PhotoWalkPro

Hi gang, it’s Tuesday and that must mean it’s time for some news updates.  Here’s what’s happening:

Canon releases Firmware Update -

As promised, Canon has released a new firmware update for the 5D Mark II.  The update is a pretty easy procedure to perform and the benefits should be well worth it.  One big fix is the addition of new video frame rates that will now let you record in 1920×1080: 30fps, 1920×1080: 24fps, and 640×480: 30fps.  Also included in the update is the ability to manually adjust sound recording levels, the ability to display a histogram for shooting movies in manual exposure mode, the addition of Av and Tv modes for shooting movies, and changes to the audio sampling rate.  you can find the update here.

Speaking of video…

There’s a poll over at the Digital Photography School that asked readers if they actually use the video recording feature in their digital cameras.  I wasn’t really too surprised at the results.  I guess that’s because I am still on the fence when it comes to buying a DSLR with video.  Of course the decision will probably be made for me down the road as it seems like every new camera will incorporate this feature in the near future.  Click here to see the results of the poll.

Get Captured by the Light in Kentucky -

Wedding shooter and author of the amazing new book, Captured by the Light, David Ziser, is holding a wedding/lighting webinar this Wednesday.  The actual webinar is already full but if you happen to be in the Park Hills area in Kentucky, you might still be able to snag a seat as part of the live audience.  For more info, check out the registration page.

Orlando Flickr Group is up -

I have created the Flickr Group for my upcoming photowalk in Orlando on March 23rd.  The photowalk will take place in the downtown Orlando area and is open to Photoshop World attendees or anyone that wants just hang out, take some photos, and have a great time.  I will be posting more specific details in the next few days but if you are planning on going, head on over to the group and join.  I am limiting members to just those individuals that are going to participate but the photos will be visible for everyone to enjoy.  You can find the group here.

iPad available for pre-order -

Finally today I ask the age old question, should you pre-order an iPad or just wait a bit.  Pre-orders were opened up by Apple last Friday and people have been jumping at the chance to get theirs right at the opening bell.  The question though is should you take the leap of faith and buy one sight unseen or wait a bit to really find out a bit more.  Of course waiting means that you might have to wait a bit because stocks will probably be depleted in the first month or so after the release.  On the other hand, you will certain get the benefit of hundreds of hands-on reviews as maybe even dodge a few bug bullets by waiting.  So the question is, will you or won’t you take the pre-order plunge.  Cast your vote below.

That’s all for today, have a fantastic day and be sure to rest up for all that Irish stuff tomorrow.

PS – Happy Birthday Alex

It’s that time of year again.  Time to join all of my NAPP friends for another fantastic Photoshop World and this Spring, it’s back in Orlando.  With the Winter that we’ve had here, I will be more than ready to spend a few days in Orlando.  And just as I have at the past two Spring Photoshop Worlds, I’m going to kick things off with a photowalk the day before everything gets rolling at the convention center.  The location for the photowalk will once again be the beautiful downtown area surrounding Lake Eola, just a few minutes drive from the conference location.

I don’t have all the details nailed down yet but we will probably begin sometime around 4:30 or 5:00, depending on the sunset time for the date. Which, by the way, is going to be Tuesday, March 23rd.  It’s important to note that this is not an official Photoshop World activity and is not affiliated with NAPP or Kelby Training.  It’s just a way to get out and have some fun before the conference starts.  In fact, you don’t even have to be going to the conference.  If you are in the Orlando area and just want to get out with your camera and have some fun, then this is the event for you.  So if you are traveling to Orlando for Photoshop World and want to get things kick-started, come on out and join me for an evening in Orlando.

Early Registration Discount Ending Soon -

Speaking of Photoshop World, this is the last week do get the Early Bird pricing.  If you pay for your registration by February 26th you will get $100 off the full conference price.  I’m already registered and I suggest you get yours taken care of because who can’t use an extra 100 bucks.  There are also spots left in 6 of the pre-con classes including HDR with Matt and RC, DSLR Video with Rich Harrington, Real World Concert Photography, and more.  You had better hurry though, the pre-con classes really fill up fast the month before the conference and there’s no telling how long it will be before they are all sold out.  You can find out more information on the classes, instructors, pre-cons, and registration at the official Photoshop World site.

By the way, if you are still trying to convince your boss/spouse to let you go, you have to check out the form letter that has been written for you to help with your argument.  Even if you don’t need it, it’s still worth a read.  You can find it here.

