ExpressDigital announces a re-release of DARKROOM Assembly Edition, software designed for school and team photographers that can be purchased outright, is plug-in free, completely manages nine different workflow scenarios, features greenscreen, online storefronts and lab connection, and that interacts seamlessly with cameras, work stations, barcode scanners, and digital media burners all while automating business functions. To commemorate this innovation, ExpressDigital further reveals an agreement with Desktop Darkroom to serve as a dedicated support and service arm available to provide free comprehensive online training and one-year phone support --as well as $1,300 in free software and templates through August.

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The Photographic Historical Society, founded in 1966, is the oldest such group in the world. It will sponsor PhotoHistory XIV in Rochester, NY on Oct. 16-18, 2009.

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That the one piece of equipment I dream of is an ideal LCD display should not be a surprise. It is what I have been most concerned with of late. And it is also what I look at most to see my photographic images.

Photo Plus Expo

Benro, who has been manufacturing tripods for more than 10 years (and has the #1 market share in their home country of China), offers high quality tripods, monopods and heads that are built to professional standards at an extraordinary value. Benro is distributed in the U.S. by Westchester, NY based MAC Group. “We are very proud to add Benro to our product mix,” states Jeff Karp, Benro Product Marketing Manager. “The high quality, innovative designs and exceptional value make Benro the perfect choice for demanding photographers on a budget.”

Benro has the technology and manufacturing capabilities to build products made of carbon fiber (8 layers for ultimate stability), aluminum (top performance at an economical price) and magnesium (lighter than aluminum, yet stronger) – materials that provide outstanding performance and reliability -- at economical prices. Benro is the only company that makes its own carbon fiber tubing.

An excellent example of Benro’s design capabilities is their new "Quick Lock" Leg System that sets the new standard in flip lock technology. Its rugged construction, reliability and ease of operation elevates leg locking systems to a new level.

One of the most unique tripods in Benro’s lineup is the patented Travel Angel, available in both carbon fiber and aluminum. This is an easy-to-carry, ultra-compact tripod that photographers will take with them everywhere they go. What good is a tripod if you leave it home because it’s too big or heavy? Travel Angel’s unique 180 degree fold over design allows them to be folded into a compact package (up to 20% smaller than conventionally designed tripods) that can easily fit into backpacks or luggage. However, when quick setup, excellent maximum height and a rigid, stable support are needed, Benro Travel Angels are outstanding performers. All kits include a BH-Series single action or B-Series dual action ballhead that matches the size of the tripod.

In addition to tripods and monopods, Benro builds a full range of heads. Whether you select a Benro single action or dual action ballhead or 3-Way panhead, you’ll see the quality that goes into all Benro products the minute you pick them up. Benro tripod heads are produced using the latest in precision machining and manufacturing technology to ensure smooth and secure operation. The patented, dual locking, dovetailed Quick Release Plates or Arca Swiss style Quick Release Plates allow fast and secure camera mounting and dismounting without having to worry about accidentally unseating the camera.

To help you decide on the right equipment for your shooting situations, Benro provides a series of web-based videos that show the features and benefits of Benro products. Choose from “Why you need a tripod” (even with image stabilization and high ISO cameras, the best results happen with a tripod) to “Selecting the perfect tripod head” to “Benro Travel Angel” and more.

To see the complete selection of Benro products, visit www.Benro.com.

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October 2009

On The Cover
Welcome to our annual lighting special, where our resident pros share their best gear, shooting tips, and setups. In addition to our multitude of lighting Test Reports, we have multi-flash and portable studio light roundups. We also explore the possibility of using older flash units on D-SLRs. Finally, lightingas...

“Get your pretty little portfolio off my desk before I go into a diabetic coma.”—J. Jonah Jameson to Peter Parker

In case you forgot (or maybe didn’t know), Peter Parker a.k.a. Spiderman is a freelance newspaper photographer; one of the highlights of the movies to me is the off-handedly whimsical way his editor, J. Jonah Jameson, treats him, but it never stops...

“Get your pretty little portfolio off my desk before I go into a diabetic coma.”—J. Jonah Jameson to Peter Parker

In case you forgot (or maybe didn’t know), Peter Parker a.k.a. Spiderman is a freelance newspaper photographer; one of the highlights of the movies to me is the off-handedly whimsical way his editor, J. Jonah Jameson, treats him, but it never stops...

Moored at the abandoned Alameda naval base is the USS Hornet aircraft carrier. I decided to explore this floating museum while my wife attended a nearby antiques fair.

Climbing down the steep ladders, I became fascinated by the chambers and hallways, each compartment separated by a sculptural door. As I wandered the empty halls and rooms on my own, with the smell of oil in the...

Much of my portrait and fashion photography is done on location, but living in a place like Colorado the models (and the photographer, too) just aren’t always in the mood to stomp around in the cold weather and snow. That’s when a studio comes in handy. Some photographers just prefer having complete control over the lighting. Instead of the hassle and cost of renting a studio, why not...