Finally, the moment we've been waiting for has arrived!

I recieved this email today -

"Hi, Darren,


Congratulations! Your grade for CPH 131b has been entered and you have been awarded the following for Summer 2009:



· Commercial Photography degree



You may now request any official transcripts that you need to send to either employers or 4-year universities. Your official GTC transcript is the legal document which confirms you as a graduate. ..."

Native American Festival

The Native American Festival (Pow Wow) at Stone Mountain was pretty good. A lot of dancing and enterainment. One of the good things or at least I think it is good is there was not a lot of money takers (vendors) there. They close up on Sunday so make some time to check them out.

Snow - Georgia Style

The big white blob is a hill of snow. Here in Georgia we don't get to see to much of that stuff, so we make it! What a deal. Anyway, Stone Mountain is gearing up for the winter snow park, so get your cardboard belly skinners ready to rumble!

Hillcrest Pig Races

	Ever been to a pig race? If not, then make plans to attend one. The races at Hillcrest Farms are wonderful, especially for those that are truely kids at heart. The pigs are cute and funny as they are running down the back stretch.  One of the little guys actually was distracted by my camera and started to check it out, but at the last second changed his mind.
	Pig races are not the only thing racing at Hillcrest. Horse races are at hand as well. To add a little excitement they give the men in the stands a chance to ride a wild horse in a heated race. The horse is one of those stuff horse heads (plush toy) on a stick. You have to see it to believe it. They are wacky!

The New EOS 1D Mark IV

INTRODUCING THE ULTIMATE MULTIMEDIA IMAGING SOLUTION: THE NEW CANON EOS-1D MARK IV DIGITAL SLR CAMERA

The EOS-1D Mark IV Features a Completely Redesigned 45-Point Autofocus System, Fast 10 fps Continuous Shooting, 16-Megapixel Resolution, Outstanding ISO Sensitivity, and Full HD Video Recording at Selectable Frame Rates. Read More...

Nikon unveils D3S high-speed pro DSLR

Nikon has unveiled the D3S professional DSLR. The new model is an upgrade to the popular D3 and comes with 720p HD video recording and a sensitivity range up to ISO 102,400 for improved low light performance. Images are captured on a new 36 x 23.9 mm CMOS sensor and buffer size has been increased for 48 RAW frames in one burst. Futher improvements include a faster contrast detect AF in Live View and in-camera RAW-processing. Body shape, quality and operation are virtually identical to the D3. Read More...

Photographer Irving Penn Dies at 92

A craftsman and a perfectionist, Penn was known for longtime association with Vogue magazine. He shot elegantly constructed portraits of many of the most important creative figures of the 20th century and was still producing work into his 90s. Read more...

Canon EOS 7D, First Look

The Canon Digital Learning Center is pleased to present in-depth videos, exploring all the great new and improved features of the EOS 7D. Learn more about the EOS HD Video functions, brand new 19-point AF System, the 'Intelligent Viewfinder', and more! Read More...

Adobe releases Lightroom 2.5 & Camera Raw 5.5

Adobe has released Photoshop Lightroom 2.5 and Camera Raw 5.5. These are final versions of updates which were originally posted as 'release candidates' on the Adobe Labs site, and are now available for immediate download. Both provide additional Raw support for Nikon D300S, Nikon D3000, Panasonic DMC-GF1 and Olympus E-P1. Read More...

Good Bye Gwinnett Tech Photo

Well, the time has come to say good bye to the photo program. The portfolio show was great and all the hard work you guys put forth was clearly visible in your images. It has been a wonderful learning adventure for me and I hope yall have a wonderful life. Over the next month, I will be closing this site down and reopening under a different name, at least that is my plan. I will leave a direct link from this site to the new one, just because. My time has expired, have a good one. I'll see you around.

Gwinnett Tech 2009 Portfolio Show

The graduating photography students of Gwinnett Tech College will hold the 2009 Portfolio Show at the ART Station from September 12 - November 5 2009. The opening day is looking to be an event you don't want to miss. Several surprises are in store this year! First, Atlanta Ribs has an out of this world menu planned, just unbelievable. Second, this year souvenir cups will be used for the refreshments. The third surprise awaits your eyes when you enter. The doors will be open from 6:30 - 9:30 pm on September 12, 2009. If you can not make the opening night, you will still see the BIGGEST surprise every day of the show. Mark your calendars!


