Snapseed now avilable for Android.

Now the Best Mobile Photo App of 2012 (TIPA) and iPad App of the Year 2011 is available on the Android Platform!

Snapseed is the only photo app you’ll want to use every day. It makes any photograph extraordinary with a fun, high-quality photo experience right at your fingertips.

Anyone can enhance, transform, and share their photos with ease using incredibly advanced features from the leader in digital photography software. Built-in Google+ capabilities make it even more powerful to share your images with your friends and family.

PRAISE FOR SNAPSEED:

“Snapseed…first-class photo-editing software.” ~~Roy Furchgott, New York Times

BENEFITS:

• Easily adjust your photos with a single tap using Auto Correct

• Tweak your photo to perfection with Tune Image

• Use Selective Adjust to enhance specific objects or areas in your photos

• Experiment with fun & innovative filters like Drama, Vintage, Grunge, and Tilt-Shift

• Add Image Borders for a finishing touch

• Share your creations via Google+, email, and any other service you have installed.

SUPPORTS:

• Android OS 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) or later

• Phone or Tablet

• JPEG and TIFF photos

• Language support: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), and Arabic

GET IN TOUCH:

google.com/+Snapseed

FEATURES:

== Basic Adjustments ==

• Auto Correct - Automatically analyzes your photo and adjusts color and exposure to perfection.

• Selective Adjust - Make precise selections and enhancements to specific areas of your photos in seconds with Nik Software’s revolutionary U Point technology.

• Tune Image - Use Ambience to create depth and vibrancy that uniquely adapts to colors and textures. Adjust White Balance, Saturation, Contrast, more.

• Straighten & Rotate - Rotate 90° and/or straighten photos with simple gesture controls.

• Crop - Easily crop images to remove distracting parts of your photo with standard aspect ratios, or a free crop.

== Creative Enhancements ==

• Black & White - Get that classic Black and White look with this darkroom-inspired filter.

• Vintage Films - Make any photo look like a vintage color film photo from the 50’s, 60’s or 70’s.

• Drama - Add style with a custom effect specifically tailored to your photos, ranging from subtle textures to wildly artistic effects.

• Grunge - Give your photos a totally unique, hip, and dingy look.

• Tilt-Shift - Create a narrow in-focus area designed to simulate depth of field, common in a Miniature Scene look.

• Details - Enhance details with traditional sharpening or the unique Structure control found in the Nik Software professional products.

• Center Focus - Draw attention to the subject of your photo by blurring and adjusting the brightness of the surrounding background.

• Organic Frames - Add stylized borders to photos for the perfect finishing touch.

For more information or to download Snapseed for Android head on over to Google Play.

Snapseed now avilable for Android.

Now the Best Mobile Photo App of 2012 (TIPA) and iPad App of the Year 2011 is available on the Android Platform!

Snapseed is the only photo app you’ll want to use every day. It makes any photograph extraordinary with a fun, high-quality photo experience right at your fingertips.

ILFORD PHOTO introduces black & white disposable cameras

The ILFORD XP2 Super Single Use Camera gives the convenience of being able to have the film processed at any High Street photo-processing centre using C41 colour negative systems, with proof prints made on colour paper. These can either be close-to-neutral black and white prints, or colour toned monochrome prints, and are ideal for deciding which negatives to print on black and white paper.

The ILFORD HP5 Plus Single Use Camera is intended for processing at locations with standard black and white film processing and printing chemistry, resulting in true, real black and white prints that have a unique look as the images are made from silver.

These new high quality disposable cameras complete with Flash have a smart clean new look, and each camera is individually packaged with a Euro Hanger in the carton design to enhance display in dealer retail locations. UK Retail Price is expected to be in the region of £8.99 including VAT, excluding processing costs.

In the UK there is an additional option for a Process Paid version of the HP5 Plus camera. This comes packaged with a pre-paid envelope from ILFORD LAB DIRECT. Cameras returned in this envelope will have the film processed at the ILFORD Lab in the Cheshire factory, and will receive back a boxed set of 6x4 inch black and white prints. This option is expected to Retail at around £14.99.

Steven Brierley, Director of Sales and Marketing at HARMAN, says ‘We continue to be surprised at the number of requests we get for the retro style black and white film cameras. Many are from digital users who now want the look of real black and white prints from a film negative, especially when they go to events and parties.’

