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Digital Silver Imaging

It’s INFRARED season

April 10, 2010 by Digital Silver Imaging

Now that New England has finally thawed out, the trees are beginning to show signs of life and the warmer weather is bringing new growth.  For some, this is time to start gardening and preparing the lawn.  But for photographers, the photosynthesis and all that heat energy make us want to shoot infrared photographs.  Shooting in infrared is another way to create stunning black and white images.

© David Fronapfel

Once Kodak stopped making the infamous HIE-36 Infrared Film, many photographers were left with few choices to create infrared photographs.  Many people have tried to recreate the IR look in Photoshop, but these are not authentic infrared images. With the advent of digital cameras, many photographers are discovering that they can convert an older model digital camera to capture in true infrared. The IR blocking filter is removed from the camera’s digital sensor. It means that once the camera is converted, it becomes a dedicated IR camera. But, the advantage is that you don’t need any special filters on  the lens (like we did with film) and you can shoot at any ISO, handheld, and be able to see what you shot on your camera preview!  If you have a newer model DSLR with liveview, you can actually see the image before you shoot.

This year also marks the 100th anniversary of infrared photography.  The interest in this medium continues to grow and more photographers are looking to find reliable and affordable ways to convert their cameras to capture in infrared.  Digital Silver Imaging has been chosen by Precision Camera as their key partner in Infrared conversions.  Precision is able to provide top notch conversions with spectacular service and turn around times.  As their largest customer of infrared conversions, Digital Silver Imaging’s IR Conversion Service is competitively priced.  Compact cameras are only $149 and DSLR’s range from $299 -$349. We can convert in three different wavelengths, depending on the photographer’s interest.

The chart shows 2 different wavelengths, 665nm and 715nm.  The 715nm is your typical Infrared Conversion. It blocks wavelengths shorter than 715nm and allows those longer than 715nm to go through. It is a true Infrared filter that should primarily be used for B&W; photos, although very limited color Infrared pictures are possible. Conversions performed with the 715nm filter are capable of rendering beautiful and rich Black and White images with a dramatic Infrared look to them.

The 665nm is a specialized Infrared Conversion. It blocks Wavelengths shorter than 665nm and allows those longer than 665nm to go through. This conversion is especially well suited for color Infrared Photography because of its broader transmittance properties. With this conversion a more saturated color infrared image is possible. B&W; Infrared is also possible with the 665nm although the results will not be as dramatic as the 715nm.

The 830nm is also now available.  Deep Infrared Filter which allows for a very dramatic B&W; IR look. Not suitable for color work. Filter has a cutoff point of 830nm, which means that only wavelengths over 830nm will expose the sensor. Since visible light cuts off at 720nm, the 830nm will give you a deep infrared look which is reminiscent of the old IR Black and White films.

Once a camera is converted, the file is still captured in RGB, so some post production is always necessary.  We have been working with Nik Software Silver Efex Pro   for all of our black and white work at Digital Silver Imaging.  DSI’s exceptional silver gelatin prints are enhanced by the power of Nik Software’s Photoshop plugins.  Silver Efex Pro has become our standard for all of our black and white printing at DSI.  It does an excellent conversion from color RGB to black and white RGB by preserving all the values in each of the 3 channels.

We have found that the Infrared files out of any of the 3 choices work very well with Silver Efex Pro.  One of the presets provided in their software is called “High Structure” and this does a very good job of enhancing the file.  The software works with Photoshop, Lightroom, and Aperture and most versions of Photoshop Elements.  It is easy to learn and use.  We recommend downloading their 15 Day Free Trial and trying the software.  But remember to save some money, buy the software from Digital Silver Imaging!

As an authorized reseller for both Nik Software and IR Conversions from Precision Camera, Digital Silver Imaging has been leading the way in providing exceptional black and white workflow solutions for today’s digital photographers.   Combine these two creative black and white digital solutions with our true black and white silver gelatin printing and you can recreate the beauty of classic black and white photographs without having a darkroom.

