Thursday, April 25, 2013

Thoughtful Thursday Quote: April 25, 2013

Henry Wessel, Jr. is an American photographer noted for his often black and white photographs of plebian scenes in the American West.  His famous use of a Leica with a 28mm lens and Tri-X film over all the years that he shot, lead to a deep understanding of how the light in his photographs would work with the subjects, film, and paper used to finally transmit his ideas.

Today's Thoughtful Thursday photograph quote is in honor of some of his greatest works.

Henry Wessel Photography Quote on See You Behind the Lens by Dakota Visions Photography LLC

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by Richard Stinson

Sunday, April 21, 2013

In My Own Words: Baby Tatanka, Part II

Baby Tatanka has lots of new friends and cousins.  A week ago, Baby Tatanka was pretty lonely being one of the few American Bison (or buffalo) calves to have been born this spring calving season.  Now, after a drive through Custer State Park yesterday, Baby Tatanka has at least 3 dozen new friends and relatives to play with.  Calving season is well on it's way.  So we hope you enjoy the second part of this series, and don't forget to check out Part I of this story here.

On a dreary, overcast day in the Black Hills of South Dakota, we couldn't resist getting out to at least see how the new little ones were doing in Custer State Park.  Well, to our amazement, they are doing quite well! There is a lot of activity on the prairie, and we tried to capture some of the essence of what it is like to be in Custer State Park during this wonderful time of spring, rejuvenation, and new life.

Baby Tatanka Part II: New born buffalo calves in Custer State Park by Dakota Visions Photography LLC

The hillsides are dotted with new families beginning to form.  When the bison begin calving, they generally head off to a side hill, or one away from the road traffic to birth.  Then after their calves are strong enough, they join back with the main herd.  We happened to find a little nursery on the hillside.

Baby Tatanka Part II: New born buffalo calves in Custer State Park by Dakota Visions Photography LLC

You know you are going to find "that calf" that is going to drive his mother crazy.  Here, you find him asking for a little drink for himself, but this bison cow was having no part of his little game.  She was constantly being teased by him, and continually had to give him the good ol' bison snort and shake of the horns to keep him away.

Baby Tatanka Part II: New born buffalo calves in Custer State Park by Dakota Visions Photography LLC

Baby Tatanka Part II: New born buffalo calves in Custer State Park by Dakota Visions Photography LLC

Finally a couple of pictures to leave you with that feeling of peace and understanding that comes with witnessing new birth and life.

Baby Tatanka Part II: New born buffalo calves in Custer State Park by Dakota Visions Photography LLC

And now it is time to say goodbye.  After all the running around today, it's always nice to take a nap and snuggle with Mom.  We hope you have enjoyed.

Baby Tatanka Part II: New born buffalo calves in Custer State Park by Dakota Visions Photography LLC

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by Richard Stinson

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Thoughtful Thursday Quote: April 18, 2013

Bill Brandt is considered to be one of the most influential and important British photographers of the 20th Century.  This Thoughtful Thursday quote came to us while we were researching the best way to create a photographic scene we've had in our mind lately.  We were reading up on all the rules, conventions, and the latest how-to's, when we realized we needed to follow our own gut.  Not be dictated to by other photographers.

While rules and conventions are important, it comes down to your own internal judgement and your own perspective in photography.  Sometimes the most beautiful photographs fly in the face of rules and conventions.

We hope you enjoy our latest Thoughtful Thursday quote.

Thoughtful Thursday Quote by Bill Brandt Photography is not a Sport Created by: Dakota Visions Photography LLC on www.seeyoubehindthelens.com


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Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Perfect B&W Mobile App for iPhone & iPad

onOne Software announces Perfect BW for iPhone and iPad Coming Soon by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com
onOne Software has announced Perfect B&W for iPhone® and iPad®, its first mobile photo effects app.  We are excited for the ability to create and share stunning black and white images wherever we are with our Apple® mobile devices.  With our success built around the desktop Perfect Photo Suite softtware, we are excited to join onOne Software in the mobile world of apps!

