zedomax.com » Photography

DSLR DIY – How to Make an Intervalometer for Canon or Nikon!

max — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:30:54 +0000

Intervalometer can be used in DSLR photography to take time-lapse shots. You can buy one of these Intervalometers off the shelf for anywhere between $60 to $200+ but if you got some programming and soldering skills, you might be interested in learning to make one yourself.

Circuit schematics, code, and whole bunch of images are included in this DIY to help you make the intervalometer for your Canon or Nikon DSLR camera.

This instructable is teaches you how to make an intervalometer that can be used with virtually any camera. It has been tested with Canon and Nikon cameras, but making adapter cables for other cameras is just a matter of figuring out the camera pinout.
It’s also available as a kit so you might want to go that route if you are not familiar with programming an AVR.

This intervalometer has the following features:

Intervalometer mode with options to change delay time and exposure time

Sensor mode with built in light sensor and connector for external sensor input

Manual mode allows intervalometer to act like a simple remote cable

Integrated 2×12 LCD display

Fully optically isolated interface to camera

Total package is roughly 1″ x 2.5″ x 3″ finished

Electronics small enough to fit in a mint box

Source code is available for download so that you can change programming as desired

Available as a kit from www.ottercreekdesign.com

via instructables

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

DSLR DIY – How to Make an Intervalometer for Canon or Nikon!

DSLR Hack – How to Make a Macro Tilt Lens for your DSLR using Lens from a Slide Projector!

max — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:35:12 +0000

Need a cheap macro lens for your DSLR? You might want to consider hacking one up yourself from an old slide projector and make this cool, cheap macro tilt lens. It won’t make you look more professional but heck, if you can take better photos, who cares right? See more DSLR hacks here.

I just came back from the Christchurch SuperShed (our city council recycling centre) where I bought a discarded slide projector for $6. In less than an hour, I turned the projector lens into a tilt macro lens for my dSLR. I know there have been lots of these sorts of projects but I tried to do this one without hot glue or gaffer tape so hopefully my process will help you to turn your odd lenses into useable ones.

via instructables

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

DSLR Hack – How to Make a Macro Tilt Lens for your DSLR using Lens from a Slide Projector!

Book Review – How to Become an Accidental Millionaire!

max — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:00:13 +0000

Recently I’ve read Accidental Millionaire by Gary Fong, a renowned wedding photographer who has made millions through photography. A great book filled with insights for life and business, highly recommended over all those marketing books by marketers. Really, it inspires me more if someone who’s successful writes a book than someone who writes about how to be successful and is successful by telling others how to be successful. (do you get it what I am saying here?)

And oh yeah, Gary has a blog here, check that out too.

Anyways, this is one of the best books I have read on business and life. The renowned photographer/inventor/entrepreur Gary Fong, the author of the book, goes into details of his life and how he came to be a millionaire through “accidents” in his life.

I can really relate to him in that sense that most of things I’ve achieve in life are by “accident” also.

In the book, Gary goes into depth of how he grew up with his Korean mother and Chinese father in Southern California. (and also goes into depth about his mother’s wig business in the ghetto of Compton where they witness killings of their neighbors by thugs)

Read my full book review I posted on my Zedomax.Biz blog here.

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Book Review – How to Become an Accidental Millionaire!

California Academy of Sciences HD Video and Photos using my new Canon 7D!

max — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:54:32 +0000

(My favorite – the rattlesnake was sleeping I think but I had just enough angle to get this shot.)

Well, the other day, I gave myself a new title on top of my current title blogger/CEO, film director!

The best thing about running your own business is that you can become whatever you want to me.

Anyways, here’s some shots I took from California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco the other day and this HD Video:

Download latest version of Flash to view video!.

Click Here to View in Full Screen Mode

P.S. Really, I am not a film director but someday I will be one, I like trying new things. Not too shabby though for the 2nd day using a my new Canon 7d DSLR.

See more images over at my personal SF Blog.

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

California Academy of Sciences HD Video and Photos using my new Canon 7D!

DIY Digital Camera Kit for Kids!

max — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:26:43 +0000

Download latest version of Flash to view video!.

Click Here to View in Full Screen Mode

Here’s a great DIY digital camera kit for kids, designed to help kids learn about how digital cameras work while building the kits. Awesome!

The camera gives us a powerful means to express ourselves and communicate with each other. Today, the camera is almost exclusively designed for, and marketed to, adults. A typical consumer digital camera comes with a sleek silver or black exterior and is densely packed with components and features. If one tries to open up one of these devices to study its innards, it is unlikely to function when put back together. We believe that camera manufacturers have largely overlooked an important demographic in kids and a compelling application in education.