As part of our ongoing campaign to help educate our clients about the benefits of Nik Software, we are sponsoring a free 1 hour webinar on Silver Efex Pro on Wednesday April 21st.  Vistor Ha will be leading the online seminar and the best part is, you can join in right from your own computer! Registration is required for the online training.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Intrepid Visitors from Maine Media Workshops

April 1, 2010 by Digital Silver Imaging

Facing south and driving through a few hours of torrential rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of this Maine Media Workshop class visiting Digital Silver Imaging yesterday. Professor Brenton Hamilton brought this international group of shooters to learn about the process of creating silver gelatin prints from digital files.

Their interests range from street photography to portraiture with the majority deep in exploration and hopeful to find a career path at the end of their intensive study. A few are dedicated to creating silver prints and one is using Nik Software’s Silver Efex Pro and happy with the Dfine plug-in that reduces noise from digital files available in the Nik Complete Collection. One teacher and some students are multi-media focused with still imagery just one piece of their portfolio.

Owner Eric Luden gave a brief overview of his vantage point of the digital revolution and it’s impact on classic B&W; output solutions. They received a hands-on demonstration of DSI’s blend of traditional silver gelatin printing practices and new technology solutions.

Students took in our present show by Jonathan Spath.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Black & White workflow using Nik Silver Efex Pro-Wed April 21st

April 1, 2010 by Digital Silver Imaging

Digital Silver Imaging is pleased to announce our 2nd FREE Webinar on Nik Software and Silver Efex Pro.

When: Wednesday April 21st 1PM Eastern Time
Where: Your Computer

Registration Required at the DSI Site

Join Victor Ha of Nik Software and Digital Silver Imaging for an in depth training on the award winning Nik Silver Efex Pro. Silver Efex Pro from Nik Software is the most powerful tool for creating professional quality black and white images from your digital files. For the first time, all the advanced power and control required for professional results have been brought together in one convenient tool. We will demonstrate how to work with your digital files from RAW to print in an easy to follow online training.

Digital Silver Imaging’s exceptional silver gelatin prints are enhanced by the excellence of Nik Software Photoshop plug-ins.  We have been using Silver Efex Pro in our lab since Nik Software launched the software in July 2008.  It has revolutionized the way we worked and saved us many hours of wasted production time.  It provides an excellent conversion from color RGB to B&W; RGB and preserves all the necessary information in the channels to provide smooth transitions form highlight to shadow in our silver printing process.  In addition, the Upoint Technology developed by Nik Software makes use of the Control Points in their plugins for precise control of specific areas of your files, without having to make multiple masks.  In addition, the film grain simulation that is built into Silver Efex Pro is phenomenal!

We have printed images for Nik Software, for their trade show booths, and made many successful black & white prints for clients around the world.  As a result, we have become a reseller of the Nik Software and have excellent pricing on all of their plugins. 

Be sure to join us for the free webinar training on Thursday April 21st at 1PM Eastern Time.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

ASA Photographic Portrait & Wedding Lighting Workshop with Dan Doke

March 29, 2010 by Digital Silver Imaging

My friends Gail & George Lucozzi are sponsoring a workshop at their studio in North Billerica, MA.

Details for the lighting workshop:

Sunday April 25th or Monday April 26th
Time: 8:30 on both days

Course Description:

Doors will open at 8:30am so come on in, grab a coffee and muffin and chat with the other participants—network, network, network! 
The morning, a lecture style class, will begin at 9am.  Dan will discuss how to find light, balance different types of light and how to make the best out of any location. 
We will break for lunch at noon, pizza and salad will be provided though you are welcome to bring an alternative of your own.
In the afternoon, models will join us for a hands-on demonstration.  Participants will see Dan in action and have opportunities to put their new found knowledge to the test!  We will explore the renovated mill building with our bridal couple, find the light and create dynamic portraits!
This training is geared for the advanced photographer.  Participants are encouraged to bring their camera and a fast lens, flashes are optional.  Please label your gear.
Be sure to visit their site for complete details and registration.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Competition Printing Services

March 16, 2010 by Digital Silver Imaging

Digital Silver Imaging is pleased to announce the launch of our new Competition Printing services.  We have added this service to meet the growing demand for black & white printing.  I have seen an increase in black & white prints at the regional PPA competitions and noticed that many of the prints are on color papers.  Many photographers had moved away from printing b&w; images due to the color cast they were getting from their professional color labs.

