FREE Panorama iOS App for a LIMITED TIME : UPDATED

DMD Panorama (iTunes) Normally $1.99, is now on sale (FREE) in the iTunes store now. DMD Panorama for iOS makes taking panoramic pictures with your iOS device super simple! You just launch the app, snap a picture, then move your device to the left or right sliding the on-screen Yin symbol into a Yang symbol... that's it. The app then processes it and can save it to your camera roll. A painless panoramic photo taken exclusively with your iOS device in four simple steps. Did I mention it's FREE! Not sure how long it will be free but get it while you can to test it out for yourself. I will post some images up that I take with it, but wanted to get the news out first before the price goes back up! (via LogicBuy)

UPDATE:
DMD Panorama app is now back to original price. I hope you were able to grab this nice little app before it went back to $1.99. If, not, it's not a bad price for what it does. 

My first DMD Panorama App for iOS. 

Need to play with the app a little more to work out the little things like how many images for the best result (3 or 4 is my best guess so far. It will take more). Pretty pleased with the result. Notice the only "stitching" at the right of the garage but I think that was my fault for a dip in the camera as I panned.

Keep Shooting, Be Great!
Jimmy Batte

What the heck is F - Stop?

Here is a great little video I found that breaks down and explains what the heck F-Stop is. Dylan Bennett keeps it pretty simple. The video runs just short of 15 minutes. So, if you're new to photography and have no clue what the heck the F-Stop is.... check it out!

March HDR Collaboration

For the past few months this year our local Aiken, SC Flickr group has been collaborating and creating our own HDR version of the same image. Here is the one I contributed this month. The image was taken by Imageaiken. Here was my work flow:

My Work Flow for this Image

1. 3 Images tone-mapped via Photomatix Pro Saved as a Tiff 
2.  Opened in Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 
3. Topaz DeNoise - Jpeg Small 
4. Duplicated copy 
5. Applied Nik Complete Effect 3.0 Foliage effect 
6. Duplicated this layer 
7. Applied Adjust 4 (Simplify) and reduced the opacity of this layer to ~33%. 
8. Saved as Medium size Jpeg in Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 
9. Final product!

Masters Week Begins!

This is an HDR image I took while my wife and I walked downtown Aiken, SC 2 weeks ago. Finally got a chance to process it. Aiken was already in prep mode for the Masters coming to town. The "beauty-facation" process was in full swing for Spring! 

Workflow: 3 exposure (-2...0...+2) > Photomatix Pro (Custom set) > Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 > Topaz DeNoise(Jepg Strong) > Topaz Simplify 3 


I really liked the "oil painting" look I could give the image via Topaz Simplify but I didn't want a hash effect. I like to keep a bit of realism to most of my photos. I created a duplicate layer in PSE 10 and added the effect. I then reduced the opacity to get what you see here.






If you have any questions about my workflow or anything... feel free to ask!
Be Great!
@Batteman87

Aiken Community Playhouse HDR

This is an HDR image I took last weekend of the Aiken Community Play House located in beautiful Downtown Aiken, SC.

Workflow: 3 exposure (-2...0...+2) > Photomatix Pro (Custom set) > Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 > Topaz DeNoise(Jepg Strong) > Adjust 4 - If you would like to know more about my workflow, or have any questions, feel free to ask!

Keep Shooting, and be great!
Jimmy Batte

FREE Adobe CS6 Beta

It's been a while since Adobe has issued a public beta for their "top dog" software. I wanted to wait a few days before posting to let the dust settle and ensure it's not too "buggy". I know the last thing I want to install is a pain in the a$$ that I will struggle with. Seems there are a few bugs but worth the download to see if it would be worth paying the premium price tag that Adobe seeks.


Get it here > FREE Adobe CS6 Beta  
(FYI: Link take to directly to Adobe to download CS6 Beta)

Downtown Aiken, SC - HDR

My beautiful and pregnant wife  and I spent some time this St. Paddy's Day weekend Downtown Aiken, SC. Here are two shots I captured with my basic HDR workflow.

High Country Olive Oil - Aiken, SC. (HDR)

Visited a great shop while shooting some photos in Downtown Aiken, SC. High County Olive Oil is a hidden gem. It's a premier olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting bar and store. They have searched the world to find the best and freshest oils and balsamics for you to enjoy and use in your kitchen & recipes. The staff and owner was superb. The tasting bar was fantastic as was the flavor(s) of the oils/balsamic's/mustard's/preserves.
If you're ever downtown Aiken, SC. Check it out.

Workflow: 3 exposure (-2...0...+2) > Photomatix Pro (Painterly custom set) > Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 > Topaz DeNoise (Jepg Strong) 

Aiken Brewing Company aka Brew Pub for us locals - Aiken, SC. (HDR)

The Aiken Brewing Company aka Brew Pub as us locals know it by, is a staple of Downtown Aiken. ( Aiken, SC.) St. Paddy's Day morning was perfect for HDR and I was ready with my camera.

Workflow: 3 exposure (-2...0...+2) > Photomatix Pro (Custom set) > Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 > Topaz DeNoise(Jepg Strong) > Adjust 4