Landscape, Nature and Travel Photography

The 23rd episode of EXIF and Beyond has been released (duration 1 hour 8 min. 48 sec.).

Gigapixel panoramic photos and the Yosemite Extreme Panoramic Imaging Project 2008 are the focus in this interview with Eric Hanson, CEO of xRez studio. Find out not only how gigapixel panoramic photos are being made, but how they’re being used. After hearing about some of Eric’s efforts you’ll likely never think of stitched panoramic photos the same way.

Download the latest episodes:
EXIF and Beyond: Eric Hanson

For the non-iTune listeners a streaming version of this podcast can be accessed here.

Technorati Tags: Eric Hanson, xRez, Yosemite, panoramic, photography, EXIF and Beyond

The 22nd episode of EXIF and Beyond has been released (duration 42 min. 59 sec.).

When political satire is made with a Photoshopped alteration of a photoraph and virally spread on the Internet is it individual commentary or copyright infringements? In the 2008 U.S. Presidential election no photo has spread faster than the Sarah Palin bikini and gun photo. The creator of this photograph is interviewed in this episode of EXIF and Beyond where we discuss this photo and contemporary cultural photographic & Internet trends.

Related Reading:

Is that a real photo of Sarah Palin holding a rifle and wearing a bikini? - FactCheck.org

Transcripts of this podcast can be found here in my previous  An Interview with the Creator of the Sarah Palin Bikini Gun Photo

Download the latest episodes:
EXIF and Beyond: Interview with the Creator of the Sarah Palin Bikini Gun Photo

For the non-iTune listeners a streaming version of this podcast can be accessed here.

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The 21st episode of EXIF and Beyond has been released (duration 8 min. 53 sec.).

This is the 2nd of two special episodes of EXIF and Beyond discussing pending Orphan Works Legislation that will greatly impact photographers, internationally as well as domestically.  Taking part in this episode to discuss the Orphan Works as it impacts International photographers is UK based professional photographer and principle of Pro-Imaging Nick Dunmur. For those unfamiliar with Pro-Imaging it is an international professional photographers community that has developed from the humble roots of a discussion list with members spanning over 30 countries. More of our discussion on Pro-Imaging will be forthcoming so stay tuned.

Download the latest episodes:
EXIF and Beyond: Orphan Works Panel Discussion

For the non-iTune listeners a streaming version of this podcast can be accessed here.

The 20th episode of EXIF and Beyond has been released.

This episode of EXIF and Beyond features a panel discussion on Orphan Works with professional photographers Chase Jarvis, Dan Heller and John Harrington. With view points that span the spectrum from support to opposition of the Orphan Works legislation, it is my hope that the information and viewpoints with in this discussion help you form your opinions on the topic.

Referenced Articles:
Little Orphan Artworks - Lawrence Lessig Op-Ed in the New York Times
Orphan Works Act: Courts and Law - Dan Heller
Speed Links 5/6/08 Orphan Works Edition - John Harrington
Orphan Works 2008 - A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing - John Harrington

Note that as of Friday September 26th, 2008 the Shawn Bentley Orphan Works Act, S 2913, the Senate version of this legislation, has passed and has moved on to the House.  Considering the recent passage of this bill in the U.S. Senate it is even more important that you listen to the full length of this podcast, educate yourself as best as you can and take action as you see fit by contacting your Congressional representative. Your call or email to your congressperson in the coming days could make the difference in whether the current form of this legislation is passed or not.

Download the latest episodes:
EXIF and Beyond: Orphan Works Panel Discussion

For the non-iTune listeners a streaming version of this podcast can be accessed here.

For this podcast episode rather than break up this discussion into multiple podcasts I’ve embedded chapters Read more… »

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Altered photos are nothing new (see Photo Tampering Throughout History via Dartmouth College), but only in the past 4 years have altered photos become a tool used to influence prospective voters in US elections.

In 2004 Jane Fonda was inserted into a Ken Light photo forever associating John Kerry to her and tarnishing his anti-Vietnam war protest record. Not only are such manipulations damaging to politicians but the photographers as well. You can hear first hand how this was the case with in my EXIF and Beyond interview with Ken Light. A quick synopsis of the truth behind this alteration (see the photo below and to the left) can be found on Snopes.

Yesterday a photo was released on James Kunstler’s site (potentially NSFW) targeting prospective 2008 US Presidential voters with an American flag bikini clad Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin holding a rifle. It’s unclear at the moment if this is an actual photo or a manipulated photo. Either way damage will no doubt be done to her and the Republican ticket headed by John McCain.

