I have always been a huge fan of NIK Software, especially Silver Efex Pro. That is way I was excited to hear they just release Silver Efex Pro2. Here are a few of the new features:

• History Browser.
• Fine Structure adjustments to help bring out even more details in objects without oversharpening the image.
• Soft Contrast is a way of intelligently adjusting an image's contrast to create a softer look and feel instead of the traditional harsher look.
• GPU Support offloads image processing to your computer's GPU; freeing up cycles and decreasing the time it takes to process in image.
• Dynamic Brightness applies different brightness levels to an image; ensuring parts are not blown out.
• Natural Image borders
• Amplify Blacks and Whites
• Selective Color

NIK software's plugins are some of those "must haves" for all photographers. I love all of their products so much I purchased their "Complete Collection." Yes it can be pricey, but I really feel their products are some of the best out there. Hands Down!!!

I admit I shed a tear when I initially heard this sad, sad news. The Camera Obscura Gallery is a rare gem in Colorado. Not only do they have regular shows, they have one of the most extensive collections of photographic prints, portfolios and photo-books. According to their website, they are selling all of their books at 40% off (when you buy three or more). They are also selling all of their prints during a silent auction from March 4 - 19. Call the gallery at (303) 623-4059 for details on making bids. The gallery will then close with a retrospective on the works of their longtime Directors Hal D. Gould and Loretta Young-Gautier from March 25th - April 30th. The opening reception will be March 25th from 5:30 to 8:30.

Please stop in and buy a book, print or just look around.

March is the official Month of Photography. Here in Denver, we have over 100 galleries around the state opening exhibits and teaching various classes on photography. Here are just a few of the scheduled events:

Edge Gallery

Traditionally Unconventional: March 4, 2011 to March 27, 2011

Gallery M

20th-century photojournalism and social documentary

Illiterate Gallery

The Big Picture - Images inside, Out the Door and Around the World: March 4 - March 25, 2011

Museum of Contemporary Art Denver

Thought Objects - in the Open Shelf Library: March - April, 2011

The RedLine Gallery

Thought Objects - New Directions and Ideas in Photography: March 4 - April 26, 2011

Modern Uses of Alternative Processes: March 4 - April 26, 2011

Portfolio Reviews for only $30.00!!! Additional Details

The Print Event - The First Step - Beginner's Guide to Collecting Photography and Prints: March 12th, 12pm - 3pm

The Print Event - The Next Step - Intermediate to advanced collecting: March 26, 12pm - 3pm

Working With Artists Flash Gallery

Feminine Influences: March 11th - April 23rd

Over the past few years it has become fashionable to add high definition recording to digital SLR cameras. At first I must admit I thought this was a tacky fad and marketing tactic. Now, I am a firm believer this is the future. Why? The quality. Here are just two examples of what can be done with existing camera. Unbelievably, both of these videos were filmed with a Canon 5D Mark II and Canon 7D. 

Example #1
Egypt / Lebanon Montage by: Khalid Mohtaseb

Example #2
City of Lakes by: Joe Simon Productions, Kevin Shahinian, and Patrick Moreau:
View Link here