It should be available on the market pretty soon.

via make

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DIY Digital Camera Kit for Kids!

Photo Gadgets – 20-inch Lightbox Mini Photo Studio!

max — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:39:06 +0000

For photo shoots of products and small consumer items, you might want to consider learning how to make a lightbox or get one of these 20-inch lightbox mini photo studios from Hammacher and Schlemmer. (Also check out this one from Thinkgeek, which is just as nice for half the price.)

Lightboxes are essential for great photos and if you don’t have one, I highly suggest to make one or get one soon.

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Photo Gadgets – 20-inch Lightbox Mini Photo Studio!

My Canon 7D DSLR Camera Order at Amazon Today!

max — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:37:37 +0000

(Me, playing with my brother-in-law’s DSLR.)

Yes, today, I finally got the guts to charge some money on my credit cards to buy a whole bunch of DSLR gadgets, mainly for use at CES 2010, I really need it as I can’t compete against other tech bloggers unless I have the right tools at the show. (And yes, you can expect some high, quality HD Youtube videos and pics from Zedomax.com when January hits. I’ve also invested a bunch of money on a week of airfare, hotel, and whatnot. Btw, I am going on Virgin airlines, get WiFi and live blogging on the airplane! Yey!)

So, here’s the sum of what I’ve bought today for my Canon 7D DSLR Camera:
(And btw, I did about a month of researching online and talking to my photographer friends beforewards)

Canon 7D DSLR Camera Body w/ 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM standard zoom lens – $1899.99 on Amazon
SanDisk 16GB Compact Flash 60MB/s – $146.80 on Amazon – Yes, you will definitely need some compact flash, this is the best and fastest Compact Flash you can buy right now. (Alternative Kingston 32GB might be a good option although rated less at 40MB/s. Read this thread for advice on CF cards.)
Extra Battery – I will need an extra battery pack just in case I do some long HD footages, which I will at CES 2010.
The Tamrac Aero Speed Pack 85 Camera/Laptop Backpack – This I will use so I can store both my Canon 7d and my future-wife-to-be 13.3″ ASUS UL30A laptop (which I haven’t got, waiting for the price to drop on/after Black Friday).
Manfrotto Tripod – I will need a tripod definitely for taking some videos or doing interviews. This one seemed ideal as it’s portable yet Manfrotto-quality for durability.
Camera Flash? – I was looking at this cheapo flash that swivels 360 degrees but figured CES will be full of lights anyways, I might just stick with the on-board flash on the Canon.

I spent a total of about $2300 in the new camera equipment. Well, I think it’s definitely going to be worth the investment as I am planning to go to a LOT of shows next year including home shows, web 2.0 shows, and others especially a lot of shows are held in downtown SF where I live 10 minutes away from.

This will be a lot of fun because this is the first DSLR camera I will ever own plus I have been playing a lot with my brother-in-law’s Canon 5d, expect some higher quality vids/photos soon!

Btw, if anyone is going to be at CES 2010 and you are exhibiting, don’t forget to let me know via zedomax [at] gmail.com so I can put you on my priority list for new tech companies to interview using my Canon 7d!

Did I forget anything? Let me know all you photo DSLR experts out there in the comments line.

Okay, excited, let me go cool down by hitting some golf balls…

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

My Canon 7D DSLR Camera Order at Amazon Today!

Photography 101 – What is Shutter and Aperture?

max — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:56:29 +0000

Download latest version of Flash to view video!.

Click Here to View in Full Screen Mode

Here’s a great video explaining the shutter and aperture of the camera, great info for photography beginners. (like me)

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Photography 101 – What is Shutter and Aperture?

Photography Hack – How to Make a Flash Diffuser with Old Film Canister!

max — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:57:42 +0000

For those of you who want to need a flash diffuser without spending a lot of money plus ability to add unlimited number of color filters to your DSLR camera, there is a simple photography hack, simply cut out an old film canister and fill it with your favorite colors for filtering!

Want to diffuse the flash and add some color to your photos at the same time? This quick and dirt-cheap trick will get you there. Take pictures in hundreds of different colors using free filters Flash diffuser that holds colored filters, and showing you how to get HUNDREDS of free gel inserts!!!! to take color altered photos All these pics have NO out of camera modifications, just a colored flash

via instructables

Also, note that you can use your cigarette box in case of emergency as a flash diffuser too!

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Photography Hack – How to Make a Flash Diffuser with Old Film Canister!

Photography 101 – How to Take Better Shots in the Dark!

max — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:54:01 +0000

Download latest version of Flash to view video!.

Click Here to View in Full Screen Mode

Here’s a good Photography 101 video for those of you newbies to Photography, you will learn the basics of taking better shots in dimmed light or darkness by adjusting your ISO, using better lenses, and lots more.

