bypassing the need for a costly redesign.”

In addition to art books, the process is well suited for digital photo albums, catalogs and brochures.

“The resulting application is powerful, yet compact, bringing out the true quality of the original material without the penalties of a large download." says Ira Dvir, co-inventor of hipix®.

The app development company Pervasent Consulting has delivered hundreds of mobile applications to Apple’s App Store, including custom consumer apps and apps for restaurants, mobile publishing, and enterprises. They also have expertise in mobile application development for Android devices.

LINKS

EBook: Angelika Sher

About hipix

Pervasent Consulting

DSI Uses Kickstarter to Help Fund Processor for Big Silver Gelatin Prints

2013-04-30T09:10:00.002-04:00

Digital Silver Imaging (DSI), the lab that brought the silver gelatin print into the realm of digital photography, is conducting a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for a processor that will enable them to bigger prints. The processor they want to install will enable DSI to make real silver gelatin photo prints up to 4 x 8 feet from digital files. Their goal is to raise $45,000 by May 17, 2013.

Contributors can qualify for three types of rewards: black-and-white prints (RC or fiber) from your digital files; high-resolution scans; or signed, collectible back-and-white photographs.

For one top-level contributor, DSI is offering a limited-edition portfolio of Led Zeppelin photographs signed by photographer Herb Greene. The collection includes eighteen 18 x 22-inch silver gelatin fiber prints in a custom, handmade embossed box. The prints show the young Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Bonham and John Paul Jones in Herb’s studio in San Francisco in 1969.

DSI’s Current Process

Printing with DSI gives you the control of a digital photography workflow with the distinctive beauty of classic darkroom prints.

DSI currently uses a 20-inch photographic laser enlarger to expose digital files on Ilford photographic black- and-white silver gelatin paper. No film or negatives are required. Once exposed, the light-sensitive black-and-white photo paper is processed in traditional photo chemicals to create beautiful, neutral tone, archival prints.

The printing process uses real silver, not color dyes or inks. The prints show great detail and separation in shadow areas, and are always neutral. They can be chemically toned with selenium or sepia to enhance permanence.

DSI founder Eric Luden says photographers have been asking for larger prints ever since the lab opened in 2008. A new processor and exposure unit will allow DSI to provide this service.

“We have already invested funds to build a darkroom for the digital enlarger and contracted a firm to start building the print processor,” says Luden. “We need additional funds to pay for the equipment, transportation across the country, installation, calibration and setup.”

Advances in digital photography have threatened the existence of the time-honored process of making silver gelatin prints. Luden reminds potential donors that “Your contribution will provide real silver gelatin black-and-white prints for years to come.”

LINKS

Kickstarter: Big Silver Gelatin Prints by Digital Silver Imaging

About Digital Silver Imaging

New Guide Offers Tips for Creating a Successful Photography Portfolio

2013-04-27T11:16:00.001-04:00

In PhotoShelter’s new educational guide, Creating a Successful Photography Portfolio, seasoned photography consultants share insights on how to build an online photography portfolio that helps attract potential clients and win jobs.

The authors of the guide note that, “Putting together a successful portfolio isn’t always as simple as it sounds. But it doesn’t have to be that hard either.”

The guide includes:

Eleven secrets for creating a successful photography portfolio website
Tips for setting the right tone for attracting dream clients
Ideas for showcasing personal projects to help win jobs
Five common myths about portfolio reviews.

Photo consultants interviewed in the guide include Neil Binkley, Jasmine DeFoore, Stella Kramer and Amanda Sosa Stone. They share tips on preparing portfolios for client meetings, following up with clients, and locking job after presenting your portfolio.

Stone advises photographers to refrain from showing clients what you assume they want. Instead, she says, “Show them what they want but in your own style. That’s a hard distinction to make.” Even when you want everyone to love your art as much as you do, “There’s no way every client can love you. You have to be bold enough to tailor your portfolio to yourself.”

Special Incentive for Downloading by May 1

Photographers who download the guide will be entered to win a Website Image Edit with top photography consultant Amanda Sosa Stone, courtesy of the photographer-marketing firm Agency Access . The winner will be announced on Wednesday, May 1, 2013.
“Creating a Successful Photography Portfolio” is the latest in PhotoShelter’s ongoing series of free business guides for photographers and marketing professionals. PhotoShelter’s e-book library includes 25+ educational guides including topics such as social media, email marketing, and starting a photography business.

PhotoShelter offers reliable and innovative online tools to build and grow a successful photography business. More than 77,000 photographers use PhotoShelter’s websites, social and SEO tools to show their work and attract new clients. PhotoShelter’s online image archives can help you stay organized and access images on the fly. Their image delivery and e-commerce tools can help you sell work easily and securely. Free 14-day trials are available.

