A few months ago, we ran a little tongue-in-cheek piece in the PhotographyBB Magazine about the best way to back up your digital photos – print them. It’s true, as digital storage technologies change (how many of you still own a CD-ROM?), the fine art of printing our images truly do make them stand up to the test of time. Not unlike the craft of photography, or the skill of working with lighting and flash, printing is a fine art unto itself. Every photographer, from amateur to professionals could all use a masterclass in preparing images for print, profiling, sharpening, etc… and where better to get that education from one of the best and most affordable sources, Craft & Vision.

Making The Print: Printing Techniques for the Digital Photographer – A MASTERCLASS by Martin Bailey is the second eBook in the Craft & Vision Masterclass Series, and as expected, it’s packed with the good stuff when it comes to photographic education. This eBook is a primer on printing and image preparation (for print), and includes excellent step-by-step instructions with plenty of visuals to help make the printing process exciting.

Here’s what you’ll gain from this eBook:

• Calibration: Your monitor, your printer, and your camera.
• Print Profiles & Color Management – How to get the most accurate color reproduction.
• Sharpening for Print – The skill and technique for perfectly sharp prints.
• The right way to size images for printing with borders.
• Printing for canvas wraps, and how to do it yourself!
• Printing for an exhibition.

Hey, there’s a discount!

Whether you are learning photography as a beginner, a hobbyist, or you are a professional, there’s no better investment in the continued growth of your photography for $5, although today thru Dec 21st, 2011, you get it for only $4 with the discount code: PRINT4 or us the code PRINT20 to get 20% off if you are purchasing any 5 or more eBooks (codes expires at 11:59pm PST Jan. 21st, 2012).

Click to view larger, additional page samples.
The downloadable PDF is just $5USD. (or only $4 today if you use the discount code: PRINT4)

You can view some page samples or download the ebook here: Making the Print: Printing Techniques for the Digital Photographer – A MASTERCLASS.

Happy Photographing folks!

Gear is Good, Vision is Better. When David duChemin released “Within the Frame”, he went from world-renowned humanitarian photographer, to best-selling photography author almost overnight. The reason – his mantra: Gear is Good, Vision is Better. Today, “The DUCHEMIN” releases Vision is Better 2: Free the Mind, Free the Camera. Again. which is a follow up to the first in the series on lessons learned in life, the hows / whys, and the craft of photography. The first Vision Is Better is one of Craft & Vision’s best selling eBooks, and this one is sure to surpass the previous. Want to talk exceptional value? This eBook is a gargantuan 95 page spreads of pure insight and brilliant imagery from the man himself. 

Let’s be clear about one thing… This is not a how-to photography book, yet the teachings in here will absolutely elevate the way you perform with your camera, and yes, even the way you look at the world. A quote from David reads, “What can I say? After flogging the concept of vision for a few years now, I still remain unrepentant about my overuse of the world.” And why not? This is precisely what separates the great from the good. Learning how to see differently, interpret differently, relate differently, and create differently are exactly what great vision is all about. When you arm yourself with a strong vision straight from the heart, your gear matters less, and your photography becomes better.

Here’s what you’ll gain from this eBook:

• Lessons on doing what you love, inspiration, originality, and more
• Isolated By Light: Why LOW Dynamic Range images can be more effective than HDR.
• Buy the Tickets: A (very) brief but insightful economics lesson on gear vs opportunity
• Filters and the Creative Process
• When to break the “rules” and when to follow them
• Art and Risk

Hey, there’s a discount!

Whether you are learning photography as a beginner, a hobbyist, or you are a professional, there’s no better investment in the continued growth of your photography for $5, although today thru Dec 21st, 2011, you get it for only $4 with the discount code: VIB4 or us the code VIB20 to get 20% off if you are purchasing any 5 or more eBooks (codes expires at 11:59pm PST Nov. 19th, 2011).

Click to view larger, additional page samples.
The downloadable PDF is just $5USD. (or only $4 today if you use the discount code: VIB4)

You can view some page samples or download the ebook here: Vision is Better 2: Free the Mind, Free the Camera. Again.

