by Osprey Photo Workshops & Tours | Jan 20, 2013 | Photo Editing, Photo Workshops
My feelings regarding the update of Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 to Version 11
There is a major revision of the Organizer (look & functions) which for users of earlier versions comes with a bit of a learning curve. More automated categorizing of images. Has major tabs for People, Places, & Events. Under the “People” tab, you can use facial recognition to group images of individuals. Under “Places”, if your camera captures GPS info, the location of your images can be automatically marked on a map. You can manually note locations of images as well. As primarily a nature photographer, I don’t find the changes that useful.
Changes in the appearance of the program and the Editor are more significant.
The screen is visually easier to read with lighter color scheme. Tool options are larger, clearer, and now at the bottom of page.
The raw converter is improved with better results and new sliders. Becoming more similar to Lightroom’s raw converter but still not as effective.
Under Selections, “Refine edge” makes selection of fuzzy-edged items, such as hair, easier and more natural in appearance.
More guided edits & new filters such as sketch filters and a better blur filter to better separate subjects from their background with depth of field.
To keep up with the new versions drives me a bit crazy since they are released so often.
To learn what is new and old, attend my photo workshop on digital editing & Photoshop Elements at Norfolk Botanical Gardens starting 6 Feb. See my website for details. www.ospreyphoto.com/schedule
by Osprey Photo Workshops & Tours | Nov 17, 2012 | Digital Cameras, Lighting, Photo Workshops, Silhouettes, Wildlife
Effective uses of backlighting with digital photography. Samples follow: rim/hair lighting, emphasize translucence, & create a silhouette.
Rim/hair light – when light traces the outline of the subject.
Translucence – light passes through part of subject such as a bird’s feathers, fabric or water.
Silhouette – high contrast. Subject is black and is set against a colorful lit background. Is recognizable by its outline alone and is not superimposed on other objects so that it blends with them creating a single shape.
by Osprey Photo Workshops & Tours | Nov 16, 2012 | Outer Banks, Photo Tours, Photo Workshops, Travel, Wildlife
OUTER BANKS PHOTO WORKSHOP
5-9 December 2012
with Irene Hinke-Sacilotto
Sponsored by Norfolk Bottanical Gardens
This extended weekend photo workshop on the Outer Banks includes a variety of photographic opportunities with visits to local lighthouses, beaches, inland dunes, small boat harbors, historic sites, wildlife refuges, and parks intermixed with critiques of participant images. The Outer Bank’s miles of pristine shoreline and shifting dunes are some of the most beautiful in North America. Over the ocean, along the shore, and in the marshes, waterways, and forests, we will search for wildlife characteristic of the region, including pelicans, herons, shorebirds, warblers, pelagic seabirds, dolphins, and more. To photograph snow geese and other waterfowl, we will visit Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. For close-up bird photography, we will drive inland to Sylvan Heights Bird Park near Scotland Neck where over 1500 ducks, geese, swans, and other exotic birds reside in 18 acre facility which includes large walk through aviaries and natural habits for North Carolina’s native species. Other locations to be visited include Jockey’s Ridge; Bodie, Currituck Beach, & Cape Hatteras Lighthouses; Wanchese harbor; and Hatteras National Seashore. Field excursions will be mixed with critique sessions @ Outer Banks Beach Club II, Kill Devil Hills. (7:30 PM,Wed.5 Dec –2:30 PM, Sun. 9Dec.) For details, contact www.ospreyphoto.com or http://www.norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/programs-events. Register with Norfolk Botanical Gardens. For additional information, please call (757) 441-5830, ext 338; Monday – Friday between 10AM – 2 PM or email:registrar@nbgs.org.
by Osprey Photo Workshops & Tours | Nov 16, 2012 | Assateague, Chicoteague, Photo Tours, Photo Workshops, Wildlife
Wildlife Photography Programs – free to public.
