Month: December 2013

Gone to the Beach

Christmas has come and gone and being based in Australia – where Summer is in full swing – most of the dPS team are all feeling the call to the beach after what’s been a busy year!

My one and only chance to step on the beach when I was in Australia. Perhaps the rest of the dPS team is there now?!

I know it might be hard to hear for some of us snowed in in the Northern Hemisphere but the sun is shining and the temperature is rising in Melbource and most Aussies take a couple of weeks off at this time of year. Me, I don’t get to see the beach until the end of January and I have to fly to Cuba to do that!

But don’t fret – while we’re at the beach we’ve lined up some great content for you here on dPS so you can get your photographic ‘fix’.

Here’s what will happen:

1. Between Christmas and New Years – The dPS best of 2013 Series

Over the next week we’ve lined up a bit of a look back on the year that has been. In 2013 we published over 500 tutorials here on dPS – too many to have really taken in. So over this next week we’ll be presenting some ‘best of’ posts where we’ll publish themed collections of our best stuff from the last year.

Tomorrow we’ll kick it off with a collection of our hottest landscape photography posts written this year. Each day there will be a new theme.

2. The First Couple Days of 2014 – Reduced Posting

The 12 Apostles on the Australian coast, not the best images but nasty weather and limited time and this is what you get!

After the New Year we’ll be posting some great new content – but we’ll just post once a day until the 3rd, instead of our normal twice a day schedule.

Also please note: over the next two weeks you may not see a newsletter from us – but we’ll make the following one a great one!

All will be back to normal come January 3rd though! In fact it’ll be better than ever as we’ll hopefully be returned relaxed, healthy and rejuvenated.

Happy New Year!

Lastly – let me take this opportunity to you a very Happy New Year. I hope that 2013 has been a good one for you and would like to send you our best wishes for 2014!

Keep shooting and keep reading, we appreciate you sticking around!

The post Gone to the Beach by Darlene Hildebrandt appeared first on Digital Photography School.

Digital Photography School

December 26, 2013
Choir of Retro Computers Sing a Special Christmas Carol

[ By Steph in Gaming & Computing & Technology. ]

“Hail the machines, sweet old machines, blow off the dust, wipe off the rust. Christmas has come, joy is foretold, for those of us you never sold. Still we are here, still full of cheer, just plug us in, it will begin.” So starts the Christmas carol this quirky choir of vintage computer equipment would like to sing to you today courtesy of The Glasgow School of Art.

Alumnus James Houston, who graduated in 2008, created the project using a collection of vintage Mac computers, a Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum +1 and a SEGA Mega Drive. The lyrics to the song ‘Carol of the Bells’ were rewritten accordingly.

Houston got the idea when pondering new uses for past Christmas gifts, realizing that a few of them had the capability for speech synthesis.

“Bleep bloop beep bong, hear our sweet song, if none of our coding is wrong.”

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[ By Steph in Gaming & Computing & Technology. ]

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WebUrbanist

December 26, 2013
Intricate Ice Architecture: 17 Fantastic Frozen Buildings

[ By Steph in Art & Sculpture & Craft. ]

While you put the finishing touches on a lopsided snowman in your front yard, ice and snow artists around the world build life-sized ice castles, hotel rooms made of packed snow, and delicate ice sculptures stretching dozens of feet into the air. Illuminated at night, these amazing temporary structures built in some of the world’s coldest places each year look like something out of a winter fairy tale.

Hotel de Glace, Quebec

(images via: hôtel de glace)

The only true ice hotel in North America, Hotel de Glace opens each January with a new theme. In early 2013, that theme was “A Journey to the Center of Winter,” inspired by the Jules Verne novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” It had 44 guest rooms as well as a spa, restaurant, chapel and a bar made of ice.

China Snow World Festival

(images via: inhabitat)

Incredible replicas of Renaissance architecture, classic Russian architecture and other impressive structures are recreated at China’s Jingyue Snow World Festival each year. While not quite life-sized, this ice and snow architecture often reaches heights of thirty to forty feet. They’re hand-carved using low-tech tools.

Castles at Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan

(images via: david mckelvey)

For just seven days each February, millions of visitors gaze upon intricately carved ice architecture and other large-scale sculptures for the Sapporo Snow Festival on the streets of Sapporo City. More than 10 teams compete in the International Snow Statue Contest to build structures reaching 50 feet tall and 150 feet wide, including life-sized dinosaurs. The largest structures can cost up to $ 100,000 to create, so they’re typically sponsored by countries or corporations.

Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, China

(images via: wikimedia commons)

Harbin, China transforms into an ethereal showcase of ice architecture and sculptures illuminated in bright colors each January. The annual festival began as a traditional ice lantern garden party in 1963 and is now the largest snow and ice festival in the world, taking over virtually the entire city, with a unique theme each year.

