Copyright © - A Brief History

 

The Copyright Act of 1790 was the first federal copyright act in the United States. This Act granted authors the sole right and liberty to print, reprint and publish copies of their work for a term of 14 years. The copyright holders also had a right to renew their copyrights for an additional 14 year term if the copyright holder was still living.

 

The Copyright Act of 1909 introduced the copyright symbol © in the United States. To have a valid statutory copyright it had to be attached to original published works with a notice of copyright affixed. If a work was published without a copyright notice, legally no copyright protection was provided and the work became part of the public domain.

 

The Copyright Act of 1976 did not go into effect until January 1, 1978. With the implementation of this Act in the United States, copyright authorship is recognized as soon as it is produced. This Act includes tangible form of expression that can be perceived, reproduced and/or communicated. The Copyright Act of 1976 defines works of authorship and the following; literary, music, sound recordings, dramatic works, pantomimes and choreographic, pictorial, graphic and sculptural, motion pictures and audiovisual. In 1990 Architectural works was added to the ACT.

 

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) was passed by Congress in 1998 and became law in 2000. The Act addressed the demands of the Digital Age and aligned U.S. law with the World Intellectual Property Organization and world treaties.

 

To create a Copyright symbol on a PC: Hold down the Alt key while keying the numbers 0169

 

To create a Copyright symbol on a MAC: Enter Option + G

 

Copyright Example: Copyright © 2012 Business Name/Owners Name, All Rights Reserved

 

To learn more about the Copyright Acts see the following:

 

• United States Copyright Office
• Copyright Act of 1790
• Copyright Act of 1909
• Copyright Act of 1976
• Digital Millennium Copyright Act

 

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Copyright © 2012 Windows of Photography, All Rights Reserved

Fall Colors
(small tree BIG COLOR)

 

I took the above photograph at Robbers Cave State Park which is located in Wilburton, Oklahoma. It was early October and the only trees that were changing colors at that time were the Black Gum trees. But, I must say that the Black Gum trees fall colors were on fire. Also, if you look at the center bottom of the above image you will notice a 4.5-ft cave opening, which was a bonus for my photographic composition. All photographs, professional and armature should take advantage of the outdoor fall colors whenever the opportunities present themselves.

 

Robbers Cave State Park is located in the San Bois Mountains of southeast Oklahoma. Visitors can enjoy camping, boating, swimming, rock-climbing, hiking, horseback riding and fishing. There are also RV and tent campsites and cabin rentals. Robbers Cave State Park has just about everything an outdoors enthusiast could want.

 

To learn more go to the Robbers Cave State Park web-site.

 

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Technical Data: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED lens, Exposer: 1/125s at f/8.0, IOS: 640, Focal Length: 48mm, Exposure Mode: Manual, Exposure Bias: 0.00 EV, Metering Mode: Spot, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: Unknown, Lighting: Natural Daylight, Date: 10/13/2012 at 4:03 pm, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Nik Software Color Efex Pro 4

Copyright © 2012 Windows of Photography, All Rights Reserved

Nature's Beauty

 

I photographed the above Purple Coneheads in Youngsville, Louisiana. In post processing I decided to increase the contrast of this image in-order to give it just a little-bit of a surreal look. When photographing Botanicals (plant-life) you need to take the time to walk around the plant to find the best angles. There may be many. Photograph them all. You also need to look beyond your subject to find the best backgrounds to enhance your image. In the above photograph I used the tall grasses as a backdrop. If you take a little time to study your subject and the surroundings you may find that half of the work has already been done before you even start post processing.

 

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Technical Data: Nikon D3 with a Nikon AF-S VR Micro NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G lens, Exposer: 1/125s at f/9.0, IOS: 400, Focal Length: 105mm, Exposure Mode: Manual, Exposure Bias: 0.00 EV, Metering Mode: Spot, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: Unknown, Lighting: Off Camera Speedlight (Nikon SB-800), Date: 08/16/2012 at 5:24 pm, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS6 & Nik Software – Color Efex Pro 4

Copyright © 2012 Windows of Photography, All Rights Reserved

 

Don't Bug Me



Sometimes as photographers we get luck. When I originally took this photograph I did not notice the dragonfly by the alligator’s eye. The photograph that I intended to capture would have been interesting. But, with the dragonfly in the image it became much more interesting. I closely cropped the original image to focus the subject matter to the alligator’s eye and the dragonfly. Photographs should create an emotion or in this case something to talk about.   

