Showcasing Textures: Hard light can be very effective in enhancing textures in an image.  Whether it’s the splintered detail in an old wooden fence or the intricate pattern in an article of clothing, hard light can become beneficial in making sure these details are brought to the forefront.  If you’re looking to photograph an object–be it a commercial project or a personal one–learning to use hard light to enhance an object’s details is a skill that can add new dimension to your work.

Capturing Creative Contrast: Hard light creates intense shadows and using those shadows as part of your image is yet another way that this form of illumination can add rather than detract from your images.  Shadows from tree branches and other tall objects can throw unique designs onto other surfaces, creating a compelling element.

Bring on the Backlighting: The term ‘backlight’ refers to lighting an image from behind, which is a popular technique in photography.  Hard light can illuminate the lines and edges of the subject.  This technique can be used in a variety of situations ranging from human interest to nature photography.  Consider using a lens hood during these sessions to battle the potential complication of flare intruding on your images.

With backlighting situations, there is also a risk of overexposure so exposure compensation adjustments may be necessary.  An adjustment of one to two stops should help combat the camera’s meter being overwhelmed by the bright background.

Mack is now offering the following new products:

Portable Electronics – Diamond Service

Accidental Damage Coverage for Portable Electronics: IPODs, MP3 players, cameras, camcorders, lenses, portable navigation (GPS), binoculars, telescopes, portable gaming, flash equipment, lighting equipment, remote controls, and PDA devices.

1601 – 5 Year Diamond Under $250*
1603 – 5 Year Diamond Under $500*
1605 – 5 Year Diamond Under $750*
1607 – 5 Year Diamond Under $1000*
1609 – 5 Year Diamond Under $1500*
1611 – 5 Year Diamond Under $2000*
1613 – 5 Year Diamond Under $2500*
1615 – 5 Year Diamond Under $3000*
1617 – 5 Year Diamond Under $4000*
1619 – 5 Year Diamond Under $5000*
1621 – 5 Year Diamond Under $6000*
1623 – 5 Year Diamond Under $7500*
1625 – 5 Year Diamond Under $10,000*
1627 – 5 Year Diamond Under $12,500*
1629 – 5 Year Diamond Under $15,000*
1631 – 5 Year Diamond Under $17,500*
1633 – 5 Year Diamond Under $20,000*
1635 – 5 Year Diamond Under $24,000*
1637 – 5 Year Diamond Under $28,000*
1639 – 5 Year Diamond Under $33,000*
1641 – 5 Year Diamond Under $40,000*
* Coverage starts from the date of purchase

Computers – On-site (USA only)

All desktops and notebooks
1423 – 3 Year Computer On Site Under $500*
1425 – 3 Year Computer On Site Under $1000*
1427 – 3 Year Computer On Site Under $2000*
1429 – 3 Year Computer On Site Under $3000*
1431 – 3 Year Computer On Site Under $4000*
1433 – 3 Year Computer On Site Under $5000*

*Coverage starts from the date of purchase

It’s back to school time and many of us are mourning the end of summer’s carefree ways.  While we want to look ahead to fall’s own unique beauties, we can still take summer with us.  Here are just a few ways to keep summer alive as the seasons change:

Create a Summer Scrapbook—the Easy Way: Take a few minutes to search through your summer shots and tag your favorites (many popular image editing programs have a function that allows you to do this).  Copy the images to CD or a flash drive and bring them into our store.  We can show you how to create a great scrapbook in no time flat.  Consider making an extra copy or two to share with your kids or loved ones; there’s something special about holding a book of your favorite images in your hand.  We love seeing them on the screen but nothing compares to the printed version.

Get Framed: Have you often thought about enlarging and framing some of your favorite images but just never seemed to get around to it? Let us do the heavy lifting for you!  Just bring your images into the store and we’ll show you all the amazing ways that we can bring your summer shots to life.  Imagine that incredible memory hanging on your wall in a place where you can enjoy it each day.  And think of all the great conversations that image can encourage…

Make Note of It:  Email is wonderful for casual communications but the art of handwriting a card to someone remains highly valued—especially by the person who receives it!  Bring in one of your favorite summer photos and let us turn it into a personalized note card set.  Now, the next time you feel like dropping a line, you can share a summer memory, too!

Lunch Kit Surprises: Order a 4×6 set of your favorite summer photographs and tuck them into your kids’ lunchboxes now and then.  Kids love surprises and photographs are an easy way to give your kids comfort and support as they transition back into a busy school year.

Did you know that you could create one or these fantastic keepsakes just by bringing your images into the store? Come on in and get started!

Don’t forget about our Diamond Warranties which covers accidental damage!

“…not a lot of surprises here so far. Here are some initial thoughts on the iPad”

via Apple iPad first hands-on! update: video! — Engadget.

Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC (Vibration Compensation)

Tamron’s Vibration Compensation—Blur-Stopping Power With No Annoying Motion Delay In Your Viewfinder!

With the advent of the latest 15X zoom lens from Tamron, the pioneer of high power zoom lenses, the high power zoom lens has steadily evolved from a 7.1X to a 10.7X to a 13.9X and now to the world’s largest zoom ratio of 15X by combining advanced high power zoom design technologies accumulated by Tamron since 1992. The lens covers an angle of view equivalent to that of a 28mm wideangle to a 419mm ultra telephoto with just one lens, letting the user capture once-in-the-lifetime images of panoramic landscape images or close-up pictures of children smiling, without having to get too close to the subject and without having to change lenses.

Read more about the lens at tamron.com

Stop in or give us a call to purchase the lens!

Rebate until April 30, 2010

Other rebates available listed below

Reminder of holiday hours:
January 1, 2010 – Closed
January 2, 2010 – Closed

We want to wish everyone a Happy Holidays and a healthy New Year!

Reminder of our Holiday Hours:

December 24, 2009 – Open
December 25, 2009 – Closed
December 26, 2009 – Closed
December 31, 2009 – Open until 4pm
January 1, 2010 – Closed
January 2, 2010 – Closed

Icons from www.iconspedia.com

December 25, 2009 – Closed

December 26, 2009 – Closed

December 31, 2009 – Open

January 1, 2010 – Closed

January 2, 2010 – Closed