The Holiday period (aka Christmas) is coming fast, so I thought I would try and get some discussion going on what Photography gear you bought this year, would you recommend it, and what would you like to see in your gear collection from your loved ones!
Software
2008 Was a software year for me. I purchased a couple of Nix Software products
http://www.niksoftware.com
The Silver Efex is a must have if your into B&W. The use of U-point technology (an easy way of making local adjustments) is so simple and provides great control. The structure slider is an invaluable way of controlling those hard to manipulate mid-tones-your B&W images will now have more bite. Viveza is OK and something I need to use more, therefore I cant really make a solid recommendation on it. Color Efex Pro is something I bought but really didn't need. However, it does help with a few creative blocks and helping you work your way into how to present your photo's. Define 2.0 is a simple "set it and forgett it" Noise reduction. I have Noise Ninja, but found that it would over-cook my images on the default and camera profile settings. Define is a simple 3 step process of- measure-reduce-done! I havent tried Sharpner 3.0
Adobe CS4. Yes, I stumped up the Adobe tax! but I'm glad I did. CS4 is definitely faster, Thats a change, most software only gets faster when you upgrade hardware. CS4 was designed to run faster on todays systems. I am In love with the new dodge and burn tool-no more desaturation of images and gives great control. the new interface is a bit funky, but Ill get used to it. As a MAC user I really appreciate the new Windows type window-no more floating panels. Content Aware Scaling is a great way of cropping your image without loosing image size. Its not very intuitive to use, but you get used to it after a while.
Lightroom 2.0. I hate LR2. but I cant stop using It! I used to be a Rawshooter Pro user until Adobe bought them so as to create LR. I am not a big keyworder of flagger of photos, my file system enables me to work out what's where so all I need is a powerful RAW/DNG converter. The problem is, I am so used to using it (the perils of trial downloads) I cant switch.
Books
The 2 book digital photography series by Kelby are must haves.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Scott-Kelbys-Digital-Photography-Boxed-Set/Scott-Kelby/e/9780321603548/?itm=1
I hate to use the word 'Bible" but in this case its true. For me, they have become a study guide, when I have 5-10 mins I dip into them to refresh myself on best practices for my digital photogrpahy. They now come in a box set. If you dont have them-ask for them!
The Moment it Clicks by Joe McNally. Sorry-the most overhyped book of the year. I know most will disagree-but thats my opinion and Im sticking to it.
The Creative Digital Darkroom by Eisman and Dugan.
http://www.creativedigitaldarkroom.com/
If you are serious about your photography and Photoshop, you need this book. I wont go into details as to why-just buy it-if its not the best book you read about photoshop and creativity-Ill buy you a pint.
Chromasia Tutorials.
http://www.chromasia.com/tutorials/online/
Technically not a book-but a great series of tutorials from a very nice man-Oh, and a great photographer. You will definitely gain a better understanding of photoshop and photography skills as well.
Bag
http://products.lowepro.com/catalog/Sling-bags,4.htm
If you dont have a Slingshot from Lowepro-You haven't experienced the best bag for traveling light photography. The sling style enables you to open the bag, change lens, cards etc. in a way that ensures its done quickly, and safely.
Thats about all I bought this year. If I had to narrow it down to just 1 choice....It would be........Silver Efex Pro.
I would be interested to hear what you bought and what you would recommend.
Richard-The other one!
http://www.635images.com