LINKS

PhotoShelter

Creating a Successful Photography Portfolio

PhotoShelter E-Book Library

Book Explains Printmaking Methods for Photographic Art

2013-04-19T09:06:00.000-04:00

In her new book “The Last Layer,” printmaker Bonny Lhotka provides instructions for combining centuries-old printmaking techniques with the full creative potential of modern imaging technology.

Learn how to create modern-day versions of anthotypes, cyanotypes, tintypes, and daguerreotypes as well as platinum and carbon prints.

Lhotka also reinvents the photogravure and Polaroid transfer processes and explores and explains groundbreaking techniques for combining digital images with traditional monotype, collograph, and etching press prints.

The techniques in “The Last Layer” don’t require the toxic chemicals used in the original processes.

The only equipment you need to get started is a desktop inkjet photo printer that uses pigment inks and a few readily available materials.

“The Last Layer” is more photography-focused than “Digital Alchemy,” the first book Bonny Lhotka wrote about alternative printmaking techniques for fine art, photography, and mixed media.

Photographers can use these techniques to expand their creative voice as artists. Because the results are not always predictable and can vary from print to print, collectors can see the artist’s hand in every print.

What Is The Last Layer?

Digital photographic artists use Photoshop to build images layer by layer, with each layer adding complexity and meaning. Ultimately, the work must be transferred to a substrate – paper, wood, or the glass screen the image is projected upon. “It’s the last layer that makes it a complete work,” says Bonny.

While imaging software and digital printers are powerful tools for photographers, Lhotka contends that “We have lost that final handwork performed in the darkroom that allowed us to create truly unique original work.”

With the methods outlined in this book, you can produce handmade works of art that can’t be duplicated with an app, filter, or software package.

Sensory Pleasure for Viewers and Artists

In the book’s foreword, Kathryn Maxwell of the School of Art at Arizona State University explains why photographers who sell fine-art prints should learn some of Lhotka’s techniques. With today’s digital-printing technology, images output from an average desktop print can rival the detail, clarity, and color of photographs that were individually printed by hand in the past. These digital images tend to have an unvarying sameness, partly because inkjet equipment and material suppliers have worked so hard to create inks and substrate coatings that will provide consistent colors that can be accurately proofed on screen. Creating photographic prints digitally has become more of a cerebral process than a physical one.

“No artist’s touch is visible in the final output,” says Maxwell. “The artist determines conceptual and visual outcomes on a computer monitor.” With traditional lithographs, etchings, relief prints, or screen prints and darkroom photographic prints, the artist is physically engaged with the materials used to create the works.

According to Maxwell, “Curators and collectors prize the obviously handmade object due to the imperfections and indication of the human hand evidenced in the form. As new digital technologies allow us to exactly repeat an image over and over again, we as artists and humans cannot relinquish the desire for the unique final layer the human hand can provide on prints, photographs, or other art objects.”

About Bonny Lhotka

Bonny Lhotka is a painter and printmaker who began experimenting with technology tools when she added a Macintosh to her studio in 1986. In 1997 Bonny organized “Digital Atelier: A Printmaking Studio for the 21^stCentury” for the Smithsonian American Art Museum. She is a recipient of the Computerworld Smithsonian Award for Technology in the Arts. Her work is included in several hundred private, corporate, and government collections, including those of United Airlines, Johnson Space Center, Consumer Electronics Association, the U.S. Department of State, the City of Denver, and The Boeing Company.

As a magazine editor, I met Bonny and the other Digital Atelier artists Dorothy Krause and Karin Schminke at trade shows where they demonstrated wildly imaginative ideas for blending digital imaging and traditional printmaking. Because I was focused on writing about their use of digital printing technologies, I didn’t give Bonny’s art the full attention it deserved.

In "The Last Layer," I was not surprised to find unusual techniques such as the “Chlorophyll Emulsion Process” that involves a blender, 190-proof grain alcohol, and dark green leaves. But as I skimmed through the book, I was blown away by the body of work she has created. In the book’s preface, master printmaker Jack Duganne (another early user of digital-printing equipment) notes that Bonny is a chemist, engineer, physicist, biologist, inventor, teacher, and tinkerer: “But above all, she is an artist!” Like me, he says he no longer sees the process behind the pieces.

While readers of “The Last Layer” will be impressed by Lhotka's stunning works, Bonny hopes the art she created with the "last layer" techniques will inspire photographers to expand their own creative voices and develop their own signature looks as artists.

About the Cover

The cover image is a portrait of Russell Brown, the senior creative director of Adobe Systems. Entitled “The Gaze,” it is an 8 x 10-inch pigment transfer print on aged metal. It was created using an inkjet-printable transfer film, DASS SuperSauce transfer medium, and aged-metal plates that Lhotka developed and sells through the Digital Art Studio Seminars website.

“The Last Layer” was published by the New Riders imprint of Peachpit, a division of Pearson Education.