Cameras are available to purchase now from usual photographic dealers and distributors, and from www.HARMANexpress.com.

For enquiries call the Sales Office on +44 (0) 1565 684000

ILFORD PHOTO introduces black & white disposable cameras

The ILFORD XP2 Super Single Use Camera gives the convenience of being able to have the film processed at any High Street photo-processing centre using C41 colour negative systems, with proof prints made on colour paper. These can either be close-to-neutral black and white prints, or colour toned monochrome prints, and are ideal for deciding which negatives to print on black and white paper.

Rotation180° Photo Backpack by MindShift Gear

The rotation180º professional features something that no other backpack does – an integrated camera waist pack that rotates out of the lower section to the front of the body, allowing instant access (patent pending design). Releasing and rotating the waist pack can be done in seconds, letting you quickly change lenses, filters, or other accessories.


Please download our full product sheet:  
http://www.mindshiftgear.com/Mindshift_SalesSheet_Web.pdf

Field testing the Rotation180º in Yosemite National Park.

Traditional backpacks have to be taken off and placed on the ground to fully access your gear. As a photographer this is a significant problem since you are regularly switching equipment during a shoot. Outdoor terrain does not always allow a pack to be put on the ground. At some point this process becomes cumbersome and inhibits your ability to stay in the creative “zone.” The rotation180º professional lets you maintain your creative momentum when working in the field. Since the backpack always stays on your back you can stand right in the river or continue walking, hiking, or climbing, and stay focused on taking pictures.
Please download our full product sheet:  
http://www.mindshiftgear.com/Mindshift_SalesSheet_Web.pdf 
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

The integrated rotating belt pack can be removed and used alone. The padded waist belt has a small pocket on one side, and rail for our modular lens case on the other side.

Rotating beltpack can be configured to hold a wide array of pro size camera equipment. It will hold a pro size camera with up to a 70-200 f2.8 lens attached.

The large 17 liter back/top access upper compartment can be used to hold essential non-photo gear.

The optional padded camera gear insert (included in both Standard and Deluxe Kickstarter reward packages) holds photo gear up to a 70-200mm lens with body attached and several other lenses.

When installed, gear in the optional photo insert can be accessed through either the top or back panel.

Side zip outer jacket pocket holds layers of clothes including a down jacket. It can accommodate smaller laptops with a user provided protective cover. Pack is shown with optional top pocket which further expands capacity (Included in Pledge #3).

Side hydration pocket accepts bladders up to 3 liters and keeps water separate from other gear.

There are multiple options for attaching and carrying the tripod, including a multi-purpose removable tripod cup (included) that can also be used for securing a snow shovel.

Included as a bonus in the Deluxe pledge package, the Tripod Suspension Kit is an inovative accessory that allows hands-free mobility with your tripod-mounted camera attached to the shoulder harness.

Tripod Suspension Kit details: Tripod connection strap fits most tripods. The adjustable Suspension Straps connect to shoulder harness and tripod strap with burly spring gate hooks. Tripod legs tuck into shock-cord on pack's left side.

Full rain covers protect your gear from water and allows the belt pack to be rotated for uninhibited access to camera gear. Small to medium tripods will fit inside the rain cover with legs protruding from a lower port.

Please download our full product sheet:  
http://www.mindshiftgear.com/Mindshift_SalesSheet_Web.pdf

