Landscape, Nature And Travel Photography

Easy Release

A month ago quite a bit of buzz started to circulate with in the Twitter photography community about Easy Release (iTunes Link), a program that enables you to create model and property releases on your iPhone incorporating a digital signature of subjects and/or property owners. The potential immediately grabbed my attention and I approached the application publisher for a review copy. The review of the application was the easy part, but my background research on the acceptability of “digital signatures” in the form of an electronic touchscreen signature took much longer. Now that my research is complete here is the review…

Easy Release is just that… easy to configure, easy to use and easy to see its value. I give the team behind Easy Release a lot of credit as creating an application that is simple to use is quite a difficult task. The added perk to Easy Release is that it makes obtaining, logging and sending releases a very cool process. The out of the box thinking to obtain releases digitally is exactly the type of application I’ve been waiting for to maximize the business potential of my iPhone.

The Process (Ex. For a Model):

1. Click the “Plus” sign to create a new model or property release
2. Enter the “Shoot Name” and “Shoot Reference ID”
3. Enter Shoot location information “Shoot Country” and “Shoot Region/State”
4. Enter the Shoot Date
5. Enter the Model’s Name
6. Take a photo with your iPhone of your model
7. Enter the Model’s date of birth, gender and ethnicity.
8. Enter the Model’s address
9. Enter the Model’s Parent’s name if a minor
10. Enter the Model’s Email address and phone number
11. Enter the name of a Witness
12. Review the Release summary
13. Sign your signature (the photographer) with your finger on the screen
14. Let your Model review the agreement. They tap to agree.
15. Model signs the release using their finger on the screen.
16. Click to create a PDF of the signature and send it to your model & yourself via email

Fully written out the process seems long, but it takes only a few short minutes to complete.

Easy Release

Additional Features & Real-World Experience
The application allows you to customize your releases with a logo, specify a default language from 12 translations or add your own custom release text.

Of course it would be easy for me to just idly claim Easy Release is easy to use, but having tested this in the field I can attest that not one subject I asked to use the application had a problem or showed any confusion when reviewing the release or signing it. Logistically using Easy Release was much simpler than dealing with a paper release and fumbling for a pen. The convenience to email the release in PDF form to both the model and the photographer is also a huge time saver. Lastly and most importantly the biggest benefit was speeding up the process to obtain a signature.

Easy Release

What to Be Aware of…
The one weakness of Easy Release is that some stock agencies might not yet accept “digital signatures”. At the time I received my review copy of the application it was unclear to me if Getty accepted “digital signatures” in the form of an electronic touchscreen signature. Right off the bat I was able to confirm with Rasmus Rasmussen (@theprint) that iStock does not yet accept these type of “digital signatures” and prefers pen on paper signatures. I had to wait a few weeks to hear back officially from Getty as to whether “digital signatures” in this form were currently accepted. The response: “…the Getty legal team is reviewing this, but at this time digital signatures are not allowed on releases.” That being said the people behind the application are former Getty employees and are aware of this. If you’re outside of the Getty sphere and/or work independently then this is a non-issue.

Rating:

Easy Release is a solid application that is ultra intuitive to use. Not only did it live up to my expectations, it surpassed them. Whether you’re a semi-professional or full-time working pro photographer this is a must have application to have at your fingertips. For those that have been holding off on upgrading to an iPhone, this app alone might be reason enough to do so.

Technorati Tags: photography, release, iPhone, app, Easy Release, model release, property release

Adobe today is releasing the full creative suite of CS5 products including Adobe Photoshop CS5 and Photoshop CS5 Extended ($699 and $999 respectively with CSx upgrades costing $199). The newest features added to PS CS5 include:

• 64-bit native code for Mac and PC (Mac had been 32-bit previously)
• Content-Aware Fill … “magically removes any image detail or object, examines the surroundings and seamlessly fills in the space left behind”
• Refine Edge… “makes nearly-impossible image selections possible.”
• HDR… “next-generation high dynamic range (HDR) capabilities”
• Mixer Brush… “blends an infinite combination of colors onto a single paintbrush tip”
• Bristle Tips… “offers lifelike brush strokes”
• “Puppet Warp gives users the power to precisely reposition or warp any image element, such as straightening a bent arm in a photo or manipulating the landscape to generate a new perspective.”

