As a student Carole Noon soon discovered that her future would be greatly influenced, and altered, for the better when she attended a lecture given by the famous Dr. Jane Goodall. Inspired by this amazing and life-changing event, the young wildlife biology student soon found herself working with Dr. Goodall on her ChimpanZoo program. Using the many skills and valuable knowledge she gained from her time with the program, in 1997 Dr. Noon established the Save The Chimps Sanctuary. This book—Opening Doors: Carole Noon And Her Dream To Save The Chimps—chronicles this wonderfully inspiring true story of one woman’s passion and heartfelt dedication to saving the lives of these highly intelligent primates.

You may have used a beauty dish in the studio. Here’s a very portable model that you’ll find hard to leave at home. It’s quite affordable, too.

Nikon 1 users will appreciate the incredible speed and accuracy offered by both the new Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon 1 S2. Like the recently announced Nikon 1 V3, both cameras feature the world’s fastest continuous shooting frame rate at 20 frames-per-second (fps) at full resolution, ideal for capturing split-second moments that can last a lifetime. Additionally, the J4 sports an impressive 171 contrast detect focus areas and 105 phase-detect AF points for incredible autofocus accuracy when capturing either stills or HD video.

If you, like me, had come to associate “watercolor” with a stippled and rough surface, my first tip on this paper is not to be concerned with the moniker. It is a somewhat rough surface, but more in its tooth than its topography, and is more akin to high-quality painting stock than some of the stuff that had been passed off as watercolor inkjet in the past. And while this paper might be aimed at the “fine art” market (reproduction of paintings and drawings for portfolios and presentation and possible sale) it is also quite apt for photographers who want rich color on an “archival,” matte/textured surface. Epson describes the surface as “unique,” and you can feel and “hear” the surface as you run your thumb over it. I found that while the surface texture is somewhat rough it does not intrude on the ink laydown; in fact, it seems to enhance it.

I received similar advice from my own father on my 17th birthday that ultimately put me on the path to a career—not a job—in photography. The photograph here was made by my friend Danny when we climbed the 897 stairs inside the Washington Monument. Inside the classy vinyl camera bag slung over my shoulder is a Kodak Brownie Hawkeye that my parents gave me for a birthday present. I modified the camera to accept close-up and yellow filters that an uncle gave me as a gift. Even then I was interested in enhancing images, and I had no idea what that might hold, but I was fascinated by computers (and robots) back then as well.

“I don’t have a favorite location. I just like the challenge of where I go and what I’m presented with on any given assignment,” advertising photographer Brian Bailey declares. One assignment lasting 10 days took Bailey to the Galapagos Islands, for a sunglasses company. But many assignments involve anything but sun-drenched conditions. In fact, the road to this point was a rocky one—of sorts…

In the days before the 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR) rose to prominence, the 35mm viewfinder camera reigned supreme. Unlike the reflex viewing system of the SLR, this camera type used a separate optical viewfinder with a slightly different view to that of the lens. Some featured built-in coupled rangefinders to aid accurate focusing, and many stood at the center of versatile systems of lenses and accessories.

The LumiQuest Mini Kit includes a Soft Screen, a camera mounted flash diffuser that softens the harsh light emitted from digital SLR pop-up flash, and a Mini SoftBox, which diffuses light with the flash in the direct flash position and enlarges the light source 4-5 times the size of the flash head itself. Unobtrusive and low profile, it is ideal for press and other fast moving situations. Also included is an UltraStrap, said to be the most secure, non-adhesive flash attachment mounting strap available. All items in the kit fit into a mini pouch for easy carrying.

The Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT flash represents a significant new release for Canon photographers, most specifically for those using off-camera flash. A very capable and reliable flash on its own, its real forte is when used as the heart of a radio-controlled flash system. Eliminating the need for third-party radio transmitters and receivers to wirelessly connect off-camera flashes to the camera, and without the restrictions of similar infrared systems that require line of sight, the 600EX-RT system provides solid and, in my test, very dependable real-life operation in the field.

If you ask a dozen photo buyers to define lifestyle photography you’d get a dozen different answers. The most common reply might be “people doing everyday things, at home and at work.” Lifestyle images are valuable in stock, but what about assignment work? Our contributors this month validate the market for assignments—under certain conditions. The images should be natural and the models and situations realistic and believable. They should tell some kind of story or depict an emotion. As with any stock or assignment work, topnotch production values are critical as well as diversity in models of gender, age, and ethnicity. Whether stock or assignment, lifestyle photography is in demand in today’s market.