Simple, but yet seldom mention new edition in Aperture 3

Why do we need Focus Points? What have the engineers been thinking when they included this? I believe it is a cool new edition for beginners in Photography, an easy way on checking your focus after the shoot. I use it a lot during my training sessions explaining where the focus was during the actual shot, a cool teaching feature.

Focus Points
Hover over the Focus Points button in the Camera Info pane to see the focus points used by your camera to auto focus the image. You can also click the button to turn the display of focus points on or off.

The focus is on the red square

Large Caption Metadata View
Switch to the Large Caption view when entering captions. In this view, Aperture increases the size of the field and font, making caption writing easier.

Halo Reduction
This is a great one… at times we come across these ugly purple and blue fringes produced by certain lenses. Now we can get rid of those by using the simple Halo Reduction brush, see the screenshot below.
Use Halo Reduction to remove blue and purple fringes sometimes produced with certain lenses on overexposed areas. Simply paint over the halos to remove unwanted fringing. The brush can be used to eliminate difficult halos when Chromatic Aberration alone cannot completely remove them.

Keyboard Zooming
The last one for today is the Keyboard Zooming, very simple... but we forget it sometimes.
Use Command-Plus and Command-Minus on the keyboard to zoom images at predefined increments.
GD

PHOTOiNEWS.COM

We are proud to announce the launching of a Web Photo Gallery – PHOTOiNEWS - Beta Version exclusive for Mac users, in cooperation with Websync Intl.Co and Gunther Deichmann.

This site will cater for selected Semi Pro and Pro Photographers who are using Apple computers.

We include a forum and individual Gallery’s to all members and of course participants from the GD Photo Workshops. Tips, tricks and techniques on Photography, Software tools, hardware accessories and other related issues.

Our objective is to showcase the very best Photos from our members and expose them to a broader international market without being lost in Cyberspace plus providing interesting articles and discussions.

This is not a Flick’r or Multiply site! We are exclusive and showcasing only the very best Photos from our members.

In addition previous and future participants of the GD Photo Workshops have a free membership subscription automatically.
You have your own account password and username of course, upload your images, change your themes and many more exciting features.

THE BETA VERSION should be fully operational by September 4, 2010, please stay tuned for more details very soon.
GD

Aperture 3 tip...

The nice thing about Aperture 3 interface is that you have at full screen no clutter or obstruction, viewing your Photos at full screen mode made easy. All panels are floating and they can be called up any time and moved around freely. But if you need even more space and your Info/Adjustment panels gets in the way, then try this:

Click with your cursor on the adjustment you like to make and hold down the shift key the adjustment panel disappears showing you only the slider you're working with at the time. This is very useful if the Adjustment panels gets in the way and you like to view your images at its fullest, it is really that simple.
GD

Showing the floating adjustments panel



After holding down the shift key only the slider is shown,
see red square.

Tips, tricks & techniques...
getting more out of your Mac.


My Road set up... 15 inch MacBook Pro i7, 800 fire wire
card reader and two Lacie Rugged hard drives with a triple interface.

In recent months I have seen quiet a few newcomers to Mac or as we like to call them “Switchers” they moved from PC to MAC.
For those who are new to Mac and I am sure for some long time users as well, I like to share some simple shortcuts today making your work on a Mac even more enjoyable.

OK. lets start with Apple’s Snow Leopard 10.6.4

Sharing articles from your Safari Web Browser made easy

Did you know when you're browsing the web in Safari and found an article you like to share with friends or business partners that with a simple click you can send the page without copy and paste via e-mail?
Once in Safari just press Apple (Command Key) and the letter “I” instantly Mail will open up and the article is right there, add the e-mail address and you’re done. Very slick if you like to share articles without copy and paste. (Screenshot below)

Safari & Mail shortcut for sharing articles

The easy way in using Quick Look

I guess most of us know the slick “Quick Look” function on Snow Leopard by highlighting the document or photo icon on your desk top or files located in folders by clicking the right mouse button or going to File and activate Quick Look.
However there is a much faster and slicker way of doing exactly that.

Quick Look, highlighted only one Icon
Note: The Icon for sending your photos direct to your iPhoto Library
add to iPhoto is just above the arrow Icon for Full screen


Highlighted multiple Desk Top Icons, then open in Quick Look

Just highlight the document or what ever you like to look at and press "Spacebar" Wow... so much faster and efficient, I use it a lot for a Quick Look at photos, pdf files with multiple pages or other documents. You can even select multiple photos and within seconds you find what you're looking for, instead open the software which can take time e.g. open Word can take up to 15 seconds depending on the speed of your Machine. This one is a real time saver!

