Gunther Deichmann's Blog

Photography... a sad day! My Tribute to Kodachrome Film...one of best films ever produced. Kodak Retires KODACHROME Film!

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-06-23T13:18:42+08:00

It was my film of choice for many, many years, as a matter of fact most of my award winning images had been taken with Kodachrome 25. ... As part of a tribute to KODACHROME Film, Kodak will donate the last rolls of the film to George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film in Rochester, which houses the world’s largest collection of cameras and related artifacts. ...Sales of KODACHROME Film, which became the world’s first commercially successful color film in 1935, have declined dramatically in recent years as photographers turned to newer KODAK Films or to the digital imaging technologies that Kodak pioneered. ...Kodak has continued to bring innovative new film products to market, including seven new professional still films and several new VISION2 and VISION3 motion picture films in the past three years. These new still film products are among those that have become the dominant choice for those professional and advanced amateur photographers who use KODAK Films...for the complete Press release go to: http://www.pdngearguide.com/gearguide/content_

Twitter plug-in & Aperture 2…useful in Travel Photography, or is it just another gimmick?

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-06-22T15:53:37+08:00

The world is twitting like crazy now…some very good stuff but there is also some real rubbish out there, I guess that applies to just about everything with today’s technology. ...For example; you traveling and get this great image a real scoop, you easily upload this image and have it on Twitter in no time direct from within your Aperture 2 Project and let the world know. ...You can also use the Twitter plug-in to share images with your friends & family, keep them informed, letting them know where you are and this can be fun. ...You can’t Export your image using the Previews, of course you can work around this, but then why use Aperture in the first place if this is the software you’re using while on the road. ...Try it out and install it, definitely fun to use and you never know when you have this scoop of a photo you like to share with the rest of the world on Twitter.

Photography, Aperture 2 & GarageBand equals a nice Keynote presentation plus a lot more.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-06-17T14:59:51+08:00

7MB, best viewed using a ...Leading up to the Power Mac Center Event... 7000 images later, Aperture 2 & beyond I have produced a Presentation in Keynote using GarageBand for the soundtrack. I converted the Keynote presentation into a small Quick Time file to give you a small Preview on the Net, join us at the Power Mac Center for more on Aperture 2 & beyond. Watch the high resolution Keynote presentation & all the other things you can do on a Mac using your images from Aperture 2. ...Also on YouTube NOW in higher resolution,

Photography & Aperture 2 Training/ Free Seminars & WORKSHOPS at the Power Mac Center, the things you can do after the shoot.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-06-16T18:35:58+08:00

June & July ’09 Aperture 2, a Power Mac Center special, Images from India on display through out the Store plus get the chance to win a limited edition Book (available in August ’09) with the images from Rajasthan, India... entirely produced using Aperture 2 plus a lot more. Photography & Aperture 2 Training/ Free Seminars & WORKSHOPS at the Power Mac Center incorporating Keynote & Pages from iWork 09 ...plus a little GarageBand using the iPhone as a Recorder. The Seminars: An introduction to Aperture 2 the workflow after the shoot and the things you can do with your selected images using iLife ’09 GarageBand and iWork ’09 working with Pages and Keynote plus a lot more. ...The Workshops: Travel Photography and Aperture 2, tips and tricks while on the road plus the integration on the Mac using Pages and Keynote from iWork ’09 the possibilities after the shoot. ...Consultation on Aperture 2: Trouble shooting, performance improvement, ideal set-up & storage solutions, choice of Hard Drives, how to back up your images and any other Questions you might have to make your workflow easy using Aperture 2 after the shoot.

Take Control...coincident? When your pictures don’t turn out the way you want (underwater or on land), it’s tempting to blame your camera

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-06-15T10:12:44+08:00

Tony Wu, remember the guy who made me green with envy when he send me these Dinosaurs images (one of my previous Blogs) posted an interesting article today, ...What ever it is, a story worthwhile reading It just occurred to me that the dinosaur exhibit I went to recently provides a convenient backdrop for making a photographic point…specifically, that if you want to take nice pictures, you should really learn how to control exposure manually. For the sake of illustration, let’s compare a couple of images. First, here’s a photo of the trio of Mapusauruses on display (with a veggiesaurus of some sort in the background), taken with a Sony DSC-W300 compact digital camera set on P mode (automatic everything): read the complete article @ http://www.tonywublog.com/

Photography: The Battle between Camera Models…Canon v. Nikon plus Sony, Pentax, Olympus and so many others. Aren’t we forgetting something?

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-06-14T22:20:39+08:00

From a Pro point of view I really don’t give a damn…I use a Nikon, I got used to it, if I loose it tomorrow I get another Nikon, because I am used to it! ...Many years ago I was shooting with X700 Minoltas, I pushed them to the limit in the Outback of Australia under extreme conditions, shot pages after pages for Stern Magazine, GEO published my Images including for their calendars and I shot the cover of Time. ...You might asked why I don’t use Minolta anymore, very simple they stopped producing Pro cameras and the company as such is no longer, otherwise I be still using them now. ...There are some great photographers out there who use neither Nikon or Canon, the problem in today’s Photography is very simple…we go and look at the web, checking reports etc. get too involved with lines, numbers and what gadgets are build in. (not to mention Photoshop, see one of my earlier blogs) ...Today’s Pro Cameras are very good, but you have to learn how to use them and read the manual, once you understand the basics concentrate on your subjects.

News: Two Interesting stories...Delete, Delete & Undelete from the New York Times plus Dinosaurs from Tony Wu

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-06-13T18:43:07+08:00

Tony made me green with envy, he had the opportunity in Japan to Visit my “past” yes, you all know I still love my fossils. As a good friend would do... he send me some Images in the past few days...to get me going...grrrrrrr, but thanks anyway Tony, much appreciated. ...Dinosaur, It seems like this was my week to see old stuff…expensive fossils on Monday, and yesterday, a dinosaur exhibit at the National Museum of Nature and Science Tokyo. ...I devoured every dinosaur book in every library and bookstore that I came across, and I probably spent hundreds of hours digging through gravel, mountain rocks, river beds, construction sites, etc. for fossils. ...I drew dinosaurs at school (usually during reading and grammar classes), and dreamed up all sorts of little projects to pursue in lieu of doing homework.

Breaking NEWS!!! MacFixIt has announced New Mac Trojan targeting Mac OS

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-06-13T17:01:34+08:00

Mac has again been targeted by malicious software according to a report only 12 hours ago from ...2009 has seen quite an onslaught of malicious software targeting the Mac OS. ...While malware remains uncommon on the Mac, Apple has had to stray from assertions that the platform is effectively immune to problems experienced by Windows users. A high-profile Trojan released this year has been tied to pirated copies of iWork and Photoshop, and it is believed that more malware will debut as Macs gain popularity. ...Read the complete article @ http://www.macnn.com/articles/09/06/11/new.mac.malware.circulates/

Aperture 2 & Travel Photography how to deal with 7000 images after the shoot, Seminars & Workshops at the Power Mac Center

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-06-12T16:54:36+08:00

How I work with Aperture 2 & deal with 7000 images after the shoot, visit my Seminars and Workshops at the Power Mac Center in Makati, Greenbelt 3, see the dates below. ...For questions and special requests, you can call 729-7087 or 88, or email us at training@powermaccenter.com ...The Seminars: An introduction to Aperture 2 the workflow after the shoot and the things you can do with your selected images using iLife ’09 GarageBand and iWork ’09 working with Pages and Keynote plus a lot more. ...The Workshops: Travel Photography and Aperture 2, tips and tricks while on the road plus the integration on the Mac using Pages and Keynote from iWork ’09 the possibilities after the shoot. How to record on the road by just using your iPhone and creating real sound tracks later in GarageBand for your slide shows and Keynote presentations.

Late Breaking NEWS...Palau cites human rights in resettling detainees

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-06-11T19:05:35+08:00

Palau cites human rights in resettling detainees Associated Press, 06.11.09, 12:44 AM EDT WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- Palau's president says his tiny Pacific island state considered human rights - and not China's reaction - when it agreed to take in 17 Chinese Muslim separatists detained at Guantanamo Bay. Palau President Johnson Toribiong says his country has agreed to a U.S. request to resettle the detainees out of humanitarian concerns and because their imprisonment is unlawful... read the complete article and more NEWS LINKS at:

Travel Photography: Colors… if you travel through Rajasthan in India then you’re surrounded by it, color is everywhere!

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-06-11T16:09:17+08:00

© Gunther Deichmann - Bangles are part of traditional Indian jewelry and its origin is from the late 18th Century, from hindi bangli “glass bracelet”. ... Inexpensive Bangles made from plastic are slowly replacing those made by glass, but the ones made of glass are still preferred at traditional occasions such as marriages and on festivals. ...Hindus believe that the gods released a swan with a lotus in its beak and let it fall on earth where Brahma would perform a grand yagna. ...The Bikaner Fort also known as Junagarh Fort is an impregnable fortress that has withstood the ravages of time and has remained unconquered since elapsed times. ... One could spend a whole day here wandering through the corridors of this tryly amazing place, a treasure cove for Photographers, Art lovers and Historians.

Photography & gadgets...the Net is full of them, do we really need them? Have we forgotten how to create real images without resorting to Photoshop or other toys.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-06-09T22:27:17+08:00

There is a place for PS no question about it and I have been using PS also but in the right context in commercial and advertising Photography, but not for my documentary and nature work. ...Since we are in a new age now, of course we need software like Aperture 2 or Lightroom to process our digital images, but lets think for a moment…are we manipulating to much? We do need to process the digital images converting from Raw or creating B/W images, some sharpening and at times adjusting the white balance all of that is acceptable today, but not changing the overall look and color. ...Hence the reason that many good images have been judged and misunderstood today, oh this is a great shot but I am sure he/she done this in the computer. I stop rambling on now, trying to explain, I don’t have the answers and properly want change a thing but it is somewhat very sad in particular for our next generation and only the proper education can make a difference.

Photography & Aperture 2: Black and White in India, conversion made easy provided the subject is right.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-06-07T21:00:52+08:00

I am known for my strong colors and contrast, but occasional I convert images to Black and White due to their nature and subjects. ...Aperture 2 makes it very easy and I have explained the process on numerous occasion in my Blogs. I thought I share with you today some images which I felt where perfect for the conversion, again these shots have been taken from The Car Window one of my favorite shooting techniques when traveling. ...How I work with Aperture 2 and deal with some 7000 images after the shoot check out my Seminars and Workshops at the Power Mac Center in Makati, Greenbelt 3, see the dates below. ...Join me on a Journey through Rajasthan using Aperture and the Mac, how to create slideshows, Keynote presentations with sound from GarageBand recorded on an iPhone, prepare and produce Flyers and Posters using Pages

Late News: Images, great food and super company at the Hyatt Hotel Manila, Philippines. “ A Taste of India”

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-06-04T23:20:22+08:00

I also had the pleasure to be in the company of Lawrence Siason from the Power Mac Center and his wife, my good friend Luis Harder and Company and my better half Grace the sometime driving force behind me. Overall a fantastic evening, a very special thanks goes to Arjun Shroff and his charming family from Shroff International Travel, without their help and India Tourism my Images on display tonight would not have been there. ...Later in the evening I had a surprise visit by my very good friend Dirk Fahrenbach from Club Paradise and Dugong Dive Center, he just snowed in at the spare of the moment. ...We have also some seminars and workshops at the Power Mac Center in Greenbelt 3 shortly, and if you have the time please drop by, I am only to happy to guide you through my Light. ...A very special thanks to the Engineering Dept, PR and Marketing Dept. at the Hyatt Hotel Manila for a very professional service, they did such a great Job, and of course it goes without saying, thanks to the Chefs for a real ”Taste of India”.

Travel Photography: Never leave home without it…the Camera that is. Monsoon rain… & how to fight boredom in traffic jams…with the Leica D-Lux 4

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-06-04T15:23:00+08:00

I had no choice but things had to be done, I rather have stayed at home in this weather, a 2 hour affair become a whole day madness in flooded streets and traffic jams. ...Of course I always have my travel companion with me, the Leica D-Lux 4 just in case or when I get too bored sitting around waiting for the cars to move. Rain was pounding the vehicle and the light from the traffic was painting colors on the windshield creating some abstract colors right in front of me, so I started to shoot what was right in front of me. ...The weather this time of the year is nothing new…the wet season has arrived and is here to stay for a few month and if I have to venture out again, maybe I see some more interesting subjects to shoot, at least I am not getting bored sitting in traffic jams. The way it looks, it is going to be another very wet and traffic clogged affair today, lucky I am not too far from the Hyatt Hotel where I have to be at 6:30 PM tonight, enjoying “A Taste of India”.

Travel Photography: Compact Flash Cards and a fully-grown Beard for sale... where else can you find that... but in Incredible India

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-06-02T21:42:52+08:00

It is truly amazing what you come across in India; take New Delhi for example, visiting the Red Fort one afternoon I saw this vendor selling “fully grown beards”. ...Then in Jaipur at the entrance of the astronomy and observatory area, a vendor approached me; I guess he had spotted my Nikons, he was trying to sell me CF Cards up to 4 gigs. ...I am not sure who is going to buy them, but I am sure some tourist might get them after their Card is full; this guy was selling them in all shapes and sizes up to 4 Gigs. ...In other words, if you run out of supplies on your trip in India I am sure there is always someone around the corner who carries what you looking for. ... You just have to watch out how genuine these things are, carry your own CF Cards makes a lot more sense and it is a lot safer for your valuable images, as for the beard; who needs one in this heat anyway.

Travel Photography in Rajasthan India continuous…vibrant colors, amazing architecture in Bikaner and Mandawa.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-05-31T19:56:02+08:00

You find Havallis throughout Rajasthan but in Mandawa they are very special, here you see Havallis with amazing paintings in great details on the outer walls. © Gunther Deichmann - the back of the BHANWAR NIWAS a Heritage Hotel in Bikaner, it goes without saying... if you in Bikaner you have to spend the night at this truly amazing place. www.bhanwarniwas.com In some of my future blogs I introduce you to the interior of this Hotel. Today, the world comes to this storybook town to see its colorful frescoes on every subject under the sun, that is, ranging from the religious to the erotic; from copies of popular English prints to witty social satire, rendered in the inimitable style of the local artist. ...I forgot who told me during my visit to this amazing town, apparently Mandawa and Venice in Italy are the only two places in the world showcasing this type of paintings on the outside walls... a real outdoor Art Gallery. ...For the latest images on Rajasthan in India please go to my selection upper right hand side on this Blog or click this LINK http://www.deichmann-photo.com/page2/page2.html

Photography & Aperture 2... plus a Taste of India at the Hyatt Hotel Manila, Philippines with two chefs from The Leela Kempinski Hotel and Residences in New Delhi

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-05-29T17:56:07+08:00

At the same time some of my Images from India will also be on display at the Hyatt Hotel during the flavors of authentic Indian cuisine at the Market Café. ...I talk about my experience on the road, the workflow and how to deal with large number of images after the shoot, but most important the things you can do with your images using the integration on the Mac, you be amazed by the possibilities. ...In the meantime you can check out some authentic Indian cuisine at the Hyatt Hotel in Manila, for more info see the Press release from the Hyatt Hotel below: ...From 4th to 21st of June, “A Taste of India” brings the diverse and varied flavours of authentic Indian cuisine to Market Café at Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila in the form of popular dishes from north India that will spice up the sumptuous buffet. The hotel has invited Chef Ashwani Kumar and Chef Chandramani Geeband, two chefs from The Leela Kempinski Hotel and Residences in New Delhi to create an explosion of Indian spices for a truly splendid culinary feast.

Back to India & the final details on the GD PhotoWorkshop in Cambodia “Angkor Wat and beyond” in September 2009 will be announced shortly.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-05-24T20:57:20+08:00

Since my return from Bangkok and the TDEX show I have been working on my project from India, but a lot more work has to be done, I post some more details during the month of June. ...By end of next week you find also the final details on our upcoming GD Photo-Workshop on my GD Photo-Workshop Site, already booked participants however will receive an email within the next few days with all the information. We are almost fully booked, so if you’re interested please contact me ASAP, final closing date for bookings will be June 22, 2009. As mention previously in my Blog, this GD PhotoWorkshop will go beyond Angkor Wat and for the first time we have included the Tonle Sap Lake and some other interesting places seldom visit by Tourists.

Where have all the Tourists…People gone? The new International Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok looked deserted. Who is to blame? A coincident?

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-05-23T21:24:02+08:00

When I arrived at the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport a couple of days ago, I could not help noticing how empty it appeared. A coincident or was it due to the Red and Yellow shirts, the Swine Flu, the current Economic crisis or the simple off season? I passed through this Airport many times on my way to Cambodia or other destinations, but for the first time I have seen it that deserted. ...When checked in at airline counter I looked around and jokingly asked the attendant if I was the only one on the flight to Manila? ...Normally I have to cue up during my check in but this time I was done in seconds and had plenty of time to wonder around taken photos of empty shops and hallways.

Nikon D700 at 6400 ISO in Bangkok Thailand...the final frame after the Thailand Dive & Travel Expo

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-05-22T16:31:55+08:00

Goodbye to Bangkok and my friends Tony, Mean & Aye from Fins...but I am sure we see each other again soon, Tony Wu is still in Bangkok for a couple of weeks before hitting back to Japan. However Tony and myself dreamed up an interesting new project but more on that later, sounds familiar... my suspense again. ...On my last day in Bangkok I took the opportunity and shot some frames across the Chao Phraya River which runs through the heart of Bangkok using my Nikon D700 at ISO 6400, lets call it “The last frame”. Amazing how the Nikon D700 can handle this type of situation, even at the high ISO the noise is acceptable. Of course not for huge blowups, but good enough for the web or smaller reproductions in print, and if it gets too noisy at even higher ISO (24000) then we can always resort to Noise Ninja a separate Plug-in for Aperture 2.

Underwater Photography & Aperture 2 during and after the Thailand Dive and Travel Expo, part 2

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-05-20T23:04:34+08:00

The Thailand Dive and Travel Expo finished last Sunday but I kept busy and giving Tony Wu and the FINS Team some more pointers and shortcuts on Aperture 2. Sunday the 17 of May, the last Aperture 2 seminar in the open area at the Thailand Dive and Travel Expo, a very interesting crowd and some photographer even brought their MacBook Pro’s with them. ...Later in the week I also caught up with my long time friends, well known Photo-Journalist John Everingham and Chris Ryan in Bangkok, talked about the good old days and chatting way over a few beers overlooking the Chao Phraya River which flows through the heart of Bangkok. ...This is the nice part about Travel Photography catching up with old friends and making new ones, tomorrow it is back to Manila where I have a lot more work to do on my India Project...but more on that later. Special thanks again to the organizers from the TDEX and of course to Mean and Aye from Fins for making my stay in Bangkok so enjoyable.

Underwater Photography & Aperture 2 at the Thailand Dive and Travel Expo TDEX in Bangkok

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-05-17T13:32:46+08:00

As you might know I am currently in Bangkok attending the TDEX show with my good friends from FINS, I have to admit I am pleasantly surprised at the show and the attendance, it is quiet a crowd. ...The Fins Team is working non stop conducting live interviews which will be featured on their website, I keep myself busy with some Aperture 2 Seminars on Saturday and Sunday explaining the basics on Aperture. ...Tony Wu a world class underwater Photographer is having his own Seminars on basic Underwater Photography and how to light your subjects below the waves. ...I keep this blog short today, have to run for my Sunday session on Aperture, but before I do I like to take this opportunity and thank Fins and the TDEX organizers for inviting me to this truly great show in Thailand. ...Once I have returned I post some more images and stories from this years TDEX show in Bangkok.

Photography, Animals & Fossils from the Thar Desert in Rajasthan India... a large & arid region in the northwestern part of the Indian subcontinent.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-05-12T22:51:15+08:00

My fascination with fossils and my earlier Job in Paleontology goes way back to my younger days; so it came as no surprise that prior my departure to India I did some research to find out if there are any fossils on my route. Sure enough, fossils have been found in the Thar Desert, from plant life, whole fossilized tree trunks and one of my favorite the Ammonites. ...My Guide took me one afternoon into a very small side street to a small shop, which was selling gemstones, and other precious stones, quiet a treasure cove as I discovered. ...Not in perfect condition but never the less I found my Fossils, I only wish I would have had more time and look for them myself, but then there is always next time. ...The sea withdrew after twenty five million years and the sediments were uplifted animal fossils of that period are found in the rocks in many areas.

NEW India images residing now in my PhotoShelter Archives...including Pink Floyd “Wish You Where Here”

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-05-11T14:36:26+08:00

If you’re searching for particular images, use the search field option implemented on all pages on my Web site or at this Blog (Stock Photos Search Archives, upper left hand side). ...I have to admit burning a bit of Midnight Oil the past few days going through thousands of images, but now it is out of my system. ...The only thing missing now is to update my main website with the new category “India” this will be implemented by late Tuesday this week. ...Now I have to get ready for my trip to Thailand to the TDEX (Thailand Dive & Travel Expo) only a short trip, I am back in a week. ...I have also prepared some articles on the Hotels, Food and other special things from my Journey trough Rajasthan, they will be available soon on this blog.

