Happy without teeth…
what ever happen to the Tooth Fairy?


© Gunther Deichmann - Phnom Penh, Cambodia Dec. 2009

You might ask why I have chosen these images for today’s post…it is very simple… Happy New Year To YOU All! Hopefully 2010 will bring peace, laughter and more happiness.

© Gunther Deichmann - Tibet smiles at 4800 meters
80 plus years old but still smiling.

Happy without or only a few teeth…people I have encountered from the high Plateau in Tibet, to the markets and temples of Bali and to the Banks of the Mekong River in Cambodia. Natural smiles and expressions, so natural that it is almost unbelievable but it is so true.
I decided to share some of these images with you today and hope they make you smile too, just like me every time I look at them. Smiles from wonderful people I encountered with during my travels.

© Gunther Deichmann - Bali, one or two more to go...

No Camera and Tech talk today…2009 was packed already and I am sure we see a lot more of it in 2010...besides Christmas shopping is over, well at least for most of us.

© Gunther Deichmann - Bali...so happy.

Today I like to take the opportunity and express my gratitude and sincere thanks to all those people who made my Journeys save and filled my heart with laughter and even sadness at times.
Thanks to my family, friends, clients, guides and supporters but especially to those people I've taken photos off, may our path cross again.
Have a great and fantastic 2010… take care of our precious environment and if you get the chance…even the slightest… don’t forget to laugh with or without teeth!

© Gunther Deichmann - Bali... now that is a Melon.

A very happy New Year - prost Neujahr - bonne année - onnellista uutta vuotta - gelukkig Nieuwjaar - ath bhliain faoi mhaise - selamat tahun baru - godt nytt år - szczliwego nowego roku - feliz ano novo - gott nytt år manigong bagong taon - sawatdii pimaï - kung hé fat tsoi - xin nian kuai le / xin nian hao - godt nytår - eutichismenos o kainourgios chronos - felice anno nuovo, buon anno - S novim godom - sreno novo leto - Cung Chúc Tân Xuân
yeni yiliniz kutlu olsun

GD

Power Mac Center TriNoma presents...


© Gunther Deichmann - Phnom Penh, Cambodia Dec. 2009
Nikon D300s

Be a Professional Photographer this Holiday Season... presented by Power Mac Center TriNoma
3rd Level Mindanao Wing, TriNoma Edsa cor. North Avenue,
Quezon City, Ph: (632) 901-3980

A one hour special on iLife - Aperture 2 - Tips, Tricks and Techniques by Gunther Deichmann.
Power Mac Center TriNoma, 30th of December from 5:00 to 6:00 PM

For questions and special requests, you can call 729-7087 or 88, or email us at training@powermaccenter.com

http://www.powermaccenter.com/training.php

The mood & colors from the last
few days in Cambodia...

The year is coming fast to an end and I am looking forward to some very exciting Journeys in 2010. Myanmar – India - Nepal & Cambodia are confirmed trips…plus what ever else crops up in between, with me you never know.

© Gunther Deichmann - the mood of Angkor Wat
the day before we left for Phnom Penh Cambodia

Before I am going into the family Christmas mood I like to share with you some more interesting escapades from the recent Cambodian Journey including a bit on Aperture 2.
I have also included a disturbing Photo…a stark reminder of the dark past in Cambodia with its Land Mines; its scars are still visible today and for many years to come.

© Gunther Deichmann - the Gate of Bayon
Temple, Siem Reap Cambodia

Please spare a moment for those unlucky ones among us, be it in Cambodia or elsewhere in the world. Lets not forget them, may our thoughts be with them not only during Christmas but all year around. Thank You!

© Gunther Deichmann - a stark reminder...
the scars of War! Phnom Penh, Cambodia

As you know I have just returned from Cambodia a few days ago in time to spend Christmas with my family. Arnold my Web Guru and myself left Siem Reap on the 18th of December by Car for Phnom Penh where we spend a few days roaming around.

Sadly we had to leave the good company of the Heritage Suites Hotel behind, already missing Didier, Vorana and Jam plus the super friendly staff, but I will return soon. Siem Reap has become almost my second home now, plus there is still so much to more explore and to discover.

© Gunther Deichmann - last light on the way to
Phnom Penh Cambodia

© Gunther Deichmann - the fisherman on the way to
Phnom Penh Cambodia

A lot of changes have taken place in Phnom Penh since my first visit in 1992 and again in 2005, I have been spending more time these past few years in the Siem Reap area.

© Gunther Deichmann - Sunday afternoon at the Mekong River
in Phnom Penh Cambodia

Phnom Penh brought back memories from the past especially when we had dinner at the FCC (Foreign Correspondence Club) my hangout from the earlier days.
A must on any ones list if you visit Phnom Penh, great food, cold Beer and a cool atmosphere, this time around they had a great Gallery of Photos from my famous Rock stars on the walls; Garry Moore, Chrissie Hynde's from the Pretenders, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Pat Garrett from Midnight Oil, Rolling Stones and just about everybody else from the good old days… plus a cool Blues/Jazz Band was playing on our first evening in Phnom Penh.

But you also find walls covered with Photos from the Vietnam War and the horrific reign of the Pol Pot Regime, some disturbing images but it is the reality from the past or even now in the streets of Phnom Penh where you see people with out their limbs.

Been connected is important these days, good Internet connections are all over Phnom Penh like in Side walk Café’s and Restaurants. Getting around is also not a problem you find Tuk Tuk’s and Motorbikes on every street corner.
If you don’t have any accommodation booked, then you should check out a very cool guesthouse called the “Eye of the Mekong House” at 30 street 110 - run by a very charming Frenchman called Nikolas. Great place with spacious rooms, good Coffee, very affordable and right in town just a stone throw away from the Mekong River.

The new Nikon D300s proved to be fantastic in every aspect during my last trip but I need more time for the Video…lot more details on that one later.

© Gunther Deichmann - A Christmas Tree???
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Let me finish today with the word “patience” there has been some whining and complaining re. Aperture 2 updates been to slow and some Photographers are thinking switching to Lightroom…
New Camera models have been popping up non-stop in 2009; now we blame Apple and other for not keeping up… sad! What ever happen to patience? From my past experience when Apple has done something they did it real well and not using some Beta version like Adobe with Lightroom. Would you buy or work with a Beta Version of a Camera? As a serious Photographer I don’t like to test things, I like them to work…don’t forget who came out first with the almost perfect Digital Photography workflow…Aperture was way ahead and made things possible which had been very difficult before and could only achieved with Photoshop.

© Gunther Deichmann - Color Steel...Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Patience…all real GOOD things take Time and I am sure Apple will come up with something soon enough…they have always done so in the past, maybe a bit slower but for sure it will be awesome and no need for Beta testing.
Now I have to get this Blog out... move my Magic Mouse and get back to my red wine and Midnight Oil plus the Kids are waiting. Cheers!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a GREAT 2010!
GD

Season Greetings!
It is this time of the Year again...a sincere and special
THANK YOU
To all my friends and supporters,
have a great time and take good care. GD

The spirit of light in Cambodia…

Yes, all good things come to an end sometimes…but not for long, I shall return very soon to this ancient land with its Temples hidden deep in the Jungle.

© Gunther Deichmann - APSARA & light Angkor Wat Cambodia Dec. 2009

I wish all my readers, family members and friends a fantastic Christmas season and might the New Year bring what you have been wishing for. As for me, I am leaving tomorrow Siem Reap for Phnom Penh and after a few days back to Manila just in time to spend Christmas with my family.

© Gunther Deichmann - corridors & natural light
Cambodia Angkor Wat Dec. 2009

This trip has been very strenuous but ever so rewarding, met new friends…
a musician composer from Las Vegas (we had a great chat about my music and Garage Band), a Doctor, an Eye specialist and his wife from London and some others. PS. according to him my Eye sight is still Ok... hmmm and since his wife is also a Medical Doctor my Blood Pressure is fine too...must be the good wine at the Heritage Suite Hotel.

© Gunther Deichmann - Buddha Bless Cambodia Dec. 2009

Our stay at the Heritage Suite Hotel (Arnold my Web Guru and myself) was as great than ever, with the superb company of the Management and staff, in particular the GM Varona and Jam from Marketing, not to mention the ever so entertaining Didier from the Heritage Adventures. Thanks to you all...
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...your hospitality has been outstanding!
I announce some very interesting news soon regards to the Heritage Adventures and the Heritage Suites Hotel once we’re back in Manila.

© Gunther Deichmann - early morning at
Ta Phrom Cambodia Dec. 2009

My gratitude to Nikon Singapore once again for providing me with an excellent replacement Nikon D300s Camera for my damaged D2X.
I have not finished testing it completely…but I am more than happy so far with it, considering it received some real punishment during this trip.

© Gunther Deichmann - early morning at
Ta Phrom Cambodia Dec. 2009

Can you imaging how happy I was when Apple announced a few Days ago the RAW file update for Aperture 2, which of course included the Nikon D300s just in time for my test drive in Cambodia. All photos on this Blog have been edited using Aperture 2 and almost no corrections have been applied.

© Gunther Deichmann - novice Monk at Angkor Wat Cambodia Dec. 2009

Sorry I have to keep this Blog post brief today, need to pack my things yet and I rather let the images speak…a lot more photos will follow but due to some pending publications I can’t share them at this time.
I am wishing every body a great Holiday Season…take good care and be good.
From Siem Reap in Cambodia…Buddha Bless!
GD

Straight out of the Box & into the
Jungle of Cambodia...

© Gunther Deichmann - Cambodia Dec. 2009,
Nikon D300s and the 50mm f:1.4 G Lens

Well not quiet out of the Box but almost… I picked up the Nikon D300s and the new 50mm 1.4 G Lens in Singapore. The D300s is the replacement unit for my water damaged D2x…remember the Rice Paddy incident in September…thanks to Nikon Singapore for providing me an excellent deal and rescuing my totally water drenched 180 2.8 mm lens. They did a great job, my special thanks to Jonathan from the Service Center at Nikon Singapore.
I only had little time to go through the Manual but since I am a Nikon user from way back it was fairly easy to work my way through the D300s.

© Gunther Deichmann - Red Bananas, Cambodia Dec. 2009,
Nikon D300s and the 50mm f:1.4 G Lens

The first time I used the Camera was at Phnom Kulen shooting some rare red Bananas, yes you have heard right, RED Bananas, supposedly only found in the Jungles of Phnom Kulen.
It was here that I used also the new 50mm f:1.4 G lens for the first time, I am truly impressed with excellent image quality even at f:1.4 wide open with superb color rendition.

© Gunther Deichmann - Butterflies at Phnom Kulen Waterfall,
Cambodia Dec. 2009,
Nikon D300s and the 50mm f:1.4 G Lens

An hour or so later I set the D300s up for some Video footage at the Phnom Kulen
Waterfall, easy operation but before I post the results I have to do some editing first of the clips, sorry not enough time at the moment.
After the red Bananas I shot some Butterflies at the Phnom Kulen Waterfall and then we went deeper into Jungle to a very special Cave only using the D300s with a mix of Lenses... fighting darkness, water dripping from the ceiling and Bat shit.
A lot more from this very special place later, yes I know my suspense again…but all good things take time!
I have another super early start tomorrow, so I finish now with my first verdict that the D300s is an outstanding Camera and with the 50mm f: 1.4 G Lens just awesome. All images have ben processed using Aperture 2 with almost no adjustments.
Thanks to Didier from Heritage Adventures for providing all the transportation and logistics.

Just one more from this afternoon at Angkor Wat...

© Gunther Deichmann - an afternoon at Angkor Wat
Nikon D300s with 50mm f:1.4 G Lens

But now its time to go to bed, G, night... until very soon.
GD

© Gunther Deichmann

I keep today’s Blog brief, as a matter of fact it is just to say hi from the Heritage Suite Hotel in Siem Reap my quarters for the next ten days.
A lot of exciting things are planned; test driving the Nikon D300s and exploring some remote places in the Jungle. Finishing what I missed on my last trip plus there is some additional work to be done for the Heritage Adventures and Heritage Suite Hotel.
Busy and exciting days ahead, plus my Webmaster is flying in today to help on a project but more on that later.

Oh before I forget, the Wi-Fi connections is just out of this world at the Heritage, excellent reception in all rooms now or you can relax at the poolside for some early morning surfing and listening to the native birds tweeting.
OK., that’s it for this morning, a lot more in the coming days, you just have to stay tuned or subscribe to my RSS feed.
GD

© Gunther Deichmann - magic Cambodia!

Once in Siem Reap I fill you in with more details…oh no, not my suspense again.

At the same time I am test-driving the recently released Nikon D300s not only for the images but also for its Video capabilities, which should be very interesting.

However I do give the Ox Cart a miss this time, don’t like to loose another Camera, you might remember from one of my previous Blog post when I lost my Nikon D2x in the rice paddy.
The last month of the year is taken care off now; another very exciting trip is in the middle of January 2010 until the end of the month. Then on February 24 our Photo Workshop in Rajasthan India starts... until March 4. After our Photo Workshop in India I have another very big and exciting surprise but that one has to wait too… yes I know, my suspense again, sorry about that.
Don’t worry I let the cat out of the bag soon enough, you just have to stay tuned. I know, a lot of riddles today!

© Gunther Deichmann - Reflections on the Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia

Going through the equipment check now and have to pack my bags by Friday, from the 8th of December I try to update my Blog at least every two days from the Heritage Suite Hotel direct from Siem Reap, and of course the latest news from the Heritage Adventures as well.
In between all of this I have some Aperture 2, iLife and iWork Seminars and Workshops at the Power Mac Center in Manila, for sure a very busy but exciting start for 2010.
GD

Heritage Suite Hotel


http://www.heritage-adventures.com

Busy time ahead for Sam’s Tours
Digital Photo Center...the Kids have arrived!

It is buzzing with Kids and adults at Sam’s Tours in Palau THE PALAU KIDS SEA CAMP has started...fun and education for Children another first for Palau and Sam’s Tours.

But with the state of the art equipped Digital Photo Center the Kids should have no problems managing & downloading their photos.

