Travel Photography: Water is life… traveling during the stormy rainy season can be rewarding for your Photography
Water is life… it’s fury can be devastating
but it can also be tranquil and enchanting.
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The photo above was taken some years ago with my old trusted Minolta X700 film camera in a Hugyfot underwater housing during the hight of Typhoon "Huaning" right at Manila Bay, note the lone person in the background. Make sure you take good care during this Monsoon and Typhoon season!
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Photo above: worshipping the sacred waters of Phnom Kulen.
...two years after Charlemagne was crowned Emperor of the West by Pope Leo III in AD 800.
King Jayavarman II ascended to the top of Mahendraparvata (today’s Phnom Kulen), and declared independence from the island of Java. There he proclaimed himself devaraja, heavenly ruler of the ancient Cambodian religion and cult of the “god-king”, and founded the Khmer Empire.
A devout leader, King Jayavarma II soon had the river on the mountain hilltop diverted in order to carve hundreds of lingas into the riverbed, hence its name – river of a thousand lingas. In the event, Mount Kulen was blessed and beatified.
Above text Courtesy of my good friend Jamie Irenaliena Keet from our joint article in the Asian Geographic Magazine "The hidden treasures of Phnom Kulen."
Our bodies are largely made of water, as is much of the food we eat. Without water, we could not exist… it is that simple.
In some countries we worship water and in others parts of the world we take it for granted, it is more precious then anything else on our planet.
Water… the reason for my post today; the Typhoon/rainy season has started with our first tropical storm blowing outside my window.
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The rainy season has arrived…Palawan, Philippines
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Lightning storm over Manila Bay, Philippines
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The towers of Angkor Wat reflecting in the Water pools
during the wet season, Cambodia
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Flood plains of Northern Australia during the wet-season
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Dramatic cloud formation during the monsoon, Palawan Philippines
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Bathing and worship in the Ganges River, Varanasi, India
I captured many "wet" images during my travels, experiencing the good, the bad and the ugly, crossing mighty rivers, wading through flood revenged areas or just sitting along side beautiful and tranquil lagoons watching the sun go down.
Covering many countries, the selected images on this post showcasing water in its fury and tranquility, its direct connection between man and nature.
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Unfortunate street children during the
Monsoon season, Philippines
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During a tropical rain shower children selling sampaguita
flowers to passing cars, Philippines
Teaming with life…whistling Ducks on a Billabong
(fresh water pond) just before the wet season, Northern Australia
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Shimmering leafs in a small stream, north Queensland, Australia
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"Merging" with the water, teenagers having fun in the
Phnom Kulen river, Cambodia
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Rainforest and waterfall during the wet season in Palau, Micronesia
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Simply Nature…Phnom Kulen during wet season, Cambodia
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Monsoon time in Cambodia 
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Nature and man made… wet season in Cambodia
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Fishing… Water the source of life…Laos
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Wet season storm approching in the Pacific, near Chuuk, Micronesia
It is not only freshwater that we need for our survival but also our Oceans that support us with life.
Water is so precious and man has the "intelligence" to protect our oceans and natural resources, so please don't take water for granted; we’re lucky (some nations are not) to be blessed with this amazing liquid we call water.
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Aerial view of the Northern Territory Flood Plains
during the wet season, Australia
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Enjoying a tropical downpour, Battambang, Cambodia
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Simply Nature… water the source of Life, Phnom Kulen, Cambodia
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"Taken shelter" from a tropical rain shower, island of Chuuk, Micronesia
Tip:
If you do go out during these rainy days make sure to pack some water proofing; a raincoat and a "Condom" for your camera and of course a good water proof camera bag.
But most important, take care of yourself and watch out during strong storms and Typhoons… remember Safety first!
GD
Just one more…
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Photo composite; we have to take care of our Planet before it is to late.
Editing 18,000 images with Aperture 3 after our Expedition and Travel Photography Workshops to Sri Lanka, Nepal & Bhutan.
Some 18,000 photos later...
An endless Journey through Color and Time.
Performing with a Condom and Phallus in his hands… during the Talo Tshechu
Festival with Dramitse Nga Cham
(sacred Mask dance of Drum and Stick) Bhutan
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After a 5-week Journey through Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan the editing and culling back of images is complete. (still working a bit on Nepal, had to have a break before I get square eyes)
But the main editing has been complete for quiet some time, thanks to the outstanding performance on my Mac BookPro using Aperture 3.