A Journey through awesome colors, from Elephants to Camels in the Thar Desert, to Venice like paintings, its People, food and culture…that is Rajasthan in India.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-05-08T22:09:27+08:00

I managed to do it… thanks to Aperture 2 the main editing has been done and I am uploading most of the images in high resolution from my recent trip to India as we speak into my PhotoShelter Archives. Very soon a Gallery is available with some of the best images from this truly amazing Journey through Rajasthan in India and of course the fantastic Taj Mahal. The pressure has been on because I am leaving again next week for Thailand, I have been invited by the Organizers and Fins Magazine to give some lectures on Aperture 2 during the TDEX Show, (Thailand Dive & Travel Expo) for the dates on the Aperture 2 seminars click this LINK. I am looking forward to catch up with old friends again, like Tony Wu, Aye and Mean from Fins, plus I have the opportunity to shoot some more images in Thailand, which I need for my seminars a couple days later. I know some of you have been waiting to see some more Images from India including the Taj Mahal, so I have prepared prior my next departure “Rajasthan & the Taj Mahal India” Gallery on this Blog.

Amazing Colors and sacred Rats, the Journey through Rajasthan continuous, it is truly Incredible India.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-05-03T20:51:21+08:00

I have to admit it was a strange feeling once I entered the temple barefoot and saw the Rats running all over the place, every corner and niche was crawling with them. ...This area is totally overrun with countless rats, someone even told me that these Rats die all young due to Diabetics, been constantly feed with sweets, however I have heard no scientific proof to support this claim. ...Karni Mata made an agreement with Yama that from now on all of her tribes people would be reborn as rats until they could be born back into the clan. So, there you have it from grey-brown rats to multi color on the way a kaleidoscope of colors and strange things, now I know why they call it Incredible India. A selection of my favorite images from the trip will be up soon on my Main website and a lot more in my PhotoShelter Archives, but first I have to do some more editing, you just have to stay tuned and watch out for the announcement.

Travel Photography: Rajasthan India… 3000 km & 7000 images later... amazing colors, fantastic food, incredible people & Aperture 2 performed flawless.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-04-29T14:59:22+08:00

Sad to say but I am back… wish I could have stayed longer but my Journey through Rajasthan in India has come to an end, however I have promised myself to return. ...In the next few weeks I share with you some of the amazing sites and colors, but today I like to take the opportunity and thank all my Guides and Drivers for an excellent service and providing me with a save journey through out. My special thanks to India Tourism and Rajasthan Tours in Jaipur for providing me with an incredible inside into Rajasthan, with out their help and assistance this Journey would not have been possible. ...The MacBook Pro with Aperture 2 performed equally great, Aperture 2 never let me down and managed the 7000 plus images like a breeze, I honestly don’t know what I would have done without. ...I guess that is it for today; need a few days rest, but soon a lot more, including some incredible images from India including the Taj Mahal.

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: A Photographers Paradise...but also a Photographers nightmare...you need a lot of discipline.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-04-16T02:22:52+08:00

I have arrived in Jaipur - Rajasthan very sleepy from the long journey and the incredible heat this time of the year but I could not resist to share this image with you. ...It is very easy to fall into the trap and shoot blindly where ever you go, a sheer paradise but you need a lot of discipline to get the right subjects...not an easy task in Rajasthan. I took the image above on my way into the town of Jaipur, but there are so many others and I do have some very cool surprises or too waiting... you know I love my suspense. Tomorrow another early start to some more remote places in the area, now I get a few hours rest and if all goes well I be in touch again soon. A big thanks to Aperture 2 which enables me to do all my editing fairly fast everyday, don’t know what I would have done without it.

Incredible India... just amazing Agra and the Taj Mahal

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-04-15T01:56:57+08:00

Tonight is the first time I had some time...plus a reasonable internet connection, after 36 hours in Delhi we traveled to Agra where the amazing Taj Mahal is located. Luck was on my side on the first day at the Taj, a group of traditional women from Jodhpur in Rajasthan visited the Taj at the same time. I was surrounded by colors at this truly amazing Building the Taj Mahal...it goes without saying, the Taj is one of the most amazing and beautiful structures I have ever encountered. I keep it short tonight, tomorrow we are leaving early again for Jaipur and then on to Jodhpur the heart of Rajasthan. Sorry I can’t upload any more images...so many of them, but in due time I share many more with you.

Travel Photography: Next Blog post will be from Rajasthan in India...

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-04-08T22:30:22+08:00

Well, that’s it for a while... next time you hear from me is in India. As mention my Blog post will be a bit thin from tomorrow onwards, but please stay tuned you never know where I get the chance to update it from. ... I have to do it all when I get back at the end of April. I have chosen an amazing route through Rajasthan and some of the places I am going to visit for my assignment will be a bit remote, but I try very hard to post some short info and Images whenever I can.

Travel Photography: The final preparations are done, I be reporting soon from Incredible India but that depends on my Internet connection.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-04-05T17:26:23+08:00

Oh no, these are definitely not my legs…I just thought this image is appropriate since I am leaving in a few days, as you can see... stock images do come in very handy. ...I try and travel as light as possible, the Cameras being the most heavy but also the most important part, no need to bring a suitcase full of gear which you’re not going to use anyway. ...However I do carry a few white t-shirts, they came in very handy as a natural reflector when shooting people… the only thing you have to do, wear and wash them. Strong and good Rubber shoes, a hat or baseball cap for sun protection plus some of those other items I have pointed out in one of my recent Blogs from the 17th of March 2009, check the Archive: Traveler’s Essentials…tips and advise prior your Departure to your next exotic destination... traveling in South East Asia Now I am almost ready for my iPod listening to Canned Heat “On the Road again”, I stay in touch from India provided time and internet connections work out, but I can hear the sound of the Sitars already.

Summer Kiddies Workshop... iMac's loaded with Drawing and simple Animation Software for the Kids, face painting and a lot more…a week full of fun.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-04-03T22:20:32+08:00

Playing the Blues... about week ago I spend an afternoon with my children at a Shopping Mall…Fun for the Kids…”Summer Kiddies Workshop” at the Rockwell Shopping Mall, Manila, Philippines. A weeklong fun event organized by the Power Mac Center Educational Division, plus I came across this Piano player who just happen to be there. ...Laughter and giggles came from the Kids once they discovered and had a go at Photo Booth…just watching them was real good entertainment. ...There was also an artist on hand who painted some cartoons on the Kid's faces, nice to see that a company like the PMC organized this week long fun and educational event for children. All images on this post are taken with the Leica D-Lux 4 my constant travel companion,back home a few hours later, I created the layout with the new Pages from iWork '09

Web Site updated implementation of the Search Archive Field on all Web pages

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-04-01T20:40:25+08:00

I am getting very close to my departure and I couldn’t leave it alone …had to make some changes prior me leaving for India on my main Web Site. ...If your search fails or only very few images show up (could be many reason e.g. like misspelling or the English verses the American spelling “Color or Colour” go to all Galleries once the page is open. ...We have deleted the “Journey Through Color & Time” Book page, almost out of Print, hence the decision to remove the page, but if you’re still interested in purchasing a copy just send me an email. (http://www.deichmann-photo.com/contact/contact.php) ...Both Sites will have some more modification soon, but they have to wait now until I get back, plus some other exciting NEWS up on my return from India, but more on that later, as you know I love suspense... In the meantime just stay tuned or subscribe to my Blog that I try to update now and then while I am on the road…I guess it all depends on my connection and time.

Photo Workshop in Cambodia…Angkor Wat and beyond, the final dates have been announced

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-03-30T14:34:19+08:00

We have finalized and can confirm the Dates for our GD PhotoWorkshop in Cambodia… Siem Reap…”Angkor Wat and beyond...” besides Angkor Wat and the other nearby Temples which we are going to visit anyway, this time we travel also beyond; to the amazing Phnum Kulen area north of Siem Reap, the Tonle Sap Lake plus other seldom visited Temples and places. 6 nights and 7 days from the 13th until the 19th of September, please make sure and reserve your space now, final bookings have to be made by latest June 15, 2009. This Workshop is filling up fast already; you can make a non-committed reservation now and reserve your space prior June 2009. ...We have also made some changes on the GD PhotoWorkshop site, there you find some very use full and additional information.

Aperture 2 & Travel Photography preparations prior your Departure “Triple T” Tips, Tricks and Techniques.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-03-29T18:18:32+08:00

I use to do this a long time ago leaving things for later…but since the arrival of Aperture I don’t leave things for later anymore…if I do, it wont get done anyway… ...A few days before my departure I sit down and clean my MacBook Pro of all those things which I don’t need to bring, in other words cleaning out my Libraries including the iPhoto one and store all this other stuff on my external hard drive I keep at home. ...Cities, People, Culture, Animals etc., plus I always create one for Generic this is for all those images that you don’t have time for or they are difficult to integrate at the time. ...Which brings me to another point; don’t put things off, add as much information during Import as possible it is only a few extra minutes, everything is still fresh in your mind, plus you have some locals around you who could assist in the right spelling of local names etc. ...I work in the field with two identical Lacie 360 Gig Rugged Hard Drives and import all my images as reference files, the second 360 Gig Drive is a back up for the first one lets call them A & B.

Travel Photography…Tips, Tricks and Techniques “Triple T” connecting your Card Reader & Hard Drives to your MacBook Pro, LACIE'S flat Fire Wire Cables…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-03-27T16:15:46+08:00

Just prior my departure for India I got blessed with these flat Cables by LACIE, saving space and no more stiff cables… ...I am sure some of you get annoyed just like me with those old and stiff Fire wire Cables for your Card Reader or connecting your Computer to your external Hard Drives, this is especially true when on the road. Now LACIE has come up with a cool solution with their Flat Fire Wire 400 and 800 cables, perfect for traveling daisy chaining your external Hard Drives and connecting your CF Card Readers all at once to your Mac. ...No more stiff and annoying cables, welcome travel companions with the 360 or 500 Gig LACIE Rugged Hard Drives, the perfect back up solution when on the road. Available locally at the Power Mac Center in the Philippines, they also stock the 360 and 500 Gig LACIE Rugged Hard Drives.

Photo Workshop in Cambodia...due to popular demand I have posted some more details prior my departure to India.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-03-24T22:32:06+08:00

Due to popular demand I have posted some more details on the GD Photo Workshop for this coming September in Siem Reap Cambodia, see below the details: This workshop will include the Tonle Sap Lake and the Water Village, furthermore we be exploring some ancient Temples/Ruins seldom visited by others except you. Of course we still visit and shoot at Angkor Wat during Sunrise and Sunset, plus a lot more during this trip. ...Total lengths of the Workshop is from Sunday (exact date to be announced in May) to Saturday (7 nights in a luxury Boutique Hotel) Photography in the field, the workflow and critic after the shoot - class room sessions at the Hotel...but don’t worry we spend more time in the field and get the shot right in the first place. More details; what to bring, cost per per person, etc., will be available in May, but participants can travel from their Home destination to Siem Reap in Cambodia direct, upon arrival we have made all the necessary arrangements for your transport to the Hotel.

Cambodia GDPhotoWorkShop...September 2009 Siem Reap, Angkor Wat and beyond...

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-03-23T16:13:06+08:00

I am happy to announce our GDPhotoWorkShop for the month of September ’09 ...with the title “Siem Reap, Angkor Wat & beyond.” This is only the initial announcement, all other details will be posted upon my return from India towards the end of May. If you’re interested you can contact me and reserve your space without any obligation for the time being, final bookings have to be made by latest August 15, 2009. With only 8 to 12 max participants I recommend you make your bookings early, just click this LINK: http://www.deichmann-photo.com/contact/contact.php

"The Underexposed" featuring Luis M. Harder from Manila, Philippines who has a passion for Photography

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-03-23T12:52:36+08:00

”Underexposed” is a term I like to use for some very talented but not so exposed Photographers whose work is very nice. ...Last month we featured Bebet Gaudinez from the Philippines, now we feature Luis Martin Harder (April) from Manila, Philippines. I met Luis during my last Workshop in Cambodia, he was one of my students and we stayed in touch ever since. Luis is a super nice guy and his passion when not at work is Photography, he has held an impressive one man exhibition last year, called “Unscripted” He was also the one who won the Aperture software with one of his images during our Workshop in Cambodia, sponsored by the Power Mac Center in Makati Greenbelt, read more about Luis in our April Gallery. We are a bit early, it is not April yet, but since I am not going to be around most of the month of April we have decided to showcase Luis work a bit ahead of time.

Underwater Photography: Spectacular Underwater Video from the House Reef at Club Paradise & other locations in Palawan, Philippines…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-03-19T14:27:52+08:00

This Video has been around for sometime but the full length has never reached the Web, now we have decided to share this truly amazing Underwater Video by my good friend Dirk Fahrenbach with you in YouTube. ...Edited and sound by Gunther Deichmann using GarageBand, Soundtrack Pro and Royalty released tracks from Sounddogs created on a MacPro using iMovie ’06 (yes the good old iMovie 06) with some additional Plug-ins. ...The full Video (DVD) has 20:18 minutes of great Marine Life; “Dancing Cuttle Fish”, Turtles, Dugongs and all the Critters you can imagine captured on this truly great Video by Dirk. Unfortunately YouTube only allows us to run 10 min., the full version 20:18 min. will be uploaded in a few days into the Video Gallery of Dirk’s Website @ http://www.dugongdivecenter.com/ I am sure once you have seen the Underwater World from this exotic destination you pack your Dive gear and book your next trip to Club Paradise and Dive with Dirk at Dugong Dive Center.

Traveler’s Essentials…tips and advise prior your Departure to your next exotic destination... traveling in South East Asia

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-03-17T20:38:09+08:00

Visit your doctor and get extra quantities of any medications you are on and make sure you’re vaccinated against endemic diseases (there is a list for every country). ...Get hold of a number of small bills of local currency for tipping purposes, (change some US$ at the airport upon arrival into small bills, it is a lot safer and you have some small change for your Taxi or Tri-Cycle ride) very important in Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar/Burma, Laos and Vietnam (a stack of US$ 1.00 notes are fine) Cambodia is famous for the “One Dollar” everything is “One Dollar.” ...This will give relief from diarrhea but doesn’t treat the underlying infection so use it only if you can’t access a toilet and get help immediately if there’s any blood or anything unusual in the movement or you have a fever. ...These are only the very basics and of course you need to decide what else you like to bring along, for our Photographer friends I highly recommend a small Umbrella, some plastic bags, Raincoat, a small flashlight and spare batteries. The good old Swiss Army Knife is also a great companion, but make sure you DON’T carry that one in your hand carry, they will take it off you, store it in your check in luggage.

Photography & Aperture 2: Tips, Tricks & Techniques…“Triple T”, Editing and Rating your images in Aperture 2 while on the Road, it doesn’t get any faster.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-03-16T16:09:44+08:00

Below an introduction and Overview of the Aperture Rating System, but first I like to explain how I do my Rating and Editing in Aperture 2 on the road, the very fast and simple way. ...Usually I use the Project name and add the word “selected”, I set the parameter to 5 stars and now all my 5 star images are contained within this Smart Album, all 200 of them. Now I go through them again and the ones I don’t like I demote by hitting the Keys from 1 to 4 leaving me with only the 5 star ones, now I have for example. 85 images left in this Smart Album. ...Again this is entirely up to you, but for me it is the first impression of any image that counts, something that turns me on from the first time I see it, besides everything is still fresh in my mind. ...While a “yes or no” judgment of an image can work for a small selection of photos, with a larger collection of similar images that show small variations, photographers need an organized method of noting which images are superior shots, which deserve further review, and which are poor quality or rejects.

Aperture 2: “Triple T” Tips, Tricks & Techniques… how come I cant use some of my Adjustment tools? Quick Preview mode is activated…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-03-15T18:13:07+08:00

The adjustment Panel is NOT active; I guess this happen to the best of us from time to time, we might accidentally activated the Quick Preview Button, or forgot to switch it off. ...But to provide accurate feedback, image- processing function requires a view of the original pixel data, which you don’t get with Quick Preview. This is the reason why a lot of the adjustments tools are not available to you when Quick Preview is activated. Experiment with the Quick Preview button, find out how it improves your speed in editing thousands of images without time delay and if you wonder why you cant make certain adjustments then just click and deactivate the Quick Preview button. As for me, one of the best new additions in Aperture 2, much faster editing and not only during import.

Travel Photography: Tips, Tricks & Techniques “Triple T” continues, preparing for the next trip…don’t leave home without DATA RESCUE II

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-03-12T17:26:37+08:00

Checking and cleaning my MacBookPro; backing up on Time Machine & moving older files over to another hard drive, keeping it nice and clean with lots of spare hard drive space. ...It is not an issue how often and when I use it, I hope never just the peace of mind having it around is worth the price. I did recover some images for a friend who had deleted all his images from his CF Card plus I fixed an old external hard drive. ...Data Rescue II is the best digital data recovery software on the market for recovering files from a problem hard drive or that have been previously deleted. ...Stay tuned, in the next few days I post an article on: Health and Travel related matters, which is the right medication to bring along besides your Aspirin.

Aperture 2 the perfect companion in the field and at home, introduction and solution for todays DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER above and below the waves.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-03-11T16:22:18+08:00

Aperture 2 is a powerful and easy-to-use digital image management system that can track thousands of digital images and provides the advanced photographer with high-quality image management and adjustment tools. ...Not only that, Aperture is the perfect companion in the field providing you with all the editing tools you need and by the time you get back home from a trip your work is almost done. ...Advanced RAW workflow: From capture to output, you can work with your images captured as RAW files, without having to first convert them to another format before viewing, adjusting, organizing, or printing them. ...Nondestructive image processing: Designed to protect your images from the moment they’re imported, Aperture identifies your original images as digital “masters” and has built-in safeguards to help ensure that you don’t accidentally overwrite or modify them. ...Download the Aperture 2 trail version and check it out, you want regret it, however if you get stuck Apple provides you with some cool videos (http://www.apple.com/aperture/tutorials/) plus some other useful links below.

Photography & the Integration of Aperture 2 on a Mac plus iLife '09 Workshop

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-03-07T21:20:08+08:00

iLife + an introduction to iWork ’09 ...Join me on March 20 - Photography & the Integration of Aperture 2 on a Mac & on March 21- iLife 09 Workshop with iWork ’09. All sessions will have computer set-ups for your hands-on guided sessions and training starts at 1pm-3pm Please make your reservations at the Power Mac Center, limited Computer set-ups available, these are additional and special workshops and not necessary listed on the Training Center announcements. Go to the registration page @ http://www.powermaccenter.com/training.php

Australian Didjeridoo & one of “The Underexposed”…you be amazed what they have in common, this month Images from the Philippines, our Travel Photography continues.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-03-06T13:46:25+08:00

The Didjeridoo is the unique and ancient instrument of the Australian aborigine and you might wonder what the connection is between this ancient Aborigine instrument, Photography and Bebet Gaudinez. I met Bebet… “well not really”, a few years ago during the Australian Day celebration at an International Hotel in Makati, Manila, the event was organized by the Australian Embassy. To my surprise a Filipino Band was playing traditional Australian music for this event, including one of the guys on a tribal Didjeridoo. ...About a year or two later it was during my Photo Workshop at Angkor Wat, Cambodia, that I chatted one evening to one of my students; Yes, you have guessed right his name was Bebet, during the cause of our conversation I found out that it was him who played the Didjeridoo that evening in Makati, Manila, we also discovered a similar taste of music, Blues and more Blues. ...His favorite is street photography, depicting everyday people and scenes the way he sees it, plus he plays a mean Didgeridoo… read more about Bebet & click this Link.

Aperture 2: BurnToDisc 2... this Plug-in for Aperture is the ideal travel companion, a solution for your clients plus a great additional back.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-03-05T12:06:29+08:00

In the first week of March 2009 we saw a lot of new Software and updates; Pixelmator from my previous blog, BurnTo Disc (my Blog today), Apple announced a few days ago a new Digital RAW Compatibility Update and yesterday we received an iLife Support update, iPhoto, Airport Client and Airport Utility. ...You could also export your Version or Masters on to your Desk top, then use Toast or your Burn folder to burn CD’s or DVD’s but that is more complicated, why not go direct to BurnToDisc within Aperture 2. ...Just before you leave for the airport you present him with a CD or DVD of the selected images from the shoot and you both have a big smile on your face. ...BurnToDisc is an Aperture Plug-In that simplifies the process of exporting your images and burning them to DVDs and CDs for sharing, archiving or off-site storage. ...When you select a collection of images from within Aperture and invoke BurnToDisc via the Burn Masters To Disc... or Burn Versions To Disc... menu item, a new Export Session is initiated.

Pixelmator the answer to Photoshop? Is it less intimidating for the novice and easier to use for editing after we export the Images from Aperture 2 or iPhoto?