The one-tap presets in Perfect B&W for iPhone and iPad let you instantly get the looks of such renowned photographers such as Ansel Adams and Henri Cartier-Bresson, add the clarity and sharpness of HDR images, infuse the romance of vintage Hollywood, and more. They match presets available in onOne Software’s desktop version of Perfect B&W, letting users create the same look for their photos, regardless of the device.

For mobile photographers who want finer control, Perfect B&W for iPhone and iPad has advanced options for adding or adjusting glows, sharpening, toners, vignettes and more. Once a user has dialed in that special look, it can be saved as a preset that can be used again and again.


Key Features of Perfect B&W for iPhone & iPad
  • One-Tap Presets: Start with a collection of 18 presets that mimic classic black-and white photo techniques and toning processes. These presets can be previewed and applied on an image taken with the built-in camera, or instantly added to an image from the Camera Roll with a single tap. These presets match ones also found in onOne Software’s desktop version of Perfect B&W, making it easy for users to get the same styling, whether they’re on their iPhone, iPad, laptop, or desktop computer.
  • Advanced Adjustment Controls: Users can create their own monochromatic look with touch-sliders that adjust levels of brightness, contrast and detail; add the effect of color filters; replicate the look of sepia, copper, cyanotype, and selenium toners; and add grain, glow, vignettes, and more.
  • Save a Personal Preset: If a user makes personal adjustments to an existing preset or creates a unique look from scratch, they can save it as a preset, to use again and again.
  • In-App Camera: The convenient built-in camera integrates essential iOS camera tools, such as Auto Flash, AE/AF Lock, volume button shutter release, and utilizes both the standard and front-facing cameras. 

Image Credit: onOneSoftware.com

The app also includes the following features to help improve composition and image capture:
  • Live Preview: See your scene on your screen in black and white so you can stylize it on the spot. The Live Preview lets you see how a preset looks on your subject so you can select your favorite look before you even fire.
  • Rule of Thirds Grid: Select to show a 3x3 grid on your screen while you’re shooting so you can align your shot and create the right composition.
  • Shooting Modes: Choose between the Single Shot and Continuous Shooting modes. The Single Shot lets you take a picture and immediately start editing, while the Continuous Shooting mode lets you capture multiple shots, so you don’t miss a photo opp.
  • Auto Save Color: You can also keep a color version of each picture you take. Both the color and black and white versions will be saved into your Camera Roll for convenient, anytime access.
  • Social Media Sharing: Share your black and white masterpiece with friends, family, and fans by posting them directly to Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, or send them via email—straight from the Perfect B&W for iPhone or iPad.

Availability
Perfect B&W for iPhone and iPad will be available on the Apple App Store in mid-April. It will
be priced at $1.99.  We'll be sure to announce when it is available on the Apple App Store!  We can't wait to have the versatility of mobile & desktop versions of one of our favorite software applications.

Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...  Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC.

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

New Perfect Photo Suite 7.5 Coming Soon!

We've always loved onOne Software's Perfect Photo Suite because they are constantly working to make it better.  And once again, they have an exciting new update in the works.  The new version 7.5 is coming in May 2013, and it will be a free update for all Suite 7.X owners (including Premium, Lightroom & Aperture, and Standard Editions).

This update includes a great new feature - the Quick View Browser.  The new Quick View Browser will give you the ability to see all your images, effects, or presets in a full-screen gallery view.  This new feature should make it easier to browse your image folders and preview selected effects.  The update also includes new Red Eye reduction tools and a Clone Brush that will remove common distractions around photos.

Stay tuned for more improvements and features as onOne Software releases them.  Find out about them first, right here.

Lightroom 5 Compatibility and Free Presets

Have you caught the buzz and are using Lightroom 5 Public Beta already?  If you are, you will be glad to know that the new Perfect Photo Suite 7.5 version will work with Lightroom 5.  If you are using the new Lightroom 5 Public Beta already, take a peek at the new Lightroom 5 Spotlight Presets created by Matt Kloskowski and made available for free from onOne Software!