 

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Metadata: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G lens, Exposer: 1/125s at f/7.1, IOS: 200, Focal Length: 170mm, Exposure Mode: Auto, Exposure Bias: 0.00 EV, Metering Mode: Matrix, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: 3.98 meters, Lighting: Natural Daylight, Date: 07/02/2012 at 10:49 am, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS5 and Nik Software Color Efex Pro 4

Copyright © 2012 Windows of Photography, All Rights Reserved

 

 

The Einstein E640 Flash Unit

 

I recently purchased (2) Paul C. Buff, Einstein E640 flash units. I did extensive research before making my purchase and it came down to the Profoto D1 Air series or the Einstein E640. The Profoto and Einstein flash units are somewhat comparable. My evaluation showed that Profoto D1 Air had a slightly better performance matrix than the Einstein E640 but, not at 2.4 times the cost of the Einstein E640. Another factor was that I do not have a studio of my own at this time. So, portability is very important to me. I have to be able to go to diverse locations. Electric-power is not available in many of the locations that I shoot. Because of this, a reliable portable power source is a requirement. Paul C. Buff offers the Vagabond Mini Lithium portable power system. The Vagabond is small and lightweight at only 3.5 pounds. Profoto offers the BatPac Portable Power Source which is a very serious power system that supports up to (4) 1000W flash units. The Profoto BatPac weighs 25 lbs. and cost $ 1,745.00 whereas the Vagabond Mini cost $ 239.95. Paul C. Buff states on their web-site that the Vagabond Mini will support (4) flash units. But, unlike the Profoto BatPac you would defiantly limit your shoot time with this setup. Instead, I chose to uses a Vagabond Mini for each flash unit, which I am able to easily mount to each light stand. I also purchased spare Vagabond Mini batteries for each power unit at a cost of $ 89.95 each.  The Einstein E640 and Vagabond Mini’s are the correct lighting system for my needs and situations. You should do extensive research based on your requirements, goals and budget when purchasing a lighting system.

 

Einstein E640 Flash Unit: $ 499.95 SRP

Vagabond Mini Lithium Power System: $ 239.95 SRP

 

60-Day Absolute Satisfaction Guarantee*

2-Year Factory Warranty*

 

For additional information see Paul C. Buff’s web-site: Einstein E640 flash unit and the Vagabond Mini power system.

 

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* Information based on Paul C. Buff’s web-site as of this publishing.

Copyright © 2012 Windows of Photography, All Rights Reserved

 

 




Blast to the Past



I love the composition of this image but, the original photograph (top) did not deliver. The sky was blown-out and the rest of it was too washed-out. I could do nothing to improve it. Yea, it happens sometimes. So when I have an image like the one at the top, I apply the old saying from Dale Carnegie: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” And that’s exactly what I did in the following two images. The image was already distressed so why not distress it even more but, in a good way. I used presets in Nik Software’s Silver Efex Pro 2 and Color Efex Pro 4 to create aged images.

Image No. 2: After doing minor post processing in Photoshop CS6, I used Silver Efex Pro 2 to create an aged black and white image with burnt edges. Within Silver Efex Pro 2 I selected the “Full Spectrum Inverse” preset. This particular preset created the right tone and mood for an aged B&W image. To finish-off the image I added a distress white border and burnt edges.

 

Image No. 3: Once again, after doing minor post processing in Photoshop CS6, I used Color Efex Pro 4 to create a postcard like image. Within Color Efex Pro 4 I selected the “Kitschy Postcard” preset. It should not be a surprise that this preset is perfect for creating a postcard style image. I only had to make minor adjustments to finish the image.

 

The great thing about Nik Software’s presets is that once you select a preset, you can then further make adjustments. Plus, you can also combine multiple presets to create something different.

 

To learn more about Nik Software's Presets and Recipes go to: Nik Software
 

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Technical Data: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-120mm f/3.5-5.6G lens, Exposer: 1/500s at f/5.6, IOS: 200, Focal Length: 95mm, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority, Exposure Bias: 1.00 EV, Metering Mode: Matrix Metering, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: Infinity, Lighting: Natural Daylight, Date: 08/4/2009 at 10:15 am, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS6 (images 2 & 3) & Nik Software - Silver Efex Pro 2 (image 2) - Color Efex Pro 4 (image 3)

Copyright © 2012 Windows of Photography, All Rights Reserved

 

ISO: It's Important

 

