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©2003-2008 Keith Cooper
What's new at Northlight Images?
Links to new articles, reviews and pictures on the site
We believe strongly in not only providing professional photography services, but also helping people enjoy their own photography more. This page will always point to the latest items on the Northlight Images site. We hope you find it interesting and of use. Latest Press info and Press releases are on our Press Info page
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Topics
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Latest Site News
New Site directory - a single directory page with almost everything that's on the site.
September-October 2008
Keith is currently travelling in Colorado - maintaining a photo travel blog for the trip.
August 08 basICColor CaliCube and Gray Card - A spectrally neutral 25% grey card for optimum camera white balance, and a lighting cube that as well as black, grey and white faces, has a built in light trap and chrome ball for checking specular reflections and absolute black points.
New photographs
'Cascade Colours' from Keith's Autumn 2007 visit to Oregon/Washington
The North Californian coast - part of Keith's April 2007 tour
A panoramic view of from the road to the top of the Grand Mesa in Colorado. The print of this image is over 9 feet wide! (~280cm x 56cm) Part of Keith's review of Stitcher Pro
| You can go to the Main Gallery page or explore by keyword/subject at the 'Search for...' page.
The photo below is a sample from Keith's photo-diary of his most recent visit to Colorado. |
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News, photography, articles and reviews
Pinnacle Photo Oyster paper- A review of a new Lustre finish paper from a local supplier, tested while we were looking for a good economic paper for our commercial decorative prints, rather than some of the Fine Art papers we normally use. Inc. notes on finding local equivalents.
Innova Ultra Glossy Canvas - A review of two canvases from Innova (IFA 35, 36). One of which prints just like their Fibaprint papers and comes out with a glossy finish, with greater colour depth and deeper blacks than you get even after varnishing more traditional canvases.
Innova Fibaprint Glazed review - A review of two 285gsm Innova papers (IFA 58, 59) with a Glazed and Semi-Glazed finish.
Epson Traditional Photo Paper review - tried out with the 4880 (paper known as Exhibition Fiber in the US)
Epson Stylus pro 4880 Review - A detailed look at Epson's SP4880 17 inch width (A2+) printer. With roll feed, sheet feed and a sheet paper tray, it's the most versatile of Epson's large format printers.
ColorMunki Printer profiling - A detailed review looking at the ColorMunki ICC printer profiling system from X-Rite. This expands on this particular aspect of our initial review of the ColorMunki. Covers making and optimising printer profiles, with notes on profile evaluation.
Printer Test Images - We've updated our collection of test and evaluation images and how to use them
Spyder3 Print V3.5 review The latest ICC printer profiling system from Datacolor (aka ColorVision) is reviewed. Featuring faster operation and a wide range of profile generation options, it can be used for building printer profiles for colour and (with additional measurements) Black and White printing. For more experienced users it offers multiple version profile building (from the same set of measurements) and profile editing.
Using the X-Rite ColorMunki for improved Black and White printing - How to use a revised version of our B/W test image that incorporates a randomised 21 step greyscale strip with QuadToneRIP. For generating B/W icc profiles for improving prints using print techniques such as Epson's ABW black and white printing mode.
GrafiLite Review - The Grafilite is based on the Ott Lite task lamp and is aimed at improving the consistency and quality of your printed work, without going to the expense of getting a full print viewing stand or cabinet.
ColorMunki Photo review - The latest 'All in One' Spectrophotometer from X-Rite that supports monitor, projector and printer profiling. It's particularly aimed at people who might have avoided colour management in the past as just too much trouble, or too difficult. Our initial review is an overview based on our testing the device with pre-release software, and will be followed by a detailed coverage of all the features when full software is available.
Downloadable media test images - to help with media settings selection for printer profiling.
i1 Beamer - A software upgrade and hardware attachment device for using the X-rite i1 Pro spectrophotometer for digital projector profiling
Autofocus accuracy check - A test pattern we use for setting up AF microadjustment.
Spyder 3 Pro - Datacolor's Spyder monitor calibration package offering a set menu of profiling choices, ambient light measurement and supporting profiling of multiple monitor systems.