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-03-04T12:39:42+08:00

I started many Moons ago in Photoshop, but then there was nothing else around at the time, now we have Aperture 2 and Lightroom to do all our hard editing work. Pixemator…No, I have not downloaded it yet, however it is very tempting for a prize of US$ 59.00 I have checked some reports and reviews to give me an inside to find out what is going on… ...I guess the best thing to do, open the Pixelmator Website and check it out for yourself, but from what I have read, it is not as intimidating as Photoshop and apparently works super fast on Leopard. ...If all of those things are true then we might have a real nice go between Aperture 2 and Pixelmator without the heavy use of Photoshop, not to mention the intimidation and heavy prize tag of the later one. Aperture 2 will do most of your editing and take care of your RAW files and when you do need that little extra for advertising or commercial work maybe then Pixelmator is the answer now.

Aperture 2 Tip: Don’t panic when you see the Consistency and Rebuild window but make sure you have everything backed up on an external drive.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-03-03T13:20:18+08:00

This works well if you have a lot of projects and images, however you have to have a bit of patience running the Rebuilding or Consistency Check as this could take some time, it all depends on the size of your Library. Don’t Panic again if after the Consistency Check some of your Projects and files have disappeared, no worries just repeat the step and this time run Rebuild and you find all your Projects are there. If you’re not comfortable activating the Rebuild or Consistency Check window then just wait until the window appears one day, but then you have almost no choice but to go through this exercise keeping Aperture 2 running nice smoothly. ...Now a final word of advise, make sure you made a back up of all your Images on an external drive, regardless how good your Mac or how big your drive is and how well Aperture 2 performs, back up is rule number one… disaster can strike anytime. ...Back home I then transfer all my files and Projects to my Mac Pro storing everything again on my Raid system for back ups, only then I delete the Images on my portable Hard drives.

Aperture 2 release... Raw Support for the Nikon D3X and the Epson R-D1x

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-03-03T13:08:31+08:00

Apple announced today the RAW Support for the New Nikon D3X Apple today released the latest Digital RAW Compatibility Update, adding the Epson R-D1x and the Nikon D3X to the extensive list of digital camera bodies and backs supported by Aperture 2, iPhoto ’08, and iPhoto ’09. You can obtain the Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 2.5 by selecting Software Update in the Apple menu or from the Apple support site. http://support.apple.com/downloads/Digital_Camera_ RAW_Compatibility_Update_2_5?

iLife '09 and GarageBand: Lets play some Blues... cool Music made easy for your Presentations and Podcast

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-03-01T17:52:10+08:00

The new and improved interface of GarageBand is just so very cool with endless possibilities, and once you have added some Jam Packs to it you be amazed what you can create if you’re a musician or not...but it helps if you like or like me love music. ...Start with Magic GarageBand first, familiarize yourself and later get more adventures and explore all the other possibilities, the trick is to work in the beginning with Magic GarageBand, from the menu choose Magic GarageBand and move the various instruments around until you’re happy with the overall sound. ...Add some Voices, Guitars, Effects (there is so much to choose from) or what ever you feel like, split and separate the tracks and move them around until you have a nice and now very different sound track. Send it to iTunes and you’re done, well almost... dont be shy,you do have to spend some time and experiment with GarageBand and if you love Music it is a lot of fun too. ...Please note: I recommend when running Garageband to turn off all other Applications, Garageband does require a bit of processing power, but on a MacBook Pro you should have no problems at all.

iWork fast…Designing Letterheads, Stationary, Brochures & a lot more on the fly with iWork ’09 using Pages.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-02-27T18:18:37+08:00

Working fast…if you’re on the road or at home, as Photographers we don’t like spending to much time in dealing with all those other things…but we have too, a necessary evil. ...Here are some samples of a stationary set and a simple brochure created in just one hour with the new iWork’09 using Pages. Apple has made it very easy for us, providing some cool Templates (a lot of them) in iWork ‘09 using Pages to create some slick looking Brochures, Stationary, Posters and so much more on the fly. The integrations on the Mac making the production so very easy and you don’t have to be a Rocket Scientist to work it all out. ...The templates make it easy, but you can always modify and add your own personal touch to it like changing the font, colors, graphics or adding shapes, tables or charts.

Aperture 2 Tip: Missing icon in the Toolbar…tips, tricks & techniques, triple “T” continues, customizing your toolbar and finding the Activity Icon.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-02-25T17:54:53+08:00

One of the participants ask me how come he does not have the Activity Icon like I do…is there something wrong with my software? ...Once you have installed Aperture 2 all the settings are in Default, he been using Aperture but had not seen or found this Icon and missing out on this very nice feature in ...So, if you a newcomer to Aperture 2 then this little tip might come in very handy, see below the screenshot of the Customization Panel for the Toolbar. Put your Mouse Cursor on the Toolbar hold down the control key (ctr) and click on the Toolbar a small dropdown menu appears, now select Customize Toolbar and a large window appears with all your tools. ...I recommend for newcomers to Aperture 2 to select Icons with text, easy to remember in the beginning and once you get up to speed with Aperture 2 you can use the ones only with the Icon or text giving you more space in your Toolbar.

Aperture 2:Tips, tricks and techniques… Triple “T” continues, recovering an overexposed image from the Nikon D700

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-02-23T18:26:51+08:00

It is not easy sometimes as a Pro to make things go wrong on purpose especially when using the new Nikon D700. ...I thought, hey this is a good exercise for bringing back the highlights in Aperture 2, so I shot some correct exposed images but also on purpose overexposed some for today’s session on how to bring back the highlights using Aperture 2. Highlight Hot & Cold Areas came in very handy in this exercise, (you find this in theView panel ) for the applied adjustment details go to the GD Photo Tutorial Panel upper left hand side or click this LINK. ...After all my corrections I converted the image also into a nice Black and White using the Green Filter this time. ...Before we go into all the details I like to give some praise to the Nikon D700, excellent performance in any light condition, yes I have done some test shots already at 6400 ISO and that just blew me away, but more on that later.

Where was Eric Clapton...a Guitar line up at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Manila "Elevator Blues" plus the new GarageBand'09

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-02-21T12:49:19+08:00

Most of you know my passion for music in particular Blues, a few days ago while attending a meeting at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Manila I spotted these Guitars lined up next to the Elevator. ...“Arnold...the only thing missing is Eric Clapton,” as it turned out there was a major rock secession in progress in one of the Ballrooms, sorry folks no Clapton, John Mayall or even Bob Marley otherwise I would have not gone back to my meeting. ...I could not resist and pulled out my constant companion the little Leica D-Lux4 and shot some frames, remember in one of my earlier Blogs never leave Home without it, (the camera that is) even when you have to attend a meeting you never know what is around the next corner or outside an Elevator in this case. ...I like the revised and new interface a lot, simple and clean and for those who like to learn an instrument GarageBand’09 has now some very cool tutorials guiding you step by step through the learning process for Piano or Guitar. ...Check out the new GarageBand ’09 play some Guitar tunes and create your very own music for all your presentations, GarageBand’09 is super cool and a big improvement from its previous versions.

Travel Photography: South East Asia Exposed, images from the “The Underexposed” featuring our first selection from Vietnam…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-02-14T13:12:26+08:00

Some of them I know personally, others only from emails, this is the first Blog in a NEW series called “The Underexposed” bringing together talented and passionate semi pro and amateur Photographer from all over South East Asia, I might add, we might venture also more East later, but for now it is S.E.A Every month we show you in a NEW GALLERY 12 selected images from these S.E.A Countries sharing with you the magic of this part of the world, which I call home. ...The answer is quiet simple…sharing images from this region and given these Photographers some “Exposure” they deserve, besides they are a real nice bunch plus given you the “right exposure” before venturing into S.E. ...Today we start with Massimo Casal from Hanoi in Vietnam, I have known Massimo only from emails and my Blogs on Aperture 2 Tutorials & you might remember some images from him in my previous Blogs. To check the 12 images in the Gallery please click this LINK or go to “The Underexposed” lower left hand side bar on this Blog page, but now enjoy the first images “The Underexposed” by Massimo.

iPhoto ’09 acceleration into the future… jazzed up that even the Pro is going to like it, integration at its finest. “Triple T” tips, tricks and techniques

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-02-13T18:01:16+08:00

As an Aperture 2 user and Trainer this is quiet a statement on my headline, but after spending some time with the new iPhoto ’09 I have to admit this version is awesome. ...The small presentation below shows you what can be done, created again in only a few minutes using the Media Browser to add Music (created previously in GarageBand) I then exported it to QT and this little piece was done. ...You have a Book and a simple presentation to go with, its easy to create and you don’t have to be a Rocket scientist to work it out, use common sense and you find you master iPhoto ’09 in no time. ...Select a folder with the images or create a new one with the images you like to use for the Book, then click on the Book icon, you can choose between auto flow or manual adding the images, you still have the option to move them around after they have been placed. ...Add a smart Album just like in Aperture 2 or create your Mobile Me Web Gallery all of this and the improved interface makes the new iPhoto ’09 a ripper… my only “worry” …what is going to come for Aperture 2 down the road, this could be very interesting.

iWork ’09 & Aperture 2 creating a Poster in Pages on the fly, thanks to the integration, having access to my Aperture 2 Library via the Media Browser

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-02-12T23:35:31+08:00

After my Workshop today on Travel Photography and Aperture 2 at the Power Mac Center, Makati Manila, I picked up a copy of the new iWork ’09. ...I always loved iWork in particular Keynote, I do just about all my presentations with this cool software with endless possibilities to choose from and using Pages when I am in a hurry and need to create something with…Pages. What is the difference between ’08 and ’09 iWork…well unless I don’t go to sleep tonight I can explain all the new things to you, but I must rest sometimes too. Don’t worry in due time I give iWork ‘09 a very good test drive, however I can tell you this much; major improvements, awesome new Templates for Pages and super cool ones for Keynote... a lot of new ones. ...It is the perfect integration on the Mac which makes all of this possible, no matter where you go the Media Browser is always around, hence the reason why I am as a Photographer love iWork and iLife, I have access to my Aperture 2 and iPhoto Libraries get into my GarageBand, iTunes and Videos without ever leaving the software.

Environment: The Beds and Trees are burning in Australia…Why?

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-02-11T23:47:06+08:00

WHY??? © Gunther Deichmann - Composite Image As a fellow Australian I like to express my sympathy to those relatives who have lost loved ones and properties during these raging Bushfires. What amazes me, these fires have been deliberately lit…I have no words for such a crime, I am speechless… GD

Internet connection down…iPhone to the rescue… iWeb ’09 and a new website from Fins Magazine plus the first “Underexposed” on the 15th of this month…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-02-11T22:34:22+08:00

Totally frustrated by not having an Internet connection these past few days almost drove me in insane…but then came the iPhone to the rescue, oh boy did it ever. ...Now we are back, up and running, not only me but my good friends at Fins Magazine too with their brand NEW Website…I like it and think it is super cool or is it the Music? ...I have also fixed a few things on my Commercial Photography site…we had a few problems but now I am running iWeb ’09,which is super slick by the way, the new WIDGETS are just awesome; HTML Snipet,Google Maps, RSS Feed, YouTube, Google AdSense, iSight Movie, iSight Photo, Countdown, All is Ok now, so why dont you check it out...best viewed on Safari. ...The NEW iLife ‘09 is so cool from what I have tried out and seen, super improvements, but more on that later need to do some more test driving. ...On or about the 15th of this month I am going to introduce you to our very first “UNDEREXPOSED” guy, Massimo Casal from Hanoi in Vietnam.

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY & APERTURE 2 plus iPhoto and APERTURE 2

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-02-05T15:57:00+08:00

February 2009, Seminars at the Power Mac Center, ...plus iPhoto and APERTURE 2 For bookings and more information click this LINK or the screenshot above. For questions and special requests, you can call 729-7087 or 88,

Photography: Shadows & Colors …images from a commercial shoot, behind the Scene plus the first verdict on the Nikon D700 & soon “The Underexposed”

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-02-03T22:18:06+08:00

A few hours I returned from a commercial Photo shoot and I thought why not share these images with you…sorry cant show you yet the commercial Images but certainly these ones. Non of the images have been a setup or been manipulated in Photoshop, they just happen to be there. This was also the first time the Nikon D700 got a very good workout, I am very pleased and extremely satisfied with the D700…she just performed awesome. ...In my next Blog I am introducing a new series called “The Underexposed” images from semi pro and amateur Photographers but with great talent from all over South East Asia. ...Photographers I have met during my travel while others I have only known from Emails my Aperture 2 Workshops and Blogs they like to share their love and passion for Photography with you very soon.

Photography: Copyright all Rights Reserved... who owns the images?

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-01-29T14:14:17+08:00

A lot of Legal mumble jumble...we are photographers in the first place and YES we have and need to protect our work, it is our right to do so, but how far do we go in doing so? ...On the other hand the web is not so forgiving, copy and paste is so easy...and here I do agree with Jason, place a watermark on the image will help, but it is never perfect. Cloning with Photoshop makes it easy, if you do place a watermark on your image set the opacity to very weak (say 10% or less) and cover the whole image, this way it does not disturb the image to much and it is difficult to clone. ...The web is full of images like in Flickr, Multiply etc., and most of them dont have a Copyright Watermark, very inviting... it is just like leaving the key in your car engine, or leaving your camera bag in the Taxi and ask the driver to wait until you come back from the Toilet. I dont have the perfect solution and I dont believe the registration is either, unless you’re a Richard Avedon or some other very famous Photographer, for the time being a good and well placed watermark is a very good choice and if you can proof without any reasonable doubt it is your image you have a very good chance in any court.

Travel Photography & Aperture 2: iTalk with iTalk Sync a handy Application for the iPhone, applying Metadata via copy and paste into Aperture 2 plus a lot more.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-01-28T00:09:36+08:00

Ok.enough sweet talk…say you walking around those amazing Temples in Cambodia with their strange names or you just hanging around a side walk Café, now you use your iPhone and start recording, OK that is nothing new. ...Easy, you synchronize your iPhone with your Lap Top and start up iTalk Sync, the recordings from the day are now on your Desk Top or place them in iTunes, it is that easy. But It gets much better, since you gave every recording a name or added additional text to it, a small text file is also attached and parked right next to your sound file on your Desk Top. ...The transfer from the iPhone to Computer is wireless, OK. if no Wi-Fi is available you can always play back the recording and work on your caption manual and transfer everything later when a connection is available, but at least you have a nice recording with all the information. ...Your recordings will be transferred as high-quality AIFF files, which you can play in iTunes or in most other media players. iTunes will give you the option of burning your recordings onto audio CDs, or converting them to a different format such as AAC/MP3, for use with portable music players.

Environment: Living fossil... a true love story at age 111...

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-01-27T12:42:41+08:00

Most of my readers know my fascination for Fossils and the Environment not to mention my interest in Archeological subjects. I thought I share this little amusing but true story about Henry with you, thanks to Walter Ty for bringing this to my attention. The image I feature today is NOT Henry but of a Frillneck Lizard another amazing reptile from the Top End, the Northern Territory of Australia. ...Tuatara are the last surviving reptiles of their kind, a rare New Zealand reptile has become a father, possibly for the first time, at the age of 111. The keepers of Henry, a tuatara, had thought he was past his prime - especially after showing no interest in females during 40 years in captivity.

PHOTOGRAPHY & APERTURE 2 using the Sharpening tools, plus a cool TIP for your iPhone “TRIPLE T” continues…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-01-26T17:38:21+08:00

My Camera settings are all set to normal, because it is very difficult to judge from the LCD screen how much or how little sharpening to apply. I have set all my sharpening parameters in Aperture 2 and since I know my Cameras I perform all the Edge or Sharpening in the Computer using my standard settings. ...My recommendation experiment with some of your images and don’t worry you can always go back to your untouched Original, that is the beauty about Aperture’s non-destructive editing. ...In Aperture select IMAGES and on the drop down menu choose Dodge & Burn then on the small drop down window (red square) select Sharpening, choose your brush size and strengths and apply your Sharpening on selected areas only. This iPhone application is truly one of the better ones, very practical and useful, now I have arranged all my most frequent and important Phone Numbers, no more scrolling and searching just touch and go or should I say call…

Photography...never leave home with out it, the CAMERA that is, rediscovering Herb Ritts & Richard Avedon

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-01-21T20:08:00+08:00

Take your Camera for a walk...where ever you go; with the family, to meetings, functions or just for a stroll in the Park with your Dog, a Compact one is sometimes good enough, because you never know what crosses your path. The other day, I walked out of my Apartment and my Son Brandon was jumping up the stairs, beautiful late afternoon light streaming through the window lighting the staircase. ...I used a slow shutter-speed to emphasize on movement, taken with my little Leica D-Lux 4, processed in Aperture 2 without enhancements, this was natural light at its best. The following day I attended a function and during my visit to the Toilet “I spotted two famous Photographers inside”, Herb Ritts and Richard Avedon with two famous and classic images. ...Herb Ritts began his photographic career in the late 70's and gained a reputation as a master of art and commercial photography...

Aperture 2 and the iPhone3G some use full tips, tricks & techniques for your travel Photography. Is the iPhone3G our Digital Swiss Army Knife?

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-01-20T13:25:49+08:00

In many ways it has become almost that, with the exception of “chopping up firewood, repairing the toilet seat or fixing the car”, but at least you have a Phone to call, text or email the repairman. ...Yes, I did download some games, he, he…and when I am traveling in a Taxi and get stuck in one of those real Traffic Jam’s I get the iPhone out check my email and afterwards play some games or listen to my favorite Blues music. ...Most of the Applications the iPhone comes with I like, but I am not going into great details with those today, I rather look at some of the other Applications I found useful and having them all in my pocket now is just great. ...If your preference setting is set to open Aperture when a Camera is connected watch out… Aperture 2 opens up and tries to import all photos you have taken with your iPhone, as a Pro I found this a bit irritating. ...But what I do like is having the ability to import my images all or selected Albums from my Aperture Library just like you would do with your images in iPhoto.

Tips, tricks & techniques on Travel Photography & future tutorials Aperture 2...

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-01-17T19:27:00+08:00

The first out of my new series Triple “T”… at least twice a month I share with you tips, tricks & techniques on Travel Photography and bring you more tutorials on Aperture 2 easy to follow with images and screenshots. ...Well first of all, it is my job and expertise, I have been doing it for 30 years now: second I like to explore and discover different Cultures and Countries, meeting with people from all nationalities, getting involved in their culture and tradition searching for the unusual within. ...This is extremely important; research the places you intend of visiting, relax upon arrival and don’t start shooting on your first day unless an opportunity arises, check out the place first and talk to the locals. ...I try to get to know them, but I guess most important is to hire a local Guide who can get you into places Tourist seldom venture, besides he or she breaks down the language barrier and has a good knowledge of the local customs. ...I treat all my destinations the same there is always something interesting to shoot, but Tibet, Cambodia, Myanmar and the small island of Santorini in Greece have been my favorite places so far, but I guess my heart is in Australia because that is where it all started.

Environment: Muy Magazine in Spain & Portugal good timing for the International Year of the Shark 2009...and more Photography Aperture Tutorials soon

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-01-16T15:15:05+08:00

“Muy Interesante Magazine” in Spain and Portugal have published in their January 2009 issues the image on the shark fins, the same Photo appeared in November 2008 as the Photo of the Week in the German Stern Magazine. Now I like to take the opportunity and announce our support for the new released website; the Palau Shark Sanctuary and our support for the International Year of the Sharks in 2009. Sam’s Tours in Palau Micronesia also launched today the 16 of January 2009 their NEW Sharkweeks.com website, introducing special educational shark dives every week in Palau. ...So, if you venture to Palau for your next Dive Trip, dive with Sam’s Tours and shoot these great shark images and afterwards process them in their modern Digital Photo Center. The DPC is fully equipped with six iMac’s and has a complete back up system, software like iLife, Aperture and Photoshop Elements are installed on all machines.

Travel Photography:“Made to Order from Papua New Guinea” Bali has it all…from Fossils to bizarre looking artifacts.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-01-14T21:34:56+08:00

During my recent trip to Bali Indonesia I came across many interesting things, from giant Bath tubs made out of a single solid rock boulder to the complimentary wash basins for the bathroom. ...No matter what you looking for, most likely you find it in Bali and not only in Ubud, art and crafts are all over the place. From imitations to the real thing, you find it all in Bali. ...I took these images during my last trip to Bali when I visited one of the enormous Artifacts shops along the road. From fossils to just about anything from Papua New Guinea they had in store, and since I am always looking for the unusual we stopped the car and I shot these bizarre carving from Papua with the colorful wall behind just being perfect.

Nikon D700 v. Nikon F5 film Camera, a test between digital and film photography, check out this cool video.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-01-13T23:05:37+08:00

I have picked up this interesting article and Video clip the other day on the web, an amazing and very cool video of Nikon D700 v. the Nikon F5 Film Camera. The show was produced on the Gadget Show with a good English humor using a Pro Photographers Studio. ...Digital cameras have improved in leaps and bounds over the last few years but does film still produce the best results? I am not going to give you the results, that would be to easy but you can find out on ...Both Cameras had the same ISO setting at 400 & the blow up size of the images measured from top to bottom 17 meters and took two days to print.