Next Page – Click Below to Read More:
Intricate Ice Architecture 17 Fantastic Frozen Buildings

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Paper Architecture: Intricate 3D Sculptures by Ingrid Siliakus

Amsterdam-based artist Ingrid Siliakus cuts and folds sheets of paper into dazzlingly detailed three-dimensional buildings and cities. Click Here to Read More »»

[ By Steph in Art & Sculpture & Craft. ]

[ WebUrbanist | Archives | Galleries | Privacy | TOS ]

WebUrbanist

December 26, 2013
Happy Holidays from dpreview

The entire team at dpreview would like to wish all our readers Happy Holidays, Season’s Greetings, Merry Christmas or whatever you say in your part of the world. As we celebrate our 15th anniversary we’re looking back on one of the busiest years that we can remember and looking ahead to 2014, which is likely to be even more exciting. Wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing today, enjoy yourselves and thank you for being a part of dpreview.com!

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

December 26, 2013
100 Magical Levitation Photography Examples to Inspire You

People say that floating in the air or straightforward levitation is impossible. Everything is possible if you can use Photoshop! Of course, you can jump in the air and stay there until that pesky, old gravity tells you otherwise, but it’s not the way to impress your viewers. If you try to take a shot of a jumping person, it Continue Reading

The post 100 Magical Levitation Photography Examples to Inspire You appeared first on Photodoto.

Photodoto

December 25, 2013
Day 12: Today Everything is $10!
On the 12th day of Christmas dPS gave to me – $ 10 eBooks!

You can pick up ANY dPS eBook not featured in the last 11 days as a single deal for just $ 10!

That’s right – you can pick up any of these 10 dPS eBooks today at 50-66% off:
- Portraits – Lighting The Shot – Discover the Secrets of Beautiful Portrait Lighting
- Click! – How to Take Gorgeous Photos of Your Kids
- Transcending Travel – A guide to captivating travel photography
- Photo Nuts and Bolts – Know your camera and take better photos
- Photo Nuts and Shots – Tools and Techniques for Creative Photography
- Photo Nuts and Gear – Know Your Gear and Take Better Photos
- Photo Magic – Special Effects Photography Made Easy!
- Captivating Color – A Guide to Dramatic Color Photography
- iPhone Photography – How to Shoot, Edit and Share Great Photos with Your iPhone
- The Art of Self Portraiture – How to take Eye Catching Self Portraits
But Wait – There’s MORE $ 10 Deals from Ed Verosky and Andrew Gibson

Not only can you grab dPS eBooks for $ 10 today – but we’ve also twisted the arms of a couple of our friends to come up with some $ 10 deals too!

Firstly – Ed Verosky has put together two $ 10 bundles that are pretty special.

There’s a Portraits Pack and a Lighting Pack – both with 4 eBooks in them which effectively gets you $ 2.50 eBooks!

Ed’s never offered his eBooks at this price before – thanks Ed for looking after dPS readers with this one!

Get all the details on these deals from Ed here.

Secondly Andrew Gibson who has already featured in the 12 days has also jumped on board with a three pack of his EOS eBooks for $ 10!

You can see all the details of Andrew’s deals here (at the bottom).

Get Your eBooks Before These Deals are Gone

With todays deal you will feel like a kid in a candy store. The only question is will you be able to stop at one? It’s going to be tough but don’t wait too long!

Stay Tuned for One Last Christmas Surprise

Whilst this our last deal, we do have one more surprise for you tomorrow. Keep an eye out for it in 24 hours time!

The post Day 12: Today Everything is $ 10! by Darren Rowse appeared first on Digital Photography School.

Digital Photography School
December 25, 2013
In photos: Flowing fins of Siamese fighting fish

Thai photographer Visarute Angkatavanich has created a stunning series of close-up portraits of Siamese fighting fish. With simple backgrounds and dramatic lighting, the images show off the species’ vivid colors and graceful fins. Siamese fighting fish, also known as Betta, now days are a popular aquarium fish. See gallery

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

December 25, 2013
Rough Sleeper: Mobile Backpack Shelter for Urban Homeless

[ By WebUrbanist in Design & Products & Packaging. ]

Amid the various conceptual designs for addressing large-scale homelessness, this working prototype stands out as refreshingly realistic, practical and applicable to the everyday needs of those sleeping on the streets: mobility, storage and shelter.

Ragnhild Lübbert Terpling, who studied both design and journalism, created the pack both for homeless populations and ordinary campers, the latter purchasers subsidizing the former group that is in greater need.

On its functionality: “the hybrid backpack expands into a fully retractable tent-like structure, providing extensive shelter for both those in need or for encampment purposes. Once compressed, the bag supplies enough space for storing essential living supplies; blankets, shoes, and other toiletries.”

Additional items, like spare shoes or a sleeping roll, can be lashed to the exterior of the pack, while more essential and personal possessions are tucked into compartments that are less easily accessed or removed for additional security.

