Excellent Site

[David]

I've used this site on several occasions in the past and believe the tutorials to be some of the best on the Web. The forum development is a great addition. I notice that discussion of post-processing of images normally refers to techniques available with Adobe Photoshop. While I understand the importance of this software, particularly as an industry standard and a common base for image processing, there are other powerful packages that many photographers use. Perhaps it would be useful to develop a links section to some of these and to related software such as used for printing. I have some small knowledge of The Gimp as a general processing package (on Windows), of Qimage (a substantial printing package), of HDR software including Photomatix Pro and Qtpfsgui, and of the recent "re-focusing" software such as Focus Magic. I would be willing to help, if I can, any members trying to use these programs.

Again, congratulations on this site and its development.

David

[McQ]

Thanks for the feedback, David, and also for your offer to help other members looking to explore software options beyond Photoshop. I have tried Qimage, Photomatrix Pro and Gimp at different stages, but am certainly most proficient with Photoshop, which is really the only reason that I use it as a reference when talking about image processing. There's really no reason otherwise, although I have been trying to keep the discussions as software-independent as possible (such as with the unsharp mask and local contrast enhancement tutorials). What do you have in mind with regards to other image processing software? Replying to specific questions or providing a how to post? Please let me know if you have a specific idea for this.

[xeliex]

Thanks for that post David.

I know that the Gimp has quite a bit of users but I personally have never tried it.
I have tried Photomatix, and I still use it almost everytime over Photoshop when I want to process HDR images.

I didn't even know that re-focusing software existed! I am checking out Focus Magic now. Seems very interesting to say the least.

Welcome to the forums.

[David]

Thanks for your comment Xeliex. Regarding refocusing software, Focus Magic is the only commercial, free-standing package that I have come across as yet, but the GIMP has a plugin, called Refocus, that carries out much the same functions. Refocus software apears to use Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) convolution techniques to refocus out-of-focus images, or to sharpen gaussian blurs. I think it is the incorporation of FFT into "simple" plugins that has been the limiting factor up until recently. For obviouly unfocused images, I have found both Focus Magic and the GIMP's Refocus can, with care and patience, produce dramatic results. In addition, you can use this type of software simply as a different means of sharpening a normal image, as per unsharp masks or high pass filters.

David

[David]

Hi McQ

Thanks for your reply. I had in mind answering specific questions, if I can. However, if there was sufficient interest, futher approaches could be developed. I am conscious that this is primarily a site for photography and I agree with you that a "software independent" approach would be preferred. On the other hand, I know from forums on other sites that sometimes a post on something specific can bring quick answers from another member.

David

[McQ]

PS: Welcome to the forums David!

[_GUI_]

I join David in congratulating the webmaster. This is one of the most well informed digital photography places you can find in the Internet, that's why I always recommend it when someone is asking for a good source of information.

I would insist in two features I didn't find in some other sites that make this one different and unique IMO:

- It covers a wide range of knowledge: articles start from a fairly low degree suitable for most new digital photographers, but reach a fairly high level in technical detail. There are a lot of basic websites, and also some very advanced, but few that fill the gap as well as yours.
- Articles are pleasant to be read: your articles are carefully written, easy to follow and are kept SHORT enough so that the reader can never get tired of entirely reading them.

BR

[McQ]

Hi _GUI_, welcome to the forums and thanks for the recent contributions. I am glad that all these hard hours on the website have been useful

[manis]

Hi all,

I join to David's congratulations for your exellent site. The tutorials are very interesting, easy to understand and well written and the pictures of your gallery are stunning.

The introduction of a discussion forum is a great idea and I would like to see a new section dedicated not to the tech aspects of photography, but to photography culture in general. I mean a section to discuss about famous photographers and their works, about trends in photography, about books, exhibitions and so on.
What do you think about it ?

Ciao,

Fabrizio

[willgoss]

I find this site Excellent and offer my congratulations....
I especially appreciate the ease of, and display quality of uploaded photos.....
The technical discussion are excellent....
I also appreciate the high level of members commenting....

I too would like a discussion forum discussing special pictures and great photographers....It might be possible to have Photo or Photographer of the week.....with connection to an external site....

Having many years of 35 MM SLR film work (back when only large format was professional)....but I have slowly reverted to make it fun, keep it simple and stick with the basics.

[Raycer]

Thanks McQ,

IMO, this site is this best digital photography webpage any where. I have seen sites that go into so much detail that I need to bring out several math text books. You make learning easy with all the examples and simple explanations. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge.

And your pictures are breathtaking and inspirational. I can’t wait to see more pictures from you.

Cheers
Ray