Photography: Seldom seen Images from my Archives in PHOTOSHELTER... from Europe to Australia to Tahiti in the Pacific, South East Asia, Tibet & India.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-01-11T19:53:38+08:00

I prepared a PhotoShelter Widget for easy viewing, a quick look into my Archives, I have selected some 148 images from 25 different Countries to give you a glimpse into my travel photography over the years. ... The widget provides you also with different view options, including Full Screen, see screenshot below, this is very cool just click on the toolbar below the widget if you wish to view the Images larger plus some other options.

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: Interesting response to my last blog article, plus the SANTORINI, GREECE Widget.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-01-09T12:22:15+08:00

feedSRC=http%3A//pa.photoshelter.com/c/gdeichmann/gallery-show/G0000EA6VlZLp7dI%3Ffeed%3Drss%26ppg%3D200" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="319"> ...Oh boy, not an easy answer...but let me explain a bit about my Photography, as for being very good... this is up for the audience and readers to judge I am merely creating images and I love doing so. ...I think one of the most important aspects of good Photography is critique...critique and more critique, if you can handle critique then you’re on the right road, but if you dont or get offended then do something else. ...As I have pointed out in my previous blog, keep your equipment simple you be amazed what you can do with just one Camera and one lens, discipline yourself working like this for a while, a challenge you might say...but very rewarding in the end. ...Next week on the 15th of January you find an interesting article of mine in the Manila Bulletin, they might help to answer some of your other questions, dont worry if you dont reside in Manila I am posting those same questions and answers a few days later on my blog.

Travel Photography the Journey continues...plus an interesting Flash presentation

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-01-08T22:47:28+08:00

I treat all my destinations the same there is always something interesting to shoot, but Tibet, Cambodia, Myanmar and the small island of Santorini in Greece have been my favorite places so far, but I guess my heart is in Australia because that is where it all started. This year I am planning to go back to Cambodia and India, but if everything works out Ok I might be visiting Africa which has been long on my list. In other words the Journey continues...see below a little flash presentation Color is all around us, we just have to separate the different shades and forms then everything will come together, you just have to stay tuned. ...No Photoshop straight from the Camera into Aperture 2 and to this Blog

Photography Masters from the past and present…an inspiration and a short Journey through History including Links.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-01-04T20:54:28+08:00

The true Pioneers in Black &White and Color Photography…of course I can mention many more but I deliberately have chosen the ones below, some of them have left us but others are still with us and up to this day creating stunning images. ...I am lucky and thankful for working and meeting with Pete during the mid ’80 we traveled together in the Northern Territory of Australia shooting Ayers Rock and a few years later ventured out to Western Australia shooting the Pinnacle Desert, we became good friends and communicate up to this day. For pure inspiration you should take a few minutes and check out the amazing images on his website, a true master of color if not the ultimate in color photography. ...Of course prior to color we had the breathtaking work in Black and White by Ansel Adams or the legendary Henri Cartier Bresson with his photo book “The Decisive Moment”. Then there is the controversial Bert Stern and not to be missed Rebecca Blake with her unique fashion photography at the time, she was also the Photography consultant for the Film “The eyes of Laura Mars” starring Faye Dunaway.

Aperture 2 tutorial and tips… Photography, converting Color to Black & White using the build in filters from Aperture.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-01-03T22:25:22+08:00

I have discussed the conversion from Color to B&W using Aperture 2 in some of my previous Blogs, but today I show you some comparison with actual images using the different filters in Aperture 2. ...I have noticed recently more people experiment with Black and White images, I guess it has become a lot easier these days with all those different software’s available to us. ...In the old days it was a lot more time consuming and required a lot of skills in the Darkroom messing around with Chemicals…Developer…Fixer and the Stop bath words and terms seldom used today. ...I am very much of a Color person and seldom shot Black and White in the past but appreciate the techniques and art form, creating good black and white Prints is not easy even with today’s software and technology. Are we ever get the magic of Masters like Ansel Adams with the software of today…I am not sure but I know we can create some pretty good images and prints.

Photography above and below the waves...thoughts for the New Year by Tony Wu

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-01-02T15:50:01+08:00

A well written and well thought through article not only for our Underwater Photographers but for all of us below and above the waves. ...It’s a brand new year, albeit one that looks like it’s not going to be the most pleasant one in recent memory, but an opportunity nonetheless to reflect upon recent events and think about what the coming months hold in store. Over the past week or so, I’ve been contemplating (among other things) the direction that the world of underwater photography is taking, specifically the trends affecting the photography world in general, and what those trends mean for marine photographers, both professionals and enthusiasts. I thought it worth sharing some thoughts on this topic for my first blog post of the year. ...If you don’t fall into this (limited) universe of people, feel free to read on, but if you get bored, don’t say I didn’t warn you!

About 16 hours later…sticky rice and San Miguel Beer, a New years tradition in the Philippines…left over at the front desk.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-01-01T20:14:10+08:00

Some of us are still celebrating the New Year and others are almost back to normal wishing and hoping for a better year. I chanced upon this image a while ago, left over from the early morning. A Philippine tradition…San Miguel Beer and a plate with some sticky Rice. GD © Gunther Deichmann - Leica D-Lux 4

Live…almost, the View from my Apartment…Happy New Year from Manila and the first shot in 2009 at 00:02AM

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2009-01-01T00:38:00+08:00

Since Manila becomes a “War Zone” around Midnight I decided to stay put and take the first shot of the year not from my usual car window but from the Apartment Entrance... and I just love red... ...After this Blog I go back to my Drink sit back and turn up the sound system, my favorite for the first minutes of 2009 is the new Nickelback Album Dark Horse, very cool. Later I will settle in with one of my favorite Blues artists a new Album by the legendary John Mayall In the Place of the King. Good old John still plays some very cool tunes,and in the next few days I take it easy a bit, otherwise I have a divorce on my hands, only kidding… Until soon, Cheeeeeers and a Happy New Year.

Aperture 2: finishing the year with the last training session at the Power Mac Center, Makati, Manila…stay tuned for all the new training schedules in 2009…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-12-31T14:01:58+08:00

I have just completed my last training session in 2008, this time for the staff at the Power Mac Center on December 29, 2008 Makati, Greenbelt 3, Manila. Please stay tuned for more exciting training schedules in 2009 like: Fundamentals of Mac OS X Leopard, iLife: iTunes, iDVD, iPhoto, iWeb and GarageBand. ...Of course I am going to be around for some more on Aperture 2 and Photography in 2009. Check this Blog for information or go to http://www.powermaccenter.com/training.php for all the details in 2009. Now I like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and a real fantastic 2009, take good care of YOU and our ENVIRONMENT.

Black and white Photography with a touch of Color for a New Year...

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-12-29T18:25:15+08:00

© Gunther Deichmann - Composite A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR AND FANTASTIC 2009 TO ALL MY READERS AND SUPPORTERS! I HOPE THE NEW YEAR IS MORE PEACEFUL AND PLEASE REMEMBER TAKE GOOD CARE OF OUR ENVIRONMENT, WE ONLY HAVE ONE PLANET.

Photography: Bubbles from the car window...the Leica came in very handy again.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-12-23T16:13:42+08:00

Seasons Greetings and 2009 is around the corner I thought I share one of the last shots of 2008 with you… but you never know, we still have a few more days to go. A few days ago on my way home from a meeting my Taxi had to stop at an intersection and these children came running up and sprayed the windows with foam to wash the windows. ...This is a straight shot no messing around and NO Photoshop, taken with the Leica D-Lux 4 on a high JPG setting and processed in Aperture 2. My promised first report on the Nikon D700 will follow, I have been delayed a bit due some poor internet connection these past few days, I believe caused due to the cable problem which has effected the Middle East and some parts of Asia. I am planning also some more detailed tutorials on Aperture 2.1.2 in my GD Photo Tutorials on this Blog I try and have the first one out by early January 2009 please stay tuned for updates and the announcement.

It is this time of the Year again... Season's Greetings plus an almost forgotten image.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-12-19T12:43:10+08:00

It is this time of the Year again...a sincere and special ...This shot was taken many Moons ago, literally...for a Calendar production. It also became the month of December in the Calendar. ...Fog Dam near Darwin in the Northern Territory, Australia Oh, by the way this was during my Kodachrome days.

Photography: An afternoon delight...my Son and the Leica D-Lux 4

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-12-18T22:12:58+08:00

You remember my recent article about the new Leica D-Lux 4 being a perfect little companion in the field or for the weekend snapshots of the Family, a camera you can carry around with you all the time. Well, the other day I returned home and as I walked in the Corridor towards my apartment I saw this great light streaming from the windows and my youngest son Brandon was sitting there reading his comic book. I took a quick light reading and pressed the shutter, the original was in color (no time for changing the setting to B&W) imported this time a JPG file into Aperture and used the Monochrome mixer to change the image to B&W. Today I open Pages picked a theme and had this real nice image framed and ready for todays Blog. Since then I have taken quiet a few images with the Leica and I share them with you later.

Environment: Save our Sharks from Extinction...support the International Year of the Shark in 2009

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-12-18T14:08:04+08:00

… was inspired by the finding that at the current rate of decline, certain shark species will be extinct in 10 to 15 years. In large regions, species that were once numerous have fallen to 1% of their original numbers. Studies of open ocean sharks estimate 80 to 90% of heavily fished ...Yet these intelligent animals, also called the “Wolves of the Sea” are still fished intensively, and finned for “shark fin soup.” The oceans have evolved over hundreds of millions of years with sharks as apex predators, so their loss will destroy oceanic health.

A minor correction from my previous Blog...Kodachrome film is still available but...

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-12-14T18:01:48+08:00

“Before Digital Photography my “CANVAS” was Kodachrome 25 ASA a superb film if not the very best in the good old days, a film so good that Masters like Pete Turner…” Sorry if I have jumped the gun a bit... after some more research I have found out that there is still a little bit left of Kodachrome and if you really interested you have to check out this real cool, informative and must read article. ...ROCHESTER, New York (AP) -- It is an elaborately crafted photographic film, extolled for its sharpness, vivid colors and archival durability. Yet die-hard fan Alex Webb is convinced the digital age soon will take his Kodachrome away...read the complete article @ http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/biztech/09/22/kodakchrome.fading.ap/index.html © Gunther Deichmann - both images are shot on Kodachrome 25 from the early 80’s in Central Australia many, many moons ago, and residing now digitized in my Archive.

Before Digital Photography my “CANVAS” was Kodachrome 25 ASA a superb film if not the very best in the good old days, a film so good that Masters like Pete Turner…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-12-13T16:11:25+08:00

This article is in response to some feedback I have received (see below) Re. the End of Polaroid film and how much longer is film like Fuji and Kodak going to be around…I m sure for a few more years, I hope so. ...For this reason alone I like to see film around for many more years to come, given our younger generation the experience (at least in schools) to get it right in the first place without using Photoshop. Of course you can also learn with Digital cameras and the ability to view the image on the LCD screen is certainly a plus for the learning curve as long you refrain from using Photoshop and start all this manipulation removing wires and so on. ...Photoshop has his place for sure and I am using it for my FX images and commercial work, (I used to do all my FX manually in the darkroom working with multiple exposures on one frame at the time) but real Photography starts with your vision first, learning how to see things before you press the shutter on your camera. ...I still get immense satisfaction from looking at a well exposed Kodak Elite Chrome or Fuji Velvia on a lightbox or better still the close involvement with an image that one gets when sitting in a darkened room viewing beautiful images projected onto a pro - grade projection screen.

The ultimate Digital Photo Center in Micronesia and now TOUR OPERATOR OF THE YEAR 2008.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-12-12T15:12:53+08:00

Awarding winning is not new to Sam’s Tours which has been consistently recognized over the years not only by government and industry bodies for their commitment to development of sustainable tourism in Palau but also by their customers for consistent service excellence.  In 2007 Sam's Tours received a Top 10 Sponsor Award from PVA for "their continual support and sponsorship" and in 2006 the private sector Belau Tourism Association recognized Sam's Tours with their Outstanding Member Award for their "dedication, support and commitment over the years to Belau Tourism Association and its objectives.” The readers of a leading international dive magazine have recognized Sam’s Tours more than any other dive center in Palau or Micronesia with seven “Readers Choice Awards” since 1997 including a Gold List Award for top dive center, top staff, and top value. Sam’s Tours is the first and only dive center in Palau to receive the Palau Conservation Society “Ten Year Partner in Conservation Award” and is a Corporate Sponsor of the Palau Shark Sanctuary, a shark conservation organization founded in 2001 by Sam’s Tours General Manager, Dermot Keane, to help bring an end to the destructive practice of shark-finning by foreign fishing fleets operating in Palau’s waters. ...“Sam’s Tours has consistently demonstrated their long standing commitment to responsible tourism development, environmental preservation, and excellence in customer service and while recognition is not what drives us to excel, we sincerely appreciate the acknowledgment of our efforts by our industry peers and our valued customers alike” said Dermot Keane, General Manager, Sam’s Tours.

An evening with the System Engineers from Apple in Singapore…plus the Nikon D700 soon on a test drive.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-12-12T15:08:59+08:00

Posted from Singapore…I spend the past few days in Singapore to have my Nikon Cameras serviced at the Nikon Service Center. ...Shortly I bring you also a first hand test report on the Nikon D700 and the just released Leica D Lux 4 plus some cool info how to deal with some storage problems. ...Last night I got invited to join the Asia Apple System Engineers for dinner and afterwards for a few drinks at the Lunar Club. Surrounded by these guys the iPhones where buzzing all around me, but they also gave me some cool and useful tips, in other words it was very educational besides having a real good time with this totally great bunch. Super cool and real fun Guys… thanks a lot to Ching Ping (SE Manager) Benjamin, Jeffrey, Junior and of course Choon for a great evening and sharing some of their knowledge with me.

Photo of the Week in Stern Magazine Germany, "Bilder der Woche"

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-12-12T15:06:48+08:00

I just happen to come across a vessel unloading not only Fish but massive amounts of Shark fins. Each time a pile of shark fins had been cleared of the deck and trucked away by small trucks more Shark Fins appeared from the Hull of the vessel. I left the scene after about 45 minutes but the unloading continued, thousands of Shark fins of all species. ...I believe the reason for the worker wearing the hood is due to the cold temperature in the hull, (or is he hiding his face)? ... I could not get into the area where the fins where transported to by the trucks, which could have revealed most likely the real scope of this “catch”.

The End of Polaroid... & how much longer for Film?

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-12-10T22:34:16+08:00

But more of a concern; are we loosing our real Photography skills and rely upon Photoshop more and more? A topic which I have written about it many times; is our younger generation loosing the real Photography skills and adopting an attitude...well I can always fix it in the Computer using Photoshop. ...I bring this issue up again within the next few month and go into more details how things have changed in the last few years. ...CNN today reported a bit of photo news that should come as little surprise to most in the industry, Polaroid is officially ending production of instant film at the end of this month. We all know that video killed the radio star, CD’s killed vinyl, iTunes killed the CD, and digital killed film, but it is still sad when you experience an icon of innovation in the industry finally disappear for good...

New Digital Cameras:Leica D-Lux 4… my first impression & exposures shooting Raw.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-12-09T16:01:20+08:00

Why I decided on the Leica D-Lux 4 is very simple; only a few Compact Cameras have Raw format and at the same time a perfect lens range suited for me. ...The Leica D-LUX 4 sports a high-speed Leica DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 5.1-12.8 mm f/2.0-2.8 ASPH lens with a focal length range of 24 to 60 mm in 35 mm format. ...The only draw back at present is the Raw format it is not supported yet by Aperture 2, but I am sure Apple has this fixed very soon with a new software update. ...A cool Marco Mode of subjects as close as 5cm, manual focus and so much more, in other words this little marvel has a lot of power and possibilities maybe that’s why it is called the “Son of the Leica M 8” a perfect little companion in the field or for the weekend snapshots of the Family. ...But I can tell you that much already…a great Camera and I can imaging what the new Nikon D3X is going to be like after I had my first gentle drive with the D700, more on that in a few days.

ET or Big Eyes…the Philippine Tarsier…another Alien looking creature the Tarsier is actually not a Monkey...

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-12-01T21:23:38+08:00

Let me introduce you to ET or Big Eyes…the Philippine Tarsier…another Alien looking creature, the Tarsier is actually not a Monkey but one of the smallest primate in the world from the Island of Bohol… fighting for its survival. ...Known locally as “the smallest monkey in the world” It is actually not a monkey, nor the smallest primate in the world, but certainly is one of the smallest, growing to about 15cm in length. ...On the ground it hops like a kangaroo aided by it’s long tail and can leap as far as 10’ (20 times it’s body length), when escaping predators such as snakes and owls. ...Up until the late 1960’s the Philippine Tarsier was quite common, but due to it’s adorable and benign appearance was widely hunted to be sold as traumatized short lived pets, or even killed and stuffed to make the ideal cuddly toy for children. ...A 7.4 hectare sanctuary was established at Corella, where some 100 tarsiers are kept in a spacious netted natural habitat enclosure, for feeding, captive breeding and display.

Introducing the Saffron Robes from Siem Reap, Cambodia…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-11-25T21:14:05+08:00

During its 12th- to 13th-century golden age, this was one of the most powerful kingdoms in Southeast Asia, holding sway from southwest China to the southern tip of Indochina and from Vietnam to the Bay of Bengal. But, following the Empire's collapse, the whole of the Angkor temple complex, nearly reclaimed by the jungle, was lost for long periods to most of the world. ...But they're all the more impressive for what they suggest — for the sights that are no longer there, a way of life that vanished, in large part, withthe wood, woven bamboo and thatch secular buildings that have long since decayed, leaving only the stone-and-brick skeleton of the imperial centre. ...Buddhist monks continued to maintain Angkor as an important pilgrimage site from the 15th till the late 19th century, when Western scholars first began to explore this jungle-shrouded, lost city of fable. And Bayon, for example — a temple mound at the heart of Angkor Thom, a former capital of the Khmer Empire and one of the most important sites — still attracts monks and nuns from all parts of Cambodia.

A smile from Cambodia...an image which makes you smile and forget the days headaches.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-11-24T22:07:43+08:00

I just received this real nice image from one of my avid Blog Readers a Photographer friend from Vietnam and an Aperture 2 user. Massimo Casal and myself have been in touch with each other over the past 12 month and he only told me last week that he was going to Cambodia for a few days. (we never actually meet in Person only from my Blogs and email exchange) I was just about to close the day when I received this image from him, there was no way I could say NO and had to post it to share with you all. He made my day, thanks Massimo for sharing this with me and many others. I just love this shot of this cheeky but ever so beautiful little girl smiling, and Massimo is right by saying my beloved Cambodia, which it truly is.

When Disaster strikes…hard drive failure, it can happen to all of us including myself

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-11-22T18:53:47+08:00

As a matter of fact this just happens to me and while I am typing this Blog my back-up has been activated on my MacPro external drives. ...But since I am notorious for making back ups I am not to too upset, except for a bit of maintenance work and moving files around, all my images are still save. ...I make three back ups of just about every thing in particular of my images, two full back ups are with me and one with PhotoShelter containing high res. selected images. ...We are all to eager and quickly blame the manufactures but this can happen with any drive, you better believe it, however the purchase of a good brand is important. ...Of course you can also invest in some very elaborate Raid systems but they are expensive, important you do some type of back up and don’t rely on a single drive.

PhotoShelter Discount Code available now…the storage solution not only for the Pro Photographer... plus some cool NEW features.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-11-21T15:18:41+08:00

Well, that is true but one hard drive is not enough, say you use a 500 Gig Hard drive to store your images, great but what about your back up, so you end up buying two. ...Plus the storage on DVD’s is at present only some 4.5 GIG (single sided) and Blue Ray is still not so accepted in the industry not to mention the time and cost factor. ...PhotoShelter is a better solution and they claim their system is “Bullet Proof” check their website for all the information and if you decide to go with PhotoShelter make sure you use the Special Code above. Plus you have all these other options at your fingertips from Web Themes, Widgets, Slides shows, Marketing tools, RSS and so much more including sleeping well at night knowing that your images are safe. ...Trusted Client Download allows you to tag anyone in your address book and assign them with permission to download the hi-res of anything they can view (up to a certain size you indicate).