Photoshop CS5 Extended includes…

“Adobe Repoussé technology, users can easily create 3D logos and artwork from any text layer, shape or mask, as well as twist, rotate and extrude designs for different looks.”

SAN JOSE, Calif., — April 12, 2010 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe® Photoshop® CS5 and Photoshop CS5 Extended software, must-have releases of the professional industry standard for digital imaging. With millions of users celebrating the product’s 20th anniversary this year, Photoshop CS5 builds upon a rich history of innovation and leadership with groundbreaking features and performance gains that boost creativity and workflow efficiency. Packing in more technological advancements from Adobe Labs than any other release and incorporating enhancements to everyday tasks requested by the Photoshop community, the software has greater intelligence and awareness of the content within images, allowing for complex and magical manipulation in just a few clicks. Adobe Photoshop CS5 Extended delivers everything in Photoshop CS5, as well as advanced tools for 3-D which address the unique needs of the video, Web, medical, manufacturing and engineering industries.

Photoshop CS5 and Photoshop CS5 Extended will be available as stand-alone applications or key components of the Adobe Creative Suite® 5 family.  (see press release)

More on Adobe Photoshop CS 5 and  Adobe Creative Suite 5

Technorati Tags: Adobe, Photoshop, CS5

The 34th episode of EXIF and Beyond has been released (duration 16:54 min.)

This episode of EXIF and Beyond features interviews of Russell Brown, John Knoll and Kevin Connor (Adobe Senior Director of Product Management) from the Adobe Photoshop 20th Anniversary Celebration held in San Francisco on February 18th, 2010. Discussed are topics ranging from recollections of Photoshops earliest beginnings, the impact of its release to creative professionals and hints of what’s to come in Photoshop CS5.

Related Posts

• Full Video of the Adobe Photoshop 20th Anniversary Celebration
• Photoshop 1.0 on the iPhone!
• Photoshop 1.0.7 iPhone App Review
• Video: A killer Photoshop space odyssey (A Must See!)

Listen To The Podcast
EXIF and Beyond: Russell Brown, John Knoll & Kevin Connor

If you enjoyed this episode please be sure to rate and comment on the EXIF and Beyond podcast on iTunes.

You’ve found my blog and EXIF and Beyond podcast, but you’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg… follow me on Twitter and FriendFeed.

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Technorati Tags: photography, podcast, Adobe, Photoshop, 20th Anniversary, Russell Brown, John Knoll, Kevin Connor, EXIF and Beyond

I consider myself lucky to have been include in a select group of folks randomly selected at the Adobe Photoshop 20th Anniversary celebration to receive a copy of Photoshop 1.0.7 for the iPhone. Thanks to Adobe’s Russell Brown for the creation of this retro application for the iPhone (or at least announcing the news of it… seeing as it was actually made by development firm named Corona).  So what’s the fuss about this app?

First let me burst most people’s bubble…

• This app is not a full version of Adobe Photoshop 1.0.7 and only provides basic levels adjustments. (No cropping, no image rotation, no resizing, no curves, etc.)
• Touch screen controls on the iPhone are quite clumsy to use
• It’s not being distributed beyond the select pool of people who were given the opportunity to receive it at the 20th anniversary celebration
• The app is not being further supported
• The app is tied to specific iPhones ID’s.

Now that I’ve laid the ground work as to why you shouldn’t be upset Photoshop 1.0.7 is not widely available let me tell you why it’s cool.

• For those who used the first or early versions of Photoshop the user interface is a real flashback
• The startup sound is another great flashback and reminds Apple/Adobe fan of Pavlov’s theory of conditioning.
• Adjusting levels by color channel (red, green and blue), in addition to a master adjustment is nice be able to do.

