Here are some videos which demonstrate how to use some of the new features in Photoshop.

1st Place, Division Winner

Color Photos – Places – Landscape

Treasure in the Cave

by Marian Nicholas

1st Place

Black & White Prints – Creative

My Lonely, Only Pair of Shoes

by Bob Oehlman

1st Place

Color Photos – Places – Urban Scene

Do You Take Walk-ins?

By Valdemar Ascencio

1st Place

Color Photos – Plants – Flowers

Morai

by Dina Damon

2nd Place

Color Photos – People – Portrait

Couture Me This

by Michael Biehl

2nd Place

Black & White Prints – Vehicles, Machinery

Puddled Crane

by Michael Biehl

2nd Place

Color Photos – People – Children/Family

Joy

by Manny Olmedo

3rd Place

Black & White Prints – Plants

Afloat

by Suzanne Greenberg

4th Place

Color Photos – Places – Landscape

Canyon X

by Suzanne Greenberg

4th Place

Color Photos – People – Travel

Dawn of Carnival

by Dina Damon

4th Place

Color Photos – Things – Creative Studio Shots

Ribbon Twist

by Janice Johnson

4th Place

Color Photos – Places – Urban Scene

The Garage In Havana

by Amir Moshfegh

4th Place

Color Photos – Things – Vehicles and Machinery

The Dakota Kid

by Rick Valasek

Other Ribbon Winners – No Photo Available

Mark Quinanola

2nd Place and 4th Place Awards

In 2016, Paul Renner will be leading seven photographic safaris to Kenya and Tanzania in East Africa, Botswana, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia and Namibia. Paul was born and grew up in Tanzania. His knowledge of photography, of the locations and habits of the African wildlife and the fact that he speaks fluent Swahili all come together for some of the most exciting photographic safaris in Africa.

Through his photography, Paul inspires others to protect and preserve our beautiful natural resources for the enjoyment of future generations. Come and be inspired by his photographs and exciting stories from his latest African adventures.

Paul’s presentation will feature his best wildlife photos from the eight photo safaris that he led in Africa during the past year. Join us to see exciting wildlife photos from Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana, Rwanda, South Africa and Namibia.

Congratulations to Valdemar Ascencio, our Featured Photographer for August 2016.   He is an award winning photographer and world traveler.

One of his most prestigious recognitions  was having his image selected as “Best of Show” at the 2011 Orange County Fair.

Beyond photography Valdemar has had a distinguished career as a Physician and Surgeon, holding numerous positions including:

Chairman, Surgical Case Review Committee
Former Chairman Subsection of Plastic Surgery
Former Chief of Staff
Former Member of the Board of Directors
Saddleback Memorial Medical Center
Past President, UCLA Medical Alumni Association

See many of his award winning images here.

Congratulations to Bruce Wight, our Featured Photographer for September 2016!

Bruce has a varied portfolio of dramatic photography.

To see a sampling of his images and witness his versatility click here.

Below you will find a collection of tutorials about photo metadata including definitions, recommendations, how-to videos, etc.  Over time various pertinent applications will be addressed.   Such as Lightroom, MAC OS finder, Windows File Explorer, Photoshop, etc.

Metadata Glossary of Terms:

Metadata-   information that is held as a description of stored data (data about data)

Example:   A digital image is stored data.   Metadata provides descriptive information about the digital image.

Example:   In a traditional book library.  The books are the “stored data” and the card catalog is the metadata.

Standard types of Photo Metadata: (Much source material from Wikipedia)

Exif

Exchangeable image file format (officially Exif, according to JEIDA/JEITA/CIPA specifications) is a standard that specifies the formats for images, sound, and ancillary tags used by digital cameras (including smartphones),scanners and other systems handling image and sound files recorded by digital cameras.  Exif data is usually embedded in the photo file, including JPEG and TIFF standard formats as well as DNG (Adobe Digital Negative) and camera manufacture RAW formats.  (Nikon – NEF, Canon – CRW, CR2, Sony – ARW, Olympus – ORF, Pentax PEF, Panasonic – RW2)

Exif data includes basic exposure info for the image (Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, and more depending on the sophistication of the camera.

IPTC

The International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC), based in London, United Kingdom, is a consortium of the world’s major news agencies, other news providers and news industry vendors and acts as the global standards body of the news media.