REWARDS OVERVIEW

ABOUT US
MindShift LLC is a group of committed professional photographers and product designers who support conservation and protection of our natural resources and planet. Founded by the creators of Think Tank Photo and conservation photographer Daniel Beltrá, we are dedicated to building carrying solutions for those who are passionate about experiencing the natural world. Our slogan, “Engage with Nature,” challenges people to not only become involved in outdoor activities, but to create a conversation about nature and our relationship to the environment.
Experience and Quality Assurance
Product designers Mike Sturm and Doug Murdoch already had 14 and 22 years of experience, respectively, designing and producing backpacks and camera bags for major manufacturers when they co-founded Think Tank Photo in 2005. Their expertise and contacts enables us to design, build and deliver the highest quality products in the industry.
Project Status And Manufacturing Plan 
Designing this product has taken two years, and we have taken the following steps:
1. Clear definition of what we wanted to accomplish (which is superior accessibility to one’s gear)
 2. Multiple prototypes. We estimate that fifteen prototypes have been made, many of them made by designer Mike Sturm, in his design studio.
 3. Testing with professional photographers to conceptualize, develop, test, and fine-tune the features of the rotation180º professional backpack.
 4. Choosing the proper materials and construction methods, and getting counter samples from the factory, to the point of final approval.
 Our Manufacturing Plan: 
1. Finalize all materials, patterns, and specifications (pending right now)
2. Place the order with our manufacturer for the KickStarter production.
3. Finalize our quality assurance and control plan specifically for this product.
4. Have two people on sight at all times during production to ensure quality.
Fulfillment Plan: Through KickStarter the products are available to the USA, Canada, EU countries, Norway and Switzerland with free shipping and no tax/ VAT. The anticipated delivery date is Spring 2013 (April or May 2013) For other countries not listed above, the product will be available by Summer 2013. If you are in a country not included in the above, please send us an email and we can answer your questions about availability. USA: we have secured a fulfillment house in California to deliver all orders via ground delivery. Canada: we will be using a distributor in Toronto. EU countries including Switzerland and Norway: We will have one central point of distribution in Germany to all countries through a distributor.    
For more information visit www.mindshiftgear.com

Product testing high on Bear Creek Spire, High Sierra, California

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS:
Volume
Total 2287 cubic inches or 37.5 liters (without the accessories)
Waist pack volume: 480” (7.87 liters)
Backpack volume (Empty): 1807” (29.63 liters)
Dimensions
Exterior dimensions with outside pockets empty: 13.5” W x 22.5” H x 10.5” D (57 x 27 x 34 cm)
Interior dimension of only the upper compartment: 12” W x 14” H x 8” D (30.5 x 35.5 x 20.3 cm)
Exterior dimension of the belt pack only: 13” W x 7” H x 7.5” D (33 x 17.8 x 19 cm)
Interior dimension of the belt pack only: 12.5” W x 7” H x 7” D (31.7 x 17.8 x 17.8 cm
Weight
Combined weight of both the beltpack and the backpack = 5.3 lbs (2.5 kg)
Beltpack weight: 1.8 lbs (0.8 kg)
Backpack weight: 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) Generally used with the belt pack in place.
Optional Photo Insert for upper compartment (included in deluxe package): 0.9 lbs (0.4 kg)
Other accessory weights are listed in the Product Sheet
Materials
YKK RC and RC Fuse zippers. Fabric: 500 D nylon, 210 D nylon, 100 D shadow ripstop nylon, 140 D silver toned nylon, 30D nylon ripstop (rain cover), Ultra Stretch mesh, nylon webbing. EVA foam and CLPE foam
Contact Us: If you have any questions about our products or services, please contact us! We are designers and photographers who value your questions, feedback and experiences.
customerservice@mindshiftgear.com
media@mindshiftgear.com
USA PHONE: 855-757-2727
INTL PHONE: 707-284-9999
FAX: 707-527-0808
1105 N. Dutton Ave., Suite C, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, USA

Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter

This backpack is extremely complicated to make, and the parts and pieces must fit together correctly to make it work. Although the functionality of the product looks pretty simple when you watch the video, this is only made possible by people sewing together all the individual parts in the correct way. Backpacks are hand made by people’s hands using sewing machines, the old fashioned way. So the biggest risk is that some small but important detail will not be done correctly. So our challenge is to make sure it is sewn correctly in production to ensure functionality.
To counter this we plan to have two quality assurance specialists at the factory during the entire production process, which includes verification of the correct materials, cutting, sewing, packing, and shipping. Simply stated, if there is an issue during production, the part and pieces are corrected before the next step. Our belief is that product quality is more important than the scheduled ship date, which means that we will make sure the product is made correctly, even if it causes a delay.
We are uniquely qualified to make this product and to overcome any obstacles. Although MindShift is a new company, the people involved have been making camera bags and backpacks for over twenty-five years. MindShift is the sister company of Think Tank Photo, and we will be using the same factory that makes Think Tank products. You can Google Think Tank Photo or go to www.thinktankphoto.com if you want to look at the type of products that are being made.
Most importantly, we are making the commitment to you that we will overcome any obstacles that we may encounter, and deliver the product to you in a timely manner.

