Welcome to the iFotoZ weblog. The purpose of this blog is to share information and resourses related to DIGigital PHOTOgraphy. I am often asked questions on cameras, printing, and the gallery itself. Here is a place to ask your questions and get answers. Please feel free to share your ideas and resourses as well.
I have submitted the following course proposal to Rochester Info-Courses for inclusion in the spring catalog. I might even get one of my photos selected for the catalog cover. Anyway if this topic is of interest to you please sign up. Here is what I submitted:
Being Digital - Where is my Picture?
by Tom Policano
Now that digital photography is affordable to us all and we have that cute new camera where are our pictures? If this question makes you uncomfortable because you thought your computer was taking care of everything - you are not alone! In this DigPhoto course let’s demystify what happens when we connect our camera or digital film to the computer. Then let’s talk about ways to get organized so that we will never loose or have trouble finding any photo we ever take! Even if our computer gets a virus or worse yet CRASHESxx00???xo! Further let’s get set up to let our friends and family see our pictures and get REAL PHOTOGRAPHS of their favorites delivered to their homes using the Internet.
Tom Policano has been a photographer since 1968 and has been shooting digitally since 1998. He is currently faculty at RIT in the Digital Imaging & Publishing Technologies department. He has been teaching a variety of DigPhoto courses for over six years. You can see his work on the Internet (http://ifotoz.com).
Carol, who was at the DigPhoto workshop I did this past summer in the Adirondacks, emailed me to ask what strategy I use to name my files? I name files at download as follows yymmdd_keyword_##.jpg into monthly folders named yymm
I am then able to find my photos very quickly. The above file names are compatible with all modern computer systems and internet operations.
There are many applications available to organize your photos on the computer. Many digital cameras come with such software and both Microsoft and Apple have photo organizers included with their operating systems. Most organizers, however, lack the ability to save a thumbnail catalog independent of the actual files themselves which I feel is the most important feature of an organizer.
My organizer of choice for many years, that has this feature, has been iView Media. iView Media has many additional features including the ability to batch rename files as suggested above, batch resize images and change file type if desired, make desktop icons, rotate the original files as well as the thumbnils without opening an editing program, create web galleries, run slideshows, etc.
The photo files themselves with a copy of the iView Media catalog I archive onto two CD’s whenever I get up to 650 megabytes of photos in my computer collection. I leave a copy of the catalog on the computer so I can see thumbnails or search my entire collection of photos and then erase the photos from the computer.
One of the CD’s is stored away and the other I carry around to access the images. If I lose or scratch a CD I make a copy from the second backup. Once I burn a CD my photos will last for over 100 years. These photos are now safe from computer crashes and viruses.
This whole management process goes very quickly with a little practice.
I now have over 75 CD’s (also recently archived to 10 DVD’s) of original digital photographs that I have taken since beginning DigPhoto in October, 1998 when I bought my first Nikon CoolPix 900 (2.1 megapixel) camera. Today, and my eight model later, I use a Nikon CoolPix 8800 (8 megapixel) camera.
Well I have been having a time embedding MP3 sound files in a few of my pages so that they will play on the multitude of systems and browsers. My current fix was suggested by David Egbert. I adjusted his code to have my MP3’s auto start and give my audience the capability to control volume and the play head. An example can be heard on a currently unlinked iFotoZ page in honor of a friend Richie. I would welcome comments on ways that you have used to embed MP3 sound files.
So Maaja and Jon are using the FireFox browser on their PC and the 4 Corners Shockwave slide show does not work? I researched the System requirements for Macromedia Shockwave media and found the following:
Windows
* Win98, Pentium II, 64MB
* Win2K, Pentium III, 128MB
* WinXP, Pentium III, 128MB
* Microsoft Internet Explorer 6sp1, 5.5sp2, 5.01sp2
* Netscape 7.1
Macintosh Classic
* Power Macintosh G3 , 9.2, 64 MB RAM
* Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.1
Macintosh OS X
* Power Macintosh G3 running OS 10.1.5, 10.2.6, 10.3 128 MB RAM
* Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.2 or later
* Netscape 7.1
* Safari
As friends are heeding the cry to switch from MS Internet Explorer they are losing the ability see the iFotoZ 4 Corners slide show although they can still hear Alan Todd playing guitar since this is an MP3 audio file. Maaja was able to both see and hear 4 Corners when she used MS Internet Explorer.
Cristina received her iFotoZ print order and while she loved the prints, she was confused to find out that they did not fill the picture frames she had. Oh boy!
Here is the scoop. Image composition is a real big deal to me. I compose exactly what I want when I take the photo. I do not crop my images and I have instructed my print fulfillment service to not crop them. Enter aspect ratio. Aspect ratio describes the proportional relationship between the height of an image and its width. It is written using the smallest whole numbers that represent the exact proportions of the image. While the aspect ratio is fixed, image size is flexible so that prints can be as large or small as you like but the width and height must keep the same proportions (-> same aspect ratio) unless you crop the image or add white space.