Spyder 3 Elite review - An all new version of the Spyder monitor profiling and calibration hardware and software. Supports multiple monitor systems and calibration of projectors. Includes ambient light sensor for monitoring room lighting and aiding choices in initial calibtration parameters.
Intellihance Pro 4.2 review. An overview of this Photoshop plug-in that wraps up a whole load of basic image corrections in one easy to use interface. Ideal if you have occasional users of an installed copy of Photoshop, or just having difficulty learning the basics :-)
Keith now uses a Canon 1Ds Mk3. See some of his thoughts on the move from the 1Ds to 1Ds3. Also there is an article on why using fractional stop ISO settings can give noisier pictures. There is also some notes on the 1Ds3 viewfinder alignment problem that some people have identified.
You can see Keith's travel blog from his most recent trip to the US if you are curious. We've also reformatted his old Colorado 2006 travel diary to make it easier to read.
Printing your black and white photos In part two of an interview with Keith, he discusses his approach to printing his black and white photography. Part One covered digital black and white photography in general.
Colour Confidence Profiler. An update to our review earlier this year of this printer and monitor profiling package that comes with an i1 spectrophotmeter. The original package had notable usability issues - the update addresses many of the issues we found.
Digital Black and White. Keith was recently interviewed about digital black and white photography for a magazine article. We have an expanded version here covering some of his thoughts, techniques and tips for those thinking of trying black and white.
Ricoh Caplio GX100 - Camera review/discussion. Keith has tried out the 10MP GX100, which has a wide 24mm (35mm equiv.) lens and supports raw file capture as well). It's an impressive little camera that might just do for times when a big DSLR is not wanted.
PhotoFrame Pro
A short review of this photoshop plugin from onOne software for creating frames and edge effects for images.
PearlyWhites and ShineOff from Image Trends.
Two short reviews of specialised Photoshop plug-ins to whiten teeth and remove excess shine/reflection from skin. Quick simple and effective.
Canon View Camera
An adapter ($20) to use an old MPP 5x4 view camera with a Canon 1Ds. Article shows details of construction and just what it can be used for. Could be adapted for any DSLR and many old large format cameras.
Innova FibaPrint Papers Heavy gloss/semigloss papers with the distinct feel of heavy fibre based photographic printing papers (tested on Epson 3800) Particularly good for Black and White.
Innova Soft Textured Natural White paper - tested on the Epson 3800.
Epson 3800
Epson UK have lent us the SP 3800 A2 (17 inch wide) printer for a while. Keith has been reviewing its print quality and ease of use for both colour and black and white.
Fisheye-Hemi V1.1.1
Lens distortion correction plug-in from Image Trends. Optimises correction for minimal distortion of objects such as people in very wide angle shots - works for any Ultrawide/Fisheye camera/lens combination.
Pantone huey PRO monitor calibrator
The PRO version of the huey supports multiple displays on Macs and PCs, and has much more control over display settings and profiling.
Travelling in California and the Northwest
A driving trip up the coast from San Francisco, Spring 2007
Short Article: Modifying the tilt and shift axes for a Canon T/S lens
Colour Confidence Print Profiler - review
A kit with an Eye One spectrophotometer. Offers printer profiling, monitor calibration and the EFI Color-Verifier package.
The Eye One iSis automated chart reader - review
An automated whole chart reader for printer profiling test charts. A3 and A4 versions provide spectrophotometer readings for both UV and UV-Cut (filtered) measurements.
Room and office decoration and lighting for photo editing
Some information on what to consider when setting up a space to work on digital images and evaluate prints.
Feature Update - Spyder2PRO Ambient light measurement
The Spyder2PRO now allows you to measure your ambient room lighting conditions before deciding on monitor calibration settings (it also now supports vista)
DxO Optic Pro Version 4.2
A greatly updated version of DxO Optics Pro. Even more image correction and RAW conversion features and a much improved and faster interface.
The Eye-One iO automated scanning table - review
A rather nifty solution for improving the quality and accuracy of target measurement for printer profiles when using the Eye One spectrophotometer.
ColorEyes Display Pro
Top end monitor profiling software that works with a variety of measurement devices.
Updated PrintFIX Pro review - better colour printing and B/W too...
