Visual Storytelling

Hits Highlights
Lonzell Watson in Teach yourself Visually Digital Video covers the critical elements  often missed by beginners.  The table of contents enables quick access to desired sections.  The detailed index provides easy key word access.

Chapters include:

1. Understanding Digital Video (Great introduction to the subject)
2. What You Need to Get Started (Buying a camera and software)
3. Preparing to Shoot Video (Avoid Murphy)
4. Recording Great Audio (Critical to compelling video)
5. Controlling Exposure and Focus
6. Exploring the color of Light and Lighting
7. Basic Principles and Event Videography
8. Shooting Great Footage Through Composition
9. Reviewing and Transferring Video (Camera to Computer)
10. Editing Video and Postproduction Process (Building the story)
11. Creating Transitions, Titles and Other Video Effects (Dressing up the story)
12. Sharing Your Video with the World

Through these twelve chapters, Lonzell Watson provides a comprehensive introduction to videography.  Will this book make you a professional?  No, but it provides a great start to creating compelling video.  Follow the guidelines set out in Teach yourself Visually Digital Video and produce videos that tell compelling stories, and that your family and friends will watch (without groans or twisted arms).

Contact: Wiley

Cost: $29.99 US $35.99 CAN

Digital Noise Tamed

New for Dfine 2.0:

• User Interface
• Improved noise reduction engine
• Image and camera profiles
• Improved batch processing
• Improved selective tool

User Interface
Dfine 2.0 opens in a clean, professional interface, and automatically measures the image noise to create a profile. The image noise may be manually measured by selecting noise measurement areas, and then measuring this noise to create the profile. Alternatively, previously saved profiles may also be applied. Custom camera profiles are easy to create for each ISO used. These custom profiles are based on the camera used to create each profile, and thus account for manufacturing differences between sensors.

Preview and Loupe views are available to review the noise reduction effect on the image. Selecting the “Reduce” tab provides controls for the noise reduction process. Both contrast and color noise reduction may be controlled. Control points may also be placed on the image to fine tune the noise reduction. A brush tool is also available to selectively apply the noise reduction.

Images
To illustrate the noise reduction abilities of Dfine 2.0, an image was selected from photos taken in the evening at Seattle’s Pike Place Market (taken with a Nikon D200 (10 MP sensor) set to ISO 800). The selected image was processed in Photoshop CS4, using Dfine 2.0. 100 percent crops of the original and processed images are presented below.

100 percent crop of the original photo

Automatic Noise Reduction

Nikon D200 ISO 800 Camera Profile

Control Point Adjustment

The above images illustrate the noise reduction abilities of Dfine 2.0. The Automatic nose reduction works well. Using a camera & ISO profile provides enhanced noise reduction. And employment of control points provides precise noise reduction control.

Training

• Training videos
• Webinar schedule
• Archived webinars

System Requirements:
Windows

• 32-bit version of Windows XP with Service Pack 3 and Windows Vista
  (64-bit operating systems with 32-bit host application)
• Pentium III 1GHz or better
• 1 GB RAM
• Adobe® Photoshop® 7 through CS4, Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 through 7.0; other Adobe Photoshop plug-in compatible application**
• Adobe Photoshop Lightroom® 2.3 or later

Macintosh

• Mac OS 10.4 and later
• G4, G5, Intel® Core™ Solo, Intel Core Duo, Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Xeon®
• 1 GB RAM
• Adobe® Photoshop® CS2 through CS4, Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 and 6.0; other Adobe Photoshop plug-ins compatible applications**
• Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.3 or later
• Apple® Aperture™ 2.1 or later

** Nik Software product filters are developed to integrate seamlessly into many popular image editing applications that support the Adobe plug-in architecture. There are numerous software applications that accept Adobe plug-in compatible filters. Please consult your image editing application’s documentation for compatibility and installation instructions for 3rd-party plug-ins.

Contact: Nik Software
Cost: $99.95

Color control is vital to making a subject pop. Nik Software provides a powerful color control solution with Viveza. Nik Software’s U Point® color control points provide Viveza with exceptional color control precision.

Color Control Workflow
Open an image in Photshop, select Nik Software and then Viveza from the Filters menu. Alternatively, access Viveza in Aperture (Images -> Edit With -> Viveza) or Lightroom (Photo -> Edit In -> Viveza). Viveza opens in its own user interface that includes preview, loupe, and filter control areas.

Simply select “Add a Control Point” from the filter control area. And then select the area of the photo to adjust. Adjust the sliders on the control point to achieve the desired effect.