The aspect ratio for most prosumer digital cameras is 3:4 the same aspect ratio as TVs and computer monitors (note the newer letterbox TVs have an aspect ratio around 9:16). Traditional 35mm film cameras use film that measures 24mm x 36mm (1′ x 1 1/2′) so the aspect ratio is 2:3. My Hasselblad images are 1:1 (square). Print services offer us paper sizes of 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, 11x14, etc. The aspect ratio for each of these is 2:3, 5:7, 4:5, and 11:14 respectively. Notice the aspect ratios are all different and none of them match the aspect ratio of 3:4 for my digital images!
Practically, what happens when you order prints is that the printer crops your image to fill the paper unless you specify otherwise. Every paper size requires a different cropping. By not allowing my images to be cropped I am able to ensure that the composition that is so important to the “feel” of my pictures is maintained. To do this white space is added. Pretty confusing huh?
Many people ask which camera is the best to buy? Most recently my sister, Gina, asked me. I have learned that the answer to this question has more to do with the experience and purposes of the user than with the equipment itself. For myself, I am totally into Nikon’s CoolPix line of prosumer (not consumer and not professional) cameras. I love my CoolPix 8800. For my clients, I have been recommending over the years the Nikon D series professional cameras which mostly use Sony made CCD chips. Today, I have to admit that Canon has the lead in the high end. They are producing their own CMOS imaging chips. Their high end Canon EOS 20D (8 megapixel) and the newest Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II (16.6 megapixel) definitely put Canon first. Sony, Fujifilm, and 18 other manufacturers make fine cameras as well.
So how do you pick? Well Digital Photography Review (dpreview) impartially reviews and lists the specifications of all the cameras made both past and present on an easy to use site. Particularly neat is the DPReview Cameras Timeline. I recommend shopping locally to actually hold and try the cameras that you might be interested in and then go to dpreview and compare the specs and prices of your favorites. While you can usually buy cheaper on line, buying locally has the advantage of a personal interaction and free advice/help if you get stuck getting started. If you buy on line be aware of “very cheap” camera prices as they may be for grey market equipment. A grey market camera was not intended by the company for sale in the USA. Buying a grey market camera voids the manufacturer’s warranty.
For most friends looking to get their first digital camera who press me further on a recommendation, I have most often suggested the Kodak Easyshare line of cameras for three reasons; great price, clear easy to follow camera menus, and a simple camera-to-computer interface. While shopping realize that the DigPhoto revolution is still not mature and that many more great cameras will be developed. The camera you get today might easily be given to a family member or sold on ebay to offset your upgrading to the next level of digital image making.
Along with the which camera question the second always asked question is how many pixels do I need? Quite simply if you have never had a print larger than 8′x10′ made from a photograph that you have taken then you will be very happy with a 3-4 megapixel camera. But more about pixels later…
Your camera will be able to save the images you shoot in some or all of the following formats: JPEG BASIC, JPEG NORMAL, JPEG FINE, TIFF, RAW. Some camera manufactures have additional options, some of which are proprietary.
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is by far the most popular format used. JPEG is an 8 bit RGB (Red, Green, Blue; true color/16.6 million color) file that can be opened by most applications including web browsers. JPEG is a lossy, variable compression image format. The rule of thumb here is more compression = more loss = less quality. The most popular JPEG options are 1:16 (JPEG BASIC), 1:8 (JPEG NORMAL), and 1:4 (JPEG FINE).
TIFF (Tag Image File Format) is a generic, lossless, 8 bit, RGB image format. This format will create files larger than the JPEG options.
RAW (sometimes called source data or atomic data) is an image file that has not been processed for use. It is a 16 bit color file. This setting creates large files that require extra time for your camera to save after you shoot. A RAW photo is magical in that you can modify your settings for exposure, color, and contrast on your computer, without loss, AFTER you take the photo! (Note: you can modify the exposure, color, and contrast of any (8 bit) photo on your computer after you take it but any change is a lossy degradation of the image. The file may look better but the improvement causes dropout losses that result is varying degrees of posterization of your picture.)
The JPEG FINE setting has the best balance of quality, size, and storage speed for most picture taking situations.
Next we look at the file size option. Basically all cameras have a maximum file size (resolution) which is the physical count of the number of pixels on the imaging sensor chip. It is designated by the megapixel specification (width in pixels x height in pixels = magapixel camera resolution) of the camera (2.4, 3.1 4, 5, 8, etc.). The camera settings allow a variety of choices from this maximum resolution down to VGA (640x480 pixels). Since you can always reduce your image size without loss afterwards it makes sense to leave your file size set to maximum all the time.
The choice of JPEG FINE at maximum resolution combined with setting the correct exposure, color, and contrast will result in a technically good photograph from your camera that should please you.
Exposure, color, and contrast settings will be covered later.
Hello Tom!
I’ve finally gotten the chance to visit your blog in all of its richness. Do I need a note for missing the first two weeks or so? What I have seen so far looks like it will be most helpful to me. I Hope your Winter is snug and your Spring comes early.
I’ve got some catching up to do. See you soon,
Tom D.