Announcement... PhotoShelter Site Maintenance & Upgrade Notice for a better performance online...plus Boracay Philippines

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-11-19T22:08:54+08:00

Site Maintenance and Upgrade Notice: To improve overall site performance, PhotoShelter has planned a site hardware upgrade on Saturday, November 22 from 6pm to midnight EST. If you experience some interruption during this time dont worry it is due to Maintenance. The images below are from a recent trip to Boracay, a Typhoon was just around the corner, hence the Drama in the sky. ...No Photoshop has been used, this is direct from Aperture 2. © Gunther Deichmann - Boracay, Philippines November 2008

Aperture 2 & Photography at the Power Mac Center Makati...get to know your tools

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-11-18T22:34:52+08:00

Book now for this special 5 hour intensive training, get to ...Aperture 2 and Photography Workshop at the Power Mac Center in Greenbelt Makati November 29 & 30, 1pm to 6pm at GB3 Training Center. Only a limited number of seats are available for this Workshop, please make your reservations early, thank you. This workshop is for serious amateur and advance Photographers, for details and early bookings please contact the Power Mac Center. ...or go to our website at: http://www.powermaccenter.com/training.php

Underwater Photography: Underwater image of an Octopus makes the science paper…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-11-18T14:49:00+08:00

An Octopus from Puerto Galera makes it into a 105 page science Paper. I supplied this image for research purpose some time ago and now it is published in a study on Octopuses. If you interested in Octopuses or if you are a Marine Biologist and like to read the complete article you find the address below. ...Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review, 2008, 46, 105-202 ...Colour Figure 16 (Villanueva & Norman) Adult Octopus cyanea in camouflage display amongst soft corals,Puerto Galera, Philippine Islands.

The PhotoShelter Slideshow has arrived...more cool updates from my Photo Archives

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-11-17T19:02:01+08:00

As mention in my previous Blog the PhotoShelter Team has been working very hard to improve everything so we can make some good sales with our Stock Images. From the FTP connection, to Search Archives, slick looking Themes for your own customized Website, Widgets, Slideshow plus a lot more, check out their website and view some of the cool video tutorials. But that is enough talk for today, check out the NEW additional button on the left hand side called “The Classics” running as a slideshow direct from PhotoShelter. There is also a direct link to all the other Gallery Collections containing some 5000 plus high res. images. ...Lower left circle; click here and you get the whole row of thumbnails from that particular Gallery.

Implementation of PhotoShelter's cool new features...using the Plug-in for Aperture 2

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-11-14T13:09:00+08:00

But here is the cool part; now you can search my entire archives direct from my site with Keywords, just type in what you looking for and the images show up. ... Ayers rock Australia - plus we added a new button on this Blog left hand side just above FEEDBACK & CONTACT Stock Photos Search Archive we also changed the look and added some helpful info how to find images. ...If you misspelled a word, no images or only some will appear for e.g. you entered more than one Keyword like: milky way, Palau, Micronesia but you spelled it “milky wey” then only some images or non will appear. ...So be careful with you’re spelling, but if you not sure and I know there are some exotic names out there you can always type in the Country or go to the Gallery which contains all the images and subjects. ...PhotoShelter has added so many new cool features like an Embed your Gallery, it is like a YouTube look very nicet if you need to show your latest images to your agency or Client.

Photography with out Photoshop...Nature provides all the ingredients and most important the light...

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-11-11T16:29:41+08:00

We had a great response to the image with the Shark Fins...all very positive and I hope someone get the message out there...if the buying STOPS the KILLING will too. ...The month of October/November has been very hectic, as you know we have just returned from Bali and only last weekend had to go out for another commercial shoot, which brings me to my topic of today. I am working almost exclusive with Aperture 2 now and to be honest what else do I need, the days of Photoshop have become rare, well for me anyway. I like to shoot the way I see it and I have written some articles on the subject, my reason for chosen the abstract Turtle is to demonstrate that Nature provides us with all the effects. Take my recent reflection shots from Bali for example, my advise to upcoming Photographers is; Dont relay on Photoshop unless it is for some commercial work but even then try and get it right in the first place, you be amazed how rewarding nature can be.

Breaking News: Photo of the Week in Stern Magazine Germany, "Bilder der Woche"

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-11-07T10:33:33+08:00

Photography: Bali Indonesia, the latest images uploaded on my PhotoShelter Archive…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-11-07T00:02:34+08:00

“Peeling Paint” even an ugly wall can look cool! A selection of the latest images from my recent Journey to Bali have now been uploaded in my PhotoShelter Archives, more to follow in the next few weeks. Click this LINK and view the images in the Gallery section New Bali Oct. 2008 GD

Aperture 2 & Photography Workshops at the Power Mac Center Manila...November 2008

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-11-06T21:10:44+08:00

There will be an intense Aperture 2 and Photography Workshop at the Power Mac Center in Greenbelt Makati for November 29 & 30, 1pm to 6pm at GB3 Training Center. Only a limited number of seats are available for this Workshop, please make your reservations early, thank you. This workshop is for serious amateur and advance Photographers, for details and early bookings please contact the Power Mac Center. ...you can call 729-7087 or 88, ...or go to our website at: http://www.powermaccenter.com/training.php

What a blessing for Nikon users who like to use or buy the Nikon Coolpix P6000, NOW we can use the Raw images on a Mac with Aperture 2

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-11-05T15:01:40+08:00

The biggest problem with the recent release of the Nikon Coolpix was the Raw compatibility with a Mac, the Raw files where only available for Windows. ...Why I never understand, but that is all over now just like the election in the US. Aperture 2 has as of today an upgrade to tackle this exact issue. (see info below) The Nikon Coolpix P6000 is from what I have read and heard a real nice point and shoot Camera, great range on their lens, but was useless for anyone using a Mac... ...This update extends RAW file compatibility for Aperture 2 and iPhoto ’08 for the following cameras:

Tip: serching for stock images with the NEW Search Archive option...finding Photos quick

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-11-05T14:38:13+08:00

Here is a quick tip how to find Images fast and easy if you using our new Search Archive option now on this Blog (left hand side bar,Stock Photos Search Archives) or on my main website under Stock. If you misspelled a word, of course no images or only some will appear for e.g. you entered more than one Keyword, like: milky way, palau, Micronesia and “milky wey” is spelled wrong, then only some images or non will appear. So be careful with your spelling, however if you not sure and I know there are some exotic names out there you can always just type in the Country or go to the Gallery which contains all the images and subjects. GD

Major PhotoShelter update & maintenance...now easier to navigate with a build in search option for my Stock Images

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-11-04T21:44:27+08:00

We have just performed a major maintenance on my PhotoShelter Archive...now with a custom HOME Page easier navigation and some other alterations. But here is the cool part; now you can search my archives direct from my site with Keywords, see the search box below the screenshot, just type in what you looking for and the images show up. eg. Palau Milky Way - check also on the left hand side Stock Photos Search Archive which is now part of my Blog. The customized site is looking a lot slicker now, please use this NEW LINK (http://pa.photoshelter.com/c/gdeichmann) from now on, however the old link is still working. We are still working on a few other things and let you know once they have been implemented, by the way all the new images from Bali will be uploaded shortly on the PhotoShelter Archives with in a day or so you have the same search options on my Main Website implemented.

Photography: Behind the Scene images from a Photography Assistant and getting the grip on Aperture 2

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-11-03T15:14:54+08:00

It is extremely valuable to have an Assistant around during commercial Photography; I have been blessed by one of the better ones who has been with me for a long time. ...During our recent trip to Bali he found a little spare time to create some images for himself and these I like to share with you today. ...See below some Images by Hermes Singson, shot in Bali behind the scene or when he found the time. ...It was also the first time that he really got into Aperture 2 using my MacBook Pro for some pre editing and by the time we got back home a lot of our work had been done. He prepared some smart Folders with different subjects and edited the images according to star ratings, he marked what he thought was good with 5 stars, I checked later again reducing the images further by hitting

Creating a TV slide show for 8 x 40 inch high-end TV screens on site with a MacBook Pro using Aperture 2, Keynote and Quick Time.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-11-02T18:28:43+08:00

Back in Bali; we have been shooting all day when the request came up to produce a Slide show for the outside installed TV Screens which where running an old slide presentation from a DVD Player inside the Hotel Premises. ...Using Aperture 2 for the editing, Keynote for the Presentation and Quick Time for the conversion to a high end DVD then burning it with Toast Titanium. I exported my edited images (Versions) from Aperture 2 using JPEG – 50% of the Original Size, which in this case was more than good enough. Now I open Keynote picked a Theme added the selected images and some transitions, and send the complete presentation to Quick Time at the highest settings. Once the conversion was done I burned the DVD in Toast Titanium activating the Loop option since the DVD had to run non-stop.

Travel Photography: Bali Exposed…Colors, Reflections and Shadows, Culture & its beautiful People plus the unexpected from my last Journey…some of the images.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-10-30T19:08:11+08:00

The Gods have been kind and the weather was 99.0% perfect but then what else to expect in Bali where the population is some 97% Hindu, festivities and worshipping can happen on any day of the week. Color is all around you, finding the right approach is not easy, however on this trip I fell in love with reflections that seemed to “follow me around” or they just presented themselves for a great image. My Assistant Hermes and myself spend most of our time on a commercial project and I spend little time shooting for myself, but in Bali you don’t need much time...well it depends. ...for more recent images on Bali click the Image above or this LINK ...Color is all around you, isolate your subjects and try to be different with your approach, Bali is well photographed and coming up with something different is a challenge but can be a lot of fun.

No more Fire Wire,well almost...and now super glossy screens, a nightmare or a blessing for Photographers?

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-10-27T17:49:15+08:00

I have received some concerns from some readers regarding the new MacBook and MacBook Pro Screens, David Schloss from the Aperture User Network (AUN) has just posted an interesting article on this issue. ...( posted by David Schloss on 10-24-2008, 12:15 PM ) Last week I posted an editorial about the lack of FireWire on the new MacBook, the upshot of which can be summed up as "I wish it had FireWire, oh well." Having had a week's experience with the machine, I've turned my time to the glossy screen on the unit, and how it affects the pro photographer... click this LINK for the complete story. I thought I just add the image below “Fashion at Tanah Lot Temple” Japanese Girls with their Guide in Bali wearing the popular

Aperture Tip: fast and responsive after the shoot, having time for Donuts and Coffee at Starbucks…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-10-26T23:07:12+08:00

Now I am having a well-deserved cup of Coffee and a Donut at Starbucks at the other end of Town and I thought to check on my ...(Starbucks usually has a good inter-net connection plus the coffee is not bad either, but you can do this from just about anywhere as long you have a connection and bring your laptop along) ...I selected the requested images and send them a few seconds later via Mail direct from within Aperture 2, here you have additional option for the images size; small, medium or large. ...Note: Try to avoid using 1/2 size or don’t limit Previews unless you have a lot of Hard Disk Space and a fast MacBook Pro. ...As for me, I am going to have another cup of Coffee now, Dream about Bali and I guess one more Donut won’t hurt.

Nikon D700 exposed in Aperture Users Network

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-10-24T13:00:34+08:00

I have picked up this Blog post from the Aperture Users Network, if you a Nikon user or not check it out, a very interesting article. Appropriate and a coincident with my recent Blog from the 10/21/08 Bali and the Festival of Lights in Berlin. For a hands-on impression on the D700 and some cool images read the complete article and click this LINK ...Our own (and National Geographic's own) Jim Richardson gives a hands-on impression from working with the D700 in Provence in our articles section. It's a nice read for those looking for information on this low-light wundercamera.

Aperture 2 &Travel Photography Workflow… exporting your Projects from the MacBook Pro to your MacPro and how much editing is advisable when traveling. Is the quality of the MacBook Pro Screens good enough today?

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-10-23T17:30:59+08:00

Once you have imported your Project into the MacPro I advise to make an additional back up (on another external Hard drive) after that you can start working on your MacPro using bigger and more accurate screens. ...The screens on the MacBook Pro and MacBooks are very good no question about it, however for fine-tuning and more precise color correction I use the Apple Cinema Screens which I do calibrate from time to time. ...Now is also the time to get rid off some rejects you don’t need to import, e.g., the Camera went off by accident, you select all for import and deselect the ones you don’t need by holding down the Apple Key and click on the rejects. Here is my daily routine whenever possible… I apply caption, copyright, and major keywords on import that is when your import panel is available straight after you insert your CF Card. (you can set the opening behavior for Aperture 2 in the preference setting so that Aperture opens as soon you insert the Cards). ...The cool part about Aperture 2, once you have transferred all your images over to your MacPro all the adjustments and Meta Data and what ever else you have done on the road is still there, a very big time saver.

Photography is light…light is Photography one of my favorite quotes...images from Bali and Berlin in Germany… a coincident? Maybe? But very interesting for sure, the Festival of Lights...

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-10-21T21:43:27+08:00

During the month of October Berlin is hosting the Festival of Lights I actually reported about this Event last year in one of my Blogs. I thought this is an interesting combination of color and light from Bali and Berlin, so if you in Berlin during the month of October check it out and have a go at some night Photography. ...The German capital city is holding its annual Festival of Lights where its landmark buildings like the Brandenburg Gate and the radio tower become ablaze with color. According to the organizers, during the two week festival, light shows, projections and firework displays take place as well as, "numerous cultural events dealing with the subject 'light'". ...Thanks to my Brother Bernd for sending these images I think he has done a cool job with his night Photography, thanks Bro. for sharing.

Photography: The Colors of Bali Indonesia…amazing Colors, great and gentle People amazing and peaceful…we are sad to leave this beautiful place.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-10-20T18:16:03+08:00

Yes, time has come and we have started to pack our things, tomorrow morning we are leaving the Island of the Gods but we will return soon. ...Due to a much better connection I have decided to share some more images from this nice and peaceful place. Aperture 2.1.1 certainly made our job so much more fun, with fast and easy editing, no way I could have done most of the editing of the 6000 plus images in between our assignments with out Aperture 2. ...A very special thanks to my good friend Thomas Schubert and many others for all their help in Bali & of course to Hermes Singson my trusted Assistant. A very special mention and thanks to the management of the O-CE-N Bali which is managed by the Outrigger Hotel.

Tip: Travel Photography… check the electrical connections before traveling to a different Country it can save you a lot of headaches later.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-10-20T11:13:01+08:00

Here is a very simple but important tip when traveling to a different Country, it helps if you can check the electrical connections and plug requirements prior your departure just send an Email to your Hotel where you going to stay and ask what connection is needed. ...During our recent trip to Bali we made sure we had all the right connection, the Hotel provide us with two adaptors and a very useful extension cord. Remember it is not only your Computer which needs power but you need additional outlets for your Camera Battery Charger too. ...I have my Mac plugged in the outlet hence the reason for another outlet for the Camera Battery Charger plus your Cell Phone and what ever else you might bring along. ...An extension cord with say three outlets comes in very handy, there are usually outlets in the Rooms but these are scattered all over the place, I like to keep things together less chance you forget them later.

Travel Photography and Aperture 2: The Journey Continues…Shadows and Culture from Bali Indonesia, a preview after our Commercial Photography…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-10-19T21:57:35+08:00

My Assistant Hermes and myself did find some time between our commercial Photography and explored some other areas of Bali. 6000 plus images later and our Journey in Bali is slowly coming to an end, today I like to share with you just a few images from this truly amazing and colorful place. In the coming weeks I prepare a MobileMe Web Gallery created in Aperture 2 with some more images from Bali, today is only a preview. ...© Gunther Deichmann - Hindu cleansing Ceremony at the Lembeng Beach, ...© Gunther Deichmann - roasting Pigs at the roadside in

Tip: Photography and Aperture 2… on the Road in Bali, the setup in our Hotel room after the shoot making sure everything is save

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-10-14T22:32:44+08:00

I thought I better get another Blog post out today, who knows if I have a connection in the next few days since we are moving Camp and to get these recent Blogs out took some 3 hours already. ...You can use a variety of software’s for your back ups, I have been using in the past the SilverKeeper which comes with the Lacie Drives when you buy them, but I have switched recently to Personal Backup X4 from Intego, a very simple and reliable software. ...This set up has saved me so much time over and over again, I can do some editing in Aperture right from the Hotel room and once back home a lot of my work is done already. A word of caution the Lacie Drive uses the power from the MacBook Pro so you better make sure your Machine is fully charged and I advise that you carry a spare battery. My Battery is fairly old now and I can only keep the charge for about one hour, previous test have shown me that on a new fully charged Battery you can work for about two hours plus.

Photography: Modern Architecture and Design at the O-CE-N Bali, a touch of prehistoric times using Ammonite Fossils & modern iPods in a Hotel Property.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-10-14T14:06:07+08:00

Ammonite Fossils are on display in most rooms but at the Long Bar you see them in their full glory set into backlit Onyx which has been added on as an extension of this fossil. ...However there is one piece of fossilized seabed which measures some 2 x 1.2 meters that really took my attention, a fantastic showcase of Ammonites in their evolution stage, in all my years I have never seen such a beautiful piece. ...In contrast to all these stones and fossils each room has a sound system (iHome) with an iPod (Nano) which you can get from the reception or bring your own, like I did. ...I helped in organizing these iPods and mention this in one of my earlier Blogs they where bought and engraved from the Apple Center in Jakarta, plus I gave Thomas a little “crash course” on Fossils hence my background in Paleontology. ...So if you in Bali next time, go down to Kuta-Legian Beach and check it out or even better have a drink at sunset while the Ammonites looking over your shoulder.

Photography: Bali Indonesia the first Images… Abstract Colors and Reflections from Kuta Beach…the first day.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-10-09T14:01:54+08:00

I know the Blog has been a bit thin these past few days but when the weather is great I am shooting all day having little spare time for blogs and other Computer work. ...Aperture 2 has proven itself again with the speed and efficiency I even get some sleep these days. The images on todays Blog have been taken on our first day in Bali at Kuta Beach right across from the OUTRIGGER and O-CE-N Bali (outrigger.com) you might think that the reflections have been created in the computer…definitely not! ...© Gunther Deichmann - “Reflections” Bali Indonesia October 2008 In the coming days I share with you some interesting images…from Fossils to iPod uses and some more abstract images from Bali.

Travel Photography: packing the bags and getting ready...the next Blog update is from Bali Indonesia

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-10-01T19:16:14+08:00

I am leaving in a few days for Bali my long overdue shoot, I try to keep the Blogs up during my travel, however they might be a bit thin in the next few weeks. Hopefully I get a good connection and can report from Bali, but now I am very busy with packing all the camera gear and other equipment, the last minute Gear check. The image below is from my last trip to Cambodia and I thought I share this one with you it is also a reminder of the... ...© Gunther Deichmann - Siem Reap Angkor Wat, Cambodia 2007 For some of the latest images on Cambodia click the image above or this

Underwater Photography: Diving the Wrecks of Truk Lagoon, Micronesia

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-09-29T22:30:37+08:00

© Gunther Deichmann - Truk Lagoon Micronesia 2007 Hanging like a “Chandelier” with amazing colors are the remnants of the WWII Ship wrecks in the Truk Lagoon, Micronesia, also know by its local name Chuuk. A paradise for Wreck Divers and Underwater Photographers. The Diver below the “Chandelier” is my good friend Dirk Fahrenbach from Dugong Dive Center in the Philippines.

Events: The 4th Angkor Photography Festival in Cambodia

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-09-29T12:53:49+08:00

for some recent images on Cambodia click the image or this LINK ...This festival was created in 2005 and this year, for the fourth time, the temples of Angkor will become a hub that will draw both famous and passionate photographers from around the world. The Angkor Photography Festival showcases this year outdoor projections by celebrating regional and international photographers in different locations in Siem Reap. The strong educational goals of the Angkor Photography Festival set it apart from other photography events. During their stay, famous photographers will tutor free workshops for emerging Asian photographers and the festival will also present its outreach programs for vulnerable people...more info @ http://www.photographyforchange.net/

Travel Photography: Aperture 2 is my Travel Companion in Bali Indonesia and the World first Asian Beach Games 18 – 29 October 2008 coincide with my trip to this magical Island in Indonesia.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-09-28T19:53:29+08:00

My long planned trip to Bali Indonesia is just around the corner, I am leaving on Friday the 3rd of October and be away for some three weeks shooting a variety of things. More on that later, please forgive me if my blogs getting a bit thin during the month of October but I do like to spend as much time as possible behind the camera. Lucky for me, my travel companion is Aperture 2 on my MacBook Pro hooked up to my triple interface 160 Gig Lacie Drives which is going to make my job a lot easier and faster plus a lot of extra storage. I guess I be shooting a lot more since I found out that the Asian Beach Games are held during the later part of my visit. ...Bali will become the venue of this international event which will see 45 countries participating with over 10,000 athletes, officials, media and volunteers all flocking to the Island of the Gods for this world class event.

Olympic Cliffhangers from Coron Island, Palawan Philippines, collecting the White Gold or Bird Nest…a rare glimpse into a cave and the Swiftlet on the Nest…Natures guide to modern construction hence the Olympic Stadium in Beijing.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-09-26T17:58:11+08:00

Now that is done I can easy find them again on my external drive since I referenced them with Aperture 2.1.1 and of course the Black and White Monochrome Mixer came in very handy also for the more personal images in the Tagbanua Village. ...I almost broke my neck getting this shot with the local swiftlet sitting on the nest, climbing high and crawling into a small cave to view these Birds actually on the nest. ...For me it was an honor to go with the Tagbanuas, it is impossible to climb with them to these hidden caves, normally they never reveal the location of the birds nests. ...I have tried this soup and must say it taste like nothing special it is very blunt and I am not sure on the reputation of being an aphrodisiac, they say that about so many other things too. ...During the Harvest Season some the Tagbanuas move the whole family from the main Village to the Bird Nest area, from this makeshift camp they guard the Bird nesting area.24 hours a day from thieves.

