Where is Ben?

Photo from Las Vegas Model Shoot

After exploring Death Valley, I joined up with a few friends to shoot a model near Calico Basin. I'd love to show you the best shots, but a few of you are not comfortable seeing women in their birthday suits, so you'll have to settle with with one.

Photo from Death Valley

I explored Death Valley for a few days right before Photoshop World. The photo above was taken in an area known as Bad Water. That's Randy Van Duinen posing under the 119° sun.

This is a three-shot HDR image that has been further processed in Photoshop. Here's what the image would have looked like if I used a single shot and processed it with default settings in Camera Raw:

If you'd like to learn how to transform your images by incorporating High Dynamic Range imaging (that's what I used), then consider taking my new on-line course on HDR. Use "Ben" as a coupon code to receive a 15% discount.

On-Line High Dynamic Range (HDR) Class Available

I have a brand new class available that covers the exact techniques I used to create the illustrative photographs I've been featuring on this blog. The class is available at xtrain.com. I think you can get a 15% discount on the course (but don't quote me, since I haven't tested it yet) by entering "Ben" as a coupon code when signing up for the class (minus the quotes). The class is divided up into four modules:

1. Shooting for HDR: which describes how to setup your camera and what to look out for when shooting images destined for HDR.
2. Merging Exposures: shows you multiple methods for combining multiple exposures into a single HDR image including special ideas for dealing with problems like motion in water, etc.
3. Processing HDR Files: you'll learn how to take a 32-bit HDR file and process it into a normal 8 or 16-bit file that can be further adjusted in Photoshop.
4. Enhancement: in this section, I describe the vast majority of Photoshop techniques I use to bring an image to completion, including a few actions that I find to be useful.

Here's what one student said after taking the class:

"This has to be the best, informative, fully capture of the whole topic on-line course I've ever taken or seen. Congratulations to Ben, and anyone helping Ben put this on......I'm totally blown away. I've been looking for a long time for this topic to be explained to me."

-David McLaughlin

In a few months, the class should also be available on DVD... keep an eye on this site for future details.

You can also get a discount on the software I use for processing the HDR files (known as Photomatix Pro) by using "Digital Mastery" as your coupon code.

The image above is an example of the type of image you'll be able to create after taking this class (as well as ones that look more like straight photographs).

Heading to Iceland!

Today, I'm flying to Iceland. I'll be teaching two half-day classes and then will spend nine days exploring the countryside. My friends Lewis Kemper and Marv Miller will join me as we take an RV around the country. I visited Iceland last year and remember that it was not easy to find internet access while in remote areas, so don't expect too many updates on this trip.

If I have time today, I might post-date a few posts so they will appear while I'm gone.

The photo above was taken during last year's visit to Iceland. I'm already scheduled to return to teach again next year as well :-)

Interviewed on Inside Digital Photo

I was recently interviewed on the Inside Digital Photo podcast. I discussed my recent trip along Route 66 and a few new developments related to PhotoshopWorld.

I survived the fun that is Las Vegas

While in Las Vegas, I've photographed the Neon Graveyard, shot models in multiple locations and have had a great time hanging out with a bunch of friends.

Today, I'll be driving from Indianapolis, IN to Nashville, TN where I'll be leaving the bus for a while while I fly out for additional adventures.

The photo above was taken by Chris Orwig while we were exploring the Neon Graveyard in Las Vegas (thanks Russell Brown for the invite). I haven't had a chance to process any of the shots I took at that location. I can't wait to see what I captured since it was an amazing location to shoot.

Exploring Minneapolis, MN

Today, I cruised around Minneapolis while some of my buddies were out golfing. I shot my old neighborhood, the newly collapsed bridge and a few other areas.

The photo above was taken on Central Ave. in Northeast Minneapolis. Tonight is my friend's Bachelor's party and then I'll head to Las Vegas in the morning.