Rotation180° Photo Backpack by MindShift Gear

The rotation180º professional features something that no other backpack does – an integrated camera waist pack that rotates out of the lower section to the front of the body, allowing instant access (patent pending design). Releasing and rotating the waist pack can be done in seconds, letting you quickly change lenses, filters, or other accessories.

The Cactus AF 50 is the latest TTL flash unit from Gadget Infinity. This unit has many advanced features that are normally only found in manufacturer specific flashes. 

Nikon D5200

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the Nikon D5200. This camera is equipped with a new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of 24.1-million pixels and an image-processing engine equivalent to EXPEED 3 built into the D4 flagship camera. It offers the superior basic performance needed for full-scale photography in a compact and lightweight body.

The D5200 offers the same side-hinged vari-angle monitor as the D5100 that enables flexible shooting from any angle, high or low, making even self portraits possible. It is an entry-level model that meets photo enthusiasts' demands for full-scale photography capabilities with its new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of approximately 24-million pixels as well as an image-processing engine equivalent to EXPEED 3 built into high-end Nikon D4, D800, D800E, and D600 digital SLR cameras for superior resolution, and image quality with very little noise at high sensitivities.

The standard range of sensitivities covers a broad range of ISO 100 to ISO 6400, with support for additional expansion to equivalents up to ISO 25600 (Hi 2). It also offers the most focus points available in its class–39–for fast and reliable focus acquisition and tracking. The Scene Recognition System, made possible with the same 2,016-pixel RGB sensor found in high-end Nikon cameras, more accurately analyzes scene brightness and color information, which is then reflected in autofocus, automatic-exposure, i-TTL balanced fill-flash, and auto white-balance control.

The D-Movie function supports recording of full-HD 1920 x 1080 60i/50i movies for sharp HD movies exhibiting excellent detail. The D5200 is also equipped with Special Effects mode that enables the application and adjustment of special effects with shooting. Combining a variety of effects with a vari-angle LCD monitor that enables shooting from a wide range of angles significantly broadens imaging expression possibilities with both still image and movie recording.

What's more, the D5200 is compatible with the Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a and the new Wireless Remote Controller WR-R10/WR-T10 (both available separately) for collaboration with smart devices and more possibilities for remote control over the camera, making the D5200 more convenient than its predecessor. When the WU-1a is connected to the camera, images can be transferred to a smart device, such as a smart phone or tablet*, and the smart device can also be used to control camera shooting remotely. In addition, the new WR-R10 (transceiver) and WR-T10 (transmitter) enable remote control over the camera from greater distances and broader angles than are possible with infrared remote controls for simple and convenient remote control even through obstacles. The WR-T10 can be used to control the camera to which the WR-R10 is connected. However, it can also control multiple cameras to which WR-R10s have been connected, enabling smooth remote control over a number of cameras.

• * The Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility app must first be installed on the smart device (the app can be downloaded free of charge from the smart device's app store).

D5200 Primary Features

1. A new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of approximately 24.1-million pixels and support for a broad range of ISO sensitivities for superior image quality and definition The D5200 is equipped with a new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of approximately 24.1-million pixels. It supports a broad range of standard ISO sensitivities, from ISO 100 at the low end to ISO 6400 at the high end, as well as further expansion to an equivalent of ISO 25600 (Hi 2). This support enables capture of sharp and clear images with very little noise, even at higher sensitivities.
   
   When used with NIKKOR lenses loaded with Nikon's advanced optical technologies, the roughly 24.1-million effective pixels enable sharp rendering of even the finest details.
   
   
2. The EXPEED 3 image-processing engine made faster and more efficient with optimization for digital SLR cameras
3.  The D5200 is equipped with an image-processing engine equivalent to the EXPEED 3 high-performance image-processing engine built into high-end D4, D800, D800E, and D600 Nikon FX-format cameras. This enables faithful rendering and vivid color reproduction, as well as a broad dynamic range. With capture of still images at high sensitivities, advanced noise-reduction processing effectively suppresses noise to preserve textures and details in images. Noise-reduction processing performed with movie recording results in faithful reproduction of crisp, clear outlines in movies recorded in low-light situations.
   