Customizing Apertures Web Journal Themes, font, colors, headings etc., without going into the html code. Maybe Jumsoft with their custom Themes is the answer. They have a great collection for iWeb, Keynote, Pages and many more including for Rapid Weaver

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-09-22T22:37:16+08:00

I just recently ran across your blog and was wondering if you knew of an easy way to customize Apertures web journal themes (i.e. font, colors, headings, etc.). ...But you are correct there is actually no way that we can make some changes to the Themes in the Aperture Web Journal and Pages, however I have heard that you can import your own design but let me check on this a bit more. I am not using the Web Journal and Web Pages in Aperture very often, I am using the MobileMe Web Gallery for my work and have my own site created outside Aperture 2. I guess Aperture was never really intended to do major web work which is understandable but then we never know what comes next, hopefully in the near future we get to see more in Apertures Web Pages and Journal. ...I am using Rapid Weaver for some web work and Blogs, very cool software and no need to know html and RW has full html capabilities if needed.

Late News: Announcement...Photography & Aperture 2 at the Power Mac Center Makati, Manila Philippines...the ONE SOFTWARE SOLUTION for Photographers.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-09-20T23:02:19+08:00

Photography & Aperture 2 at the Power Mac Center, Makati, Greenbelt 2, Sept. ...

“The ONE SOFTWARE SOLUTION for Photographers” click on the Banner for more info at the Power Mac Training Center ...2nd Level, Greenbelt 3 Ayala Center, Makati ...or email us at training@powermaccenter.com

Tip:Discover Aperture 2 & find the hidden Treasures a quick way in producing a simple layout for the client or very useful for the web…Aperture’s Book option come in very handy for other things besides creating stunning looking books.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-09-20T19:53:15+08:00

Send a simple looking postcard design to your client letting him know that you are on location, or show him a sample of your latest images, “Postcards style” or use it for a blog post like I have done today. The possibilities are endless thanks to the Book option in Aperture…I am not going into great details today but rather point out the endless possibilities in Aperture 2 without ever leaving the application. ...Marked with red the drop down menus for Themes, Set Master Page and Book Action (there you find the Auto flow unplaced images) and the Print option where you find the Preview (use this for the Screenshot) and all the other pdf formats you ever going to need. Play around with the Book option, even if you don’t produce a complete Book right now and you find there are a lot of things you can do, use a small number of images first and experiment. ...Open Aperture and select the images you like for your “Book” then click the Book Icon pick a Theme (the screenshot shows the Stock Book Black) and if you in a hurry choose Auto flow unplaced images and you are almost done, click Print “Book” and select Preview.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Palau Micronesia... Readers Choice Award 2008...a Paradise for Photographers above and below the waves...plus a complete Digital Photo Center with the latest imaging software including Aperture

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-09-18T20:39:31+08:00

While the Readers’ Choice Award category for individual dive operators has been discontinued in favor of destination awards, Sam’s Tours garnered a total of 8 Scuba Diving Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards beginning in 1997, including Gold List Award, Top Dive Center, Top Staff and Top Value, making Sam’s Tours the “Divers Choice” in Micronesia. ...Sam's Tours Digital Photography Center is fully equipped to cater to digital photographers of all interest levels from those with handy “point-and-shoot” cameras to the most demanding digital photographers shooting in RAW format. Our six top of the line Apple iMac workstations are loaded with terabytes and terabytes of storage, archiving and secure data back up systems, lots of RAM, and completely optimized for digital imaging with Apple Aperture image management software, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Bridge, Toast, and topped off with DSL Wi-Fi internet access. ...Our rental equipment includes the latest Canon Powershot SD850 digital cameras and Canon ZR830 mini digital video cameras complete with underwater housings, large storage media, plenty of additional batteries, and full service support from our professionally trained Photo Center staff. Other Photo Center amenities include a padded and dry camera prep table, battery charging stations, 110V and 220V electrical supply, separate camera rinse tanks, camera drying station equipped with towels and compressed air, and secure storage for your housings, equipment cases and other accessories.

Digital Camera RAW compatibility...Software update extends RAW file compatibility for Aperture 2 and iPhoto '08, including for the NEW Nikon D700

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-09-17T18:55:11+08:00

Latest Software up date for Aperture 2 including for the NEW Nikon D700 This update extends RAW file compatibility for Aperture 2 and iPhoto ’08 for the following cameras: ... • Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS/Kiss Digital F/1000D ... • Olympus EVOLT E-420 • Olympus EVOLT E-520

Stock Photos: PhotoShelter Archives now with over 4500 selected high resolution images from over 25 Countries, including the Images from the Book Journey Trough Color & Time

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-09-17T13:39:37+08:00

Another reminder that the PhotoShelter Collection is not available any longer, but I will continue with my PhotoShelter Archives, there you find over 4500 selected high resolution images from over 25 Countries, including the images from the book “Journey Through Color & Time”, plus Aerials, Culture, Nature, Geographical,Tribal, Wildlife, Underwater and Marine, Animals, Vegetation, Weather, People, Historical, Environment, Travel, Resort, Spas, Commercial, Food, Backgrounds, FX/Abstract and Texture. Click on the image or the banner below and go direct to the PhotoShelter Archives. © Concept/Photography Gunther Deichmann

A glimpse at the very rare Leichhardt Grasshopper from Arnhem Land, Northern Territory Australia, plus PhotoShelter update...more than 4500 images are now available in high resolution in my PhotoShelter Archive...

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-09-15T20:33:16+08:00

During my frequent travel in the Northern Territory between 1974 and 1986 I came across this amazing Grasshoppers one morning sitting on a small bush, only a few feet away from my camping ground. ...I was very deep inside Arnhem Land and in Aboriginal Territory, I had heard about this amazing Grasshopper before and had seen a specimen at the Darwin Museum (the only one) and now I was confronted with these rare creatures sitting sluggish on a bush right in front of me. ...I was told by the Curator of the Darwin Museum that this Grasshopper had not been seen for some 100 years, I did collect a specimen for the Darwin Museum for Research purpose. ...The PhotoShelter Collection is not available anymore, however I have “JUICED” up my PhotoShelter Archives, now with over 4500 high res. images from more than 25 Countries and many other commercial subjects.

Photography: Just one more...a friend, a new Aperture and Mac User...creating some cool images...fell in Love with Aperture 2 and he decided to make the switch.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-09-14T22:28:52+08:00

You might remember when I mention Aperture and our non professionals, check this out, recently a good friend of mine purchased a MacBook Pro, he made the switch from one day to the next...”yesterday it was a PC and today it is a Mac.” He always liked Photography, has taken some cool images and it was Aperture in the end which persuaded him to go all the way, I guess I helped a bit with his decision, ha,ha.... ...The other day we had a couple of Drinks and talked shop and Hubert went on and on how happy he has been with the Mac Book and Aperture 2, but I was even more surprised how much he did know about Aperture in such a short time. Burj al Arab. using the MONOCHROME MIXER for Black and White in Aperture, note the copyright on the image was created using the BorderFX 1.1 plug-in for Aperture, check my previous Blog for all the details. This gets to show you, you dont have to be a Rocket scientist to learn and understand Aperture, Hubert started first with iPhoto but has now moved over to Aperture 2, of course I am going to give him some more tips down the road over a glass of wine or two.

Aperture 2 Tip: Feedback on the Watermark and MobileMe Web Gallery in Aperture 2, David Schloss from Aperture User Network AUP has pointed out it is not an engineering issue but…plus Thumbs up for the plug-in called BorderFX 1.1…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-09-14T20:20:20+08:00

09-05-2008) I don't think this one is an engineering issue as Gunther suggests, so much as interoperability between Aperture and MobileMe, a technology that was not really developed for the commercial photographer but was intended more ...See below the link to the Aperture User Network (AUN) an interesting post by John Omvik, a very handy plug in for solving these watermark issues, but it is still a workaround if you going to use MobileMe Web Gallery no matter which way…I have tried this plug-in and I have to admit it is pretty cool and works fine even with multi images plus it does a lot more. Screenshot of BorderFX 1.1 great for watermarks but also for additional text, info, shadows, borders, plus a lot more a very cool plug-in and thanks to John Omvik for posting this on the AUN. You all know I am note the greatest fan for plug-ins, but this one I can recommend and not because it is free... because this one makes a lot of sense, however I still like to see Aperture 2 with direct watermarking by-passing all those plug-ins for use in the MobileMe Gallery, I guess we have to wait for a while, in the meantime this plug-in does a great job, thanks to John Omvik for pointing it out. Now you have two options for watermarking, the one I have explained in my previous Blog or use BorderFX 1.1 with my Thumbs up and a very successful test drive behind me.

Photography: Getting ready very soon for Bali Indonesia…an interesting surprise from this beautiful Island… a real TIME TRAVEL is waiting for us…from luxury Hotels & Spas to amazing Culture, fantastic colors and some real Fossils plus iPod related.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-09-08T21:32:56+08:00

Shortly we are leaving for Bali and this time it is going to be different and an unusual Journey, at least for the Photography part. This trip which had been postponed many times is now a reality, “Time Travel” is waiting for us. Yes, I am doing it again keeping all of you in suspense…but that is the general Idea, sorry you have to wait. You might asked, what has all of this to do with iPods and Fossils, sorry you just have to wait and see... ...The image below I took a few years ago in Bali, this time will be a bit different and really up my ally, but dont worry the colors will be there.

Hey Dad have a look… this is what the iPod hard drive looks like…I turned around and had a quick look but my good old iPod was still in one piece, Mark Lee don’t scare the daylights out of me…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-09-08T17:37:23+08:00

Since Mark –Lee started to work at the Power Mac Center in Greenbelt, Makati, he got into this habit of scaring the old man now and then. Like today when friends gave him an old iPod that was beyond repair, he took it apart and just walked up to me and said, hi Dad have a look what an iPod hard drive looks like, then he got me going I thought he had just dismantled my trusted 80 Gig iPod with my cool Blues Collection. ...But my iPod was safe, and when I saw the small hard drive it reminded me of an old Gramophone or Record Player so I guess old ideas die-hard. Having a Son who loves Mac and works at an Authorized Apple Center can have its benefits but be ready for the odd scare or two. ...Don’t try this at Home, if you ever have a problem with your iPod I highly recommend to take it to the next Apple Service Center.

Aperture 2 and the problem with the watermark in the Mobile Me Web Gallery. Unfortunately there is still a little problem within Aperture and the watermark, but here is an easy workaround.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-09-05T22:35:45+08:00

I received this email from Ian Watts in the UK. and like to share his question with you, a common problem within Aperture but an easy workaround until the Engineers have found a solution. ...In the Preference panel you choose and set your setting for the Watermark, experiment a bit and find what you like best, the opacity slider, left or right this is all up to you. ...Now you simply export them all in one go to your desk top in to a folder using jpg low resolution, I usually choose the Email medium setting, plenty good enough for viewing and the web, but to small for serious reproduction. ...Easy since we are only dealing with low res files anyway, I hope I was of some help to you and please do not hesitate in contacting me if you have any other problems, good luck and all the best, and let me know if it worked out. ...I would have thought that the most common need for watermarking is for web galleries, so it is a shame that this feature wasn't included in Aperture 2.1... perhaps it will be upgraded at some stage to include this?

Digital Cameras: Nikon D90…is this new Nikon Camera going to be more popular with Underwater Photographers? The ability to shoot still images plus Video is a very interesting concept or is it another risk factor for Divers? Running out of air is a lot more likely now than running out of frames.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-09-05T15:49:20+08:00

There is also a very nice comparison between the Nikon D80 and the New D90 plus some pre Photokina test reports check it out at: Digital Photography Preview - http://www.dpreview.com/previews/nikond90/ ...B ut the downside is... running out of air during the dive…we have plenty storage available with the latest CF cards, they getting bigger and bigger and now with the new video option never a dull moment underwater. ...© Gunther Deichmann - a Turtle cruising near Blue Corner, Dive Palau Micronesia with Sam’s Tours who has the only Pro Digital Photo Center in Micronesia with the latest Software, Camera and Video rentals plus is Wi-Fi connected. I am sure Canon will follow shortly and the manufactures of Underwater Housings must be going mad by now, it is a very competitive business with all those new Camera Models rolling of the assembly line year after year. As soon I get any news on the latest Underwater Housings I let you know, or check with DivePhotoGuide.com my good buddy Jason Heller is usually very quick with the latest in Underwater Photography.

Water and our Environment: Natures Texture alive and dead…without water there is no life…in response to Australia’s Great Dry…have no illusion Global warming is real.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-09-03T16:07:56+08:00

Environment awareness: my previous blog on the Australia’s Great Dry was another reminder how serious Global warming is and that we need to do something about it. Beautiful images of Flowers and Water, raindrops on leaves will disappear forever and soon only texture of cracked earth is left with animal skeletons. All the images below are taken in Australia; the Water drops on a leave from the lush rainforest in North Queensland, the Water Lily in a Billabong in Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory, and the cracked earth from the Desert in Western Australia is a reminder of what could happen if we dont act now. ...© Gunther Deichmann - last light on a Water Lily, a Billabong in Kakadu National Park, N.T.

Dejavou…its happen again? Australia’s Great Dry… Australia is experiencing similar drought condition they had in 1983. You might remember the Cover Photo of Time Magazine in March 1983…is it Global warming or Environmental collapse…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-09-01T20:20:47+08:00

For me It was not 100 years ago, but only in 1983, don’t know if we Humans forget to quick I certainly remember it only to well. ...In 1983 I experienced first hand the slaughter of thousands of cattle and sheep, destroyed due to lack of food and water. ...See below some excerpts from a recent story on the TIme.com website; for more and the complete article please go to: ...The entire eastern half of Australia is thirsting through a wasting drought that is in many regions the worst in the history of the world's most arid continent. Already, the "Great Dry" has devastated 90% of New South Wales, which is now in its 45th month of drought, and 95% of the state of South Australia, Dubbo, a typical rural town, averages 25.5 in. of annual rainfall.

Nikon Press release: Photokina Germany 2008. The New Nikon D90 Camera has just been announced which includes an innovative Movie function…a world first for a D-SLR Camera…Pod casting from the Jungles and Temples in Cambodia now?

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-08-31T21:24:17+08:00

Where is this all going, but it is an interesting New Camera from Nikon and a very first with the new Movie function. ...Stunning 12.3-megapixel image quality, broad control and an innovative movie function combine to deliver unsurpassed creative freedom in a D-SLR. for more details and the specs go to Nikon Singapore @ ...As the world’s first D-SLR with movie function, this remarkable camera offers truly cinematic results, stunning image quality and innovative high-performance features inherited from Nikon’s new-generation DX-format flagship D300. ...Advanced features such as Live View, Scene Recognition, Active D-Lighting, Picture Control and an ISO sensitivity range of 200-3200 (ISO 6400 equivalent on Hi1 and ISO 100 equivalent on Lo1), allows creativity in almost any setting. And to ensure all these features are easy to use, they are packed in an ergonomic body with an intuitive operational layout…read a lot more and the very first report @ Digital Photography Review - dpreview.com

Underwater Photography: The most beautiful texture is created by Nature…below and above the waves, an interesting Alien looking Coral.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-08-30T18:11:28+08:00

The other day I went through some of my underwater images when I came across this shot I had taken some time ago in the Philippines. As you know I always have this thing with Alien type images, remember the Cuttle Fish (Sepia sp) which I called Alien afternoon… This shot reminded me again, how Alien our underwater world can be…special thanks to Lee Goldman my Marine Biologist friend who identified and wrote a short explanation for this amazing colorful coral. © Gunther Deichmann - Pictured in this photo of a coral in the family Favites is a pair of coral gobies (Pleurosicya micheli). Symbiotic algae, zooxanthellae, and specialized pigments that protect them from harmful U/V light combine to produce amazing colors in many species of Corals.

National Geographic: Amazing Photos of Sailfish a great article not only for Underwater Photographers.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-08-26T13:58:08+08:00

I have just received this info from the National Geographic super cool images not only for Underwater Photographers but for everyone...you have to see these amazing images of sailfish...all the links are below. ...Hi Gunther, I thought you might like these photos of a large group of sailfish off Isla Mujeres in the Gulf of Mexico, attacking a huge bait ball of sardines. The sailfish work together to reduce the size of the baitball, and Nicklen shows them sticking their long noses into the swirling mass of sardines, then suddenly shooting up their sails and flashing wild colors to scare the bait fish: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/09/sailfish/nicklen-photography The video shows the sailfish in action:

Digital Cameras: Nikon announces Coolpix P6000 with GPS, a new point and shoot with 13.5 Megapixels, at first glance it looks like a great Digital Camera if you on the go. But what about Aperture 2 and the Raw conversion?

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-08-25T16:50:22+08:00

I have included a few links today which can help and lead you to the Aperture 2 specifications plus info on all the Aperture 2 support for the RAW formats from more than 100 digital cameras and camera backs. ...It also records RAW files in a new NRW format that can be converted in-camera or with the forthcoming Windows version of View NX or Windows Imaging Component compatible applications. ...is pleased to announce its new top-of-the-line Performance series COOLPIX model, the P6000, Nikon’s first camera with built-in GPS. ...Its 13.5 effective megapixels, the use of Nikon’s exclusive image-processing system EXPEED (originally designed for its professional D-SLRs) and a wide-angle 4x Zoom-NIKKOR lens with two ED glass elements (28-112 mm) leave nothing to be desired. The camera’s image quality is further reinforced by its ability to shoot images in RAW format, and Picture Control capabilities, taken from D-SLR products.

Photography: The Commercial Work...from South East Asia, Australia and Micronesia...the things we do, from Fashion, Resort, Spa, Hotel, Product and specializing in Aerial Photography... go to our Commercial Website and see for yourself.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-08-24T18:01:52+08:00

In case you have not seen it...let me take this opportunity and introduce you to our Commercial Photography web site and to Websync International Corp. ready for any web assignment specializing in Concept,Design, Marketing and Search Engine optimization (SEO) We have uploaded also today some more cool Videos which had been produced as DVD’s some time ago. Video by Dirk Fahrenbach and Gunther Deichmann, edited on a Mac using iLife and some Soundtracks from Sounddogs which are royalty/copyright released. The soundtracks have been re-mixed in GarageBand and SoundTrack Pro. ...Video © 2008 Gunther \Deichmann and Dirk Fahrenbach, Edit: Gunther Deichmann

iMovie: Production for a Dive Center...super cool Video footage edited using iLife with some royalty/copyright released Music from Sounddogs and mixed in GarageBand

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-08-24T00:13:39+08:00

Just added two very cool Underwater Videos from my good friend Dirk Fahrenbach, he gave me the raw footage and I did the edit in iMovie, then I used some Music from Sounddogs and mixed it all in GarageBand. If you click on the small banner Ad on the left go and visit the Dugong Dive Center in Palawan , the only place in the Philippines where you can watch Dugongs in the wild... and dont forget to bring your Camera...remember those cool shots from our Dive Master Omar a few weeks ago... this is same place, perfect for nature Photography. ...Click on the images above and go direct to the Music Video/Podcast section. Please have some patience some of the Clips could take several minutes to download, of course this depends on your connection. The video has been compressed to fit within the web standards, but Broadband/DSL connection is recommended.

Late NEWS: Underwater Photographers and Adventure Travelers...The Philippine-Micronesia Alliance has just announced its NEW and updated website alliancediving.com

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-08-23T14:40:51+08:00

The Philippine-Micronesia Alliance (alliancediving.com) has just announced its new updated website, see below the blog post I have just picked up. I highly recommend any of the destinations from the PMA for your next Adventure or Underwater Photography trip, see blow some images, Courtesy of the PMA’s New Photo Gallery. This site is also in nine (9) different languages and has real time weather from all the destinations in the Philippines and Micronesia. ...Late Breaking NEWS...finally our updated and improved website is up and running at alliancediving.com the Divers Choice ...Finally our NEW and improved website is up and running...more info, a cool Photo Gallery,easier direct bookings with all our Partners, easy to book and choose our dive,travel and adventure packages plus a lot more and all of this in nine languages.