Ohhhh…I don’t know what I would have done without Aperture…my thoughts drifting back to the old days using Kodachrome film, labeling and sorting through mountains of plastic cases.
Honestly I do miss my Kodachromes but then times have changed, some for the better and some for the worst, it is almost all digital now.
(I do admire some of my good old friends who still shoot with film, but mainly in B/W now)
Tea Plantation worker, Sri Lanka
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School is out…Sri Lanka
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I do as much editing with Aperture while still on the road and by the time I get home a lot is done already. (rough and first edit only)
Back home; first I back up all those images (Aperture Libraries) from my portable Lacie Rugged drives to my Lacie Raid system, then some more editing and later upload selected images on to my PhotoShelter site. PhotoShelter; yet another welcome addition in todays digital age for safe keeping, storing and selling your images.
Through out the entire trip Aperture performed just awesome, at times pushing my Mac and Aperture to the limits.
Tip: I strongly recommend that you do all your key wording, captions etc. while on location, it will only take a few extra minutes during or after import but everything is still fresh in your mind.
Oh… I can do this later when I am back home, I am to tiered now…believe me, you never end up doing it or you forgotten all those places. (we’re only talking some 5 to 10 extra minutes here)
I am forcing myself in doing just that, it saves me a lot of time and my NEW images can be up on PhotoShelter or my own site within a few days after my return.
Bathing festival, Kathmandu, Nepal
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In a village near Bhaktapur, Nepal
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Sadhu preparing his color mix, Nepal
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I might mention also for those who are located in the Philippines, we have some Aperture 3 classes (Aperture Level Basic and Beyond) scheduled, starting in June through to December at the brand new PMC Power Mac Center AATC facilities at Arnaiz, Makati, Philippines. (final dates/times to be announced shortly on Twitter and Facebook)
You might ask why Aperture? Aperture’s capability is greatly underestimated in particular when it comes to editing huge number of photos. It has a superb and easy to use filing structure, not to mention all those other adjustments, but for large number of photos, I believe it is the best software out there.
Now you might think I am biased when it comes to Aperture; well I have been using it since day one and never looked back and this is not the first time I had to deal with so many photos.
How could I have edited 18,000 or so images in Photoshop in just a few days? No way, I be still working for the next 3 month.
Once you understand the fundamentals of Aperture 3 the rest is easy, exceptional fast and very efficient. Spend some time with it, study the tutorials or enroll in a classroom session with Aperture.
Buddhist Monks at the Trongsa Dzong,(Fort) Bhutan
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Young Boy in the Traditional Village of Sopsokha, Punakha District, Bhutan
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For all our Expeditions and Adventure Travel GD Photo Workshops through out Asia click this LINK.
You don’t have to be a Pro Photographer to join our Expeditions and Adventure Travel Tours; we cater to all who are interested in Photography.
With Gunther Deichmann and his experienced assistant you get to know different cultures and explore amazing landscapes. Getting you not only to the right locations without wasting time but also at the right hour of the day. For the latest testimonials click here.
We make sure that you get the best possible photographs from these truly amazing destinations.
GD
Just one more…
A very funny Farmer at the Traditional Village of
Sopsokha, Punakha District, Bhutan
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Photography: A nice letter in response to my recent post RIP Photoshop in 2012 & beyond.
RIP Photoshop in 2012 continues…the response.
My last post was suppose to be my last entry for 2011 but then I received this nice letter (unedited) in response to my last post RIP Photoshop in 2012, thank you Dermot for letting me share this with others. Happy New Year!
Hi GD
Loved your blog posting re: Photoshop RIP. Well said.
I’m not a photographer at all, as you well know… not even with a point and shoot..but I am amazed and in awe of beautiful images, especially yours. If I didn’t know you and or had not been with you when you took some of the images I know of…I would have a hard time not assuming that somehow Photoshop played a role. You’re right….there is a time and place for Photoshop….but in order to protect the integrity of and respect for accomplished photographers and their images, the viewer does indeed need to know / deserve to be informed if and when images are manipulated.
