CS5 is it all that?2010-05-07 10:02:12

Awesome upgrade or just another excuse for Adobe to make another buck!? I've yet to get my copy so I can't honesty tell you. One of the big new features is the Content Aware Fill (which i've seen in action), if you are just now hearing about Content Aware Fill, Content Aware Fill is sort of a combination of the Patch Tool and the Spot Healing Brush, but on steroids. It gathers information based on the surounding selection's pixels and replaces it based on what it decides is a good match. For example, let's say you wanted to remove an object from a photo. In the past, you'd have to use the Clone Tool, Rubber Stamp Tool, the Patch Tool, or the Spot Healing Brush to manually remove that object. Those tools work really well if the object is surrounded by similar content, but if there is a lot of overlap, you'll end up spending hours editing the image, where as the Content Aware Fill does this automatically. Its just amazing, it'll also repaint empty areas of a scene or background. For instance, if you need to add more sky and clouds, or more trees, ocean or mountains to a background.

Tips for buying CS5... Just buy it online and download, it's the easy way to get up and running. You don't need the box or the manuals (those just waste trees, shipping expenses etc.). Besides, it's a little cheaper to download direct, and you can always get video training or go to your local book store for a friendly manual. Last time I bought Adobe CS4 online, I searched the interent for an Adobe coupon code, nothing at the time was available. I did find that if you add everything to your cart, head to the checkout section, then look for Adobe's Live Help. Start a Live Help chat session and then just ask the Adobe Rep for a discount. They gave me one, I'm sure they'll do the same for you. You could also start by clicking on this banner, it leads you to Adobe's latest discounted offers.

99designs Contest2010-05-05 14:22:18

Okay, so the truth here is that I'm posting this "Widget" that shows off a few samples of my 99designs folio (actually, it's just a few of my lousy entries, as seen below). Anyway, the reason for posting this, is because it enters me for a chance to win an iPad. Now who wouldn't take a shot at winning an iPad!?! And many thanks to 99designs for putting this give-away together.

Custom Logo Design at 99designs

Veer - Creative Contest2009-11-04 18:18:18

I came across another creative contest the other day on Veer.com, this one was a bit different in the sense that you were required to step away from the computer -What?! The rules were simple, make their "Veer" logo using real world objects, then photograph it. I didn't have a lot of extra time, and the deadline was very short, so I searched around the house and thought up a few ideas... for one i used light-brite pegs, the other, some play-doh, water and the freezer. I then shot them with my Nikon D90 with a few light sources and sent them in for judgement day. Wish me luck! See my other entries here. And yes, the grand prize is huge, a brand new MacBook Pro, CS4 bundle and Veer credit!

Notable Entry - Snowboard Design Competition2009-08-05 16:23:20

This is a follow up to a previous entry. Over 3,000 designs were submitted worldwide for the Nidecker Snowboard Design Competition. Two of my designs ranked within the top 100. Check'em out here: Design #80, Design #81, congratulations to the Grand Prize winner!

Going Green!2009-07-20 16:23:20

I thought I'd share this site I found while working on a related project. It's named GreenLayers.com. Essentially it is a stock video footage site, with all video shot using green screens. The video has been chroma keyed so that you can add your own footage on either a layer above or behind using your favorite video editing software.

Take me to the MAX!2009-07-18 12:20:20

Gosh, I'd love to go to Adobe's MAX coming to Los Angeles, but have you seen the price tags to attend? Ouch! You could buy at least one or more of their software packages. If you'd like to sponsor me, let me know!

Photo Shoot of the Trump House2009-06-22 16:23:20

I was recently hired (by a friend, the current occupant) to photograph this gem of a home. Rumor has it that this home was built for Trump himself to stay at while visiting his own Golf Club in Palos Verdes. Anyway, check out the photos of this "MTV Cribs" worthy pad.

Snowboard Design Entry2009-06-19 17:00:31

Core77 and Nidecker Snowboards is having a design competition, for details visit either of their sites but the entry deadline ends very soon (July 12). Below is two of my entries, wish me luck, the winner gets $2500 cash and a board with their design on it... not bad!

A must have portfolio2009-06-18 14:45:30

Whether you’re a designer, a photographer or have other visual creative to show off you can't go wrong with a Pina Zangaro Portfolio. These are D-I-Y screw post books with inkjetable pages and clear sleeves. I got mine from PZdirect and just love it. They have aluminum, bamboo, synthetic leather, frosted acrylic and several other material choices for the two-piece front and back coverings. You can even emboss or laser engrave your name or logo. It's not a cheap purchase, but it is one of your many first impressions.

Bardessono - If the Getty had a Hotel...2009-06-20 12:18:30

Located in Napa Valley this luxury hotel, spa and restaurant is a must stay. If the Getty Center had a hotel, the modern design of this facility would fit well. Skilled artisans haved designed an elegant, green, modern and warm environment that is very inspiring and relaxing. If you're headed to wine country anytime soon, book a night or two! I was lucky enough to spend a few nights here just after their initial opening and I can't wait to go back!

swatchpix for iPhone2009-06-21 14:18:55

This is an experimental project site i've developed. Users can upload any image, crop it online, then upload that image along with a URL to make their own custom webclips for the iPhone. It's a handy tool, and meant to be used while online from your Mac/PC with your iPhone nearby. Give it a try, it's free!

Chase Jarvis2009-06-20 16:18:38

An amazing self-taught photographer. If you're not already familiar with his work, I'd suggest you visit his website or cruise YouTube to see other videos of his work. Here, Chase reviews the Nikon D90 (the same camera I use).