Sam's Tours Digital Photography Center is fully equipped to cater to digital photographers of all interest levels from those with handy “point-and-shoot” cameras to the most demanding digital photographers shooting in RAW format. Our six top of the line Apple iMac workstations are loaded with terabytes and terabytes of storage, archiving and secure data back up systems, lots of RAM, and completely optimized for digital imaging with Apple Aperture image management software, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Bridge, Toast, and topped off with DSL Wi-Fi internet access. No other photo center in Palau comes near!
Our rental equipment includes the latest Canon Powershot SD850 digital cameras and Canon ZR830 mini digital video cameras complete with underwater housings, large storage media, plenty of additional batteries, and full service support from our professionally trained Photo Center staff.

Other Photo Center amenities include a padded and dry camera prep table, battery charging stations, 110V and 220V electrical supply, separate camera rinse tanks, camera drying station equipped with towels and compressed air, and secure storage for your housings, equipment cases and other accessories.

© Gunther Deichmann - color below the waves, my son
Mark-Lee during one of his first dives
a few yeas ago in Palau, near Blue Corner

The Kids Sea Camp is Locally sponsored by Continental Airlines, Palau Royal Resort and Sea Passion Hotel & of course Sam’s Tours.

This is another first for Palau the first one being the Shark Sanctuary...not only is Palau a Shark Sanctuary but now contributing to Children’s education... learning about our environment while having real fun.

Photo © Courtesy Sam’s Tours - the Kids have arrived...


© Courtesy Sam’s Tours - the Kids have arrived...
Dermot Keane the GM of Sam’s Tours during the opening Ceremony.

Special thanks to all the International sponsors: Sport Diver Magazine - PADI Diving Society - PADI Project Aware - SCUBAPRO - Uwatec
UK Underwater Kinetics - Sea Life Camera - DAN Divers Alert Network. LINK to more Photos from the Kids Sea Camp in Palau

© Gunther Deichmann - aerial over the Rock Islands, Palau

Good luck to all Kids and adults who joined
this fun trip to Palau...
have lots of fun and be good!

Creating real reflections... without Photoshop.

It is nice sometimes when you go back in Time, looking at images you created without a Digital Camera and the use of Photoshop, remembering the good old days...

Creating reflection, distortions and other simple effects is easy these days, a few clicks and you’re done in Photoshop, flipping an image and vola you have a great reflection.
As for me... I create these images without the help of Photoshop!

© Gunther Deichmann - Phnom Penh, Cambodia 1992

The other day I went through my archives and came across one of those images, taken in Phnom Penh in 1992, Pol Pot was still hiding somewhere in the Jungle near Phnom Kulen near Siem Reap. Memories starting to flash in front of my eyes...the "Wild West" days of Cambodia...bad memories carved into the faces of Cambodians... the Killing Fields still fresh in their mind... a time I will never forget.

I arrived in Phnom Penh the same time as the United Nations covering a major story on the Mekong River for Animan Magazine in Switzerland. One afternoon while walking the streets of Phnom Penh I noticed this nice reflection on this car roof parked right in front of me. I rested the camera carefully on the car roof trying not to scratch the paint and took the image above. Using an FM 2 Nikon with a 15 mm lens and Kodachrome 25.

What is interesting... 18 years later... I still create my reflections the same way without the use of Photoshop, except I am using a Digital Camera now.

Taken in 1992 the image above is a good example, but so are the ones from 2009, see below Photos from Cambodia and India. None of them have been treated in Photoshop, using Aperture 2 only for cropping and the basic Raw file adjustments.

© Gunther Deichmann - abstract reflections at the Taj Mahal India 2009

I have also updated my PhotoShelter Gallery on India with some new edits and have added a NEW Gallery from my recent trip to Cambodia. LINKS to the updated Galleries in PhotoShelter: New Cambodia 2009 & updated India..added some additional Photos

© Gunther Deichmann - Bayon Temple area,
the Bridge, Cambodia 2009

There is also one more Gallery from Cambodia but this one is password protect due to a pending article, don’t worry I open this one in due time, I guess it is my suspense again.

© Minding the Goats, Thar Desert Rajasthan India 2009

Please Note:
We only have two (2) more vacancies for our GD PhotoWorkshop in India, March/Feb. 2010, hurry and book now before you miss out on this incredible trip to India.
GD

This one fits in your pocket and I use it on my iPhone to show clients and friends presentations or videos, lets be honest a presentation with good sound/music is so much nicer and you don't have to pass the earphone around anymore.

Don’t know yet its availability outside Asia, but you can get it for about US$ 34.00 at Power Mac Center in Manila and of course in Singapore where it is manufactured.

I was amazed by the output, a perfect companion when you travel or like to listen to your favorite music in your Hotel Room.
Another cool feature…you can hook up more than one unit and fill the room with your favorite music from your iPhone or iPod

I am thinking to try out the X-mini on my next flight inside the aircraft… but on second thoughts I better not, they might throw me off the plane for playing my music to loud.
GD

The new iPod family is now available at all Power Mac Centers:

I am pleased to announce the final Dates for our
GD Photo Workshop in India!

February 25 - March 04, 2010

We are currently working on the final Itinerary however our PhotoWorkshop will coincide with one of the most important Festivals in India...lets celebrate "Holi" and the Elephant festival in Jaipur Rajasthan at the same time.
New Delhi and Agra with its magnificent Taj Mahal is also part of our itinerary, more information will be available very soon.

2009 © Gunther Deichmann - Colors of Rajasthan

Please note this PhotoWorkshop is for a limited number of students only; max. 8 participants.
The Workshop is filling up fast, as of today we only have three (3) vacancies left, bookings are only on a first come basis and have to be confirmed by no later than January 10, 2010. I hope you understand that due to the complexity and logistics of this workshop we can't except anymore bookings after January 10.

2009 © Gunther Deichmann - Rajasthan

I hope you can join me on this Journey through Incredible India in 2010. Please stay tuned for more details and info soon on this Blog or you can contact me direct. For additional info and testimonials from previous workshops please go to GD PhotoWorkshops or click this LINK, thank you.

Note: You can also watch a short intro (slide show) on India on YouTube, see my prevous blog post.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBdyMR8fq0s&feature=channel
GD

I was in the mood last night… for "cooking,"
using only a few ingredients to create a nice meal.

Check out the final meal in YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBdyMR8fq0s&feature=channel

Recipe & Ingredients

Main Ingredients; the Images from India & original audio recording.

MacBook Pro
iPhone with iTalk app. installed
Aperture 2 ( 2.1.4)
GarageBand from iLife ’09
FotoMagico 3 Pro (Version 3.0.8)
Good Internet connection

Just follow these simple steps…after editing the images in Aperture 2 make sure you filed them in their Albums or Smart Albums for easy access in FotoMagico later via the nice build in Media Browser.
Like with any good cooking it is important you have everything well prepared before you start.
I prepared the soundtrack earlier in GarageBand using the original recorded audio on my iPhone from India, mixing it plus adding some instruments. I use iTalk together with iTalk Sync from Griffin an excellent application for the iPhone.

You record with iTalk and later transfer the audio file wireless to your Mac with the installed iTalk Sync. Now you can use the audio file in iTunes or modify it in GarageBand like I have done, mix it up a bit…and bingo! This way you created an original sound track for your presentation or in this case for our FotoMagico slide show.
Pls. Note: I only use my own compositions or paid audio, this is more original and you don’t have to worry about any Copyright infringements.

Lets open FotoMagico…you don’t have to be a Rocket scientist or a famous Chef to do some great cooking in FotoMagico as I explained in my previous post.
Everything is connected… great integration with the Mac…& yes it runs well on Snow Leopard too (I discovered no glitches in FotoMagico 3.0.8 Pro)
Open your Media Browser in FM and select Photos, you have all your iPhoto and Aperture Libraries right here. Of course you have also access the same way to your iTunes Libraries, GarageBand and Videos, yes videos… with FotoMagico 3 Pro you can also include your film clips and mix them up with your still images.
Now you select the images you like and drag them on the time line, move them around the way you see fit, add pan or zoom to each or all, set the timing and pick your transitions.
It is a good Idea to add some black frames at the start and finish like I have done to include some text/information; again FM makes this very easy. Text can also be applied to run over the images, options for different Fonts, sizes and colors are all there, plus so much more.

Once you happy with the flow of your images open the Media Browser again and pick your Music, select the track you like and drag it on the audio time line. It is a good Idea to determine before you start the approx lengths of your show. You can also adjust the soundtrack by moving it into the right position
Options for voice over and additional audio tracks are available, but we keep it simple today…I created the basic Journey Through Colors & Sound slideshow in about an hour of course not including the editing in Aperture 2 and mixing the audio in GarageBand.

One last check in the Preview before you share your show via YouTube or all the other options including a HD presentation direct from your Laptop.
If you export direct to YouTube like in my case, make sure you have an account or create one before, the rest is fully automatic but could take some time depending on the lengths of your show and of course your connection speed.
We finished our cooking for today now lets serve a good meal to our friends or clients…believe me, FotoMagico 3 Pro made cooking very easy & tasty…Enjoy your meal.

GD

Thanks to Incredible India and Shroff International Travel

Visions in the making…

http://www.deichmann-photo.com/

Changing ones website, content etc… a never-ending story. Above the new Intro Page

I decided the other day to change the intro page on my main web gallery…for how long I don’t know, lets see. We made also some changes to the Home page with new images. Not that much has changed, but I felt it needed a little freshening up…. hope you like it.

Now to Bantey Ampoeu, a remote Khmer temple hidden in the Jungle and a great example of natures power if left alone. Fantastic vegetation… trees have grown and covering this hidden marvel and one feels like Indiana Jones.

© Gunther Deichmann - Bantey Ampoeu


© Gunther Deichmann - Bantey Ampoeu

Converting some of those Indiana Jones like images into Black &
White looks very cool too, a feeling of going back in time with the help
of Aperture 2 & the Monochrome Mixer.

Bantey Ampoeu is certainly off the tourist track and during the Monsoon can be reached only by Ox Cart… a one and half hour journey through Rice Fields and Jungle. This is my favorite time of the year to check out those hidden places.

© Gunther Deichmann - Bantey Ampoeu


© Gunther Deichmann - on the way to Bantey Ampoeu


© Gunther Deichmann - "passing traffic..."

Difficult to get there in the rainy season but the colors and vegetation in the late afternoon make it a very rewarding journey, as long you don’t mind the Leeches and getting into "Muddy Waters".

Thanks to Didier from the Heritage Adventures who took me to Bantey Ampoeu during the worst…but for me the best time of the year.
GD

http://www.heritage-adventures.com


Heritage Suite Hotel in Siem Reap

Wake up early in the morning...


© Gunther Deichmann - early morning
on the Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia

A short QT fun movie created with FotoMagico from our last Photo Workshop in Cambodia;
Behind the scene... Giggles... and a little fun with Aperture 2, GarageBand, FotoMagico and final export using Quick Time. The Title...Wake up early in the Morning... came about that all our excursions started around 4 to 5 AM everyday and the Giggles where part of our daily routine... just a fun and great group. The Soundtrack was entirely produced in GarageBand and since we had so much fun I just couldn't help myself in getting this one out...of course I had to add some Giggles...
Now listen to the "Giggle Band" & Wake up early in the Morning just click the LINK below. Plus all the info on FotoMagico below too.

http://www.deichmann-photo.com/page8/page8.html

© Gunther Deichmann - having a bath? Early morning,
the water Village on the Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia

I have mention FotoMagico a few times in my previous Blog post's, but the latest FotoMagico 3 Version 3.0.8 is so cool and for those of you who are not familiar with it I can highly recommend it.
I also introduced it to my students recently in Cambodia and they fell in love with it.
An excellent software easy to use with superb quality, you have all the settings you ever going to need for producing high end slide shows/presentations (including HDTV) or export it to the web.
You can add sound, text plus some cool transitions at your finger tips, great integration on the Mac with access to your
Media Browser for Aperture, iPhoto, iTunes etc. for more info go to:
http://www.boinx.com/fotomagico/overview/
GD

Present on: Options upon opening FotoMagico


The interface, easy and simple to use


Share... plenty to choose from

"Light is photography, photography is light."
...a magic moment in Cambodia!



© Gunther Deichmann - the magic of natural light,
Cambodia 2009

To finish the month of October, I decided today to share this Photograph with you . The Image above is from my last trip to Cambodia...remember I mention in one of my previous posts that I keep you in suspense, well here is one of them, others will follow... and more suspense again.
No more words needed now...enjoy natures gift to us... called light!

"Eyes-like light, without it we can't see." GD

© Gunther Deichmann - always on time for sunset or sunrise,
Queensland Australia

Our first App is Phases a beautifully crafted little app that shows you all kinds of useful information about the moon—and a little bit about the sun.

24 hour time zone, Location GPS, Time zone, Northern and Southern Hemisphere etc.
Moonrise and Moonset, Sunrise and Sunset & a lot more.

But the best part about Phases is a Calendar with the Moon Phase for planning your trip month ahead or check on the tides if you’re an Underwater Photographer or Diver.
In other words you can plan your trip in such a way that you can be certain that you will be on a specific location in time for this magic Moonrise with your girlfriend, Camera or just waiting for the Werewolf…check out the website for a full explanation and info at:
http://bjango.com/apps/phases/

_________________________________________

Not a NightOwl? Then Sun n Moon is the way to go, it gives you sunset and sunrise on location and some info on the Moon but hasn’t the cool Moon Phase Calendar like Phases.
Sun n Moon is more on sunset and sunrise, but it is also a very useful and a good application.
Sun n Moon accurately calculates data for:
Key Features
• Sunrise and sunset times (no network connection required)
• Moonrise and moonset times
• Specify location by 3 methods:
http://www.catalyst4.com/sun_n_moon/Sun_n_Moon.html

_________________________________________

Now we are done for today’s romantic setups under the Moon or at Sunset,
its time for some measurements and two more Apps.

