How'd they do that?

This month's Arizona Highway Magazine, features work by Joel Grimes - click on menu option, then select Desert Life for more.

I really like these black and white shots, but I am curious, is there a way to replicate the B&W treatment with photo editing software?

I am thinking, change photo to sepia, then adjust saturation (decrease), then fine tune shadow/brightness.

Suggestions welcome.

Frame Your Shot

I know, this is nothing new, but I tried it out for the first time the other day. With a scrap mat board in hand, I used it to frame my shot. It actually worked for me. Why? It made me study the scene a little more than I'd normally would - I tend to looking through the view finder and snap away without giving too much thoughts to it.

Using this cutout, it actually made me study the composition a bit before I take the picture. I actually take the time to review it before I pick up my camera to try to replicate the shot.

One issue - I don't think this is good for action shots, :)

Protect your LCD

One thing about Nikon D70 is that it comes with this nice LCD protector. Mine is slightly scratched up now, but it's better than scratching up LCD.

The Pentax DL on the other hand, does not have this feature, so I use the Fellowes WriteRight to protec its LCD. My old cover is coming off, time for a little surgery.

I purchased a package of this WriteRight prodcut, and this is the third time I have to replace this cover on my DL.

The tools? Actually just a pair of scissors. The box cutter is there for support, :). Since this thing comes with grid line, it is easy to measure the size you need for your LCD. I alway cut it a little wider than the actual screen itself, this is to allow me to peel it off later on without using any special tools that may scratch the screen.

Cut out the material, and then lay it on the LCD screen one more time before you peel off the backing and expose the sticky side.

Voila! It's on the camera, for continous protection. The hardest part of this little project is actually get the darn bubbles out, :).

Total Time: 5 - 10 minutes.