After submitting the color image of this American Alligator from a recent trip to Texas, the photo editor immediately wanted to know if I could make the image look vintage for a story he was writing about the history of Alligator skin trade. I quickly opened the image and applied the Antique Plate I preset from Nik Software's Silver Efex Pro 2, and shot him another email. Long story short; SOLD! (as a two page spread). It literally took seconds to make the sale; as long as it took to make just a few mouse clicks. Because I was so fast, the photo editor quickly made his choice and moved on to his next task. Having the right software, at the right time, helped solidify the deal and save me and the photo editor a load of precious time; it meant I got the sale. As I sat playing with Silver Efex Pro, I kept thinking of the possibilities and started playing with old files. A fun distraction!
Think-Tank Photo Shape Shifter Camera Backpack. I took this photo with my Canon S-95 with built-in flash and natural light.
It's the one eternal quest for any photographer; finding the perfect camera bag. I have a serious problem; I'm a closet camera bag junkie. I have a room full of camera bags and never quite found the ultimate "urban" camera bag for this nature photographer when I'm not out in the field with my 500 or 800mm lens. I'm talking about those times that I want to grab a bag and have it fit what I need while out on a walk in Old Montreal, visiting family, or just out for a drive for landscapes. I've been meaning to write a serious review of the new Shape Shifter by Think-Tank Photo since I received my review copy a few weeks ago. Suffice it to say that this truly is the ultimate urban camera bag. Built to the usual quality standards that the folks at Think-Tank Photo are known for, the Shape Shifter is a camera backpack like no other. There are five neoprene pouches fixed to the inside back panel capable of holding my Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, 70-200 F2.8 IS II, 16-35 F2.8 II, 24-70 F2.8. The inside of the front cover can also hold a couple of speed-lights and various light modifiers. There are tons of pockets and a top-load sleeve that can accommodate up to a 17" laptop computer. The beauty of the bag is it's ability to compress to a much lower profile when you decide to venture out with only a couple of items in it. Purchase the Shape Shifter from Think-Tank Photo HERE and receive a free camera bag or accessory while engouraging this site.
My Favorite Conversation
It was a blast visiting with Scott and he is a gifted interviewer with quite a personality. We discussed my recent discovery of Nik Software and how I am introducing it into my post capture work-flow. There's a few good tips and a description of my Gannets Galore photo tour / workshop / safari. Be sure to grab a cup of coffee and give it a listen to hear some stories, tips and techniques. Thank you Scott.
I can't talk about my radio interview with Scott Sheppard without mentioning my favorite new software suite and Nik Software. Of the suite, Viveza 2.0 stands out as an absolute favorite for it's ease of use and compatibility. This choice isn't only about the software, it's about the company. Nik Software has changed the way the product supports the user; they offer free daily webinars to help you learn to use their products. How many times have you installed a new piece of software, only to discover that you were on your own to learn how to use it? Now all you have to do is tune into a webinar and watch how it's done; and it's FREE! Certainly worth checking-out at NiK Software (Use the coupon code "cdodds" to save 15% at the Nik store).
My Favorite new Point & Shoot Camera with Accessories
The Sibley Guide to Trees is a refreshing new field guide to the trees of North American Trees written and illustrated by David Allen Sibley. I had given-up hope of finding a well illustrated field guide to the trees of North America, so I was thrilled when I accidentally stumbled upon this gem of a book.
Canadian Nature Photographer Christopher Dodds(that's me - smile) stylin' with a a Cotton Carrier over his Canada Goose Parka. Image copyright and courtesy Julie Morrison - thanks, Julie.
**UPDATE OCTOBER 6, 2016: Since writing this post, please note that Nik Software was bought by Google and is currently offered as a free download HERE.
Just when I thought I had mastered Photoshop, Nik Software comes along and changes everything. I've been oohing and awing over the latest offerings from Nik Software since I received my review copy of their Complete Collection late last week. I've never really worked with anything other than Photoshop, Lightroom and Aperture in the past, so it's been quite an eye-opener for me. Consisting of Dfine 2.0, Viveza 2, HDR Efex Pro, Color Efex Pro 3.0, Silver Efex Pro and Sharpener Pro 3.0, this is one sweet suite of plug-ins! Shock and awe hardly describes how I feel after re-working several older images. I'll probably never get to a full review of each of these amazing plug-ins, but it's certainly not the last you've heard about them here. Be sure to check out Nik Software's latest offerings HERE and save 15% by using the coupon code cdodds at the check-out. I like Viveza 2 so much, we're giving one away on Dec. 15th (thank-you Nik Software) - simply sign-up for my newsletter in the column to the right of this post. Be sure to check-out the details of the other great prizes below.
Testimonials
I had a blast teaching a mini-workshop for the Montreal Camera Club this past week-end with 100,000 Snow Geese, and many of them came very close. Special thanks to Canon Canada Professional Services for loaning a Mark IV and 800mm F5.6 lens for everyone to try.
"Chris, I can't thank you enough for this most inspiring weekend photographing wild snow geese. I thoroughly enjoyed your expertise and advise on how to take breathtaking photos. After quickly reviewing 2,000 photos I'm proud to say that close to 200 will be keepers. At least 3 or 4 of the really interesting ones actually had their beaks open. Also I'd like to thank you for the use of the 800mm lens and Mark IV; by day 2 I got the hang of using it and some of the close-ups are outstanding."