LINKS

The Last Layer: New methods in digital printing for photography, fine art, and mixed media (Voices That Matter)

Table of Contents and Sample Chapter from The Last Layer: Finding Your Voice

Digital Alchemy: Printmaking techniques for fine art, photography, and mixed media (Voices That Matter)

Digital Art Studio Seminar

About the Digital Atelier: Printmaking for the 21^st Century

Enter PDN’s Great Outdoor Photography Competition by April 25

2013-04-17T09:15:00.000-04:00

PDN magazine is current accepting entries from professional and amateur photographers for The Great Outdoors Photography Competition. Reflecting the diversity of outdoor photography challenges, the competition includes five categories:

Plants, Animals, Insects, and Gardens
Beaches, Islands, and Underwater
Scenes of the Natural World
Outdoor Sports and Activities
Parks and Safaris

In addition to digital cameras and other prizes, the category winners will have their work published in the August issue of PDN magazine and printed and displayed at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market Trade Show, July 31-August 2 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The Grand-Prize-Winning professional photographer will receive a $1,500 tuition/fees credit for one of the many two- and four-day courses offered at the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops photography education center.

The Grand-Prize-Winning amateur photographer will receive free tuition to MatadorU’s travel photography course and a one-year subscription to MatadorAccess. Matador is an online education communication teaches writing, photography, and filmmaking skills to aspiring travel journalists.

The winners will be chosen by judges who have developed an eye for the best examples of outdoor photography:

John Toolan, photography director of Field & Stream magazine
Genny Fullerton, senior associate photo editor of Backpacker magazine
John Nuhn, managing photo editor, National Wildlife
Justin Appenzellers, photo editor, Outdoor Life
Chris Wellhausen, photo editor of TransWorld SNOWboarding
Keri Bascetta, director of photography, SKI magazine and Skiing Magazine
Kenji Harountunioan, show director of Outdoor Retailer

Fees and Deadlines

For those who enter by Thursday, April 25, the entry fee is $35 per image for professionals and $12 for amateurs. These fees go up $10 if you wait until the extended entry deadline of Thursday, May 9.

Visit the competition website for full details on the prizes, the rules and entry instructions. Winners will be contacted by the end of May.

LINKS

The Great Outdoors Photography Competition

Photos at My Door Helps Facebook Users Order Prints of Images Posted by Friends

2013-04-15T10:50:00.000-04:00

A new Facebook App called “Photos At My Door “allows anyone to browse their friends' albums and create prints, coffee mugs, mousepads, iPhone cases and more. The app simplifies the process of converting baby photos, vacation pictures, reunion pix, and other images shared on Facebook into gifts and mementos.

A quick search with Facebook for “photos at my door” will bring up the app. There are no fees or obligations to jump in, browse through all of your friends’ photos, and preview what a photo will look like on when output on the product. If the uploaded photo doesn’t have sufficient resolution for a particular product, the individual who orders the merchandise will be notified.

The “Photos At My Door” app was created by MorePhotos, a long-time provider of websites and online sales tools for professionals. When the Photos At My Door app was announced last month, photography bloggers immediately raised concerns that the app could potentially violate the intellectual property rights of pro photographers who post their work on Facebook.

MorePhotos was quick to respond to these concerns, calling attention to the differences between the Photos At My Door app and the MorePhotosApp.com product that MorePhotos developed to help photographers who want to control how their images are used.

"For me, the need for the Photos At My Door product was obvious after my daughter was born," said Zack Wessels of MorePhotos. When his parents asked him to send baby photos, he would refer them to his Facebook profile: “But they wanted prints for the fridge or to show at work.” Instead of teaching them how to download images from Facebook, organize them, and upload them to an online print service, Wessels and MorePhotos devised a super-easy solution. Now the proud grandparents (and other friends and family members) can order photo prints and products directly from Facebook.

Advice for Pro Photographers

“If you are afraid of someone downloading or otherwise using your photo, it doesn’t belong on Facebook,” says Wessels. “The truth is, it’s usually Mom or Grandma who is saving the photos because they see them and are afraid it will be too difficult to find them again. This is the target market for Photos At My Door.”

While the app allows people to print photos posted by their Facebook friends, it does not allow users to access images posted to a business page.

Wessels notes that the intellectual property rights of photographers on Facebook may not be as secure as many people have been led to believe: “There is a false sense of control over images posted to Facebook. Many people don’t know there is a download button under each photo that can be used without the original content owner’s permission or knowledge.”As long as a download button appears next to the image, no app is required to download images from Facebook.

Wessels offered these tips for Facebook users who wish to maintain control over their photo inventory, but still use the social media platform to share their work:

Post the link on Facebook to the images on your own website. This does not give Facebook nor anyone else rights to your images.

Use MorePhotosApp.com to post images to Facebook. This app was specifically created to help photographers protect images posted to Facebook. Images actually go to the MorePhotos App servers, not Facebook. So, the photographer retains full rights to images posted. There is no download button, an auto watermark option is available, and photographers can post up to 1 GB of images for no monthly fee.

