Image Management
My favorite image management program just got better. The latest version of iView MediaPro 3 (www.iview-multimedia.com) offers flexible viewing options, organizational tools, and streamlined automation controls that simplify digital workflow. The Pro Lightbox lets you label multiple images side by side in full screen mode without cluttering your desktop. You can define sets of keywords; simultaneously input multiple annotations; and embed annotations compliant with the IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council). You can search directly from MediaPro's main window without having to navigate any further and can configure the interface to display only required Metadata fields, personalize terminology, and save layout options.

Other workflow options include the ability to batch rename files, apply multiple annotations, and copy media files to folders automatically on import from camera or disk/disc. You can create unique web pages incorporating CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) and upload to a server via FTP. You can export a catalog and its Metadata in XML format to use in other applications. iView MediaPro 3 includes more than 30 new features and is available for the Mac OS and Windows for $199.

Framed Again!
Digital Light & Color's (www.dl-c.com) Frame Explorer is ostensible software that helps you visualize what photos will look like after they're framed. Unlike the trial-and-error method of playing with matte and frame corners, the program lets you experiment with different borders, mattes, and frames--you can even specify wall color and lighting. Frame Explorer prepares a table listing all the materials and their dimensions. When you're done, you can go to a frame shop and say, "This is what I want it to look like." (Hold your breath after they quote you a price, though.) I prefer to think of the program as a way to create purely digital frames, an especially useful tool for displaying your images on a website or in an e-mail. Frame Explorer is fully color managed. On calibrated monitors, it displays the image and all materials in the monitor's color space. It runs on Windows 98/Me, NT 4.0, Windows 2000, or Windows XP and costs $39.95. A discount is available for Picture Window 3.5 users.

Digital Light & Color's (Windows-only) Frame Explorer lets "you" experiment with different borders, mattes, and frames--you can even specify wall color and lighting.

On an infinitely more practical level and for just $10 more, the Framing Station (www.framemyphotos.com) is Windows-only software that lets you apply fun frames to your photos that you can print yourself or have made (in quantity) at the kiosk of your choice. Custom frames are provided in four sizes and layouts include all-purpose frames, calendars, sports trading cards, magazine covers, and holiday styles as well as personalized awards, invitations, greeting cards, thank you notes, and travel-themed post cards.

Once framed, images are ideal for display, presentation, or scrapbooking and can be printed, e-mailed, and shared over the Internet. In contrast to traditional photo, clip art, and digital photography scrapbooking software, the Framing Station is easily mastered by anyone new to digital imaging. Just choose a photo, pick a frame, add text (if desired), then print, save, or e-mail your "work of art." The Framing Station enhances digital images from all sources, including digital cameras, camcorders, scanned prints, photo CDs, and photos from e-mail.

The Windows-only Framing Station is easily mastered by anyone who is new to digital imaging. Just choose a photo, pick a frame, add text (if desired), then print, save, or e-mail your instant work of art.

Care And Feeding Of Memory Cards
Most memory card problems are caused by user error. Here are a few tips to make sure what happened to me doesn't happen to you:
· Do reformat memory cards from time to time. This process completely cleans the area of the card where image file information is stored and helps optimize the process of data access and storage. Many photographers format their cards after each use but I usually do it before a shoot just in case I have to go back to the card to retrieve something.
· Don't remove a memory card from a digicam or a card reader until the "processing" light stops blinking, indicating data being transferred to or from the memory card. Cards can be damaged when they are prematurely removed from a camera or card reader.
· Do replace/recharge batteries. When a camera runs out of power while writing a file to the card, the file or card will be corrupted. Carry an extra set of batteries to make sure you won't corrupt an image or the card during an important photo shoot.
· Don't expose flash memory cards to excessive heat or moisture. Static electricity can also damage a memory card--try to avoid this whenever handling a card.