DIGital PHOTOgraphy Workshops with Tom Policano in Rochester, New York announced. The fifth series of these digital camera workshps have been scheduled. Pre-Register at Tom’s iFotoZ. These promise to be fun courses…
Digital Cameras I – Shooting (6:30-9:00 PM Thursday, January 11, 2007)
Help! I want to get a Digital Camera or I have a new Digital Camera but I am not sure what to do next??? This introductory course is for you. Learn about camera features and options, basic camera setup and shooting techniques, and picture storage and transfer options. What is a pixel? How many megabytes do I need? What is the difference between optical and digital zoom? What resolution should I use? What are all those options and menus for? Learn which camera is the best for you or bring your new camera and manual to this workshop and have a fun time getting started in the world of DigPhoto!
Digital Cameras II – Managing (7:00-9:00 PM Thursday, January 18, 2007)
Help! I have a Digital Camera but where is my picture??? Now that digital photography is affordable to us all and we have that cute new camera where are our pictures? If this question makes you uncomfortable because you thought your computer was taking care of everything - you are not alone! In this DigPhoto course let’s demystify what happens when we connect our camera or digital film to the computer. Then let’s talk about ways to get organized so that we will never loose or have trouble finding any photo we ever take even if our computer gets a virus or worse yet CRASHES! Learn how to name, edit, sort, catalog, archive to CD’s and find all of your beautiful new photographs. Have you thought about what to do with all your traditional film based photos? What should I do about red-eye? Can I improve my photo because its too… ? Come find out. Follow up questions to the Digital Cameras I – Shooting course will also be answered.
Digital Cameras III – Sharing (7:00-9:00 AM Thursday, January 25, 2007)
Fun! Let’s get set up to let our friends and family see our pictures and get REAL PHOTOGRAPHS of their favorites delivered to their homes using the Internet. Learn about emailing images, slide shows, Web photo galleries, printing, scrapbooking, card and calendar making, and other exciting ways to use and share your beautiful photos. Image manipulation and editing techniques using software like Photoshop Elements will be introduced. In this DigPhoto course your creative potential will be unleashed. Follow up questions to the Digital Cameras I – Shooting and Digital Cameras II – Managing courses will also be answered.
Tony Toscano, Brian Auker, Esther Damiano, and I are preparing ourselves to take the Adobe Photoshop ACE Exam. We are using the element k Adobe Online Training package and the Examaid’s Photoshop CS ACE Exam Aid as resources. Our goal is to be ready to take the exam in two weeks.
Ok, let it begin with my first press. I’m Brian Auker. I am taking a PhotoShop ACE training. I will ask more questions after I learned all the demo and training videos. Smile.
Today is the first day for Adobe Certified Experce for me to take. So far, i feel that i really need to improve my knowledge for Adobe Photoshop software. Ive been use that program often when I was in school at Art and Computer Design department. But after i took the self test, it said i really need to know much more. My goal to get better knowledge on that program. I wish it can continue for more than two weeks, because i am having difficult time to find coop. It effects on me to feel not movative. I want to find many things as possible to keep myself busy. I am happy that this class is offering so I can add something new on my resume when i search for job or coop. Thanks to Tony and Tommy 
I am looking forward to work with you for next 2 weeks.
In preparation for the Adobe ACE Exam students are expected to complete the elementk Photoshop courses listed below with a minumum passing grade of 92% by the end of class Wednesday, 6/8/05. We will then begin the ExamAid Photoshop review on Thursday. Students are expected to take notes and keep vocabulary lists to be reviewed with the instructors.
Photoshop® CS: Web Production
Photoshop® CS: Photo Printing and Color
Photoshop® CS: Basic Image Enhancement
Photoshop® CS: Refined Masking, Image Effects, and Retouching
What I did today was, reading more information about Photo Printing and Color. It is so LONG review. I am having difficult time to understand some of information, but with more of demo. It helps alot for me to understand, it also have activie for me to try. It makes things more easier for me. What i am concern about is that it have a lot of words and read during the test, it makes me confuse and I am having doubt feeling that i will success to pass. I am going to study more ton ight at home to finish that section then tomorrow morning ill take test while class.
WISH ME GOOD LUCK!!!!!
Today was mostly about review. I reviewed the wed product and did a test. I didnt do well on it but i did much better than the first day. I am so not sure if i will pass the exam. Its so hard. Over the weekend, ill do a lot of studying. I dont think 2 weeks is enough.
DIGital PHOTOgraphy Photoshop CS2 Workshop with Tom Policano announced. Register at DigPhoto Workshop. For those already comfortable with their digital cameras and especially graduates of the DigPhoto Shooting/Managing/Sharing series this promises to be fun…
DIGital PHOTOgraphy Photoshop CS2 Workshop (9:00-12:00 AM, Saturday, March 25, 2006)
Kool! In this hands on workshop you will prepare digital photos for high quality printing. Do’s and Don’ts, and Tips and Tricks of this preeminent image editing application will be covered. Retouching, cloning, image corrections (for exposure, color, contrast, and saturation), cropping, spotting, masking, resampling/resizing, and many other neat techniques will be revealed.
Bring your own laptop or use a lab computer we will provide.
Powered by WordPress