LINKS

Photos at My Door

MorePhotosApp.com

MorePhotos

The Big Photo Show Debuts in Los Angeles May 4 and 5

2013-04-12T11:50:00.000-04:00

The Big Photo Show is a series of photography events designed for the millions of U.S. consumers who want to learn how to take better photos. The events are being organized by PMA, The Worldwide Community of Imaging Associations.

The inaugural Big Photo Show event will be held on Saturday May 4 and Sunday, May 5, 2013 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in California. Here you will be able to see, touch, and explore the latest products rather than simply reading about them. Bring your camera, ask the pros questions, and learn about some cool new options for creatively displaying your images.

Top Magazines Host Live Model Shoots

“The Big Photo Show will offer three zones, each with different types of learning opportunities,” said PMA Executive Director Jim Esp. The Education Zone offers theater-style seating for listening to expert speakers. The Shooting Zone enables attendees to join pro photographers in shooting live models.The Hands-on Zone provides small-group settings for more in-depth, personalized training.

Professional photographers, framers, and experts from leading photography magazines will offer an array of educational opportunities.

For example, a live model shoot will be held several times each day in the booth of Bonnier Corp., which publishes American Photo and Popular Photography magazines. Participants can shoot side-by-side with top pro photographers and get their advice on lighting, posing, settings, and more. Each model will sign a model release, giving The Big Photo Show attendees permission to use the images for self-promotion in print and online.

Professional photographer and TV personality Erin Manning will discuss lighting techniques for both natural light and studio lighting. Manning hosts DIY Network’s award-winning TV series “The Whole Picture” and created and hosts the popular “Digital Photography 101” video series. She is also the author of two books: “Portrait and Candid Photography” and “Make Money with Your Digital Photography.”

Professional photographer and bestselling author Lee Varis will teach the latest techniques for creating beautiful portraits and explain how to make the most of your images with Photoshop. A commercial and fine art photographer for over 30 years, Varis has had his work published in National Geographic, Newsweek and Fortune magazines. He is the author of “Skin: The Complete Guide to Digitally Lighting, Photographing and Retouching Faces” and “Bodies and Mastering Exposure and the Zone System for Digital Photographers.”

Photography instructor Mark Comon will share five easy tips to improve your photography and provide tips on wildlife and safari photography and sports photography. Comon has been teaching photography for more than 25 years and has led student groups on photographic tours through Europe, Africa and the American Southwest. His photography has been featured in many publications, including Outdoor Photographer, PC Photo and Photographic magazine.

Photographer David Bever will talk about the business of professional photography. Bever owns L.A. Photo in Redondo Beach, California which specializes in event and fashion/product photography. He has photographed band members from such legendary groups as Pink Floyd, Elton John, and Guns and Roses.

Inspiring Hobbyists and Creative Pros

PMA (which originated as the Photo Marketing Association) has a long history of helping photography-related businesses adapt to ongoing changes in imaging technologies. Under the leadership of Executive Director Jim Esp, PMA has recently expanded its mission to “promote the growth of the imaging industry.”

From what I have observed, the imaging industry already seems poised to explode. As all forms of interpersonal and business communications become more visual, millions of people want to learn more about photography and videography. Many enthusiasts are hobbyists, but others will be professionals such as graphic designers, bloggers, writers, and journalists who want to expand their range of content-creation skills.

According to the PMA, The Big Photo Show is designed to deepen and enhance the photo enthusiast’s relationship with the entire photography experience -- from image capture to image output.

“The Big Photo Show is going to be fun, educational, and inspirational,” said Mark Comon. “Attendees will come home with fantastic pictures, and with a great deal of knowledge they can use in their passion and craft. Anyone interested in photography should be lining up to attend.”

LINKS

The Big Photo Show

PMA

Free Webinar on Creating and Printing B&W Photo Art Prints

2013-04-10T17:32:00.000-04:00

Black-and-white photo printing on inkjet printers has taken a great leap in quality with the introduction of new fine-art inkjet photo papers such as ILFORD's new Gold Mono Silk. If you are a fan of black-and-white images or want to start creating them, plan to attend the free webinar that ILFORD is hosting on Tuesday, April 16th at 1pm EDT.

In the webinar entitled Creating, Editing, and Printing Black-and-White Fine Art Prints, photographer Joe Brady will discuss workflow and techniques from capture to edit to print.

To help you get the best results from black-and-white fine-art photo prints, Brady will explain some of the tools available for converting full color captures into grayscale images and how to adjust tonal distribution in an image. He will also talk about how to choose the type of paper that will best convey the dynamic range of the photograph and the intended mood.

LINK

Free Ilford Webinar: Creating, Editing and Printing Black-and-White Fine Art Prints

Book of Photography Business Secrets Separates Fantasy from Reality

2013-04-07T17:09:00.000-04:00

Wedding photographer Lara White has published the best advice from her popular photography business website, Photomint.com, in a new book published by John Wiley and Sons, Inc.