Why Aperture 2 works for me…very often I get asked why I am using Aperture and not Lightroom…very simple, it started with my Book: Journey Through Color & Time in 2006 and my affair with Aperture 1.0 begun.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-08-22T11:30:19+08:00

Adobe (Photoshop,Lightroom, In-Design plus many others) produces some awesome and great software but remember we need to create these images first before we use them…but now you might asked why I am always full of praise when it comes to Aperture…? Well I have some very simple answers and after that no more comparison, in the end it is your choice; I can only speak for myself and share my experience with you. ...But here is the real reason why I am using and fell in Love with Aperture… when I produced my Book Journey Through Color and Time ...Aperture 1.0 filled the gap in today’s digital Photography and if you ask me about all those Plug Ins… Well, I commented on that already and I have to admit I cant comment on Lightroom anyway… but why should I… I fell in LOVE with Aperture since day one for all the reason explained above, but most of all I am happy with one software, got to know it well, so why should I waste my time and mess around with something else…

Aperture 2…the difference between the Web Gallery, Webpage and Web Journal... plus another option is iWeb… sharing and showing your Photos with YOUR clients and the rest of the world. My choice & workflow at the Beijing Olympics would have been the MobileMe Gallery, the one I LOVE so much.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-08-20T19:58:42+08:00

The Webpage template offers less customization than the Web Journal; the Webpage translates an Album into a page, and then allows you to specify a number of columns and rows for each page. ...I guess you know this one, the now called MobileMe Gallery, my absolute favorite, but then it depends what type of work you producing or like to show. ...Mac) in great details before and how much I love it for the storage and distribution of my images, and since the arrival of MobileMe it has only gotten better. If I where in Beijing right now and had to cover some of the events I would certainly choose the MobileMe Gallery to get my images out to the Editors and Publishers, the MobileMe Gallery is very cool and smooth as Silk… ...However Aperture does not stop here, if Aperture’s three webpage options aren’t enough for you then you can turn to iWeb, which is part of the iLife suite that is a standard on all Macs.

Tip: Aperture 2…Did you know some of these abbreviations, like ICC profile, IPTC, plus many others…? Difficult to know if you just started to use Aperture or NEW to those Photography terms on the Computer plus more info from the AUN at the Beijing Olympics.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-08-19T21:31:02+08:00

The Image below is not from the Beijing Olympics but it made me smile and reminded me of this very cool sentence by David Schloss (AUN) from the other day...oh boy it is so true... ...But believe me to get of your normal path and try some thing New can be very rewarding, or even more profitable for your business. Recent articles from the Beijing Olympics seem to prove just that, check them out at AUN or at O’Reilys interesting observations from the Pros at the worlds biggest sporting event. ...The standard format for storing information about how an image was shot, such as shutter speed, aperture, white balance, exposure compensation, metering setting, ISO setting, date, and time. ...Aperture automatically extracts all industry-standard EXIF and ITPC metadata when importing images and also allows metadata such as copyright, captions, and keywords to be added.

NEWS: Aperture 2 or now Aperture 2.1.1 at the Beijing Olympics, an interesting article by David Schloss from the AUN...Photoshop, Bridge, Aperture...the race is on…or is it won already?

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-08-17T19:03:44+08:00

Websites like AUN (http://www.apertureprofessional.com/) and O’Reily (http://digitalmedia.oreilly.com/aperture/certainly) can help you a lot, or the Tutorials from the Apple Aperture site, (http://www.apple.com/aperture/tutorials/) events like the Olympic Games in Beijing are certainly a great help for all our News/Sports Photographers, and gauging from the sheer scale Apple has put up at the Beijing Olympics there is no doubt in my mind on the SOLID COMMITMENT for the Pro and Amateur Photographer by Apple. ...Local and regional Retail Apple/Mac shops can contribute in hosting some Aperture events, introducing Aperture 2 at least to a basic level, I know some of these event have been organized in the US and we have done quiet a few in the Philippines with the support of the Power Mac Center in Manila, for Training schedules go to: http://www.powermaccenter.com/ ...The AUN's been on the scene at the Olympics for nearly two weeks, working with Apple in the Main Press Center helping to provide support for the one-thousand-plus journalists who have descended on Beijing to cover the world's largest sporting event. While I've just arrived in country to replace someone who has been here for weeks, I've already noticed examples of what I like to call the Photoshop Paradox or "How to shoot at 10-frames-per-second and edit at 12-frames-per-hour." ...I'm not talking about Bridge, I've seen a few photographers who are using various iterations of that image preview and editing tool, but for some reason many of the shooters—at least many of those who bring their own laptops in to work on their images—still have a workflow whereby they open up dozens of images at a time in Photoshop, and use that interface as the way to make their image selection...

Late NEWS...RAINFOREST Reveals NEW Species in Guyana, a bit different from the usual Photography and Aperture stories, a Scince & Environment article from the BBC

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-08-16T21:02:25+08:00

Rainforest…NEW species revealed, an amazing article and part of a BBC documentary…lets take care of our planet and environment. Lets not destroy our rainforest before we discover and get to know all its inhabitants…OUR RAINFOREST Must Be Protected! ...I thought I share this interesting science article with you, yes a bit different from the usual Photography and Aperture stories. ...The group believes it has revealed two fish species, one frog species and a number of bat flies that have not been described previously. ..."In a short time, we caught hundreds of species, 10% of which may be new to science.

INFINITY...a short 45 second web commercial for websyncintl.com, created using a MacBook Pro...iLife (the old iMovie but new iDVD) Photoshop and Snapz Pro X...mixing the old with the new software does work.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-08-15T21:04:12+08:00

Remember my recent TIP on iLife including Aperture 2 using the Themes from iDVD plus a little help from Snapz Pro X…and of course the ever so cool GarageBand creating simple 15 and 30 second Video clips on the fly…posted on the 04-08-2008 | 14:19 ...Today I bring you “INFINITY” another cool effect from this combination Aperture 2.1.1 - iDVD - iMovie - Snapz Pro X and of course GarageBand but with a little twist. ... This cool clip runs for about 45 seconds and is a bit more complicated then the previous ones...but so cool, using the old iMovie with some 3rd party plugins, adding some voice over and flying balls...of course the Mac integration played a big role here. However the technique is the same using Snapz Pro X for the iDVD recording, once that is done the possibilities are endless and as mention before you can create some high cool looking files for the TV too. Click here or on the image and travel to the Music Video/Podcast section to play the clip, you might have to refresh your Browser for the new clip to show, enjoy.

TIPS: Travel PHOTOGRAPHY…Part one (1) Protecting YOUR Camera Equipment from the extreme environment…Raincoats & Waterproof Camera Bags…plus PopPhoto.com presents 20 plus Simple, Useful, Clever, Fun Ways to Get Better Photos

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-08-13T19:36:12+08:00

Below are 2 tips which I had published in the PopPhoto.com last year, the article is still very popular and I decided to add a few extra tips for our travel Photographers on today’s blog. ...This is a great OUTDOOR Fill and so much better than all these gadgets on your Strobe…plus you look smart in white, reflecting the heat during the day… feeling cool…until later when you crawled around some ruins got sweaty and dirty, I guess you just have to bring a few extra white T-shirts, they are small enough and take up very little space in your suitcase. ...Creating images in the rain can be easy but risky for your equipment… I always carry 2 simple inexpensive (no more than US$5.00 each) Poncho type Raincoats, one for myself and one for the camera bag. ...This is perfect for your portraits in the field if you have to use flash or you can use them as a small soft box for the odd macro shot, great for some artefact you might come across. ...This is not the cheapest one…but your Cameras and lenses, etc., etc. need to be protected they are worth a lot more than your bag.

MobileMe and Aperture 2...the new Mobile Me Gallery and Albums in Aperture 2, big changes on YOUR storage Capacity for all your PHOTOS

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-08-11T16:31:19+08:00

Yes, I did end up in the Hospital last week for a few Days, but I getting much better now and by next week should be back to my normal combat mode. Just to fill in the blank spaces I thought I remind everybody on the MobileMe, the new icons popped up in Aperture 2.1.1 after MobileMe was activated, pretty clever by Mac. ...MobileMe together with Aperture 2 is a great way to show your Portfolio to clients and frinds and impress everyone with a cool looking Web Album. In one of my up coming blogs I will describe the difference between all these Web related things within Aperture 2.1.1 We have also the Aperture 2 Web Journal and the Aperture 2 Web Page options, but more on that later, now I have to follow Doctors orders and get some more rest.

Apple Training and Certification introduces a NEW GREEN Certificate fulfillment process...contributing to a GREENER and better Environment

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-08-05T13:16:10+08:00

Apple Training and Certification goes GREEN....just received this info, I am very happy and supportive of this GREEN move, well done Apple for caring about our Environment. ...Since environmental considerations are an integral part of Apple's business practices, Apple Training and Certification is pleased to introduce a new Green certificate fulfillment process. Beginning August 1, paper certificates will no longer be sent to Mac OS X and Pro Apps students who pass certification exams. Instead, students will receive an email with a link to download a PDF version of their certificate at no charge. Students will be able to print these certificates, but we hope that most will choose to simply post the PDF certificates on their websites.

Tip: iLife including Aperture 2 using the Themes from iDVD plus a little help from Snapz Pro X…of course the ever so cool GarageBand with iMovie, creating simple 15 and 30 second Video clips on the fly…or just having fun on the Mac

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-08-04T14:19:19+08:00

Taken advantage of the iDVD Themes in a different way, this is a simple work-around very basic but fun and if you use Snapz Pro X for your screenshots then why don’t you try the Movie capture option, this option can give you some very cool results, it is fast and easy to use. I only used a couple of Themes but in iDVD you have so many to choose from…try experimenting and you find there are a lot of cool things you can do. ...Pick a couple of images drop them into your iDVD Theme and you almost there, if you using Snapz Pro X choose the Movie option and record your iDVD theme. ...The rest is pretty much automatic, once Snapz Pro X has finished the recording (depends on the lengths of the clip) it prepared also a QT file for you, I usually save them on my desktop easy to find later. ...How long does this take…not very long at all, I guess the hardest part is the Music, which I created from scratch in GarageBand, but since I had already a good selection of soundtracks the whole operation took only one hour for all three clips.

From Mumbai in India to Spanish…fotoaldia.com has just posted a photo selection from my Mumbai trip… View from my Car Window on their Website Gallery…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-08-02T17:44:02+08:00

If you can read or speak Spanish you might find this article and the images interesting, fotoaldia.com is a very cool website with a lot of information and great Galleries…however it is in Spanish. ...Es miembro del Instituto de Fotografía Profesional de Australia (IAPP) y ha sido merecedor de 14 reconocimientos al mérito en sólo 3 años. ...Sus imágenes han visto la luz en muchas publicaciones internacionales como: Airone, en Italia, Geo, en Alemania y Francia, la Revista Stern, el New York Times, Grand Reportage, Figaro y también en VSD, en Francia. En la actualidad Deichmann reside con su familia en Manila, Filipinas, desde donde cubre como fotógrafo todo el Sudeste de Asia y el Pacífico. ...Para más información sobre este fotógrafo visite esta página: http://www.deichmann-photo.com/

HANOI VIETNAM... View from the Car Window… a nice example of Vietnamese daily life…a reader contribution. A cool shot, edited in Aperture 2.1.1 interesting TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY and the shooting from the car window continuous…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-08-01T16:23:16+08:00

Today I like to share with you an image I have received from Massimo Casal in Vietnam, I have known Massimo for quiet some time from email exchange and Aperture discussions. After seeing my previous article on “View from my Car Window” he send me this very cool image from Hanoi, Vietnam. Thank you Massimo for letting me use your image on my blog, a nice one to share with all our other readers. ...Anyway as you know very well it is very easy to copy a pictures using tools like "Grab" for the Mac, even if still in low resolution. ...RAW file processed with Aperture 2.1.1, using also the Dodge and Burn plug-in to lighten and sharpen the bride face.

Are YOU the next GREAT PHOTOGRAPHER? Magazine teams up with Apple’s new Aperture software

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-07-31T19:39:42+08:00

Cool tips, trouble shooting, workflow etc.,etc. just about everything you need to know about Aperture (Aperture 2, & Aperture 2.1.1) plus a lot more. ...See below the post I have picked up from the AUN (posted by David Schloss AUN on 07-28-2008, 05:37 PM ) ...Winners featured in November/December 2008 issue - Magazine teams up with Apple’s new Aperture software New York, June 25, 2008 (Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S., www.hfmus.com) -- American PHOTO announces the call for submissions for its third-annual Emerging Photographers’ portfolio review competition. The winners will be given the opportunity to have their work published in the November/December 2008 is... read more @ http://www.apertureprofessional.com/

The View from my Car Window continuous…a very different perspective, frustrating but rewarding Photography…edited in Aperture 2 and exported to PhotoShelter never leaving Aperture, sounds familiar…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-07-30T14:17:39+08:00

I had to discipline myself not to jump out of the car at times, but then that was the whole Idea in the first place, and I am not finish yet by all means…a lot more to come. Not easy… moving, your view been blocked by other vehicles when you just about to press the shutter, trucks pull along side of you, or you have to stop at a red traffic light… see something and then of course comes Green, oh no… missed that one too. ...But as a passenger or with a driver you can create some amazing images, of course you have to bring your Camera along to the Board meeting… “A word of advice don’t try this, if you driving the car this could lead to major traffic jams and crashes…” ...All images have been taken with out ever leaving the car, edited in Aperture 2.1 then exported direct to PhotoShelter using the Plug-in from PhotoShelter never leaving Aperture. In other words I was “glued” to my car seat and also to my seat in front of my Mac BookPro using Aperture 2.1.1 now if that is not a coincident, then I don’t know.

How to protect your Photos on the Web? A common question by Photographers…there are many different ways but Aperture 2 provides you with a simple and quick solution to place a Copyright watermark on all Your images.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-07-28T13:37:20+08:00

I always get ask how do I protect my images on the world wide web…it used to be a bit complicated and tiresome but with Aperture 2 it is easy and straight forward. Some thief’s go through great length and spend time removing even opaque watermarks in Photoshop, there is never a 100% guarantee even with Aperture and its automatic watermarking. The perfect solution is don’t display your Images on the web…but I think these days are over and we all like our images out there…so how do we protect our images? ...(Opacity settings eg.0.1 to 1.0 all depends a bit on the image, light or dark) With different options available the opaque slider in Aperture 2 is a good start how the watermark is going to look, just try different settings until you satisfied. ...I provided you a link to “How do I protect my images online” a great article I found recently with some additional options and tutorials to save guard your images from those thief’s.

A nice letter from the National Geographic Traveler and the closing chapter on our Nudibranch Photography discussion as seen in the recent National Geographic Magazine...plus a short intro... the Olive ridley Turtles, an endangerd species.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-07-26T18:19:09+08:00

Coastal development, beachfront lighting, pollution and hunting are contributing to the demise of the sea turtles, which come ashore periodically to lay their eggs in "nests" dug in the sand, according to the study. ...See below the letter from Marilyn Terrell; thanks Marilyn for your kind words, lets do this again one of these days with topics concerning our Environment or related issues. ...I like it that people with differing points of view are given a chance to express their concerns and opinions on your blog in a civilized way. ...Marilys letter came in response of our last discussion and the letter written by Lee Goldman, if you have missed it just click on the link below. ...A letter from a Marine Biologist…Education, awareness, an article in the recent Fins Magazine fits in nicely with the Nudibranch images in National Geographic Magazine…

Australian Images coming to life again in Aperture 2…long forgotten but now restored in Aperture. Photography from some 25 years ago…the Galloping Freshwater Crocodiles from the remote Northern Territory...

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-07-24T18:57:40+08:00

The images…these must have been the very first image taken of Freshwater Crocodiles showing a true Gallop…yes Crocs do Gallop just like a horse, I bet you didn’t know that, well me neither until I went out with Dr. ... They studied Crocodiles in various parts of the Northern Territory in Australia…catching and tagging these amazing “prehistoric” animals for a major research project...it was during this research that they discoverd the gallop of the Crocodiles. I spend month’s with the research team in remote parts of the NT and managed to get these shots with my old X700 Minolta, yes long before my Nikon days. ...Not only did I managed to bring them back to life again in Aperture 2.1 but I thought I share a rare moment of the past with you. ...After the rainy season they move to more permanent areas of water that will not dry up in the dry season, and will rarely eat and hardly grow until they return at the start of the next rainy season.

Underwater Photography…are you a responsible Photographer? A letter from a Marine Biologist…Education, awareness, an article in the recent Fins Magazine fits in nicely with the Nudibranch images in National Geographic Magazine…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-07-23T13:14:05+08:00

Thanks again to all who have responded to this discussion…if nothing else comes out of it at least we have tried to guide new and not so experience Underwater Photographers in the right direction explaining about our precious Marine Life and to follow the rules of engagement, Don’t Touch. ...Maybe National Geographic Magazine should publish an article, but this time not with pretty images but explaining the Do and Don’t which could be very educational to the million of readers they have. ...Perhaps they won’t make more money at work or solve the reasons for why the kids get tattoos early in life, but to see the nudibranch may provoke a direction in their lives that lead towards responsibility to the environment even if on a personal level. ... I don’t know, but then again, if none of them were harmed, nor their lives dramatically changed (or changed at all for that matter) then it boils down to other areas of concern…not at all whether it had an affect (or not) on the viewer of the photograph. ...As a marine biologist, professional aquarist, and professional dive guide I have had my share of folks who needed a lesson in the most basics of the ocean and marine-life, but never have I encountered someone who would believe such a thing as this author is suggesting.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE: The notion of it's for the greater good ".. the results are worth it. People who has never heard of Nudibranchs before have..." , does not apply here... a quote from one of our readers on our Nudibranch Photography topic as featured in the recent MAGAZINE...read the latest letters...

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-07-22T14:53:00+08:00

I have received more feedback on our Nudibranch Photography Topic...see below a very interesting letter again fom Jaya, at this point I like to express my sincere thanks to all who have replied and voiced their opinon, thank you all. ...Secondly, if it was intention to show the world, these beautiful creatures, wouldn't it make sense to show them in their natural environment and habitat? ... There are a number of great shots of the nudibranchs, taken as they were by everyday folks, that you have shown with your blog. ...The end does not justify the means, if it means, moving something from it's natural habitat, its natural environment so that a beautiful picture can be taken. ...Who defines if that diver photographer has the expertise or experience to move marine life around to get a great shot so that he can post it on his blog for the world to see ?

Now we know…feedback from an employee at the National Geographic Magazine regarding the Photography by David Doubilet on Nudibranchs …how did he do it? Explanation and some cool links…now you can decide for yourself, plus more comments from other readers…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-07-19T16:44:52+08:00

I would have loved to use one or two of David Doubilet images but I respect the copyright…just incase you don’t know what a Nudibranch is, see below the image taken in Puerto Galera Philippines. ...Wow what a budget given to him by National Geographic, however there is no way that this could have been executed without moving the Nudibranchs from their original location… ...…read the feedback from Marilyn an employee of the National Geographic Magazine who has shed some light on the subject… certainly an interesting topic, worth while talking about it... how far we can or cant go in today’s Photography. ...Message: I read your blog about the Doubilet photos of nudibranchs in National Geographic and how he did it, which is a question many people had. ...I work at Nat Geo and I had lunch the other day with someone who\'s been diving with Doubilet and he has lots of cameras set up and several assistants and he can go from camera to camera taking photos.

Interesting NEWS...not my usual Photography and Aperture topic but it made me laugh...GarageBand 400 Million years ago?

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-07-18T13:46:36+08:00

I picked up this article from the BBC...not my usual Photography and Aperture topic but it made me laugh... ...Not quiet... but very interesting reading and I thought I share this with you... oh boy what they discover these days... ...Toadfish and midshipman fish use a variety of different sounds to attract mates and scare off rivals. Now US researchers have found that the area of a fish's brain that drives vocalization is extremely primitive. Writing in the journal Science, they say it suggests that the ability to communicate through sound emerged very early in the evolution of vertebrates...read the complete article and watch the Video...

Is this the smallest Nikon D2X in the world? An amazing little wonder crafted by hand… plus more Aperture 2 workshops at the planning stage at the Power Mac Center.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-07-17T18:44:36+08:00

The smallest Nikon D2X... on my MacBook Pro during the recent Photography and Aperture 2 Workshop... ...During my recent Photography and Aperture 2 Workshop at the Power Mac Center, Honey Machuca from THINK BIG Events Management www.thinkbigevents.ph presented me with this soooooo cute Nikon D2X Camera made by Hand just for this occasion. What else can I say…but thank you so much Honey, you are very talented indeed producing such a small Camera with all the details, even the lens has glass…very cool and thanks again. Now back to Aperture 2…more Photography and Aperture Workshops are planned from Basic to Pro level…I keep you updated or you can check with the Power Mac Center in Greenbelt Makati. http://www.powermaccenter.com/

Time to Remember…a simple but cool Video... created using iLife…GarageBand and iMovie this was a real father and son effort having a lot of fun doing it…plus in YouTube Now...

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-07-16T16:10:42+08:00

You might remember my son Mark-Lee from one of my earlier Blogs… how he uses GarageBand for creating and mixing his DJ stuff… ...The other day Mark-Lee borrowed my small Sony Video Cam and took some cool footage at this Disco… and I was trying to relax that day after some editing in Aperture making up some more soundtracks for future presentations. But honestly… I was just messing around relaxing with GarageBand when I looked over to the Mac my Son was working on…hey cool footage son, please let me have some of this stuff…OK Dad... ...It just gets to show you how easy it is sometimes…of course you need to have a Mac where everything just works so well together, including the transfer of the Video file from his G5 to my PowerBook Pro via Wi-Fi network, super fast... ...By the way the still shot at the start of the Video came straight from the Aperture 2 Library using the Media Browser in iMovie, the same with the Soundtrack created only hours before in GarageBand.

