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Baby's Growth Stages Captured in Photography: Maternity

Welcome to this multi-part series of articles on Baby's Growth Stages Captured in Photography by Shannon Kietzman from My Baby Photos.

Whether you are expecting your first child or your fifth, your pregnancy is a special time in your life. As such, you will want to capture these remarkable months with photos that you can cherish forever. By keeping a few key thoughts in mind while taking maternity photographs, you will be certain to have some amazing photos to share with your child when he or she grows older.

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Chase + Snow + Good Music = New Book

When I was in summer camp we used to have an evening routine. Each time one of the campers had a birthday, the chief councilor would step up to the mic at dinner time and say: "Every day is special here at ILTC, but today is a very, very special day for Daniel B.". This meant that it was Daniel B.'s birthday and that after a bit of prancing and jumping around the room, he "treated" everybody for a cake. Now, since it was summer camp, it was always the same "mass deployment" chocolate cake. But we were kids and loved it. For me it was those cakes that made dinner that much more fun.

So, let me try something here: Every day is a special day at DIYP, but today is a very, very special day for Chase Jarvis.

Nope, it is not his birthday, but his book's birthday. That's right. Chase is out with a new (and first) book called Stevens Pass. And nope there is no cake, there's a much better treat - a Chase Jarvis Frames video about the book making (if it does not show on your RSS reader click here).

Now this is what I like about Chase. He'll give you that fabulous book that will make your eyes go out of there holes. BUT, he will also so you the hard work and all the images that did not get in the book so you'll know this is hard work.

If you've ever wondered if it is difficult to shoot from a helicopter check out the frames where the rotor shows. Now, how in the world can you time that rotor to be out of the frame?!?

You can order the book here, and get it signed for no extra charge by Chase. There are only 2,500 copies so you have to be quick if you want one for yourself.

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Exploring Small Strobes: Why should I Use a Speedlight

Welcome to this multi-part series of articles on Exploring Small Strobes by Yanik Chauvin from Yanik’s Photo School.

You’ve probably heard or read this a gazillion times by other photographers so I thought that I would be the gazilionth and one to tell you that creating a great photo is all about lighting. Light is what sculpts your scene. You can have the best composed shot but if your lighting is crap, good chances that your shot will be also. And sometimes to get good light, you’ll need to work with artificial light sources. One of the most popular light source used by photographers are strobes; also called flashes.

So I figured that I would give you my insights on small strobes (also known as flash guns or speedlights) in this multi part saga here on DIYPhotography.net. So let’s get right to it, shall we.

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Two Great Series Coming Up

I guess it is no big secret that two of my photography passions are children photography and using small strobes. In fact, lots of images in DIYP are images of my son and daughter and were taken with off camera lighting. 

This why I am so exited about two new series by two great guest authors starting this week: 
Exploring Small Strobes by Yanik Chauvin and Baby's Growth Stages Captured in Photography by Shannon Kietzman.

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Having Fun @ The Pool #5

It is time for another great collection of DIYP reader's images.

I could not resist watching the images submitted to DIYP Flickr pool, no matter how late it became and mark a few favs.

The range of images, as always, is a great variety ranging from portraiture to still life to abstract. 

I am going to try something new and make the next pool-fun all about portraiture. 

Do submit studio portraits, opportunity portraits, kids portraits, on location portraits, off location portraits, self portraits, black and white portraits, friends portraits, OK, I think you get the point.

More Photodumps:
- Having Fun @ The Pool #4
- Having Fun @ The Pool #3
- Having Fun @ The Pool #2 - What a Splash
- Having Fun @ The Pool #1

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What Happens When You Provoke the Guerrilla

What do you get by provoking a guerrilla party? Apparently, if you provoke the right guerrilla party and do it just the right way you can try out one of it's nifty lighting devices.

Bert Stephani had an insightful comment about the "Guerrilla"ness of the Florida based California Sunbounce Guerilla video by Michael Grecco. In short he said that going out to shoot with a bunch of stylists, assistance, hair dressers and models is not really Guerrilla. Bert also suggested showing the Sunbounce guys what's real Guerrilla.

Whadayaknow? They picked the glove and sent Bert their Micro-Mini to try out. Here is the funny yet informative video Bert took:

Hey, this is also a great chance to browse around Bert's site - Confessions of a Photographer. The Great insights and videos will easily chew your evening away.

Grab the full Bert Stephani Video and post here.

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Your Cute Kid - Everywhere

Wouldn't it be nice if your kid was sooooo cute, he'd be on every bulletin board, feature internet campaigns and smile at you from the highway signs?

Wouldn't it be so uncool if this happened without your consent?

This is going to be another you-must-read-the-TOS-before-you-enter-a-contest post, so if you are just here for the DIY stuff, feel free to skip it. If on the other hand, you've ever entered a contest without reading the TOS (Terms of Service), man, you'd be happy after you read this one.