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Photography 101 – How to Take Better Shots in the Dark!

Photography DIY – How to Take a Photograph of Car in Motion!

max — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:46:12 +0000

Download latest version of Flash to view video!.

Click Here to View in Full Screen Mode

Here’s a simple way of taking great photographs of cars in motion without actually having the car go faster than 2MPH. I think this might be helpful for those of trying to take photos with “effects of driving fast“.

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Photography DIY – How to Take a Photograph of Car in Motion!

Photography DIY – How to Make a Medium Format Camera!

max — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:35:54 +0000

Here’s a great DIY showing you how to make a medium format camera from scratch. I guess these cameras are usually super expensive but this DIY shows you how to make it yourself so you save some money on it too. Well, I am not a photography experts (yet) but seems like also a great way to learn more about photography in general.

The first thing to do was research of course. To start with: what do i know about cameras? Well I know I own a Nikon D200 with several accessories and lenses and are interested in photography. That was pretty much it. Next thing was then to find out exactly how a good old view camera works and what parts are involved in the process. There are pretty much three things in sush a camera, a lens, a ground glass (whatever the hell that is) and bellow between the lens and ground glass that allows focusing. After some further research on the internet and consultation of a friend that knows enough mathematics and physics to be considered at least slightly mad I felt I had a rough idea of how to pull this whole thing off.

via make

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Photography DIY – How to Make a Medium Format Camera!

Photography DIY – How to Make a Large Camera Flash Diffuser!

max — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:33:42 +0000

For travel, you might want to make one of these camera flash diffusers out of an old cigarette box. For other big projects, you might want to learn how to make a large camera flash diffuser as outlined in SteamPunkWorkShop.com here.

Btw, my Canon 7d DSLR should be here next week, can’t wait to get my hands on it!

I am very happy with the results, total cost of the project was about $10 and the quality of the photographs I can take for this site should improve immensely.

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Photography DIY – How to Make a Large Camera Flash Diffuser!

DSLR DIY – How to Make DSLR Hand Straps!

max — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:24:25 +0000

I am still waiting to get my hands on one of these Canon DSLR 7D camera but for those of you who are enjoying photography already, you might want to learn how to make these DSLR hand straps so you can take better photography in awkward situations where you need steady hands.

“Butterfingers”, they called us. “Slippery Sam.” “Ol’ Johnny Drop-a-Lot.”

Fine, we said. Names can’t hurt us.

But then we dropped our 17th battered camera for the 143rd time and we knew it had to stop.

That’s why we’ve whipped up this natty lil’ hand strap for our SLR!

It’s simple to make from simple materials, plus it’s fetching as can be.

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

DSLR DIY – How to Make DSLR Hand Straps!

Photoshop DIY – How to Process/Edit Photos in Photoshop!

max — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:20:26 +0000

(before)

(after processing/editing)

I’ve been snooping around for some DIYs on YouTube and found this great Photography DIY on how to edit photos in Photoshop. I find out that it’s actually channel of Lilian, one of our bloggers on BagWhiz and Mattresszine.

Anyways, Lilian has some really great photography/Photoshop skills I didn’t know about, watch this video on how quickly/efficiently she processes/edits a photo.

I have been actually starting to study photography so this will help me a lot, definitely.

Download latest version of Flash to view video!.

Click Here to View in Full Screen Mode

You can also check out Lilian’s photography work here, very cool. (and her YouTUbe channel)

Great job Lilian, please send me your future works, I want to learn photography!

P.S. Interesting to note that I listen to same trance music as her…

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Photoshop DIY – How to Process/Edit Photos in Photoshop!

Canon EOS 1D Mark V Coming Tomorrow?

max — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:39:53 +0000

Lately I have been sorta addicted with the latest Canon EOS DSLR news as I am planning to get one myself soon. Engadget reports that the Canon EOS 1D Mark V might be available soon, like tomorrow!

we’re now hearing that Canon just might be readying a new pro-level DSLR for a Tuesday launch. The long-awaited successor to the EOS 1D Mark III is reportedly on the way, and considering that the Japanese do everything they possibly can to avoid the number four (it’s pronounced the same as the word for death, if you must know), the EOS 1D Mark V is the only plausible candidate.

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Canon EOS 1D Mark V Coming Tomorrow?

Photography DIY – How to Make a Cheap 40-inch Photo Reflector!

max — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 23:16:07 +0000

While you can actually buy a 40-inch photo reflector for about $40 on Amazon, you can also make it yourself for just $8.

If you are into photography, I think this is definitely a great way to save you some big bucks, especially if you need multiple photo reflectors for your next photo shoot.