Very useful for screenshots, finding the right one quick, also great for locating Videos or photos you might have uploaded on your desk top and of course reading documents in full screen without open the software is just so much more fun.
There is even an Icon for sending your photos direct to your iPhoto Library.

A Quick look at your Videos

Don't be shy give it a test drive and play around a bit... you find endless possibilities and remember next time you’re looking for this elusive photo, video, document or like to read your pdf pages in full screen, just highlight the Icon press "SPACEBAR" without open the software.

A cool way moving selected Photos from
iPhoto (iLife '09) to your Aperture 3 Library.

Mac is all about drag and drop…very simple and efficient; say you decided to move from iPhoto to Aperture 3 and like to move “not all” but some of your important Photos to the Aperture Library.
Open Aperture 3 go to Import and select in the panel show iPhoto Browser click and your iPhoto Browser will open. Then highlight the photo or multiple ones and drag them into your Aperture 3 Library, (see screenshots) Aperture creates automatically a new Project, the only thing left to do, name the Project…and you're done.

Aperture 3 and Import panel open showing the iPhoto Browser bar.

Aperture 3 behind the open iPhoto Browser panel, it is here where
you select your photos and drag them into your Aperture 3 Library

In this exercise I have selected the Marine Images from my iPhoto Library, see screenshots.
Now you have your selected Photos in your Aperture Library…it is really that simple, very fast, efficient and so integrated.

Underwater Photos from my iPhoto library have now been moved to
my Aperture 3 library, at the same time Aperture created a new Project.

Of course you can also import your whole iPhoto Library if you chose to do so, in my workflow I use iPhoto for private photographs and my low res. images for the Web, using Aperture 3 for my pro and heavy workload.
Utilizing the full integration on the Mac can be so much fun, but it's also faster and more efficient.
GD

The GD Photo Workshops in Asia...
confirmed dates for Sept. & Oct.
Cambodia, Nepal & Philippines.



© Gunther Deichmann - discover the
undiscovered in Cambodia

You find we go beyond the normal tourist locations, experience adventure with a touch of luxury in some of the best destinations in Asia. Discover the undiscovered with your digital camera.
Gunther has many years of experience in Cambodia and Nepal, you explore places seldom visit by others.

Understand light and composition, meet new people and immerse yourself in new cultures, getting the shot right in the first place is the main objective in these workshops. Learn how to see with your eyes and using the camera only as a tool to capture the ultimate image. Photoshop manipulation is not on the agenda.

At the same time master the after the shoot workflow, critique, tips, tricks and techniques, plus securing your Photos with the implementation of a complete back up system during our classroom sessions at the Hotel.

The workshops are for advanced amateurs who want to gain insight into how to make better photographs for editorial, stock sales or for personal satisfaction. A digital SLR camera capable of capturing RAW images is required. Students are encouraged to bring their own laptop.

Students will work in digital formats and for those with experience on Mac Computers Gunther will guide you through the understanding of Aperture. (including the latest version 3.0.3) He will also teach basic editing skills in Photoshop. Gunther is a certified Apple Pro Trainer for Aperture and has years of hands on knowledge using Photoshop as a photography tool.

For more info go to:

GD Photo Workshops

Cambodia, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh
PHOTO WORKSHOP in September 12 - 18, 2010
Final bookings must be made by latest 19th of July


PACKAGE PRICE: US $1,795.00 (airfare not included) for more details please email us at gdeichmann@mac.com

The price is inclusive of the following:

• 7 days and 6 nights stay inclusive of accommodation bed and breakfast at a 5star Boutique Hotel (Siem Reap)

• Ground transportation and guides including visit to the Tonle Sap lake

• Bottled water will be provided throughout the excursions.

• Heritage site permit fees.

• (only 4 more slots available)

Full details and outline of course will be send to you upon request.
Please Note: If you like to take part of the Phnom Penh extension additional fees are applicable, this is in addition to our Siem Reap 7 day Workshop and a great opportunity for those who like to add some extra days and explore/discover Phnom Penh and surrounding areas. Pls. send us an email for more information for the Phnom Penh extension.