I recall the image you took one day with your point and shoot camera while we were sitting having a beer at Riptide overlooking Malakal Harbor, Palau…..the one with the tiki torch by the railing just before sunset. I was there. I saw the sky, I saw the tiki torch, and I saw you shoot the images. But I didn’t see what you saw until you showed me the image moments later…..no Photoshop! Just a trained and sensitive eye by the photographer. I also recall the image you shot ..with the same camera I think..in Singapore when we were sitting outside having dinner by the waterfront..with all the buildings lit up in the background. Same thing..I was there….I saw all that you saw…but not the way you saw it..until I saw your image! There are many more like that….some of the images I watched you take when we were in Siem Reap with Dirk. No flash; No Photoshop; just stunning images that were right before me but that my eyes just could not see……until I was GD’ed!
This has been an odd year for us…we’ve hardly been in touch ….not like before..but it’s also been a year in which I’ve seen the real Gunther ..the passionate photographer Gunther, re-emerge from the demands of the digital clutter that somehow seems to want to over take us and extinguish who we really are. Wish I could have been as successful in making change in 2011 as you were, and for 2012, I will look not just to your amazing images for inspiration but to how successfully you’ve managed to reshape your future by renewing your first passion…..your photography. No Photoshop needed!
Love you my friend and admire your deeply. Here’s wishing you a super successful 2012 and very Happy New Year and hope that we can cross paths and be in touch more often.
Hope to see you in Manila early Jan enroute to BOOT.
Best!
Dermot Keane
Photography: RIP Photoshop in 2012, the cruel story behind the photo...
The cruel story behind the photo... a real concern.
But first let me take this opportunity and wishing you all a fantastic & HAPPY NEW YEAR!
In a few days we’re moving into 2012 and this is my last post for 2011 with the conclusion that there is NO room for Photoshop in photographing Documentary, Nature, Journalism, Culture, Travel and in true story telling. RIP Photoshop in 2012!
I have written many articles on this subject and I am not going into details anymore but rather get to the point right away. We all know the pros and cons about Photoshop and how it has changed at least for some of us the way we look at photography today.
PS has its place in the commercial world or in graphic design, but there should be no use of any manipulation if we photographing the subjects mention above.
However if we do alter the image then it should be stated with the published work that it has been digitally altered.
Now to my concern and the story behind the photo:
The Olgas in Central Australia
More images from the Book Journey Through Color & Time
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The image in question above, the Olgas with a Rainbow taken in Central Australia was part of my exhibition during the Launch of my Book “Journey Through Color & Time in 2006.
It was during this exhibition that I overheard a group of people saying how wonderful and great this image was, with the exception of some comments that this could only have been done in Photoshop.
Now that is cruel if you ask me… I contained my disappointment and anger, even if I had to explain it to them they would have not believed me, as the saying goes, good photos do not need an explanation.
So here we are…or where are we? These where educated people believing great images are created partially in Photoshop and this is where the real problem lies.
The said photo was created way before Photoshop existed, even Computers where in the infant stage, a blow below the belt to the artist/photographer.
Taken on Kodachrome 25 ASA, at the right time and a little bit of luck with the weather.
Mustering Cattle Central Australia
Kodachrome 25ASA
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Yes, of course times have changed and we do use digital cameras, but we should refrain from any manipulation. If it can’t be avoided then we should state this loud and clear and stop fooling the public, because soon or later nobody believes anything anymore.
But how much is allowed? In the digital age we have to apply a certain amount of post processing e.g. sensor dust removal, some sharpening, minor contrast increase, of course cropping and straightening.
Some adjustment of the color temperature for images taken under difficult lighting conditions plus a few minor tweaks all amounting to less then 10%, good Photographers shoot right in the first place and do not rely on PS, we done it on film so why not now.
Wild Horses Top End Australia
Kodachrome 25ASA
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You might think that I am old fashioned or outdated, well its rather the opposite I embrace technical advances but I don’t agree with distorting nature or telling stories with manipulated images.
Software like Aperture, Lightroom or some others allow us to make basic adjustment and more, plenty good enough for our images.
If you have only PS then use it only for the basic RAW conversion and minor adjustments as mention above.
If your creative juices start flowing and you have to manipulate beyond the norm then state so below the image, this will gain you respect and is truthful to you and the public.
Provided by nature our Eyes are the best cameras since birth, we need to learn how to see, the rest will follow.
All the above is only my Opinion, but I know I share this with many others.
