FritzImages 2018 Apr Blog
FritzImages 2018 Apr Blog
It is great to be looking forward to spring. This month I will be teaching, ‘Beginning Photoshop’ at the JCC in Albany, NY The training accommodations and the caliber of students who enroll have always been first-rate. We have a good time learning from each other and using social media to share our images. The first class (April 4th) will focus on Photoshop preferences, workspaces and raw file workflow.
Convention Selection Criteria
This time of year is filled with Photography Conventions and Workshops. There are many to choose from and deciding which one is best for you can be daunting. The selection criteria to consider:
- The quality of instructors/speakers lineup
- Ability to evaluate instructors as future learning mentors
- Alignment to your photography needs or interests
- Breakout workshops
- Image Crits
- Attendance
- Networking opportunities
- Affiliations/Memberships
- Venue location
- Travel time
- Membership fees
- Travel cost
- Hotel cost
- Convention and Admin fees
- Total cost
These conventions are never inexpensive, and you are typically looking at $800-$1,200 in total costs. The best values are in-state conventions, then nationals. It is a good idea to have an affiliation or membership such as KelbyOne, PPA, PPSNYS or similar to reduce the convention enrollment fee and room rates.
2018 PPSNYS Workshop with Will Cadena
Helpful Useable Social Media TIPS
I find the best workshops/conventions instructors provide a tangible tip/workflow to class participants as evidence of their status as a subject matter expert. That was not the case at my last workshop on ‘Social Media.’ When a lecture pontificates a one solution instruction then their bank with me goes to zero. Endearing educators provide multiple information paths and suggest best practices for each, then guide students to adapt to their workflow.
Image Optimization Software. It is Free
A best practice is to reduce the file size of your image before uploading to Social Media (Smed) or your website/blog. Many image optimization paid apps will design a slick user interface over free open source code then market and charge you. You should consider a free software app called ImageOptim which predates many of these paid apps. I have been successfully optimizing my uploaded images with ImageOptim for years.
How to reduce your Instagram time, using your Desktop computer
There is a lot of whining on the issue of using the big three Smed distribution channels (FB, Twitter, Instagram). The common complaint is the time and resource suck that it takes to upload content on all three platforms. Then secondly, the time suck to be social via reviewing, liking and commenting on your followings.
Consider using the desktop software app Flume to reduce your Instagram session time significantly. I have installed the pro version and now find it invaluable when using Instagram.
Equipment Mischief
Think Tank Camera Clip Adapter
I am still tweaking if I will be using the Spider clip system. This new Think Tank Clip Adapter attaches to their belt system. It is currently a new item on backorder (~$30), so maybe this will sway my mind over the Cotton system.
Breakthrough 100mm Filter Holder
I received an email from the manufacture of a new system they are introducing to eliminate 100mmx100mm sq flat plate ten stop filters in slot one of filter holders. Evidently, this new design with their new round 10 stop filter will attach via magnet system. If the system works, it will eliminate the problem of the light leak with the square filters.