Download here.
(Note: These presets will only work with the LR5 Public Beta.)

onOne Loyalty Rewards Program

As if a new version with improvements and bug fixes wasn't enough, the great folks at onOne Software have also announced that they have started a new onOne Loyalty Rewards program.  Every month, owners of Perfect Photo Suite will receive free product add-ons such as presets, textures, backgrounds, and other creative assets that will expand your photo editing arsenal!  We loved this month's PhotoTools preset pack that included paint-in effects, portrait fixers, filters, borders, motion effects, and so much more.

Get Your Copy of Perfect Photo Suite Now!






Don't miss out on the latest advancements in photo editing by onOne Software.  There is no need to wait with these announcements.  The time to order is now.  Press on the banner to begin your experience with one of the most user-friendly photo editing software packages in the industry backed by some of the most well-respected photographers in the industry.  Become a part of the onOne family, today!

Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...  Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC.

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Saturday, April 13, 2013

In My Own Words: Baby Tatanka, Part I

"Hey there everyone, my name is Baby Tatanka!  I am an American Bison born in Custer State Park in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, but most people just call me a buffalo.  I was just born maybe a day or two ago.  This is all new to me, so I think I'm saying that right.  Well, here - this is me."

In My Own Words Baby Tatanka: A baby bison calf in Custer State Park by Dakota Visions Photography, LLC www.dakotavisions.com

"OK, let me tell you a little about myself first.  My mother carried me around inside of her for about 9 and a half months.  When I was born, I weighed around 40-50 pounds.  I'm one of the first baby calves to be born.  All my cousins will be born from now until June."

In My Own Words Baby Tatanka: A baby bison calf in Custer State Park by Dakota Visions Photography, LLC www.dakotavisions.com

"Hey there, big guy, back off.  I'm not a threat yet, but give me a few years."  

A bison's dominance is based upon its birth date.  The bison born earlier in the season are bound to be larger, thus exerting their dominance later as adults. 

"Yeah, so watch out for me later, mister!  Mom, don't move OK?!"

In My Own Words Baby Tatanka: A baby bison calf in Custer State Park by Dakota Visions Photography, LLC www.dakotavisions.com

"Yahoo!  Yippee!  Golly, this is fun."

The young bison calves will act much like young cattle.  Testing out their new legs and almost skipping across the prairie.

In My Own Words Baby Tatanka: A baby bison calf in Custer State Park by Dakota Visions Photography, LLC www.dakotavisions.com

"Oh, hey, there you are.  I almost forget you were still here.  Well, a little bit more about what you will see when you come watch me play around here at Custer State Park.  My mom will nurse me for at least 6 to 8 months.  All my cousins should be weaned by the time we have our first birthday.  Mom won't tell me, but I know that she is at least 3 years old but she can be up to 20-25 years old."

In My Own Words Baby Tatanka: A baby bison calf in Custer State Park by Dakota Visions Photography, LLC www.dakotavisions.com

"Don't tell her I said that though, OK?  Please?"  

"Hey, can you do this?  You forget, I'm still young and learning what all these body parts are for.  Come on, play with me!  Please?  There is no one else around and I want to play!" 

As the years progress for Baby Tatanka, the pounds and size will add up.  Adult females will weigh around 325 pounds and the males will be around that 425 pound range.

"Hey, sorry, Mom said we have to go now.  But tell all your friends about me.  I'm kind of lonely until all the rest of the kids are born.  Tell everyone to come and see me in Custer State Park.  I've got the best view of the Black Hills around here, and I'm cute.  Come on, admit it."

"Hey, Mom.  Slow down, I'm kind of hungry..."

We hope you enjoyed this encounter with Baby Tatanka.  Tatanka is the Lakota word for a male buffalo.  Check out some more of the Lakota language here.  Now, don't be shy and share Baby Tatanka's story with people that you know.  Give us a Pin, a Like, a Share, a Tweet or whatever you do - the buttons are right down below.  But most importantly, come see us in the most beautiful of South Dakota's state parks, Custer State Park.  

In My Own Words Baby Tatanka: A baby bison calf in Custer State Park by Dakota Visions Photography, LLC www.dakotavisions.com

"Bye, everyone!  Mom says, I have to go.  See you again soon!"

IMPORTANT UPDATE: There is now a Part II.  Baby Tatanka has lots of cousins now.  See more of these cute little buggers in Part II here.