“Photography Business Secrets: The Savvy Photographer's Guide to Sales, Marketing and More” provides proven tips for building a successful photography business and gaining an edge over the competition. The book covers business fundamentals including establishing a brand, defining studio policies, setting pricing, creating a marketing plan, understanding your audience, networking, and using social media as a marketing channel.

According to Department of Labor statistics, there are already more than 150,000 professional photographers in the United States, along with tens of thousands of serious amateurs seeking to break into the business.

“Jumping into the photography business can be pretty easy, but actually earning a living as a photographer is another story,” writes White in the book’s introduction.

People with a passion for photography often fail to understand the difference between the fantasy of what it might be like and the reality of running a business. In a chart that lists some popular misconceptions about professional photography, White notes that the percentage of time that a pro photographer actually spends shooting is just a fraction of time that must be spent in front of the computer.

The book covers training, building a portfolio, and business fundamentals such as accounting, legal concerns, insurance, and sales. “Photography Business Secrets” can be purchased online or at book retailers nationwide. In addition to the 336-page print version, it is available in all e-book formats.

LINKS

List of Retailers for Photography Business Secrets: The Savvy Photographer’s Guide to Sales, Marketing and More by Lara White

Enter PDN Curator Contest for Fine Art Photography by April 9

2013-04-04T09:07:00.001-04:00

The deadline for entering PDN's 2013 Curator Awards Photo Contest has been extended to Tuesday, April 9. The contest provides an opportunity for fine-art photographers to have their work discovered and publicized. The winning works will be judged by gallery and museum representatives and seen by industry photo editors, art directors, and art buyers.

The winning images will be featured in the July issue of PDN magazine, displayed on PDNonline.com, and featured in a gallery exhibition at Industria Superstudio this summer.

Winners will also receive

a $200 gift card from B&H
a $250 gift certificate for Moab inkjet photo and fine-art paper
a DSLR camera
a PDN PhotoServe portfolio
a Gold Expo pass to PDN PhotoPlus Expo October 24-26 in New York
a one-year subscription to PDN.

Winners will be selected in six categories:

portraits/nudes
installation/still life
abstract/mixed media
nature/street photography
photo essay/reportage
student work

The entries will be judged by Jen Bekman of Jen Bekman Projects, Daniel Cooney of Daniel Cooney Fine Art, Sarah Hasted of Hasted Krauetler, Sasha Wolf of Sasha Wolf Gallery, Claire C. Carter of the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Paula Tognarelli of Griffin Museum of Photography, and Charles Guice of Charles Guice Photography.

The entry fees are $45 per image and $60 for a series of up to six visually related images.

LINK

PDN 2013 Curator Awards

PPA Members Get Discounts on StickyAlbums Pro Plan

2013-04-01T16:45:00.001-04:00

Professional Photographers of America (PPA) has announced an exciting new partnership with StickyAlbums, a platform that allows professional photographers to create a custom photo-album app for every client.

Clients access their custom albums—complete with your branding—via their smartphones or tablets. Clients can then share the albums face-to-face, across a restaurant table, on the sidelines of a sports field, or on the playground. Or they can send the app to the devices of friends and family who then may become new clients.

All active PPA members are eligible to receive a $60 discount on StickyAlbum’s Pro/Annual Membership Plan. The Pro plan allows you to build mobile photo apps for every one of your clients.

“Word-of-mouth referrals are our most valuable currency as pro photographers,” explains StickyAlbums founder, Nate Grahek. “Smartphones and tablets are the fastest growing consumer products we’ve seen, and they’re changing how we live and how we do business. StickyAlbums gives photographers a way to leverage this mobile revolution into wow-factor referrals.”

Producing custom photo-album apps for your clients can help boost your studio’s bottom line by increasing awareness of your brand as a photographer and gaining more exposure for your images. In a matter of minutes a savvy photographer can produce albums that are clean, professional and guaranteed to wow audiences.

“PPA is focused on supporting our members and helping their photography businesses thrive,” says Christel Aprigliano, PPA’s Director of Member Value and Experience. “This partnership with StickyAlbums is an excellent example of our ability and desire to introduce them to dynamic new tools that help increase awareness of their work and generate new and returning business.”

Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest international non-profit association created by professional photographers for professional photographers. Almost as long-lived as photography itself, PPA has roots back to 1869. It has never stopped growing and looking for new ways to assist its now 25,000 members through protection, education and resources for their continued success in the industry.

LINKS

StickyAlbums

PPA Membership

PhotoShelter and ASMP Release Photographer’s Guide to Copyright

2013-03-29T10:19:00.000-04:00

For a clear explanation of how U.S. copyright law applies to photographers, download “The Photographer’s Guide to Copyright.” The free, 37-page educational guide was produced jointly by PhotoShelter and The American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP). The guide lists the six exclusive rights associated with copyright and how to:

Safeguard your photos and avoid infringement.
Register your work through the U.S. Copyright Office.
Take action if you discover that your copyrighted work has been infringed.