7 days Angkor Wat and beyond...explore and discover the hidden Khmer treasures, please book this workshop early it is our most popular one.
Read what students had to say from our previous Photo Workshops in Cambodia & India.

© Gunther Deichmann - ancient Temples
& ritual Cambodia


© Gunther Deichmann - Siem Reap Cambodia

October 14 - 21, 2010 Bookings close by 9th of August.
Only 4 spaces remaining! 
Nepal, Kathmandu
A 7 day Journey into Nepal, final itinerary yet to be finalized, please stay tuned for more info very soon. Shortly we announce the price and upon request we provide you with a detailed Itinerary and Course outline.

© Gunther Deichmann - Sadhu Nepal

© Gunther Deichmann - Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal

Oct. 29 -Nov01, 2010 Bookings close by 31st of August.
PHOTOGRAPHY LESSONS IN PALAWAN: Learn from the Pro. in cooperation with Power Mac Center Manila Philippines.
Four days of fun and learning travel photography..exploring nature's beauty in Palawan
Target: Amateurs and semi-pro (max 8 participants) please book this one early. Peso 12,000 (does not include Hotel and accommodation charges yet)
Philippines only! Course outline soon to be announced.
For registration: workshops@powermaccenter.com

© Gunther Deichmann -perfect camouflaged Monitor Lizard
cooling of in the lagoon on Dimakya Island Palawan, Philippines



© Gunther Deichmann - Flying Fox, - Fruit Bats
on Dimakya Island Palawan, Philippines

Hope to see you on one of our GD Photo Workshops,
GD

Aperture 3 essentials & basic Photography,
using your camera and understanding the
work-flow after the shoot.

July 23-25

Doing it right from the start and avoiding problems later, using your camera and Aperture 3 is really not that complicated.
Switching from iPhoto to Aperture 3 the easy way, organizing all your photos the correct way, create Aperture 3 slideshows, import and edit video (movies) in Aperture 3.
Correct your photos the professional way without the use of Photoshop, export your photos to Facebook with a click of the button...plus tips, tricks and techniques on photography.
This course is for amateurs and semi pros.

Course fee: Peso 8,500.00 per participant for 3 days
1 to 4 PM except on the last day there is an additional 1 hour (1 to 5 PM)

For details: www.powermaccenter.com

For registration: workshops@powermaccenter.com

See a basic course outline below:

Day 1. Short introduction and presentation on basic photography
3:00 hours.
Lecture on your camera and problems you’re facing
How to use your equipment and make the most out off it, hands on and learning the basics.
E.g. basic operation of your camera the a-b-c. tips and tricks.
Short walk around Greenbelt 3 with GD using your camera in the field.
Setting up your computer for Photography and uploading images.
A. The first upload to the computer using Aperture 3 or iPhoto ’09
Basic lessons on digital photography.
Q&A

Day 2.
3 hours
Another short walk in Greenbelt with GD implementing the lessons from day one.
Hands on and advise including some critique after the shoot and upload of images.
B. The digital workflow after the shoot, Aperture 3 or iPhoto more advanced training,
plus backing up your images the correct way.
Q&A

Day 3.
4 hours
Final lessons learned and discussion, plus more tips, tricks and techniques from GD on Photography.
Participants go out alone for about 30 minutes and shoot some simple assignments given by GD.
After they return evaluation and lessons learned, final editing and fine-tuning with Aperture 3 or iPhoto.
What to do with your photos after the final shoot and edit;
integration on the Mac e.g. creating slideshows, presentations with iWork etc,.
Q&A

Photography tips, tricks & techniques, plus Aperture 3 tutorials @ Power Mac Center Greenbelt 3, Makati

Before I continue with my "Jurassic Park" in Club Paradise Palawan, Philippines Part 2 just a quick announcement on upcoming additional Workshops and Seminars at the Power Mac Center Greenbelt 3 Makati, please see the dates below:

June 25-27 and July 23-25
PHOTOGRAPHY & AFTER THE SHOOT
Experience Aperture 3 basics and integration on the Mac. Plus tips and tricks on Photography, learning how to use the camera.
Amateurs and semi-pro

August 23-25
PHOTOGRAPHY FOR MOM
" How to shoot your kids! "
Basic camera use, techniques in child photography & creating projects on Mac.