As for me in 2012, I continue to create images without the use of PS like I have done for the past 30 years, so RIP Photoshop for 2012 and beyond.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
GD
Just one more without Photoshop…
Varanasi India 2011 - Digital Image
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Travel Photography Asia: Beautiful People & true Colors from Laos, Cambodia & Myanmar.
The Journey continues through Laos - Cambodia & Myanmar
its beautiful people and true colors.
A question I get ask all the time, and a quote by Imogen Cunningham sums it up nicely.
“ Which of my photographs is my favorite?
The one I’m going to take tomorrow." – Imogen Cunningham
Inle Lake, Myanmar
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Laotian Monks looking towards Thailand, it is here where the
Mekong River separates these two Countries, Vientiane, Laos
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I am always in search for true colors and besides the question above, which is my favorite photograph I also get often ask about my colors. The colors in my images are real and have not been manipulated using editing software.
"I have seen colors which I thought didn't exist, but they do." - Gunther Deichmann
One of many Battambang's Monasteries, Cambodia
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Amazing colors are all around us, finding and seeking the right combination one needs to see; no need to distort something which is already provided by nature or human. It is all out there, in front of us ready for the taking with what ever camera you use, let your eyes guide you, separating colors from the background.
Lets look at the world through our eyes, not through photo-editing tools. But have said that, we almost don't get a choice these days…in the digital age we have to use Computers and editing softwares; I am still looking for a roll of Ektachrome to be processed, that I shot recently in Cambodia. My last roll of film? If I ever get it processed…
Festival time on Inle Lake, Myanmar
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Battambang, Cambodia
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All my camera settings are pretty much set on default and my images are processed with Aperture 3 using only the RAW Image conversion, color temperature, slightly sharpening, a little contrast and the usual cropping/straightening tools and of course getting rid of sensor dust, that little evil thing in digital photography.
During the film days we didn't have all those tools, you had to do a lot of bracketing and if you missed it then that was-it. Now we have all these options, but I honestly believe in Travel, Nature, Journalism, Geographical Photography etc., we should tell the truth.
Bagan, Myanmar
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Mandalay, Myanmar
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Luang Prabang, Laos
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Luang Prabang, Laos
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Moving Nuns - Kyauk Se Monastery, Myanmar
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Phnom Kulen, Cambodia
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Just one more...
Tonle Sap, Cambodia
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Essentially, I have made no changes since the good old Kodachrome film days on how I approach and create images today. My approach and my soul are the same, and this is my philosophy about light and color.
GD
Adventure Travel Photography: Tourists to the rescue…& another Deja Vu at Tham Theung Caves, Laos
The endless Journey Continues…
Working with what you've got…even Tourists come in
handy sometimes, the story behind the photos.
During our recent GD Photo Workshop in Laos we visited the Pak Ou caves overlooking the Mekong River some 25 km from Luang Prabang in Laos; it is here where the mouth of the River Ou meets the mighty Mekong.
A group of caves on the left side of the Mekong river, about two hours boat ride upstream from Luang Prabang.
I had visited the lower cave called Tham Ting (lower cave) some 20 years ago and with the exception of more tourists swarming around and more Buddha statues were deposited, little had changed over the years.
Hundreds of Buddha statues and relics in all shape and sizes have been brought here over many years by loyal Buddhist devotees.
Mind you 20 years ago I was the only visitor to this cave and actually could crawl around more easily, but that is not possible anymore.
20 years ago Pak Ou Caves Tham Ting (lower cave)
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It is a difficult task to shoot or create interesting Images when so many Tourist get in the way…
but I guess they also have the right to be there.
Oh my… I am so glad I visited this place 20 years ago…
hmmm sounds a bit selfish.
Pak Ou Caves Tham Ting (lower cave) Sept. 2011
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After about 45 minutes our Group decided to move on to the upper cave Tham Theung in the hope for better shooting conditions. I had never been to this cave before and someone told us it is some 150 steps up…ha, ha, it felt more like 300 steps.
After some puffing and sweating we made it… only to find out, there is zero light insight. Oh boy…did I sweat and puff for nothing?
With no Tripod and only the little pop up flash on my Nikon D300s (left my D700 in the boat and was in no mood to climb the stairs again) I thought this is going to be a tough one, besides this cave was big.