For directions to the ART Station click here.
Photo for Invitation by Peggy Attway

Last Lab!

Well, tonight I said good by to the lab. I give the computers a little hug and told them we (upper quarter) are out of here. Yall have a good weekend, you hear.

Canon U.S.A. Introduces Three New EF and EF-S Lenses, including The First Camera Lens Featuring Hybrid Image Stabilization

Lake Success, N.Y., September 1, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, continues its advancement of EOS lens technology with the introduction of three new EF and EF-S lenses – EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM and the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, lenses. The new EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS lens is the world's first camera lens featuring Canon's new Hybrid Image Stabilization (Hybrid IS) technology^*, compensating for both angle camera shake and shift camera shake, up to four shutter speed steps. The EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens is compatible with all EOS cameras, while the EF-S 15-85mm and EF-S 18-135mm zoom lenses are designed specifically for Canon digital cameras that are compatible with EF-S lenses 

^{Read More...}

The New Canon EOS 7D

A Whole New Class of EOS.
With a host of brand new features designed to enhance every facet of the photographic process, from still images to video, the new EOS 7D represents a whole new class of camera. Read More...

Read the Press Release here.

Final Five

	And we thought we were finished with the final four stuff. The final five, actually a relief. I hope I can get these done in time. I did not realize all the errors that could happen. For next year I would give some thought to going big, actually they have enough time to fix problems and watch for them as they occur. Anyway, these are my final five. Oh yeah, Mr. Jones that was not my hat.

Athens, GA Housing

I took this last year and really never got a chance to share it. The housing market in Athens, GA seems to be a bit different than over here around Atlanta.I guess in Athens a new home is one that is new to you.

Athens, Geogria

Going through some old files, I found some images that I just never did a thing with. I thought I would clean them up and post them. This is City Hall in Athens, GA. I captured this during the Multi Media course last year.

Old Man of the River

I have been toying around with mirror images today. They make some interesting shapes and figures. For instance the one I have posted appears to look like a face among the rocks. Perhaps I will go abstract for a while and move away from the traditional photo.

The Begining of the End

The end is finally in sight. The results today were pleasing. Congrats to everyone for all the hard work and the time put into your portfolios. A special congrats goes out to Bryan, Rosira, Janet and Peggy for the top four portfolios, respectively.

For myself, I have one photo to reprint - the church that I put in at the last minute just did not hold up. After this is put to rest, then it will be hitting the big paper in hopes to get it done quickly so I can get the mat cut before I run out of time. Until next time...

Sony launches DSLR-A850 full-frame digital SLR

Sony unveiled its second full-frame digital SLR in the shape of DSLR-A850. It offers almost all features of the company's flagship full frame DSLR A900, but at a more affordable price. It is built around the same 24.6MP CMOS sensor and incorporates A900's 3.0 inch 921k LCD, sensor-shift image-stabilization and Dual Bionz processors.
Read More...

Nikon and Canon you need to step up your game or get off the field.

Peachtree Latino Festival

The festival was great. A lot of food, street dancing, kids having fun, homeless people filling their belly, singing and the list goes on. I am not really sure if I found a PJ shot here; the fun factor was high and no drama to be found! I have some images on the flickr, so check'em out.

Atlanta's Americas Town Hall Meeting

The Town Hall Meeting today was more like the picnic on the lawn. A little heat, some passing out, but overall a good rally. A lot of supporters and one unexpected guest. Guess who? Hint - see the photo. But that was fine, because all are welcome and you don't have to give your name to attend. Hopefully we will see you at the next Tea Party!  I shall put some photos on the flicker after a bit; I have some more shooting to do before dark.

Check out my flicker for more photos.

Good Bread

A replica of my bread session. This was some goooood bread! I am not sure if I will go with the film or the diggi copy. Both have their ups and downs. If nothing else, I can say the session was yummy.

