Easy Aperture 3 Workflow For Photographers

Posted on by blogger

Aperture 3 is an all-in-one work flow software which allows photographers to work without having to go into various programs during their work flow process. I’ve been using Aperture since it was released, I can more or less complete entire work flow all in one program.

From import to output, Aperture delivers a simple work flow solution for photographers, specially for someone like me who wants to work in a single program as much as possible. The quality of the output files is uncompromising.The best feature is the ‘non-destructive’ way the images are processed so the images always ‘as shot’ if I ever need to go back to my originals.

Here is a typical work flow for my wedding or portrait shoot:

Downloading / Importing / Renaming Images
Importing images is quick and easy. Images can be imported from a camera, card reader, DVDs, hard drives or from iPhoto. At the point of importing, you can add copyright, keywords and other meta data all in one go. From a wedding, I may need to import about 600-700 images and as soon as I start import, I press P which gives me the Quick Preview of the imported images and I can immediately start to cull images which are not good. I shoot with 2 camera bodies and the first thing I do is to sort the images by time order. So after the images have been imported, I sort by time order and then rename them.

I’ve created a ‘Custom Name with Counter’ for my images. All I do I select all the images and ‘Batch Change’ all the names which takes a few seconds or so to do. Stacks is a handy tool which automatically group images shot in a sequence, this helps browsing a wedding with lots of images to really speed through the whole shoot. So once all the images have been selected to show case to the couple or client, I then proceed to adjust / enhance the RAW files.

Adjusting / Enhancing Images
Once I’ve sorted and renamed my files, I’ll go through them and apply any adjustments if needed. Simple tasks like fixing white balance, enhance colors, straightening, cropping and improving exposure are all done non-destructively. I’ve made presets which I apply on the fly.

If there is a batch of images shot under the same lighting conditions, then only one image is adjusted and the settings applied to this image ‘lifted’ from it and ‘stamped’ on all the rest of the images in one go. Then I export them as ‘versions’ and saved as high quality JPEGs.

Presenting images to clients
This is where Aperture 3 (and Aperture 2) comes on to its own. When a client books an appointment to either come and see my work or to preview their wedding / portrait images, firstly the images are shown as a slide show with music, all available in Aperture 2 & 3. I have a dual-monitor set up as a 30″ & 23″ Apple Cinema Displays. To fully take advantage of Aperture, you’ve got to work with a dual-monitor set up. This really does speed up the work flow.

The selection process
This process takes around an hour or so for a wedding (400 images) and about 15-20 minutes for a portrait (60 images) session. Multiple images are selected and displayed at a time and the ones which the client love are rated as 1 star. Once we’ve gone through all the images, I do a quick search for all 1 star rated images, this brings up all these images. Now if we need to take some images out of this selection, then I just press ‘2’ and rate the images as 2 star which are definitely selected for the package. This way I can quickly go between the first & second selection if need be.

Event Photography: Need for Speed
Event photography is a big part of our business. When we need to print images on-site at an event, we really did struggle to find a decent program on the Mac. However, all that changed when Aperture 2 arrived. We download, sort, rename, print contact sheets and then print the images from our Mitsubishi dye-sub printer to whatever size we require up to 9×6″. No matter how big or small the event is, whether it is a corporate ball for 100 couples or an equestrian event for 600 riders, Aperture 3 (and 2) effortlessly & painlessly handles our work flow. Even tethered camera support is also available, allowing the images to go straight from camera into Aperture.

Case Study: Corporate Event
Images of guests are shot as they arrive. Using wi-fi, the images are sent to a ‘hot folder’ which Aperture keeps an eye on and import images directly into its library. This is real-time and as soon as the images are shot, the couple are requested to view their images on the monitor. The Mac Book Pro has an additional Apple display attached to it on which only the full screen image is shown to the client without any palettes or the Aperture interface. We can also display multiple images to the client at the same time so they can see which one they like.

There are preset sizes saved under the print window. So if we need to print a contact sheet of 9 images as thumbnails, we just select the images and select the 9-up Contact Sheet or when a customer’s 9×6″ print needs to be printed, only one image is selected and then the 9×6″ Print option is clicked. It is a straight forward way of printing on-site.

Case Study: Cross Country Equestrian Event
A very busy event where we really do need our work flow to be at 100 mph!! 600 riders, 4 photographers shooting 4 different jumps, 6000+ images, all in a day’s work!!!
This is where we make use of the ‘Smart Folders’ in Aperture 2. One Smart folder is created for each photographer, the criteria usually used is the photographer’s name as a keyword. Upon receiving the CF from say Photographer 1, this is entered as a keyword and all images from that CF card are imported. These images will automatically show in the Smart Folder named ‘Photographer 1’. Now to make contact sheets of all the images as small thumb nails so clients can see their images and select the ones they like.