Sometimes the use of dappled sunlight is just the effect a photograph needs. Dappled sunlight can make an image feel more relaxed to the viewer. It can also give an appearance of spontaneity. Because I did not use any artificial fill-light I had to use a higher ISO*. I chose to set my ISO to 1000 to compensate for the lower light levels. Basically ISO represents a value of sensitivity to light that a camera’s digital image sensor processes into an image. The lower the ISO number the less sensitive to light and the higher the number the more sensitive to light. Please note that a higher ISO level can increase the noise (grain) in your image. Sometimes noise can be a very desirable effect. In photography, you must have a comprehensive understanding of three important and interlaced functions.  These functions are shutter speed, aperture and ISO. Today I briefly touched on ISO. If you understand and control these function, then you can control the outcome of your image. Among the most important things I can leave you with is READ YOUR MANUALS. Understand every function, button, knob and icon on your equipment and most importantly how they affect each other and your results. Photography is an art and a science. These are the steps that will begin to separate you from just taking pictures to creating photographs.

 

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Technical Data: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G lens, Exposer: 1/250s at f/10.0, IOS: 1000, Focal Length: 300mm, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority, Exposure Bias: 0.00 EV, Metering Mode: Pattern, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: Unknown, Lighting: Natural Daylight, Date: 03/31/2012 at 9:10 am, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS5

 

*ISO: International Organization for Standardization

Copyright © 2012 Windows of Photography, All Rights Reserved

 



First You See It and Then You Don't
(Photoshop Tip - Spot Healing Brush Tool)

Photoshop’s Spot Healing Brush Tool is easy to use and indispensable. If you look at the BEFORE photograph you will notice a leafy branch hanging over the statue.  And, in the AFTER photograph along with same additional post-processing the offending branch is gone.  To remove an un-wanted element form you image in Photoshop, just open your desired image. Then, select the (Spot Healing Brush Tool) from the left-side icon menu or press the (J) key on your keyboard. You will then see the Spot Healing Brush Tool options at the top left-side of your screen. Out of the available options I find that I use the (Content-Aware) option the most. You should make your brush-size optimal to the size of the object you wish to remove from your image. Sometimes you may need to remove items in small sections. Even though the Spot Healing Brush Tool seems like magic sometimes, it is not necessarily the right tool for every situation. If the object you wish to remove is large or there is a great deal of detail around the object, the Spot Healing Brush Tool many not work to your satisfaction. The Spot Healing Brush Tool is one of those tools you must use for yourself to learn it limits.  Remember, you can always use the (Step Backward – Alt+Ctrl+Z) command in Photoshop to undo any changes that do not work for your image.

 

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Technical Data: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G lens, Exposer: 1/200s at f/8.0, IOS: 200, Focal Length: 300mm, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority, Exposure Bias: 0.00 EV, Metering Mode: Pattern, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: 7.5 meters, Lighting: Natural Daylight, Date: 07/02/2012 at 12:25 pm, Post Processing (AFTER image): Adobe Photoshop CS6 & Nik Software – Color Efex Pro 4

Copyright © 2012 Windows of Photography, All Rights Reserved

Shades of Gray

Botanical photography is mostly recognized for the stunning colors and textures that flowers and plant-life in-general produces. But, I find that sometimes even flowers can look exceptional in a monochrome format. The above photograph was processed using Adobe’s Photoshop CS6 and Nik Software’s Color Efex Pro 4. The original RAW image from my camera only required modest adjustments in Photoshop CS6. I used two Presets in Color Efex Pro 4 to further enhance this image. The first preset I selected is called Big Sky. This preset is a somewhat high contrast preset, I then chose the B+W preset. The B+W preset is exactly what you would expect it to be, an excellent black and white preset which complimented the Big Sky preset nicely. Nik Software’s Presets allows you to try preconfigured setting and then you can make further adjusting from the selected preset. You can also combine presets for even more creative imagery. Nik Software brings value to Adobe’s Photoshop and Lightroom products.

To learn more about Nik Software’s Presets go to: Nik Software

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Metadata: Nikon D3 with a Nikon AF-S VR Micro NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens, Exposure: 1/250s at f/7.1, ISO: 400, Focal Length: 105mm, Exposure Mode: Manual, Metering Mode: Spot, Filter: Ultra Violet, Subject Distance: Unknown, Lighting: Off Camera Speedlight (Nikon SB-800), Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS6 & Nik Software – Color Efex Pro 4, Date: 8/16/2012 at 4:42 pm

Copyright © 2012 Windows of Photography, All Rights Reserved

Nature's Beauty

The above flower is commonly referred to as a Hibiscus (Disambiguation). There are several hundred species of Hibiscus that grow in warm-temperate, subtropical and tropical regions of the world. The generic name is derived from the Greek word (hibiskos), which was given to Athaea officinalis. Many specimens of Hibiscus are used extensively in landscaping because of their flowers and size and also because they tend to attract butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. Many countries around the world serve tea made from the Hibiscus flower. Hibiscus tea is known for its color and tangy flavor. The tea is a natural diuretic and it contains vitamin C and minerals. It can also be used as a mild medicine. Hibiscus flowers are often used as a garnish. They are also edible and can be candied.