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Credits: Wikipedia and the National Bison Association

by Richard Stinson

Photo of the Day: Wind Cave National Park Elk

We couldn't pass up sharing this massive elk from Wind Cave National Park.  The majestic beast was wondering through the early spring grasses looking for its next meal.

Wind Cave National Park Elk by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

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Thursday, April 11, 2013

Thoughtful Thursday Quote: April 11 2013

This quote is really directed at ourselves, as we are just unpacking another new toy...

And like Ken Rockwell or hate him, he does have a very good reminder that we quoted for this week's Thoughtful Thursday quote.  While technology plays a very important part in our photography, it isn't everything.  Good observational skills, a creative mind, along with years of practice and study will help capture a much better photograph than a newbie on a $5,000 camera setup out for their first photo shoot.

Thoughtful Thursday Quote by Ken Rockwell on See You Behind the Lens... Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

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Saturday, April 6, 2013

Are You Stuck in 8X10-Land?

Are You Stuck in 8X10-Land? Bonus Material iPhone 4/4s/5 Wallpaper Downloads by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com
The audacity of our clients assuming they can 'lift' an image off our social media or portfolio website to put on their mobile phone OR WORSE - on their own social media.  They simply don't understand copyrights and assume its OK.  (Yes, that was dripping with sarcasm...)

Are you going to ask them to take it down?  Pay for the image?  Oh boy, that is a sure-fire way to start a sxxt-storm in social media feeds.  And to prosecute, it will take a lot of money from our own pocket and time off your hands.  So what do you do?  You just wallow in your own self-pity, and let it go.  No, you choose to do something about it, but what?

We live in a different world of youthful social media and technology savvy grandparents, have you stepped into the future with your own photography business or are you stuck in 8X10-land?

It doesn't take long browsing social media to realize that most people don't understand sizing and pixels per inch.  You find coarsely pixelated photos or obvious improperly sized photos that only show part of the image.  (We are sorry, Mr. Jobs for offending your retina.)

How much more could you add to your bottom line if you offered a social media or wallpaper package to your clients?  Think about it.  The little bit of extra work associated with re-sizing photos and with commonly available PSD templates, the little bit of extra work may pay off.

You could offer:

  • A Facebook package that includes a FB cover photo, profile photograph, and a timeline photo to your high school seniors
  • For your clients that are business owners, package together standardized web photo sizes for their website along with common banner sizes they can use for advertising their business
  • For your landscape or nature photography business, package common wallpaper sizes for desktops, iPads, and iPhones along with your print options for purchase along with your canvas and print options

The possibilities are infinite and may just allow you to break into a new group of fanatic followers.  Think of how many times you've looked at something on someone else's phone or iPad.  You noticed their wallpaper, right?  What an advertising opportunity, as well as a money maker.

Don't get stuck in 8X10-land.  Reach out to the potential of social media and the technology savvy world we live in by offering different media packages to your clients.

BONUS MATERIAL:
As we write this article, we are in the process of completing a set of common wallpaper sizes of our most popular photographs to add to our own portfolio site. (Right, practice what you preach!)  And to add to the bottom line by having them available for purchase at a nominal price.  So keep watching www.dakotavisions.com for more info.

And as a bonus, we've include links below to an iPhone wallpaper on us!  It's a redo of our popular, OVIS CANADENSIS photograph for iPhone 4/4s and iPhone 5.  We hope you enjoy.

Download the iPhone 4/4s wallpaper here.  (960 X 640 pixels at 326 pixels per inch)
Download the iPhone 5 wallpaper here.  (1136X640 pixels at 326 pixels per inch)

Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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Thursday, April 4, 2013

Thoughtful Thursday: April 4, 2013

Another Thursday, another thought for the day.  A sage piece of advice for photography and life.

Thoughtful Thursday Quote by Anais Nin posted on See You Behind the Lens... Dakota Visions Photography

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Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Do You Want That in Black & White or Color?

Sometimes you just have to ask - do you like it in Black & White?

Black & White Sunrise at Sylvan Lake by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com


Or do you like it better in color?

Sunrise at Sylvan Lake - HDR by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com


Leave us a comment below and let us know what you think. 

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