All the images are selected and then to print preset of ‘9-up Contact Sheet’. This will print 9 images on a 9×6″ printer. Once the printing is done, press ‘1’ with all the images selected, this will rate all these selected images as ‘1’ star. Now the next CF card comes from the same photographer, the images are imported with the keyword ‘Photographer 1’ and they all go into the Smart folder of Photographer 1. Only the new images need to be printed as contact sheets, so a quick search of ‘unrated’ images is done, this shows up only those which are not rated ‘1’ and are unrated. All these images are selected, printed and then rated as ‘1’. The same is applied to all the other photographers. A very sophisticated work flow with a simple solution.

In my opinion, I don’t think there is any other professional work flow application which offers such ease for managing, editing, sorting, previewing and outputting in a very user-friendly interface. There are loads and loads of other powerful features which I have not even discussed but are there in Aperture 3 to make our workflow a lot more easier.

Indoor Sporting Events
With most indoor sporting arenas (not at international level), the lighting is not ideal and in many cases not sufficient. Tungsten lighting is usually used at these arenas which gives a very ‘orangey’ cast to the images. Once all the images are shot and imported into Aperture 2, we correct one of the image, lift the settings from it and can apply to either dozens or even hundreds of images at the same time with the ‘Lift’ and ‘Stamp’ tool saving invaluable time and no need to correct each and every image individually.

Aperture 3 only works on a Mac, so if your are on a PC, what other alternatives you may have. The first product which comes to mind is Lightroom by Adobe, but you don’t have the video editing feature on it currently. The other obvious comparision is to Photoshop, but Aperture is not meant to complete with something like Photoshop. Aperture can work alongside Photoshop’s PSD files but it will not work with individual layers. Photoshop is more of a creation tool and Aperture is ideal for workflow and is a digital darkroom on a Mac. Most professional photographers will use both Photoshop & Aperture 3.

When A Special Occasion Comes Up An Arm Sling Can Spoil It Or Not!

Posted on by blogger

When I was recovering from my broken clavicle, an important wedding was on my calendar. I couldn’t imagine wearing an ugly arm sling when all dressed up for such a special occasion. I was lucky because my seamstress sister was willing and able to make a custom sling for me to wear to match my outfit. What a relief it was for me.

If you are stowed up with an arm, clavicle or shoulder injury or are recovering from a surgery that requires use of an arm sling, you might be looking for places that can make custom slings that match your outfit or you may be wondering how to make a sling yourself.

Arm sling patterns are hard to find, but if you want to make a custom sling, you can simply use that unsightly sling that you got at the hospital as a custom sling pattern. Using a seam ripper, you can take the sling apart, pin the pieces to a sheet of material and cut out the new sling leaving enough room for the seam.

You will need enough material to make the body of the sling. The straps, buckles and other gadgets can be reused from your original sling or you can buy the pieces at a craft or sewing store. To keep the arm stable in the sling, putting a thumb ring on it helps tremendously.

The arm sling can be decorated using lace, ruffles, fringe, feathers, rhinestones, sequins, beads, or even flowers and tassels. It is only limited by your imagination. One of my favorite slings that we created is western style with leather fringe and inset turquoise stones as decorations. Some custom slings do not require decorations because the fabric completes the look, but plain fabric looks great with original accessories.

It really does not require a lot of talent. If you can make a straight seam, you won’t have tons of problems in crafting up a sling that you will be proud to wear; however, if you are stuck using only one arm it can be difficult, even for an experienced seamstress.

Do not get down in the dumps because of your injury. Rather, resort to custom arm slings to complement your style and improve your outlook on life during your recovery. It might be possible for you to find a premade sling that you will enjoy. If not, design one yourself and have a talented seamstress sew it up for you.

Unforgettable Jokes For Wedding Reception Speech

Posted on by blogger

You might hear the ghost of Jack Parr chortling, guffawing if you use these one-liners in your wedding day speech. These brief pieces of comedy are time-honored ways to liven up a speech. Groomed for appropriateness, you can safely include one or more of these in your speech or toast.

1. Marriage is a thing, which puts a ring on a woman’s finger and two under the man’s eyes.

2. Marriage is a 3-ring circus: engagement ring, wedding rink and suffering.

3. Marriage is not a word, it’s a sentence…a life sentence.

4. Never marry a man for money. You will have to earn every penny.

5. Love is blind, but marriage is a real eye-opener

6. A man said his credit card was stolen but he decided not to report it because the thief was spending less than his wife did.

7. It’s not true that married men live longer than single men. It just seems like it.

8. I haven’t spoken to my wife in 18 months…I don’t like to interrupt her.

9. A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend. A successful woman is one who can find such a man.

10. A man is incomplete until he is married. After that, he is finished.

As you reviewed these, you probably had a stronger reaction to some than others. It is best to chose one or two, rather than try and deliver a stand-up comedy on the day of the wedding. Even just using one as opening break-the-ice humor might make your speech successful. Hearing the laughter from the guests may dissolve your jitters and improve your speech from the get-go.

It is true that humor relaxes people – both you and many of the wedding guests. You’ll sense their approval by hearing their enjoyment.. And who doesn’t like to put a smile on the faces of the bride and groom on their special day. It is a happy occasion where you want to see a room full of smiling people.

