General and Quick Photo Editing Tips

I've been told not once, not twice but numerous times (even by photography experts) that any image that has been edited is no longer eligible to be called a photograph. I can't say that I agree nor disagree with this comment because I still edit some of my images. The only problem with this type of remarks is that DSLRs or even Digital PnS Cameras works, as the name calls it, Digitally. We can't rely on electronic forms purely, so needless to say, the only way around to a perfect shot is to post-process it. Big shot magazines does it, professional portraitures does it, so why is it that editing is a taboo again?

Furthermore, look at the way images were processed in the old times. Obviously they did not have computers or photoshop to be used as an editing mechanism, but that did not stop them from editing their raw material. The process of exposure adjustments was the most notable act of editing. I rest my case. :p

Anyways, I'd love to share some tips on basic photo editing techniques. Here are 3 basic principles that I have adapted throughout my journey behind the lens, plus they're all quick jobs.

1. Exposure Level Adjustments : The most common issue in photography is the exposure level. A lot of factors can throw us off in regards to exposure judgement when we shoot outdoors or indoors, for example, the brightness of the sun can disrupt our accuracy in judging whether the picture taken was underexposed or overexposed when looking straight at the camera's LCD.
   
   Solution before editing - All DSLRs have exposure monitors (you'll have to refer to your manual for the button). Judge the levels by looking at the histogram. If it's not balanced, then shoot again.
   
   If this fails, do not worry. Open up photo editing softwares like Photoshop or GIMP (Free to Download). Open your image that you want to edit. Depending on the softwares, find 'Levels Adjustments'. Fiddle with the sliders and adjust as needed. It normally looks like a histogram, yes just like the one on your DSLR, and it will show you the original levels initially. You'll find your image to be more beautiful as you adjust the brightness.
   
   
2. Color Balancing Adjustments: Sometimes your image turns out redish or greenish or blueish. That's a colorg balancing matter. It normally generated by a wrong judgement of white balancing within your camera's settings.
   All DSLRs have a white balancing function and most digital PnS cameras has it as well. Have a go at different balancing and see the difference it makes to the image.
   
   Using any photo editing softwares, you are able to change the color balance of the image to suit your desired effect. It will normally be the 'Color Balance' function in these softwares.
   
   
3. Symmetrical Straightening Adjustments : Another mistake we all do is picture framing. If you later realise that your shot is crooked on one side, easiest way to adjust that is to make the appropriate selection on the image and rotate it until it is straight. Then, crop out the unwanted areas.

So there you go. 3 simple and quick ways to make your images stand out better.

Kingston DataTraveler 101 Review

So I just recently bought a USB Drive with the size of 2GB. Owh, I got the yellow/goldish one by the way. Kingston Technology’s Data Traveler 101 is a portable and practical USB flash drive that provides obviously data storage and also protection in an extremely literally featherweight and compact design.

What's really good about it is that its priced at around RM 25 (USD 7) in Kota Kinabalu at the moment. Possibly cheaper in KL. This product is designed for those cost-concious customers who wants a product with great functions and specs, but only wants to pay peanuts for it. Well there you go folks, its now priced at peanuts. Great for photographers and graphic designers (just like me :p). The model also comes in 1GB and 8GB (that are sold in Kota Kinabalu). You'll find it almost everywhere, from Karamunsing to Wisma Merdeka, you name it, you'll find it.

The DataTraveler 101 is capless, with its swivel body meant to protect the USB port. If you're lucky you might be able to find the blue coloured body, otherwise you'll just have to stick to either purple or yellow.

There are a couple of slight drawbacks from this cheap-yet-durable item. That would be its transfer speed which is tremendously slow and it does not come with any straps. Transfer rate is around about 9.6 - 11 MB/s not the greatest speed you would want when copying movies.

Summary:
Pro: Sturdy, Durable, Cheap as Peanuts!, Cool swivel action.
Cons: Poor transfer rate, did not come with a strap.

Final words, its recession time people wherever you are. So just get one will you and stop burning CDs or DVDs. They're a waste of money I tell you!!!!
-Peace out-

Photography Competition in Sabah

Looks like photography in Sabah is getting what it deserves. A new competition called "Simply The Best Shots of Sabah 2008" is currently ongoing. Jointly organised by the Tourism and Youth Ministries and SPPS (Sabah Professional Photographers' Society), total cash prizes equates to RM25K.

Grab your SLR/DLSR/PNS, and start shooting people.

Deadline is in January 2009. More info at http://www.sabah.gov.my/kkbs/.


(I wonder why Canon or Nikon wasn't called for sponsorships...hmmm..oh well)

FastStone Photo Resizer Review

So I'm a huge fan of Photos if you can't tell already. With photos, one must have proper tools to manage, edit and produce end results. So here comes an image resizer software that does not only do the job, but also gives one extra features.

My choice, with massive recommendations, is the FastStone Photo Resizer (Currently at Version 2.8). Here is a list of what it does.

1. Batch image resizing with basic customizable settings for outputs, includes
   
• Instant conversion to other formats (e.g jpeg, gif, png, tiff, bmp)
• Image quality customizing (0-100% quality)
• Watermarking
• Bordering
• Framing
• Image editing
2. Bulk Image File Renaming
3. The option to keep original image file attribute

Pros: Very fast (tested), Changeable skins for that extra option to make you feel special, Free,
Cons: Did I mention that it's free??!!??, so no Cons alright! Seriously, no cons detected at all.