   
4. Excellent basic camera performance and operation for stress-free shooting 
5. • Equipped with an AF system offering 39 focus points Adoption of the Multi-CAM4800DX autofocus sensor module enables certain acquisition and tracking of the intended subject with 39 focus points. Utilizing cross-type sensors for the center nine focus points most commonly used ensures reliable focusing performance with certain acquisition of the intended subject and excellent tracking performance. In addition, the number of active focus points can be limited to 11.
     
     
   • 2,016-pixel RGB sensor with built-in Scene Recognition System The Scene Recognition System detects subject conditions prior to shooting and then analyzes scene brightness and color information that is then used with autofocus, auto-exposure, i-TTL balanced fill-flash, and auto white-balance control. The results are most clearly seen with reliable tracking of moving subjects when 3D-tracking is enabled. The system is also able to identify smaller subjects than could the D5100. What's more, when Face-priority AF is enabled with movie recording in live view mode, or when faces are enlarged with playback of still images, up to 35 faces can be recognized.
     
     
   • High-speed continuous shooting at up to approximately 5 fps* With high-speed continuous shooting at up to approximately 5 fps*, users will never miss the perfect shot, whether framing images using the optical viewfinder or the camera monitor. The densely packed 39 focus points effectively cover the majority of the frame for certain acquisition and tracking of rapidly moving subjects, such as those participating in sporting events. High-speed continuous shooting at approximately 3 fps can also be selected for situations, such as capturing natural human expressions, in which a slower frame rate is preferred. This allows for selection of the optimal frame rate according to the scene.
     
     
   • *With manual focus, [S] (shutter-priority auto) or [M] (manual) shooting mode, shutter speed 1/250 s or faster, and other settings at default values.
   •  
6. Vari-angle LCD monitor for stress-free shooting from any angle The 3-inch, approximately 921k-dot LCD monitor with wide viewing angle is large and ensures clear viewing. It opens to the left from 0–180°, and can be rotated forward 180° and backward 90° when open. Adoption of a side-hinged vari-angle monitor allows for unobstructed opening and rotation of the monitor when the camera is mounted on a tripod for flexible and stress-free shooting from low angles to high angles, making even self portraits possible.
   
   
7. Smooth, cinematic action video with Nikon's D-Movie with superior picture quality : 1920 x 1080 60i/50i 
8. The D5200 is equipped with the D-Movie function, which enables recording of 1920 x 1080 60i/50i movies exhibiting superior picture quality by simply pressing the movie-record button next to the shutter-release button. The new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of approximately 24.1-million pixels and EXPEED 3 high-speed image-processing engine ensure recording of sharp, clear movies with little noise, jaggies, or moiré patterns. Autofocusing during movie recording is possible using contrast-detect AF. When the focus mode is set to Full-time servo AF (AF-F) and the AF-area mode to Subject-tracking AF, the camera automatically maintains focus on a subject moving throughout the frame. Manual settings* are also available for those who want to specify recording shutter speed and ISO sensitivity according to their own preferences. In addition to the ability to choose the recording frame rate from 50i or 60i (1080), or 24p, 25p, or 30p (1080) per second, the camera is equipped with a stereo microphone for superior audio quality with movie recording. Stereo sound can also be recorded via the optional ME-1 stereo microphone.
   
   
   • *Available shutter speeds vary according to the selected movie frame rate. ISO sensitivity can be selected within the range of ISO 200–6400 and Hi 0.3–Hi 2.
   
   
9. Special Effects mode for creative imaging expression The D5200 offers seven* special effects that can be selected and applied with recording of both still images and movies. Special effects are displayed in the monitor with the view through the lens before shooting or recording begins, allowing users to confirm the results of effect selection or adjustment in real time. Users can easily enjoy dramatic effects like those seen in the movies using special effects. This mode was adopted to respond to the creative intent of users searching for a way to express their own unique style and creativity.
   
   
   • *D5200 special effects: Selective Color, Color Sketch, Miniature Effect, Night Vision, Silhouette, High Key, Low Key. Color Sketch, Miniature Effect, and Selective Color can also be applied to images already recorded from the retouch menu.
   