So photography is not only a hobby of mine, but also more or less absolute necessity for what I do here on invent geek. That being said I have always been appalled at the high prices for photography equipment and accessories and I find myself thinking that I could make this a lot cheaper than that! Well its time I put my money where my mouth is I guess and finally start equipping my studio with the types of equipment I both want and need to create more consistent and higher quality imagery for our projects. So I have started a new series of projects in preparation to the launch of a new sister site in our how to network for photography, studio and lighting equipment and accoutrement that I am putting together. So we will be doing many projects across the board and wanted to start with something easy and yet worthwhile.

via make

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Photography DIY – How to Make a Cheap 40-inch Photo Reflector!

DSLR Hack – How to Make a Cheap Image Stabilizing Device for your DSLR Camera!

max — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:52:45 +0000

I have to admit that one of my future goals is to become a photographer. After doing some quick shots on my Canon SD camera, I realized that to take awesome photographs, I would first need a DSLR camera with the right lense. On top of that, these DSLR cameras are capable of shooting some really great theater-like HD videos.

Well, my hopes are on the Canon 7d, although I would rather get that Canon 50d.

Anyways, for those of you already enjoying the Canon EOS status, here’s how to make a cheap image stabilizer device for your DSLR camera to take better photos and videos using a method of “balancing” your DSLR using a tennis ball filled with some weights. – link

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DSLR Hack – How to Make a Cheap Image Stabilizing Device for your DSLR Camera!

FREE San Francisco Ocean Beach, Sutro, and Golden Gate Bridge Photos!

max — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:37:59 +0000

(Above is shot of ocean beach right after the storm, couple “dunes” formed, weird huh?)

I took bunch of great photos today in San Francisco, specifically in Ocean Beach, Sutro Baths, and Golden Gate Bridge. Also check out this stitch job I did of Ocean Beach 360 degree view. There was a big storm today here in San Francisco, pretty freakin’ crazy but I did go out take these pictures right after the storm went away.

Now it’s actually HOT here, dunno why, perhaps the positive vibes moved in.

Enjoy the photos!

P.S. Yes, I am trying to be a photographer, well, I need to get a better camera first, my crappy Canon sucks!

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

FREE San Francisco Ocean Beach, Sutro, and Golden Gate Bridge Photos!

Photography Hack – How to Make a Gyro Image Stabilizer!

max — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:16:03 +0000

If you are sorta serious about photography, you might want to consider making yourself one of these “gyro” image stabilizers that will allow you to take perfect photos. Learn how to make the gyro image stabilizer by following step-by-step instructions here. (via ohgizmo)

This image stabilizer can be used with any lens and camera. It works the in same way as the Hubble telescope keeps pointed to the same object during multi day exposures.

This stabilizer can be used succesfully with moderately long exposures and moderately long focal lengths.

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Photography Hack – How to Make a Gyro Image Stabilizer!

Photography DIY – How to Make a Fisheye Lens for your Digital Camera!

max — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:16:16 +0000

Last time we featured a photography DIY on how to make your own fisheye lens for a DSLR camera. Well, that one is great if you have a DSLR but for the rest of us, you can refer to this awesome guide on how to make a fisheye lens for your digital camera on a budget.

I really like this method as it’s simple to make/implement, will be trying it this weekend for sheezy.

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Photography DIY – How to Make a Fisheye Lens for your Digital Camera!

Cool Rocket Launch Pic!

max — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 22:10:48 +0000

Here’s a cool pic of a real rocket launch, close-up by a photographer who setup a sound-activated camera. His camera lens was destroyed but the picture was salvaged. And yes, picture is worth a thousand words for sure.

via gizmodo

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Cool Rocket Launch Pic!

Great Guide to DIY Photography

max — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:07:50 +0000

I’ve been getting more and more interested into photography, dunno why but I have to admit that I have been “tinkering” with lightboxes and taking better photographs. (Below is my best work I did while blogging at Ocean Beach couple months ago, okay, I suck…)

I found this great guide to DIY photography though, check it out.

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Great Guide to DIY Photography

Nikon D300s Hands-On Review!

max — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:44:31 +0000

For those of you who are looking for a new DSLR camera, you might want to check out the Nikon D300s hands-on review by guys over at Engadget.

I will one day get my hands on one of these expensive digital cameras with 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor and 720p movie mode, well, I will have to wait but if you can afford it, pre-order yours here on Amazon. Looks awfully good for taking some really great high-res vids.

12-megapixel CMOS image sensor for high resolution, low-noise images
Includes AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II lens
Nikon EXPEED image processing; D-Movie HD Video for cinematic 24 fps, 720p HD movie clips
3-inch Super-density 920,000-dot VGA LCD; one-button Live View
Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

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Nikon D300s Hands-On Review!