The one which really stands out is fairly new and called Dimensions from pocketDEMO fantastic and super cool…I could describe this one for ever but instead have posted the LINK so you can check it out, I have tested it and fell in love with it, a must for US$ 1.99 some useful devices for Photography and many other uses in this amazing iPhone application toolbox. You can even check Thunder storm (distance) size up your shoes and dress, measure your room or the distance to the next dive site using your iPhone Camera (now that is so cool) or check the thickness of your wetsuit plus so much more. It has also some of the best tutorials for an aplication I have seen on the iPhone. This one you have to check out!
http://www.petitemallette.com/

_________________________________________

Don't know your connection speed? Speedtest.net its there to help, a simple but accurate tool to test your connection speed. This free application very useful if you're in a different location and don't know the speed...should I start uploading or downloading now or should I wait for a better connection. It works both on Wi-fi and on Edge.
Excerpts from their website and link below for more info:
Speedtest.net using a massive global infrastructure to minimize the impact of Internet congestion and latency. With millions of tests performed every month across hundreds of servers, Speedtest.net is the ultimate resource for bandwidth testing and related information. Visit it on your computer today to find out why.
http://www.apptism.com/apps/speedtest-net-speed-test

That’s it for today, with these Apps you can easily measure your Costumes for Halloween (you better believe it Dimension does it too) and check if you have the full Moon to watch the Werewolves running around. And now I am going to do a speedtest on my iPhone to check if I should upload this Blog now.
GD

Trash: Deleted file by mistake, red square

Put Back

A seldom mentioned and a new edition amongst others in Snow Leopard is the Put Back option from the Trash back to its original location.
Say for example you done your cleanup and deleted hundreds of documents, all of them in the Trash, just to make sure you open the Trash and check for a last time before you empty it, just in case, we don’t want to delete anything we might need or we dumped by mistake.
In Snow Leopard you open the Trash located at the Dock, ones the folder is open check your files and the ones you like to keep or have thrown out by mistake you just highlight those, then you go to File scroll down and you see Put Back click on it and your files go back where they came from in the first place.
With this cool and simple addition in Snow Leopard check your Trash before you finally empty it, this is very nice in particular if you have forgotten where the files originated.


I just love Quick Look!

For those new to Leopard and now Snow Leopard: Quick Look is a super cool feature but did you know once you clicked on it, (you can use the right mouse button to get to it or go to File) it not only shows you the document but you can do a lot more without open the actually software, Acrobat Reader in this case since I used a pdf file.

Try this…click say on a pdf file with multiple pages on the MacBook Pro you use the scroll pad and enlarge it or click full screen,
ok nothing new…but it is to big, you like to see a few more pages then just hit – (minus button on the keyboard) and it gets smaller every time you hit it to the size you comfortable with, nice if you use another keyboard.

Expose or show all Windows:

Another cool addition on all new Mac’s is the Expose button also called Show all Windows, this one is located on your keyboard (F3) have a go at it open multiple windows and click on F3 real nice and so convenient. Not like before, on Snow Leopard the arrangement is very nice now.

Just one more:

How often it happen you tried to eject a flash drive or your external drive and could not do that, can't eject drive file is in use or something like that. It is funny, I encountered this before, but now I am waiting for it so I can check it out. Anyway, if this occurs Snow Leopard will let you know where the problem is, it was frustrating before not knowing what was going on.
GD

Power Mac Center Philippines proudly brings you...
Palawan & beyond...
December 3 to 7, 2009

You are cordially invited to a 4 nights 5 days exclusive Photo Workshop at Club Paradise Palawan with Gunther Deichmann, international multi-awarded travel photographer and Apple Pro Certified Aperture Trainer. Registration fees includes airfare and accommodation from Manila to Club Paradise Palawan, all meals (full Board) and full hands on with Aperture 2. Discover & Explore a different Palawan with the master!
Please book early this Workshop is for a limited number of participants only! Testimonials from previous international PhotoWorkshop.

Registration and Inquiries:  workshops@powermaccenter.com      
0919-2051659 & 0917-5228286. More details will be announced very shortly. 

Explore & Discover Coron & Culion Island plus the amazing african
and endemic wildlife on Calauit Island in Northern Palawan.


Paradise is waiting...Club Paradise, Palawan!

For more information and a recent Video on Club Paradise check out the links below:
The Underwater Channel filmed at Club Paradise and Dugong Dive Center. a very cool Video from this dream destination in Palawan, Philippines. http://www.theunderwaterchannel.tv/clipinfo/4003142

© Gunther Deichmann - Northern Territory,
Australia 1982, Minolta X700, Kodachrome 25ASA

Announcements of New products all over the place…and the battle between Nikon vs. Canon continues big time with their new models ready for the Christmas rush.
Plus a new line of cool products has just been released by Apple…from the Magic Mouse to Mac minis and the new iMac’s.

Rumors and speculations; the announcement by Adobe with a Public Beta Version of Lightroom 3, and the continuous questions when Apple is coming out with Aperture 3, plus so much more. I guess it is this time of the year when we see all those new things hitting the shops for our big Christmas shopping spree.

New technology, new gadgets and computers…great! But aren’t we forgetting something even if we can afford all of those cool things?
Education is the magic word! Do we really understand one or the other software…or Canon v. Nikon?
Technology is progressing at blazing speed… and there is nothing wrong with that, but we should also spend some quality time and money on education, or we forget the real art of Photography soon, becoming a slave of “Photoshopmania”… etc.

A good Camera… (never mind the brand) a good Computer and a good software will NOT create the ultimate Image…but it is You and You alone; your feelings, vision, patience, dedication your heart and passion is what creates the ultimate image.

How many things do we need in a software for processing our Raw images? I remember when I put my 360-page book “Journey Through Color & Time” together using only Aperture 1 for the editing and now we’re asking for so much more…
I have to admit Aperture 1 was a bit tough to work with, but since Aperture 2 everything is just perfect and lets not forget that Aperture 1 was the Pioneer in the new workflow for Photographers and not only in digital…I have mixed both digital and scanned images to produce my Book in Aperture 1 Plus you can’t beat the integration on the Mac with Aperture 2… it is just awesome.

OK maybe I am also a bit biased like David Schloss from Mac Create and the Aperture User Network who has just written this very cool and interesting article; see below excerpts and the Link to the complete article.
We used film for generations, had no choice but to have patience but now we are pushing the developers and engineers, why the rush? Do we really understand eg. Aperture or do we like to play just a bit more with our images?
Besides why should I work with a Lightroom Beta version inviting problems and testing something I don’t have the time for.

For me patience is one of the most important aspects in good photography… lets see and wait when Apple announces a new upgrade to Aperture 2, I am happy with anything they come up with.

I have the patience… I can wait, no problems, but now I have to do some more work in Aperture 2... just like David.
GD

Below the excerpts from David Schloss at Aperture user Network
Adobe Launches LR 3 Public Beta – Adds Some Aperture 1 and 1.5 Features

Adobe has announced their Public Beta of Lightroom 3. Obviously I’m a bit biased here, but I was hoping for a more extensive list of features. As a photographer, I’m really very happy to see competition in the marketplace. The recent Nikon vs. Canon battles have raised the quality level of photographic gear for everyone…

So when I read over the list of improvements for Lightroom 3, I was a bit underwhelmed. I thought, honestly that Adobe would be more forward looking…read the complete artcle at:
http://aperture.maccreate.com/2009/10/22/adobe-launches-lr-3-public-beta-adds-some-aperture-1-and-1-5-features/

A great help for the Digital workflow...BurnToDisc



© Gunther Deichmann - Soft drink Bottles are re-used for Motorbike
Gasoline along the Road just outside of Siem Reap, Cambodia 2009

Before we go into all this technical stuff (not so technical anyway...) I like to mention a nice feedback from Richard Cawthra who was part of our recent Photo Workshop in Cambodia; read what he had to say and how the Workshop has helped him.

LINK (testimonials on GD Photo Workshops)

And for those who have missed it from one of my earlier Blogs I like to re-introduce a very cool Aperture 2 plug in BurnToDisc 2 by Blue Room Software, one of the most useful plug-ins for Aperture 2., for me that is.

I tested it also on Snow Leopard recently and it's working just fine, I encountered no glitches or problems. I been using BurnToDisc for a long time and can highly recommended this plug in for Aperture 2.1.4 just fantastic when you're on the road or your Agencies screaming for images!

The Scenario:
My Agency requested some Photos from my recent trip to Cambodia in high resolution on CD or DVD.
Now here comes the easy part…BurnToDisc is part of my workflow after the shoot, the only thing I had to do select the Images I needed for my agency (the selected and adjusted versions).
I had already created a Smart folder with a selection of Photos, now I narrowed it down even further and selected the ones which had been requested, selecting them one by one by holding down the Apple (Command key), after my selection I open BurnToDisc.
Go to File and click on Export, on the fold down menu you see Burn Master to Disc or Burn Version to Disc.
The rest is easy just follow the instructions and you have your Disc burned in no time with the selected..

Screenshot of BurnToDisc Plug in for Aperture 2.1.4 tested on Snow Leopard

Again, no need to open another software this is direct from within Aperture 2, BurnToDisc has many different options to choose from, even burning multiple Discs, it will show you also how much space you have or is available on your Disc once you have selected your images and open the plug-in.

The nice part is when burning versions to a Disc you can chose within the program which file format you would like to use, in my case I needed them in tiff at 8 bits.
You have the same choice, like with all the other export options within Aperture and that is very cool.
Of course you can also use BurnToDisc for all your Master Images, a perfect way of storing your Raw files on a CD/DVD.
GD

Excerpts from the Blue Room Software Website below:
Disc names are automatically generated from user-defined elements such as disc number, image number, burn date and project name.
BurnToDisc operates with Aperture 1.5, it will also take advantage of the more streamlined background export functionality of Aperture 2.0 and later.

* Images can be exported in multiple formats in the same export session
* Images can be scaled to multiple sizes in the same export session
* Image file names can be taken from the Aperture Library, or augmented from export session metadata
* The placement of images on disc can be in any user-defined folder hierarchy
* Folder names can be static or constructed from metadata
* To allow for varying workflow scenarios, any number of named export configurations can be saved, and then later recalled for use

Minimum System Requirements:
* MacOS X 10.4 Tiger or later
* PowerPC G4, G5 or Intel Macintosh
* Aperture 1.5 or later

Recommended System:
* MacOS X 10.5 Leopard
* Aperture 2.0 or later

BurnToDisc 2 is available for purchase for $49.95 (USD). Existing BurnToDisc 1.x customers can upgrade to version 2.0 for only $19.98.
For more info go to: http://prmac.com/release-id-4604.htm

© Gunther Deichmann – Novice Buddhist Monk exploring
Angkor Wat, Cambodia 2009

To view the special prepred Gallery click on the Image above or this LINK
or go to the menu bar above Small Taste of the Latest - Cambodia.

Please Note: More images will also be available shortly in my PhotoShelter Archives with a NEW Gallery.

A "Small Taste of the Latest from Cambodia"... I arrived in Siem Reap a few days earlier prior the start of our GD PhotoWorkshop, checking things out and getting ready for the arrival of my students. Today I like to share with you some images from these few days before and the ones I managed to sneak in during our Workshop...when I had the chance.
Thanks to Aperture 2 my editing (the only software) is just about done but now I have to start the painful job in uploading high res. files to my agency archives in Europe.
I also stayed a few extra days after the workshop to work on a particular project, but those Images I can’t post yet due to a variety of reasons...
OK. here we go again my suspense is killing everybody...

Everybody had left by now with the exception of Jamie, who had decided to hang around, exploring some amazing places. I have been sworn to secrecy for the time being, but don't worry you get to see them soon enough.
(Ha, ha Jamie too)
I hope you enjoy these latest images from Cambodia, which for me is one of the most exciting places to visit in Asia.

Once we have everything in place I defiantly share with you some rare and amazing images, but for now…the ones from today have to do.


Don't forget we are taking bookings now for our India Photo Workshop in early March 2010, and have only limited space available. (Total Number of participants is only eight)

For insights on India please check my PhotoShelter Galleries so you can get a little “Taste of India.”

GD

In between...when I had the time.


© Gunther Deichmann - "just a leaf"
Ta Prohm, Cambodia Sept.2009

The past few days I have been busy with editing and compiling an article, hence the reason for being so quiet, plus I have to admit that I have a slight hangover from last night.
Luis Harder invited me over to his place, giving him a hand to set up his additional screen and sorting out a few minor things in Aperture 2.
Of course good old Luis had prepared a great meal, fantastic food and some good red wine, actually the wine was so good that I ended up indulging myself more then it was good for me today, anyway we had a great evening talking shop. Thanks Luis for a cool evening.

A few days ago our "Cowgirl" Jamie send me this fantastic testimonial from our Photo Workshop, after reading it I had watery eyes, thank you so much Jamie not only for what you wrote but also for your kindness and great friendship.
For the testimonials go to GD PhotoWorkshop or click this LINK.

Now a GD Photo Workshop announcement; the bookings for our Indian Photo Workshop are open, this one we have to start early with our bookings the exact dates and Itinerary will be finalized shortly but it is in early March 2010. Due to popular demand we have only 4 more vacancies, the total number of participants is NOT exceeding eight students.

© Gunther Deichmann - "The Window"
Bayon Temple Cambodia Sept.2009

The Photos today are taken "in between" our lessons at Ta Prohm & BayonTemple when I was wondering around finding some interesting subject matters for the group to shoot. My editing is almost complete and I am uploading my images shortly into my PhotoShelter archives, once done I advise you and you can check out the NEW Gallery on Cambodia.
If you have not done so, check out the photos The Students work just click this LINK and the fun images Behind the Scene or go above to the Menu bar.
GD

HANDS ON IN CAMBODIA SEPT. 2009

In the field & the workflow after the shoot
with MacBook Pro's using Aperture 2.

Check out these cool images & click this LINK or go to The Students work on the top bar, you can also click on the image above.
I hope you're going to enjoy them as much as I have.


The Photographs by: Jamie Irenaliena Rayer Keet, Joerg Schueler, Luis Martin Harder, Hubert Weber and Richard Cawthra. They selected six images of their choice I didn’t chose or performed any editing. It was my pleasure to guide this cool group through Photography in the field and then using Aperture 2 for the workflow after the shoot. Plus the Journey to some of the amazing places in Cambodia during our GD Photo Workshop "Angkor Wat & beyond... thank you all for being such a warm and happy group, you have been fantastic! Hope to see you in India next year!
GD

Below is my personal thanks to all those people who
made this Photo Workshop a successful one.

I have also uploaded some of the first testimonials, you can read them
at GD Photo Workshops top bar or click the image above or this LINK.