   
10. Support for the optional Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a enables wireless image transfer to a smart device 
11. By simply connecting the Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a (sold separately), true, high-quality photos and movies recorded with a compatible digital SLR camera can be easily shared with a smart device.* The view through the camera lens (live view) can be displayed on a smartphone or tablet screen to control remote shooting (remote movie recording not supported), and images captured with the D5200 can be transferred to the smart device over a wireless connection. Using the Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a expands the ways in which users enjoy the photos and movies they have recorded with the D5200 and a NIKKOR lens by enabling the immediate transfer of images to family and friends, or uploading to blogs or social networking sites, anywhere and anytime.
12. • *The Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility app must first be installed on the smart device (the app can be downloaded free of charge from the smart device's app store).
13. Support for the Wireless Remote Controller WR-R10/WR-T10 enables stress-free remote shooting
    
    
    Remote control is more convenient with the D5200 due to support for the WR-R10 (transceiver) and WR-T10 (transmitter) that utilize electromagnetic waves. When the WR-R10 is connected to the D5200, the WR-T10 can be used for wireless control over remote shooting. The WR-R10 and WR-T10 enable remote control over the camera from greater distances and broader angles than are possible with infrared remote controls, and obstacles such as trees between the transceiver and transmitter do not impede communications. Not only autofocus is possible with the shutter-release button pressed halfway but also control over operations such as continuous shooting, movie recording and quiet release mode is possible. Naturally, the WR-T10 can be used to remotely control a single camera to which the WR-R10 is connected, but it can also control multiple cameras to which WR-R10s have been connected1,. The WR-R10/WR-T10 makes photography much more enjoyable as it enables varied expression of scenes using multiple cameras, each with a different lens mounted, and each shooting the subject from a different angle using the vari-angle monitor.
    

Nikon D5200

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the Nikon D5200. This camera is equipped with a new Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of 24.1-million pixels and an image-processing engine equivalent to EXPEED 3 built into the D4 flagship camera. It offers the superior basic performance needed for full-scale photography in a compact and lightweight body.

Weekend Workshop

Back in Portland after a fantastic weekend up in Seattle teaching a lighting workshop for ExpoImaging over at Glazer's Camera.

We spent the weekend at the amazing Alexis Hotel and were able to make our way down to Pike Place Market to checkout the sites. It was a very productive trip on many levels. With the exception of Ashlee coming down with a vicious cold of course.

I would like to thank everyone who attended the workshop and I am so looking forward to the next one!

For those of you that did attend and asked for the slides that I used in my presentation here is a link to the Shadows & Light Workshop slides.

If you are in the Seattle area and you have not gone over and shopped at Glazer's Camera you should take the time and check the store out. It is an amazing store with a great inventory and awesome employees. Thanks again for all of your help!

Weekend Workshop

Back in Portland after a fantastic weekend up in Seattle teaching a lighting workshop for ExpoImaging over at Glazer's Camera.

We spent the weekend at the amazing Alexis Hotel and were able to make our way down to Pike Place Market to checkout the sites. It was a very productive trip on many levels. With the exception of Ashlee coming down with a vicious cold of course.

I would like to thank everyone who attended the workshop and I am so looking forward to the next one!

For those of you that did attend and asked for the slides that I used in my presentation here is a link to the Shadows & Light Workshop slides.

If you are in the Seattle area and you have not gone over and shopped at Glazer's Camera you should take the time and check the store out. It is an amazing store with a great inventory and awesome employees. Thanks again for all of your help!

LumoPro LP160 discontinued.

October 9th, 2012 — LumoPro, a leading developer and manufacturer of off-camera flash equipment, announced today that the LP160 Quad-Sync Flash is currently at the end of its life cycle and will be discontinued. When introduced in July 2010, the LP160, LumoPro’s current flagship product, was a huge success. Designed from the ground up for off-camera flash enthusiasts, the LP160 met near universal acclaim. It was affordable. It was loved. It was—and still is—guaranteed out the wazoo.

Kevin Deskins, LumoPro Product Manager, said, “We’re sad to see the end of this era. It feels like yesterday we were beta testing LP160s with the best minds in the industry. It was a time when unicorns danced, angels sang, and all the photons in the world were falling in the right place. But even as we celebrate the bittersweet end of the LP160 era, we’re looking forward to what the future holds. We’re expecting to see crazy amounts of response on this announcement. All we can say is that we've seen the next generation of our flash, and we can’t wait for you to see it too.”