Happy Photographing folks!

What could be more exciting than the news of a brand new Craft & Vision eBook? How about one for FREE! Craft & Vision: 11 Ways to Improve Your Photography has just been released as a free download. You can get your copy right now at: http://www.photographybb.com/free-ebook

We’ve all seen the hundreds of “__ Ways to Improve Your Photography” blog posts, which sometimes contains useful information, but often lacks substance. This eBook goes light years beyond the usual. We’re not talking about cheap camera tricks or techniques. Craft & Vision is written as a compilation of articles from some of the world’s most renowned photographers, such as David duChemin (who incidentally, is also the book’s editor). There’s no recycled material or excerpts from previous eBooks – it’s all original material packed into meaty 69 pages. Stunning imagery. Exceptional techniques. No catch.

If you were to take a week to seriously practice each one of the “11 ways”, by the end you will experience a quantum leap in your proficiency and growth as a photographer.

Here’s just some of what you’ll gain from this eBook:

• Make your images more dynamic (and what that means)
• Learn how to direct and lead your viewer’s eye through your image
• Refine your composition
• Make (much) stronger portraits
• The two fundamentally different ways to approach exposures, and which is right for you

Click to view larger, additional page samples.

Download the ebook here: Craft & Vision: 11 Ways to Improve Your Photography

While you’re at it, spread the free eBook love and pass this review on to your friends and colleagues. Enjoy!

Of all the key ingredients to great photography, composition is the single most important facet to building compelling imagery.  Beyond Thirds: A Photographer’s Introduction to Creative Composition introduces the so-called traditional compositional rules, and then blows right past them. Andrew S. Gibson examines things like the Rule of Thirds, and shows us why it works in some cases, and why we should consider throwing it right out the window in others.

This quote pretty much sums up everything you’ll learn in this eBook, and why it is so important to creating great photographs: “There is no such thing as ‘correct’ composition, just bad composition, good composition, and inspired composition.”

Here’s what you’ll gain from this eBook:

• A refreshing and suspicious view of the Rule of Thirds
• Moving beyond the Rule of Thirds
• Creating great images by achieving “compositional balance”
• Compositions with multiple focal points
• Composition for different frame sizes, aspect ratios, and cropping.

Hey, there’s a discount!

Whether you are learning photography as a beginner, a hobbyist, or you are a professional, there’s no better investment in the continued growth of your photography for $5, although today thru Nov 19th, 2011, you get it for only $4 with the discount code: BT4 or us the code BT20 to get 20% off if you are purchasing any 5 or more eBooks (codes expires at 11:59pm PST Nov. 19th, 2011).

Click to view larger, additional page samples.
The downloadable PDF is just $5USD. (or only $4 today if you use the discount code: BT4)

You can view some page samples or download the ebook here: Beyond Thirds: A Photographer’s Introduction to Creative Composition

Happy Photographing folks!

Learning how to use off camera flash is a fantastic hobby (and skill) in itself. It’s actually quite easy to grasp the basics and start seeing results right away, and can lead you into years of practice where you learn to develop those basics into artful mastery. Making Light 2: Advanced Use of Off-Camera Flash picks up where Making Light left off and just keeps on going. Here we start getting into the good stuff – going beyond sync-speed, working with multiple flashes, using different modifiers, even going beyond the use of small flashes. The author also includes 10 case-studies, all loaded with helpful tips showing how each image was accomplished (my personal favourite way to learn). And like Piet’s other books, this one is BIG – 77 pages big!

Here’s what you’ll gain from this eBook:

• How to use high-speed sync flash for FAST shutter speeds and dreamy depths of field effects
• In-depth explorations of light modifiers and advanced triggering (great stuff here!)
• 10 case studies with examples of lighting setup and description of the process
• Options when you outgrow your “small” flash units
• 4 interviews discussing things like inspiration, business, creativity, and technique

Hey, there’s a discount!

