The Little Photoshop Box

I have decided that I do like the new Photoshop CC even if some of the "new" tools just seem like they are overdone.

For all of my fellow Photoshop users be aware that you make want to check one little box in Photoshop before you upload you images to Instagram, Facebook... etc.

Open you images and go to File --> File Info and click on the description tab. You may want to make sure the Copyright Status is checked and not set to "Public Domain". Mine was set to that when I opened up Photoshop for the first time. If you upload your images with that box checked it means anyone can use your image and not pay you anything. Something to think about.

The new crop tool in Adobe Photoshop CS 6 / CC

I have found that the new crop tool in Adobe CC to be an unwelcome addition to the program. The previous crop tool worked well and I really don't see the need for this improvement.

The one thing I do find I like about the tool is the ability not to delete pixels but otherwise I could do without the changes.

The other issue I have found is that in teaching students Photoshop they become really confused by using what was a simple tool. Sometimes you can have to many choices and with the crop tool this is the case.

I do know that it can be reset to the old style crop tool but for a classroom of students that is really not an option. Adobe, sometimes simple is best.

What Do You Teach About Photography?

    I started my new job as an adjunct professor at Blue Ridge Community College. It's interesting that we had a family friend ask me, "What do you teach about photography?' It was a serious question. I guess to the generation growing up with a camera on their phone with Facebook and Instagram there is not a lot to learn about photography. You just point the camera/phone and snap the photo.
     I would point out that photography is a lot more than the act of clicking a shutter. Many times that is the easiest part. Getting to the place where everything comes together so you can click the shutter can be a difficult and frustrating. Photography is really about solving problems and having the tools available to get to the point where you can make great images.
    There are many things to learn in order to become a photographer. Learning what the tools are on a camera and how to use them is one. Learning how to see light is another. Developing your personal style is another. I think if she took my course she might have a better understanding.

Featured Artist of the Month at TECAC

Today I have an opening at The Electric Company Artist's Co-op in downtown Bedford, Virginia. I am the featured artist of the month in the gallery.

Some of the images on display were part of my journey to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, WV. 
The place was very interesting and I plan to return there again sometime soon.

I only hope the weather improves this evening. Rainy and cold does not bring people out for the evening.

Working in Bad Weather

Always be ready for rain etc....

A lot of people I meet tell me they would love to be a photographer....but.....many have no idea what the job sometime requires. With all of the bad winter weather across the country this week I'm sure there will be some great winter weather images being posted online by photojournalists.

One thing you need to understand is part of being a photographer is putting up with really bad conditions. Imagine being out in the rain for four-hours as you cover a football game. It takes a lot of work to keep you and your gear dry in addition to making the deadlines required by your employer.

Chances are you will not be able to go inside to dry off and warm up more than once during the game. And, odds are pretty good you won't get dinner either. I feel for the photographers covering events in this cold winter weather. I hope others appreciate the hard work it takes to bring us those great images.

Featured artist at TECAC

A window at the Trans-Allegheny
Lunatic Asylum

January brings a new exhibition at The Electric Company Artist
Co-op in Bedford, Virginia. I am the featured artist of the month and have my opening on Friday, January 10 @ 5:00 PM.

I will be continuing my exploration of abandoned places using HDR photography and some of the featured images will be from The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, West Virginia.

I am really excited to start of the year with a solo exhibition.

2014 Starts a New Year

January starts a new year and a new focus of this abandoned blog. School is out and I have made the transition to being an adjunct faculty member. This blog is to become a place for my musings on photography and where were are going with all of this technology.

I have started my career as an artist and I cannot wait for all of the things 2014 has in store. I hope it is a great year.