Oct 29-Nov 1
PHOTOGRAPHY LESSONS IN PALAWAN: Learn from the Pro.
Four days of fun and learning travel photography..exploring nature's beauty in Palawan
Amateurs and semi-pro (max 8 participants) please book this one early.

We also offer personalized 1on 1 tutorial and consultancy on Aperture 3, please contact the Power Mac Center for details and schedules. Understanding the workflow after the shoot and complete back up solutions for your Photos using Aperture 3.

Contact: http://www.powermaccenter.com/education

2/L Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center Paseo de Roxas Avenue, Makati City, Philippines Beside Music One and First Aid
Tel./ fax no.: (632) 729-7128 Tel. no. for Solutions desk: 729 - 7088 Text line: (+63917) 580-6852
Operating Hours: Mon to Thurs: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Fri to Sat: 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sun: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Power Mac Center Greenbelt 3, right beside our 1 on 1 Tutorial Room Details here.
Tel. no.: (632) 729-7087

For other Workshops in 2010 plus Cambodia and Nepal please go to:
http://www.deichmann-photo.com/gdphotoworkshop/page1/calendar.html

Energy Saver Panel

I unchecked also the Automatic Graphics switching (just for this exercise) in the System preference (Energy Saver).
Extreme circumstances…and most of the time we’re not going to push it so hard, but at least I know how long I can work before looking for a power outlet when I am in a tricky situation.
Please note: I can’t be held responsible for the information above, they are based on my own personal tests results and might vary on other units or under different conditions.

Aperture 3.0.3 Tip: Previews...

If you don’t see some of your Previews in the Aperture Browser (black frame) or you have the feeling they playing up…don’t panic just perform this simple exercise:

Move your cursor on the black image field…click the right mouse button on the appearing menu scroll down to Rebuild Previews and click here. (marked with red)
However if the next menu tells you (screenshot) that the previews are already up-to-date just perform the next step and all your missing previews will be back on the screen.

“The preview for the selected item is already up-to-date. To force it to be re-rendered, hold down the option key when choosing this menu item.”
GD

A cool way of switching &
creating a New Library in Aperture 3


© Gunther Deichmann - near the old royal palace in Durban Square
Kathmandu, Nepal Feb 2010...and NO I didn't put the flower there.

I guess most of us have heard by now the new switching capabilities of the Library making work with Aperture 3 (now 3.0.2) so much more efficient.

But did you know Aperture 3.0.2 has also the capability to export your Smart Albums as a new Library, one of the slickest new additions in Aperture 3 but it is seldom mention. Of-course you can also export your whole project as a new Library.

Say you have done your edit and marked your selected photographs with a Flag (another new addition) or you selected them with star rating, keywords etc. (again lots of options)

Then you created a Smart Album and your photos residing now in your Smart Album. (in my case the flagged ones)
You can export this Smart Album including your Masters (consolidate Masters) as a New Library to any destination you might see fit which is super cool.
For this exercise I have chosen my Desktop but you can easily send them to any external Hard Drive.
In my case the benefits are very simple, I can store my edited photos in a different location and whenever I need them just switch Libraries later, easy access plus I keep all my edited photographs together.

Highlight your Smart Album, click right Mouse button and you see the Export option choose Smart Album as New Library and another new panel will appear, see below.

Almost done...the only thing left to do...choose a folder or not, consolidate or not consolidate, previews (small screenshot below )etc. everything is so flexible, it is all up to you and your workflow. Once you have exported your Smart Album to a destination of your choice you have easy access to it.

Please Note: If your Smart Album or Project is very large the export could take some time to complete.

Give it a try... don't worry nothing will be lost. I suggest you create a small Smart Album first, like a "Test Smart Album"and feel your way around, but you better watch out...you might fall in love with it, like I have.

Extremely useful if you’re dealing with Stock Photography and different agencies who might request different sizes or information, which actually happens a lot to me.
Of course the flexibility of Aperture 3 gives you the choice what ever your workflow might be, you can decide what works best for you.

For me…one of the best and coolest new additions in Aperture 3, an excellent time saver and photo management solution.
GD

Customize Aperture 3 the way you see fit,
you have all the options at your fingertips...

© Gunther Deichmann - Muslim Girl,
New Delhi India

Again the web is full of discussions and reports, praise and complains about Aperture but shouldn’t we rather look what has been achieved with the progress in Digital Editing in just a few years.

