Digital Slide Shows: Nikon Coolpix S1000PJ

In my generation, many remember the old slide-shows Mom and Dad and Uncle Harry projected on the wall. This manner of showing photos is alive and well in the digital world thanks to Nikon and other manufacturers of micro-projectors. What's unique in this example is that the micro-projecter is integrated into the digital camera.

See Popular Mechanics article

Sounds like a great addition for the family, but also it offers an improved workflow in some digital photography and design settings. If you have several people needing to review a set of images a micro-projector could be the answer... especially if a large display is not around.

A walk in nature increases one's memory

Have you read about the new study that shows a walk in nature can increase your short-term memory by 20%.

Here is the study (I haven't read it fully yet... but I saw it linked from a couple web sites and psych blogs). http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121570660/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0

Here is a psych blog introduction to the findings.

Personally, I find most any exposure to natural settings of trees, mountains, fields, heck... even a marsh area, can be invigorating for my mind, memory and general creative energy. So if your latest design/creative project is stagnant and your mind is slow....get outside!

Pic is from one of my family camping adventures into remote Northern MN. It was 19° F in the AM and rose to 70° F by noon... yes, our short-term memory was very sharp.

Create your own stock images

One of the great benefits of today's digital cameras is their affordability. For only $110 one can purchase a very capable Nikon or Canon camera that has 8+megapixels, huge playback screens, custom white-balance, exposure controls, macro-lens options and other manual over-rides. This is the price and feature range of the old Pentax K-1000 in the late 80's... plus the ability to process one's own images right in their home/computer at no cost. With this accessibility most anyone can create great pics, especially the thrifty graphic designer. With a little trial and error one can learn to create great abstract images from common objects that work great in brochures and flyers.



The photos show the results of my macro lens (extreme close-up focal length) option of my 2 year old Canon A600. Above photo captures coffee in my cup. At left, a 1.5" tall figurine.

Apple's iMovie is amazing!

I've been a user of iMovie for years but now my kids are cranking things out too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jx_8zZY41o0

The fact my kids can record video (via the iMac's built-in camera), add audio clips, make transitions, crop, edit and build a full video story shows the easy-access and power of this brilliant software. There are many neat PC apps out there... but Apple seems to consistently and creatively lead the way.... and with FREE software (when you buy an Apple).

One word of caution, use the old iMovie HD version (you can still download it from Apple), the 08 version that shipped this last year with the Apple OS has less features and is geared towards quick and less sophisticated productions (Google this topic for the details). iMovie 09's reviews are more promising. Interesting, the NY Time's Tech personal tech writer, David Pogue uses iMovie and produces his own video segments.

Pink, flowers and Men

To the men out there.... don't be afraid to use florals and traditionally feminine colors/themes in your graphic designs and paintings. I know it can be a bit uncomfortable having ones' creative output referred to as... shall we say, masculine-challenged. Good design and beauty should win over our subjective perspectives, besides my hunch is more females appreciate good design then men, so why not play to your audience.

To the females out there... vice-versa.

Photo: This is a close-up of a water color painting I completed back in the 90's