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Top 10 List of Most Popular PhotoTip Articles of 2007
As we wind down towards the end of 2007, it seemed like an appropriate time to look back at the past year's worth of weekly PhotoTip articles here at Earthbound Light. After carefully tabulating the results based on the server's web logs, I herewith present the "Top 10" list of articles, beginning at number 10 and counting down to your collective vote for the most popular Phototip of the year.
10: First Thoughts on Nikon's Big Announcement
Number 10 on the list is an article I wrote back in August regarding my first thoughts on Nikon's big announcement of the then upcoming D3 and D300 digital SLR's. Of course both are out now and are everything Nikon shooters were expecting. Both produce exceptional results.
9: Ready Or Not, Here Comes Photoshop CS3
Continuing with the trend of articles covering big announcements, number 9 in terms of popularity was the article I wrote way back at the end of 2006 covering my thoughts on the beta of Photoshop CS3. Even though written last year, it remained popular well into this year. Of course like the new Nikon cameras, Photoshop CS3 is out now too and is everything Adobe users were expecting. Adobe continues to find ways of improving an already excellent program.
8: Program versus Aperture Priority versus Shutter Priority versus Manual Exposure
The article coming in at number 8 covers a topic that is the source of frequent questions, especially for newer photographers. If you've ever wondered which is better, Program mode, Aperture or Shutter priority, or perhaps Manual exposure, this is the article for you. The bottom line is that all four modes exist for a reason no one is the bests mode for all shooting situations.
7: Camera Straps
An interesting choice for number 7 concerns camera straps. You want something both comfortable and secure, and the choices for quality camera straps come down to a scant few. This article talks about two of the best out there, one that is my pick for best camera strap, and the other turns out to be my favorite laptop carrying bag strap.
6: Troubleshooting Photoshop CS3 Installation Problems
For number 6, we're back to an article on Photoshop CS3, this time though concerning my difficulties in upgrading to the new version. Especially for those who participated in the beta program, the upgrade to CS3 was not without its potential problems. Persevering is well worth it though as CS3 is a great upgrade.
5: Photoshop Adjustment Layers 101
The topic of adjustment layers earned an article written this past April the number 5 slot. And well it should have. There really aren't many techniques in Photoshop that can help improve your results as much as does learning how to use adjustment layers.
4: New Gitzo Tripods for 2007
Lugging around a tripod is a necessary evil for the nature photographer and Gitzo makes some of the best. So when they announced their new line of 6X carbon fiber tripods, I and many readers here were interested. Enough so to earn an article I wrote back at the beginning of this past January on the new Gitzo models the number 4 slot in our countdown.
3: Breaking the Law of Reciprocity
There are some things in photography that, before you buy one seem outrageously expensive and impossible to justify, but once you do break down and buy quickly become indispensible for getting certain shots. The Singh-Ray Vari-ND variable neutral density filter is one of these and is the subject of the article that came in at the number 3 position.
2: D300 and D3 Sensor Cleaning Warning
"Indium Tin Oxide" became a buzzword (OK, buzz three words) with the release of the Nikon D3 and D300 cameras. At least so for me since I bought a D300. Apparently enough other folks were interested as well that a recent article on the subject has already earned itself the number 2 slot in this countdown. There have been cameras before this that used this compound as a sensor coating, but these two cameras were the first major releases after Photographic Solutions released E2 cleaning solution. If you have an ITO sensor camera, it is recommended to use E2 rather than regular Eclipse for sensor cleaning.
1: Curves for Photoshop Elements 4 and Above
Curves have always been a popular topic. A few small twists and turns of a wavy line can work wonders for improving the appearance of most digital images, but mastering Curves has always presented a major hurdle for those leaning their way around the digital darkroom. What makes them even more mysterious is that Adobe doesn't provide support for Curves in Photoshop Elements so Elements users have to look elsewhere for Curves support. Users of older versions of Elements could find their Curves right here on Earthbound Light, but Adobe outsmarted me with the release of Elements 4. The answer for newer Elements versions can be read about in the number 1 most popular article of the year.
Here's to wishing you and you're a great 2008.
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