Aperture…Lightroom and some other software have come a long way; they have improved and made our lives easier. A few years ago we only had Photoshop, but then came Aperture and revolutionized our way of Digital editing and cataloging our photographs.
The questions is not what is better or worst instead we should be grateful that some Companies providing us with new tools to deal with the digital photos we shoot today.
I firmly believe that once you understand your software and its customized to your needs you have less problems.

However constant comparing and experimenting with all those different software’s only confuses you more and you loose sight of what you’re suppose to do…creating photographs and depending less on software.

Aperture for example is well suited and designed for all kinds of Photographers its incredible flexibility allows you to do almost anything, if you into Commercial, Nature Photography or what ever else.
Do we need Faces and Places? Some of us do and some others don’t, at least you have the choice to use it or not.
Can this or that be improved? For sure, it will come in due time like with everything else there is always room for improvement. Lets show some patience and give the engineers and developers some breathing space, the same patience we show in creating these amazing photographs.

© Gunther Deichmann - from the Car (Bus)Window,
Street Vendor on the way to Jaipur, India

Feedback good or bad is always very healthy and that shows in the latest release of Aperture 3, plus two upgrades within a month, hey not bad… someone is listening.

What I don’t understand is the constant bickering about certain things when a new release has just arrived, minor things in most cases and sometimes-easy fixes.
Believe me I get my fare share of it, just like the other day during one of my Seminars when someone ask me why his new Camera does not import the RAW Images into Aperture. After checking his MacBook Pro I found out he missed all the software updates including the new Camera RAW file releases.

I don’t like Faces…well don’t use it. How come Aperture 3 can’t do this? Did you read the Help Menu or the supplied PDF Manual?
Need more help…then check out the excellent Aperture User Network or Mac Create site you find almost any solution for your problems right here. Not to mention the excellent information and cool videos on the Apple Aperture Site.

As an Aperture user (since day one) and Certified Trainer my advice is get used to the software, study it well just like you would your new Camera Manual. (both are of equal importance)
I might never use all of the function of Aperture 3 (some brushes, effects etc.) but then I never used all of these things either in Photoshop years ago. Now I use Photoshop 5% and less then 2% of its tools and features.

The naked truth is…OK. I might sound biased towards Aperture but consider this… I have just shot some 15,000 images in India and Nepal constantly editing on the road. I encountered no major problems and the few glitches that came with the first release of Aperture 3 disappeared with the recent upgrades.
The improved interface, Media Browser and Quick Fixes with its instant view makes Aperture 3 a pleasure to work with.

Like my students who also took thousands of images and installed Aperture 3 straight out of the Box at the beginning of our recent India Workshop encountered also no problems.

Use your software as a tool and don’t use it as a scapegoat, besides your time is better spend creating photographs and studying one software.

As time goes by Apple is for sure going to release upgrades that improves Aperture 3 even further, they are listening and have in my Opinion done a fantastic Job so far.
I dare to think what Aperture 4 might bring us…
Apple is thinking ahead, the build in Video function is already a huge leap forward if you like to use it or not… but it is there, the same goes for Faces and Places.
Lightroom just announced a Video function for their latest version but no editing capabilities, I like the simple video editing in Aperture 3, of-course it is not Final Cut editing but you can produce some pretty good slideshows/presentation on the fly. Perfect for those days when you use your SLR in Video mode, very easy to use and you don't have to be a Rocket scientist to figure it out.

© Gunther Deichmann - Varanasi India

Remember Aperture 3 was just released some 6 weeks ago, have patience, read the Manual or tap into one of the resources I have mention above and you be fine.

Aperture 3 is incredible flexible and so integrated on a Mac that it will suit every type of Photography if you’re a Pro or Serious Amateur. Using all its functions or only the ones you need is totally up to you… customize it the way you see fit, you have all the options at your fingertips.
GD

15000 images later...Aperture 3

© Gunther Deichmann - Hand made paper production,
Kathmandu Nepal, March 2010

Three days after the release of Aperture 3... I left for Nepal and India starting a 4-week journey including my Workshop in Rajasthan these are my honest and first impression of Aperture 3.

I just got back 10 days ago and like to give you now some serious feedback how Aperture 3 performed…straight out of the box.

You might ask, oh… that is a bit risky using this new and not tested latest software for a major trip like this
Not really, I have been using Aperture since day one, made my Hardcover book Journey Through Color & Time using Aperture 1.0 360 pages with tons of images from scanned tiff’s to the very first digital ones.