Really? That’s it?

Yup that’s it. This app highlights one function of the original Photoshop app. Nothing more and nothing less. Other photo apps that are currently available do tons more. This app hardly will become a part of my standard iPhone photo editing workflow. But if you’re a tech geek… meaning you grew up using Photoshop & old macs and still hoard old equipement and software (please don’t tell my wife) then you’d love this app. How long I’ll be inclined to show my buddies this app at bar-b-q’s and various tech events I don’t know. The shelf life might be quite short, but the inner geek in me loves it.

Technorati Tags: Adobe, Photoshop, Photoshop 1.0.7, iPhone app, iPhone, app, technology, photography, geekery, review

It was fun ending last year making some predictions in relation to photography and social media, but now that we’re wrapping up the first week of 2010 I thought I’d share with you 5 technology products/services I’m looking forward to in 2010. On some level each of these technologies/services relate to photography.

Adobe CS5
It’s pretty well known by now that Adobe is aiming to release their next version of their CS suite around April of 2010 (some reports saying April 10th). In general the odd versions of Adobe CS products carry the greatest number of changes and enhancements not to to mention generate better sales for Adobe. With leaked technology demos through out 2009 this is one update I’m looking forward to.

• A sneak peek at the new technology in Adobe Photoshop CS5
• Content Aware Fill (Facebook video)

TinEye
Tineye reverse image search engine expanded their index of images in 2009 from roughly 700 million to 1.25 billion images. Having reviewed TinEye in the past and having become a regular user I’m quite eager to see more frequent updates and expansion of their image index.

PicScout ImageExchange
ImageExchange is currently in an invite only beta (see below on how to request an invite). PDN summarized how PicScout quite well:

PicScout has been beta testing a potential solution to the problem. It is called ImageExchange. Image owners can use the system to attach metadata–including their name, copyright information, contact information, and a link to their web site–to each image. Wherever the image travels, anyone with an ImageExchange reader on their Web browser can see a small blue information icon at the top right-hand corner of the image. (See the top left thumbnail image) By clicking on the icon, the user can access the ownership information and click through to the image owner’s web site. (The ImageExchange reader will be a free download)
- New PicScout Tool Connects Image Buyers to Owners

Sign-up for a PicScout ImageExchange beta invitiation

Google “Caffeine”
Google is poised to release “next-generation architecture for Google’s web search” any day. No really… any day. There has been a lot of anticipation around this release, with Google giving not so subtle clues that the roll out to one of their data centers will happen in January with others to follow shortly. What’s in the upgrade?

“It … will let us push the envelope on size, indexing speed, accuracy, comprehensiveness and other dimensions. The new infrastructure sits “under the hood” of Google’s search engine, which means that most users won’t notice a difference in search results.”
-  Google Caffeine via the Google Blog

While most people might not notice those who manage their web sites closely with an eye on search might see some variation or differences.

Apple iSlate
Apple with much anticipation is due to release a tablet computer on or around January 26th. Will it be an alternate to an iBook, Kindle, netbook, etc? It’s tough to say. It could be a lot of things to a lot of people. In either case it’s a new technology product that should be noted.  Apple’s products are always sexy (Ok maybe not the Newton) and bring a lot of attention to new facets of publishing. If there is a big surge in interest in this type of product it could influence how you publish your photography.

• The Exhaustive Guide to Apple Tablet Rumors – Gizmodo
• Apple rumored to announce tablet later this month – Mobile Burn

Technorati Tags: technology, Apple, iSlate, Adobe, CS5, PicScout, Google, Caffeine, TinEye, search

2009 offered up some great developments on the technical side of the photography industry, while the down economy has squeezed many photographers. In this regard 2009 was certainly a year to both love and hate. What might be around the corner in 2010? Here are my 10 Photography Predictions for 2010:

1. Computational Photography will hit a new landmark
   Expect a variety of announcements in regard to computational photography in 2010. Cameras will certainly be taking a new path in their evolution as we got a glimpse of in 2009 with the open-source camera. Beyond 2010 we might see some of this technology in a more traditional commercial camera.
2. Digital Noise Vanishes, but Faux Film Grain Comes Into Fashion
   I think it’s fair to say the latest cameras that have come out from Nikon and Canon have nearly done away with digital noise even at traditionally ultra high ISO settings. Ironically I predict that as people get use to noise free photos faux film grain will come into style.
3. Film makes a comeback… a small one
   Counter to my earlier writing Film is Dead. No Really! film will catch on even more with photographers who have caught the digital photography bug. The population of film photographers will grow a bit in 2010 (beyond photo schools & fine art photographers), but the big question is, “Will this growth sway film manufacturers from discontinuing more film stocks?”
4. Orphan Works Legislation Rears Its Ugly Head in Washington, but only Briefly
   Orphan Works Legislation will reappear on Capital Hill, but only late in 2010. Even then the legislation will be put off until 2011 due to continued partisanship on larger economic and other social issues/legislation. Even though I’m making this prediction I’m making plans to watch for any movement on this legislation through out the year. Photographers cannot afford to remain idle on this issue. John Harrington’s Photo Business News & Forum does a great job on relaying updates & editorial to this legislation and an official site to monitor status of legislation moving through the U.S. Congress is govtrack.us.
5. More Virtual Trade Shows
   In order to maximize cost savings photographers and photo companies alike who are reeling from the down economy will opt to attend more virtual trade shows versus traditional trade shows. PDN hosted a couple of the more popular virtual trade shows this year. I’m expecting to see this trend continue through out 2010 until the economy improves.
6. Camera Sensor Megapixel Wars Plateau
   Camera manufacturers will focus on camera enhancements other than increased sensor resolution for new dSLR models. As the economy continues to struggle the broadest segment of the camera consumer market will accept the 20 megapixel sensor resolution as the norm. This will be driven by a slow down in sensor resolution research and a standardization of manufacturing for such resolutions. Even the biggest camera manufacturers hit hard by the economic melt down of 2008/9 are going to be looking for new ways to meet demand, remain competitive and most importantly cut costs. Expect to see marketing that reflects this shift in the near future. That being said the medium format digital photography market will see continued activity to optimize sensors falling in the 40-80 megapixel range. Even in this market attention will fall on improving ISO sensitivity and digital noise after the dust settles.
7. Crowdsourcing of Photo Content Formally Threatens Microstock
   The low end of the stock photography market will start to be squeezed in 2010 as crowdsourcing photo sites/services emerge. The early exploration of this trend has been happening with photo contest rights grabs (see  How The Rights To Your Photo Are Being Hijacked Through Photo Contests & Social Media circa 2008), but will take on a more formal legitimate front this year. Why would I possibly imagine such a thing? Perception of the value of photography continues to plummet and its bound to get worse before it gets better. The only thing worse than photos that cost a few dollars to license are photos that can be used for free.
8. Well Known/Famous Photographers File for Bankruptcy
   Annie Leibovitz isn’t the only well known photographer facing tough times due to personal problems and an economy in free fall (see Agreement Reached on a Reprieve for Leibovitz Loan Repayment), she just may be the most visible. Photographers who have not embraced new marketing and revenue models will face the hardest of times. Those who have been slowest to adapt and have been over extended will suffer the worst fate. In 2010 it’s only a matter of time before news of bankruptcy hitting well known photographers comes to light.
9. Self-publishing forces the transformation of traditional photo publications
   The last 4-5 years have been a boon for photographers in publishing content online on their own terms via blogs, YouTube, etc. The last 2 years have provided even further opportunity to photographers as print on-demand services (Blurb, LuLu, MagCloud, and an infinite number of other printers) have established themselves. Photographer generated content as reached a tipping point at the close of 2009 and more traditional publishing outlets will begin to leverage this content for their own purposes. Whether content is integrated to a magazine web site or to the magazine itself editors will have an easier time picking and choosing content. The big question is will they opt to have this content in print or republish it online or both?
10. dSLR Video Leans Toward Niche Adoption vs. Broad Consumer Adoption
    I’m inclined to think that dSLR video will be wildly popular with a narrow audience and remain as an unused feature by the vast majority of the consumer market.  Film & Television cinematographers will flock to dSLR video at a higher percentage than still photographers. The reason for this is cinematographers are already used to the extra cost of video production while most still photographers are not. Shooting production quality video with a dSLR requires a large outlay of cash for accessories, well beyond the budget of most still photographers. Thom Hogan’s recent observation (Dec. 29, 2009) highlights how low video enabled dSLRs fall on the top sellers list for camera manufacturers. Perhaps this is a sign of the tough economy limiting the number of upgrades photographers make, but in combination with random observation of friends & colleagues I’m finding that those with dSLRs that shoot video often never use the feature. If video is your thing be sure to check out Vincent Laforet’s predictions.