Upper Cave Tham Theung - Sept. 2011
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But luck was on our side, at the entrance of the cave a local woman selling flashlights for hire to Tourists. Upon entering the cave I realized that even with these flashlights there is no way of getting any decent images…
I almost gave up, when all of a sudden a large group of Italian Tourist appeared, all equipped with the for hire flashlights; and for sure a good business day for the local lady at the entrance, ha, ha.
Upper Cave Tham Theung - Sept. 2011
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The only thing left for me to do… finding a suitable “Tripod” a crack, a ledge, anything on the cave wall facing the right direction.
I got it… jammed the camera into a crack, pushed hard and holding on (you might end up with a few scratches on your Camera but other then that, it works, besides holding your breath) now I instructed my assistant Arj to shine his torch towards the temple area.
There was also Mojan left behind from our Group, who at the time of the exposure was still wondering around and exploring the cave; of course this added a bit of extra light too.
Upper Cave Tham Theung - Sept. 2011
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But I still did not get enough light for a good and usable shot… then the Italian Tourists entered the cave and came to my rescue… shining their flashlights in all direction…wow and thank you.
I left the shutter open for about 4 seconds and let the Tourists paint the cave for me with their flashlights.
I might mention that my ISO setting was not very high either, I try to avoid using super high ISO setting whenever possible.
My setting for most of these shots: Focal Lengths 18mm, 640 ISO f/5.6 and varying the exposure between 4 and 6 sec. bracketing my exposure as much as possible and NO flash.
So there you have it, sometimes Tourist’s do come in very handy and in this case they added also scale to the image.
On the other hand how could I have done these shots 20 years ago? There were no Tourists and the upper cave was off limits...
GD
Aperture 3 Tip: Serial number problems & re-installing the original Aperture 3 from the box
Problems re-installing the original Aperture 3 from the box.
I had recently some people getting in touch with me regarding the re-installation of their Original bought copy of Aperture 3. The serial number was rejected even if the Mac was New or had a completely reformatted Drive and the serial number came from the original Aperture 3 package.
So if you experience any installation issues with Aperture 3 after you have bought a new or moved over to a different Mac then try this:
1. Create a new USER account (you can always delete that one later anyway) and then using your original CD for Aperture 3 and install it here, now the serial number will work.
2. After you have done this you can either keep your newly created account or you can just delete it in the system preference and switch back to your account.
3. Aperture 3 is now installed and the only thing left to do is, perform a software update to Aperture 3.2.1 and you're done, (the update is approx. 675.1 MB)
GD
Travel Photography: Asian Geographic Passport just published a cool article & soon reporting from Laos, Cambodia & Myanmar
Shoot it! People & Culture in Asian
Geographic Passport Magazine August 2011
Click the image above or this LINK for a
larger view and the pdf file, click on SPREADS.
Asian Geographic Passport Magazine has just published an article on People & Culture, Tips and tricks on travel Photography, for more info and other interesting articles get your copy now. (August Issue 2011)
This will also be one of my last Blog posts before I am leaving for Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, not enough time while on the road and some areas have non or very poor internet connection. However I try to update everybody via my iPhone on Facebook and Twitter now and then. Of course and this goes without saying, I try my very best to post an update here on my Blog when ever it is possible…the endless Journey continuos.
Shortly we start our last major GD Photo Workshops for 2011 to Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar and for those who could not make it (we're fully booked) check out my report/Blog posts on my return with photos from behind the scenes and selected image by our participants. For previous photos behind the scene, testimonials and photos by the participant click the LINKS.
For information on all our GD Photo Workshops in 2012 use this link.
An exciting Journey just around the corner with some very cool surprises and announcements along the way, not to mention our 5th year anniversary in Cambodia which we celebrate at the Heritage Suites Hotel our base in Siem Reap.
Thanks and welcome to our NEW Partner in Asia EXOTISSIMO,
more information about this very exciting news very soon. 
Laos is going to be amazing with its mountains and spectacular scenery and our base in Luang Prabang at the Satri House, in Cambodia we venture into some of the lesser know areas by 4x4 wheel drives, then in Myanmar we have a the full moon with us in Bagan and on the Inle Lake intercepting a very cool Burmese festival along the way.
Thanks again to all my participants for joining this Workshop and I am sure all of them getting ready and excited now to discover the undiscovered.
Our new mini Poster available as pdf upon request.
If I don't find the time anymore for another post prior my departure pls. stay tuned or check your Twitter and Facebook for updates via my iPhone.