The IPTC defined a set of metadata properties that can be applied to images, part of a broader standard developed in the early 1990s and known as the IPTC Information Interchange Model (IIM). Embedded IIM image information is often referred to as an “IPTC header”. This basic set of metadata fields is branded asIPTC Core, in 2008 a second set branded as IPTC Extension was developed.

IPTC data is oriented to image administrative management and copyright protection.

This is the location for storing copyright and artist information about your images.

XMP

The Extensible Metadata Platform (XMP) is an ISO standard, originally created by Adobe Systems Inc., for the creation, processing and interchange of standardized and custom metadata for digital documents and data sets.

XMP standardizes a data model, a serialization format and core properties for the definition and processing of extensiblemetadata. It also provides guidelines for embedding XMP information into popular image, video and document file formats, such as JPEG and PDF, without breaking their readability by applications that do not support XMP. Therefore, the non-XMP metadata have to be reconciled with the XMP properties. Although metadata can alternatively be stored in a sidecar file, embedding metadata avoids problems that occur when metadata are stored separately.

DNG

Digital Negative (DNG) is a patented, open, non-free lossless raw image format written by Adobe used for digital photography. It was launched on September 27, 2004.^[1] The launch was accompanied by the first version of the DNG specification,^[2] plus various products, including a free-of-charge DNG converter utility. All Adobe photo manipulation software (such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom) released since the launch supports DNG.^[3]

DNG is based on the TIFF/EP standard format, and mandates significant use of metadata. Use of the file format is royalty-free; Adobe has published a license allowing anyone to exploit DNG,^[4] and has also stated that there are no known intellectual property encumbrances or license requirements for DNG.^[5] Adobe stated that if there were a consensus that DNG should be controlled by a standards body, they were open to the idea.^[6] Adobe has submitted DNG to ISO for incorporation into their revision of TIFF/EP.^[7]

Metadata Lightroom Screen Shots

Exif Sample

IPTC Sample

Tutorials

The following 14 minute YouTube video presents some basics about managing metadata in Lightroom.  It specifically addresses copyrights and keywords.   All is presented in an easy to understand and informal style.  Benefits of saving copyright info in your image metadata are presented.   Software featured in this video are Lightroom and Metapica.com (an online free metadata reader)  Credit:  Phlearn, Aaron Nace

Jay has been a member about 1 year and has been very active.   He has contributed some award winning shots in our monthly challenges.

Click here to see a collection of Jay’s beautiful images

Read Jay’s Story here

Please read  about Ken Gatlin’s photographic journey  – 

See Ken’s photos here

My name is Ken Gatlin.

I have always had a love of the outdoors. Some of my earliest memories are of camping and hiking in the mountains and deserts. Sunrise is my favorite time.

In addition, I have always enjoyed making things and

I think of myself as more of a craftsmen than an artist. Along with photography I enjoy wood working, and leaded glass projects. For example, I’m currently building a desk and bookcase for my grandson.

At my day job, I’m a software developer. I have done many things from Mainframe OS development, control software for a solar power plant,  E-Commerce web sites, and utility apps. Coming up with a creative solution to a problem is fun for me.  Currently I build Android apps.

My interest in photography developed when my grandmother gave me my first camera – a Kodak Brownie Bullet. I think I was about I was about five or six.

Like most kids I took snapshots of relatives and places we went to on family outings.

I didn’t start taking photography seriously until 1980 when I get my first SLR, a Konica TC. This is when I wanted to do something better than just taking snapshots

During the next several years most of my photos were landscapes related to camping and backpacking trips  

In 2000, my wife and I purchased our first digital camera. A Canon ELPH S100. A whopping 2.1 mp. It was small, and the battery didn’t last very long but it was very convenient. It went with us to Ireland, Italy, and Peru.

In early 2006, we took the plunge and got a Nikon D200 followed shortly by a D300. Grandkids are a great excuse to spend money.

I currently shoot with a D800 and we also have an Olympus M-1 that is used mostly for family outings.

It is interesting to note that the Olympus is the same size as my old Konica.

Today, my favorite subjects to photograph are landscapes, abstracts, and flowers.  I occasionally do some wildlife and now I’m developing an interest in shooting sports. Well, actually I’m only interested in two soccer players, both of them are my grandkids.