Whether you are learning photography as a beginner, a hobbyist, or you are a professional, there’s no better investment in the continued growth of your photography for $5, although today thru Oct 24th, 2011, you get it for only $4 with the discount code: MAKINGLIGHT4 or us the code MAKINGLIGHT20 to get 20% off if you are purchasing any 5 or more eBooks (codes expires at 11:59pm PST Aug 24th, 2011).

Click to view larger, additional page samples.
The downloadable PDF is just $5USD. (or only $4 today if you use the discount code: MAKINGLIGHT4)

You can view some page samples or download the ebook here: Making Light 2

A Lighting Masterclass: Making Light Bundle (Limited Time Only)

If you haven’t yet purchased any of the Craft & Vision eBooks, then this is the perfect time to get in on the education. For a very limited time, you can basically get a masterclass on off-camera lighting by getting the Making Light Bundle – for only $8 The first Making Light is a great primer for anyone who is interested in using their hot-shoe flash to make truly dynamic images. You’ll learn about different options for triggering it remotely, where to place it, and how to balance your flash with the ambient lighting. Yes, it’s one of those topics which can be intimidating, but going through this book will provide you with a dramatic improvement in learning to master your flash.

There’s no product page for this bundle, you can only get it by adding it here.
Making Light Bundle: $8

Happy Photographing folks!

“The word IMAGINATION has at its root, the word ‘image’.” This quote from David duChemin’s newest eBook, Inspired Eye 3: Notes on Creativity for Photographers nicely demonstrates the idea behind this eBook and the Inspired Eye series. Our ability to create, to be creative, and to be inspired all stems from the strengths found in our imaginations. Really, learning the technical aspects of photography, composition rules, and camera functions, is a walk in the park which any level of photographer can master with just a bit of practice. Learning how to create, on the other hand, is a far more refined skill with the potential for unlimited growth.

Here’s what I love about this eBook:

David has already demonstrated his proficiency for creating great photographs, writing with a natural style, and his ability to educate while inspiring. With this book (and this series), I’ve found that even with everything that I’ve personally learned from David, he still has the ability to take us to new, deeper levels.

There are many lessons to be learned in this eBook, far beyond the technical. This of this one as a manual for the imagination. Yes, I do realize how corny that sounds, but it’s actually the one thing we tend to act upon as if we’re meant to suppress rather than practice.

Another topic which I found to be of great interest in this eBook is David’s thoughts on imitation of others’ works, and how it can both nurture and hinder our own creative efforts. I think a great many of us tend to struggle with finding and defining our own style, and I found the section entitled, “Imitate, then Move On” to be particularly eye-opening.

Lastly, while this eBook is filled with brilliant images and inspired reading, I thoroughly enjoyed the many inspirational quotes sprinkled throughout the book. Different, and pretty cool stuff.

Click to view larger, additional page samples.
The downloadable PDF is just $5USD. (or only $4 today if you use the discount code: EYETHREE4)

You can view some page samples or download the ebook here: Inspired Eye 3

The Launch Discount

With each eBook that Craft & Vision releases, there are always a pretty sweet discount at launch. Whether you are learning photography as a beginner, a hobbyist, or you are a professional, there’s no better investment in the continued growth of your photography for $5, although today thru September 24th, 2011, you get it for only $4 with the discount code: EYETHREE4 or us the code EYETHREE20 to get 20% off if you are purchasing any 5 or more eBooks (codes expires at 11:59pm PST September 24th, 2011).

If you are new to David’s eBooks, you can pick up the entire Inspired Eye Series for only $12 through this special bundle! (Includes the original two Inspired Eye eBooks with new cover images, and the new Inspired Eye 3).

Happy Photographing folks!

Learning to use camera flash, especially off-camera flash is one of those intimidating subjects for all photographers (including myself) when starting out. Why is there such a fear around getting to know our flash units the same way we use our cameras? Truth be told, it’s not that scary once you learn a few basics, and I do mean basics. Making Light: An Introduction to Off-Camera Flash has got to be one of the most long overdue books on the subject, and it’s available today from our friends over at Craft & Vision!

This book is perfectly written for the photographer who’s wanted to learn more about shooting with their flash unit off-camera.