Thank’s to Jamie from Jakarta, Indonesia, Joerg from Shanghai, China, Luis from Manila, Philippines, Richard from HongKong and Hubert also from Manila, Philippines for their participation in my PhotoWorkshop, Angkor Wat & beyond…you have been a fantastic Group, thank you very much for your kind words and friendship, miss you all.
A very special thanks goes out to Didier from Heritage Adventures for the additional insights. (even Didier became for a few days one of my students)
I am also grateful to the Management and staff from the Heritage Suite Hotel who made all of this possible with their smile and hard work, you made our stay just so fantastic, thank you from the bottom of my heart. A very, special mention goes to my good friend and long time Guide Savuth who was beside us all the time not only carrying some equipment but digging out the bogged 4X4 wheel drive at Mt. Kulen too, thanks my friend.
GD

Original file prior using the Monochchrome Mixer in Aperture 2


© Gunther Deichmann - "Muddy Waters" reflection in a muddy water
paddle outside the Ta Prohm Temple, original above changed into a
Black & White image using the Monochrome Mixer in Aperture 2.

Built in the Bayon style largely in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, it is at Ta Prohm, where some of the original vegetation has been left un-cleared by archaeologists.

Visiting Cambodia in the off season can be a challenge but it is also very rewarding, amazing shades of greens are found all over the temples and in the country side. Fantastic opportunities for Photographers who search for something different, it is for sure my favorite time to visit these amazing places in the worst time of the year. There are few Tourists around and the landscape is ever changing into amazing colors. But be prepared and take good precaution, it can get very wet and uncomfortable during this time of the year.

And just one more...Green with envy!


© Gunther Deichmann - "when there is water there is also new life!"
A seedling... a new tree. In the Jungle of Mt. Kulen, Cambodia '09

In my next Blog post when the Internet connections have improved... remember we still have Typhoon PARMA hanging around, I post a New Gallery with six images from each participant from the Photo Workshop in Cambodia, it is there preferred choice from the trip, so please stay tuned. They all did a great Job!
In the meantime why dont you check out the images from Behind the scene...just click this LINK.
GD

Behind the Scene from Cambodia...

Photos of everybody by everybody from our recent GD PhotoWorkshop
in Cambodia.

© Gunther Deichmann - Wet season at Preah Khan,
Angkor Wat Cambodia 2009

It has been an incredible week, just back from Cambodia and right into the floods and sadness of Manila, not to mention the World News from Palau on the Worlds first Shark Sanctuary. I have uploaded the behind the scene Photos from our recent Journey and Cambodian PhotoWorkshop adventure on this Blog. The best of six images from the participants will be uploaded also shortly but today it is behind the scenes, the funny part of our Photo Workshop.

© Gunther Deichmann - Sunrise at Mt. Kulen,
Cambodia 2009

View the gallery and click this LINK or choose Behind the Scene GDPWS Cambodia 2009. Once open click on the thumb nails to view larger images

Many thanks to all my students, you have been an incredible Group, listening, learning but you also made me laugh non stop. Thank you all very much for your attitude and friendship. It has been a great trip and hopefully I see some of you in India next year, details be announce soon on this Blog. March/April are the tentative month.
GD

Dermot Keane Founder of the Palau Shark Sanctuary and
President Toribiong a few hours ago at the Palau International Airport.

Sam Scott from Sam’s Tours, Ron Leidich from Planet Blue, Scotty from the Palau Conservation Society are only a few whom I have known personally. Believing in something and taken it to the finishing line is not always easy, of course President Toribiong did the last sprint and announced the first Shark Sanctuary in the World at the United Nations in New York on the 25th of September 2009. I am sure it was not easy for him either to take this stance, but he did and that is fantastic.
My involvement with the Shark Sanctuary goes way back, as a matter of fact many moons ago, but that is not important now, what is important that this tiny Nation in the Pacific set an example for the rest of the World and I sincerely hope that others will follow.

A warm welcome to the President of Palau
at the International Airport a few hours ago.

Congratulations again to the President of Palau and all those others who have worked so hard behind the scene in achieving this amazing Goal, I am proud of you all.
See below the just released (only a few hours ago) Press Release from Dermot Keane from the Shark Sanctuary in Palau.

For Immediate Release:
KOROR, PALAU, 9/28/2009, 7:45 p.m.

Palau President H.E. Johnson Toribiong arrived home moments ago to a hero’s welcome at Koror International Airport, Palau. The founder of Palau Shark Sanctuary, Dermot Keane, Managing Director of Palau dive shop Sam’s Tours, was on hand to greet the President and thanked him for declaring Palau a Shark Sanctuary.
 
The large welcome committee included grateful members of the Palauan community who greeted President Toribiong with flower leis and loud applause upon his arrival. Palauans are understandably proud of their President who declared Palau as a Shark Sanctuary during his recent address to the United Nations, General Assembly, on Friday, September 25, 2009.

Despite his long journey from Washington D.C. to Palau, the President was clearly moved by the warm reception and graciously thanked everyone for showing up to welcome him. Palau Shark Sanctuary once again thanks and admires President Toribiong for his landmark declaration of Palau as a Shark Sanctuary.

Palau Shark Sanctuary was founded in 2001 with a goal of securing a declaration by Palau that the waters of their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are a Shark Sanctuary.
For more information visit: www.sharksanctuary.com   or  www.sharksanctuary.blogspot.com

© Gunther Deichmann - Buddhist Nun at Preah Khan,
Angkor Siem Reap Cambodia Sept.'09

"I hope she is praying for good weather."
Please take a few moments and think about those people who
are stranded and their homes are underwater or lost.

It is raining Cat and Dogs in Manila, the worst I have seen in a very long time, then yesterday Palau in the Limelight with an extraordinary achievement declaring at the UN in New York the Worlds first Shark Sanctuary, a little update on Snow Leopard, Aperture 2.1.4 & slowly drifting back to my recent Photo Workshop in Cambodia.

© Gunther Deichmann - Novice Monk at the Monastery near
Angkor Wat, nice Weather and a smiling face. Cambodia Sept. 2009

Wow what a mix today… a Kaleidoscope of recent events.
But then it is raining or should I say pouring non-stop, nobody dares to go outside into the flooded streets of Manila including myself. A friend of mine tried to visit me today, but no way... he couldn’t get out of his Hotel...

Manila is flooded, period! The only way to commute today is by Boat !

I just made it home last night…& now we lost power too...nice to have a Mac BookPro with a fully charged Battery and what better way to recap the past few days in a few sentences on today’s Blog, the only question is when do I get this post uploaded, your guess is as good then mine...

© Gunther Deichmann - this Butterfly landed right in front of me,
getting salt from the stones inside Preah Khan,
Siem Reap, Cambodia Sept. 2009

Lets start with Snow Leopard and the things I discovered during my recent trip to Cambodia.
Encountered a small problem in Aperture 2.1.4 whereas the Original images took time to appear after they had been modified, the version showed up but the Original Raw file took some time to show.
That small problem has now gone away after I upgraded to the latest Version of Snow Leopard 10.6.1 upon my return from Cambodia.
Everything else worked just flawless and I encountered no other glitches with SL and Aperture 2.1.4 dealing with over 3000 plus images on location. ,

I also notice that there is no more Software update via the Desktop, (Download Only) now you have to go direct into the system, which is fine, but if you have a slow connection or get interrupted that could cause a problem. Why Apple has removed this I don’t know, maybe it is a Copyright/Piracy issue, who knows!

Otherwise I am extremely happy with Snow Leopard, fast and efficient a great operating system and definitely worth every cent, as a matter of fact, great value for US$ 29.95. BTW the battery life on my new MacBook Pro is just awesome. Some of my students in Cambodia also used for the first time SL and encountered no problems either.

© Gunther Deichmann - reflections of the Sure Prot Angkor Thom Ruins
at Sunset,directly opposite the Elephant Terraces,
Siem Reap, Cambodia Sept. 2009

Back from Cambodia only a couple of days, I had already a session at the Power Mac Center on iWork ’09 with Keynote and Pages.

__________________________________________________________

Then the NEWS came in from Palau, the first World Shark Sanctuary declared by the President of Palau at the United Nations in New York last Friday. This small Island Nation in the Pacific has shown the rest of the world how to stop the killing of our Sharks, congratulations again to Palau and I am proud to be associated with the Shark Sanctuary in Palau.
http://www.palautours.com/blog.html

Contact the Palau Shark Sanctuary:
http://www.sharksanctuary.com/contact-us.html
email : sharksanctuary@gmail.com
Tel:      + 680-488-1062
Cell:    +  680-775-1062
Palau is GMT + 9 hours / same time zone as Japan.

For more Images on Palau please visit my Photo Shelter Galleries & follow the LINKS below:

1.General:  http://pa.photoshelter.com/c/gdeichmann/gallery/Palau-Micronesia-Tribal-Aerial-Waterfall-Animals-Landscape-People-Islands-Tourism-Jellyfish/G0000C.NjlJIRAik/

2. Aerials: http://pa.photoshelter.com/c/gdeichmann/gallery/1-Palau-Micronesia-Aerials-Jan-2008-largest-collection-of-aerial-Photography-on-Palau/G00000jBlBEacoyY/

3. Aerials 2: http://pa.photoshelter.com/c/gdeichmann/gallery/2-Palau-Micronesia-Aerials-2nd-Gallery-largest-collection-of-Aerials-on-Palau/G0000EnEkvDHJjo8/

__________________________________________________________

Now back to Cambodia, my sincere thanks to all participants from my last Photo Workshop “Angkor Wat & beyond…” you have been a great group and made my job so much easier, thanks again to you all, I will remember the friendship we shared and for sure the non-stop giggles, thanks to you all I had a great time too.

To the staff and management from the Heritage Suite Hotel in Siem Reap our appreciations for an outstanding job & their incredible hospitality during our stay. Thank you all!

A very special mention and thanks goes to Didier Faraud from the Heritage Adventures for showing us some additional places rarely visited by others. A real adventure... on foot, by 4x4 wheel drive and Ox Cart, thanks a lot Didier.

I have been asked already for more images on Cambodia, please have a little patience I am going to upload the students Gallery asap. But one thing for sure, I was impressed with their images and dedication to Photography, they did an outstanding job not only in the field but after the shoot too using Aperture 2 for the workflow.
More images from the students and myself very soon...so please stay tuned.
GD

The tiny Nation of Palau has taken the first step...

No more... © Gunther Deichmann - Archive Image published as the Photo of the week in Stern Magazine and other world wide publication last year. Today Palau declared the first World Shark Sanctuary at the United Nations.

The Image above that made headlines around the world, but NOT from Palau. The tiny Micronesian Nation setting an example for the rest of the world. My respect and congratulation to President Johnson Toribiong and the Government of Palau for taken this unprecedented step in the conservation of our endangered sharks.
I sincerely hope that other Nation will follow and stop this cruel and inhumane killing of our Sharks, I am very proud to be associated with Palau and its conservation policies.
Check out the Palau Shark Sanctuary Website at: http://www.sharksanctuary.com/index.html
GD

Breaking News and a breakthrough in Conservation
from Palau Micronesia! Palau Does Care!


© Gunther Deichmann - aerial over the famous 70 islands in Palau, for more
images on Palau please visit my PhotoShelter Gallery at:
Gallery 1 Gallery 2 aerials Gallery 3 aerials

Palau President Toribiong has announced only a few hours ago at the UN in New York that Palau is the first WORLD SHARK SANCTUARY ! This is a milestone in the conservation and preservation of Sharks in Palau, setting an example for the rest of the World. More information and updates as they become available soon.

The original message:
Just been advised that Palau President Johnson Toribiong will announce in 30 minutes at the UN Conference in New York that Palau is the first WORLD SHARK SANCTUARY !!!!!!!!!!! 

© Gunther Deichmann - aerial over the famous 70 islands in Palau, for more
images on Palau please visit my PhotoShelter Gallery at: Marine Life

Excerpts from the announcement by President Johnson Toribiong;
As many as 100 million sharks are killed each year around the world."These creatures are being slaughtered and are perhaps at the brink of extinction unless we take positive action to protect them," said President Toribiong.
Other related LINKS:

http://www.palautours.com/

http://www.palautours.com/blog.html

http://www.sharksanctuary.com/index.html

http://sharksanctuary.blogspot.com/

The last two days in Cambodia...
I will remember them for sure.


Drying the gear...did it help? Not really!

My last day in Cambodia was less eventful than the day before when my Camera bag dropped into the Rice Paddy from the Ox Cart, one Camera body and one lens has to go for a major repair Job to Nikon in Singapore. (I am glad I always bring a back up... second Camera boddy and lens)Today my last day...a little less exciting, we only got bogged with our 4X4 Wheel drive in black mud....ha, ha a slight reminder of my good old Australian Days in the outback. Jamie is lending a hand and whipping up the text from the past two days, see below. Now I have to do some packing, get some rest and take my dirty mud coverd laundry back to Manila.

© Jamie Irenaliena Rayer Keet - push.........

A very special thank you again to Didier Faraud from the Heritage Adventure who really went out of his way to show us some places where "almost" no man had gone before. As a matter of fact the minefields in this area had only been cleared last year, some very special images will follow once I am back in Manila. Of course Aperture 2 made it possible again to go through 3000 plus images very quickly and efficiently.
As for me...I will definitely return to this truly amazing place, discovering more places "where almost no man has gone before." GD

© Jamie Irenaliena Rayer Keet - the Ox Cart adventure...

Here is Jamie's story...
Going wireless in the jungle isn’t such a bad idea. The last two searches I hastily punched into my Blackberry were “How to remove leeches”, and “Images of undetonated explosive devices, aka mines”. All told, the former is a slightly complicated task of examining and gently dislodging, while the latter come in a selection of shapes and sizes. The ones featured in the Siem Reap Mine museum were of the communist grey colored, circular variety. What do leeches and mines have in common? Upon encountering either, do not Freak Out. Easier said than done.
The photo workshop was over and we were taking a short break from the hectic week. Ever brimming with wild ideas, Didier had planned an easy afternoon trip out to explore a temple in the woods.
After an hour’s drive on bumpy roads in the 4x4, we arrived at a hut. Five pairs of eyes stared back at us as we climbed out into the afternoon sun and Didier launched into a conversation in Khmer with a local. In a few minutes our next ride appeared.

© Jamie Irenaliena Rayer Keet - hey...you just lost your bag...