If you shoot massive amount of pictures from you digital camera and would like to either watermark it with your name or resize them to a certain size or even to add a fancy flair such like the framing borders, this software is for you. It does the job for you if you want to apply the same change(s) to a large collection of pictures. Google it and download for a test drive. You'll be amazed how well it can work for you.

Just got myself a new Toy

Guess who got himself a new Lens? That's me of course :p

Specifically, I purchased the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II Macro Lens. I know, I know, why not go for the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L Lens? The answer is pretty simple, It's recession time for The StiXX *head down, hands on forehead, sighing*

Anyways, let's go over some things with the Lens. The stages of quality and specs check:

Stage 1: The Physical Inspection

• No scratch-marks
• Glass is clean and clear
• No foreign material/object found inside the lens
• Owh, so heavy. Weighing at 1.37Kg, its what you'd expect from a zoom lens.
• Hood all good - clear from marks and attachable
• Zoom ring is very smooth with the 'just right' amount of friction
• Focus ring is a bit far to reach, but again, its a zoom lens, what do you expect. Its also smooth and its friction is well build.
  

Stage 1 - Passed

Stage 2: Focusing

• Not the sharpest zoom lens around, but for AUD999, it's well worth it
• AF is very fast and silent, unlike its younger brother, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Lens. The world has too much noise pollution as it is.

Stage 2 - Barely Passed

Stage 3: Extras

• I love it when Sigma gives extras to their customers
• The first one is the front lens cap. Its new center pinch and pull cap is much more user-friendly compared to its old cap. Less wobblying and quick fit is key to any Lens Cap.
• The bag is to die for. It comes with the lens for free, and it is padded just how you'd like any lens bag to be padded. The nylon material is also an added bonus.
• Yes, you get the hood (petal design - typical of Sigma)
  
• Tripod ring also included
• Lastly, a Strap for the padded bag. Whoah!
  

Stage 3: Passed with flying colors

To sum it up:
Pros: f/2.8 means low light capability and bokeh! Cheap, Sturdy, Fast HSM AF.
Cons: focus not so sharp, tripod is needed due to the non OS function

Note: In the next coming days, you won't find the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM II Macro Lens priced under AUD1K anymore. My sources tells me, some of the shops are already being forced to raise lens prices up. One shop-owner told me that its going up by 20-30%. Blame it on the US and Oz economic recession. Glad I got mine just in time.

New Max Brenner Cafe at Metcentre Sydney

So me and my wife plus her family members went over to the new Max Brenner cafe at Metcentre just after having dinner at the Bavarian Bier Cafe. Not bad at all. It was a cold night, and we wanted chocolates for some reason. Walked over there, wobbly of course, (yeah we had some drinks over at the Bier Cafe) and there wasn't any empty tables inside. Thankfully the tables outside had heaters on top of them. We still couldn't stand the cold that night, so we saw an empty slot, quickly went in and set ourselves up. Now at Max Brenner, it's all ordering at the counter and they'll send the orders to the tables (if you dont know already). It was my first time, so forgive my ignorance.

The place was nice, wooden everywhere. From chairs, ceiling, tables, almost all the interior design was wood, dark chocolate colored wood for that matter. I ordered the American Melting Marshmallow, Choc soufflé , and the waffles. As a chocolate lover, this was heaven..yummmmmmeeeeeeeee...lol.

So if you ever wanted chocolates, Max Brenner's the place. Just look at the pictures I took with a 50mm lens. Trust me, you won't regret it. Only drawback though, is the pricing. Be sure to have your work-pay inside your account, otherwise you'll probably end up hating chocolates for the rest of your life. You have been warned! LOL.

The New Max Brenner's address in Sydney CBD
Shop MG 24, Metcentre, 273 George Street,
Sydney NSW 2000
Phone Number: +61 2 9251 7788
Opening Hours
Mon – Thurs - 7:30am – 11:00pm
Fri – 7:30am – Midnight
Sat – 10:00am – Midnight
Sun- 10:00am – 11:00pm

KATA DPS 3N1-20 Review

So I just bought myself a bag for my DSLR and its accessories. I have been searching for one for quite a while and was initially aiming at the Lowepro's Flipside 300. Design-wise, I strongly felt the KATA was more sleek and suitable for a person with some height.

It was priced at AUD149.99, but I managed to get the manager of the store to mark it down to AUD130. Other models include the DPS 3N1-10 (smaller size) and the DPS 3N1-30 (larger size).

SPECS:

• Fits DSLR with battery pack & mid-range zoom lens attached as well as, 3-4 lenses, flash and additional accessories.
• Top storage for your personal things.
  
• 2 Side Pockets (Zipped)
• Hip strap - For support
  
• Interchangeable straps (Straight/X/Sling)
  
• Weighs 2.9lbs/1.3kg
• Dimension: L(23.5cm) / W(19) / H( 44)
  
• Weather protection - it comes with a rain cover.
• Internal rib structure - Very strong and you wouldn't have to worry everytime your camera bag falls off the table.
• Flight Cabin Size - complies with majority airlines cabin baggage requirement.
• Trolley capabilities.
• Customizable inner paddings - to fit your camera, lenses and accessories accordingly.
  

I was informed (by a source :P) that KATA bags haven't arrived ASIA yet. However, with technologies and a credit card, anyone can purchase one online, paying in USD of course.

Short story on KATA (off their main website):
"Nitzan Kimchi and Dror Tishler, founders and owners of KATA, became acquainted with sophisticated military equipment during their service in an elite combat unit of Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Subsequently, they developed and offered solutions for the special units of the IDF and Israel's secret services for over a decade. In 1992, in response to an increased demand for their products, and following an extended process of product development, they decided to establish KATA."