While it by no means ‘solves’ the problem of homelessness, this product adds a layer of comfort and durability absent from typical de facto shelters like cardboard covers or sleeping bags. In short: it is more short-term patch than long-term problem solver, but at least it is a place to start.

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[ By WebUrbanist in Design & Products & Packaging. ]

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WebUrbanist

December 25, 2013
Happy Holidays from dPS!
It’s officially Christmas Day down under in Melbourne, so we would like to wish you all the best this holiday season for you and all your loved ones, from all of us at Digital Photography School!

By Heather Katsoulis

Happy Holidays!

I want to thank you, on behalf of the entire dPS team, for being a loyal reader and fan. May all your Photography Wish List items and dreams be fulfilled. But most of all I wish you times spent with family and close friends, all the love and joy of the season, and all the best as we head into 2014!

However you celebrate, whatever holiday is close to your heart, I hope you create special memories with loved ones. In my family we have chosen not to buy the other adults gifts (just for the kids) and instead focus on spending time together, laughing, reminiscing, playing games and of course eating!

Earlier this week I spent the morning helping handing out “gifts” at a place called Bissell Center (which helps the homeless and low income families survive). On New Year’s Day (as I have for about the last 25 years) I will participate in their annual dinner and help serve over 1000 needy people a hot holiday meal (for many, it is their only meal of the week). This is what sums up the true meaning of the holidays for me. I have so much, and am grateful every day. Christmas to me, means sharing my good fortune with those not so fortunate, and being surrounded with the people most important to me.

What do the holidays mean to you? How do you celebrate?

By Justin Brown

For those of you celebrating Christmas – here’s some of our past tutorials that might come in handy today (some are specifically Christmas related, while others might help you capture different aspects of the celebrations):
- How to Take Beautiful Bokeh Christmas Images
- Christmas Portraits: How I Took It
- 25 Wonderful Christmas Light Painting Images
- 16 Tips for Photographing Christmas
- How to Take Great Group Photos
- Holiday Food Images and Thoughts to Go With Them
- Winter Photography Projects (for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere)
- 10 Beach Photography Tips (for those of us in the Southern Hemisphere heading to the beach)
- 10 Tips to Take Great Family Portraits
- How to Photograph a Child’s Party (a lot of these will be relevant for grown up parties too)
- 8 Tips on Taking Party Photographs
By Ricardo Motti

The post Happy Holidays from dPS! by Darlene Hildebrandt appeared first on Digital Photography School.

Digital Photography School
December 25, 2013
24. Türchen: Tamron

Wir öffnen voller Freude, aber auch leichter Wehmut das letzte Kalendertürchen. Tamron ist unser heutiger Sponsor und verlost, Ihr ahnt es bereits, ein Objektiv. Aber nicht irgendeines, sondern: Ein Objektiv Eurer Wahl!

Im letzten Jahr hat Tamron sein Objektivsortiment um drei Premiumobjektive erweitert. Alle drei Objektive der SP-Serie bestechen durch hervorragende Schärfe und solide Verarbeitung. Das SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD durfte unser Redakteur Michael letztes Jahr für einige Wochen testen und war davon schwer begeistert. Neben der Schärfe und der Verarbeitung überzeugte ihn vor allem der Bildstabilisator, der einen enormen Unterschied macht. Dieses Objektiv ist zur Zeit für 1.199 € zu haben.

Das SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD ist nun seit einem Jahr Michaels Hauptobjektiv für die mittleren Brennweiten und auch darauf ist immer Verlass. Wie das SP 70-200 mm besitzt es neben einer Blende von bis zu f/2.8 auch einem Bildstabilisator. Eine einzigartige Kombination, die es auch für DSLR-Filmer sehr interessant macht und im Moment 894 € kostet.

Komplettiert wird die Auswahl durch das SP 90mm F/2.8 Di VC USD MACRO 1:1. Mit seiner Blende von bis zu f/2.8 und erstaunlicher Schärfe, bereichert durch wunderschöne Unschärfe-Effekte ist es aber nicht nur ein Makro-Spezialist, sondern eignet sich auch ausgezeichnet für Portraitaufnahmen. Mit einem aktuellen Preis von 439 € verfügt es noch dazu über ein ausgezeichnetes Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis.

Eines dieser drei großartigen Objektive verlosen wir am Ende des Tages mit Tamron. Wir hoffen, Ihr hattet viel Spaß mit unserem Kalender und konntet Geschenkideen mitnehmen oder tolle Neuentdeckungen in den Türchen unseres Adventskalenders machen. Wir wünschen Euch eine schöne Weihnachtszeit!

Um eines der Objektive zu gewinnen, schreibe einen Kommentar mit Deinem Wunschgewinn unter bürgerlichem Namen und gültiger E-Mail-Adresse bis heute um 24 Uhr. Danach verlosen wir es per Zufallsgenerator unter allen Kommentatoren. Die genauen Gewinnspielregeln findest Du hier. Viel Glück!

kwerfeldein – Fotografie Magazin

December 25, 2013