Images
To illustrate the color control abilities of Viveza, an image was selected from photos taken with a Nikon D200 (10 MP sensor). The selected image was processed in Photoshop CS4 using Viveza. The original and processed images are presented below.

Original Photo

Viveza with 4 Control Points

The above image illustrates the powerful, yet easy-to-direct color control capabilities of Viveza. To draw the eye to the flower, the first control point was placed on the crocus flower and adjusted to add brightness, contrast, and saturation. To improve the contrast between the flower and the green leaves, the second control point was placed on the green tulip leaves to reduce the brightness, contrast and saturation. To de-emphasize and darken the background, particularly the red tones, two control #price points were added. The third control point is above and to the right of the flower. The fourth control point is slightly below and to the right of the flower. Both the third and forth control points reduced the brightness, contrast, saturation and red tones.

These simple to implement color adjustments, made a tremendous improvement to the image. Now the crocus really pops.

Nik Software has announced that Viveza 2.0 will be available in December 2009 for MSRP $199.95. This is a free upgrade if you purchased Viveza 1.0 after September 22, 2009. Thus, if you buy Viveza 1.0 now and get the free upgrade, you will save $50 over the MSRP of Viveza 2.0.

Pros

• A joy to use – great tool
• Powerful color control
• Excellent video training

Cons

• None noted

Training

• Training videos
• Webinar schedule
• Archived webinars

System Requirements:
Windows

• 32-bit version of Windows XP with Service Pack 3 and Windows Vista
  (64-bit operating systems with 32-bit host application)
• Pentium III 1GHz or better
• 1 GB RAM
• Adobe® Photoshop® 7 through CS4, Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 through 7.0; other Adobe Photoshop plug-in compatible application**
• Adobe Photoshop Lightroom® 2.3 or later

Macintosh

• Mac OS 10.4 and later
• G4, G5, Intel® Core™ Solo, Intel Core Duo, Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Xeon®
• 1 GB RAM
• Adobe® Photoshop® CS2 through CS4, Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 and 6.0; other Adobe Photoshop plug-ins compatible applications**
• Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.3 or later
• Apple® Aperture™ 2.1 or later

** Nik Software product filters are developed to integrate seamlessly into many popular image editing applications that support the Adobe plug-in architecture and there are numerous software applications that accept Adobe plug-in compatible filters. Please consult your image editing application’s documentation for compatibility and installation instructions for 3rd-party plug-ins.

Cost: MSRP $149.95
B&H Photo Video

Contact: Nik Software

Lucky for beginning and experienced screenwriters, there is Final Draft Script Writer’s Suite with Final Draft v7 and Final Draft AV v2. Both software programs downloaded seamlessly on an Apple MacBook Pro. Systems requirements state both programs require Mac OS X v10.3.9 or later, Power PC G3 to G5 or an Intel based processor, 128-256 MB of RAM, and 35-50 MB of available hard drive space.

It’s worth the time to take a play or script writing course, and purchase a how-to book. However, if you have a story burning in your brain, Final Draft helps guide you to unleash your passion. There are many supportive features in this program, and a few are highlighted in this review.

In Final Draft, different script templates are provided laying out plays, movies and television formats. Help is provided with a PDF and hard copy user manual. If you’re really stumped, there is the Ask the Expert interactive problem solver. Open a new file, and note the well laid out, self-directing word processing tool bar. At the bottom of the page is the nifty Status Bar that identifies whether you are inserting a heading, action, scene introduction, character dialogue, etc. Simple, yet very important Continues and Mores can be automatically inserted.

Final Draft allows importing of other scripts, saving time to not retype material. Text to Speech allows the writer to choose different voices for live script readings. The Panels Systems offers the script to be viewed as index cards, in split screens, or multiple panels under the main screen. And Format Assistant can search and alert for errors before printing and submission. Commands and functions on the Production menu help alleviate potential production problems. Final Draft also allows collaborative writers to compare, edit and discuss scripts in real time over the Internet. Final Draft Tagger is included, which assists breaking down the script into a shooting schedule format, saving time and money.

Final Draft AV 2 is a full script writing software for professional writers of commercials, corporate or training videos, documentaries and presentations. This program simplifies the process, by providing a table format with an organized menu bar. It eliminates the scriptwriter’s headache of aligning columns, and allows writers to tailor their script layout. Columns and scenes stay aligned throughout typing. Video text can be dragged and dropped in sequence with audio text, allowing scenes to be reordered. Layouts can be modified and saved as templates for future use. Scripts can be laid out in three different formats ( audio visual, radio and linear script). With Apple Keynote (purchased separately), script text can be exported into a visual slide presentation.