Authorized dealers will operate with limited inventory due to worldwide demand, international manufacturing situations and new product development. The sale of LP160 units will end in accordance with the stock supply of each authorized dealer.

LumoPro will continue to repair and replace LP160 units covered under the 2-year international warranty. Any customer backorders will be managed directly with the authorized dealer where the unit was purchased.

While striving to maintain quality product and superior customer support, LumoPro will continue to bring lighting and support equipment to the photographic community such as grip equipment, stands, and modifiers. LumoPro products can be found at Midwest Photo Exchange in the United States, CameraTools in Europe, PhotoFreak in Israel, and Shanzhuoboshi in China.

LP160 Quad-Sync Flash and LumoPro equipment questions can be directed to support@lumopro.com.

LumoPro LP160 discontinued.

October 9th, 2012 — LumoPro, a leading developer and manufacturer of off-camera flash equipment, announced today that the LP160 Quad-Sync Flash is currently at the end of its life cycle and will be discontinued. When introduced in July 2010, the LP160, LumoPro’s current flagship product, was a huge success. Designed from the ground up for off-camera flash enthusiasts, the LP160 met near universal acclaim. It was affordable. It was loved. It was—and still is—guaranteed out the wazoo.

Kevin Deskins, LumoPro Product Manager, said, “We’re sad to see the end of this era. It feels like yesterday we were beta testing LP160s with the best minds in the industry. It was a time when unicorns danced, angels sang, and all the photons in the world were falling in the right place. But even as we celebrate the bittersweet end of the LP160 era, we’re looking forward to what the future holds. We’re expecting to see crazy amounts of response on this announcement. All we can say is that we've seen the next generation of our flash, and we can’t wait for you to see it too.”

Authorized dealers will operate with limited inventory due to worldwide demand, international manufacturing situations and new product development. The sale of LP160 units will end in accordance with the stock supply of each authorized dealer.

LumoPro will continue to repair and replace LP160 units covered under the 2-year international warranty. Any customer backorders will be managed directly with the authorized dealer where the unit was purchased.

While striving to maintain quality product and superior customer support, LumoPro will continue to bring lighting and support equipment to the photographic community such as grip equipment, stands, and modifiers. LumoPro products can be found at Midwest Photo Exchange in the United States, CameraTools in Europe, PhotoFreak in Israel, and Shanzhuoboshi in China.

LP160 Quad-Sync Flash and LumoPro equipment questions can be directed to support@lumopro.com.

The things you see out on location.

While out shooting the other day I came across one of the most bizarre things I have ever seen.

On Monday I was shooting at a collage campus and I came across an odd series of classrooms.

It was led off by what looked like a couple of elementary school rooms of the typical make. Lots of miniature furniture and finger paintings everywhere.

The next room was a replica of a large hospital room with six to eight beds. Now to me this was really out of place especially right next to elementary school rooms.

The next rooms was the the one that made me look twice though. It was another hospital room but this one was occupied. There were just under a dozen or so resuscitation dolls and other assorted medical dummies in the beds of this last room.

When I first saw them I totally thought they were real people and I nearly let out a little yelp. However the real site was in the corner of this room. It was there that the rest of the "patients" were. In the corner were another half dozen or so practice patients piled into various wheelchairs laying back with their mouths open. I had to snap a quick pick of the scene through the window.

Like I said it was one of the most bizarre things I have ever seen while out on a shoot.

We had a few different adventures out on this location but I will save that for another post.

Keep an eye out at www.jkrump.com for some of the photos from this shoot and here for another post.

The things you see out on location.

While out shooting the other day I came across one of the most bizarre things I have ever seen.

On Monday I was shooting at a collage campus and I came across an odd series of classrooms.

It was led off by what looked like a couple of elementary school rooms of the typical make. Lots of miniature furniture and finger paintings everywhere.

The next room was a replica of a large hospital room with six to eight beds. Now to me this was really out of place especially right next to elementary school rooms.

The next rooms was the the one that made me look twice though. It was another hospital room but this one was occupied. There were just under a dozen or so resuscitation dolls and other assorted medical dummies in the beds of this last room.