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More Power To Your Flash - External SLA Battery Flash Mod

If you’ve been shooting with a flash for a while, I’m sure you had some battery problem or another at least once. Like when one of four batteries goes bad and quickly discharges the other three. Or when it’s cold and the batteries don’t hold their charge so well anymore. Wouldn't it be nice if you could have a more reliable source of power? One that virtually lasts for ever (well, not forever, but for a darn long time). This is probably on the wish list of anyone who is shooting off shoe and don't care much about weight, but do care about recycling time and number of pops that can be squeezed in a session.

Konstantin Sirotkin describes how to make a Flash mod that will allow you to connect your flash to an external power source.
Yes this is an external power source, no mater how bomb-like it looks.

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The DIY R-Strap

UPDATE: Illustrations included.

There are several ways to wear your camera strap, you can wear it on your neck in what I'd love to call "The Lunchbox Carry"; you can wear it on your shoulder in a "Lazyman Hang" or you can ware it across your body, like soldiers are wearing their weapons in a "Weapon Cross". Which one is your favorite? 

Now, each of these hangs can be rated on three factors:

• How fast does it take you to bring the camera into a nice shooting position?
• How comfortable is it?
• How safe is it to your camera?

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Speed Links for 09-21-2008

Today's speedlinks is a bit eclectic, as I tried to touch a little on each of the aspect I love about photography. There is a film lover link, a techie link, a few workflow links and of course an art link.

If you enjoyed a link, leave a comment on the linked site, let them know you like their work.

• 80 Film Cameras for Under 50 Dollars!
  Epic Edits
  One of the more fun things I did in the last month was joining Brian's 50$ camera project. Brian and the Epic Edits community formed an unbelievable repository for old film cameras. Aside from siding with Jim Talkington, I also had a funsees submission featuring the Lomo Action Sampler
• Jeffrey’s “Export to Flickr” Lightroom Plugin
  Jeffrey Friedl’s Blog
  I just love Lightroom, but I have always felt that it lacks flickr integration. No More! Jeffrey Friedl came up with a Flickr Export plugin. I've been using it for about three weeks and have only good things to say
• Lighting Q and A, 9/19/2008
  Strobist
  David is giving full attention to using flash in conjunction with ambient. In a post that starts as a simple comparison between working with and without a flash meter, David provides a detailed workflow for working with ambient (and without a meter). You may also want to check out Beyond Megapixels Histogram 101. The histogram can be a great tool when you are not using an exposure meter
• This Post Not Made In Chrome; Google's EULA Sucks Is Fixed
  Tap The Hive
  Sometimes the blogosphere can have big impact on multi-gazillion dollars companies. Djlosch point that Google Chrome's EULA gives Google rights to everything that goes through it. (Yes the big G is into internet browsers now as well). The impact on photographer is huge. It means that almost everything that if you uploaded something to Flickr, Goggle owns it. Goggle took notice and changed Chrome's EULA
• Lightroom 2.x Enhanced Keyboard Shortcuts
  Gordon McKinney's Photography Blog
  A while ago I discussed how to make an enhancement keyboard to Lightroom. Gordon posts a AutoHotkey script that will add some fastkeys to your Lightroom workflow without attaching a second keyboard
• Fifty cent flash bounce
  Instructables
  Diffusing the on camera flash is always better then direct flashing. Here is one more cheapo alternative to the commercial products. You read right - 50 cents.
• 8 craft store items every DIY photographer needs
  Exposure
  Here are eight items that every DIYer must have. While the list is not complete, it is a good base for starting some great projects. Feel free to add to the list
• Nikon D3 Shutter Release in Super Slow Motion
  Jeffrey Friedl’s Blog
  This is an amazing video shoeing the Nikon D3 shutter sequence in slow mo. You can see how the mirror goes up, the first and second curtains and the mirror goes down again.
• I Started a $2 Portraits Group on Flickr
  Thomas Hawk's Digital Connection
  Thomas Hawk started a new project where he give 2 dollars to any homeless that asks, and take a picture in exchange. A great project that involves community and photography. And there is a Group on Flickr to support it
• Extreme X-Rays: Photographer Nick Veasey Takes You Inside ... Everything
  Wired
  Here some cool experimental photography. Actually, it is not longer experimental. Nick Veasey takes X-ray photographing to the extremes in this wonderful art.
• Fine Art Photo Show or Why Nice Photo Mag Sucks
  Nice Photo Mag
  Zeke is adding a new project to his life called sleepless nights adorable baby. He thinks he will slow down a bit on his blog. On the other hand he is sooo going to be awake all the time, so maybe he'll blog more. On a happier note, He has his own show now. if you are around the LA area it will open on Oct 2nd. It is annoying, attentions grabbing, it is everything but nice!