Travelling by ox cart is not entirely an uncomfortable experience, but by the time you arrive at your supposed destination, you would’ve probably had your wits bounced out of you. Not to mention the possibility of having your camera bag floating in a rice paddy. We were too busy keeping balance, pointing DSLRs at the farmers and getting our perfect shots. No one took any notice of the weathered local on the opposite ox cart frantically waving his stick, pointing towards some obscure spot behind us and yelling in Khmer. By the time we turned and noticed a big black object sinking in muddy waters, it was a little too late. Nonetheless, Didier dashed the 100m and waded back with the dripping pack. It was GD’s camera bag fully loaded. There was nothing to be done but to check the damage later.
After the temple we headed to a camera repair shop. One of the lenses was flooded and stubbornly refused to let out the water. “No can do” said the shopkeeper. Unfazed, Didier suddenly had a better idea and he started to shake the lens in all directions. While Didier was attempting to salvage the drowning lens, GD had found new distraction. A robed monk was sitting at the computer screen in the shop, and GD was trying to get a shot of him sat paradoxically under a flat screen TV with a Jackie Chan movie flashing above him. Didier got as much water as he could out of the lens, GD got his shot of the monk, and we headed back to the fort.
On the way back in the jeep, I plugged in another online search: “How not to freak out”.
Jamie Irenaliena Rayer Keet :)

Heritage Adventure

© Jamie Irenaliena Rayer Keet - Angkor Wat color converted into
B&W using the Monochrome Mixer in Aperture 2.

Looking down at my soiled boots and algae stained shorts, I gingerly brushed the sand out of my greasy limp ponytail. “Well I think I’m perfectly unsanitary enough, thank you very much,” I threw back bemusedly at him before laying down upon the 14th Century laterite stones of the incredible Preah Khan temple in Siem Reap. I was trying for yet another shot at my elusive subject, which happened to be an enormous silk cotton tree growing on the top of a 900 yr old temple in serious disrepair, and dirt was the last thing on my mind. Hanging around GD gives one oodles of ideas, and most of them leave you craving for a bath at the end of the day.

Indeed GD had promised an intense 6 day, 5 night photography course in Cambodia, but he sure hadn’t warned us that learning was going to be so much fun. Our outdoor photography classroom included stunning ancient temple ruins, polychromatic floating villages, lush tropical jungles, waterfalls, caves, local food huts, bar counters, and last but not least the infamous ‘round table’ where all of us eagerly gathered for our highly animated photo editing sessions on Aperture 2.

The group was utterly fantastic, relaxed and mutually supportive throughout. In fact, we hovered along a fine line between taking serious photographs and turning each other into hilarious nutty fruitcakes. We simply laughed as much as we learned. And believe me, we were rolling in the aisles.

© Jamie Irenaliena Rayer Keet - Angkor Wat APSARA Dancer at
Angkor Wat, Siem Reap Cambodia.

What amazed me most was that in less than a week in the field with GD, my photographic vision had changed dramatically. Comparing the shots I had taken from the first day to the fifth, I could see a significant difference in my subject composition, understanding of calculated exposure and improved editing skills. “The goal is that by the end of the week, you’re going to look at things differently,” GD promised at the outset.

And whether that left us mud caked or not, he was right.
Jamie Irenaliena Rayer Keet :)

We are proud to be associated with the Heritage Suite Hotel in Siem Reap

A Photographic Journey through
the Cambodian Jungle.


© Gunther Deichmann - an "Elephant" in the Jungle of Phnom Kulen

We left the Heritage Suite Hotel at 4:30 AM yesterday…the last day of our Photo Workshop for Kulen to the river of a thousand Lingas and the Kulen Waterfall.

Hard at work...trying to get the right angle and catching the light.

My trusted Guide over many years, Savuth taking a break

But the highlight of the day was a very special trip in the afternoon deep into the Jungle to a seldom visited place that can only be reached by 4X4 wheel drive and then another hour on foot.
A lot more images from this destination will follow in the coming weeks…believe me this place is absolutely amazing.
I am still catching up with some sleep, long hours everyday the past week, but fun and very rewarding for all in the Group.

A long but very rewarding walk...

© Gunther Deichmann - Mt. Kulen Waterfall...

Just one more...

Now, where did he come from? A new Student?
Luis Harder and an unexpected fan, at the River of the thousand Lingas.

As mentioned above some amazing images will follow later, but today I like to share with you Photos from the Participants in action during this trip in the Jungle.
GD

Special thanks again to Didier from Heritage
Adventures for making this trip possiable.


www.heritage-adventures.com

www.heritage-adventures.com

Due to some difficulties the past few days with our internet connection and early morning hour Photography trips I keep this Blog brief and rather let the images do the talking...

Aperture 2 & MacBook's Pro at the
Heritage Suite Hotel, Siem Reap
The Workflow after the shoot!

We are into our fourth day and I am extremely impressed with the Images from my students, as a matter of fact they have really outdone themselves, not only in the field but everybody has reached a very good level and expertise on Aperture 2...the workflow after the shoot.
Special thanks to Didier Faraud from the Heritage Adventure who is organizing some very special trips for us and of course the Management from the Heritage Suite Hotel in Siem Reap, who has provided us with and excellent service throughout the week.

Above images: On the Tonle Sap Cambodia

I the next couple of weeks I be reporting in more details from the whole trip and put up a special Gallery with images from all the Participants...today is only a small appetizer from this morning.

© Joerg Schueler, life on the Tonle Sap


© Hubert Weber, reflections the Tonle Sap


© Luis Martin Harder, the Tonle Sap


© Richard Cawthra,
Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia

Tomorrow is another 4:30 AM start, so I sign off now, but a lot more from Cambodia and our Photo Workshop soon.
GD

Great Weather...good Company
& amazing images.

© Gunther Deichmann - my first shot at the Monastery near the Hotel
last Friday 11th of September

Sorry for the long silence but I did have some problems with the connection the past few days. With a bit of luck it will get better in the next few days.
My students took some amazing Photographs since the start of the workshop two days ago, a very cool selection will follow shortly.

© Gunther Deichmann - the Group working with available
light at Preah Khan Temple

A great bunch and amazingly all using MacBooks Pro's with Aperture 2 loaded except for on using Lightroom on his Mac.
Tomorrow we start at 4:45 for our sunrise session, but this time not at Angkor Wat, I keep you in suspense again, the Heritage Suite Hotel Management has organized are real cool trip. Hence the reason I have to keep it very brief now, need some sleep and a good rest.

More in the next few days...
G, night from Siem Reap Cambodia,
GD

© Gunther Deichmann - on the way to my meeting,
Manila Bay, Philippines
The colorful lights on the right hand side are from lamps
lining up along Roxas Boulevard, Manila Bay.

On the way this cool sunset happen right in front of me, of course I had my little companion the Leica D-Lux 4 with me and took some Photographs before I continued.
Later that evening on the way home, after some wine with my good friends Luis Harder & Ross Capilli I spotted this interesting lamp outside a Restaurant with a cool reflection behind it.

© Gunther Deichmann - on my way home, lights in Malate...
Manila Philippines

Both images have been processed in Aperture 2.1.4 using Snow Leopard now.
Remember…never leave home with out a Camera…small or big, you never know!
Reporting soon from Siem Reap & Angkor Wat in Cambodia, interesting articles from the River with a thousand Lingas and the Tonle Sap Lake plus a lot more…
GD

Composite Image: © Gunther Deichmann - Speed and much more efficient...
running Aperture 2.1.4 on Snow Leopard...a cool New Cat!

1. Opening Aperture, much faster now with Snow Leopard

2. Going to full screen mode, no more delay, it is instantly

3.Selecting multiple images in editing mode and then going to full screen, very fast now.

4. Retouch Tools & Spot Patch Tools have improved by 100% almost no more delay when retouching using clone or repair tools, this is a very big improvement.

5. Opening from within Aperture an External editor like Photoshop CS3 is super fast now

6. Opening Mail from within Aperture also super fast improvement by at least X2

7. I exported some 28 high res Raw images in one go as Versions to full jpg size, wow, that went real fast, again a huge improvement.

8. I also experienced the same during import using a fire wire 800 Card reader, nice speed increase.

9.There had been some delays before on some commands in particular the Cloning and Repair but that has disappeared now.

10. I tried also the slide show with some 50 plus Raw images, almost no delay very cool.

11. Edit with: Dodge & Burn, very fast opening with the use of the Tools, super fast on saving and closing.

12. Hitting the Z key (zoom) wow again, it is instant; the bit sluggish Navigation before is now very smooth, the same applies for the Loupe much faster and so much more responsive on all settings.

Aperture 2.1.4 performs very impressive on Snow Leopard, a significant speed increase and overall smooth performance. I think Aperture was ahead of its time and was just waiting for the New Cat…. Snow Leopard is made for Aperture 2.1.4 the perfect combination. Not to mention the increase of disk space after installation of the S.L.very cool. (see my comments from my previous Blog Post)

Run like you never run before… Aperture 2.1.4 is doing just that; everything is just so much more liquid and responsive.
I only used Raw and very large Tiff files, really pushing it, editing has picked up another 100%.
So, if you’re using Aperture 2.1.4 go ahead and install Snow Leopard, find out why I love Aperture even more now, feel and experience the difference.
GD

Please note the above information is based on my personal test only, and I can’t be held liable if you experience different results or performances.

© Gunther Deichmann - Jumping with Joy...
Snow Leopard is available at Power Mac Center

1. Aperture 2.1.4 works fast...a lot faster then before and everything else is working cool, no problems so far...smooth as silk. Aperture 2.1.4 was released a few hours after the availability of Snow Leopard last Friday.
For those who have not upgraded via the software update I recommend to do this prior installing Snow Leopard.


2. I learned the hard way on Rapid Weaver, but not a big issue, for those who use RW make sure you install Rapid Weaver 4.3 prior installing Snow Leopard you can get the upgrade for free if you have a licensed copy, just click the LINK below.
Once installed you should be up and running, I tried it before but no luck, I restarted my MacBook Pro and installed the upgrade. Well, lets see if this Blog is coming out OK., if not you can't read my assessment, so I am crossing my fingers now, but so far so good.
(RapidWeaver 4.3 Release Candidate 1 is now available!)
Download the file and install, don't worry if you cant find your license number, like with everything on the Mac it is straight forward.

3. A Quick spin with FotoMagico 3.05 so far no issues, all seems to be working OK. but again make sure you have the latest update.

4. Awesome... the New Quick Time even if you don't have the Pro Version super slick, I just love it, Video editing has just become a lot easier...5 stars from me.

5. I have picked up some 28Gigs of Hard drive space, nice if you dealing with large images and you forgot your external drive when on the Road...super cool.

6. It goes without saying Safari is humming very fast and nice, even Firefox is running a lot faster now, not to mention Mail and all those other cool things under the Hood.

7. Installation was a breeze and I encountered no problems at all, this is a new Super Cat with a lot more under the hood, more info in due time...have to run a few more laps.

8. Then there is, which I like a lot Restore from the Rubbish "Put Back" it is called, good thinking...

9. A text auto flow, I think that came from Aperture, ha, ha, for Mail and Text edit.

10. Last but not least for today, you have a great "New machine" for US$ 29.95

As you all know I am leaving for Cambodia shortly and put the Snow Leopard through its paces on location. Was I worried to install Snow Leopard prior my departure? Not at all. However, please do a thorough check on the compatibility of other 3rd party software you might have installed, updates for many becoming available daily now.

BTW...Time Machine is working fine too. Even the Spellcheck and a few other things I have noticed are much more refined and easy to use. Maybe my imagination, but I dont think so!

Don't panic if opening of your software takes bit of time, this is only for the first time around, Snow Leopard has to update all your existing files like Mail, Aperture etc.,etc. but after that you fly & there is so much more!
GD

© Gunther Deichmann - Chambers Pillar, Northern Territory, Australia

Before you start your trip, it is advisable to check with the local Ranger Station in Alice Springs to find out about the road condition. A 4WD is required to negotiate the deep sand drifts and steep jump ups. The unsealed road could even be closed after rain, which is rare, but it rains sometimes even in the desert and roads become impassable.
You should always take precaution when traveling alone in the Outback, make sure you bring enough water with you, also two spare tires are better than one, remember you are far from any civilization. Prior your departure let People/Friends know where you’re going and let them know also when you return.

The main feature of this 340-hectare Reserve is the pillar of sandstone that towers 50 meters above the surrounding plain. Sandstone deposits were laid down in the area 350 millions years ago. Since then, wind and rain have eroded away the softer material, leaving this solitary column of pebbly sandstone.

John MacDouall Stuart, heading north on his earliest attempt to cross Australia, first recorded the pillar in April 1860 and named it after James Chambers, one of his South Australian sponsors.
Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve lies 160km south of Alice Springs, along the Old South Road on a turnoff to the west of Maryvale Station.

© Gunther Deichmann - Perentie (Varanus giganteus) Monitor Lizard

On the way you might encounter the mighty Perentie (Varanus giganteus) Australia’s largest Monitor Lizard running across the sandy track.
Sightings of Dingoes are also quiet common particular in the early morning and late afternoon. DNA analysis shows that the first dingoes arrived in Australia from Asia around 5,000 years ago. The name "dingo" was the word used in a now unspoken aboriginal dialect for these members of the dog family.

© Gunther Deichmann - Australian Dingo photographed from
a Helicopter in the “Top End” of Australia

Cattle farmers successfully mated dingoes with dogs in the 1800s when they found dogs from the British Isles were not tough enough for extreme conditions in Australia. The result was the Australian Cattle Dog - typified by the blue and red-heeler breeds. My first Dog in Australia was actually a Blue Heeler called “Tina”, my constant companion during my outback travel over many years, a fantastic Dog and loyal companion which I will never forget.

© Gunther Deichmann - Chambers Pillar, Northern Territory, Australia.
See more images on Australia go to my PhotoShelter Gallery just click this LINK

Then there is the Bustards the famous Australian Bush Turkey as the Aboriginal people also commonly refer to it, also found in this area, plus numerous smaller Lizards, Snakes and Desert Birds. Just a great trip into the Australian Outback not to far from Alice Springs.
After you set up your Camping area, you can start exploring the prominent features of Chambers Pillar and the surrounding area. At sunrise and sunset, the Pillar glows like a burning ember as the rays of the sun strike its face.
GD

Just one more...
this disturbing article just came in from the BBC.


© Gunther Deichmann - Flying foxes over a patch of Rainforest
in the Northern Territory Australia.

Is this the last image of thousands of Flying Foxes, known also as Fruit Bats?
A sight that I will never forget, but what about our Children?

I took this Photograph many years ago while flying back in a Helicopter from Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory Australia.