Through interviews with photographers and ASMP experts, the guide addresses topics such as major trends in copyright today, how to incorporate copyright registration into a daily workflow, and the risks of joining social networks.

In one of the featured profiles, architecture and interior design photographer Liz Ordoñez explains what it takes to bring an infringement case to court and the best way to avoid it. Because our lives are pretty much ruled by online markets, Ordoñez says at some point your work is going to be used without your permission. She recommends having a strategy in place before it ever happens: “Filing a case should be the absolute last thing you should do.”

“The Photographer’s Guide to Copyright” also demystifies what counts as “fair use” and discusses copyright for video and motion pictures.

"ASMP is a leader in copyright education, and we have continually stressed the importance of persistent attribution and registries,” explained ASMP Executive Director Eugene Mopsik. “We are pleased that our work with PhotoShelter has produced this important resource which is available to the entire imaging community." In addition to the guide, ASMP's website offers a wide range of downloadable information and videos on the subject of copyright, licensing, releases and more.

“Professional photographers rely on a strong online presence to grow their business and attract new clients, which is why it’s vital to proactively register and protect images from infringement,” said PhotoShelter CEO Andrew Fingerman. “We’re excited to partner with ASMP to provide a robust resource that will help photographers break down U.S. copyright law and understand their creative rights.”

The Photographer’s Guide to Copyright is the latest in PhotoShelter’s ongoing series of free business guides for photographers and marketing professionals. PhotoShelter’s e-book library includes 25+ educational guides including topics such as social media, email marketing, and starting a photography business.

About PhotoShelter

PhotoShelter is a worldwide leader in photography portfolio websites and sales and marketing tools for photographers. More than 77,000 photographers use PhotoShelter’s websites, social and SEO tools to show their work and attract new clients. Many also use PhotoShelter’s e-commerce tools to sell their photography easily and securely.

About ASMP

ASMP is a premier trade association for imaging professionals. A well-known leader on current issues, ASMP regularly represents the imaging industry on legislative matters nationally and internationally and provides its members with state-of-the-art information and education.

LINKS

The Photographer’s Guide to Copyright

PhotoShelter Business Guides

ASMP

PhotoShelter

Ilford's Five New Art Papers Include One for B&W Prints

2013-03-27T16:47:00.002-04:00

Ilford has added five fine-art papers to its ILFORD GALERIE Prestige papers for inkjet photo printing. The new products include a Gold Mono Silk fiber paper specifically for black-and-white photography and smooth and textured fine art papers. Choose the smooth version if you want to show fine details in your printed images. Choose the textured version if you want the structure of the art paper to add to the overall look and feel of your prints.

Gold Cotton Smooth 330 gsm and Gold Cotton Textured 330 gsm are mould-made, 100-percent cotton rag papers manufactured without optical brighteners. These papers are compatible with pigment inks and recommended for use in portfolios, sellable prints, and gallery and museum exhibitions.

Fine Art Smooth 220 gsm and Fine Art Textured 220 gsm are bright-white double-sided alphacellulose papers recommended for use in wedding albums. With a very high cellulose content (upwards of 93 percent), these papers have many of the properties of a cotton paper, such as a luxurious feel and excellent durability. The papers are suitable for use with either pigment or dye inks.

Gold Mono Silk is a 270 gsm, acid-free, lignin-free fiber-based paper designed specifically black-and-white photo printing. Photographers specializing in black-and-white photography can use it to create prints reminiscent of darkroom prints. With ILFORD’s nanoporous coating layer technology, Gold Mono Silk is capable of delivering deep, rich blacks and bright whites and seamless transitions and contrasts between shadow and highlight areas. This paper can be used with either pigment or dye inks.

LINKS

Ilford Blog: New Ilford Galerie Prestige Fine Art Papers

Webinar Archive: An Introduction to Ilford’s New Fine Art Papers

Black River Imaging Offers Value-Priced Photo Book

2013-03-25T15:44:00.000-04:00

Black River Imaging, a photo finishing lab for professional photographers, has introduced a value-priced photo book.

Starting at $28, The Picture Book offers lay-flat pages, excellent color reproduction, and a choice of cover types.

The Picture Book is available in four sizes: 5x5, 8x6, 8x8, and 8.5x11 inches. Cover options include a custom image printed on a smooth hard cover with a laminated protective finish, fabric, or faux leather. Custom embossing is available in black, gold, or silver foil on the faux leather cover option. A six-color printing option is available for photographers who want to ensure that their customers see a wider range of colors, shadow and highlight details, and skin tones in the images.

Because The Picture Book has an uninterrupted or creased, sweeping design across the gutter, the images are stretched seamlessly across the page. The Picture Book can be designed with a minimum of 20 sides and a maximum of 70 sides.

