HarveyG

If you work in Adobe Photoshop, like any other computer application, keyboard short-cuts speed up your work flow considerably. I found this fabulous and extensive list for versions of Adobe Photoshop 5, 6 and 7 to Adobe Photoshop CS2, CS3, CS4 on Trevor Morris Photographics web site. (CS5 will be near identical to CS4).

Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard

I have been using the original Logitech G15 and it has up to 54 Programmable Macro Keyboard Assignments plus other useful tools. The newer version has 18. Whether you have a fancy or a standard 100+ key keyboard, Trevor’s lists are well worth a look.

Print them and keep them near your workstation.

Thanks Trevor!

The friendly people over at Topaz Labs have just released the new Topaz Adjust 5.
I’ve used the Beta for a week and it is simply remarkable and considerably easier to use.

If you are a Topaz Adjust 4 registered user, pop over and get v5. It’s free for you.
New users get a 30% discount with the Coupon Code “ADJUSTME”. Click here to check it out!

Simplified 1-click workflow with 107 new presets split into 7 convenient effect categories.
Intuitive 4-in-1 selective brush used to dodge, burn, smooth, and brush out adjustments.
Plus advanced edge-aware technology!
Integration of the Apply button – so you can stack multiple effects and presets during the same workflow.
Finishing Touches tab with options for warmth, grain, transparency, etc

Whilst I am no fan of comic book like Post Processing, and the web seems to be full of that, if used subtly the results are astounding:

Get your copy of Topaz Labs here!

Get your copy of Topaz Labs here!

Topaz Adjust just got better! The developers have been working hard on this update.

Here are some of the exciting new features & tools in Topaz Adjust 5:

1. Selective Brush. For easy dodging, burning smoothing & removing adjustments.
2. Finishing touches. Features options for borders, transparency, grain, warmth, vignettes & more.
3. Preset collections.  Presets are organized into unique collections.
4. Apply button. Stack multiple effects & presets during the same workflow.
5. Auto create layer. Automatically creates a new layer where your adjustments will be saved to.
6. Effect enable/disable. Clickable preview options that allow you to hide or view a set of adjustments for easy comparison.
7. Histogram. Built into the Preview Navigator window.
8. Ordered interface workflow. The interface is set up in numbered stages for a quick & easy workflow.
9. Individual tab reset buttons. Quickly reset the parameters in a specific adjustment tab without affecting your other settings.
10. Split Screen. Use the 2-screen split view for easy before & after comparison

New Presets. Over 100 presets available in the new Adjust 5.

Auto-create layer. Automatically creates a new layer where your adjustments will be saved to.
Apply button. Stack multiple effects and presets during the same workflow.
My Collection. Users can now save their presets under My Collection.
Preset Collections. Presets are organized into 5 unique collections.
Local Adjustments. Intuitive selective adjustment brush for burning, dodging, smoothing, and brushing out (erasing) added adjustments – plus edge-aware options.
Histogram + Curve tool. Shows the tonal range of your image. Easily adjust image tonality to help emphasize tones, contrast and brightness.
Finishing Touches Tab. Features options for diffusion, grain, borders, vignettes, tone adjustments and overall transparency adjustment.

At this time it is planned to be a free upgrade to existing users. There will also be a special discounted price for those that are new to Topaz and want to purchase it or for those who already are Topaz users and want to upgrade to the bundle or any bundle upgrade.

Current release date is set for  November 15th 2011. Get your copy here and if you have V4 get the upgrade when it is released.

Gear I use: Bodies: Nikon D-SLR’s / Lenses: Nikon, Sigma, Tokina, Vivitar /
Filters: Hoya UV & Polarizing / Flash: Nikon Speed-lights / Bag: Lowe Pro /
Tripods & Heads: Manfrotto / Grips, Triggers, Timers, Batteries: Phottix /
Editing Plug-in: Topaz Labs for Noise Reduction, HDR.

Credit: Defiant Development

A game about photo journalism in a warzone. This may not be up your alley but for me, a former FPS Gamer (I played Counter Strike competitively) I found the concept to be very unique in a sea of copy-cat games and stagnating ideas in this genre. I haven’t played an FPS in 5 odd years but this has rekindled my interest. This time with a camera and not an MP5. It’s still in development but I’ll keep an eye and wait for the demo with an itchy shutter release finger.  It seems though that the “cameramanperson” is running around with a proper HD Vid Cam rather than an HD capable DSLR! Oh well can’t have everything

Your thoughts?

By Defiant Development, an Australian Brisbane based game development studio.
See more images here.