Topaz DeNoise 6 released
I have tried all of the noise reduction software and Topaz DeNoise has always been the best (there are a few programs equally good at reducing noise, but they also reduce detail and result in a less sharp albeit less noisy photo)
Today Topaz is releasing Topaz DeNoise 6, an updated version of their noise reduction software, complete with new features. As always, the update is free to anyone who already owns DeNoise. And for those who don’t own it, DeNoise 6 will be on sale ($30 off!) from February 24th – March 20th. coupon code "NOISEFREE" to take advantage of the discounted price of $49.99 (regularly $79.99).
Topaz DeNoise is designed to let you shoot anywhere in any light and still get crisp, clear and noise-free images. Specializing in extremely noisy high ISO images, DeNoise removes distracting image noise while preserving image detail, giving you the image you wanted without the noise you don’t.
Major features introduced in Topaz DeNoise 6 include:
• Standalone Application - DeNoise 6 now works as a standalone product and doesn’t require a host editor to work. Although it can still be used as a plugin through Photoshop, Lightroom, and other supported host programs.
• Camera Specific Presets - DeNoise 6 introduces dozens of presets based on various camera profiles, with multiple ISO presets for each camera.
• Batch Processing (in standalone mode only) - DeNoise 6 introduces batch processing, allowing you to process a whole folder of images at once. That means no more need for Photoshop actions! Note that batch processing is only available in the standalone version, not the plugin version.
• Support for High DPI (4k) monitors in Windows 7/8/10
http://tinyurl.com/topaz-denoise6
Welcome to our Blog! We love any chance to take photographs, as well as talk about and teach photography! Photography gives us superpowers, lol, we can freeze time. We are dedicated to teaching camera and post-processing photography. We enjoy all aspects of photography and are excited to share what we know with you -- to inspire you. We use this blog to share our upcoming Workshops, Classes, Tours, newly created photographs, photo ops, photography/post-processing tips, software updates, etc.
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Thursday, February 18, 2016
CAN/AM Photo Expo
CAN/AM Photo Expo. April 8, 9, 10, 2016. Buffalo Niagara Marriott, Buffalo, NY
Join us for three days of photography education with the industry’s top photographers, including Speakers from throughout the country: Matt Kloskowski, Ellen Anon, Denis Reggie, Mark Bowie, Fay Sirkis, Lisa Cuchara, James Schnelzer, Jeff Allen, Denis Reggie, James Schmelzer, Rick Friedman, Ron Magill, Mary Lou Frost, Cheryl Belczak, Ray Sopczuk, William Potter, John Walrath
and more!
We will have model shoots and other photo opportunities, a trade show, conference workshops in a variety of levels that will appeal to all photographers from beginner to professional, as well as print and slide salons.
EVENTS AT THE EXPO: Hands on Workshops, Photoshoots, Print and Digital Image Salons, Trade Show, NFRCC Golden Horseshoe Competition, Awards Celebration and Gala, After Hours Party.
Register online at http://www.canamphotoexpo.com/store. The CanAm Photo Expo registration is now open. Your convention pass gets you full access to all of our fantastic speakers, access to the print salon judging, the Golden Horseshoe Competition, photo shoots, hands on workshops, awards presentation and gala as well as the trade show.
Our Classes:
Friday
“Macro and Closeup photography” a photography program by Lisa Cuchara
Learn to see, be see we mean notice the “everyday details” around us all the time. This program will introduce the equipment and techniques needed to photograph the beauty and drama of the closeup and macro world. Discover another universe, the small world. We will discuss the technical, aesthetic, and creative aspects of Closeup and Macro Photography. We will discuss tools that could be used to capture and light small objects: tripods, macro rails, macro lenses, zoom lenses with macro capability, extension tubes, macro diopters, the Canon 500D close-up lens, focus stacking, etc. This presentation will concentrate on “Closeup and Macro Photography for flowers and critters”
Saturday
“Working with Light Tents” a photography program by Lisa Cuchara
Learn about lighting flowers, macro, still-life, critters, etc. using a light tent. Presented at the 2nd annual Mike Moats Macro Conference October 2015
“Non-critters/non-Flower closeup and Macro Photography” a photography program by Lisa and Tom Cuchara.