Like many of you I have been taking photographs most of my life.

Introduction

This article addresses:

• Part 1 – About You Tube – Characteristics of and “how-to” suggestions for YouTube as a learning tool for all things photographic.  This info is biased toward those unfamiliar. Those familiar with YouTube may just want to skip to Part 2.
• Part 2 – You Tube Links – Specific links and recommendations for videos, providers, and subjects from the authors experience.  Ideally club members will contribute many more sugggestions.  150 brains are definitely better than one.

Part 1 – About YouTube

YouTube can be an invaluable resource for all aspects of photography education.  Why?

• YouTube lets you search on any topic and find many relavent videos.
• YouTube content is basically “unregulated”.  Anybody can post anything about any subject.  There are constraints but those are out of scope for this article.   Learning how to refine your search is a good skill to acquire.
• YouTube is available on any device with a web browser and anywhere you have an internet connection. (Phone, tablet, laptop, desktop…)  A virtual, portable classroom.
• Content exists for all skill levels, many languages, and it is free.  Most content does require you to watch some advertising content.  Usually after you watch a 5 second introduction you can skip to your content.
• Videos range from 60 second “quick tips” to expansive multi-part classes taking several hours to complete.
• Videos are on demand and can be paused and completed later.  You decide what, when, and how much you want to watch.
• Many professional photographers and educational organizations provide free content to promote their “for sale” offerings.
• Adobe and other providers deliver free professional training for their products via YouTube.
• You can subscribe to a favorite provider and get notifications of new postings.
• You can flag a video to watch later.   That creates a personal “Watch Later” list.
• Hardware information including unboxing, deep dive reviews,product comparisons, Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Olympus, Tamron, Sigma, can be found.  The variety is endless.

Part 2 – YouTube Links

General Photography

BPSOP  (Formally PPSOP) Bryan Peterson School of Photography

https://www.youtube.com/user/PPSOP

This is Bryan Peterson’s Educational Resources.  Bryan is a best selling author of educational photography books  and how-to materials.   His teaching style is creative, fun, and casual.  Included in his material are critiques and tutorials provided by BPSOP instructors.  BPSOP offers many tuition based professional training classes but all of the YouTube material is free.  Bryan’s tips are structured to inspire us to try new things.   They are 2 to 5 minutes in length and make you want to get out and shoot.

The link above takes you to the BPSOP You Tube collection.   There are over a hundred videos.

Tim Grey

Tim Grey is a photographer who has written more than a dozen books … Wedding Photography · 1000+ Courses Available · Expert-led classes – NY Times

Tim is not an dynamic speaker but, his offerings are technically excellent and contain a wealth of important details.  He publishes a “daily” free email called “Ask Tim Grey” that is almost always  spot on technically on a wide range of photographic subjects.  He offers Lightroom overviews on the latest offerings and some detailed how-to’s on Photoshop techniques.  He also publishes a Monthly digital magazine “Pixology” providing a deep dive into a variety of photographic subjects.

See what you think about what Tim has to say.

Tim Grey TV

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5krVurqyeB_Rks9YpWMlVg

Tim Grey You Tube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/user/timgreyvideos

Greg Benz

The following article and video by Greg Benz is an excellent summary of techniques for focusing your camera in the dark.    Greg Benz is a highly respected expert on Luminosity Masks and creator of photoshop plugins/actions to speed up editing with Luminosity Masks.  See Photoshop Section below.

Three Easy Ways to Focus Your Camera at Night

Digital Rev TV

https://www.youtube.com/user/DigitalRevCom

Digital Rev is a Hong Kong based production often featuring reviews of new equipment and photo techniques.  Wikipedia describes the style as “funny and irreverant”.  The offerings are varied and the presentations are creative and informative.  Learn from these guys and have a laugh at the same time.  You could think of this site as Saturday Night Live with a  touch of Benny Hill for photographers.  This site has over a million subscribers world wide.  Here is Digital Rev sample video on Landscape Photography to give you an idea of how they approach a subject.  Another recent feature on Digital Rev is their Cheap Camera Challenges, See Lara Jade take the challenge.  Pretty amazing results.