Black River Imaging helps professional photographers bring their creativity to life in hand-made photo albums, professional photo printing, press-printed greeting cards, gallery wraps, metal prints, and other beautifully crafted photographic products.

LINKS

Black River Imaging

Save Money on Datacolor Color Management Products

2013-03-22T10:17:00.000-04:00

From now until April 6, 2013 Datacolor is offering savings from $20 to $60 on seven of its color-management products for professional and serious amateur photographers.

If you need a complete color-calibration solution for your photography studio, you can buy the SpyderSTUDIO collection for $499—a savings of $60 from the regular price of $559. SpyderSTUDIO provides everything you need for precise color control from shoot, to edit, to print.

The SpyderPRINT system for managing color in inkjet print output is on sale for $299--$50 off its usual price of $349.

The SpyderCHECKR color reference chart is on sale for $99, a $40 savings from its usual $139 price. Use it to color calibrate your camera, perform precision in-camera white balance, and record known color samples.

The SpyderCHECKR PRO color-reference chart and gray card can be purchased for $139, or $40 less than its $179 selling price. Use it to color calibrate your camera, perform precision in-camera white balance, record known color samples, and capture color temperature and light-source data for accurate RAW adjustments and more consistent color.

The Spyder4ELITE advanced monitor calibration solution is now available for $219.99, or $30 less than its $249 selling price. Use it to calibrate your desktop and laptop computers, TVs, iPads, iPhone, and projectors.

The Spyder4PRO advanced monitor calibration solution is on sale for $149.99, or $20 less than its $169 regular price. In addition to calibrating a display, you can make adjustments for ambient light changes.

The Spyder4EXPRESS monitor calibration solution is available for $99, or $20 less than its $119 selling price. Use it to calibrate a single display.

These prices are valid in the U.S. only.

LINK

Datacolor Spring Sale

Offset Printing Business Adds 3D Printing Services

2013-03-21T15:45:00.000-04:00

Photography studios and photo labs aren’t alone in adapting to the changing demand for prints. As the demand for long runs of printed books, catalogs, and magazines continues to decline, printing companies that once specialized in offset lithography are finding new ways to diversify. For example, Braintree Printing, a 30-year-old company that offers high-end offset and digital printing, has become one of the first printing companies in New England to embrace 3D-printing technology.

The company recently purchased a Dimension 1200es 3D printer by Stratasys. The printer will be used to convert digital files supplied by customers into physical 3D objects, such as prototypes, customized parts, and architectural and medical models.

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing is a type of additive manufacturing that builds three-dimensional objects through a layering process. Unlike printing a document the traditional way, ink on paper, 3D printers apply layers of plastic on a build tray to produce accurate and functional 3D models. The 3D printer works hand in hand with a 3D CAD file which is imported into Catalyst EX Software. The software slices and orients 3D models and plots a precise deposition path for the Dimension 3D Printer to follow.

Braintree Printing prides itself on being a visionary when it comes to printing. Owner Jim Corliss views 3D technology as a natural next step in the industry’s future: “It’s an exciting technology and we’re excited to share it with our customers.” Corliss said 3D printing will be a boon to designers, engineers, medical professionals and manufacturers.

“3D printers are a game changer in new product development,” said Corliss. “Our customers will be able to perfect their products before they go to manufacturing - all at the touch of a button. “

Incredible Versatility

At Braintree Printing’s plant in Braintree, Massachusetts, customer service representative Robin Clark has been testing the new 3D printer. She has created an assortment of 3D products, from an entire chess set to screws, chains, gears, wheels, a human heart and a toy dragon. “It’s amazing what this printer can do,” she said.

The Dimension 3D printer can produce models as large as 10 x 10 x 12-inches in multiple colors.
LINKS

Braintree Printing

Book and Conference Examine Business Impact of 3D Printing

InstaThis Prints Instagram Photos on Wood or Acrylic

2013-03-18T16:42:00.001-04:00

InstaThis is a new service that enables Instagram users to convert their images into ready-to-hang wall prints on wood or acrylic. The prints can be used to decorate your home or presented as gifts to family, friends, and business colleagues.

Available in sizes ranging from 6 x 6 inches to 12 x 12 inches, the prints are created with inkjet printers that use UV-curable inks.

Baltic birch (5/8-inch thick) is used for the wood prints. The natural grains of the wood come through, while the colors really pop.

For the acrylic prints, the images are printed directly on clear, cast acrylic (3/16-inch). After the ink is totally cured, the print is mounted to a white backing material, which creates an almost-3D look to the already vibrant prints on acrylic.

Each print is slotted and supplied with the appropriate hanging hardware.

Customers can connect with InstaThis through Instagram or upload their Instagram photos to the InstaThis website.