Feds Consider Adding 'Cookies' to Web Sites; Will Privacy Crumble?

The Office of Management and Budget is considering reversing a nine-year ban to allow the use of cookies on federal Web sites to track, among other things, users' preferences and interests. Read More...

I understand this is not photography or camera arts related or at least directly related. However, we need to understand where things might be going that could affect the photography world.

One step closer, finally!

Today, I have hopefully moved forward in the push to finish my portfolio. I have after four attempts increased the size of my portfolio by one photo. Small steps, small steps.

Monroe, Stop Obama, Bike Racing

Shooting the time trials of the Georgia Cup is not as easy as it seemed. For one the racers generally have their heads in the downward position, creating a bit of a shadow. Capturing expressions was a task. But they move as well, sometimes fast and sometimes not so fast, but that was another task in its own. I was hoping to get some panning shoots, but that didn't happen as well as I planned.

During my little trip I did notice the good people of Monroe seem to have had enough of our good President, see the sign on the left.

Of course during the slow parts of the race there was always someone trying to get in on the action.

Canon releases firmware update for EOS 50D DSLR

Canon has posted a firmware update for its EOS 50D digital SLR. Version 1.0.7 corrects the a magenta cast that can appear on images in specific shooting modes. It also fixes incorrect indications on the Arabic, Romanian, Spanish and Ukrainian menu screens. The firmware is available for immediate download from Canon's website.

Nikon unveils S1000pj - the world's first projector camera

Nikon has unveiled the world's first compact camera with an in-built projector. The S1000pj projects images up to 40 inches in size with a VGA resolution and at a maximum distance of 2 meters. The camera is supplied with a remote control and stand for ease of use. It features an optically stabilized wide angle 5x zoom lens (28-140mm equiv.), 2.7 inch LCD and a 12.1MP sensor. Read More ...

CANON U.S.A. Sets a New Standard for Desktop Productivity with the Introduction of New LASER BEAM Printer

Lake Success, N.Y., August 3, 2009 – Adding to its robust line-up of award-winning imageRUNNER systems and helping to redefine desktop productivity, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging and office solutions, today introduced its latest desktop laser beam printer (LBP) - the Color imageRUNNER LBP5460. This model is the newest addition to the Company's successful LBP desktop printer line, which also includes the Color imageRUNNER LBP5975 and LBP5970, both introduced last year. Read more...

Price List

I have posted a link to my price list under the other link heading on the right side bar. You should be able to view it with Google Docs and download it if you wish. Any problems let me know. Oh yeah the photo is of the Lyndon House in Athens, Georgia. It is the home of the Art Galley in Athens.

Nikon introduces D300S with HD video recording

In a move that won't surprise anyone that has been listening out for rumors, Nikon has launched the D300S, a refreshed version of its successful mid-level DSLR. Compared to the D300, It offers full 720p HD video recording, a faster 7 fps continuous shooting and Dual CF and SD card slots. It also sees an addition of a new Quiet drive mode and a dedicated Live View and Info button. The camera's recommended selling price is $1799.
Read More...

Bad Economy HasThieves Getting Desparate

This morning, while strolling through downtown Buford spying for a house or two, I noticed a bike upside down. Didn't think anything about it for maybe  2 or 3 minutes, then it hit me, the bike had no wheels. Well I went back to check it out, and it appears someone turned the bike upside down and took the wheels off. Yep it had a lock around the frame, but enough extra slack in the chain cable thing to allow it to  be flipped over. To make a long story short I snapped a few photos and headed on my way before someone blamed me! I went back this afternoon to see if it was still there and it wasn't.

NEW CANON HYBRID IS WORLD'S FIRST IMAGE STABILIZER TO COMPENSATE FOR TWO TYPES OF CAMERA SHAKE

Lake Success, N.Y., July 22, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, announced today the development of Hybrid Image Stabilizer (IS), the world's first^* optical image stabilization technology that compensates for both angle camera shake and shift camera shake. The technology will be featured in interchangeable single lens reflex (SLR) camera lens planned for commercial release before the end of 2009. Read More...