We recently did two true black & white competition prints for Dan Doke at the Professional Photographer’s of Massachusetts convention and this is his response to our printing:

 “Man they look awesome.  I used to be a pretty good black and white printer…Then digital set in 10 or so years ago and I did not touch my darkroom. I got used to the bluish grey color my lab put out.  I sent those same files to my color lab and they said that the contrast was off and would not look good.  So I called you right away and had Digital Silver Imaging do  them.  They look awesome!!  I forgot about the real blacks and mid-tones in a real print. I am blow away.”

Dan earned two blue ribbons, including an 82 & a 90 for his two images.

Digital Silver Imaging’s Competition Printing services are reasonably priced and provide a great solution for your print.  We use true Ilford B&W; silver gelatin papers and chemicals to produce neutral tone, archival prints.  These are mounted to the appropriate board for PPA competition requirements.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

A Pulitzer nearly Missed? Jan 2010 News Photographer

February 5, 2010 by Digital Silver Imaging

 
Photographer Stanley Forman came to Digital Silver Imaging a few months back to discuss his images and “brainstorm” about how we might work together.  He has been successful at selling some of his singular Pulitzer Prize  winning photographs, including Old Glory and Fire Escape Collapse. We suggested creating a digital contact sheet from that fateful day when he captured the images that make up Old Glory.  As you look through the images, the sequence that appears rolls like a film.  The brutality is not easy to look at, but the images, the bystanders, that lead up to the final frame are important in the context that Stanley Forman captured these images.
This month, NPPA’s News Photographer Magazine ran a feature story and they used our digital contact image that we created.  Following is an excerpt from the full article:
Forced busing was in its’ second year the Spring of 1976 holding steady a sense of outrage and heated passion for citizens of Boston. A pleasant April day I reported to the City Room and was cleared by my editor, Al Salie, to join Gino (Gene Dixon) at the latest anti-busing demonstration at City Hall. I found a parking spot on Cambridge Street, grabbed Glossy, my dog, two Nikon F’s with 3 lens and 2 motor drives.

Anti-busing proponent and City Counselor, Louise Day Hicks, had hosted a group of students in the Chambers for a salute to the flag, served with cookies and milk. Pouring onto the Plaza steps after the reception, this group of demonstrators confronted a second group of students invited to tour the Hall. Tempers flared and some shoving began.

I had a 135mm lens and motor drive on one camera and a 35mm on the other. As the shuffling began I switched my 35 mm lens to a 20 mm. Over my shoulder I saw a Black man (later identified as Ted Landsmark) approach the Plaza from Washington and State and immediately thought he would be a target.

I felt like I was watching a Clint Eastwood movie, witnessing the slow-motion moment when the gauntlet is tossed before igniting the outbreak of violence. I started taking photos with the 20 mm lens. Detecting a sound I realized the motor wasn’t transporting  film. I stopped shooting continuous shots and pressed the button for one frame at a time. 

The victim, Ted Landsmark, was transported to the Mass General Hospital. The crowd worked it’s way to the Federal Court House in Post Office Square. Once there I was told to run my shots into the Herald by reporter, Joe Driscoll. I did not grasp the magnitude of what I captured until later that day.

AP and the Globe had tried to cover it from a bad angle and before the real action began. I had the best shots. The demonstration had come to me. I took my chances and developed my film in the unreliable Kodak Versamat at the office, known to shred film like a pasta-maker. It developed just the way it should have. 

The editors were very frightened by the series of images captured on my contact sheet. It was a volatile situation, it was busing, and this was Boston.  As fate would have it, Howard Hughes had died that day. Appeased by sharing front-page space with other big news, they no longer feared showing the racism that rang out that day on the top of page one.  

We were the first paper in Boston to get motor drives and the whole staff got one Nikon F with a motor drive and 4 lenses: 20, 35, 135 and 200.  We had community lens in the locker for longer telephotos.  I bought my own second Nikon F camera. I was always prepared and I got my shot.

Working with Digital Silver Imaging I have reprinted the original contact sheet. It allows me to show the full impact of the photo series. The full story did not run then but can be viewed in new light today. For prints contact www.digitalsilverimaging.com.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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617-489-0035
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Digital Silver Imaging

9 Brighton Street
Belmont, MA 02478
617-489-0035
email us
map and directions
shipping info
Hours: 9–5:30 Monday–Friday

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