Although we had a smaller number of members in attendance this morning, the meeting proved to be very interesting, with everyone glued to their chair until 12 Noon.

For those who were there, and those who were not, here are the links for the various software programs and photographic paraphernalia we either presented, reviewed or discussed.

We were also pleased to welcome a representative from Henry's, as a visitor and potential new member to the club. Ross Norstrom also had a guest. Feel free to invite your relatives, friends and neighbours to our meetings. The more the merrier! You'd be surprised at how few people know we have a photo club in Orléans.

1. The first software we discussed was LightZone: http://www.lightcrafts.com/

There are at least two reviews worth reading at the bottom of the page, and the Learning Center is simple, yet quite useful. A trial version of the program can be downloaded for free.

2. The second one is Photomatix Pro. This software can do astonishing things: http://www.hdrsoft.com/

One of the sample images appears as the Back Story in the September 2006 issue of Popular Photography and Imaging. Using your tripod, this software works best with anywhere from two to five photos of a scene, one for the highlights, one for the shadows and the other for the midtones. The software will recombine all images into one, with amazing details throughout. This has got to be the most amazing piece of software I have seen in some time. Yes, you can do similar things with Photoshop CS2, but the difference in cost for the software is not comparable. Plus, the process is much more involved in Photoshop, and the results are not as good. Most of the procedure in fact is not properly documented in Photoshop. This software program even works with panoramas.

3. The third software worth looking at is Adobe Lightroom. This is a step above the software that is provided with digital cameras. It is elaborate, effective, yet still in beta. For the moment, it is a free download, until it gets to the stage of the final release: http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lightroom/

4. In addition to these software programs, I have talked about a kit from VisibleDust, located in Edmonton AB, which I received earlier this week. There is simply nothing better and safer to use with your expensive DSLR than these products. Here are the three products I ordered, but your needs may differ. Feel free to call them to discuss what is appropriate for you: http://www.visibledust.com/products.php?PID=202
http://www.visibledust.com/products.php?PID=305
http://www.visibledust.com/products.php?PID=406

5. I have also talked about the Wallace ExpoDisc White Balance Filter, a portable white balancing disc that fits in front of your lens, and provides the most accurate custom WB possible, better yet than using a white or grey card.
http://www.expoimaging.net/products/product_detail.aspx?id=MTAwMQ==

6. Another item I showed is the Rising Pinhole. This is a camera obscura device, which is simply amazing in its simplicity. And it is also quite affordable at Henry's:
http://www.redravenphoto.com/rising/index.html

7. The last item I discussed is a portable storage device, as an alternative to the expensive Epson Viewers. No, it does not have an LCD to view your images, but one battery charge will run the device for approximately two hours. It can read a multitude of digital cards, then connect to your PC for data transfer. The enclosure with a 60GB hard drive and leather carry case cost me less than $200. Check out the prices on the various viewers available and tell me if I got myself a deal: http://web.mymediagear.com/Default.aspx?tabid=88 It now sells for US$119 plus shipping. Beat that if you can! It also includes the AC adapter and a cable to hook up to a TV, when travelling, to view your images on a larger screen. The same company is now offering a brand new device, this one with a viewer, that still beats the lowest price of any viewer. Check it out: http://www.mymediagear.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=69&products_id=140 You can order these products directly from MediaGear.

See you all in September!