Product Review: "Noise Buster" by Akvis

As a photographer and Photoshop user on a Mac, I was interested in trying out Noise Buster from Akvis Software. Noise can be a problem when we shoot at higher ISO levels in lower light situations. Or, we use what some might consider a “soft” lens. This won’t completely cure all noise in a photograph, but what program will? It sure does improve photos though.

Some of the appeal of Noise Buster is it works on both Windows and Mac, it is a standalone and a plugin for Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, and Paint Shop Pro. And it won’t break your pocket book. It costs $49 or 39 Euro. You can download it for free for ten days to give it a good test.

You can try Noise Buster now by going here.

Photowalk 2009 in North Phoenix-PVCC a (HOT!) Success!

Photowalk 2009's version in North Phoenix - Paradise Valley Community College on July 18 2009 was a fun, and HOT, time. Close to a full compliment of fifty photographers joined me as we gathered at Catch 22 Sports Grill, then on to Matador Coffee to take some photos of their bean grinder operation. Then we carefully walked across Union Hills and got in the center of the Paradise Valley Community College Campus where we walked around and found interesting things to take photographs of. All this while under an extreme heat warning (115 degrees, so yes HOT).

Photowalk 2009 is a brainchild of photographer Scott Kelby. This is the second year photographers from all over the world did a photowalk. The idea behind a photowalk is to have fun, meet people, talk about photography, and did I mention have fun? I think our group accomplished that.

Click on the link and you can see more photos from the North Phoenix-PVCC Photowalk. This is the general Flickr site for the Worldwide Photowalk.

Fun at the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Writers and Photographers Workshop

I recently attended the Rocky Mountain Outdoor Writers and Photographers workshop at the Rocky Mountain National Park (June 21 to 25, 2009). First off, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this workshop if you want to work, test yourself, and learn about outdoor photography.

One of the first things I learned was DO NOT scrimp on a good tripod. I brought a piece of junk that I got with a video camera and it was totally unsuited for nature

photography in the field. After the first night, I went online and bought a nice Manfrotto tripod and a Manfrotto monopod from B&H.

Tripods are a MUST for outdoor photography. You often will shoot in low light conditions and need the stability for clear photos. Thanks to Jared Gricoskie for beating me up over that out in the field. haha. I still ended up with a few good elk photos.

The nice thing about a workshop like this is it gets you out of your comfort zone.

I was taken to places I might not have found on my own, nor would I have the motivation factor present, either.

In addition to Jared we also had the guidance of Jack Olson, a published photographer specializing in flora.

We went all over the Rocky Mountain National Park... from the valleys to way above the tree line, in the cold and snow. THAT was welcome for this desert rat (I live in Phoenix) although I have to remind you to dress warmly if you go on this workshop.

I posted photos at my website. Just click on "my photo gallery" and "my photo videos" to see my work.

Nic Showalter is the coordinator and also a darn good photographer. Contact him if you want more information on the June 2010 workshop.