This is a variation of our program “For the love of Rust, Dirt, Dust” a program about our approach to historic and abandoned buildings, urban decay, etc. This program is about seeing and finding the “trees in the forest” so to speak and telling the story thru closeups and details found at the location. HDR, EDR and light painting will also be discussed in this program.
“Post-processing: Applying Textures to photographs of closeup subjects, flowers, critter, gears, etc.” a photography program by Lisa Cuchara
Lisa will discuss the basics of textures and then go into Photoshop and demonstrate textures using some closeup and macro images. What is a texture? We know texture when we see it, but when we refer to a “Texture” as photographic tool we mean a photograph that is placed on top of another photograph and then “blended” or adjusted to affect how it is portrayed. “Textures” can be just that, photographs of rust, peeling paint, old paper, etc., but they can also be clouds, bokeh, bubbles, water drops, wallpaper, walls, words, old letters, grass, etc. The specific texture that you pick will affect how your photograph underneath looks, but you have additional choices by changing the blending mode (there are 20 blend mode, but a handful that are commonly used when blending textures) for that texture later. Changing the blending modes alters the way that particular texture interacts with the photograph underneath. Join Lisa Cuchara as she shows you how to edit some of your photographs to give them a different feel by applying textures to them. Textures can add a mood or a feel to an image; making the photograph softer, warmer, grungier, older, etc. In this intermediate workshop (assumes knowledge of layers and masks) Lisa will show you how to collect your own textures, how to use textures, how to remove textures from part of an image, how to remove color from a texture and change the color of the texture and how to prevent the texture from affecting of the photograph below while leaving the color.
Sunday
— two sessions of a hands on macro shooting workshop
We will bring some items to be photographed. We would also bring some textures to shoot so participants can take home some of their own texture photos to use. We will work with participants for the duration of the macro workshop, exposure, depth of field, exploring tripod use, lens choice, creative in camera techniques, etc.
Join us for three days of photography education with the industry’s top photographers, including Speakers from throughout the country: Matt Kloskowski, Ellen Anon, Denis Reggie, Mark Bowie, Fay Sirkis, Lisa Cuchara, James Schnelzer, Jeff Allen, Denis Reggie, James Schmelzer, Rick Friedman, Ron Magill, Mary Lou Frost, Cheryl Belczak, Ray Sopczuk, William Potter, John Walrath
and more!
We will have model shoots and other photo opportunities, a trade show, conference workshops in a variety of levels that will appeal to all photographers from beginner to professional, as well as print and slide salons.
EVENTS AT THE EXPO: Hands on Workshops, Photoshoots, Print and Digital Image Salons, Trade Show, NFRCC Golden Horseshoe Competition, Awards Celebration and Gala, After Hours Party.
Register online at http://www.canamphotoexpo.com/store. The CanAm Photo Expo registration is now open. Your convention pass gets you full access to all of our fantastic speakers, access to the print salon judging, the Golden Horseshoe Competition, photo shoots, hands on workshops, awards presentation and gala as well as the trade show.
Our Classes:
Friday
“Macro and Closeup photography” a photography program by Lisa Cuchara
Learn to see, be see we mean notice the “everyday details” around us all the time. This program will introduce the equipment and techniques needed to photograph the beauty and drama of the closeup and macro world. Discover another universe, the small world. We will discuss the technical, aesthetic, and creative aspects of Closeup and Macro Photography. We will discuss tools that could be used to capture and light small objects: tripods, macro rails, macro lenses, zoom lenses with macro capability, extension tubes, macro diopters, the Canon 500D close-up lens, focus stacking, etc. This presentation will concentrate on “Closeup and Macro Photography for flowers and critters”
Saturday
“Working with Light Tents” a photography program by Lisa Cuchara
Learn about lighting flowers, macro, still-life, critters, etc. using a light tent. Presented at the 2nd annual Mike Moats Macro Conference October 2015
“Non-critters/non-Flower closeup and Macro Photography” a photography program by Lisa and Tom Cuchara.