GD
More on Lion OS X plus Aperture 3 training, six days at Power Mac Center in cooperation with Filipinas Heritage Library Manila Philippines
Digital Dark Room and Aperture 3 plus some more
interesting info on the Big Cat the Lion OS X
Hands on…The Digital Dark Room and Aperture 3, we finished yesterday our first session for this week, (three hours per session) now another 2 more to go and a special advanced one at the Power Mac Center on the weekend. All this week we have Aperture 3 action, and 3 more days next week.
The Digital Dark Room with Aperture 3 has been organized in cooperation with Power Mac Center and Filipinas Heritage Library. Special thanks to my Assistant Arj, Mark, Joseph and Jeoffrey from the technical support team at PMC for helping out behind the scene. And of course thanks for the ever so organized Cecille from the Filipinas Heritage Library.
Yesterday afternoon Aperture 3 and the Digital Dark Room at
Power Mac Center Makati, Manila Philippines
We show you the ultimate way of editing your photos with Apple's Aperture 3 software, creating proper back ups, how to add music to your Aperture 3 slideshow using GarageBand plus a lot more. The technical staff from Power Mac Center is also around to help with technical questions and trouble shooting on Apple's latest operating system the OS X Lion.
Very busy for the next few weeks, plus one more advanced course on Aperture 3 in September at PMC, all this before I have to get ready for my GD Photo Workshops to Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.
See below some additional and interesting info on the OS X Lion
There is some good news and bad news, some older Mac's don't support Airdrop so if you installed Lion and can't find the AirDrop Icon then most likely your machine does not support AirDrop. However you can always use DropCopy and that works fine a cool little application, very useful also for your iPhone and iPad (Mobile DropCopy) to transfer files, OK on OS X Lion.
Read below specs by Apple re AirDrop...
OS X Lion: Can I use AirDrop with my computer?
AirDrop is one of the great new features of Lion that provides a really easy way to share files between supported, Wi-Fi enabled Macs, without having to connect through the local Wi-Fi network.
AirDrop will automatically discover all the other Wi-Fi-enabled Macs running AirDrop that are near your computer (this may take a few seconds). To make sure you’re in the Finder, click the desktop (the background area of your screen), or click Finder on the Dock.
Note: If AirDrop isn't listed under the Go menu or doesn't appear in Finder window sidebars, your Mac doesn't support this feature.
Macs that support AirDrop in OS X Lion
If your Mac is the same as, or newer than, the models listed below, then it supports AirDrop.
- MacBook Pro (Late 2008 or newer)*
- MacBook Air (Late 2010 or newer)
- MacBook (Late 2008 or newer)*
- iMac (Early 2009 or newer)
- Mac Mini (Mid 2010 or newer)
- Mac Pro (Early 2009 with AirPort Extreme card, or Mid 2010)
Additional Information
For assistance with identifying your Apple product, refer to the Tech Specs website.
Tips & Tricks for Aperture 3 and OS X Lion, better performance on new and older Mac's.
Aperture 3 and OS X Lion, better performance on new and older Mac's.
Some useful tips...
I have been getting some reports that Aperture 3 is performing somewhat sluggish with the new OS X Lion installed particular on older machines.
So I done some additional test driving, using the latest MacBook Pro i7 with Lion installed and pushing Aperture very hard.
Most important if you install OS X Lion on an older Mac perform a new and clean install this will save you a lot of headaches later, remember the good old saying… there are no shortcuts.
But before all of this exciting re-installing of Lion you better have a very good back up of your whole system and files, actually Time Machine done an excellent Job when I did my Lion Installation and I did not loose anything.
Everything was there with the exception of the odd software serial number, but that was easy, just type that in later. It is also a good Idea to have your serial numbers from your previous softwares on hand so you don't have to look for them later. BTW Aperture 3 is one of those that will prompt you to type it in again after installation.
Most problems occur during installations of a new operating system, a little preparation prior install can go a very long way and is time well spend.
In the Preference panel go to General and Energy Saver.
Marked with Red to deactivate the auto switching of the Graphics card
Marked with Red the Restore Windows when quitting and re-opening apps
Yes, at first it seems a bit slow in response but other than that it is running very smooth, of course from past experience I switched of the Graphic Card automatic switching and now also in the System Preference the Restore Windows when quitting and re-opening apps. See the screenshots above.