A Time to Catch Up

The past week was slow for me in the shooting department. As some of you know I was left standing at the set three times last weekend. Luckily, this weekend has been 200 percent better already. Saturday I shot for B, C, and D and hopefully today I will get to shoot for A, B, D and get some business plan time in. Yes, don't forget the business plan and the business cards and the logos. Some advice for the lower quarter folks, don't get behind! I hate to leave but time is a ticking and the camera must get to clicking! Later. Oh yeah, I'll have some photos on my flcker later when things settle down.

Waiting

Today's shot, well outside of bad skies was not to bad. We spend a good deal of the time trying to find some skies, but noway, not today. Finally, settling on a bad sky day we tried to make the best of it. Maybe tomorrow.

Quick Tips: Photographing Fireworks

Fireworks are photogenic and inspiring, especially on the 4th of July -- but they are also very challenging to capture on camera. Learn camera settings, accessories, and shooting techniques that will help achieve great results in your fireworks images!  Read More...

High Dynamic Range Imaging

Photos by Webbarts

High Dynamic Range Imaging (HDRI) what a wonderful world it is, well at least for some photographers. HDRI or HDR for short-short is another alternate process for image processing. Some folks like it and some do not, kind of like the entire digital age. I personally think it can help to produce some interesting images. However, some folks just can not seem to except HDR as a valid process.
In my opinion HDR has had some bad exposure, no pun intended. For various reasons people have rejected HDR images, claiming they have no control over the math, and to think we didn’t think math was important. Also, I have heard the images have halos, and look animated and surreal. However, these are not reasons to dismiss the process but perhaps learn why this happens and try to make something good of it.
HDR has its place in photography just as all the other alternate processes and if done correctly the process will evolve into wonderful images. But you are not going to please everyone. So, for those that like HDRI drive on and those that want to learn more please join me over the next few weeks to explore HDRI a little more. Hopefully, I will be able to explain the process and help those that might need help with HDR imaging. Check back and remember please comment.

Kodak Retiring Kodachrome

Demand for digital forces company to phase out film

By CAROLYN THOMPSON
Associated Press

Updated: 06/24/2009 01:38:18 AM PDT

 

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Eastman Kodak Co. announced Monday it is retiring its oldest film stock because of declining customer demand in an increasingly digital age.

The world's first commercially successful color film, immortalized in song by Simon, spent 74 years in Kodak's portfolio. It enjoyed its heyday in the 1950s and '60s, but in recent years has nudged closer to obscurity. Sales of Kodachrome are a fraction of 1 percent of the company's total sales of still-picture films, and only one commercial lab in the world still processes it.
Read More ...

5 Reasons Why Meta Data Should Be Part of Your Work Flow

Jim Goldstein  Landscape, Nature and Travel Photography

After attending the getMETAsmart event in San Francisco last week I became curious how photographers who read my blog and/or follow me on Twitter use it. To be honest I’d be even more curious how photo buyers or stock agents actually use metadata on a daily basis, but that will have to wait for another post. Metadata as many of you know is often discussed but rarely so in the context of how real people use it. While hearing about best practices is helpful everyone has a slightly different take on the subject and many address metadata differently in their workflow. Let’s first address the “why”. Why should metadata play a role in your workflow? To answer that I’ve combined my understanding of metadata with feedback received from my Twitter followers. Read on to learn more.
Read more…

Canon announces update for EOS 5D Mark II

Canon has announced a firmware update for its EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR enabling manual exposure when shooting videos. With the updated version, users will be able to manually adjust the shutter speed, aperture and ISO settings in the video mode. The new firmware will be available for download on 2 June 2009 from Canon's website. Click here to take you to the download page.

To read the full Press Release go to dpreview.com

PPA IPC Final Update

Today was the final day of the IPC. It was a great opportunity and I was glad to be invited to this event. It has been just such an eye opener to the world of photography. Something I will remember for a time to come. I leave you with a photo of the Gwinnett Tech Photo Crew and the image of the entire group photo. The entire set of photos (minus the group photo) will be on my flickr account, simply click here. The group photo can be found here.