23 Nov 2012, 1:30 p.m. @ Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Bateman Visitor Center
24 Nov 2012, 10:30 a.m. @ Assateague Isl National Seashore, Assateague Visitors Center
A Passion for Wildlife, the Stories Behind the Images
by Irene Hinke-Sacilotto
Based on the my more than 30 years’ experience photographing birds and other animals, this lecture covers the strategies, techniques, and equipment required to capture professional wildlife images. The program will include locating, attracting, and approaching wildlife along with prime locations for wildlife photography, the use of photographic blinds, and stalking techniques. Safety and ethical considerations will be included. Throughout the presentation, I will share my field experiences photographing in the U.S. & abroad.
by Osprey Photo Workshops & Tours | Sep 14, 2012 | Nature, Photo Tours, Photo Workshops
West Virginia Autumn Photo Workshop
Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls, Dolly Sods
12-14 Oct. 2012
w/ Irene Hinke-Sacilotto
Limited to 10 participants.
One of my favorite photo workshop destinations is Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls State Park, and the surrounding countryside in the West Virginia Mountains. The locations have been selected to provide workshop participants with a wide selection of photo subjects varying from beautiful mountain scenery to semi-tame deer. I scheduled the workshop to coincide with autumn color. Activities will begin at sunrise to take advantage of the warm early morning light. Field experience will be mixed with helpful critiques mid-day Sat. and Sun. afternoon. For convenience we will be staying at Canaan Valley Resort, centrally located and a relatively short drive to each of the photo destinations.
CANAAN VALLEY
Located in the Appalachian Mountains, Canaan Valley Park is a 6,000 acre sanctuary with over 18 miles of established trails through the marshes, woods, and meadows. The valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, groundhogs, chipmunks, beaver, skunks, herons, waterfowl, salamanders, and an occasional black bear or bobcat. In October, days are cool and pleasant, with some early morning frost. At 3,200 feet above sea level, the Canaan Valley is cooler than surrounding countryside and the trees change color earlier than in other parts of the state. In autumn, visitors are treated to a kaleidoscope of color, crimson maples, burnt-orange oaks, and golden aspen. It’s rutting season for Whitetail Deer so they are more visible in the fields. Beavers, muskrats, and bears are active, busily gathering food for the winter. Migrating Canada Geese and other waterfowl are common sights flying overhead on their way to feed in the Blackwater River and surrounding wetlands.
BLACKWATER FALLS
Within a 30-minute drive from out hotel is Blackwater Falls State Park. Strategically placed overlooks provide views of the Blackwater River as it cascades over boulders and plunges 60 feet over Blackwater Falls. Other trails and viewpoints throughout the park provide additional opportunities to capture the fall color in combination with the Blackwater River Valley and surrounding mountains.
DOLLY SODS
Nearby on a high mountain ridge is Dolly Sods Wilderness. Because of its altitude and exposure to harsh weather, this remote area resembles the arctic tundra more than typical West Virginia. Huge lichen-covered boulders are strewn about in a haphazard fashion; low blueberry and cranberry bushes cover the ground; and deformed one-sided trees stand as testament to the harsh winters. Cold weather comes early to the high country and in Oct. leaves of many low growing shrubs turn crimson and glow when back-lit by the late afternoon sunlight. Trails lead to rocky overlooks for interesting lighting, abstract forms, and panoramic views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.
SPECIAL NOTES
The group is small so I can give in individual attention to each participant, working with each person at their skill level. Include will be several exercises to accompany the field work. Ample time will be available for questions. The itinerary is flexible and will be adjusted according to the location and availability of subjects, the weather, group interest, and other factors. Hiking will not be strenuous but some trails may be rocky or wet in spots. Any hiking will be slow paced with plenty of time for rest. Anyone may abstain from an activity and select an alternative that is less strenuous. Boots with firm ankle support are recommended. Dress warmly in layers. Participants should bring 5 samples of your work. These will be used during the orientation and as time permits.
TRANSPORTATION: While on site, we will car pool to each location. However, each participant is responsible for their own transportation to and from home. Once registered, contracts, health forms, & additional details will follow.
ACCOMMODATIONS: At Canaan Valley Resort (block of rooms are reserved for the class & included in the price.)
SCHEDULE
Friday, 12 October
7:00-8:30 PM (Orientation Program)
Saturday, 13 October
Sunrise to 10:30 AM (Field – Canaan Valley)
10:30-1:30 PM (Lunch & Critique)
1:30-Sunset PM (Field – Seneca Rocks, Dolly Sods, Canaan Valley)
Sunday, 14 October
Sunrise to 10 AM (Field – Blackwater Falls)
Noon-2:00 PM (Critique & Wrap-up)
Double – $536 Single – $686
