Things for me - Photography
Photography
Online portfolio
Foliolink is an online portfolio-building tool specifically for photographers and artists who want to build professional portfolios and sell their work online effortlessly.
Zenfolio is an online tool that helps you make amazing online portfolios fast and painlessly. Whether you are photographer looking for building a stunning portfolio or a photographer serious about selling your work online, Zenfolio is the right choice for you.
500px is a personalized portfolio building tool and market platform for photographers to sell their work. This platform helps photographers to create online portfolios easily. In 500px, you maintain and control your site whenever you need and without having to touch any code. They provide their members with great features, such as, advanced tracking system of visitors, unlimited photos upload, custom domain name and a photo store that allows selling of photos online.
Editing software
Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 ( here )
iPad
Camera to iPad - Lightning to SH card camera reader
A portfolio of my work to include a running slideshow when that is appropriate.
Take notes on shoots and locations.
I don’t even attempt to do a serious edit with the iPad. If I think I’ll need to do on site editing I bring a laptop.
spend the extra money for the 3G/WIFI version - WIFI only is useless in the field.
Showing proofs to clients before leaving a shoot location.
Backup storage.
If you simply want to use the iPad as a portable storage and viewing device for your raw camera files, no additional apps are necessary, but you will need Apple's iPad Camera Connection Kit (CCK). You can transfer your photos (including supported raw files) to the iPad with the CCK and view them in the default Photos app. The CCK supports raw camera files from many cameras and is currently the most convenient way to get raw camera files onto the iPad.
But remember, if you are copying files to your iPad while traveling, you still need a second copy in order for it to be a true backup. If you have plenty of storage cards for your camera, you can keep copies on your cards, or you can use the iPad to upload the photos to an online storage service such as Dropbox, or directly to another computer using Cinq Photo.
After you have transferred photos to your iPad using the CCK, you may be wondering how you get them back off the iPad. You do this by connecting the iPad to a computer using the standard sync and charge cable that came with your iPad. When connected this way, the iPad appears as a removable drive in your file browser, just as if you had connected a camera or a card reader.
You can then copy the files over to your computer using the default file manager, or using the import function within your desktop software such as Lightroom or Bridge. The raw files will be just the same as if you can transferred them from your camera or storage card.
With an SD card or camera connected, the iPad's Photo app is automatically launched, from where you can select images to import, either as a batch, or individually.
Apps
Portfolio to Go (links to Flickr)
Square (Credit Card payments -iPad version has a couple of features the iPhone does not)
PS Express (for a quick edit/adjustment)
A Computer Spec Checklist For Digital Photographers
CPU Essentials: A dual core processor is crucial for a quality photo-editing computer. Most processors available in today’s marketplace have 2 processing cores, but single core models are still available. Cutting costs by buying a computer with a single core processor would likely result in a computer that’s not up to the task of handling your photo-editing needs.
All processors in today’s market could be considered “fast” for applications such as word processing. But, for photo-editing, you’ll want more than average speed. Modern processors are mostly running in the 2.2GHz to 3.2GHz speed range. Although this will be the most subjective of the recommendations that I’ll make, I would consider 3.0GHz to be the sweet spot for photo-editing.
In addition to dual core, there are 4, 6, and even 8 core CPUs available. A dual core processor is certainly sufficient for digital photography work. However, if you’d like to invest a little more cash in your CPU, and you use a program such as Photoshop, which can take advantage of multiple cores (or you also work with digital video), it’s worth considering a quad core model. I feel that the 6 and 8 core models add unnecessary expense for photographers, as these are really most important for 3D rendering applications and commercial network servers.
RAM Essentials: You can work fairly efficiently with 4GB RAM on both Windows and Mac OS X. However, be certain that your new computer can handle a total of 8GB of RAM. Although 4GB of RAM is optimal today, we don’t know exactly how much RAM will be needed for operating systems, applications, and files a couple of years down the road. But, history has taught us that RAM needs can be expected to increase, and quite possibly double, just a couple of years from now.
RAM Options: Many digital photographers also work with digital video. If your work involves editing large video files, 8GB is an appropriate amount of RAM. For future needs, be certain that your new computer can handle up to 16GB of RAM.
Hard Drive Essentials: Many new computers ship with a 320GB hard drive. However, the long term storage needs of a photographer are higher than that of a typical user, making a 500GB hard drive an essential component.
Hard Drive Options: Hard drives are now available in sizes up to 3TB (Terabytes). If you have the extra cash for additional hard drive space, a larger drive is a good investment. This is particularly important if you also use your digital camera to record digital video.
Back-Up Essentials: Your back-up drive should be able to store at least as many Gigabytes as your main drive. I also recommend that your external drive have a power switch, so that you can turn it off when you’re not performing a back-up. When an external drive is turned on and connected to your system, it’s vulnerable to attack from malicious software. A simple on and off switch will help keep your drive safe.
Back-Up Options: Although your back-up drive should be at least the same capacity as your main hard drive, it’s worth considering an even higher capacity back-up drive. Back-up programs sometimes store multiple copies of files, particularly open files, so extra space might be needed. A computer security specialist would tell you at this point that it’s best to have 2 back-up copies of each internal hard drive. Obviously, this is not a practical expense for most users. However, having a second back-up drive, and storing it in a place safe from fire, water and theft, does provide the ultimate in security.