Photography Hack – How to Make a Tilt-Shift Lens!

max — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:32:58 +0000

Are you a serious photography-junkie? Well, if you are, you are in luck as you can learn how to make a cool tilt-shift lens for about $22.

Plungercam 2 keeps in the spirit of the original plungercam by using cheap plumbing equipment and affixing it to precision optics. This iteration eliminates the need for glue altogether, so all the optical components can be easily taken out and re-used elsewhere.

via hackaday

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Photography Hack – How to Make a Tilt-Shift Lens!

Photography DIY – How to Make a Fish Eye Lense for Nikon DSLR!

max — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:24:01 +0000

Wow, here’s a really innovative way to convert your Nikon DSLR into a fish-eye camera that can take some really awesome lookin’ photos.

I got the inspiration to do this Instructable while reading another Instructable that accomplished the same “fish-eye” effect using a PVC reduction pipe and an entry door viewer.

There was concern in the prior Instructable about around scratching the lens so I wanted to solve that problem in my easy to build fish eye lens as well as make a version which is easy to use, remove, etc.

I decided to modify the design by using an existing camera attachment which would easily mount to the camera and comes with most Nikon lenses.

via instructables

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Photography DIY – How to Make a Fish Eye Lense for Nikon DSLR!

iPhone Hack – How to Add Flash to Your iPhone!

max — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:50:29 +0000

Here’s a really cool iPhone hack that shows you how to add flash to your iPhone. It doesn’t look easy but it sure beats not having a flash on your iPhone.

When it is done it will look like this. Hopefully yours won’t have the chip by switch button. To use it you just have to hold the switch down. I’m not really happy with the placement of the switch, that’s why I am doing the Mophie Mod 2.0 and why I will be giving this mod away.

via crunchgear

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iPhone Hack – How to Add Flash to Your iPhone!

Wedding DIY – How to Make Cool Photo Wedding Invites!

max — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:30:57 +0000

Here’s a very creative way to make photo wedding invites with snaps of your lovely pictures. I think this is a great idea, stickin’ your pictures everywhere.

via iDIY

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Wedding DIY – How to Make Cool Photo Wedding Invites!

DIY 130 Megapixel Camera Made with Canon Lens and Flatbed Scanner!

max — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:09:27 +0000

Here’s a really cool DIY 130 megapixel camera made with Canon lens and a flatbed scanner. You can check out some of the photos took with it on the inventor’s Flickr.

Spyuge, an amateur photographer, said he used an 1200-dpi Epson flatbed scanner and an old Canon FD 50mm lens to make a camera that can’t fit in your pocket, or shoot anything at speed, but it does have 130Mp.

via ephotozine

video//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn9ZoaPIHQc

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DIY 130 Megapixel Camera Made with Canon Lens and Flatbed Scanner!

Baby DIY – How to Make your Own Custom Sonogram Cufflinks!

max — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 04:57:41 +0000

Are you expecting a child this year? Well, here’s a company called CuffLinks.com that will take your sonograms and engrave them in custom cufflinks so you can show off your unborn child to your co-workers and friends.

The Sonogram Photo Cufflinks feature your very own bun in the oven. Send us your own sonogram photos and become a cufflink designer instantly. Up to 2 different images can be used. This is truly unique gift and amazingly personal. There is no better way to surprise a first time Dad or to show off that you are a proud to-be parent.

via boingboing

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Baby DIY – How to Make your Own Custom Sonogram Cufflinks!

LightBox for Simple DIY Photo Touch-Ups!

max — Sat, 30 May 2009 03:37:41 +0000

If you are not too computer-literate on Photoshop and similar photo-editing tools, you might be happy to learn that there’s a program called LightBox that will let you just do all that good stuff without knowing any Photoshop skills.

This just seems like the perfect software my mom would love, she is still using Photoshop skills I taught her 10 years ago.

How user friendly is LightBox? When you run the program you’re presented with a sidebar of common tasks like color balancing and red-eye removal. Mousing over each of them provides not only an explanation of the tool but sample pictures showing the results and every tool within the editor itself has mouse over tips. Once you’re actually editing your image you can easily—as seen in the screenshot above—divide the image to show how the alterations are effecting it compared to the original. The divided and side by side comparison feature is great for photo enhancements where your goal is to make the picture more appealing without giving it an unrealistic appearance. If you need additional functionality, there is a Plus version available for $19.95 which adds on features like masking and auto color correction. The basic version of LightBox is freeware, Windows only

via lifehacker

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LightBox for Simple DIY Photo Touch-Ups!