Note: I’ve confirmed this is a Photoshopped photo of Palin. The original can be seen here on Flickr elizabeth - american flag bikini rifle and was originally taken by Addison Godel (Doctor Casino). Addison was not the person who Photoshopped the photo. The culprit has yet to be identified.

Considering the wide spread availabilty and use of Photoshop one has to really scrutinize what you see. The old saying “Don’t believe everything you read.” certainly should be updated to “Don’t believe everything you read or see.” The Obama and McCain campaigns will no doubt have damage control teams organized to address accusatory statements or articles as has always been the case, but they’ll certainly now be ramping up to address incriminating photos whether doctored or real.

All politics aside how does such photo manipulation effect you? Are your opinions swayed by such tactics and is your photographic work subject to such manipulation? If so what are you doing to protect your photographs?

UPDATE: Now available An Interview with the Creator of the Sarah Palin Bikini Gun Photo

Technorati Tags: Photography, Photoshop, manipulation, Sarah Palin, John Kerry, Ken Light, James Kunstler, John McCain, Barak Obama, election

The 19th episode of EXIF and Beyond has been released.

This episode features an interview with Utah based photographer, author and naturalist Guy Tal. Central to this episodes discussion is creativity and employing the creative process to landscape and nature photography. Discussions on the topic of the creative process can often be abstract, but like much of Guy’s photographic and written work his eloquence shines through. This is must listen for photographers of all levels.

Download the latest episodes:
EXIF and Beyond: Guy Tal

For the non-iTune listeners a streaming version of this podcast can be accessed here.

Technorati Tags: EXIF and Beyond, podcast, interview, photography, Guy Tal, creativity, creative process

The 18th episode of EXIF and Beyond has been released.

This episode features an interview with Leila Boujnane, CEO and co-founder of Idée. Discussed is the recent release of Idée’s image search engine TinEye. Although out for only 4 weeks now and in a private Beta, TinEye has captured the attention and imagination of the photographic community. Leila discusses the current capabilities and future direction of this groundbreaking image search engine.

Need an invite to TinEye? I’m happy to share those I have or go directly to TinEye and submit a request.

Download the latest episodes:
EXIF and Beyond: Leila Boujnane

For the non-iTune listeners a streaming version of this podcast can be accessed here.

Technorati Tags: EXIF and Beyond, podcast, interview, Leila Boujnane, Idee, TinEye, photo, image, search engine, technology

The 15th episode of EXIF and Beyond has been released.

In this episode “Mastering Digital Panoramic Photography” is discussed. Topics covered include an introduction to the technique, best practices, pitfalls, alternative methods, computer & software tips, and creative vision. This information packed episode will put you on track to master this challenging photographic technique in roughly (30) thirty minutes.

Referenced Articles and Resources:
Mastering Digital Panoramic Photography by Jim M. Goldstein via JMG-Galleries

Breaking the Gigapixel Barrier - Max Lyons

Recommended Panoramic Photography Resources

Download the latest episodes:
EXIF and Beyond: Mastering Digital Panoramic Photography

For the non-iTune listeners a streaming version of this podcast can be accessed here.

Featured Panoramic Photos in this Episode of EXIF and Beyond:

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“4 Corners - Welcome to Colorado”
made From (16) Sixteen Vertical Images (1×16)

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“Last Light On Delicate Arch, Arches National Park”
Made From (6) Six Vertical Images

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“The Beauty of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge”
Made From (10) Ten Vertical Images

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“Bryce Canyon Sunset, Bryce Canyon National Park”
Made from (5) Five Vertical Images

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“100 Caribou”
Made from (21) Twenty One Vertical Images

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“Caribou Pass View To The South Panoramic ” - Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Made From (35) Thirty Five Vertical Images

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“Caribou Pass and Kongakut River Panoramic” - Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Made From (50) Fifty Vertical Images

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“Cable View Panoramic, Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco”
Made From (3) Three Horizontal Images via Tilt Shift Lens
Between the cables is Alcatraz and in the distance is San Francisco more…

“Golden Gate Bridge Panoramic Sunset”
Made From (3) Three Vertical Images via Tilt Shift Lens more…

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“Yosemite Trees”
made From (11) Eleven Vertical Images (1×11)

Technorati Tags: EXIF and Beyond, podcast, digital, panoramic, photography, technique, tutorial, how to, dSLR, Four Corners, Golden Gate Bridge, Bryce Canyon, San Francisco, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Arctic Refuge, National Park, Caribou, Arches, Delicate Arch,