I also recommend whenever you're doing some serious hard work in Aperture 3, Final Cut Pro X, Motion 5 or other Pro softwares that uses a lot of the Graphic Cards to turn of all other applications unless you have 8 Gig of Ram installed.
The new Lion is actually a super cool cat, but is also very hungry when it comes to Ram…I guess the name LION says it all, a big Cat with a good appetite but ever so majestic and powerful.
Soon I am leaving for my GD Photo Workshops to Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar but prior my departure you can join me this August and the first part of September at Power Mac Center for some serious sessions on Aperture 3 and the Digital Dark Room, in cooperation with the Filipinas Heritage Library and Power Mac Center in Greenbelt 3, Makati.
For the dates and schedules please click the LINKS above.
Now do a clean installation of Lion and the let the Cat Roar…my Lion and Aperture 3 running already very cool and smooth.
GD
Just one more… can't help myself
You know this little Apple on the top left hand side, where you find out all these things about your Mac including your serial number, check out the new addition in Lion, I think this is very cool and slick.
Click on the little Apple and you see cool new features.
New slick look with all the info displayed, very nice.
Apple: OS X Lion installed & test driving now… so far I am impressed & doing some very good lap time.
Burning Midnight Oil…Installed OS X Lion and test driving…
So far I am doing some very good Lap times.
Don't know why this happen to me all the time…a coincident maybe, I mention in my last post on Sri Lanka that my next post would be from Thailand, but then came Lion OS X last night. Now I am test driving…mind you half a sleep so please forgive me for any grammar and spelling mistakes…I need another coffee.
Like before, every time I have to go on a trip, just days before (it happen with Aperture 3 and others) a major update got released, so last night I burned midnight oil and installed Lion OX.
Lucky I had a good internet connection and the downloading only took 3.5 hours plus another 45 minutes for installation and checking the system, I was done by 4:12 AM. I just realized this is the entire flight duration from Manila to Bangkok.
Most of us in the Philippines and in Asia general going to have some difficulty with good connection speed, the only draw back when downloading huge files.
You might ask why going through all this trouble and burning midnight oil, (BTW I love the Band) but I am a Certified Apple Pro Trainer for Aperture and have classroom session and workshops I need to know if there are any issues so I can trouble shoot when needed.
But now to my first observation and some tips for you to move over to Lion, first of all; Make sure you have a back up of your previous system and you updated Snow Leopard prior installation. Making a good back up is absolutely crucial, you never know what can go wrong, Time Machine is a good choice but you can also clone your hard drive via another software if you wish to do so, but make sure you BACK UP!
Lion OS X is only available via download for the Apple App Store and it is about 3.5Gig this is a big Baby for downloading, so a very good connection is important, don't try this with a dial up, which brings me to the next issue, there are some rumors that Apple is going to supply some Memory sticks for some US$ 69.00 with Lion OS X but they want be available until August and this is not sure either.
If you must get Lion now go to a friends place buy some wine and sleep on the couch over night, or ask your Boss if you can do it at work, a good connection and healthy relationship in this case with your Boss is important to.
Compatibility, I am still test driving but so far have not encountered any major issues and the Lion is doing just fine except for some minor issues and getting use to an all new experience.
The scroll bar is gone, well not quiet, it only shows now when you move the mouse or scroll on the trackpad then it will show, the new interface is slick and responsive very quirky, nice one.
Of course there are some 3rd party softwares which do not run and below is a list of some I encountered, not a big deal I can either do without them or a fix will be available soon.
Aperture 3, not a glitch running very cool, Motion 5 is also not a problem, as a matter of fact almost everything I am running from before is fine.
Mail is now very slick just like on your iPhone or iPad, love this new look, but you might have to get use to the new way of scrolling and if you don't like it then you can always set it up to your preference.
Older versions of Stuff it Expander is not running, very old version of Microsoft Office like Word are also not supported, Drop Copy has an issue but no need for that any more since Lion has now Air Drop build in and that works within 30 feet, perfect.
For some 3rd party software you might need to install the serial number again but other than that, all is fine.
A bigger issue is fotoQuote: OSX Lion and Cradoc fotoSoftware programs and an Update pre-announcement
| Apple is releasing Mac OS Lion (OSX 10.7) today. The part of this email about the operating system pertains only to Mac users but we've sent this to both Mac and Windows users because of the fotoQuote Pro pre-announcement below that is in the works.