So when Aperture 3 was released only days prior my departure I felt confident in using the new release without any hesitations.
I installed Aperture 3 almost on my way to the airport, well almost some 48 hours prior my departure, had a quick look and from then on I used Aperture 3 shooting some 15,000 plus images.

© Gunther Deichmann - and there was light...
one of those moments... lasting only few minutes
Kathmandu, Nepal March 2010

Did I encountered some problems? Not really except for one or two glitches which got fixed with a Software update half way through my Journey, I installed that one in New Delhi. (3.0.1) And now only few days ago we received another super update, Aperture 3.0.2

Let me describe some of the new features I used for most of the time during my recent trip, they not only impressed me but made my editing on the road so easy… just awesome, sometimes pushing my MacBook Pro and Aperture 3 to the limit.

• Switching between Library’s is a breeze, now I can have for e.g. a Library for different Countries or what ever I see fit at a click of the button. It was good timing with the new release of Aperture 3, I created a brand new Library for my recent trip (actually two, one for India and one for Nepal) but can always go back to my previous ones at a mouse click. (Note: you might have to reprocess your images if they had been previously processed in Aperture 2, but that is also not a big deal if you choose only one or two photos. If you like them all to be reprocessed then depending on how many images you have this could take some time) For me this is a great new feature when dealing with thousand s of images, less strain on your machine.
• I love the new Import panel with all its options to choose from, including creating a back up already during Import. Check it out and set up your import panel to suit your workflow.
• Seeing your adjustments when you use the all-new Quick Fix in new Preset panel is very cool. Very nice is also the quick adjustments for different light conditions, changing the White Balance to tungsten, flash, fluorescent , etc., very easy now. I used it under some mixed light conditions in Varanasi, India. Also easy access to the adjustment panel right next to the Preset panel. Plus creating your own presets is real awesome…I use my own for sharpening, tailor made now for my Camera models.
• Switching your Machine to 64 Bit at the start improves Apertures performance, the only drawback is that other software might not work and you have to go back to 32 Bit, but soon or later others will follow and make it compatible also for 64 Bit.
• I love the all-new full screen Browser, bringing your editing to another level and speed.
• I also noticed a vast improvement on the RAW conversion, an excellent improvement, less tweaking and time required for image corrections now. A real time saver.
• Due to my type of Photography I don’t use the new build in Faces so much, but the new Places has some real benefits in particular if you have a GPS unit attached to your Camera. On my trip I used my iPhone to record the info and later imported the data into Aperture 3. I guess now I have to get my GPS attachment to avoid this work-around.
• Wow…the "Z" Key, a very cool improvement changing your zoom capabilities from 100% up or down, then hitting Z again to go back to full screen, very nice touch.
• Oh these Curves…gorgeous Curves…now they have been added, something which I missed in previous versions.
• Of course the new color-coding is very handy and useful, I started to use it now during my fine-tuning and more precise editing.
• Very nice touch: More information is displayed above your Metadata panel (this info is only visible when you click on the Metadata Panel), see screenshot below.

• I use the activity Monitor a lot especially during export, again more information is now available.
• During my Photo workshop in India all participants installed Aperture 3 and after a short intro they where all up and running without any major problems…in other words the learning curve or upgrading from Aperture 2 to 3 is relatively easy.
• We had two Lightroom users in our Group, both of them where very impressed, as a matter of fact one of them has switched now to Aperture 3 and the other is following shortly.
• Now, if your SLR has a Video function look no further, Aperture 3 will import all your Videos, with or without sound and you can edit all of that right in Aperture 3 creating awesome slide shows/presentations on the fly without ever leaving Aperture 3. Once finished you have all the export functions at your fingertips. BTW... The new slide show is so slick with a lot more new additions.

I am working on a nice presentation right now and in due time you get to see it on my Blog and You Tube/Vimeo.
To top it off you can also get this magic frame from your Video you might have missed in your still shot, just select New JPEG from frame and you’re done. (see screenshot)

Using for demo purpose a Video still from my iPhone

If you like to change the music you have easy access to your iTunes Library and you can import even previous Movies you have on file into Aperture 3, creating some awesome looking presentations mixing stills with videos. Yes, you have that magic Media Browser at your fingertips in Aperture 3.