Photography DIY – How to Make Cigarette Packet Flash Diffuser!

max — Thu, 28 May 2009 05:05:08 +0000

Wow, here’s a really cool DIY that shows you how to make a camera flashlight diffuser with a pack of Marlboro Lights!

Ever wanted to take indoor photos at night, but hate the washed out look which your built in flash creates? I’ve often been at a pub and found the regular flash to be a bit of a pain. Thanks to a little drunken curiosity and an attention span problem, I created a flash diffuser using only an empty cigarette packet.

via instructables

How to Make a Portable Flash Reflector!

How to Make a Ring Flash!

How to Make Fiber Optic Flash!

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Photography DIY – How to Make Cigarette Packet Flash Diffuser!

Photography DIY – How to Make a Portable Reflector!

max — Wed, 27 May 2009 03:14:09 +0000

For those of you avid photographers, you might be interested to learn that there’s a cheap way to make a portable reflector that will fit your pocket while giving you the extra security knowing you will have extra light even in super-dark environments.

This is of course no problem, if you are working in the studio or transport your equipment in the trunk of your car, but I wanted a small reflector, that I can carry around in my camera bag or even the pockets of my pants, if I need to.

via diyphotography

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Photography DIY – How to Make a Portable Reflector!

Photography DIY – How to Make a Cheap Ring Flash!

max — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 23:13:24 +0000

Here’s a great idea for saving money while getting 125% out of your camera, just make one of these cheap ring flash using aluminum foil and a plastic dome thingee.

A ring flash is such a popular and easy DIY project that I finally couldn’t resist the temptation to make one myself. I’ll post some detailed instructions on how to make one (like this) when I have more time, but most of you should be able to figure out the essentials just by looking at the finished product.

via hackaday

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Photography DIY – How to Make a Cheap Ring Flash!

Camera DIY – How to Make a Tripod with a Bottle Cap!

max — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:21:26 +0000

My good friend Alan from HackedGadgets posted a blog post about this new Bottle Cap Camera Tripod you can buy the other day. Well, he decides to save himself $10 by making it himself, a great idea.

“Master parts list:

1 1/4-inch Stainless steel washer

1 1/4-20×1 1/2-inch stainless steel pan head machine screw

1 1/4-20 Bar Knob

1 1/4-20 stainless steel lock nut

1 lid from a 20oz bottle

Tools required:

Drill with 1/4-inch bit

Screwdriver

Wrench

All parts for the project were purchased at Lowes. Total cost is $3.37, not including the Pepsi.”

Brought to you by: Zedomax.com

Camera DIY – How to Make a Tripod with a Bottle Cap!

Linux Hack – How to Batch Image Resize!

max — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 09:39:49 +0000

Well, one of the worst things you can encounter is to individually resize hundreds of images for a future blog post.

I am not sure if Windows or Macs have free software to do this but if you have access to a Linux computer like me, you can get stuff done much faster using Image Magick, a free open-source image auto-resizer also used on many web-platform programs.

I assuming that you have installed Ubuntu Gutsy:

sudo apt-get install imagemagick

After ImageMagick installation, you can use mogrify. For example, I have a folder called “holidays” locate in “/home/user/photos/“. I have to change my path, make a thumbs folder and copy original images on “thumbs folder”. After that I can start image resizing process:

cd /home/user/photos/holidays
mkdir thumbs
cp /home/user/photos/holidays/* /home/user/photos/holidays/thumbs/
cd thumbs

mogrify -resize 640 *.jpg

Now I can see on “/home/user/photos/holidays/thumbs/” every my image file resized to 640 of width. If you want force resizing to a particulare size without mantaining original aspect ratio you could change mogrify options:

mogrify -resize 640×480! *.jpg

Good Job Man! I hope this howto will be useful for you.

via smokinglinux

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Linux Hack – How to Batch Image Resize!

SuperHeadz Plamodel DIY 35mm Camera!

max — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:35:31 +0000

Wanna build your own DIY 35mm camera? Well, you can with this $28 kit from SuperHeadz.

This is awesome if you are a student of Photography and you want to learn more about how cameras work and the inner-workings.

Do it yourself! DIY 35mm flash-less camera by Plamodel means you get an art project and a camera, all in one! Camera parts come separated, and it’s your job to snap them all together to create a sleek, functional 35mm camera. Assembly takes a couple of hours and simple instructions are included. Modifications are easy (to create a completely unique camera!); wide angle 28 mm lens takes rich, perfectly imperfect photos. Takes 35mm film that can be developed just about anywhere! Imported. Wipe clean.

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SuperHeadz Plamodel DIY 35mm Camera!