Panel Essentials: Any modern computer will ship with multiple USB 2.0 slots. However, since you’ll likely be connecting your camera to your computer on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to make certain that at least two of these slots are located on the computer.
Panel Options: Additional options will depend on your specific equipment and work preference. For example, if you have a video camera that connects to your computer via Firewire, you may want to make certain that a front Firewire slot is available. Also, if you prefer to remove your memory device (such as your SD Card) from your camera, and connect it directly to your computer, be sure that there’s a front SD Memory Card slot available on your new computer.
Expansion Slots
Oddly, expansion slots are the least discussed selling point of new computers. But, when it comes to “future-proofing” your new system (so that it won’t be outdated in a year), absolutely nothing is more important. If a new technology becomes available, or if you want to add a new feature, expansion slots allow you to plug a new part into your system, instead of buying a new computer.
Expansion Slot Essentials: Many store bought computers do not ship with a dedicated graphics card (graphics are instead handled by the CPU or the motherboard). Photo editors are beginning to be able to send processing streams to the graphics card instead of to the CPU, freeing the CPU to handle other data (such as running the operating system, and operating background applications like antivirus and firewall programs). As this trend increases, and photo editors are able to send more data processing tasks to the graphics card, you may be interested in adding a dedicated graphics card to your system. To do so, you’ll need an available x16 expansion slot, namely a PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot.
Expansion Slot Options: If you’re a digital photographer who also does a significant amount of work with digital video, a dedicated graphics card (pre-installed in the x16 graphics card slot) should be considered a necessity.
In addition to an x16 graphics card slot, one or two smaller PCI Express 2.0 slots (such as x1 and x4 slots) can be a useful. These extremely fast expansion adapters can be useful for adding new technologies, such as USB 3 and SATA III, to your computer. An x1 slot can support an add-on card providing bandwidth for a single USB 3 or SATA III connection, an x4 slot can provide bandwidth for four USB 3 and/or SATA III connections (more on USB 3 and SATA III below).
What About the Cloud?
People have spilled lot of virtual ink discussing whether to back up data to cloud storage. I don’t use cloud storage for general backups--it’s expensive and time-consuming. If you’re a subscriber to online photo sharing sites, though, you often can use such services as a kind of cloud backup just for your photos. For example, Flickr Pro costs only $20 per year, and allows unlimited uploads of full-resolution images.
Online portfolio
Foliolink is an online portfolio-building tool specifically for photographers and artists who want to build professional portfolios and sell their work online effortlessly.
Zenfolio is an online tool that helps you make amazing online portfolios fast and painlessly. Whether you are photographer looking for building a stunning portfolio or a photographer serious about selling your work online, Zenfolio is the right choice for you.
500px is a personalized portfolio building tool and market platform for photographers to sell their work. This platform helps photographers to create online portfolios easily. In 500px, you maintain and control your site whenever you need and without having to touch any code. They provide their members with great features, such as, advanced tracking system of visitors, unlimited photos upload, custom domain name and a photo store that allows selling of photos online.
Editing software
Adobe Photoshop Elements 11 ( here )
iPad
Camera to iPad - Lightning to SH card camera reader
A portfolio of my work to include a running slideshow when that is appropriate.
Take notes on shoots and locations.
I don’t even attempt to do a serious edit with the iPad. If I think I’ll need to do on site editing I bring a laptop.
spend the extra money for the 3G/WIFI version - WIFI only is useless in the field.
Showing proofs to clients before leaving a shoot location.
Backup storage.
If you simply want to use the iPad as a portable storage and viewing device for your raw camera files, no additional apps are necessary, but you will need Apple's iPad Camera Connection Kit (CCK). You can transfer your photos (including supported raw files) to the iPad with the CCK and view them in the default Photos app. The CCK supports raw camera files from many cameras and is currently the most convenient way to get raw camera files onto the iPad.
But remember, if you are copying files to your iPad while traveling, you still need a second copy in order for it to be a true backup. If you have plenty of storage cards for your camera, you can keep copies on your cards, or you can use the iPad to upload the photos to an online storage service such as Dropbox, or directly to another computer using Cinq Photo.
After you have transferred photos to your iPad using the CCK, you may be wondering how you get them back off the iPad. You do this by connecting the iPad to a computer using the standard sync and charge cable that came with your iPad. When connected this way, the iPad appears as a removable drive in your file browser, just as if you had connected a camera or a card reader.
You can then copy the files over to your computer using the default file manager, or using the import function within your desktop software such as Lightroom or Bridge. The raw files will be just the same as if you can transferred them from your camera or storage card.
With an SD card or camera connected, the iPad's Photo app is automatically launched, from where you can select images to import, either as a batch, or individually.