When I first saw them I totally thought they were real people and I nearly let out a little yelp. However the real site was in the corner of this room. It was there that the rest of the "patients" were. In the corner were another half dozen or so practice patients piled into various wheelchairs laying back with their mouths open. I had to snap a quick pick of the scene through the window.

Like I said it was one of the most bizarre things I have ever seen while out on a shoot.

We had a few different adventures out on this location but I will save that for another post.

Keep an eye out at www.vanishedtwin.com for some of the photos from this shoot and here for another post.

A Simple Explanation of F-Stops

This is a great video explaining all you need to know about F-Stops.

Flash Facts - TTL Cords

A very versatile and often overlooked tool that can cost next to nothing is a simple TTL cord. With this cord you can get your flash off of your camera and still maintain your flash and camera communication.

One great trick that you can manage with a TTL cord involves High Speed Sync and a TTL flash unit. There are many companies out in the market that offer TTL flash units for the major camera brands and for the most part they are very capable and affordably priced.

These lower priced units normally do not offer off camera High Speed Sync functions but they are are capable of High Speed Sync when mounted on camera. So, what can you do to take these flash units off camera and still retain the High Speed Sync function? That’s right: use a TTL cord!

When using a TTL cord the flash is essentially still directly connected to the camera and will function just like it is still sitting on the camera body. Thus you will be able to use High Speed Sync with a TTL cord.

Theses TTL cords come in varying lengths from three feet to over twenty feet. If you need to you can also couple them together for longer lengths. If you are shooting an event one well used trick is to use a short TTL cord to connect your camera and flash and then hold the flash in one hand off of your camera to add some depth to your event lighting.

Another great use is with the longer cords. The flash end of the TTL cord will often have a ¼ x 20 thread on the underside of it so that it can be threaded onto a light stand or umbrella/softbox mounting bracket. With a long enough cord you are able to have your flash way off camera and still maintain all camera/flash communications.

With an affordable price, small profile, and large functionality for your flashes, TTL cords are a staple in my kit and an item that photographers should carry with them.

Canon EOS 7D firmware v2

Canon has released a firmware update for the fantastic 7D. Below are the feature updates.

Follow this link to Canon to download the update.

Canon EOS 7D firmware v2 – new features:

• Improved maximum burst for RAW images (up to 25)
• In-camera RAW image editing
• In-camera Image Rating
• In-camera JPEG resizing
• Maximum Auto ISO setting (ISO 400-6400)
• Manual audio level adjustment in movie recording
• GPS compatibility
• File name customisation
• Time zone settings
• Faster scrolling of magnified images
• Quick control screen during playback

LumoPro LP728 Bungee Ties

Sometimes it’s the little things that can make or break a shoot. Keeping your triggers securely fastened to your lights is one of those little things that can make a large impact. Letting your triggers hang by the sync cord is an invitation for disaster and if they disconnect just one time you can miss your shot.





The LP728 Bungee ties from LumoPro are absolutely perfect for holding your flash triggers to your flash stands. The ties are made from a very strong and durable nylon. The ball part of the tie has teeth on it that help keep a grip on the stretchable nylon to better keep it in position.

Bungee ties are often one of those items that are overlooked in a kit whether it be in studio or out on location. You will never say to yourself “Man I wish that I didn’t bring those bungees with me!” However out on a location shoot I have said “Man I wish I had a small bungee with me!”



The LP728 Bungee ties are not reinventing the wheel, but they are a great rendition of it.

You can get your own at mpex.com They come in sets of either 2 or 10.

For more information on the LP728 Bungee Ties and other products from LumoPro visit their site at www.lumopro.com and make sure to also check them out on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/LumoPro and Twitter at: www.twitter.com/#!/LumoPro

Ezra Weiss: Portland Composer, Pianist and Educator

A few weeks back I had the opportunity to photograph Portland musician Ezra Weiss. It was a pleasure to work with Mr. Weiss and a great treat to listen to him play while we worked.

Ezra recently updated his site (www.ezraweiss.com)with some of the photo's from our shoot. Take some time and check out his site a look.

If you have the chance to see one of his live performances I totally recommend it. You can also check out Ezra Weiss on Facebook at facebook.com/ezraweiss and also on Twitter at: twitter.com/ezraweiss