Both programs provide 24/7 support with Online Knowledge Base, and are 100% cross-platform for Windows and Mac users. Final Draft and Final Draft AV allow online script registry with the Writer’s Guild of America.

For both programs, free online demos are provided at www.finaldraft.com. Final Draft AV 2.5 is now available and Final Draft 8 should be released soon. You have one in a million shot that a Hollywood script reader gives the thumbs up. With Script Writer Suite, this software provides tools to make your story shine.

Product: Scriptwriter’s Suite Software
Made By: Final Draft
Website: finaldraft.com

Pros: Easy to use and understand for amateurs and professionals; good support
Cons: Somewhat expensive, but worth it

Creative Close-Ups has five chapters.  Each chapter is broken down into relatively short sections covering all aspects of close-up photography:

• Worlds of Wonder (subjects)
• Getting Close (equipment and procedures)
• Photographing Flowers
• Universe in a Grain of Sand (water drops & reflections)
• Close-ups in the Studio

Creative Close-Ups is an excellent book that includes many outstanding and inspirational photographs.  I strongly recommend the  book for beginners to expert photographers, even if close-up  photography is not your primary photo interest.  This book, while providing a wonderful introduction to close-up photography, is also suitable for the coffee table.

Contact: Wiley

Cost: $29.99 US, $35.99 CAN

Handy Apps on One Screen
I’m getting to know my iPad better. And one issue is only one application can be run at a time. This feature may not seem limiting, but it can be a bit redundant having to pop back and forth into the Home page to run a calculator, check a calendar, the weather, write yourself a note (you know, some quick, handy apps).

Enter the DashPad app. For $9.99, iPad users can download this application that provides a dashboard on one screen. Current apps provided on the Dashboard include a clock, calculator, monthly calendar, Google search button, convert units, Yellow Pages, sticky note, and weather.

Download the Dashpad app, and hit the + button on the iPad to add the Dashpad icon to your home screen. If you’re tired of having to sign off on one application (Google, or a calculator), and want to check the weather, than consider getting 8 applications in one. To access the widgets, hit the +- button on the upper lefthand corner, and a widget dock slides up on the screen bottom. Just click on to add, or remove each widget.

Users can also submit app requests. It will be interesting to see how many applications will be added to the Dashpad.

System Requirements: An Apple iPad
Contact: www.pxlcreations.com
Cost: $9.99 US

Hardware & Software
Image quality starts with the scanner hardware.  The scanner software determines the user’s experience and the final output quality.  Thus, the image quality is dependent on the quality of the hardware and software, and how well the hardware and software work together.

The Plustek OpticFilm 7600i SE is bundled with either SilverFast SE Plus iSRD & ME, or SilverFast Ai Studio.  This review is based on SilverFast SE Plus iSRD & ME running on an iMac (i5 processor).

Resolution
Plustek indicates that the scanner  has a resolution of 7200 X7200 dpi.  When scanning at 7200 dpi, the scanned files were approximately 6100 dpi (based on  image size information from Photoshop, Lightroom or file information).  When scanning at 3600 dpi, the scanned files were approximately 3200 dpi (based on  image size information from Photoshop, Lightroom or file information).

User Interface
The SilverFast scanning interface was reasonably well laid out.  However, the interface is not as intuitive as other software.  The learning curve is not too steep, and decent scans can be done using the automatic scan features.

iSRD
iSRD stands for infrared scratch and dust removal. This feature rocks.

iSRD on

iSRD off

Note the scratches above the two masts (right side photo). As shown in the above two images, iSRD did an excellent job of removing the scratches.

Pro:  Easy to use, Small footprint

Con: Scanner, when set to 7200 dpi did not output 7200 dpi images

System Requirements:

• CDROM Drive
• Available USB port
• 512 MB RAM
• 500 MF free HDD space
  

Windows:

• CPU: Pentium III or faster CPU
• Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP / Vista/ 7

Macintosh:

• CPU: PPC G4, PPC G5, Intel
• MAC 10.3.9 and higher including Snow Leopard

Please note these are minimum requirements only. Plustek highly  recommends using a high performance computer. Overall, the Plustek OpticFilm 7600i SE is a reliable scanner. The Plustek Optic Film 7600i SE is an excellent performer, particularly at its price point. This scanner gives you what you pay for.

Contact: Plustek

Cost: $369.95 US

The Devil’s in the Details

This format and the extensive index are the book’s strong points.  However, I found covering both CS3 and CS4 distracting.  While the extensive sidebars add lots of detailed information, I also thought that the sidebars were over used and in some cases distracting.   The Photoshop CS3/CS4 WOW Book could make an exciting interactive e-book if done properly.

