Adobe releases Lightroom 3 Beta 2

The beta 1 version of Lightroom 3 has been out for awhile, and now Adobe has improved upon that with the beta 2 release. In this video from Julieanne Kost, you’ll learn more about the new features found in Adobe Lightroom 3 Beta 2
Runtime: 00:11:14
Improvements experienced after moving from beta 1 to beta 2 with my favorites bolded:

  • Improved performance throughout the application for faster importing and loading of images
  • Native tethered shooting support for select Nikon and Canon DSLR cameras
  • Luminance noise reduction has been added to the previous color noise reduction improvements available in the first public beta for outstanding overall high ISO quality
  • Support for importing and managing video files from DSLR cameras for better overall photographic workflow control
  • Improvements to the import experience in the first beta to reflect public feedback
  • Improved watermarking functionality from the first beta to reflect public feedback

Egrets, Herons and Swans

Yesterday I spent the morning down at Lake Logan, in Hocking Hills Ohio, and the fog was extremely thick when I first arrived. The three other photographers that showed up shortly after me, didn’t hang around for long. As they left I heard things such as “this fog is impossible” and “I was hoping for a bright sunny morning”.

I, on the other hand, saw the fog and thought I might have an opportunity to create something magical, something with a mood. The first photo here with the three Egrets is from the period when the fog was still covering the lake. I was going to move around to the other side of the egrets to get some back-light shots, but the birds got spooked and flew off.

After that I proceeded to focus on the herons and swans. I even tried some abstract images when the reflection of the bare trees caught my attention. They reminded me of a charcoal drawing and I knew I would be trying a black and white treatment on them when I got home.

If your in the central Ohio area and have never been to Lake Logan, I highly recommend it. It’s a nice, peaceful place to spend a few hours relaxing.

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Great Egrets
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Great Blue Heron
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Great Blue Heron
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Mute Swan
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Charcoal Reflection – Bare trees reflected in the lake

Spotlight Photographs: Cat Portraits

Well, it’s been a little over a year since Sydney and Samson came home to live with Cindy and I. We have loved every minute of it. They on the other hand, have learned the same lesson that their predecessor “Buddy” had to learn. The price for the comfy life style they enjoy, is to be my photographic subjects . . . and frequently. However, they put up with it like the troopers that they are.

Both Sydney and Samson are from the Fairfield Area Humane Society in Ohio. It’s a wonderful facility filled with caring people, who take excellent care of their charges. Please support your local Humane Society.

Here are some recent portraits of the “kids”:

Sydney
Sydney
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Samson
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Samson

For more cat photographs please visit my photo gallery.

Desktop Wallpaper Giveaway – Snake River Overlook

I’m offering a free download of one of my photographs (Snake River Overlook) to use as your computer desktop wallpaper. Get it while it’s hot!

Snake River Overlook - Grand Tetons National Park

Snake River Overlook – Grand Tetons National Park
 
To see what other desktop wallpaper I have available for purchase, please visit my Online Store.

Nikon expands wide angle lens lineup

The Ultra-Wide 16-35mm f/4 VR and Ultra-Fast 24mm f/1.4 Lenses Provide Photographers With New Perspectives and Creative Versatility

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Feb. 8, 2010) – Nikon Inc. today announced two new lenses for professional and enthusiast photographers that epitomize NIKKOR leadership in optical excellence. The highly anticipated AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED lens is engineered to meet the demand for an ultra-fast professional lens for wide angle applications, while the AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR offers Nikon’s widest FX-format focal range with VR, offering additional versatility to a broad range of photographers.

“The 16-35mm f/4 VR and 24mm f/1.4 are two new lenses designed to address the needs of an ever-expanding number of Nikon FX-format photographers, delivering dramatic perspectives, amazing clarity, contrast and color when capturing stills or HD video,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “Customers that choose these new lenses will experience excellent image quality and sturdy handling, which is made possible through our commitment to excellence and expert NIKKOR engineering.”

World renowned NIKKOR technologies play an essential role in the design of these two new lenses, and both feature Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology for quiet, fast and accurate autofocus performance. The optical construction of both lenses also utilizes precision Nikon ED glass elements along with multiple aspherical elements to suppress chromatic aberrations resulting in sharp, high contrast images. Additionally, Nikon’s proprietary Nano-Crystal Coat minimizes instances of internal “ghosting” and flaring, further ensuring exceptional image integrity.

AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED
The 24mm f/1.4G ED Lens

Perhaps one of the most hotly anticipated lenses in recent memory, the new AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED lens blends a natural yet versatile 24mm perspective with an ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture to expand an existing collection of well over 60 NIKKOR interchangeable lenses. The f/1.4 maximum aperture allows photographers to shoot handheld in low light and provides dramatic separation between subject and a softened background. In a wide variety of photographic situations, both FX and DX-format shooters will enjoy the benefits of extra-bright f/1.4 viewing, superb image quality and the dramatic perspectives afforded by a picture angle of 84 degrees (61 degrees when mounted on a DX-format body).

AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
The 16-35mm f/4 VR Lens Brings a New Perspective to VR

The new AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR lens is an ideal lens for enthusiasts and professionals craving a constant maximum aperture and ultra-wide angle zoom versatility with the benefits of Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) II image stabilization. As the widest FX-format NIKKOR zoom lens with VR, users can realize the ability to shoot up to four shutter speeds slower than otherwise possible, expanding low light shooting opportunities and contributing to dramatically sharper handheld photography and video capture. Nikon VR II image stabilization technology is engineered specifically for and optimized to function most effectively for each lens, ensuring optimum performance. Whether joining the growing ranks of FX-format photographers or using the Nikon DX-format, photographers will appreciate the perspectives possible when shooting architecture, interiors, landscapes and more.

Pricing and Availability

The versatile, wide angle AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR is scheduled to be available in late February 2010 at Nikon Authorized Dealers with an estimated selling price of $1259.95*. The ultra-fast AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4 G ED lens will be available in late March 2010 for estimated selling price of $2199.95*. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

About the NIKKOR brand

With a comprehensive assortment of FX and DX-format lenses and focal lengths, from the ultra-wide 10-24mm to the super-telephoto 600mm VR, Nikon photographers have come to rely upon the NIKKOR core technologies that contribute to their optical superiority. NIKKOR is the brand name for Nikon’s photographic lenses, which was created by adding an “R” to “NIKKO”, an abbreviation of Nippon Kogaku K.K., the original company name of Nikon Corporation at the time of its founding. In 1933, Nikon marketed its first camera lens under the NIKKOR brand name, the “Aero-NIKKOR” for aerial photography applications. Since then, NIKKOR has been used as a brand name for Nikon’s lenses that symbolizes durability, high image quality and optical excellence.

About Nikon

Nikon, At the Heart of the ImageTM. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. For the second consecutive year, Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras are recognized as “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with digital SLR cameras, Two Years in a Row, Tied in 2008.” according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 and 2008 Digital Camera Usage and Satisfaction StudiesSM. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its legendary F-mount lens-mounting system. Only Nikon has sustained an original lens mount for such an extraordinary period, ensuring that photographers can continue to leverage their previous investments while still taking advantage of new innovations. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

*Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.