See the article below from the BBC
By Judith Burns
Science and environment reporter, BBC News

Scientists are urging the government of Malaysia to ban the hunting of the world's largest fruit bat.
Researchers say the large flying fox will be wiped out on the Malaysian peninsula if the current unsustainable level of hunting continues.
Writing in the Journal of Applied Ecology they say around 22,000 of the animals are legally hunted each year and more killed illegally.
They say the species could be extinct there by as early as 2015.
Complete article and Photos @
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8221132.stm

September is approaching fast and so is our Photo Workshop,
Angkor Wat & beyond… Siem Reap Cambodia.


Above: I love the integration on the Mac, pure speed and
efficiency, creating artwork with ease using Pages in iWork ‘09

In a few days I switch gears and getting ready for another exciting trip with students discovering the beauty in this remarkable place with its ancient history and culture.
Once in Cambodia I try my very best to update my Blog and Twitter every 48 hours from our Base at The Heritage Suite Hotel with stories and images from the day’s events, including the best Photograph from each day taken by one of the students.

Packing the gear and final preparation are on my agenda in the next few days, I know my Students getting excited, as for me no explanation is needed… I just love Cambodia where you can always discover something new and exciting.

© Gunther Deichmann - the way of life in the province, transporting a block
Ice on a small Motorbike, from the provicial Town to the Village.
South of Siem Reap Cambodia

I have lined up a few more interesting posts for the next few days before I start my articles on Cambodia in earnest.
GD

MAC CAMPUS ROADSHOW
BY POWER MAC CENTER


ABOVE: using Pages from iWork ‘09

Students from the Computer Science and Photography Department, Teachers and Faculty Members from the Lyceum University attended the Mac Campus Road show. Sponsored by Power Mac Center and organized by Maleng P. Raysag from PMC and the management at Lyceum University.
The Power Mac Center Training Devision had set up an array of iMac’s manned by their staff explaining to Students and Teachers the possibilities on a Mac. I could not help noticing that Photo Booth was a real hit, laughter non stop.

The program of the day included lectures on Integration on the Mac, Photography, Digital workflow using Aperture2 and a basic Photo Competition using what ever Camera was available; Cell phones, Compact Digital Cameras to SLR’s. , etc.
Part of the presentations included how the Mac can help you and how to speed things up using Aperture 2, (Aperture 2 & beyond…) iWork ’09 and iLife ’09 explaining the cool integration. Life made so easy!

The photo Assignment for the day was again Shadows for group “A” and group “B” Space, allotted time for completion 45 minutes.

© Jhonille Villanueva, Donna Dawn Santander-1st
Nikon D40

After the assignment, with the help of Andrew & Mark-Lee from Power Mac Center we uploaded the images into folders and imported them into Aperture 2 for fast processing and judging using the star rating system in Aperture.

© Aaron Basa-2nd
Sony Cyber Shot


© Paulo Caballero, Prince John Risky Arenas-3rd
Cellphone


© Raymark Espeleta, Geneva Panigbatan-4th
Sony Digital Camera

The highest scoring images received prizes sponsored by Power Mac Center.
Another fun Day minus the rain today, being with a cool group of Students, Teachers and Faculty members using only simple Cameras but creating some nice images.
Thanks everybody, I had a great day!
GD

Geiki Gorge is an ancient reef...
with amazing colors and reflections

Geiki Gorge; this is part two (2) of places in Australia that seldom get a mention in Books or Magazines but should be on any Photographers itinerary when visiting Australia…of course that is if you have the time.
In my last Blog post I described the magic of Rainbow Valley in the Northern Territory 100 km south of Alice Springs and today we travel right across to the Kimberley’s in northwestern Australia.

© Gunther Deichmann - Geiki Gorge in the Kimberley’s northwestern Australia.

View more images from Australia at my Archives/Galleries...type in your
Keywords and you find images from over 25 Countries in my PhotoShelter archive.
There are currently some 6000 selected images in the Archive. Use this link and fill
out the search box.

But now lets travel back in time and visit Geiki Gorge, an ancient reef formed during the Devonian period, comparing modern reefs like the Great Barrier Reef to those in prehistoric times.

Geikie Gorge National Park is the most easily accessible national park in the Kimberley.
It's only 20 km outside the small Kimberley town Fitzroy Crossing, and you don't even have to leave the bitumen to get to the gorge. (It's a 280 km drive from Derby and 390 km from Broome.)
The mighty Fitzroy River has carved a 30 meter deep gorge into the remains of the ancient limestone barrier reef that existed here in the Devonian period.
When the Fitzroy is in full flood during the wet season it covers the whole national park. Those floods rise over 16 metres up the gorge walls and the continuous rise and fall of the water has left the bottom of the walls bleached white, an intriguing sight which makes Geikie Gorge very popular with photographers.

Geiki Gorge is an ancient reef but unlike modern reefs, which are built by corals, algae and a group of now extinct lime-secreting organisms built the bulk of this reef.

© Gunther Deichmann - Aerial View of The Great Barrier Reef north Queensland on
the East Coast of Australia, a “modern reef” in Geology terms compare to Geiki Gorge.


© Gunther Deichmann - our reefs today, above image photographed in the Philippines

Ranging from atolls of a few hectares to hundreds of square kilometers, the reef platforms grew close to sea level, rising 200 meters or more above the sea floor.
As the ocean floor slowly subsided over the 50 million years of the Devonian period, the reef-building organisms were able to keep pace, building up and up until, in places, the reef became more than two kilometers thick.

The limestone ranges, formed from the ancient barrier reef, wind across the country between 50 and 100 meters above the surrounding plains, in much the same way that the reef would have reared above the Devonian sea floor. From the air, it's easy to imagine that the sea has just withdrawn, leaving the reefs uncovered.
Here, layers of fossils and the limestone strata of an ancient reef are exposed in cross section, showing glimpses of life in the Devonian period before reptiles or mammals evolved.
GD

Travel Photography Tip...Australia

Part one of two places in Australia that seldom get a mention in Books or Magazines but should be on any Photographers itinerary when visiting Australia…of course that is if you have the time. Both places are far a part; one is about 100 km from Alice Springs in the Northern Territory and the other one (part two, on my next blog post) is in North Western Australia.

We all know Ayers Rock, the Opera House, Sydney Harbor Bridge and of course the Great Barrier Reef but the Outback of Australia has so much more to offer.
Today I like to introduce you to Rainbow Valley, one of the most amazing places I have photographed a “short distance” (100KM) south of Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Central Australia.

© Gunther Deichmann - Rainbow Valley south of Alice Springs in the
Northern Territory, Central Australia Minolta X700 Kodachrome 25

The main features of the Rainbow Valley area are the scenic sandstone bluffs and cliffs. These free standing cliffs form part of the James Range (Google Map) and are particularly attractive in the early morning and late afternoon when the rainbow-like rock bands are highlighted.
The colored rock bands in the sandstone cliffs were caused by water. In earlier wetter times, the red iron of the sandstone layers was dissolved and drawn to the surface during the Dry Season. The red minerals formed a dark iron surface layer with the leached white layers below.
The clay pan in front of this rock face exhibits some nice cracked soil, years ago I used this cracked soil and photographed a Kodachrome packaging for and Ad.
But when the weather is on your side and it starts to rain, a rare occasion in this part of Australia the clay pan fills up with water producing some spectacular natural reflections.

© Gunther Deichmann - A rare photo, Rainbow over Rainbow Valley south of
Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, Central Australia
Minolta X700 Kodachrome 25

Getting a Rainbow over Rainbow Valley is another plus, I guess you just have to be there at the right time and of course a little luck helps. I always kept an eye on the weather during my stay in Alice Springs, as soon I saw some clouds building up I took the chance to take the 100KM drive to Rainbow Valley, not always lucky but on two occasion I managed to get a Rainbow. Watching the weather is an important element in Landscape and travel Photography. (Alice Springs Google Map)
The Image above I believe was the very first Photo of Rainbow Valley with a perfect Rainbow.

© Gunther Deichmann - the Clay pan in front of Rainbow Valley filled up
with water during a rare rain storm, south of Alice Springs in the Northern
Territory, Central Australia, Minolta X700 20 mm lens, Kodachrome 25,
20 min.after sunset at f: 5.6, 4 sec. exposure


© Gunther Deichmann - the Clay pan in front of Rainbow Valley filled up
with water during a rare rain storm, the perfect natural reflection, south of
Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, Central Australia, Minolta X700
20 mm lens, Kodachrome 25, 20 min.after sunset at f: 5.6, 8 sec. exposure

The best time to visit this remarkable place is in the late afternoon; you might not catch a Rainbow, but the colors during and after sunset are just out of this world.
More Photos from Australia @ my PhotoShelter Galleries/Archives

For me it has and always will be one of my favorite places in Australia, a perfect spot to spend the afternoon watching the color change right in front of my eyes.
Access is for four-wheel drive vehicles only, due to sandy nature of the track, it is not rare to see Kangaroos, Dingo’s or the largest Australian monitor lizard, the Perentie crossing your path.
GD

© Gunther Deichmann - “liquid colors” on the Tonle Sap,
Siem Reap Cambodia

Q: Could you give a brief description of yourself as a photographer?
A: Pls. check my Bio at http://www.deichmann-photo.com/home.html

Q: What are your motivations/inspirations to become a photographer?
A: Again, the answers you find in my Bio.
http://www.deichmann-photo.com/home.html

Q: In your opinion, what makes a good photograph?
A: Personal style, uniqueness, exposure, composition and originality.
One of my favorite quotes is;
"You can take a thousand images but only a few will set you on fire,"


Q: I can't buy expensive lenses. A Nikon D40 is all I have.
A: The Nikon D40 is fine, you be amazed the images you can create with just one Camera and a standard lens, think before you shoot. Understand your Camera, its limitations and work with what you have got. Remember the Camera is only a tool; the actual image you create is prior pressing the shutter.

Q: What is some of the essential camera equipment one should pack into their camera bag for travel photography workshops?
A: I am recommending a Digital SLR with one or two lenses, no need for high power telephoto lenses and a small tri-pod (equipment also depends on the type of workshop) Of course you should bring along a laptop for up-loading your images, with software installed for editing. CF cards and readers, a small memory stick, and if possible an external hard drive, plus spare Batteries & chargers for your Cameras and Laptops. If you have a small flash (strobe) then bring that along too. Small flash light, a raincoat or small Umbrella, good solid walking shoes & some insect repellant.
If you have a small compact camera bring it along, these can come in very handy at times.

Q: What are some of the items and camera equipment you have in your camera bag?
A: Basically the same what I have described above, but I always carry two cameras bodies and additional lenses, but when we go into the field I only bring one camera with one lens to show the students what can be done with little equipment.

© Gunther Deichmann - Children of Cambodia, Phnom Penh
original color image converted into B&W using the
Monochrome Mixer in Aperture 2

Q: What are your favorite photography subjects during travel?
A: It all depends entirely on the given assignment, but I usually have a Theme/Story or a subject planned out, but then you never know what is around the next corner, you have to be ready all the time and make quick decisions.
Always expect the un-expected!

Q: How does image editing applications like Apple Aperture 2, Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop factor into your photo management and editing?
A: I use the Computer just for up-loading and basic editing, however part of the learning curve is to understand the software and the workflow after the shoot, caption your images, using only minor adjustments for the RAW files.
Try and get your image right in the first place, your exposure and composition. Don’t rely on Photoshop for fixing things later.
Working with Aperture 2 on my Mac is pure pleasure, speed and integration, easy access to my Aperture Library. A great image management system, even when you use older scanned but digitized images, simple import them from any of your hard drives.

Q: You have done work for many prestigious global publications. How is it like to shoot for these renowned publications?
A: Very tough but awesome, e.g. for Stern Magazine, Germany I spend weeks to get the images on the killing of wild Horses in Australia. Another good example was my three-month assignment for Animan Magazine (Switzerland) covering the Mekong River, a tough but also very rewarding trip, the final article was published later over 24 pages.

Q: What is your advise for new and up coming travel photographers?
A: Research, research and more research, and try to make friends on your Journeys, it helps if you return one day.

I guess that is all for today, there are many more questions and answers but they have to wait until next time.
GD

© Gunther Deichmann - Calendar shoot with Camels,
Rainbow Valley Central Australia

Yes, there are lots of Camels Down Under roaming the Desert, they had been introduced in the mid 19th Century to help the early Explorers to traverse the vast outback.

Why Déjà vu ?


© Gunther Deichmann - Camel Skeleton
in Central Australia

In the past I covered many stories for international magazines and reported on the in humane killing of Horses, Buffalos and Camels.
I was also involved with a research group over the years studying the Camels in Central Australia, fitting them with radio transmitters. This research team had spend years studying these animals due to their uniqueness and pure breed, compare to their cousins in Afghanistan or in the middle east.
The Australian wild Camels have never been domesticated, roaming the vast desert regions of Australia, the largest population can be found in the Simpson Desert.

Gunther Deichmann - Wild Camels in the Simpson Desert the yellow flowers
are only appear after a rare rain storm Central Australia

Yes, there is a problem with introduced species and they are threatening our endemic wildlife. But if a new culling of Camels is to be done, it should be in a human way and not like before leaving wounded animals to a slow and horrific death.
Culling had been carried out before shooting Camels, Buffalos and Horses from Helicopters, these are difficult and moving targets, leaving the animals wounded for days, suffering a slow and painful death.

Gunther Deichmann - Wild Camels in the Simpson Desert Central Australia

Some years ago Australia exported Camels back to Saudi Arabia, they are the purest breeds left in the world. Why not now?
Or as Animal welfare groups suggesting; birth control, giving animals a drug to render them infertile, another more humane alternative.
Please THINK, before the same mistakes been made again!
GD

See below a recent report from the BBC:

The Australian government has proposed a budget to implement a long-standing plan to cull the country's camels by shooting them.
Animal welfare supporters reject the plan, but people sharing the outback with the camels call them a menace.
Unlike the kangaroo or koala, the camel is not an animal automatically associated with Australia.
They were first brought there in the mid-19th Century to help explorers traverse the desert.
But there are now thought to be more than one million roaming the outback.
That is roughly one camel for every 20 people, and the population is set to double over the next decade unless some form of action is taken.
In remote communities they are seen as a troublesome menace, trampling vegetation and occasionally ripping up water pipes, as they search for food and water.
So the Australian government has set aside $16m (£9.7m) to contain the problem and one proposal is to shoot the camels from helicopters or on foot.
Animal welfare groups are opposed to a mass slaughter.
They have suggested another more humane alternative: birth control, giving animals a drug to render them infertile. Read more @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2038834.stm

A special report from Ayers Rock, Australia.