Last and not least is a new video from Jim Talkinton over at Pro Photo Life. Jim has a new video that explains just what a color profile is. It is not an in depth tutorial, but a good overview to get you started thinking about managing your color. While you're at it, Jim just launched a new clean design to Pro Photo Life with clear categories and a great video library. If you did not visit him before, I encourage you spend some time there. It is a great resource to the studio photographer.

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Two Power Tips For The Traveling Photographer

So, I'm going on a few days trip abroad, let's see what's in my bag: Laptop, Image bank, battery charger for my flash batteries, Camera battery charger and cell phone. Socket adapter for laptop power charger, power line for laptop charger, Socket adapter for cell phone charger, socket adapter for Image bank, power wire for battery charger ... Are you bored yet? What's with all those wires and socket adapters?

Here are two tips for the traveling photographer that will save you precious suitcase space and money. Not to mention reduce the number of items you need to cross of your traveling check list.

Of course, you can always take your power with you and avoid the need for any adapters, but some why I think that an 8 Kg battery will consume you entire suitcase.

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Drinking Beer - Out! Snooting - In!

Attending a great software conference like the Agile 2008 conference does have its perks. Aside from the great lectures, fantastic food, and excellent developers to hang out with, you have your freebies. Freebies are the cool little things that vendors will give you to make you come to their booth, and listen to what ever it is they have to offer.

It is only natural that in a software conference you'll get your USB mini-hub, cool agile poker cards, snoot, assorted candies ... did you say snoot?!?!?

Well, not at first sight. One of the Agile consulting companies, Improving Enterprises, was giving away free blue beer holders. Yes, software developers do drink beer hold beer holders. Now, let's see: made out of foam? Check! Will fit a Nikon SB-800? Check! Black interior? Check! Will look professional on a set? Check!

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Welcome Presslite Vertex

Please join me in welcoming PRESSlite as a sponsor for DIYP. PRESSlite are the makers of the VerteX flash mod.

Not only this mod will make everyone around you come asking questions, it will also double your lighting options when using one flash. (I know it sounds weird, but after you watch the 3D demo it becomes clear). Review coming soon...

Till the end of September it will go on a special sale for 34 USD, after getting 30% discount if you are fast and have another commercial bouncer.

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15 Great Portrait Tips By You - Portrait Professional 8 Giveaway Part two

Below you will find 15 great portrait tips on group shots, taking kids pictures and post processing.

Tips were submitted by you as part of the Portrait Professional 8 Giveaway project. As part of this project DIYP readers submitted over 200 portraits and 15 tips.

My favorite is by Heather Katsoulis and deals with getting natural portraits of kids. Heather, along with CRT and Matt wins a copy of Portrait Professional 8 studio edition.

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Portrait Professional 8 Giveaway Winners - Part One

It is amazing to see the wide spectrum of interpretations to the work portrait. My last DIYP group project was to ask DIYP readers to choose someone of significance in their life and to photograph his or hers portrait.

It was a great ride and we had more then 200 portrait taken and shared (note to self - next time tag for black and white Vs. Color). The submissions are great and I had great time going over the various portraits. I thank everyone that took part in this exiting project.

The two winners of the portrait submission will receive the studio version of Portrait Professional 8, valued at $119.95.

Just before I share the two winning images and the two runners up, I would like to share some behind the scenes of crating and judging this contest.

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Gotta Love The Lomo

I really like the Lomo Action Sampler. I shoot digital today, but there is a warm spot in my heart kept for the Action sampler. I've been wanting to write an Action Sampler post for a long time now, and the 50$ camera project initiated by Brian Auer from Epic Edits, just gave me enough of a kick to go and make this post. (Brian was also so kind and asked me to be one of the judges along with the excellent Jim Talkinton).

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Portable Power - Explorer XT Product Review

I try to do almost all my outdoor shooting with Nikon Speedlites. This should be quite obvious to anyone who reads this blog. However, strobes can not always provide all the light you need. (Unless you can stack a gazillion of them together). Some cases where a strobe will not cut it are shooting against a harsh sun, lighting huge deserted interiors, having to use large diffusers outdoors, and more.

Those are just the types of scenes where I use a studio flash... Hey there! waitaminute!! You said shooting outdoors. Are you pulling my leg with the studio flash thing?

Well no, this weekend I got to try Innovatronix's Explorer XT - an External Battery pack for Studio Flashes. Ron Uriel and I tried to squeeze this baby out. Read on for the full review.

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Composing an Action Sequence Shot

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and a movie is worth a thousand pictures. But sometimes you want something in between, something that is as still as an image, yet conveys action like a film. This is an action sequence shot.

