Newsletter

On The Cover
In this month’s issue we cover a quartet of software programs that can be very helpful to photographers. We’re also happy to present our annual “Weird and Wonderful” report that covers unique gear. Tests include the exciting new Sony Alpha 99, a “full-framer,” and the latest Canon PIXMA printer, the PRO-10. The cover shot is by Rick Dahms, who is part of our roundtable on professional associations, and who tells us that the shot is of “Pepper Fewel, innkeeper and trail boss, with daughter and wrangler Tiffany Fewel on the fence. Cherry Wood Bed, Breakfast & Barn, Zillah, Washington.”

Tools

28 Digital Innovations
Finding Joy In Manipulating Reality
by Joe Farace

34 Roundup
Covering The Photo Beat
by C.A. Boylan

38 Odd Lots: Weird And Wonderful Items
Hey, You Never Know What A Photographer Might Need
by Roger Hicks

48 Canon PIXMA PRO-10
A 13x19” Pigment-Ink Printer
by Jon Canfield

58 ArcSoft Portrait+
Studio Auto-Retouching Software
by Steve Bedell

66 Athentech Imaging Perfectly Clear
A Quick Fix For Your Photos
by Steve Bedell

78 Digital Anarchy Backdrop Designer
Studio Styles And Options
by Anthony Celeste

136 X-Rite i1Photo Pro 2
Color Management For Better Images
by David B. Brooks

148 Digital Help
Q&A For Digital Photography
by David B. Brooks

Image Tech

44 Sony Alpha SLT-A99
Lab Test Results & Comments
Edited by George Schaub

Techniques

100 Book Excerpt: Photographing Waterdrops
Exploring Macro Worlds
by Harold Davis

104 Business Trends
Professional Associations: Are They Right For You?
by Maria Piscopo

110 Matthew Cohen’s High Seas Adventures
The Art Of Creating Exciting Sailing Images
by Jeff Wignall

Creativity

14 Picture This!
Monthly Photo Assignment
by The Editors

20 Talking Pictures
“Perspective Is Everything”
by Debbie Bice

22 Web Profiles
Great Photo Sites Reviewed
by Joe Farace

90 Locations
Springtime In Shenandoah National Park
by Chris Murray

96 Right In Your Own Backyard
Macro Discoveries Close To Home
by Jeff Howe

Departments

10 Editor’s Notes