This is a variation of our program “For the love of Rust, Dirt, Dust” a program about our approach to historic and abandoned buildings, urban decay, etc. This program is about seeing and finding the “trees in the forest” so to speak and telling the story thru closeups and details found at the location. HDR, EDR and light painting will also be discussed in this program.
“Post-processing: Applying Textures to photographs of closeup subjects, flowers, critter, gears, etc.” a photography program by Lisa Cuchara
Lisa will discuss the basics of textures and then go into Photoshop and demonstrate textures using some closeup and macro images. What is a texture? We know texture when we see it, but when we refer to a “Texture” as photographic tool we mean a photograph that is placed on top of another photograph and then “blended” or adjusted to affect how it is portrayed. “Textures” can be just that, photographs of rust, peeling paint, old paper, etc., but they can also be clouds, bokeh, bubbles, water drops, wallpaper, walls, words, old letters, grass, etc. The specific texture that you pick will affect how your photograph underneath looks, but you have additional choices by changing the blending mode (there are 20 blend mode, but a handful that are commonly used when blending textures) for that texture later. Changing the blending modes alters the way that particular texture interacts with the photograph underneath. Join Lisa Cuchara as she shows you how to edit some of your photographs to give them a different feel by applying textures to them. Textures can add a mood or a feel to an image; making the photograph softer, warmer, grungier, older, etc. In this intermediate workshop (assumes knowledge of layers and masks) Lisa will show you how to collect your own textures, how to use textures, how to remove textures from part of an image, how to remove color from a texture and change the color of the texture and how to prevent the texture from affecting of the photograph below while leaving the color.
Sunday
— two sessions of a hands on macro shooting workshop
We will bring some items to be photographed. We would also bring some textures to shoot so participants can take home some of their own texture photos to use. We will work with participants for the duration of the macro workshop, exposure, depth of field, exploring tripod use, lens choice, creative in camera techniques, etc.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
The ultimate keyboard shortcut cheat sheet for Photoshop and Lightroom.
The ultimate keyboard shortcut cheat sheet for Photoshop and Lightroom. If you’re interested in a high-res PDF, you can nab them here: PHOTOSHOP | LIGHTROOM
Via Make A Website Hub
Via Make A Website Hub
Friday, January 15, 2016
Local Photographers Attends International Photographic Convention
Local Photographers Attends
International Photographic Convention
New things are in store for clients of
BREAPhotos.com and PhotographybyLisaandTom.com after Lisa and Tom
Cuchara 's attendance at Imaging USA.
Hamden CT — Lisa and
Tom Cuchara of BREAPhotos.com and PhotographybyLisaandTom.com in
Hamden expanded their skills by attending Imaging USA, the premier
professional photographic convention in the United States. They
joined thousands of industry professionals attending this event
January 10-12, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. Lisa states “I got to see
live demonstrations of equipment, such as the Westcott eyelighter
which I purchased in order to enhance the quality of lighting and
catchlights for our headshots. I also learned a few tricks to help
with portraits of both furry and non-furry subjects.”
Imaging USA is the
longest-running international photographic convention, tradeshow and
image exhibition in the world. The event dates back to 1869, when PPA
began organizing its annual convention and tradeshow, ran by
professional photographers for professional photographers. “Over
the years, we have attended many conventions, but the highlight of
each year was and still is attending Imaging USA,” adds PPA
President Michael Timmons, M.Photog.M.Artist.Cr., CPP, F-ASP. “The
education everyone has access to here is nearly unlimited, from
speaker after speaker presenting their messages, to when friends come
together and share.”
More than 10,000
photography enthusiasts descended upon Atlanta for three days of
photography education and inspiration as well as some exclusive
photography-related shopping. Highlights of this year’s event
included the three-day Imaging Expo tradeshow, featuring more than
600 booths, giving photographers the opportunity to demo and purchase
the latest products at deeply discounted and tradeshow-only prices.