These jokes are inoffensive and general enough be off-putting, but you should still take care to end your speech on a note of sincerity and with an expression of sincere good wishes for the new husband and wife.

Latest Trends In Indian Wedding Cards

Posted on by blogger

Invitation cards are a mandatory part of all the Indian weddings. Selecting an Indian wedding card, irrespective of the religion, is no less than a serious matter of several days involving a lot of considerations amongst a lot of important people in the family; thus playing a pivotal role in the marriage. Some people use these as a gesture to continue the age old ritual of sending invitation prevalent during those times when there were no other means of invitation. Some people send them to showcase their taste and style through customized invitations. Some people send them just to avoid unnecessary complexities which might among their relatives having orthodox mindset!

Recent Trends in Indian Wedding Cards

Since the olden days, these Indian wedding cards have come a long way and have evolved a lot in style and elegance. Today they stand for style, personality and also depict the invitees class! Following are some of the latest trends seen in Indian wedding cards-

3D texture is used in Indian wedding cards as a highlighter these days. Such an element is seen as unique. This can be a plastic or metal religious symbol pasted on the front page, or a flower on top, or just laces and wires used as decorative.

Couple sketches or pictures are also quite prevalent in some Indian wedding cards. Ideally engagement pictures are used for the purpose. It also adds a personalized touch.

The wordings chosen in Indian wedding cards have also moved from formal to a casual tone. A special care is taken here so that they appear to be woven with extra love and affection and do not look arrogant or too blunt.

Judge the book by its cover is the new mantra! The couples to be have always taken care in designing and accessorising their marriage cards, but now they even pay attention to how the envelope looks like!

The retro look is in these days. From offbeat silvers and pastel shades, the Indian wedding cards are again going back to older richer designs and floral vine decorations. Vintage fonts and other classy designs are also in. they even include quotes and sayings from ancient scriptures.

Wedding theme also plays an important role in designing the invite. If the theme is royal wedding, the wedding card might be in a Farman or scroll pattern.

The use of handmade paper is also on a rise as seen in the selection of Indian wedding cards. These cards bring on an elegant texture, also being environment friendly.

A Short Story By William Shakespeare.

Posted on by blogger

A Royal wedding was to be held in the city of Athens between Hippolyta and the Duke of Athens, Theseus. This was to take place in four days time on the first of May.

During their talks about the wedding, Duke Egeus arrives and tells them that he is unhappy about the situation of his daughter not marrying Demetreus, even though he has given his blessing. Hermia has fallen in love with another person, and does not want to marry Demetrius.

Lysander is in love with this other person. Egeus is sure that with all the presents and kind words Lysander has won her over. The Duke comes and points out to Hermia, that it is a law in Athens not to go against a father’s wishes, and that if she refuses to marry Demetrius she will either be condemned to death or will spend the rest of her as a nun in the convent.

The Duke gives Hermia 4 days to decide what she is going to do.

Just outside Athens lies Lysander’s Aunt’s house, and both Hermia and Lysander decide to hide there. Helena is Hermia’s best school friend, so they decide to explain the situation, but Helena does not do as they ask.

She disobeys them, because she is in love with Demetrius and at one time Demetrius was in love with her. Helena tells Demetrius that both Hermia and Lysander are going to run away, hoping that he will be nice with her.

Now Demetrius is going to follow Lysander and Hermia into the woods and Helena decides to follow Demetrius.

Meanwhile some ordinary folk in Athens decide to put on a play for The Duke and his bride. Quince, Bottom, Flute, Snug and Snout are but everday people, and they have no knowledge of playwrighting or acting.

These men can not agree on who should play what so they decide to meet at moonlight in the Woods.

Now inside these same Woods that the men are meeting and that Lysander and Hermia are going to run away, the King and Queen fairies are to be found. They have come here in honour of the wedding.

Oberon and Titania were arguing about a young Indian boy, and one of Oberon’s servants hears them. They both want the Indian boy to work for them.

Oberon plays a trick on Titania by placing magic flower juice over her eyelids so that she will fall in love with the first thing she sees when she awakens.

Demetrius enters the woods in search of Hermia and Lysander, but he is angry that he is followed by the forelorn, Helena. Oberon overhears the conversation between Demetrius and Helena. He feels sorry for Helena and decides to have Puck place the magic flower juice on Demetrius.

He hopes that Demetreus will fall in love with Helena. Puck mistakenly puts the magic flower on Lysander instead of Demetrius. It is nightfall. Both of them, Lysander and Hermia fall into a deep slumber. Helena finds Lysander in the woods and awakens him. Lysander and Helena go off together, now in love.

All the tradesmen meet in the woods. Bottom’s head is turned into the head of an ass by the naughty Puck.

Embarrassed and frightened by his friends, Bottom runs away accidently waking up Titania. Titania then falls in love with Bottom, who has an ass-head. Demetrius finds Hermia in the woods and they fall in love.

In the end, the magic potion wears off. All is back to normal, Hermia and Lysander get married as well as Helena and Demetrius.