LINK

About InstaThis

ArchMount Lets You Do More With Your iPad

2013-03-11T08:39:00.000-04:00

SerialKickers is an Austin-based design team that is developing communication technologies that democratize the generation and distribution of quality content. The ArchMount is a pocket-sized tripod mount that makes it easier to use the iPad as a video camera, desktop scanner, portable kiosk, lectern, or teleprompter.

“We set out to create an ultra-convenient, affordable tool to make iPads even more versatile for hands-free use,” explains Steve Guzman of SerialKickers. “We didn’t want to add bulk or create a barrier between the user and the device.”

Combining the flexibility of bungee cords with a small, rigid, plastic arch, the ArchMount securely grasps the iPad without damaging it. When used with a mini-tripod such as the Gorillapod, the ArchMount creates a flexible, desktop iPad stand so you can use the iPad as an extra computer display or for Skype calls. A horizontally mounted iPad can be used as a photo or document scanner.

When used with a taller tripod, the ArchMount enables well-controlled capture of audio and HD video. Use it for stop-motion animation, time-lapse photography, teleprompting, or reading sheet music or scripts.

Because the whole mount can be slipped into a pocket or purse, it’s easy to take with you when you travel or shoot videos on location.

Until March 18, 2013, the ArchMount is available for preorder through Kickstarter at a reduced price. After the conclusion of the current Kickstarter campaign, SerialKickers plans to expand the concept for use with other tablet computers, including iPad mini, the Kindle, and Android and Windows tablets.

LINKS

ArchMount

SerialKickers

Book and Conference Examine Business Impact of 3D Printing

2013-03-06T11:29:00.000-05:00

As a technology such as 3D printing rapidly becomes more affordable, sophisticated, and accessible, it can be difficult to imagine the many different ways it might affect our everyday lives. A new book and an upcoming conference are designed to help creative professionals, entrepreneurs, business owners, and legal and medical professional better understand the implications of 3D printing.

Fabricated: The New World of 3D Printing

In their new book “Fabricated: The New World of 3D Printing” co-authors Hod Lipson and Melba help us understand some of the many ways 3D printing technology is likely to change our lives. They explain why 3D printers are bursting out of the factory into homes, businesses, schools, kitchens, hospitals, even the fashion catwalk to create an explosion of technological and social innovation.

The book features interviews with pioneering teachers, small businesses, artists, surgeons and researchers who are using 3D printing technology and design software to in weird and wonderful ways. For example, 3D printing technology can be used to “print” food, dental crowns, and (someday) replacement heart valves, organs and joints.

“3D printing is already shaking our age-old notions of what can and can’t be made,” said Hod Lipson, director of the Creative Machines Lab at Cornell University. “But what we’ve seen so far is just the tip of the iceberg. The next episode of 3D printing will involve printing entirely new kinds of materials. Eventually we will print complete products -- circuits, motors, and batteries already included.”

“Broad and versatile technologies like 3D printing send disruptive ripples through different industries,” said Melba Kurman. “We will see the emergence of new business models and shorter supply chains in manufacturing. The technology is moving fast – the law will struggle to keep up.”

The authors predict that new intellectual property challenges will arise as 3D printers enable people to replicate or “edit” commercial products and works of art.

Inside 3D Printing Conference: April 22-23

Because of his broad awareness of 3D printing applications , “Fabricated” co-author Hod Lipson is serving as program chair for the “Inside 3D Printing” conference and expo that WebMedia Brands is hosting April 22-23 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City. A West Coast conference will take place at the Santa Clara Convention Center on September 24-26.

"Inside 3D Printing is the first event to delve into the business impact of 3D printing," said Alan M. Meckler, Chairman and CEO of WebMediaBrands. "3D printing has become the next great technological disruptive force in the field of 'making things' and according to a recent article in The Economist, 3D printing 'could well rewrite the rules of manufacturing in much the same way as the PC trashed the traditional world of computing.'"

The conference program is being designed for architects, artists, jewelry and fashion designers, industrial designers, marketers, entrepreneurs, medical professionals, software developers, venture capitalists, intellectual property lawyers, and other professionals whose careers might be affected by the growth of 3D printing.

Keynote speakers include Terry Wohlers, an expert in rapid product development and additive manufacturing, and Peter Weijmarshausen, CEO of the Shapeways 3D printing online marketplace and community for personalized production.

Conference sessions will include:

3D Printing Firearms: The End of Gun Control?
Design Tools in the Age of 3D Printing
Transforming Education through 3D Printing Digital Materials
Spotlight on Fashion, Art and Architecture: Redefining the Future of Design
How Professional Investors Are Playing the 3D Printing Boom.

Early bird registration rates are in effect until March 14.

The conference sponsor,WebMediaBrands, is an Internet media company that provides content, education, and career services to social media, traditional media, and creative professionals.

LINKS

Inside 3D Printing Conference

Fabricated: The New World of 3D Printing by Hod Libson and Melba Kurman

Will 2013 Be the Year of the Makers?