To learn more about Hibiscus go to the: American Hibiscus Society and the: International Hibiscus Society.

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Technical Data: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S VR Macro 105mm f/2.8G lens, Subject Distance: 1.12 meters, Exposure: 1/125s at f/8.0 – Manual: Matrix Metering, ISO: 200, Focal Length: 105mm, Filter: Ultra Violet, Lighting: Nikon SB-800 Speedlight (off camera), Date: 06/27/2012 at 06:15 pm, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS5

Copyright © 2012 Windows of Photography, All Rights Reserved

Just Hanging-Out

 

I photographed the above two Meerkats at the Houston Zoo in 2011. Meerkats always make great photographic subjects because of their curiosity and quirky behavior. Fortunately, you can get very close to the action at the Meerkat exhibit in the Houston Zoo. So, a telephoto lens is not required for close encounter images.

For more information regarding the Houston Zoo please see the following link: Houston Zoo

 

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Metadata: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G lens, Subject Distance: 1.88 meters, Exposure: 1/125s at f/5.6, ISO: 200, Focal Length: 70mm, Filter: Ultra Violet, Lighting: Natural Daylight, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS5, Date: 10/11/2011 at 11:01 pm

Copyright © 2012 Windows of Photography, All Rights Reserved

Nature's Beauty

The above flower is commonly referred to as a Blue Butterfly (Rotheca Myricoides) which is from the Butterfly Bush. Its common name is obviously derived from the flowers look and shape. The Butterfly Bush is a fast growth evergreen shrub that can get up to 10-feet tall and wide and its leaves are 3 to 4-inches long. It is a partial shade plant that requires regular watering. The Butterfly Bush was originally native to East Africa but is now enjoyed in many warm regions of the world.

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Technical Data: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S VR Macro 105mm f/2.8G lens, Subject Distance: 0.79 meters, Exposure: 1/125s at f/5.6, ISO: 200, Focal Length: 105mm, Filter: Ultra Violet, Lighting: Nikon SB-800 Speedlight (off camera), Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS5, Date: 06/27/2012 at 07:12 pm

Copyright © 2012 Windows of Photography, All Rights Reserved

Beauty and the Bluebonnets

Simply put, this is a great photograph. I do not get to say that very often. But, everything came together in the above photograph and just maybe Saint Veronica the patron saint of photographers (and laundry workers?) was smiling upon me. My model was beautiful and talented (thank you Mikayla), the bluebonnet blooms were at their peak and the morning light was just right. I love it when an image comes together.

Visit the following link for more information regarding: Saint Veronica

 

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Technical Data: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S VR Zoom 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED lens, Subject Distance: 7.5 meters, Exposure: 1/50s at f/10.0, ISO: 1000, Focal Length: 220mm, Filter: Ultra Violet, Lighting: Natural Daylight, Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS5, Date: 03/31/2012 at 09:13 am

Copyright © 2012 Windows of Photography, All Rights Reserved

Nature's Beauty

I have decided to start a series called Nature’s Beauty. In this series I plan on featuring botanicals, landscapes and wildlife images.

The above Purple Conehead was photographed at the home of Denise Files in Lafayette, Louisiana. Denise is quite the gardener and my sister-in-law. I only had about an hour to photograph her gardens because the afternoon sun was setting. The plant-life in her gardens is so extensive I could have easily spent hours photographing her floral plants. Please note that I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to plant-life names. But, I will endeavor to provide plant-life names and background information when possible.

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Technical Data: Nikon D3 with a Nikon NIKKOR AF-S VR Macro 105mm f/2.8G lens, Subject Distance: 0.89 meters, Exposure: 1/125s at f/4.5, ISO: 200, Focal Length: 105mm, Filter: Ultra Violet, Lighting: Nikon SB-800 Speedlight (off camera), Post Processing: Adobe Photoshop CS5, Date: 06/27/2012 at 07:01 pm

Copyright © 2012 Windows of Photography, All Rights Reserved