Underwater Photography…a controversial subject… moving Marine Life around for a better shot. Aren’t we supposed to leave them where they are? What ever happen to the good old saying…LOOK…APPRECIATE…But Don’t Touch?

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-07-14T18:57:38+08:00

Wow what a budget given to him by National Geographic, however there is no way that this could have been executed without moving the Nudibranchs from their original location,even Photoshop could have been excepted in this case but moving animals around? ...I have seen David’s other images and one can only admire him, absolutely fantastic there is no question about it…but this Nudibranch shoot, I honestly don’t get it. ...Here we are talking about the environment and now we start moving our precious Marine life around declaring with these images an open season for other underwater Photographers…well, if he does it, then why cant I…what is next…tied up Dugongs and Turtles? They doing it already in Palau with Crocodiles just for the thrill, some operators offering to dive with Crocodiles for a fee of course and as the saying goes “no strings attached” but in this case there are. ...If this was done for some scientific research then I can understand it, great images for sure, but I am disappointed at David Doubilet and National Geographic meddling with our marine life in the not so natural way.

PhotoShelter update…restored historical and rare images from Australia are now on my PhotoShelter Archive…Black and White with the help of the Monochrome mixer in Aperture 2.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-07-09T21:15:06+08:00

I have just updated my PhotoShelter Archive the NEW Gallery is called Historical Images from Australia. Some of these images had to be restored but not been altered with the help of Aperture 2 tools and techniques. For restoring old images with Aperture 2 (one of my previous blogs) go to: ...We have also added a FEEDBACK & CONTACT FORM on the Blog page (upper left) due to popular demand. Below are just a few of the images which are now available via the PhotoShelter Archive, Images which cant be taken anymore since some of the traditional ceremonies and culture practices of the Aborigines in Australia have unfortunately disappeared.

From about 40 thousand years ago to 2008…we still share our thoughts and ART… except in a different way but very much related to India and Aperture 2…a real Time Machine in Photography.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-07-08T18:33:49+08:00

Santosh is a real nice and cool Photographer from Mumbai…well Santosh is not just anyone, he is an excellent and very creative Photographer plus a super nice guy. ...Now we are in 2008 and seeing images like this…very colorful and creative…so I decided to bring you Images which I took some 30 years ago…no Aperture and Photoshop then. The images are related somehow, showing art in its oldest and most recent form, the Australian Aboriginals used to use earth color (Ochre) and paint on Tree bark or retouch 40 thousand year old paintings in caves…now it is Inkjet Printers that translate our artwork on to paper, an amazing contrast. ...When I received the email from Santosh I was working on some old Australian Aboriginal images and that gave me the Idea to show the ancient and new way of reproducing our thoughts and Ideas…now that is contrast! ... Enjoy the images and thanks to Santosh for letting me use his Image… see below his recent letter to me…I guess he is just about to move over to Aperture 2.

Nice feedback from our last Aperture 2 Photography Workshop at the Power Mac Center Manila, Philippines…using already the .Mac Web Gallery, Dodge and Burn and switching from PC to Mac…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-07-05T20:10:11+08:00

It is nice to hear back from people who have been sitting through the sessions on Aperture 2…and now using some techniques that had been discussed during these three hours. (see below) ...Read below some of the comments I have received from a few participants,many thanks again to all participants who attended the recent Aperture 2 & Photography sessions at the Power Mac Center at Greenbelt 3, Makati,Manila. ...Tks again for the time you spend with rookies like us, it's a great experience to learn from a pro like you !!! ... _Looking forward to see you again,_Cheers,_Vincent_(tks also for your kind comment to my attention on the blog ! ...Tks for your kind comment on my photos, first time I received a recognition like that from a photographer (I know my family and friends love my pictures, but....

Smart Photography Magazine in Mumbai, India published an article on Travel Photography “Chronicles of a Globe Trotter” & Aperture 2 was instrumental getting it out in time via the .Mac Web Gallery for the high-resolution images...plus a lot more.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-07-04T16:53:22+08:00

Strange… it seems we are going back in time a lot these days…restoring images from Australia (my previous blog) and now back to Mumbai India… but all of this is related to Aperture 2 including the uploading of low (for selection at first) and high resolution images using the . ...The article “Chronicles of a Globe Trotter” in the Smart Photography Magazine is a good example how digital Images and scanned tiff files have been used for a story working only with Aperture 2 for the selection, adjustments and the final delivery. ...The complete article is available on my website as a PDF file for downloading under Publications, or use this link. ...Smart Photography, the premier magazine launched by Next Gen Publishing Ltd. has become India 's No.1 imaging magazine within just nine months of its launch. Moving ahead of several other photo magazines, not only is Smart Photography the largest in terms of circulation and readership, but also the largest in terms of the number of pages per issue and advertisers patronizing the magazine.

UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY…cool Marine Images from a Dive Master at the Dugong Dive Center in Palawan, Philippines…processed in Aperture 2 & another example of Aperture and its flexibility.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-07-02T15:35:59+08:00

The other day my good friend Dirk Fahrenbach from Dugong Dive Center dropped by and gave me this CD…hey Dirk what I am going to do with that? ...After importing the images I only applied a few adjustments, mainly…cropping, Auto levels and a bit of contrast…since all the images had been in JPG I had some limitations, but Omar’s shots where that good anyway that little was needed for improvements. Again, Aperture came in very handy in editing the shots very fast and applying some basic adjustments, I created a new project and after I am done can store this one on my external drive in case we need Omar’s shots for some future publications. ...Great shots with a small Camera and it gets to show you again what can be done with limited equipment, I guess in Underwater Photography you have to be a good Diver first, and Omar has that mastered for sure. ...For a selection of Omar’s Images (LOW RESOLUTION ONLY)click on the Photo Gallery above (upper left) I have created another Photo Gallery for Guys like Omar, otherwise we never get to see their nice images.

Photography and APERTURE 2... Action and fun at the Power Mac Center in Makati Manila, Philippines

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-06-30T18:00:10+08:00

Besides the Workshop a lot of other things happen at the same time around the Power Mac Center, customers receiving a cool Tattoo I LOVE Mac, T. -shirts and Camera Straps give away, plus participants from the workshop received their certificate for being part off it. To my surprise some very familiar faces showed up during our first session, John Chua from Ad Photo, Photographer Kevin Hamdorf who drove all the way from Subic Bay with his Daughter and Rose his Graphic Designer, good old Bebet Gaudinez a Lightroom user who attended my Photo Workshop in Cambodia last year and Vincent Leterrier who participated in one of my earlier workshops made his presence felt with some very cool images he shot recently. ...All participants had to go out and shoot a number of images which we later imported into Aperture 2, then we did some adjustments, cropping and changing a few into Black & White using the Monochrome Mixer. ...Thanks to Honey Machuca from Think Big, of course to the Management and technical staff at the Power Mac Center for providing me with a non stop supply of Coffee and made sure everything went smooth, they did a great job. ...The Work Shop was a basic introduction into Aperture 2 with all the possibilities after the shoot, demonstrating the total integration on the Mac with short demos on iLife and iWorks...plus a lot more including a short critique session on the images.

APERTURE 2 & AUSTRALIA… reviving and restoring these old and very precious scanned images with Aperture 2.1 it is a lot easier then you think…

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-06-27T20:58:36+08:00

I used to use Photoshop but now with Aperture 2 there is seldom the need for it and at the same time I can re-catalog them into my system with the Metadata. ... I apply a variety of tools and techniques to retouch the images covered in fungus, scratches etc. with the clone or repair tool, plus the Adjustment Panel gives me a ton of other adjustments to bring the images back to life. You be amazed what Aperture 2 is capable off, including one of my favorites the Monochrome mixer, given you all the options for some cool looking Black & White images, some of these old images actually look better in Black & White. I have incorporated a NEW GD PHOTO GALLERY on my blog page now, (upper left side) there you find a selection of images that have been treated in Aperture 2 comparing the original with the restored or converted image next to it. ...However some of the adjustment tools in Aperture 2.1 cant be used since they have been designed to work only with the RAW image format, but this has not stopped me for doing most of my restorations in Aperture 2 now, archiving and bringing them back to life again.

Aperture 2 and GarageBand check out the Mac integration and have fun with the Podcast… assemble your Soundtracks in GarageBand...

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-06-25T13:00:48+08:00

Whenever I get the chance I open GarageBand and create my own music tracks they come in very handy when putting together slide shows or presentations later. ...The integration on the Mac makes all of this very straightforward and you don’t have to be a musician, as long you have a good feel for music and a little patience. ...Creativity is un-limited, it is all up to you, use the existing Jingles and sound tracks or create an entire music track from scratch, there are so many possibilities. ...I have a whole collection of sound tracks tucked away in my iTunes Library just for the occasion when I need to put together a presentation in a hurry, creating your own sound is not only fun but you have something you made and this will set you apart from all the others. ...Drag your images direct from the Media Browser, you have also access to your iMovie, choose a Jingle small red square this will open all the Jingles, now you can choose which one you like, right large red square.

The NEW Date for Aperture 2 & Photography at the Power Mac Center, now on Sunday the 29th of June...plus Editor's Choice 2008 Aperture 2.1

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-06-23T18:46:49+08:00

NEW Date for our Photo Workshop with Aperture 2 at the Power Mac Center, Sunday the 29th of June from: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. You all know we had to cancel our last Workshop/Seminar due to Typhoon Frank which hit the Philippines very hard last Sunday, our thoughts go out to those who have suffered during this severe storm. ...Workflow and image editing are equal partners in this year's applications, led by Apple's powerful Aperture 2.1. ...This year saw the advent of specialized plug-ins for Apple's Aperture 2.1 and nondestructive localized editing in Adobe's upcoming Lightroom 2.0 -- bringing Photoshop-style control of specific image areas to these picture-management powerhouses.

Typhoon "Frank" The Aperture 2 and Photography event at the Power Mac Center for Sunday had to be canceled due to severe weather condition...

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-06-22T16:52:46+08:00

Due to severe stormy weather condition this morning we had to cancel the Aperture 2 event and Photography Workshop/seminar at the Power Mac Center today. The Sunday event and class will be re-scheduled...please stay tuned or contact the Power Mac Center in Makati for new dates at Phone 7297087-88 ...Typhoon "FRANK" has passed east of Metro Manila early this morning and is now crossing Central Luzon. At 2:00 a.m. today, the eye of Typhoon "FRANK" was located by radar, satellite and surface data at 30 kms South of Tayabas, Quezon or 90 kms Southeast of Metro Manila (13.9°N 121.5°E) with maximum winds of 120 kph and gustiness of up to 150 kph. It is forecast to move north northwest at 15 kph.

Now We Know...what is Aperture 2...the first day and 12 hours later, two sessions of Photography and Aperture 2 at the Power Mac Center in Makati, Manila

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-06-21T23:55:02+08:00

A short briefing for the participants before the actual photography, importing the images after the shoot into Aperture 2 using MacBooks, introduction into the basics of Aperture 2 including the versatile interface, tools, tips, how to produce a short slide show with Aperture 2, the integration on a Mac using iLife & iWorks including a demo how to produce a short presentation with Keynote, brief description on Pages and a live/real time demo using the . ...Shooting around Greenbelt and later processing the images in Aperture 2 an introduction into Aperture at the Power Mac Center, the first group from 1pm until 5 pm was lucky with the weather. However the second Group from 5 p.m. until 8 pm had to deal with tropical rain and darkness, a challenge which in my opinion was well executed. ...I like to thank all participants from today, for a job, well done, special thanks to Melvin Tosino, Andrew and E.J. from the Power Mac Centers technical staff who assisted me during these long hours. ...Next week we show you some more images (including who took them) from these two days with Aperture 2 and Photography at the Power Mac Center.

Aperture 2... setting up for the event at the Power Mac Center...Photography & Aperture Workshop

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-06-20T22:07:27+08:00

Photo: Hermes Singson - GD synchronizing the Mac Book Demo units with Aperture 2 for Saturday and Sunday's workshops. We try and report in almost real time from the event over the next few days, so please stay tuned. Thanks to the technical staff Mark and Melvin from the Power Mac Center in Makati, Manila for their assistance in setting up the the Mac Books for tomorrows Aperture workshop. Special thanks also to Honey Machuca from THINK BIG for doing a great job in marketing the Event. There are still some seats available for tomorrow night and a few for Sunday, call the Power Mac Center for more details and reservations.

Aperture 2 Your best shots. Made even better. Photography Workshop with Aperture 2 and Mac...at The Power Mac Center in Makati, Manila...

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-06-20T14:01:55+08:00

Aperture 2 features incredible tools for managing massive libraries,speed through photo edits,making essential image adjustments and delivering photos online and in print using one simple, integrated workflow. ...learn more about Aperture with Apple-certified trainer ...Dates: June 21 and 22, 2008 Time 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm ...http://www.powermaccenter.com/

Aperture 2 in June... in New York with AUPN...in Manila with the Power Mac Center...plus PhotoShelter Shoot the day.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-06-17T20:01:28+08:00

The last week in June promises to be very exciting with Aperture 2 all over the planet, well at least in New York and Manila see below some dates and venues starting from the 20th of June with a PhotoShelter special. ...You find me at the Power Mac Center in Makati, Manila from June 21st to the 22nd. two days of Photography & Aperture 2, for reservations and more info I have provided a direct link to the Power Mac Center below. ...Join AUPN at B&H for Aperture Day - June 23rd ...The AUPN will be presenting a day of seminars and instruction at B&H Photo in New York City, on June 23rd. ... Especially aimed at the iPhoto user and the photographer thinking of upgrading to Aperture 2, this session will tackle some of the hottest topics in digital photography, and answer your Aperture questions.

Mac Technology and fossils…they do have something in common... a very cool science article…if you interested in Fossils and Dinosaur you need to check this out.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-06-13T11:36:59+08:00

The image below is of a fossilized Ammonite (an ancient relative of today’s Nautilus) from the Jurassic period, one of a few left in my collection, going back in time just like Time Machine… ...left: Ammonite from 160 million years ago - right: Nautilus a close ...Some of you know my background with fossils or Paleontology…but what has a Mac in common with all of this? ...Mac Technology Helps Put the Spring in a Hadrosaur’s Step Read more about this amazing story with cool images @

Great NEWS for Photographers & Aperture 2 users...MobileMe, if you are a current .Mac member, your account will be automatically upgraded to MobileMe in July… more integration than ever.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-06-12T19:56:26+08:00

Very recently I talked about Aperture 2 iLife and iWorks and the integration on the Mac... more good news for the traveling Photographer has just been announced... ...Now is the time to sign up for the latest Mobile technology with MobileMe…. if you a current Mac account holder don’t worry your account will be upgraded automatically. But here is the very cool part, if you are a Photographer and Aperture 2 user then you going to love this…double the online storage. To give you plenty of space for your email, photos, and other files, MobileMe doubles your storage from 10GB to 20GB for an individual subscription. ...With MobileMe, you'll continue to enjoy features that take advantage of seamless integration with Mac OS X and iLife - Back to My Mac; access to your iDisk in the Finder; Mac-to-Mac syncing of Dock items, preferences, and more; iWeb site publishing; and photo and movie sharing directly from iPhoto '08 and iMovie '08.

Aperture 2 in the field…how do I store and back up all my RAW images with out overloading & clogging up my MacBook Pro

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-06-12T13:14:31+08:00

The image below shows my typical Hotel or on the road setup, MacBook Pro with two Lacie 160-Gig Rugged Hard drives, if you buy these drives make sure they have a triple interface, they also come with USB only. ... (A, B) The drive marked with A is where all my reference Aperture files go, the B is only for backing up drive A via the simple SilverKeeper software from Lacie, (if you purchase the drives the software comes with it) C is my high speed fire wire 800 Card reader, this one goes direct to the fire wire 800 outlet on the Mac Book Pro. You can also do it the other way around, daisy chain with 400-fire wire and use the 800 fire wire out let on your Mac Book Pro. ...This way you can upload all your CF Cards with out running short of storage space, it is advisable to connect your computer to the outlet since both fire wire Lacie drives take the power of your machine, however I have used this system in the field without the luxury of a hotel and this works fine for just under two hours. (tested with a 1 year old battery at 100% charge) ...You still have the thumbnails and previews in your Aperture 2 Library in jpg at a resolution you have decided on, I use a resolution of 1024 for my Previews in Aperture 2, good enough for my Keynote presentations and the .

More NEWS just arrived from the Smart Photography Magazine in Mumbai India...the best exhibited images this year...

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-06-11T13:00:32+08:00

A small world it is… Smart Photography Magazine India’s leading Photography Magazine based in Mumbai has send me this published article from the Environmental Exhibition which was held in Armenia recently. Remember from my earlier blog I contributed some images for this Exhibition, but had no idea about the best exhibited images of this year, Kavita Dadhe from Smart Photography told me about it and send me a PDF file, (thanks Kavita) read the article below. Smart Photography is also publishing a nice spread of my images in the next issue on Travel photography…stay tuned and once it is published I share it with you. ...It was curated by Ovsanna Hovsepyan, and co-organized by film director and working partner of DAVOS studio, David Sarkissian. ... Fourty two photographers from all over the world participated in the exhibition and their images were showcased in Yerevan in Armenia from 28th March to 14th April.

AUPN changes the Name to Aperture Users Network

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-06-10T17:34:20+08:00

We took advantage of today's big Worldwide Developer Conference to make the first part of a change we've been waiting to do here. We're changing our name from the Aperture Users Professional Network to the Aperture Users Network. ...But since Aperture 2.0 shipped we've noticed that more and more non-professional shooters have been using the program. We're seeing this in our classes, at photographic events and at in our forums. And we've gotten a lot of emails from people who are asking about joining our group, but start off with "I'm not a

Apple talk until 3:30 AM...two Mac addicts chatting away all night...a marine biologist, photographer & writer from DivePhotoGuide

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-06-10T13:27:32+08:00

Matt and myself chatted all night long and I thought at one point doing a Pod Cast but that would have been way to long… he walked out of here at around 3:30 AM just in time for his flight to Club Paradise in Palawan at 11:30 this morning. ...Matt is studying marine biology and is working for DivePhotoGuide as a writer photographer, he just arrived from Bali and is covering now some of the dive destinations in the Philippines, Jason Heller the founder of DivePhotoGuide and a good friend ask me some weeks ago if I could assist Matt during his visit over here. So here we are Matt and myself talking all night until the early morning, chatting away about our experience with Mac and Aperture 2, Photoshop, Photography and so on, a very interesting and productive evening. ...Interesting, Matt is using the New MacBook Air, he decided to work on this trip with it since there are so many weight restriction on small aircrafts and he has to carry a lot already, a ton of cameras and underwater housing making the MacBook Air the ideal choice. We try to catch up with each other again when he is returning from Dugong Dive Center in Palawan next week...for another session and Apple talk.

Latest Press Info... Formula BMW & Marlon Stockinger...his new Blog and the TV coverage on You Tube...

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-06-08T01:14:01+08:00

Stockinger Top Formula BMW Rookie Finisher in Action Packed Races, you can also find him now on You Tube... the TV coverage from last week, clips from his early days in Karting... ...http://www.youtube.com/ Remember the Fast & Furious from my earlier blogs...he is getting very fast now. Marlon Stockinger, sponsored by BMW and Swiss Private Bank Sarasin, put in a stellar performance last weekend at the Sepang International Grand Prix Circuit in Malaysia, where Asia Pacific’s Finest young racers gathered for a four-day race meeting. After struggling in the opening rounds of this year’s Formula BMW Pacific Championship during the recent F1 Grand Prix in Sepang, he is gaining confidence with each outing... read more on his brand NEW blog @ http://www.marlonstockinger.com/blog.html

APERTURE 2 & the .Mac Web Gallery a fantastic time and money saver for Photographers who spend time on the road…keeping those deadlines and making a sale from almost anywhere.

gdeichmann@mac.com — 2008-06-06T11:05:41+08:00

You might not have your Master Images with you since you store them as reference files back home on your external hard drive, but you have the previews in your Aperture Library in JPG . ...Don’t worry about this little site folder warning which pops up when you try and publish your images it only tells you that your Masters are not available but your Previews in 1024 size are, good enough for a selection and layout. ...You finished your assignment in Australia and hit back home, wait for the editor’s choice, once you have his decision you just hook up your external drive where you store your masters and upload the chosen ones in high resolution. ...Years ago we burned CD’s with images and even had to make all the image corrections knowing that they might not be used…not only that but we had to send them via DHL or Fed Ex to magazines and Stock Agencies, this took days and was very expansive. ... Mac account. (of course you have the options to increase your storage capacity for an additional fee) I think it makes a lot of sense, plus I am connected and can make a sale no matter where I am.