Magic Bullet Suite 11 Is Here

Red Giant, is a software company known to make improvements that its’ users want.  This holds true for the latest version of Magic Bullet Suite 11.  Right off, the installation is simpler in that you only have one install with one serial number rather than one for each plug-in for each program.

Among the improvements that stand out that I like are the Cosmo and Looks2.  The Cosmo is a skin-retouching program that combines parts of Colorista ll and Mojo into one easy to use plug-in that has only six sliders.  It keys on the skin tones so it automatically follows without keyframing the subject.

Magic Bullet Cosmo Getting Started Guide from Red Giant on Vimeo.

The Looks2 takes some of it’s new capabilities from Colorista ll so you can stay right in Looks2 to accomplish many tasks that used to require you to go to Colorista ll.  The more flexible vignettes are also a nice addition.

Magic Bullet Looks 2 from Red Giant on Vimeo.

Red Giant has a number of tutorials on their website that help you understand the capabilities of their programs like the ones I linked to above.

Photo-Video 055 Head Makes Shooting Photos and Video Easy

With the Manfrotto 055 Photo-Movie head w/Q5 Quick Release, once again, Manfrotto is in the forefront of supplying innovative products that make working with shooting stills and video with a HDSLR easier.

Manfrotto 055 Photo-Movie head w/Q5 quick release

As a people photographer, I’m often faced with assignments that require both a vertical portrait of a subject for the cover or advertisement and traditional horizontal video clip.  Up until the Manfrotto 055, no tripod head has allowed me to do both easily.  The Manfrotto 055 quickly goes from vertical to horizontal with the added benefit of being able to shoot smooth vertical video moves for web use in the skyscraper format.  In photo mode it acts like a ball head and in video mode like a fluid head.  Just like the all in one still/video solution that HDSLRs provide us, the Manfrotto 055 is the all in one tripod head for still and video.

Secrets of Video for photographers in Atlanta, GA

Secrets of video for photographers Friday seminar in Atlanta is more timely than ever for you if you want to have the skills most in demand today.  Saturday workshop info below.

Learn how to make videos that people want to watch. Whether you’re an amateur or professional, learn the techniques that every photographer shooting video should know even if you never take your camera off automatic.  Translate your photographic knowledge in to cinematic genius.  What equipment do you need and when do you need it.  Come and get inspired as well as educated.

The Friday evening seminar will include:

– Visual storytelling

– Basics of camera, sound and lighting techniques

– The latest in video equipment and software for video suitable for photographers getting into video.

– How photographers can apply their present skills to video

– How professional photographers can create new revenue streams

August 26, 2011 6 – 8pm

Showcase Experience Center

2323 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

Atlanta, GA 30324-3795

(404) 325-7676

For more information or to register go to http://alturl.com/ctxh3

Sponsors: Panasonic, AJA, Apple, Manfrotto, Zeiss, Sennheiser, Smartsound, Redrock Micro, ManhattanLCD, Beachtek, Indisystems, Chimera, G-Technology, AntonBauer, Red Giant Software, Hoodman, and K-Tek

Secrets of video for photographers workshop in Atlanta on Saturday gives you a quick and thorough education in the tools and techniques every photographer should have when doing video.

Whether you are a beginning, advanced or professional photographer, you can advance your visual storytelling with video in exciting new ways. Don’t miss this opportunity to hit the ground running in your adventure into video.

Come join Lee White, professional photographer/videographer and college instructor as he guides you through the tools and techniques needed to help you make video without pulling your hair out.  Avoid the common mistakes that ruin most novice videography.  Learn what camera settings on your HDSLR for video mean and how best to set your camera for different situations.  Find out how to do good audio recordings. See what video gear can help you make better videos.  Find out what is involved with editing your video, adding music and getting it out for others to enjoy.

The Saturday workshop will include:

– Hands-on experience with camera, lighting and sound equipment

– A chance to direct and shoot talent and a table-top situation

– The importance of workflow including recording formats and camera settings

– How to edit video and output

– How photographers can market their new skill-set

August 27, 2011 9:30am – 4:30pm

Showcase Experience Center

2323 Cheshire Bridge Road NE

Atlanta, GA 30324-3795

(404) 325-7676

For more information or to register go to http://alturl.com/ctxh3

Sponsors Panasonic, AJA, Apple, Manfrotto, Zeiss, Sennheiser, Smartsound, Redrock Micro, ManhattanLCD, Beachtek, Indisystems, Chimera, G-Technology, AntonBauer, Red Giant Software, Hoodman, and K-Tek.

Chimera Window Pattern projected on wall for video

Secrets at Portland’s Newspace Center for Photography

Newspace B&W darkroom, studio and digital lab

I recently had the pleasure of giving my Secrets of Video for Photographers Friday night seminar in Portland’s Newspace Center for Photography’s newest gallery.  The new gallery had just been finished that afternoon and added more room to the already spacious center.  Besides the gallery, the center has a digital lab, B&W darkrooms and a lighting studio all of which can be rented.  Executive Director, Chris Bennett and the whole staff are very friendly and helpful which creates a comfortable atmosphere.

I had a chance to peek into the digital lab and was impressed by the amount and quality of the equipment installed.  The lighting studio I prepped in for my seminar is nicely appointed and has a combination of Profoto and Speedotron strobes along with modifiers.

I grabbed one of their summer brochures that show the wide variety of classes they offer.  Each class is well defined with a description of what is covered, who should attend and a background of the instructor.  Something I think is very cool is the Summer Photo Camps for ages 10-16, one is a darkroom camp and the other is a digital camp.

You can get more information about Newspace Center for Photography at www.newspacephoto.org or calling 503-963-1935