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Steve Anchell, Photographer, Trainer, and Author, Steve Anchell Workshops, joins host Scott Sheppard for a lively discussion on analog vs. hybrid workflows and his latest book "The Darkroom Cookbook". Steve and Scott discuss how to get the best results using both worlds by capturing the original image on film and then scanning the negatives into a digital environment. Steve explains details on his workflow which include tools such as the Epson Perfection V750-M Pro with a fluid mount accessory for wet mount film scanning to help reduce scratches and adjust grain. Once the negatives are prepared and scanned, Steve prepares them for output at 13 x 19 on his Epson 2400 for pleasing results very close to what you might see on standard film processed prints.

Steve shares some tips about digital color spaces and gamut in a hybrid workflow. Although he is considered a master in a darkroom, Steve discusses his experiences in working with scanned images and explains how a hybrid workflow can gain a larger range from your images seeing greater details in darker areas and shadows than working directly in film. He also advises rather than take a hard position that one method is "better" than another method, part of the beauty of photography and imaging is the range of options available and treating each method as part of the art involved in great printmaking. Steve prefers to shoot digital for his color work but again accepts each method for their inherent benefits and capabilities.

Since 1979, Steve has run a popular series of location based workshops including teaching courses at the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops, and the longest running workshop on figure photography in the world, The Nude at Big Sur. To find out more about his work and latest workshops visit: http://www.anchellworkshops.com/

The McNamara Report on Inside Digital Photo with Michael J. McNamara
This week’s topic: The paint never dries in photoshop and the ink never dries on the web.

In today’s economy keeping up with the latest versions of every software program you own can be a difficult decision, especially when some image retouching programs cost hundreds of dollars to upgrade and there are lower cost alternatives on the market. In this segment, Mike tackles the tough issue of “to upgrade or not to upgrade?”, sharing his own experience testing and using every version of Photoshop since it was a Beta version in 1989, and having witnessed every conceivable computer crash caused by new operating system software, corrupt printer drivers, and not-ready-for-prime-time releases. Bottom line? For best results, upgrading software often requires updating hardware, on both Macs and PCs.

In this segment, learn about options for getting what you need without paying for features you don’t. For example, Mike suggests trying to master Adobe Photoshop Elements 7 on your PC before emptying out your back account for the latest Photoshop CS4 version, or opting for the Adobe Photoshop Elements bundle that includes Premiere Elements 7.0 for movie editing.

Listen in on the McNamara Report segment or get more insights and analysis from Mike McNamara at: http://www.mcnamarareport.com

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Doug Murdoch, Designer & President, Think Tank Photo joins host Scott Sheppard with some tips about traveling with your camera gear. Think Tank Photo develops a range of camera bags specifically to meet the needs of the professional photographer. Working closely with a team of working photojournalists, and other shooters for the past four years the feedback they’ve received from the field testing have been incorporated in their line of carriers and transporters.

Doug discusses their latest addition launched at Photokina, the Shape Shifter Backpack. Unlike other photo backpacks, the Shape Shifter actually changes it’s depth allowing you to expand or contract the bag to snugly fit your camera bodies and lenses without taking up extra unnecessary space. This is critical for traveling on location, and through airports. The backpack is soft and flexible, fully padded with air pockets on your back making it comfortable to wear while working. It includes extension flaps that work with the Speed Belt enabling quick access to lens changes while shooting, acting as a harness that provides additional stability to the backpack. All Think Tank modular products are designed to work together and help you configure a solution completely customized to carry your favorite gear.

Doug also describes their Skin line of carriers, that are thin, and lightweight without heavy padding developed for times when you don’t need the extra weight especially critical while traveling. Most photographers cringe at the idea of checking their camera or lenses at any point during their travels. Think Tank’s lightweight solutions allow for configurations that hold equipment securely to your body or fit easily under the seat or in the overhead compartment.

For more information on their full line of products visit: http://www.thinktankphoto.com/

The McNamara Report on Inside Digital Photo with Michael J. McNamara
This week’s topic: Still shooters: Are you ready for video?

Today’s DSLRs are starting to add live video capture modes to their Live View modes. For example, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II : a Full frame 21.1MP camera with full 1080p HD video and sound (mono from camera, or stereo with optional mike via input jack). The Nikon D90: an APS-C sized sensor that can capture 720p video (with mono sound) in Motion JPEG format with the professional smoothness of 24 frames per second.

On both cameras, the sensor is much larger than those found on typical pro or amateur camcorder, helping to deliver higher image quality and exceptional low-noise still images, as well as high ISO capture and dramatic depth of field control during movie shooting. Capturing creative movie clips or the drama of life’s moving moments is further enhanced by the wide selection of incredibly sharp Canon and NIKKOR interchangeable lenses that are available, from fisheye to wide-angle to super-telephoto (and image stabilization works in video mode!) But is video capture a great feature on a DSLR, or just one more tool that will rarely get used? Listen in on the McNamara Report segment.
Read more insights and analysis from Mike McNamara on: http://www.mcnamarareport.com