- George LibermanMontreal | Quebec | Canada
"Thank you for the wonderful day I spent with you on Saturday photographing the snow geese. Thanks to your help and individual attention I was able to figure out some issues that would have taken me a long time to solve on my own. Your tips on memory cards and how to keep the dust out of my lens when in Africa were things I’d never thought of. I look forward to doing another workshop with you and wish you all the best. Once again, thank you for a great day."
- Wendy AltonaMontreal | Quebec | Canada
Cotton Carrier Review
I have been meaning to check out the innovative camera carrying system from Cotton Carrier since first seeing one last winter. It’s a vest type harness made of ballistic nylon with a polycarbonate breast-plate receiver that allows you to keep your camera in a comfortable, ready to use intuitive position. Simply screw an adapter (camera hub) to your camera, and it slides right into the receiver - twist to release. If carrying one camera is not enough, then install the second receiver (or side holster) on the side cinch strap (or any belt) and you are ready to go with two easy to access and use cameras. Right after I published the Spider Holster review HERE, Cotton Carrier sent one over for review. I was thrilled to discover the Cotton Carrier is invented and designed in Western Canada. The very first thing I noticed when I opened the plastic UPS shipping bag was the whole deal is in a nylon mesh bag and there was no box - unusual today, but a great sign of respect towards the environment. No box not only saves trees, it reduces the greenhouse gas emissions required to ship the smaller volume package.
The Cotton Carrier is well engineered, designed to fit comfortably and made of some pretty durable materials; ballistic nylon, polycarbonate and aluminum. There’s no doubt that the right choice for the impending winter season is the Cotton Carrier ; it’s versatile design will allow me to adjust it to fit over my bulky Canada Goose winter parka while trying to keep warm in the coldest conditions. The Cotton Carrier holds my camera much higher than the Spider Holster, so it is also the best option to keep my camera with my 70-200mm or 100-400mm lens from getting full of snow as I navigate waist deep snow drifts that I often have to traverse while photographing during my winter owl prowls. Be sure to use the included camera tethers as insurance against dropping any gear if you miss the receiver or have freezing cold hands. There is a wide Velcro horizontal strap to ensure your cameras safety while doing physically demanding photography like mountain-biking, motor-biking, skiing, rock climbing, hiking or dog-sledding. It's important to properly adjust and fit the Cotton Carrier, so I strongly recommend watching this "stellar" video by Andy Cotton ;)
If you are already familiar with the Cotton Carrier , then there are a few new items you should be aware of; I skipped the regular adapters and installed their brand new Arca-Swiss compatible adapter plate. The Cotton Carry-Lite is the newest addition to the Cotton line-up; it is designed to hold one camera at waist level and has a unique built-in shoulder strap. Also new is the Cotton Lens Bag System. Be sure to check them out at www.cottoncarrier.com
Great FREE Gear Giveaway Continues
Sign-up for my newsletter before Dec. 15th, 2010 and you will automatically be entered to win some amazing prizes. Simply fill-in your name and email address in the form in the column to the right of this post and you are entered automatically (only sign-up once please). Tweet, Like or Share this blog entry on Facebook or Twitter, or leave a meaningful comment here for additional chances to win. Don't forget to tell your friends or fellow camera club members about the prizes.
WH-200 Wimberley Head version II (retail value of US$595.00)
Think-Tank Photo Urban Disguise 50 (retail value US$169.00)
Nik Software Viveza 2 (retail value US$199.95)
Digimarc for Images Professional Edition 1 year subscription (US$99.00)
One of eight Canon Long Lens Rain Covers (US$125.00 each)
More to come
Dec. 15th PHOTO GEEK CHRISTMAS PARTY
I'm hosting my first annual PHOTO GEEK CHRISTMAS PARTY at the ROCKBURN PUB (2461 Mtee Rockburn, Hinchinbrook, Quebec J0S 1E0 (450) 264-2239). All amateurs and hobbyists welcome! It's an à la carte menu and there is no fee (other than paying for your own food & drinks) - I will pass the hat for a soon to be announced charity; donations are optional but encouraged. Come on out and meet me, my friends and make new contacts while networking and showing off a few of your favorite images from 2010. Feel free to bring prints, iPads or laptops with your favorite images. RSVP required - email me at chris@chrisdoddsphoto.com (please type PHOTO GEEK CHRISTMAS PARTY in the subject line) to reserve your spot. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve soon. I will be drawing some great prizes for the Great Gear Giveaway Contest and you get another name in the hat @ the party. Special thanks to Joann for opening the pub just for us!
American Alligator YAWN Alligator mississippiensis, World Birding Center, South Padre Island, Texas. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, 1.4X Extender III . ISO 800, F9 @1/200s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION
American Alligator YAWN Alligator mississippiensis, World Birding Center, South Padre Island, Texas. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon 1D MK IV, 500mm F4 L IS, 1.4X Extender III . ISO 800, F9 @1/200s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION
is a refreshing new field guide to the trees of North American Trees written and illustrated by David Allen Sibley. I had given-up hope of finding a well illustrated field guide to the trees of North America, so I was thrilled when I accidentally stumbled upon this gem of a book.
since first seeing one last winter. It’s a vest type harness made of ballistic nylon with a polycarbonate breast-plate receiver that allows you to keep your camera in a comfortable, ready to use intuitive position. Simply screw an adapter (camera hub) to your camera, and it slides right into the receiver - twist to release. If carrying one camera is not enough, then install the second receiver (or side holster) on the side cinch strap (or any belt) and you are ready to go with two easy to access and use cameras. Right after I published the Spider Holster review 
winter parka while trying to keep warm in the coldest conditions. The