© Gunther Deichmann - Ayers Rock Central Austtralia ”The last Climb?” Tourists on the way to the top, hanging on to the provided chain sparkeling like silver in the early morning. As the sun rises higher this amazing effect disappears within minutes.

Recent News reports have indicated that in the foreseen future the climbing of Ayers Rock in Central Australia will be banned. But do we have to climb Ayers Rock to get our images?

The question is? Will this affect the tourist arrivals? In my opinion I don’t think so, I can’t remember how many times I visited this remarkable place in the Australian Outback and never had the urge to climb it. I could have easy done so, but for me the real beauty lies in the surrounding areas and Ayers Rock from below. The sunset and sunrise, the ever-changing colors have drawn me into the spell of this huge Monolith over and over again.
I have seen very young and old trying to make the trip to the top, taken chances of getting seriously injured.

© Gunther Deichmann - Aerial view of Ayers Rock,
Central Australia, Photo from a fixed wing aircraft.

I have also noticed similar climbing attempts at Angkor Wat in Cambodia too, watching tourist climbing the ancient ruins makes my hair stand up, soon very soon there be a major accident, not to mention the environmental impact it is having on this ancient and fragile architectural Wonder.

© Gunther Deichmann - A rare shot of a Centralian
Knob-Tailed Gecko (Nephrurus amyae)
lickining his eyes to keep them moist.

Few reptiles have the same appeal as the knob-tailed gecko. The tiny tail ending in a little round knob about half the size of a pea, the large beautifully patterned eyes and the face displaying a permanent smile all contribute to the character of this little lizard. The centralian knob-tail is the largest of the group reaching a total length of over 15cm, of which the tail comprises no more than about 3cm.
More info @ http://www.reptilepark.com.au/animals.asp?catID=13&ID=92


For me Ayers Rock is very much a spiritual place where I can sit back and let the colors play in front of me, thinking about the Aboriginal Dream Time and how it must have been thousands of years ago, a place we should all respect and treasure.

© Gunther Deichmann - the changing moods of Ayers Rock, Central Australia

View more of my Australian Images on my PhotoShelter Gallery.


Here are some useful Government information on permits, how to get there etc.
Visitor information:
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/uluru/visitor-information/index.html

Commercial image capture (photography, filming, and artistic representation)
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/permits/uluru-media.html

Read below excerpts from articles I have collected from various News sources.
Just the accidents alone over the years should make one think, plus the environmental impact and respect for the traditional Aboriginal owners.
GD

Excerpts:
The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has called for an end to people climbing the 348m-high rock, sacred to indigenous people, as part of a 10-year draft plan.
The issue sparked immediate debate over the future of the climb, which is seen by many as a draw card for many of the 350,000 tourists who visit the rock each year.
The Prime Minister has come out against a ban, saying it would be "very sad" if tourists were denied the chance.
But other arguments are that the wishes of traditional owners had been ignored for too long.

© Gunther Deichmann - The Thorny Devil is on average about 20 cms long,
and feed on a wide variety of ants. They catch them by using their tongue much
the same as an ant-eater would do. Animal Fact: If rain lands on the Thorny Devils
back, it runs down the creature finding its way to its mouth where it is consumed.
More info @ http://www.australianfauna.com/thornydevil.php

Some 35 people have died while scaling the rock.
THE Uluru climb is almost certain to be closed, probably in about two years.
Parks Australia has called for public comment on a plan to ban tourists clambering up the 348m rock.
The plan runs for 10 years.
But Parks Australia dropped strong hints that Uluru would be closed to climbers sooner rather than later.
The comment period closes in early September.
A final document will then be sent to the Federal Government, which controls the national park.
The tourism industry would then be given at least 12 months to adjust their marketing campaigns.
That means The Rock could be closed by October 1 in 2011, the start of the hot season in Central Australia.

Three main reasons for banning climbers:

SAFETY - 35 people died in the 25 years to the year 2000, but none have died since climbing restrictions were introduced;
ENVIRONMENTAL damage - the sandstone rock suffers erosion and human waste is washed down into waterholes by rain;
CULTURE - traditional owners don't like people climbing over something they consider sacred.
Tourism Central Australia commented, tour operators were divided over whether the climb should be scrapped, some companies had not advertised the climb for years.

But others said many tourists would not to go to Uluru if they weren't allowed to climb.
The Territory Government said it opposed banning climbing.
For a copy of the plan go to:
www.environment.gov.au/parks/publications/uluru/draft-plan.html

Some Ayers Rock Facts:
Ayers Rock is located in the middle of Australia, in fact very close to the actual geographical centre. Geographical coordinates: 25°20'41" S, 131°01'57" E.
Ayers Rock Resort is 443 km (275 miles) from Alice Springs by road, or 45 minutes by air. (From the resort it's another 8 km to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park entrance, and a further 10 km to Ayers Rock.)

Ayers Rock is not the world's largest monolith. This title belongs to Mt Augustus in Western Australia. Uluru is 348 meters (1141 feet) high, 3.6 km long (2.2 miles), 1.9 km wide (1.2 miles),9.4 km or 5.8 miles around the base (that's walking),covers 3.33 km2 (1.29 miles2),extends about several km/miles into the ground, it is not exactly known how far (despite the numbers you might have read).

Ayers Rock is Arkose, a course-grained sandstone rich in feldspar at least 2.5 km thick. Uplifting and folding between 400-300 million years ago turned the sedimentary layers nearly 90 degrees to their present position. The surface has then been eroded.
Depending on the time of day and the atmospheric conditions the rock can dramatically change color, anything from blue to glowing red ! Many avid photographers set up for days and record the many changing colors of Uluru.

Read more: http://www.outback-australia-travel-secrets.com/ayers-rock-facts.html

Or @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uluru

Aerial shot from 31,000 feet of Puerto Galera & Environs by:
Copyright © Rod Andrewartha - All rights reserved, this image
can’t be reproduced in any way electronically or otherwise.
Digital Watermark protected.

The photograph above was taken from the flight deck of a Qantas Boeing 747-400 while enroute from Hong Kong to Melbourne in Austarlia. The aircraft was directly above Verde Island at an altitude of 31,000 feet and maneuvering around thunderstorms, in a perfect position for a photograph of Puerto Galera.
The photographer, Rod Andrewartha, is a pilot with Qantas and a part-time photographer. He’s a regular visitor to Puerto Galera on diving and underwater photography trips. He believes the photo should be shared with all those who have come to love Puerto Galera, visitors and locals alike, and is making it available for purchase.

The price is US$ 49.95 for a 16 inch x 20-inch print, plus postage and packaging.
If you would like to order a print, contact Rod for details at:
sales@rodandrewartha.com.au
He will pack the print in a protective tube and post it to anywhere in the world.
For more info go to:
www.pbase.com/andrewartha & www.rodandrewartha.com.au

© Courtesy of La Laguna Beach Club & Dive Center

So, why don’t you book your next Dive Vacation with La Laguna Beach Club & Dive Center, say hi to Frank & Donno, if you lucky you might run into Rod, but if he is not around you can always purchase a nice Print of this great aerial shot at LLBC.
The accommodation is great too, plus there is always a cold beer waiting for you at the cool Gecko Bar overlooking the nice sandy beach at small La Laguna, the perfect spot for sunset.

© Courtesy of La laguna Beach Club & Dive Center

For our dive friends and Underwater Photographers, La Laguna Beach Club & Dive Center has some of the best “Critter Spotters” on their staff. Take my word for it, I have been using these dive guides from LLBC for many years and some of the images I took would not have been possible without their help and eagle eyes.
Thanks again to Rod for sharing this amazing image with us.
GD

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Just one more…

....yes you’re on the right website… we have changed the front/intro page on my main website, http://www.deichmann-photo.com/ I hope you like it.

My theme and philosophy has always been…Light is Photography…photography is light.
Natural light…mysterious, magical or just awesome, it is natures gift to man… however controlling it can be a challenge without a doubt.

The new front page of my website is a small token of how we perceive and interpret light as we see it through our eyes, a simple concrete wall in the backyard of our building with a light shaft from the adjourning building lasting for only 30 minutes demonstrates this well.
When I took this image I thought it could work for my web front page, which needed a new look anyway. Using the D700 Nikon at f: 5.6 exposing between the light and shadow part of the wall, then imported into Aperture 2 adjusted the shadow and highlights a bit, applied a little sharpening and a new background/intro page for my main website was created.
http://www.deichmann-photo.com/
GD

A Special & exclusive Travel Report from Palau Micronesia,
& if you visit Palau make sure you don’t forget your Camera.


© Gunther Deichmann - just relaxing... awesome Palau Waterfall

Palau the hidden Crown Jewel in the Pacific…never heard about it? About time we introduce you to one of the most charming places on Earth… some call it… the forgotten Paradise!
Palau has been in the NEWS lately with the Detainees from Guantánamo Bay, Discovery Channel or the French Survivor Series, produced only recently on the Islands.
Why only now everybody is talking about it? I guess some of them have seen the sheer beauty now and come to realize its amazing ecosystem, seldom found anywhere else on this Planet.

© Gunther Deichmann - aerial of the Rock Islands

I have been traveling to Palau the past 15 years and I still cant get enough of its beauty above and below the waves. Quoted as one, if not the Best Dive destination in the world.
Like a child in a candy shop, I am like that every time I travel to Palau, discovering new things all the time…it is just awesome.

© Gunther Deichmann - watch Turtles swim by, Blue Corner Palau


© Gunther Deichmann - colors below the waves, Blue Corner

The information below is courtesy of Palautours.com containing information how to get there and a very brief inside of this truly remarkable place. For all our Camera enthusiast we highly recommend Sam’s Tour’s Digital Photo Center which is fully equipped with iMac Computers and state of the art Software like Aperture, plus an in-house Video facility operated by award-winning High Definition Underwater Filmmaker and Digital Video Producer, Dr. Nick Martorano, Ph.D.
GD

© Gunther Deichmann - “arriving in Palau”

There are many ways to get to Palau and flying direct is not always the most economical or timely method. Many guests that fly in from the states catch a flight out of L.A. or San Francisco to Japan and then catch a flight from Japan to Guam (there are multiple flights a day from Japan flying into Guam) and then Guam to Palau. The use of frequent flyer miles is also available, remember to book early or have a great travel agent if you are trying to go that route.
Continental Micronesia is the major airline of Micronesia and flies into Palau 6 days a week: 2 times a day on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays; and once a day on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. (Please note: these schedules are subject to change it is advisable to check with your airlines first)
They have service from Guam 6 days a week, with connections to and from Yap on Wednesdays and Sundays. There is service to and from Palau from Manila, Philippines (this seems to be the best way to travel to Palau from Asia or Europe); twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There is service to and from Kaoshiung and Taipei, Taiwan on Tuesdays and Saturdays; and service to and from Taipei, Taiwan on Thursdays and Sundays on Far Eastern Air Transport (or FAT Airline). Japan Airlines (JAL) has flights to and from Palau twice a month.

Palau offers you the world's most beautiful tropical paradise. Famous for its diving, Palau is rated as one of the world's best diving destinations by scuba aficionados. And why not...Palau has unspoiled reefs, caves, and walls with the most amazing array of marine life you can ever imagine.

© Gunther Deichmann - get close to Marine life.

Palau beckons to you with some of the world's most
awesome natural wonders.

Imagine the whitest beaches you will ever see, gardens of coral just beneath the clearest waters, lakes filled to the brim with "sting less" jellyfish. Forests, waterfalls and caves that have never been ravaged by man, and hundreds of islands of the purest beauty abound all along our pristine archipelago.

© Gunther Deichmann - swim with jelly fish and not getting stung.

Palau beckons to you with some of the world's most awesome natural wonders. Imagine the whitest beaches you will ever see, gardens of coral just beneath the clearest waters, lakes filled to the brim with "sting less" jellyfish.

© Gunther Deichmann - hire a Helicopter and get a Birds-eye View.

Palau. To many the name conjures up images of lush jungles atop mushroom-shaped limestone islands surrounded by turquoise waters so abundant with life that it is nearly impossible to ingest it all. With magnificent reefs that contain over 1300 species of fish and 400 species of coral, it is no surprise that it is recognized as one of the best and most consistent places to see a huge diversity and abundance of both small tropical fish and large pelagic predators.

© Gunther Deichmann - Explore amazing Palau by Kayaks

There are several reasons for Palau's diversity of life, particularly the marine life, with some of the major factors being the variety of habitats and reef structures as well as its location. Between the coastal mangroves of Babeldaob and the outer reef walls of the Ngemelis and Pelelui, exists an extensive shallow and deep water lagoon containing limestone islands, sheltered marine lakes, and narrow passages that provide a mixture of different habitats that support a variety of fish and coral. Further, the ranges of reef structures, from sheer vertical walls to underwater caves provide numerous places for species to live. If the diversity of habitats in Palau is poised to accommodate a terrific amount of marine life, its location is the reason that much of the marine life made it here in the first place. Palau resides just outside of the ‘Coral Triangle' an area recognized as the center of marine biodiversity and has three major bodies of water converge on the island. To the east is the Pacific Ocean, to the west the Philippine Sea, and to the south, the Celebes Sea.

© Gunther Deichmann - paradise is waiting for YOU.

As the Pacific Ocean, the Philippine and Celebes Seas circulate, the potential to bring larva of coral, fish, and invertebrates to Palau from different parts of the Indo-Pacific region is very high.

© Gunther Deichmann -have your own Island

Terrestrially, Palau has one of the most diverse assemblages of flora and fauna in Micronesia The different geology, predominantly the limestone Rock Islands and the large volcanic main island of Babeldaob provide excellent substrate for a diverse number of trees, plants, birds, and reptiles. There are over 1250 species of plants, 140 species of birds (including 8 endemic species), and 50 species of amphibians and reptiles (including the largest reptile, the Saltwater Crocodile, (Crocodylus porosus ). With all of the diversity in Palau , both above and below the water, it will amaze even the most seasoned naturalist.

© Gunther Deichmann - enjoy the Spa at the Palau Pacific Resort.


© Gunther Deichmann - see You soon in Palau Micronesia.

