The discussions on the net about extending exposure range often get involved in tone mapping (al la HDRi), and suspect that many people see more contrast are doing the same on a single image (ie expanding the contrast, using exposure adjustment) and it is unfortunately commonly also called tone mapping, but perhaps it is better called adjusting tonal scale.

An histogram adjustment slider is such a tool and window live photo just happens to have one, if you know where to look. Firstly select the photo (yes single image) and click on the Fix tool on the tool bar. A list of common fix techniques pops up on the right hand side. Select the first item Auto Adjust, the image will be adjusted and a small panel of sliders will drop down. A histogram graph of the individual pixels tone (from dark to light) is displayed at the bottom of these tools. Under it are two sliders (one with a black dot, representing the darkest shade on the adjusted image, the other a open square which is the lightest tone) . As you move these sliders you will see the image "tone stretched" as you go. For the image below, base on my stitched panorama from a few days ago, I have chosen to slide the dark slider up, which appears to darken the image, but

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The old fashion slide shows can be really "sparkled up" these days with a number of photosharing sites offering fancier slideshows, like this one from photobucket, to decorate social networking sites like My Space and Facebook. Ok maybe its a bit over the top for this blog but you get the general idea.

The old fashion slide shows can be really "sparkled up" these days with a number of photosharing sites offering fancier slideshows, like this one from photobucket, to decorate social networking sites like My Space and Facebook. Ok maybe its a bit over the top for this blog but you get the general idea.

Kenro Press Release

For digital photographers who aspire to shoot studio pictures like a true professional, Kenro has put together a portable flash kit that won't break the bank!

Comprising two powerful 300w mains or battery operated flash heads, lighting stands and umbrellas, the Kenro Compact 300 Flash kit is the ideal solution for any photographer looking for quality, durability and flexibility in a portable studio lighting kit.

With a suggested retail price of £395 excluding VAT, the kit even comes complete with its own carry cases.

Features include power control range of 6 f-stops, from 1-32 to full power plus dual power input, so the units can either be mains operated or work from an optional rechargeable Battery Pack. This provides a highly flexible solution to shoot outdoors or in areas where there is limited mains supply.

The ultra-compact flash heads are a new 'flat' concept of design and can be triggered by a synch cord, radio or infra-red device, giving them the flexibility of many high-end professional units.

In addition, the 'daylight' LED modelling lamp is dimmed according to the proportion of the flash power selected, so that you'll be able to see the kind of effect the flash will give; very useful when visually assessing the lighting ratios when multiple light sources are used.

The heads have a very usable Guide number of 22m (ISO100), recycling time 1.2 secs on full power, and the three section stands extend to a...

Is there anything more satisfying than finding a retail establishment that you LOVE doing business with? I don’ think so.

I want to share with you one such place I’ve found; it’s Classic Camera of Biddeford Maine. It’s run by Andy and (sometimes) his dad. You get outstanding service, great conversation, and leave looking forward to Your next visit.

Andy (a Leica film shooter) has forgotten more about cameras and photography than I will ever know.

Let me share with you my last two visits:

Just before Christmas a friend of mine gave me an old light meter she no longer used with the advice “it may need to be cleaned and calibrated”. I brought it to Andy, told him exactly what she had said and asked “how long?” “Give me a minute” with that Andy disappeared into the back of his shop, returned a few minutes later, handed me the light meter and told me it was all set. “How much?” I asked, “Nothing” he replied, “Merry Christmas”.

Recently I over tightened a bolt on a light stand and stripped the threads, so it was off to Classic Camera, “Andy, do you have one of these?” He didn’t have a new one but dragged out a big box of knobs, bolts, and doo dads he’s been collecting for years and rummaged through it until he found me a match.

Try getting that kind of service on eBay or in a big box store.

Press Release, Panasonic, Jan 2008

A Slim, Compact Digital Still Camera with Super Easy Operation

Panasonic introduces a new Lumix digital camera, the DMC-LS80, that combines easy-to-use advanced functions and AA-battery operation convenience. A newly developed Lumix DC VARIO lens system with 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 33-100mm on a 35mm film camera) fits into its compact body and gives a clear, sharp clear image right to the edge of the picture. The CCD has been upgraded to 8.1-megapixel high resolution, so even after cropping, you will still have a high resolution picture. Both the external and internal design has been revised throughout to enhance the ease of operation.

At the heart of the DMC-LS80's super-easy operation is a comprehensive Intelligent mode that combines four distinct features aimed at making it easy to capture perfect images. First is the Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), a system that helps eliminate blurring due to hand-shake. Second is the Intelligent ISO Control, a system that fights motion blur by detecting if the subject moves and adjusting the ISO sensitivity and shutter speed setting according to the degree of motion and light conditions. Thirdly, is the Auto Macro mode. The camera automatically switches to the Macro mode according to its shooting distance with the subject. The Quick AF system allows the camera to start focusing on the subject even without pressing a shutter button halfway, as the camera is continually detecting and focusing. All these functions act automatically, so you don't...

'L' tracks running overhead on Wabash Avenue. The photo was taken close to the remarkable Central Photo store where they unfortunately didn't have the fisheye lens I wanted in stock. :-(

Camera: Pentax MZ-3, lens: Sigma 28-300mm - 1:3.5-6.3