PhotoFlash #85 - Last Day of Course Sale - Enroll Today! 3 Keys to Pro Success; Camera Raw Tips; Discussions

Welcome to the 85th issue of PhotoFlash

Hi

What an awesome April at BetterPhoto! Our spring schedule of 4-week courses are kicking off today. But you must hurry and enroll, since this is the last day of the big 2 Day Spring Sale - $20 off all courses! Enter promo code Spring20 in the "Gift Card Code" field when checking out. Valid on any course purchased through today (April 7th).

More good news: There are still some spots left for BetterPhotoJim's 14-day Whirlwind Tour to celebrate BP's 14th anniversary. Check out Jim Miotke's 1-day Master the Mindset event!

In this issue of PhotoFlash, don't miss Vik Orenstein's Featured Article on the 3 Keys to Success if you are thinking of turning pro, and Deborah Sandidge's Featured Blog insights on the creative use of Adobe Camera Raw. And we have another fine collection of photo discussions.

Also, if you have a few minutes, stop by Team BetterPhoto blog, where you'll find lots of thoughts, insights, tips, and tidbits!

That's it for now. Have a great month!

Kerry Drager
Newsletter Editor

Where is Jim Miotke? Follow BetterPhoto's founder and president on Twitter - BetterPhotoJim - and in his blog: jim.betterphoto.com

To read the online version of PhotoFlash at our Web site, visit http://www.betterphoto.com/photoflashes/

In This Issue: Tuesday, April 06, 2010

• Featured Photo: Travertine Pools
• Featured Article: Pro Photography: 3 Keys to Success ... by Vik Orenstein
• New Photo Discussion 1: Adobe porch
• New Photo Discussion 2: Moose In Grand Teton National Park
• New Photo Discussion 3: Picture Perfect
• New Photo Discussion 4: Blues Sax
• The Next Step: Where to Go From Here

Featured Photo: Travertine Pools

Travertine Pools 4 second exposure at f/22, ISO 100, EFS 18-55mm at 18mm © Matthew M. Sciortino Canon EOS Digital ...

Featured Article: 3 Keys to Success for Pro Photography ... by Vik Orenstein
Do you have what it takes to become a professional photographer? Actually, Vik Orenstein emphasizes, "having what it takes doesn't guarantee success – just like having love alone doesn't guarantee a lasting marriage ... you have to work at it." Vik, a BP instructor and pro shooter, shares her thoughts in a terrific new BetterPhoto article.
Read more...

Final Day of Course Sale ... Enroll Today!

This is the last day of our awesome 2 Day Spring Sale - $20 off all courses! This discount is valid on any course purchased today (April 7th) - including 4-week courses and 8-week classes. NOTE: You must enter the promo code Spring20 in the "Gift Card Code" field when checking out. Learn more...

Featured Blog: Cool Processing in Adobe Camera Raw ... by Deborah Sandidge

One of the things that pro photographer Deborah Sandidge likes about Adobe Camera Raw is the ability to not only optimize an image, but to creatively enhance it as well. Read Deb's excellent BetterPhoto Instructor Insights blog on the subject.

Start Making Masterpieces Every Month!

What an exciting goal that Ansel Adams had: Create a masterpiece every month! Now BetterPhoto is paying homage to this legendary photographer with the launch of our Masterpiece of the Month Membership. As a Masterpiece member, you'll receive monthly assignments, private newsletters, and be eligible for benefits not offered with a basic membership. Now how totally cool is that!?! Learn more...

New Photo Discussions

New Photo Discussion 1: Adobe porch Adobe porch © Carolyn M. DAlessandro Nikon D300 Digital... Carolyn, I happened to see this while paging through the EPs. Very appealing lines and colors here, with the bonus of the unexpected snow in what seems to be a Southwest sort of architecture. - Mitch Spence See Mitch's Basic BetterPholio™ Response 1:Hi Mitch, Thank you for your kind words. This year, the Southwest (New Mexico) got what they say is 125% precipitation. Normal for this area is 25%. So truth be known, I am thrilled Spring is here ... but not sure if it is official with the weather. ;O) - Carolyn M. DAlessandro See Carolyn's Basic BetterPholio™ Read this discussion online Respond to this discussion

New Photo Discussion 2: Moose In Grand Teton National Park Moose In The Grand Teton National Park I had to work for this shot--I followed this female and her two calves for about an hour, finally working into a good position where we were both comfortable. It was worth the effort! f/8, 1/250 second, ISO 320 © Doug Steakley 4-Week Short Course: Basic Masks In Photoshop 4-Week Short Course: Photographing Motion Nikon D2X Digital ... Doug, What lens did you use to take this photo? It is just so clear and yet I know that you were using a telephoto. Do you remember the mm of the lens in this picture? I enjoyed visiting your site. - Shelia Earl See Shelia's Basic BetterPholio™ Visit searlphotography.com - Shelia's Deluxe BetterPholio™ Response 1:Hi Shelia, I used the Nikon 80-400mm zoom lens @ 360mm. I did use a tripod. I was standing at the edge of a small pond in Yellowstone. This mother seemed very used to people taking her photo. - Doug Steakley See Doug Steakley's Basic BetterPholio™ Take an Online PhotoCourse™ with Doug Steakley: 4-Week Short Course: Basic Masks In Photoshop 4-Week Short Course: Photographing Motion Read this discussion online Respond to this discussion

New Photo Discussion 3: Picture Perfect Picture Perfect Animas Forks is a small ghost town just outside of Silverton, Colorado. It was founded in 1880 and was a silver mining town (Elevation 11,160). Only a few of the old cabins are still standing. This shot was from within one of the cabins looking out. I metered for the outside view and used a flash to illuminate the walls. © Janet Fikar Canon EOS 5D Mark ... Beautifully composed. Excellent image. - Craig W. Myers See Craig's Basic BetterPholio™ Visit leaperphotos.com - Craig's Deluxe BetterPholio™ Response 1:Great shot, perfect title. Congratulations. - Randy D. Dinkins See Randy's Basic BetterPholio™ Visit randy-dinkins-photography.com - Randy's Deluxe BetterPholio™ Response 2:Outstanding framing and comp, Janet. Beautiful. Huge congrats on this beautiful Gold. - Mary Beth Aiello See Mary Beth's Basic BetterPholio™ Visit mary-beth-aiello-photography.com - Mary Beth's Deluxe BetterPholio™ Response 3:What a perfect frame on a beautiful scene! Congratulations on your stunning winner! - Anne McKinnell See Anne's Basic BetterPholio™ Read this discussion online Respond to this discussion

New Photo Discussion 4: Blues Sax Blues Sax © Clark Thomas, PhD Do you mind my asking what your camera settings were (if you remember)? And, did you use an AFTER film grain effect? Very nice composition. - Donna M. Marino See Donna 's Basic BetterPholio™ Response 1:Hi Donna. They were: f/5.6, 1/50 seconds, no flash, ISO 1250, Auto white balance, 255.00 mm, Model Canon 1DMKll. The only post processing is conversion to B/W. I don't believe I added grain effect in post. The grain is more likely noise from the high ISO, but I thought it added to the feel of the late-night blues session Thanks for your feedback. - Clark Thomas, PhD See Clark's Basic BetterPholio™ Read this discussion online Respond to this discussion

The Next Step: Where to Go From Here

• Browse more photo discussions at BetterPhoto.com
• Start your own discussion on any photo in the Galleries
• Read archived issues of PhotoFlash

Until next time, thanks for reading and keep having fun with photography!
Jim Miotke
BetterPhoto.com, Inc.

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