See pages after pages with stunning images and information on Palau @ http://www.palautours.com/
You can Check also with the Palau Visitors Authority (PVA) for more local information once you have arrived in Palau.
For an Birds-eye view of Palau check out Palau Helicopters @ http://www.palautours.com/palauheli-other.html

Relaxing Friday afternoon with “Mojito”
& friends at Cafe Havana...

© Gunther Deichmann - Charming waitress at Cafe Havana Makati Greenbelt 3 , Philippines,
Leica D-Lux 4 ISO 400, f:2.5

A nice start for the weekend had a great time with my friend Juergen Warnke from Club Paradise in Palawan at the Cuban “Café Havana” in Greenbelt 3 in Makati. Friday afternoon… a social get together with some nice Drinks called Mojito
…
and the Leica D-Lux 4.

© Gunther Deichmann -
Mojito... at Cafe Havana Makati Greenbelt 3 , Philippines,
Leica D-Lux 4 ISO 400, f:2.5
Cuban mojito drink recipe, the authentic version enjoyed by Hemingway in Havana
______________________________________________

Aperture v. Lightroom, the never-ending saga on the Net, don’t worry I keep it simple and get straight to the point.
I am sure all Aperture 2 users waiting with great anticipation for the next upgrade…
I hope we get to see it soon.
I am not an expert on Lightroom nor I am going to be one, I am happy with Aperture 2 for all my work. I believe the most common problem lies when you work with two or three different software’s instead getting used to one, learning and understanding it properly.
Lightroom has introduced recently some updates and improved the software, however in my opinion there are quiet a few advantages in using Aperture 2.
First of all the smooth integration on a Mac, it is flawless and very smooth, plus in Aperture you can make adjustments at any stage. E.g. if you have an image selected you can pull up the adjustment-HUD right there in the Browser, Full screen in book layouts etc., no need to go back and forth.

This is very cool and feels free and more natural. From what I know and heard of LR this cant be done, LR puts way too much emphasis on the software while Aperture lets you focus on what you want to do with your image.

Check with the Power Mac Center in Greenbelt 3 for Aperture Training and intro Seminars.
http://www.powermaccenter.com/training.php
______________________________________________

More iPhone 3G applications.
In one of my recent Blogs I recommended the GPS from MotionX, another interesting one is AudioBoo you record your voice or a conversation with friend then post it on Twitter or Facebook. Useful? For some of us maybe, check it out and play with it.
For those who use the iPhone Camera, AutoStitch is cool, thanks to my good friend Choon from Singapore who pointed this application out to me.

iPhone 3G Camera, using four images and then AutoStitch

See above an example taken without any planning during last Fridays “Mojito” sessions at Café Havana. Four images stitched together on the iPhone and posted a few seconds later on Twitter. You can even crop the image after it has been stitched.
For more info just go to the iTunes store!
GD

“Light is Photography,
Photography is Light.” GD

It’s raining cat and dogs for the past few days, there is still Color around us, but you have to bring your Camera along. The shot below, taken from the Car Window on the way to a meeting while stuck in a traffic Jam in Manila.

© Gunther Deichmann - Yakal Street Makati 100 yards from
Santis & Cave Werdenberg
a great stop for some light meals and superb Wine.

The image above and other NEW images from the past few days already residing in my PhotoShelter Gallery/Archives. (New Manila, Aug. ‘09, including some interesting once from inside a Church)

__________________________

Now from the Philippines to Cambodia; my GDPhotoWorkshop in September ’09 “Angkor Wat & Beyond” Siem Reap, Cambodia is fast approaching, we’re ready to go in September and bookings are closed now. Just a few images below from one of my earlier trips to Angkor Wat Siem Reap, Cambodia.

© Gunther Deichmann - APSARA traditional Khmer Dancer, Bayon


© Gunther Deichmann - Lingas in the river bed, Phnom Kulen is the holiest
mountain in Cambodia & the river of 1000 Lingas, a powerful sacred site
for Cambodians, even today.

However, I make a major announcement very shortly regarding all my future PhotoWorkshops including more to Cambodia, (this year) but also into Laos and other Exotic destinations in Asia, plus preparations are made for India in 2010.

© Gunther Deichmann - Women Priest at
Bayon Temple Angkor Wat area, Cambodia

© Gunther Deichmann - Buddhist Monk, Siem Reap Cambodia

Please stay tuned for more information very, soon.
GD

Respect & Prayers for Corazon Aquino...
former President of the Philippines.


© Gunther Deichmann - Prayers for Former President Corazon Aquino, a child holding a Candle inside a church in Manila, on the 4th of August 2009, the colorful reflections are from the Church windows’ for Filipinos there is always hope, may the future be prosperous & democracy will prevail.

“We don’t have to listen or read,
but an Image can speak a thousand words.”

Aquino's presidency saw the restoration of democratic institutions in the Philippines, through the enactment of a new Constitution which limited the powers of the presidency, restored the bicameral Congress, and renewed emphasis on civil liberties. Her administration was likewise hampered by several military coup attempts by disaffected members of the Philippine military which derailed a return to full political stability and economic development.

All images © Gunther Deichmann - Manila August 4th 2009

Last Fridays Power Mac Center Event, the 15th Anniversary.
& DJ Mark - Lee was in his element using a Bose sound system.
____________________________________________

Some 50 students from the Computer Science Department from the Adamson University attended the Photography Seminar. The program of the day included lectures on Photography, Digital workflow and a basic Photo Competition using what ever Camera was available; Cell phones, Compact Cameras to SLR’s. etc.

Students from the Computer Science Department
from the Adamson University in Manila

After a two our lecture on Photography, Keynote presentations and techniques I divided the students into two groups for two different assignments. Assignment “A” was Shadows and group “B” Space, allotted time for completion 90 minutes.

A real fun Day! What was amazing... the images the students took for the competition, the small Digital point and shoot Cameras and Cell Phones had the highest score.
After the assignment, with the help of Andrew & Mark-Lee from Power Mac Center we uploaded the images into folders and imported them into Aperture 2 for fast processing and judging using the star rating system in Aperture 2.
It proved again how easy it is to work with Aperture 2 making selections and using it for something very different today, after all we had to go through some 200 images fast.
Most of the students came from the Computer Science Dept. but had a high interest in Photography and the three lucky winners received prizes sponsored by Power Mac Center.

First Price went to Yves using a
KODAK EASYSHARE
C813 ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA
Yves took this shot pointing his Camera
into a mirror. Corridor at the University.

Was I surprised? No! The best and most creative images came from Cell Phones and small compact Digital Cameras. Proven again, that if you put your mind to it, you can create some very nice images with what you have got. Photography is you and you alone create these images, equipment helps but if you have nothing else... you use what is available.

Second prize: KIMGHI using a cell Phone, interesting
Image, a building reflecting in water on rough concrete
during todays rain.


3rd prize: Sherwin using a SONY DSC-S40
He took this shot during our lunch break at the nearby Mall

Even more amazing, the weather was real bad raining non-stop, difficult for the Group who had the Shadow assignment; of course we considered that during our judging.
I had a lot of fun too, being with a cool group of students using only simple Cameras but creating some nice images.
Thanks everybody for a great day!
GD

© Gunther Deichmann - this juvenile Frogfish is
only around one centimeter in length

The original Image had been scanned & stored as digital file in tiff format on my external hard drive, I just imported the file into Aperture 2 made minor correction & a long forgotten image became a life again.

Frogfish Memories
Posted by Gunther Deichmann on May 21, 2009 in Blog, Destinations, Marine Life,
FINS Online

While going through my archives the other day I came across an image from film days, and I fondly recalled the story behind this photograph.
It was during a night dive in Anilao in the Philippines that I spotted this amazing miniature frogfish, around one centimeter in length. But…since it was near the end of our dive, I had run out of film. I cursed and blew bubbles in frustration.
Since it was a shallow dive, my guide and I still had plenty of air, so I signaled to him, then went back up to the boat to change film.
Crazy, I know…the things you do for a shot sometimes. However, my main concern at the time was how to find this little guy again. He was so tiny and could’ve easily disappeared.

After I changed film and went back down to where my trusted dive guide was waiting for me, it took a while, but we found the little frogfish again.
After I took three shots, he disappeared into a crevice. We waited a few minutes before surfacing and heading back to the resort for a well deserved beer.
GD

Congratulation & Best wishes to the Power Mac Center
on their 15th Anniversary.



Thank You! GD
__________________________________

Plus...Photos & Macs brought to you by
Adamson University, Manila

BE PART OF PHOTOGRAPHY &
MAC LEARNING SESSIONS
Sponsored by Power Mac Center

NEWS RELEASE - EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS
Listen to Mr. GUNTHER DEICHMANN, international acclaimed travel photographer as he shares his exciting works and experience on travel photography. See the latest techniques in making the most out of your pictures...Win exciting prizes and surprises! Join the photo competition at the end of the seminar. Interested participants may bring their digital cameras or cell phone cameras to join... and lastly, learn why Mac is the best computer for schools.
Where:
SD 3/Level, Adamson
Time:
8am-5pm
Schedule:
8am-9am
Registration
9am-11am
Talk by Gunther Deichmann,
11am-12nn
Photo Competition
12nn-1pm
Break
1pm-2pm
Photo Competition Judging
2pm-4pm
Apple Technology - a session on
latest gadgets & Mac products
4pm-5pm

Contact:
Mobile Hotline • 0908 7213422 / 0917 6047980
0918 3427555 / 0922 8647131 / 0910 8897055
Landline • 729 7087 or 88 | 7297128
Email: academy@powermaccenter.com
www.powermaccenter.com

Congratulation to Nick and his Team, Nick is the
Chief Diver for PT Nautik Recovery Asia !
(in the Photo Nick is the one wearing a black & red wetsuit)

We picked up this report from the German newspaper Bild.de Unfortunately the text is only in German but have a look at some of the Photos.
1.5 tons of Silver Coins, Gold jewelry, Canons, Crystal and Ming Porcelain valued at over 10 million US Dollars.
Photos and more info from the recent discovered wreck in Borneo.

Below excerpts in German from the article:

„Zuerst sieht alles auf dem Meeresboden nur verkrustet und wertlos aus. Aber wenn du dann den Schatz in den Händen hältst, ist das ein unbeschreiblicher Adrenalinstoß. Man wird Zeuge vergangener Zeiten...“
Martin Wenzels (42) Augen leuchten, wenn er in seinem Dresdner Büro der Immobilienfirma WIP von seinem kostspieligen Hobby erzählt. Der Lebemann (Mercedes CL500, 60-qm-Büro mit Billardtisch und weißen Ledersofas) ist im „Zweitberuf“ Schatztaucher.
Und hat jetzt mit seinem Partner Klaus Keppler (71, gebürtig aus Freiburg) den ganz großen Fang gemacht: Sie fanden das Wrack des Piratenschiffes „Forbes“, das 1806 vor Borneo sank.
Darin: 1,5 Tonnen Silbermünzen, Goldschmuck, Kanonen, Kristall, Ming-Porzellan. Wert der Münzen allein: bis zu 10 Mio. Dollar!
More at BILD.de

Endemic wildlife under threat!



© Gunther Deichmann - Aerial photo: Thousands of Magpie Geese on the
Flood Plains near Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia.


© Gunther Deichmann - Whistling Ducks, Kakadu National Park

The Cane Toad is posing a serious threat to Australia’s endemic Wildlife.

During my days when I roamed around in Kakadu National Park some 25 years ago there where NO Cane Toads, now they have invaded this rich in wildlife ecosystem. In recent years they have not stopped and now moving towards north-western Australia invading the Kimberley region too.
Freshwater Crocodiles and a unique type of pygmy crocodile found only in Australia could be wiped out by the dreaded cane toad unless prompt action is taken, zoologists have warned.
Just two populations of the endangered pygmy freshwater crocodile are known to exist, both of them in the country's tropical north. The crocodiles are at risk because they prey on cane toads and then die from the amphibians' highly toxic skin. Isolated in remote rivers and creeks by waterfalls and steep sandstone escarpments, they are about half the size of normal freshwater crocs.

© Gunther Deichmann - Australian Freshwater Crocodile
(Image showing a true gallop), fighting for survival.

“Thanks” to the introduction of Cane Toads to Australia in August 1936. We’re tried to solve a problem… but created a much bigger one.
The idea was to eradicate the grey back cane beetle pests, now the cane toad is considered a pest and invasive species in many of its introduced regions because its toxic skin kills many native predators when ingested.
It has also many negative effects on farmers because of pets and animals eating the creatures.
The cane toad has poison glands, and the tadpoles are highly toxic to most animals if ingested. Because of its voracious appetite, the cane toad has been introduced to many regions of the Pacific and the Caribbean islands as a method of agricultural pest control, notably failing in the case of Australia in 1935, and derives its common name from its use against the grey back cane beetle pests.

All creatures small and big have the right for their existence on this planet, but the Cane Toad does not belong in Australia, STOP interfering with mother nature.





All images © Gunther Deichmann - from left: Sea Eagle, Jabiru black-necked Stork
Tree Snake, large Goanna in front of Termite mounds

A Queensland study showed more than a 50% decline in Gould’s goanna numbers over a seven-month period coincident with the arrival and build up of cane toad numbers.
A fauna survey in Kakadu showed that Gilbert’s dragon and all goanna species significantly declined following cane toad invasion.
Frog-eating snakes in general are susceptible to impacts. These include the northern death adder, western brown snake and red-bellied black snake. There are also numerous reports of freshwater crocodiles dying after eating cane toads in northern Queensland and the Northern Territory. Some water fowls are also no exceptions including the White Breasted Sea eagle.
GD

CANE TOAD FACTS
Cane toads are expanding their range across Northern Australia faster than ever expected, and have been recorded moving up to 20km in just a few weeks.

They have reached the western part of the Northern Territory, and without intervention, are expected to reach the east Kimberley region of Western Australia in one to three years time.

Cane toads need water to survive. With only a relatively narrow band of non-arid country between the eastern Kimberley and the Top End of the Northern Territory, suitable cane toad habitat funnels down to such a relatively small ‘land bridge’ that there is a unique opportunity to slow and hopefully halt their march westwards across Northern Australia.
Since its original introduction the cane toad has had a particularly marked effect on Australian biodiversity.

Cane Toad Research

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cane_toad

The Australian Aboriginals call it…
”Children of the Lightning Man”

Years ago during a Photography excursion into a remote part of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia I enco