With the passing of the weekend upload deadline comes the only part of the Worldwide Photowalk that I dread, having to pick a winning image.  Right now, all of the photowalk leaders are carefully going over all of the uploaded images, trying to pick just one that stands out from all the rest.  With so many great images to choose from, picking just one can be a difficult chore.  I know I’m not alone in this because I have received a few messages from other leaders that are also having difficulty with their winning pick.  The only thing thougher than this would be the job that Scott will have in selecting an overall winner.  If I’m having this much trouble with just 50 walkers, imagine what it would be like to pick one from the 900 winning entries, the best of the best.  The deadline for the leaders to upload the winning images is August 1st and I suspect I will look through the submitted images several more times between now and then before settling on just one.

If you want to get in on the judging, stay tuned to the Worldwide Photowalk site to place your vote for the People’s Choice Award.  Details will be coming soon.  In the meantime, check out the gallery on my official city page.  Just scroll to the bottom of the page and click on a thumbnails to see the full-size images.

We had beautiful weather and a great crowd for our photowalk on Saturday and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you that joined me for your energy and enthusiasm.  It’s always great when you see people exchanging phone numbers and email addresses at the end of a photowalk because to me, that’s one of the best measures of success.  I know that the folks at Kelby Media are working on the photo galleries from all the photowalks (what a job that must be) but if you would like to see a larger collection of images from the photowalk I hosted, check out our dedicated Flickr Group.

Be sure to check back tomorrow when I post my first review of the week on a new piece of gear I was testing out during the photowalk, the new Eye-fi Pro memory card.

As some of you read this, there might already be people around the world that are beginning their photowalks as part of the Worldwide Photowalk.  I was talking to Scott Kelby last night and we were marveling at the rate at which this event has grown.  Just think, last year there were about 271 photowalk locations.  Now compare that to this year with a whopping 914 locations around the world.  It’s just amazing.  Even crazier is the number of registered walkers which is anticipated to cross the 30,000 mark some time today.  It’s been a lot of fun checking out the city list over at the main photowalk page just to see all of the different photowalk locations.  I especially love looking at the international locations and wishing I could be there to participate, not that I don’t want to be at my own.  I am totally psyched to be leading my DC/Chinatown walk this year.  Although I did notice that there was not a photowalk registered for Nepal so I am thinking that next year I might have to lead the Katmandu walk.  I wonder if I can get someone to pick up the tab for that one?

Speaking of my photowalk in DC, I sent an email out to all of my registered walkers with some last minute reminders and received a few cancellations back in my inbox.  Hey, these things happen so it’s no big deal.  But one person’s inability to make the photowalk is another person’s opening to join in on the fun.  If you would like to join in or perhaps have a friend that you would like to get registered, please head to my city page and click on one of the registration links.  Hurry though, only four slots left.

Finally today, I just want to offer a few last minute pieces of advice for all the participants.

• Get there early – Not hours but at least 15-20 minutes before the start time.
• Wear your comfy shoes – Most of the photowalks are between 1 to 2 miles long.
• Dress appropriately – you know what I mean, wear light colors and a hat if it’s going to be sunny.
• Get you camera gear ready the night before – It’s no fun to scramble around looking for the right lens when you should be headed out the door already.  This also means, don’t forget to charge your camera batteries.
• Pack a bottle of water – It is summer in most of the photowalk locations so don’t forget to hydrate.
• Be careful when you are shooting – Busy streets and sidewalks can be great photo subjects but also a dangerous place when you are glued to your viewfinder.  Be aware of where you are and watch your step.
• It’s not a contest, it’s a social gathering – I know that there are large prizes at the end of this thing for a few lucky photographers but don’t be consumed with getting a winning shot.  Just enjoy being in the moment with the company of new friends and have some fun with your camera.

That’s it for today.  Have a great weekend and a safe and absolutely kick-butt photowalk!

Since we are on the eve of the Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk, I thought I would ask a photowalk related question.  But before we get to the poll, I wanted to recap last week’s results.  It was an interesting outcome to the question: If you were going to buy a digital SLR tomorrow, how important would it be for the camera to have High Definition video recording? 10% of you said that it was definitely important but the real split came from those that were ambiguous about whether or or not the camera had it as long as it was a great camera (42%) and the rest of you who said that it was of no importance at all (47%).  I know that they seem like almost the same answer but the real telling thing to me is that a lot of you are giving in to the fact that most new DSLR cameras will probably contain video capabilities but you are adjusting to that fact as long as the manufacturers don’t forget that it’s a still camera first and foremost.  I think that those who said it was of no importance are still in the “video doesn’t belong in a SLR” camp but I could be wrong.  An interesting thought nonetheless.

Okay, one more important thing before we get to today’s poll and that is, I have two vacancies that have opened up for my photowalk so if you or someone you know has been waiting , here’s your chance.  The slots are definitely first come, first serve so don’t delay.  You can sign up for my photowalk and get all the details at my city page (click here). And now on to today’s poll.