Here’s what you’ll gain from this eBook:

• Flash fundamentals and characteristics of light
• 7 easy steps for setting up your Canon or Nikon Flash unit, off-camera
• A failsafe 10 step approach for shooting spectacular pictures with off-camera flash
• How to eliminate those nasty shadows caused by your flash
• Learn all about the basic gear for great off-camera flash photos

Making Light is a great primer for anyone who is interested in using their hot-shoe flash to make truly dynamic images. The examples are easy to follow and put into practice immediately. If you have one hot-shoe flash already, this eBook will teach you how to work some photographic magic by taking it off your camera. You’ll learn about different options for triggering it remotely, where to place it, and how to balance your flash with the ambient lighting. Yes, it’s one of those topics which can be intimidating, but going through this book will provide you with a dramatic improvement in learning to master your flash.

Hey, there’s a discount!

Whether you are learning photography as a beginner, a hobbyist, or you are a professional, there’s no better investment in the continued growth of your photography for $5, although today thru Aug 21st, 2011, you get it for only $4 with the discount code: LIGHT4 or us the code LIGHT20 to get 20% off if you are purchasing any 5 or more eBooks (codes expires at 11:59pm PST Aug 21st, 2011).

Click to view larger, additional page samples.
The downloadable PDF is just $5USD. (or only $4 today if you use the discount code: LIGHT4)

You can view some page samples or download the ebook here: Making Light
Happy Photographing folks!

How does any photographer go from being a hobbyist to professional? The leap from being a great photographer to a great entrepreneur is a giant one – it’s a whole new skill set and an entirely different arena to play in. Your Creative Mix: Growing Your Photography Business through Creativity and Collaboration is a brand new Craft & Vision eBook written by one of the smartest people I am fortunate to know – my good friend and fellow collaborator, Corwin Hiebert. For those of you who don’t know who Corwin is, he’s the business manager to several successful entrepreneurs, including one of the most successful photographers, David duChemin. That should tell you just how good he is!

When David duChemin released Within The Frame, the photography world fell in love with it and it quickly became one of the best-selling photography books of all time – Why? – It was the first book to dig deeper and teach us photography from the basis of vision rather than technique. Your Creative Mix does the same thing here for professional (and aspiring) photographers – it goes deeper. Corwin’s demonstrates important business lessons in growing your business, building true value, managing creativity, and the opportunities found in collaboration.

Just to be clear, this new eBook is by all accounts, a business book for photographers. Corwin is admittedly not a photographer; he’s a highly successful entrepreneur who’s here to share his secrets on managing a creative business, specifically as it relates to the business world of photography. Your Creative Mix has a lot to offer from a true expert in the field.

Here’s a sneak peak at some of what you will learn:

• As a professional – be an artist first, creative second
• The pitfalls of creative work
• How to actually grow your creativity (and what that means!)
• How to elicit curiosity, from clients and even potential collaborators
• The art of attracting fans (it ain’t just about your work!)

My thoughts about this eBook…

As an entrepreneur within a creative industry, I feel that I’m in a good “insider’s position” to comment on the content in this eBook. Firstly, the value here is just exceptional. This is not a photography book packed with photos, so at 39 page-spreads (that’s like 78 real pages), you’re getting a tremendous value at the $5 price point. I mean really – if you feel that a photography business is in the cards for you tomorrow, or five years from now, you absolutely can’t go wrong here.

Corwin writes in a clear and easy to follow manner, and I found there to be an excellent balance of content in the form of photography business insights, lessons, rants, interviews, information, and informal case studies. It’s this balance which keeps the book interesting; I didn’t want to put it down, and for a business book, that’s saying a lot. The aesthetics of the book are beautiful, the supporting photos were well selected, and the layout makes reading enjoyable.

The Launch DISCOUNT!

As each eBook that Craft & Vision releases, there’s no better investment in the continued growth of your photography (and now, photography business) for $5, although today thru July 23rd, 2011, you get it for only $4 with the discount code: MIX4 or us the code MIX20 to get 20% off if you are purchasing any 5 or more eBooks (codes expires at 11:59pm PST July 23rd, 2011).