Technorati Tags: photography, predictions, 2010

The 32nd episode of EXIF and Beyond has been released (duration 41:48 min.)

This episode of EXIF and Beyond is the second part of an interview with Tom Hogarty, product manager for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, the Adobe Raw Converter plugin and the DNG file format. Discussed are your submitted questions about Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 Beta. Questions were gathered by listeners like yourself here on the JMG-Galleries blog, Facebook and Twitter.

If you missed the first part of our conversation be sure to listen to it here:
EXIF and Beyond: Tom Hogarty on Lightroom 3.

Related Sites

• Adobe Labs Photoshop Lightroom 3 Beta site

Noted Posts:

• Lightroom 3 beta now available – Lightroom Journal
• Feedback, please: Adobe raw processing vs. others – John Nack Adobe Blog
• Universal Photographic Digital Imaging Guidelines – UPDIG.ORG
• DP Best Flow – ASMP
• Camera Raw 5.6 and Lightroom 2.6 Available on Adobe Labs – Lightroom Journal

Listen To The Podcast
EXIF and Beyond: Lightroom 3 Q&A with Tom Hogarty

If you enjoyed this episode please be sure to rate and comment on the EXIF and Beyond podcast on iTunes.

Canon 1Ds Mark III and Canon 17mm Tilt-shift Lens courtesy of BorrowLenses.com

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You’ve found my blog and EXIF and Beyond podcast, but you’re only seeing the tip of the iceberg… follow me on Twitter and FriendFeed.

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Technorati Tags: photography, podcast, Tom Hogarty, Lightroom, Photoshop, Lightroom 3, Adobe, photography, EXIF and Beyond

The 30th episode of EXIF and Beyond has been released (duration 24:53 min.)

This episode of EXIF and Beyond features an interview with Tom Hogarty product manager for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, the Adobe Raw Converter plugin and the DNG file format. Discussed is the release of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 Beta and its many new features & enhancements. This talk is the first of a two part discussion.

Unlike past episodes the second half of this two part discussion has yet to take place. You are invited to ask Tom questions about Lightroom 3 Beta via comments to this blog post. The second half of our discussion will be comprised of answering your questions. While I can’t promise every question will be discussed I’ll aim to present the best and most pertinent questions to Tom to answer. Tom has been quite gracious to take part in this Q&A format and has even asked Lightroom 3 Beta users for specific feedback in this episode. If and when you comment be sure to leave your name and hometown so I can attribute your name to the question discussed.

The deadline to submit questions to be included in the next podcast is Sunday November 8th 15th at 9pm PST

Related Sites

• Adobe Labs Photoshop Lightroom 3 Beta site

Noted Posts:

• Direct Timelapse Video Export from Lightroom by Sean McCormack

Listen To The Podcast

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Download: EXIF and Beyond: Tom Hogarty
If you enjoyed this episode please be sure to rate and comment on the EXIF and Beyond podcast on iTunes.

Technorati Tags: photography, podcast, Tom Hogarty, Lightroom, Photoshop, Lightroom 3, Adobe, photography, EXIF and Beyond