Terry White (Adobe Evangelist)

Terry White is a serious Adobe educator.  His videos address several Adobe products.

The following link addresses a common question among Photographers who wonder,  “What is the difference between Lightroom CC vs Photoshop CC vs Bridge CC?”  This almost 2 hr video shows weaknesses and strengths of each and suggests when each is the appropriate tool.  I will address Terry’s offerings on Lightroom and Photoshop under those topics below.

Anthony Morganti (added 11/6/2016) From Larry Sivertson (member)

Anthony Morganti is another prolific provider of very helpful videos on Lightroom, Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, and General Photography.  He also has a series of Photo Critiques.  He also has a series of 5-10 minute quick tips for Photoshop and Lightroom.   (Over 65 at last count)  His teaching style is evenly paced and thourough

Here is the link to Anthony Morganti’s YouTube Home Page.  

https://www.youtube.com/user/AnthonyMorganti

John Free (Street Photography)(added 11/6/2016) from Tom Leach

John Free is a social documentary/street photographer who lives in Los Angeles. His photographic essays range from railroad tramps in California to automobile abstracts to London and Paris street life.  He shares his philosophy about street philosophy and teaches respect for his subjects.  He shoots black and white film and develops and prints in his own darkroom.  See this sample Walking with John Free in the Streets.

Below is the link to his YouTube home page.

https://www.youtube.com/user/JohnFreePhtography

Trey Ratcliff (added 11/6/2016)

Trey Ratcliff defies a simple label.  He is a photographer, artist, writer, philosopher, and adventurer.  He is a strong proponent of  HDR photography and was one of the 1st mainstream pro photographers to embrace mirrorless cameras. He is witty, bright and entertaining.  He has over 8 Million YouTube views with over 75,000 subscribers.  He was instrumental inn the design of MacPhun’s Aurora HDR Pro Software.

In the spirit of this page here are links to some of his educational offerings:

Trey’s Tips and Tricks (98 Videos)

Lightroom

Serge Ramelli

https://www.youtube.com/user/cmoeu

Serge Ramelli is  a prolific provider of photographic education.  He has a lively, winning  personality and slips in humor often.   He has a French accent  with very good English skills.  Most of his tutorials are 15-20 minutes and reveal lightroom techniques.   He also has videos on Photoshop and other editing software.  At one point he produced two free tutorials a week.  He is friends with Kelvin of Kelvin Designs and Trey Ratcliff.

Terry White on Lightroom

 If you want detailed info about everything Lightroom CC watch his 8 part series “Introduction to Adobe Lightroom CC”.   Start with Part 1 here.

Below is a link to all of Terry’s Lightroom tutorials.

Anthony Morganti – Lightroom CC Training Videos – added 11/6/2016

Anthony covers a wide range of Lightroom CC subjects in this 28 episode video training series.  Morganti’s style is calm, clear, and confident.

Start the playlist here

Photoshop 

Kelvin Designs

https://www.youtube.com/user/KelvinsTutorials

The link above takes you to Kelvin Designs YouTube landing page.  Kelvin is a Photoshop Expert.  Kelvin move pretty quickly through his examples but the beauty off  YouTube is you can replay as many times as needed.  Just a few of the Titles of his YouTube offerings are listed below.  He is a friend of Serge Ramelli, another prolific Lightroom and Photoshop teacher with many free videos.  Serge says Kelvin taught him everything he knows about Photoshop.

How to Change A Sky in Photoshop

How to Add A Revlection in Photoshop

How to Sharpen Images in Photoshop

How to change the color of anything in Photoshop

How to Create Light Rays in Photoshop

Terry White on Photoshop

Below is a link to Terry White’s collection of Photoshop Videos  Lots of basic  over views and specific How-to’s.

Greg Benz on Luminosity Masks

Greg Benz specializes in Luminosity Masks.  Below is a link to an excellent into to the Luminosity Masks. He also has many other tutorials showing ow to use them for specific images.  Note:  Luminosity masks are an advanced photoshop editing technique.

Here is a link to Greg Benz’s complete YouTube Playlists

Anthony Morganti Photoshop for Photographers Training (added 11/6/2016)

A well organized moderately paced class in PhotoShop fundamentals.  Well worth your time. 

23 Episodes – Start Here