Sometimes the best way to achieve an effect is to do it in post. So this post will not involve any gear hacking (although I can think of some elaborate ways to make this with no post at all), but some good old post processing method.

An action sequence shot as a still image that is made from several frames. In the following tutorial Kaan Kiran demonstrates one method of making such action shot.

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Lighting Ori's One Year Old Birthday

My son, Ori turned one today. Man, time flies. Just yesterday he was kicking back in his crib. Meditating on how the color in his room slowly fades.

Two and a half days later. BOOM, He is one. Walking (as in from three days ago), dadaing, and has a strong opinion and stand towards anything in this world - starting from the location of the kitchen chairs (always on the move) through the best place for a ball of cereal (the floor), ending with his own spot in the world (in my hands).

So yesterday we had a small family gathering to celebrate. Of course daddy was on the camera to document the event.

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A DIY Optimus Maximus keyboard For GIMP, Photoshop or Lightroom

If you have not heard about the Optimus Maximus keyboard, let me fill you in.

The idea is simple: Use OLED technology to place a tiny monitor on each key; Make each such small monitor completely configurable, and updatable in runtime; have each button display any image depending on what you are currently doing with your computer.

The easiest example to grasp is that pressing the shift key will turn all "engravings" on the keyboard to CAPS. But a more interesting application would be a keyboard that displays the icons from your favorite image editing software. No more having to memorize what Ctrl + Shift + Alt + S does (it save for the web). Each key will display an image of its action. Isn't it nice?

Well, you are about top learn how to make an Optimus Maximus keyboard yourself.

Uwe  Mayer (flickr, site) and Markus Dollinger (if you read German) show us how to make a keyboard that well, kinda does the same. Actually, this DIY keyboard is more like the awesome keyboard you get from RPG keys, but you can make one on your own and it will only cost about 30-40$. (See demos here). I just could not pass on the Optimus introduction.

You can use this keyboard to expedite your Lightroom workflow, your Gimp experience or your Photoshop speed-keying.

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Speed Links for 8-28-2008

After getting back from one great Agile 2008
conference I had some time to get back to my grinding, head in the keyboard work kick back, relax and read some of the great content out there on the web.

I also remind you that there is about a week left to the grand finale' of the Portrait Professional 8 Giveaway. There are some really great entries both on the black and white category and on the color category. There are also some great tips on taking portraits, and I'm looking forward to getting more of those tips submissions.

And speaking of great project's Brian's still running the 50$ camera project - a great way to experience film and get some cool prizes.

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Yes, You Can Say It - The D90 is Out

Now that the rumors have ended and the Nikon D90 is officially out.I bet you'd like to know how it feels. and you may also be interested in how it shoots.

Chase Jarvis just released his videoed review of the Nikon D90. No - it is not available yet - unless your name starts with a Ch and ends with a ase. Read the full review over at Chase's Blog.

The D90 has some very cool features:

• Movies (there are called D-movies,  I guess the D is for "DOPE!, how come we did not do it before)
• Rocking 3 Inch LCD with Live preview (yes Live preview on a top level DSLR)
• GPS tagging
• The usual 12.3 megapixels, 4.5 FPS, Low Noise, great interface and ergonomics that you see from Nikon

Estimated at 1,200 USD I am suspecting that it will not be the price that will hold off buyers, but availability.

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Agile Photography

Charles Darwin said it was not the strongest of the species that survived, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.

Yea, yea, yea... this is a photography blog and a DIY one at that. Why are you bothering us with biology?

As I mentioned at the last fun @ the pool collection, I recently attended the Agile 2008 conference and the fast and relentless stream of Agility opened my eyes to the way photography can (or already is) become Agile.

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Removing The Mystery From The Heart Shaped Bokeh Thing

One of the most popular posts here at DIYP is the Create Your Own Bokeh post - this is the one that teaches you how to make nice shapes in the blurred area of your image - AKA Bokeh.

It is a nice thing because, usually, those hotspots are just taking away from your subject attention, and if you apply this technique, those annoying hotspots can become part of your artistic say.

Creating your own bokeh shapes is easy and fun, however there are a few repeating questions that I frequently get by email and comments. This is why I was really happy to learn that manimal magic has done some great thinking and have solutions for all questions. Some of manimal magic's wisdom was found in the comments of the original post, and some was taken (along with the images for this article) from his (really awesome) Flickr stream. I am going to format this as a Q&A thing, cuz it really feels like he's answered all the hard questions.

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Black & White Cheatsheet For Photoshop

When it comes to black and white conversion, there is no definitive method that will get the best results every time. Some use the channel mixer conversion, while others will swear by black and white filter. Other just like the simplicity of the desaturate function. Which one is the best? It depends. This is why I was so happy when Ladislav Soukup from ladasoukup.cz (flickr) sent me this cheat sheet. Read on to find your best suited conversion in an instant.

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