Click to view larger, additional page samples.
The downloadable PDF is just $5USD. (or only $4 today if you use the discount code: MIX4)

You can view some page samples or download the ebook here: Your Creative Mix
Happy Entrepreneuring folks!

A Downloadable Legal Kit for Photographers

Photography is a fine craft, a relaxing hobby, and of course – a business. However, the thing about taking photographs in any capacity is that we can be held responsible and liable for any number of infractions or infringements on copyrights, trademarks, privacy, and individuals’ rights to name a few. This applies to professionals, but are you aware that it equally applies to amateurs and hobbyists too?

For example, did you know that you can absolutely photograph the Eiffel Tower (Paris) during the day, and sell your photos through a stock or microstock website. However, you cannot do so at night! The lights on the Eiffel Tower are a protected design and cannot be used in commercial or stock photography without prior legal consent. It’s surprising the number of subjects which have protected and/or trademarked designs, and therefore cannot be photographed for sale (even private sales) without special permission.

Enter “The Photographer’s DIY (Do it Yourself) Legal Kit,” brought to us by Jason Anderson of CanonBlogger.com (and columnist for several years in our PhotographyBB Magazine). Jason has assembled this downloadable kit of legal forms with the assistance of a practicing copyright attorney. This kit covers the needs of most photographers (amateur and professionals), and includes the following forms:

1. Event Contract
2. Licensing Agreement
3. Schedule A – items to be included in licensing
   
4. Schedule B – licensing usage terms
5. Adult Model Release form (accepted by iStock and Getty)
6. Child Model Release form (also accepted by iStock and Getty)
7. ReadMe Guide with professionally designed graphics and easy-to-understand explanations of what each form is and how to use it.

With 6 forms and a 2 page ReadMe Guide, this isn’t a typical length “ebook,” but after my own experiences with the costs of getting just a single form done (I believe I paid $90), this kit is perfect for standard events, licensing and model releases (both adult and child). This is the best part – you can customize it! Jason has made each form into a Word document so you can easily add your studio logo, graphic, letterhead, and even your studio name, to each form as you grow your own business.

The Real Value

Hiring a lawyer for even one single form can cost in the hundreds; a kit like this would be in the $300-$500 range. The least expensive legal kits I’ve seen are in the $50 range, and don’t usually offer the ability to customize the look and feel. Jason has a special offer for the release of this kit – Jason is offering it, right now at launch, for only $30! To protect yourself and your photography business time and time again, you simply can’t go wrong. But wait…. there’s more!

The first 200 people to buy this kit can use the discount code: DIY2011
and get this kit for only $15 – WOW!

At this price (and being able to print off as many of these forms as you will ever need), it’s an offer you can’t afford to miss out on. For me, the $30 price point is actually right on the money, but Jason wanted to take it a step further and give us a special for the first 200 people. With such a limited discount, these WILL run out so do make sure you head to CanonBlogger’s eBook Page and pick one up for yourself today!

Being creative is hard work. Managing and marketing your creativity is hard work too. We get it. And clamorate! is here to help.

Brought to you by Dave Seeram (PhotographyBB) and Corwin Hiebert (CreativeMix), clamorate! is a raucous web community of creative  freelancers, sole proprietors, and small business owners who want to live the dream! clamorate! delivers the inspiration and information you need to grow and manage your creative business. We are seeing a large number of photo enthusiasts who are looking to build a career with their photography, and clamorate! is here to help you do so.

The site goes live on Monday, June 20th! We’re in the trenches and we’ve got an amazing roster of industry professionals and subject matter experts lined up to deliver the goods (we’re talkin’ peeps like chartered accountants, lawyers, agents, advertising pros, business coaches, and project managers to name a few). Starting, managing, and growing your creative business is tough, and we’re here to help.

The BIG DEAL

From today until June 19th, 2011 at 11:59 PST, you can register at a HUGE savings to be part of the action. Join us at clamorate.com