DSLR Hack – How to Make a Pinhole Camera with your Digital SLR Camera!

max — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 02:07:13 +0000

Here’s a really cool DIY on how to make a pinhole camera with your digital SLR camera.

Do you have a digital SLR camera, some black construction paper, aluminum foil, a rubber band, and tape? Great, let’s make a digital pinhole camera!

The pinhole camera is the simplest type of camera. It has no lens, only a teeny-tiny hole of an iris. This pinhole ensures that the light which reaches any position on the exposure surface originated from a single direction; as the hole diameter approaches zero, the possible light source for a point on the exposure surface becomes an increasingly narrow cone, approaching a straight line.

via hackszine

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DSLR Hack – How to Make a Pinhole Camera with your Digital SLR Camera!

Digital Camera Hack – How to Replace Canon SD750 Lens!

max — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 03:02:12 +0000

I actually own “TWO” Canon SD750s because I dropped my first SD750 in the sand. The first one “magically” started working fine after I bought the second one but if I had known such lens replacement DIY was available, I wouldn’t have had to buy the second one. Here’s how to replace your Canon SD750 lens if it breaks or you drop it in the sand like me.

One more thang, even if you don’t own SD750, any other Canon SD series will probably similar.

One day, after a short adventure with my toddler son, my Canon SD750 developed an odd dark spot in the middle of the image. It was just bad enough to ruin every photo.

At first I was not sure if it was a lens issue or a LCD issue, but the dark spot only showed up on new photos. When I viewed old photos, the camera didn’t show a spot, so it was the lens. Zooming in confirmed this. As I zoomed, the spot got darker and had sharper edges. A crack also seemed to appear in the image.

Damn. This camera was only about 14 months old, but out of warrantee. Damn.

via cockeyed – hackaday

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Digital Camera Hack – How to Replace Canon SD750 Lens!

Flickr Hack – How to Backup Your Flickr Photos!

max — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:33:58 +0000

For those of you Flickr-obssesed pro users, you will definitely need to look into how to backup your Flickr photos using FlickrEdit, a free Java-based program you can use to backup your Flickr photos.

FlickrEdit will launch from a URL, after which you’ll have to agree to a security dialog and you’ll have the option of adding a shortcut to the app on your Desktop. After the application starts, you can associate it with your Flickr account and allow FlickrEdit to access your photos.

via hackszine

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Flickr Hack – How to Backup Your Flickr Photos!

Photoshop DIY – How to Convert a Girl to Glowing Neon Girl in Photoshop!

max — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 06:18:35 +0000

I’ve always been facinated with computer graphics even before the days of Photoshop.

Anyways, here’s a great way to convert any photo to a glowing neon one, this example shows you how to convert a girl to a neon girl.

In our Photoshop Tutorial, we will create a Glowing Neon Girl from scratch. Throughout this tutorial, you will simply learn how to make some cool Glowing Effects in Photoshop. This is quite a little long so patience is a virtue.Take a look at the Preview of our Final Image.

via naldzgraphics

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Photoshop DIY – How to Convert a Girl to Glowing Neon Girl in Photoshop!

Camera DIY – How to Make Your Own DSLR Camera Macro Lenses!

max — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 22:45:46 +0000

Here’s a great DIY for all your DSLR freaks out there, learn how to make your own DSLR camera macro lenses!

Making life size pictures of hardly noticeable objects and subjects is known as macro photography. It’s widely employed in wildlife photography and in product photography. Oftentimes, macro photography requires the use of costly lenses. Read on to learn how to easily make your own macro lens.

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Camera DIY – How to Make Your Own DSLR Camera Macro Lenses!

Camera DIY – How to Make a FiberOptic Flash!

max — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 23:19:44 +0000

Wow, for those of you serious about photography, you might want to consider playing with this Fiberoptic flash. Basically, you can bunch of fiberoptics and then stick it to your flash to it evenly distributes the flash when you are taking pictures.

This is a fibre-optic flash extension for your DSLR’s popup flash. Totally easy! Works great! Durable! Designed specifically for K20D with 100 2.8 DFA lens but adaptable to other lenses (see Tamron Adaptall 90 2.5 example at the end.) Build your own!

via hackedgadgets

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Camera DIY – How to Make a FiberOptic Flash!

Send your Obama Inauguration Photos here!

max — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:08:15 +0000

If you happen to have some photos of Obama Inauguration, please feel free to send them here at photos [at] zedomax.com. If you have a website, please include that too so we can give you credit.

Current Obama Inauguration Photos online:

Huffington Post has some of the early footage of Obama Inauguration.

NYTimes has a collage of photos you can check out.

WallStreetJournal has a bunch of high-res photos.

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Send your Obama Inauguration Photos here!

