There
is no such thing as the definitive piece of event photography software, event photographers use what suits them best
and the choice is as individual as the style of their photography, so just what are event photographers using?
Express
Digital
Without
a doubt the only PC software to be
designed from the ground up to suit the work of Event Photographers is Express
Digital that comes in a number of versions, 2 of which are the Core and Pro
versions. Core is a standalone version that allows the use of Chroma-Key (Green
Screen), templates for Logo overlays right up to complete magazine covers.
There is basic image editing available and it easily integrates with Photoshop
for more advanced editing.
On
the business front you can design print packages and set pricing, a fully
integrated system. One of the major advantages is that in minutes virtually
anybody can be taught the basic functionality that they need to know to start
selling your event photography
images. It is possible to use a multiple monitor setup whereby the customer
just sees the Image and the operator can see all their tools. Built in FTP, use
of Hot Folders as well as in-built camera tethering mean that you will never be
short of a way of getting images into the program.
The
nearest that you can get to this designed specifically for the Apple MAC is
TEPS-X
Adobe
Lightroom
With
the release of version 3 this is becoming extremely popular with a number of
event photographers. It is possible to set up a second monitor system similar
to express digital as well as the ability to configure print packages and
different page layouts. Whilst you cannot create a magazine template you can
easily configure it to overlay a corporate logo.
Lightroom
has one of the best auto white balance tools there is and if shooting under
difficult conditions such as indoor equestrian all it takes is one click to
quickly sort things out. This is where Lightroom scores over many other
programs, the power and accuracy of its editing tools are second to none. Want
a specific image effect, then just create one or download one of the many
available.
There
are other tools incorporated such as auto import and the ability to keyword as
the image is imported along with the ability to setup all sorts of level of
image export which is ideal for supplying digital media.
Looking
for something similar for a MAC then look at Aperture or Fotostation that is
available for both Windows and MAC.
Picassa
If
you want simplicity and you want it for free then you may just be surprised at
the ease with which you can integrate this FREE piece of software into your workflow. This does exactly what is required for
many event photographers and whilst it lacks the whistles and bells of the
expensive paid for software it is
very effective. Do you require to crop, or quickly change to black and white or
boost the contrast, well it can do that with ease. Available in both Windows
and MAC versions.
Photoshop
The
big daddy of Image Processing also has its place in event photography. The real trick is knowing how to harness the power
quickly and effectively for general use whilst leaving the power of a steam
hammer to crack the difficult problems. Photoshop users have always used
shortcut keys to speed up the workflow but hidden away is the ability to
program the function keys - set these up for quick access to the functions you
need and you are on your way. There is no other program to touch it when it
comes to recovering images but hopefully as a good event photographer such
incidents will be few and far between.
Filezilla
When
it comes to getting the image to the computer then filezilla is one of the most
commonly used FTP server programs that will allow easy connection with a
wireless transmitter. As a free piece of software
it does the job perfectly. Filezilla is also available as an FTP client if you
just want to upload images to a website or server.
There
are many similar programs such as Blackmoon FTP or Cute FTP.
Green
Screen Wizard
A
number of programs offer built in Chroma Key (Green Screen) such as Express
Digital or TEPS-X but none of these is as powerful as a dedicated piece of software such as Green Screen Wizard.
It is possible to create complete magazine templates including a number of
under-laid and overlaid layers. Recent additions have included the ability to
add in realistic shadows and an automated events mode.
A
well respected alternative is FX Pro
Boot
Camp
Like
the idea of running PC software on
your Apple MAC then what you need is an emulator and there is probably nothing
simpler than using Boot Camp which is included with recent versions of Apple
MAC operating systems.
Have
an older MAC OS then look at Parallels
Breeze
Systems
Not
a single piece of software but a
collection of programs written by Chris Breeze that includes Downloader Pro, a
utility that enables a photographer to automatically download, organize, and
rename images and image data. There are various pieces of software such as Nikon DSLR Control and Canon DSLR Control (DSLR
Remote Pro) which allow the control of a DSLR via a computer or Hotfolder
Prints that will automatically print any images loaded into the selected
folder. Add to this BreezeBrowser Pro which is an image viewing editing and
viewing utility and you have a comprehensive collection that can be employed in
various workflows.
Mike
Weeks is the founder of http://www.eventphotographersociety.co.uk the most
informative resource for event photographers.
If
you would like to know more about event photography
you should have a look at [http://eventphotographertraining.com] featuring news
and updates from some of the countries leading event photographers and the
world of event photography
Article
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5614331