Adobe Lightroom Podcast

For those who want to know what is happening with the development of Adobe Lightroom, please check out the latest Podcast from members of the development team. This is a look under the hood of Lightroom as it is approaching its official launch. Development team members discuss the various controls available in Lightroom and what can be expected in the final release. 50 min. in length.

Click here for a link to the podcast:

Film about "Father of Color Photography"

As I continue my studies of photography, 2007 looks to be one in which I delve deeper into the strict study of color photography. One of the most influential figures in the history of color photography is William Eggleston. He is of particular interest to me since my maternal grandparents had the surname Eggleston. I am currently reading one of Eggleston's books (William Eggleston's Guide) and also discovered that there is a movie scheduled for release about Eggleston and his life for this February titled "By the Ways." The story looks quite interesting and I look forward to seeing the film if it is released on a national basis. I look forward to my yearlong investment in color photography studies and invite you to join me on this journey as we discuss the craft of color photography.

We are...Marshall!

Today marks an historic day for my community and Alma mater. Last April, Hollywood came to Huntington, WV to begin telling the story of tragedy and survival. Today "We are...Marshall!" is released in theaters across the nation. The story is true and I believe will touch the hearts of all who see it. It is hard for me to be objective about the whole story so I won't offer a review of the movie here, but I can share with you that I believe the movie will touch your heart in a special way. In some ways, the movie helps to explain many Huntingtonians "can do" attitude in the face of what can be overwhelming odds to succeed given our economic misfortunes in the Appalachia region. Director McG has described the movie as one about tragedy and how a community deals with grieving and starts on a path toward survival and ultimately success. If you are looking for an uplifting movie this holiday season, I believe you will find this one will meet your needs. If you have a moment this holiday season, take in some cinematic art and view We are...Marshall!

more on the movie We are...Marshall!

HDR article at PopPhoto

I stumbled across a wonderful article on High Dynamic Range processing at PopPhoto. The article looks at the HDR function of Photoshop, but more importantly looks at the wonderful new program Photomatix and how it produces HDR and tone mapping. It even compares the two. My intial use of Photomatix has been extremely positive and I encourage you to take a look at the program for HDR and tone mapping. A definite must-read for anyone looking at the latest in photographic enhancement techniques.

To read the article please click here...

Alain Briot Interview Part 2

Part 2 of the Alain Briot interview is now available either through your iTunes player or directly through Feedburner. Alain discusses his attitude toward learning and how that attitude influences his teaching and his writing.

Spaceweather-want to see an aurora?

Sometimes I have to chuckle at our technology today and what we can do vs. just a few years ago. One of the great aids to photographing the night sky is the website spaceweather.com One of the main features of Spaceweather is the presentation of geomagnetic storm data and the uncanny ability to now predict when an aurora will take place. Not only can we predict the aurora, but the prediction is pretty darn accurate as to how far south one could expect to see the aurora. On December 14 an aurora event took place and the predictions were dead on target. The website is full of wonderful aurora photographs from that particular display from Norway to Arizona! You can even register for an "aurora alert" that will notify you as to when an aurora is likely to occur at your location. I just think that is so awesome! There are many other astronomical measurements at Spaceweather as well from asteroids to the ISS. But for me and other fellow photographers, nothing is more useful than the aurora prediction capability and for that I am at the same time grateful and awed by our technological capabilities of today.

Florida or bust!

Plans have been finalized for a photographic journey to southern Florida in February. The itinerary is full:

• Visit an Ansel Adams/Clyde Butcher exhibit
• Visit the Clyde Butcher Big Cypress Gallery
• Photograph in Big Cyprus Nature Preserve and the Loxahatchee River via canoe
• Scout art shows for future participation

I am very excited about the visit and have no preconceived photographs in mind. So I am hopeful that something unique will be the photographic result. I will keep you updated as the trip gets closer. Oh, I am also hoping to prepare a videocast of the trip. So stay tuned for more stuff as February approaches.

Mastering Landscape Photography by Alain Briot now available

A collection of writings by Alain Briot on "Mastering Landscape Photography" is now available directly from Alain with a very special offer or from on-line booksellers. I highly recommend checking out Alain's very special offer which includes a companion print at a very nice price. This book will serve as a central repository for Alain's writings which have greatly accelerated my learnings on fine art landscape photography and I am confident it will help you reach your photographic goals as well. Highly recommended!

Alain Briot Interview Part 1

Alain Briot is one of the most accomplished landscape photographers in the world today and is also one of the finest contemporary writers and educators on the subject of fine art landscape photography. I was prividged to interview Alain after attending my 6th workshop with him, the Fine Art Printing Summit in Page, AZ, via the phone. In our first installment Alain discusses his motivations for teaching photography. The interview is available via an .m4a file which is playable in iTunes and can be found by subscribing to my Podcast.

New for 2007

The What's New content has now gone to an RSS feed via Blogger and Feedburner. Now you can stay up on the latest news from Jeff Ball Photography by subscribing to the feed. The January newsletter was mailed to subscribers yesterday with some very important information. The January Print of the Month now utilizes a special promotion code that is available to newsletter subscribers in order to receive an additional discount on the Print of the Month pricing. Sign up for the newsletter today by visiting earthandskyphoto.com today.

The January Print of the Month is titled "wo-chi-ha-yeli-kahn" which in Navajo can be translated to be "light up dawn." I think when you see the image you will understand why I chose that title. Please visit the image at the January Print of the Month webpage.