Apple has dropped its Rosetta support for many older programs and features in the Lion operating system conflict with many new programs as well. Because of this we suggest that you wait as long as possible to update to Lion. |
Peach Press announced some good reading material, like how to Tame OS X Lion, if you really get deep into it check it out @ http://www.peachpit.com/index.aspx
Rapid Weaver running perfect as matter of fact this is the very first post from OS X Lion, no problems.
I am still testing some other 3rd party software and if you don't hear from then all is good, however if I come across some issues I shall report them to you. Lion is so far super cool and very snappy indeed, lots of new and cool features.
But Remember…before any installation, Back Up and look for a very good connection!
BTW - if you do run into trouble and living in Manila talk to one of the trainers at Power Mac Center they are only to willing and help you out.
Now I have to run…my next post will be for sure from Thailand.
GD
Motion 5, Final Cut Pro X & Compressor 4 important things to watch out for during installations
The all new FCP X - Motion 5 - Compressor 4
now Available at the Apple App Store
Apple has just released a complete new Final Cut Pro X, Motion 5 and Compressor 4, within a few hours of the release I had Motion 5 downloaded and installed, I love using Motion for my Presentations together with Aperture 3.
After burning some midnight oil the installation was straight forward including the "first" download of some 1.09 GIG that took some time even with a good internet connection from the Apple Apps Store.
The new interface of Motion 5
Installation complete so I thought...I clicked on the Motion icon at the Dock and here it was Motion 5, I open it...clicked a few new buttons in Motion 5 but then all of a sudden... the screen turned black. Uhhh...grrrr, I had now a restart on my hands.
My mistake... I should have checked first some sources for the installation, instructions which I only found much later, no instructions or warnings included during the first download/installation, it is all automatic direct from the Apple Apps store.
After installation the first thing you should do is a Software update which I found out, but now I had to download and install yet another 1 + Gig and a smaller pro application and morning was approaching.
But the biggest shock came when I was looking for my previous older version of Motion, I could not locate it anymore, well that was late last night (I guess it was early morning) and with a clear head the next day I did manage to find it.
Again it was done all in automatic and the older version of Motion was actually in the Applications folder, inside the Final Cut Studio Pro Folder.
It is indeed confusing that the new FCP/Motion/Compressor are installed “on top” of the old ones, meaning into the exact same directory, the icon you have in your dock automatically points to the new version without you having to change anything, as mention fully auto and no warnings or advise prior installation or download.
So don't panic if you can't find your old FCP or Motion, it is all there under Applications in the Final Cut Studio Folder.
I have already posted this advise last night ahead of this Blog on Twitter: Very Important Info: Final Cut Pro X, Motion 5, Compressor 4: Installation best practices
Installation best practices http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4722
I am sure we will hear a lot more about the newly released FCPX, Motion and Compressor in the coming weeks, today is only my very first initial findings and I hope it will help some of you with the installations. BTW there is at the moment no Soundtrack studio in the Apps Store another question yet to be answered.
I am running some tests at the moment on Motion 5 and once I have some results I post a Multimedia presentation on my Blog, again using the combination Aperture 3 with Motion 5.
On the first glance the new Motion 5 interface looks very slick and cool from what I can tell so far (only downloaded it last night) a lot easier to use and to work with, but more on that later...and make sure you have a very a good internet connection for these huge files.
GD
Photography: Basic back up solutions for your photos at Power Mac Center June 25, 2011
GD Photo Workshops & Power Mac Center
Back-up Your Photos: One of the most important things...
if not, the most important part after every shoot.
Very often overlooked and disregarded...why should I buy another Hard Drive? We spend thousands of Dollars on camera and computer equipment but trying to skip on a backup system, which is very affordable these days.
Well,... until disaster strikes, but then it is to late, years of important travel images, family snap shots and even wedding photos gone for ever.
Join me for simple solutions and a proper back-up of all your Photos...believe me, you sleep a lot better at night, besides it is really not that expensive.
Basic Back-up Solutions for Your Photos with Gunther Deichmann @ Power Mac Center Greenbelt 3, Saturday, JUNE 25, 2011. Session starts at 6:00 PM.
For more info pls. contact Power Mac Center http://powermaccenter.com/services/training/learning_series
GD