Photography DIY – How to Make a Panoramic Tripod Head for $10!

max — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:44:02 +0000

I, too, have been guilty of taking a lot of panoramic digital photos but none of them really came out “perfect” but here’s a great DIY that shows you how to make a panoramic tripod for about $10.

Next time you take that panoramic shot, it won’t be wasted and you will get a professional-looking panoramic photos.

Building your own panoramic head for an SLR isn’t too hard or expensive. The parts for the design shown here cost about $10. Every part here is available at a store like Home Depot.

Once you get past some of the misinformation out there, the only really hard part is figuring out the dimensions. The downside is that the mount is only useful for a specific camera/lens combo. On the other hand, you can’t mistakenly mess up one of the critical adjustments once you’ve built it, and the homemade mount is as light as a couple small pieces of wood.

via make

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Photography DIY – How to Make a Panoramic Tripod Head for $10!

Loooaded.com Image Search Engine!

max — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:03:23 +0000

Check out this new image search engine called Loooaded. What I like most about this new site is the logo, it drives my head dazed and confused.

Basically, you can search Flickr, Yahoo Image Search, and GettyImages photos. I think it’s a good alternative when you first search on Google Image Search and can’t find anything.

Get Loooaded!

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Loooaded.com Image Search Engine!

Photography DIY – How to Make a C-Stand!

max — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 19:59:45 +0000

Are you a photography-nut? Well, here’s a cool DIY photography C-Stand you can make using PVC pipes from Home Depot.

Here is my version of a simple and durable PVC backdrop or Lighting Stand. All the pieces are cheap and readily available and assembly is easy. I bought all the pieces at my local Lowe’s for about $11.00, so you can do 2 for about 20 bucks not counting the uprights. You might save even more if you buy a multi-pack of the PVC fittings.

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Photography DIY – How to Make a C-Stand!

Digital Photo Frame Hack – How to Pick the Right File Format!

max — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:48:54 +0000

Although this might come as common sense, some people might not realize that big file formats are actually bad for displaying on your digital photo frames.

Andrew, one of our blog search engin network bloggers, has a detailed explanation of which file formats are best for your digital photo frame:

If you do use an SLR, make sure to check out the file size of the photos, as SLRs often shoot rather large multiple-MB files that will take up most of you digital memory card if you don’t resize them. This can be done in almost any photo editor, and you should always trim your digital photos down to the standard 4×6 size if you want to get more of them on your frame.

Many frames also support TIFF anf GIF file formats. I recommend converting your TIFF and GIF files to JPEGS if at all possible You can do this with a photo editor like Photoshop, as well. TIFF files often lack any compression and this results in large file sizes. And with GIF, while they remain smaller, the file size is less recognized and may not play on all devices like JPGs will.

Overall, I recommend JPGs. You will be happier and so will your guests, who will get to see more photos on the same frame.

via digital photo frame DIY blog

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Digital Photo Frame Hack – How to Pick the Right File Format!

Photo Frame DIY – How to Make Most Out of your Digital Photo Frame!

max — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 19:13:13 +0000

(GiiNii 7″ Wedge Digital Photo Frame Pictured Above)

Here’s some ways that you can make most out of your digital frame:

One of the other uses is as a display for goods or services, for a small business owner a digital photo frame loaded with sample photos, text and even a sound track that explains what the viewer is seeing can be worth its weight in gold in new business generation.

They can also be used for training purposes, in offices where messages of support or sales pitches can be part of a slideshow that constantly reminds the staff of the job that they are doing.

via digital photo frame DIY blog

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Photo Frame DIY – How to Make Most Out of your Digital Photo Frame!

Photography DIY – How to Use the Light Meter!

max — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 19:10:29 +0000

The light meter has been one of the most overlooked user features on a digital or SLR camera. One of our network bloggers Andrew Nealon has some great tips on how to make the best use of your light meter:

As you get ready to take a picture, take a reading on your light meter. Most meters run from -2 to +2, with each mark on the meter representing a “stop” or aperture increment. (Don’t worry about what the aperture is right now, we’ll learn about that later.) By adjusting the camera’s aperture and shutter speed — the thumb wheel on SLRs, menu options on a point and shoot — or moving around so that the light of the room or sun changes, you will start to see the light meter changing.

Most of the time, you want to aim for having you light meter perfectly centered, giving you a balanced exposure. But there are special circumstances when an over- or under-exposure is just what the photographer calls for. Remember, you are in control of the camera, and therefore, you can make it do what you want. Playing with exposure is great for artists and nature or outdoor photographers, where shadows and light can change drastically between shoots.

Read FULL DIY on Digital Photo Frame DIY Blog

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Photography DIY – How to Use the Light Meter!

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