Photographers can join free live photo shoots and see demonstrations of latest products from some of the biggest names in the imaging industry.

Francesca Munden, Calumet’s PR and events coordinator explained: “Any photographer who couldn’t get to Focus can catch up at our one day show.

We’ll have experts on hand all day from 10am until 8pm at Calumet Manchester on Tuesday April 27 and Calumet Drummond Street, Euston on Thursday April 29.

Hasselblad will be using professional models as they demonstrate their latest capture equipment. Nikon will showcase a comprehensive range of lenses, flashguns and DSLRs, including their flagship D3X model.

Lighting experts Bowens will demonstrate latest products and Canon camera specialists will be on hand with the company’s innovative 550D and 1DMK IV models, plus accessories.

Lowepro will showcase latest camera carrying solutions; Giottos will be displaying a comprehensive range of tripods, monopods and heads suitable for all photo-shoot situations, including latest Vitruvian VGR models – complete with reverse leg technology.”

She added: “onOne software will be there too, along with Sigma, Blubox photo compression software, MTA, Parkers, and of course, Calumet Own Brand.

Epson will be showing their flagship A3 and A2 R2880 and pro 3880 photo printers and will offer ‘on the day only’ free prints (one per customer) from supplied images

We’ll have some exclusive special offers available and Calumet will offer photographers a free CCD cleaning service.”

More information at www.calumetphoto.co.uk

Nikon, Adobe Systems, Apple, Hewlett Packard, Nik Software, Wacom and X-Rite have joined forces for a unique, nine-city Creative Alliance Tour. The tour has been set up to provide creative professionals with a comprehensive insight into a complete digital workflow. A full-day seminar will take place at each city stop, hosted by photo professionals and evangelists Keith Thompson, Kevin Dopson, Robin Preston, and Guy Gowan among others. These influential master photographers will demonstrate live shoots, and talk about why colour profile and calibration is key to getting the best end product.

From image capture to printing and marketing, delegates of the Creative Alliance Tour will learn how to achieve optimum results (high resolution in, high resolution out) using the most innovative techniques available to photographic professionals. The seminars will consist of inspirational presentations and in-depth technical workshops, with the opportunity to share questions and experiences with the experts.

“The long-established professional photographic community has seen dramatic changes to photographic technology in the past few years, with the transition from silver halide to digital, and from traditional SLR to digital SLR. Combining the resources and expertise of the seven companies, this tour will provide a unique platform for the photographic community to learn about the latest technological innovations and take advantage of a complete digital workflow within their existing production process,” said photographer and digital artist, Robin Preston.

Photographers should not miss this opportunity to gain valuable insight into the latest workflow tools that could help their business maintain its competitive edge.

Registration and dates

The Creative Alliance Tour has started in Ede on the 24th June 2009, in the Netherlands. The tour will resume the 15th September 2009 in Manchester and 17th September 2009 in London.

Spain, Germany, Italy and France will follow in October and November 2009. For the exact dates and registration information please visit: www.thecreativealliancetour.com

The iMovie effects are more there to distract from a few noises and changes in the ambient sound than anything else. I do not suggest using anything except plain dissolves and fades in professional video editing (think to yourself – would they do this on a feature film? would I ever see this effect used on TV?) but for some types of corporate presentation they retain interest by adding variety.

There are fairly serious sound problems – mainly wind noise – with these cameras generally. This subject was chosen because in a previous test (with a loaned review kit) the wind noise all but destroyed the value of any live sound at the same location (a very windy stretch of riverbank). I’ll be trying to devise a mic baffle to eliminate wind noise; a foam pad over the mic proved to have no effect.

- DK

Lighting on-location – free admission – no booking required!
Presented by : Uzair Kharawala
Apple Store Regent Street, London
15 June 2009 7.00 to 8.30pm
More info visit www.apple.com/uk/retail/regentstreet

Business & Beyond
Presented by : Uzair Kharawala
Manchester
23 July 2009 10.00 to 16.30 hrs
More info visit www.nikon.co.uk/training
Price £85.00 including refreshments and lunch

Portraits for Profit
Presented by : Uzair Kharawala
Manchester
22 July 2009 14.00 to 20.00 hrs
More info visit www.nikon.co.uk/training
Price £200.00 including refreshments and lunch. Limited to 8 delegates.

Oz is an expert teacher, as well as being the creator of the FotoSF software package for studio management. He is an experienced event photographer, and Nikon started using him as a teacher after learning about his use of their wireless flash system for weddings, location portraits and events work. He is an Associate of the MPA