Is that all? Oh no there is so much more… like, new Brushes, Chromatic abrasions (our underwater Photographers going to love this one) Flags, more adjustment tools etc., etc. and in due time I introduce them to you too.
I only mention some of the new features I used on my recent trip and of course the others which have always been part of Aperture.

The coolest part about Aperture is that you can customize your workflow the way you like it or the type of Photography you do, Aperture 3 has just become even more flexible.
Shooting a lot of images like I have done on my last trip, Aperture 3 performed just AWESOME!

Tip:
For those of you who have problems remembering some short cuts, here is a tip how you can customize your keyboard to suit you:

For example:
Commands with more than two or three keyboard shortcuts are sometimes difficult to remember e.g. like the Highlight Hot and Cold areas.
The default: Option – Shift – H
I use this one a lot, but on a bad day I sometimes get mixed up with this short cut so I changed it to S
How can you do this? Very easy…go to the top left hand side click Aperture and after that you see the drop down menu, click on Customize, a keyboard will show. (see screenshot) now you can customize your shortcuts like I have done with the Highlight Hot & Cold Areas.

Aperture is very customizable, it all depends on your need and type of Photography.

In my next Post I introduce you to the behind the scene images and a new Gallery with photos from the participants which where taken during our recent GD Photo Workshop in India.
Until soon,
GD

BTW...did you know that when you start up Aperture 3 it is in 64 Bit? You might noticed the difference if you have 4 or more Gig of Ram installed. However there are some issues when you work with previous installed Plug-ins, but nothing to worry Aperture 3 makes it easy.
Most of the plug-in if not all at the moment work only in 32 Bit and if you like to use them you have to restart Aperture 3, click on the image you like to edit (in my case I use the Noise Ninja Plug-in) click on the right mouse button, a small drop down menu appears and you see edit with Plug-in (32 bit) this will restart you Aperture 3 in 32 bit mode and stays like that until you close Aperture 3. Once you open Aperture 3 again you're back to your 64bit.

In a few days I am leaving for my main trip this year, plus my GD Photo Workshop in India where my lucky students have the opportunity to study and work with Aperture 3 in the field. I try to report from our locations whenever possible, of course like always depending on the Internet connection, speed and availability.
Check out also my Calendar Dates on the GD Photo Workshop site; "Introduction Aperture 3" at Power Mac Centers Manila Philippines, starting March 26.
GD

Another very new cool addition is the Zoom option (Z key) if you press this now say on full screen you have a new small thumbnail window, but now you can zoom in more, not just 100% very cool and so handy. Say you have zoomed in to 150% and like to go back to your 100% just hit the z key and you're back to your starting point of 100%. Personally, I find both of these new addition extremely useful for my particular workflow and I have to praise the engineers for an excellent job by in incorporating it into Aperture 3. Great Job Guys!
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My Love affair with Aperture 3 deepened.

Another very cool new feature in Aperture 3 is Presets found when you open the Adjustment panel, not only easy accessible but with a nice preview. Now you can see immediately the effect you might like to apply. Great for quick adjustments, just click on Presets and a menu appears, the only thing left to do move your cursor over the various adjustments options, and every time you move your cursor over a different effect/adjustment a nice size thumbnail appears along side of it, showing you the changes. There is plenty to choose from; all your Black &White and color adjustments are at your fingertips now.
A superb new addition and something I am going to use a lot from now on.
Try it out and I am sure you’re going to be impressed just like me.
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Moving from iPhoto to Aperture 3

You’ve done some great things with iPhoto, and now you’re ready to do more. Aperture 3 is designed to make the move from iPhoto easy and seamless. See how easy it is...http://www.apple.com/aperture/iphoto-to-aperture/

iPhoto Slideshow & Aperture at
Power Mac Center TriNoma.


Power Mac Center TriNoma

Please join me at Power Mac Center TriNoma on February 15, 2010 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
“Tell Your Story through Photos” - iPhoto Slideshow & Aperture plus a lot more...basic photo management and photo slideshow tools on your Mac.
Power Mac Center TriNoma
REGISTER NOW AND DISCOVER THE MACINTOSH ADVANTAGE!
Contact training@ powermaccenter.com • tutorial@powermaccenter.com • 0918-2680603 • 0922 8481577

Power Mac Center TriNoma

Please check out also the latest updates on the
GD PhotoWorkshops Calendar
@ http://www.deichmann-photo.com/gdphotoworkshop/