The event also hosted more than one hundred speeches, presentations
and hands-on demonstrations by some of the most respected names in
the industry. Photographers also found mentoring opportunities,
portfolio reviews and 10,000+ photographers to network with and
create career-spanning relationships—a real bonus for
photographers, who typically work for themselves. The photography
learning and networking extravaganza helps photographers like Lisa
Cuchara become better photographers and businesspeople, allowing them
to better serve their clients in the process. For more information on
Imaging USA visit ImagingUSA.org. To learn about booking your next
photography session with us, visit BREAPhotos.com and PhotographybyLisaandTom.com.
About PPA: Professional
Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest international nonprofit
association created by professional photographers, for professional
photographers. Almost as long-lived as photography itself, PPA’s
roots date back to 1869. It assists more than 28,500 members through
protection, education and resources for their continued success. See
how PPA helps photographers be more at PPA.com. Contact: Lisa Cuchara
203-2880-8151 BREAPhotos@comcast.net or
PhotographybyLisaandTom@comcast.net
Thursday, January 14, 2016
PHOTOGRAPHY WITH TLC (TOM AND LISA CUCHARA)
PHOTOGRAPHY WITH TLC (TOM AND LISA CUCHARA)
- Workshops (learn about photography and/or post-processing) and Photo tours (come with us to photo shoots at interesting places)
- Programs and Speaking Events (we would love to present at your conference, club or organization)
- Creative Images
- Urban Exploration, Old Cars, and other interesting locations (we have a lust for rust!)
- Nature (Birds, Critters, FROGS, Landscapes)
- Families, Parties, Family Reunions, etc.
- Weddings, Engagements, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Quinceañeras, Sweet16, and other Events
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Lisa Earn HonNEC
Lisa Cuchara, PhD, MNEC, was recently recognized by the New England Camera Club Council for her superior photographic leadership. Lisa, who teaches Biomedical photography and is the QU photography club advisor, was awarded HonNEC (Honorary Member, New England Camera Club Council). HonNEC is awarded for superior leadership in the operation of our Council and superior photographic leadership in the New England area. For achieving substantial and outstanding recognition in the field of photography through activities for a minimum of ten years through lecturing, judging, writing, and administrative activities in the New England area.
Lisa received the designation of HonNEC “For her outstanding dedication to New England Camera Club Council using her extensive organizational skills and knowledge to serve as its blog master, social media liaison, webmaster and executive board member; for her longstanding continued service in many diverse roles for New Haven Camera Club, Connecticut Association of Photographers and Connecticut Professional Photographers Association; for her tireless efforts to promote the photographic arts; she routinely lectures for New England Camera Club Council and camera clubs in the New England area; she constantly provides formal and informal teaching leading classes in photography concepts in the classroom as well as in field workshops; for her role as a sought after judge providing dynamic and constructive critiques; for her photographic achievements and exemplary exhibition records. With her commitment and vast knowledge of photography, Lisa epitomizes the concept of the dedicated professional.”
This honor is limited to a maximum of two each year. Applicants are evaluated by a three-person honors committee and ratified by a quorum vote of the council. Honors are given out to the most deserving candidates, based on the applicants’ contributions to the New England photographic community. The presentation took place at the 70th Annual NECCC Conference, in the Fine Arts Auditorium on Saturday, July 18, 2015.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
photo contest winners
Photo Contest Winners! No doubt it wasn't easy choosing winners here. Ok, first to the winners, congratulations Lisa, Tom and Joseph! We received many great images from birds building nests and feeding young to birds seen visiting backyard feeders. The winning images along with about 50 others can be seen on the digital display at the shop. Truth is, we wish we had a lot more prizes! Speaking of prizes, a big thanks to Vortex and Aspects, two of our favorite suppliers for their help with these and other items celebrating our 20th anniversary! First Place and winner of a Diamondback 8x42 Binocular. Osprey with fish by Lisa Cuchara Tons of action with this beautiful osprey. Perfect wing position, great eye contact and what a catch. Congratulations Lisa! ![]() Second Place and winner of an Aspects antique brass feeder with tray. Tri-colored Heron by Tom Cuchara Photography is all about painting with light which can make or break an image. The warm soft buttery light on this just doesn't get any better. Congratulations Tom! ![]() |
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