Apps
Portfolio to Go (links to Flickr)
Square (Credit Card payments -iPad version has a couple of features the iPhone does not)
PS Express (for a quick edit/adjustment)
A Computer Spec Checklist For Digital Photographers
CPU Essentials: A dual core processor is crucial for a quality photo-editing computer. Most processors available in today’s marketplace have 2 processing cores, but single core models are still available. Cutting costs by buying a computer with a single core processor would likely result in a computer that’s not up to the task of handling your photo-editing needs.
All processors in today’s market could be considered “fast” for applications such as word processing. But, for photo-editing, you’ll want more than average speed. Modern processors are mostly running in the 2.2GHz to 3.2GHz speed range. Although this will be the most subjective of the recommendations that I’ll make, I would consider 3.0GHz to be the sweet spot for photo-editing.
In addition to dual core, there are 4, 6, and even 8 core CPUs available. A dual core processor is certainly sufficient for digital photography work. However, if you’d like to invest a little more cash in your CPU, and you use a program such as Photoshop, which can take advantage of multiple cores (or you also work with digital video), it’s worth considering a quad core model. I feel that the 6 and 8 core models add unnecessary expense for photographers, as these are really most important for 3D rendering applications and commercial network servers.
RAM Essentials: You can work fairly efficiently with 4GB RAM on both Windows and Mac OS X. However, be certain that your new computer can handle a total of 8GB of RAM. Although 4GB of RAM is optimal today, we don’t know exactly how much RAM will be needed for operating systems, applications, and files a couple of years down the road. But, history has taught us that RAM needs can be expected to increase, and quite possibly double, just a couple of years from now.
RAM Options: Many digital photographers also work with digital video. If your work involves editing large video files, 8GB is an appropriate amount of RAM. For future needs, be certain that your new computer can handle up to 16GB of RAM.
Hard Drive Essentials: Many new computers ship with a 320GB hard drive. However, the long term storage needs of a photographer are higher than that of a typical user, making a 500GB hard drive an essential component.
Hard Drive Options: Hard drives are now available in sizes up to 3TB (Terabytes). If you have the extra cash for additional hard drive space, a larger drive is a good investment. This is particularly important if you also use your digital camera to record digital video.
Back-Up Essentials: Your back-up drive should be able to store at least as many Gigabytes as your main drive. I also recommend that your external drive have a power switch, so that you can turn it off when you’re not performing a back-up. When an external drive is turned on and connected to your system, it’s vulnerable to attack from malicious software. A simple on and off switch will help keep your drive safe.
Back-Up Options: Although your back-up drive should be at least the same capacity as your main hard drive, it’s worth considering an even higher capacity back-up drive. Back-up programs sometimes store multiple copies of files, particularly open files, so extra space might be needed. A computer security specialist would tell you at this point that it’s best to have 2 back-up copies of each internal hard drive. Obviously, this is not a practical expense for most users. However, having a second back-up drive, and storing it in a place safe from fire, water and theft, does provide the ultimate in security.
Panel Essentials: Any modern computer will ship with multiple USB 2.0 slots. However, since you’ll likely be connecting your camera to your computer on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to make certain that at least two of these slots are located on the computer.
Panel Options: Additional options will depend on your specific equipment and work preference. For example, if you have a video camera that connects to your computer via Firewire, you may want to make certain that a front Firewire slot is available. Also, if you prefer to remove your memory device (such as your SD Card) from your camera, and connect it directly to your computer, be sure that there’s a front SD Memory Card slot available on your new computer.
Expansion Slots
Oddly, expansion slots are the least discussed selling point of new computers. But, when it comes to “future-proofing” your new system (so that it won’t be outdated in a year), absolutely nothing is more important. If a new technology becomes available, or if you want to add a new feature, expansion slots allow you to plug a new part into your system, instead of buying a new computer.
Expansion Slot Essentials: Many store bought computers do not ship with a dedicated graphics card (graphics are instead handled by the CPU or the motherboard). Photo editors are beginning to be able to send processing streams to the graphics card instead of to the CPU, freeing the CPU to handle other data (such as running the operating system, and operating background applications like antivirus and firewall programs). As this trend increases, and photo editors are able to send more data processing tasks to the graphics card, you may be interested in adding a dedicated graphics card to your system. To do so, you’ll need an available x16 expansion slot, namely a PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot.
Expansion Slot Options: If you’re a digital photographer who also does a significant amount of work with digital video, a dedicated graphics card (pre-installed in the x16 graphics card slot) should be considered a necessity.
In addition to an x16 graphics card slot, one or two smaller PCI Express 2.0 slots (such as x1 and x4 slots) can be a useful. These extremely fast expansion adapters can be useful for adding new technologies, such as USB 3 and SATA III, to your computer. An x1 slot can support an add-on card providing bandwidth for a single USB 3 or SATA III connection, an x4 slot can provide bandwidth for four USB 3 and/or SATA III connections (more on USB 3 and SATA III below).
What About the Cloud?
People have spilled lot of virtual ink discussing whether to back up data to cloud storage. I don’t use cloud storage for general backups--it’s expensive and time-consuming. If you’re a subscriber to online photo sharing sites, though, you often can use such services as a kind of cloud backup just for your photos. For example, Flickr Pro costs only $20 per year, and allows unlimited uploads of full-resolution images.