Detailed Desk Reference

In 11 chapters, 4 Appendices, and multiple lessons/projects for each chapter, The Photoshop CS3/CS4 WOW Book covers a wide variety of techniques for both photographers and graphic artists. With many examples geared to the graphic artist, the book may be more valuable to the graphic artist.  The first third of The Photoshop CS3/CS4 WOW Book – chapters 1-4 – cover basic Photoshop skills.  These sections are intended more for the beginner, but are a good review for more experienced users.

Other chapters cover:

• Enhancing Photos
• Painting
• Type and Vector Graphics
• Special Effects for Type and Graphics
• Putting It All Together (Composition, Layers, and Compositing)
• 3D, Video, & Animation
• Measurement & Analysis

The Photoshop CS3/CS4 WOW Book is a good book that provides extensive coverage of Photoshop.  If you are using Photoshop CS4 or CS3, this book makes a solid desk reference.

Contact: Peachpit Press

Cost: $59.99 US, $65.99 CAN

However, the quizzes located on the DVD are the book’s sole weak spot.  For example, the quizzes could be improved by referencing the page where the correct answer may be found.

Essential Techniques

In sixteen chapters, 54 video segments, and multiple lessons/projects for each chapter, Richard covers the essential techniques for both photographers and graphic artists.  The book starts with a chapter on Digital Imaging Fundamentals to make sure the basics are covered.

Other chapters include:

• Selection Tools
• Masking
• Compositing with Layers
• Color Correction and Enhancement
• Maximizing Filters

Appropriately, the last chapter covers Output – Printing, PDF, and Specialized Output.

Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4 is an excellent book.  I look forward to reading and reviewing more books by this author.  If you are still using Photoshop CS4 or earlier, I  would recommend taking a look at this book.

Contact: Peachpit Press

Cost: $49.99 US, $54.99 CAN, £31.99

Location, Location, Location
Location may not be “everything” in photography.  Composition, focus,  exposure and a tack sharp image are still king.  When using images to tell a story – even “where I went on my last vacation” – knowing the images location makes a story come alive.

Size Matters
The GISTeq PhotoTrackr Mini is small.  At about the size of a pack of gum or a large flash drive, the Mini easily fits in a pouch, pocket, purse, or camera bag.  Like any GPS device, the PhotoTrackr Mini must be able to receive the GPS signal.  If the PhotoTrackr Mini is left in a car, building or ferry boat where GPS reception is limited or non-existent while taking pictures outside (where GPS signals are available), GPS data for the pictures  will not be available.  To maximize the chances of automatically geotagging photos, keep the Mini with the camera.  A small pouch on the camera strap is the best solution.

Timing is Critical
Camera time, GPS time, local time, close is good enough … right.  Too early, too late – either way the geotag could be incorrect or the photo may not be automatically geotagged.  For best results, fully charge your camera battery and then set the camera’s clock to match the GPS time from the PhotoTrackr Mini.  GPS time is obtained using the PhotoTrackr software with the PhotoTrackr Mini plugged into the computer USP port.

Geotagging
The included PhotoTrackr software can geotag JPEG images.  If you do not use image data base tools like Adobe Lightroom or Apple Aperture, the images can be imported in to PhotoTrackr, crops and minor edits made if desired, and geotagged.  PhotoTrackr also makes it easy to upload images to photo sharing websites like Flicker.  However, if you use Lightroom, Aperture, or other image data base tools, the process is more complicated.  One option is to import the images into PhotoTrackr, geotag the image, and then export the geotagged image.  The geotagged imaged can be imported into the image data base application.  This option results in making three copies of the image – the original, PhotoTrackr import, and geotagged export.  A second option is to us a third party geotagging software, for example PhotoLinker.  This option requires exporting the GPS track (GPX file) using PhotoTrackr.  Then using the GPX file in PhotoLinker or another third party geotagging application to geotag the photos.

Pros:

• Small Size
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Three step process if you want to use the Geo-tagged image outside the Photo Tracker software.
• Non-replaceable battery must be charged from a computer USB port.

System Requirements:

• Windows XP or Vista, Intel ® Pentium ® PIII 500 MHz
• MAc OS X 10.3.9, 10.4, or 10.5.4
• 256MB RAM
• 25MB hard-disk space
• 1024×768, 32-bit (true color) screen
• USB1.1 Port
• Internet connection is required for online mapping

Contact: GiSTEQ

Cost: $69.00 US