PermaJet Fibre Base Gloss
A heavy gloss paper from PermaJet that gives a certain 'darkroom' feel to glossy prints.
PermaJet Eco-Flo ink supply system for the Epson R2400
Review of a continuous inking system that allows you to cut ink costs with the R2400 by using bulk inks. An option worth considering if you do a lot of printing.
Power Retouche Black/white studio
Review of a Photoshop plugin giving a wide variety of effects when converting images from colour to black and white. Includes film types and the ability to selectively alter 'zones' of images.
Stitcher Pro 5.5
Keith has been looking at using this powerful image stitching software to join multiple images to create high resolution panoramic prints. One particular print was over 9 feet wide and is the equivalent of using a camera of well over 100 megapixels.
Media settings and profiling for third party inks
Keith recently converted an Epson Stylus COLOR 1160 to third party inks. In describing the profiling of a this set-up with a third party glossy paper, he shows how that often neglected aspect of profiling -driver media settings- can make all the difference between a so-so print and one that he would be happy to send out as a sample to his commercial clients.
EIZO CG210 LCD display
An LCD monitor for colour critical work. A brief review of what you get and why you might want to consider such a monitor for high end work.
Canon TE-E 90mm tilt and shift lens
A short review of what's different when using this very sharp 90mm lens. If you are new to tilt/shift lenses we would suggest you read the longer and much more comprehensive 24mm article first.
Beware the colour management tar pit
As colour management hardware comes down in price, more and more people are being told it will cure all their problems. A personal view from Keith covering some of the things it is good for, but also why you should be careful to understand why you are doing it in the first place.
Converting colour to black and white
A new layer blending mode technique has been added to the collection of methods for making black and white photos from colour. The page has examples of all the different techniques that we've collected over the years.
Digital Photography - two years on
Two years after his first all digital trip to Colorado, Keith discusses some of his thoughts following a return visit. After using a 1Ds for a couple of years, what's changed?. Article includes details on how some images were processed for making large prints in black and white (a follow up to his original 'moving from film to digital' article)
Travelling in Colorado
Keith has just got back from a couple of weeks in Colorado. This personal photo-diary /'blog' covers his travels. It includes many new photos and some of his thoughts on why he likes it there ;-)
Using a tilt and shift lens
Keith has been experimenting with using the Canon TS-E 24mm 3.5L lens on his 1Ds. Lots of images showing some of the effects you can get and why in conjunction with Photoshop it makes a good choice for some interior and architectural work (even hand held).
Selecting a good image resolution for your prints
With larger prints you can use a lower image resolution - 300dpi is not any form of 'standard'. It all depends on the viewing distance and some of the features of the human visual system.
Spyder2express - review
The latest entry level monitor profiling system from ColorVision for Macs and PCs. Excellent feature set at the price
Eye-One match update
A brief overview of the new functionality (such as 64bit Windows support) available in this free update (V3.6) from GretagMacbeth.
Why don't my prints match my screen?
A short article showing why there is more to getting your prints to match your screen, than just calibrating your monitor. It's the vital first step, but you do need to consider some other factors for best results.
Using QTR and PrintFIX PRO for better black and white prints
By using the PrintFIX PRO to take readings from a greyscale test target, you can create luminance only icc profiles that can give a noticeable improvement to black and white print set-ups. It can even be used to improve the results from the likes of Epson's new 'advanced black and white' print settings.
Win XP SP2 Dual monitor profiling
A short note about some software that may help improve your colour management on Win XP systems. Includes link to free Microsoft software that improves colour management functionality for all XP SP2 systems. Definitely worthwhile if you use a PC :-)
Pantone Eye One Display 2 - review
The top of the range monitor profiling solution recently announced from Pantone. The measuring device is an Eye One Display 2 from GretagMacbeth, and uses the Eye One Match software. This review has additional information to that in our original GretagMacbeth Eye One Display 2 review, and compares features between the Display 2, Display LT and Huey.
Pantone Eye One Display LT - review
The mid range monitor profiling solution in the trio recently announced from Pantone. The measuring device is an Eye One Display LT from GretagMacbeth, and uses the Eye One Match software.
Pantone Huey - review
The Huey is a new and relatively inexpensive addition to the monitor profiling market. Keith looks at how it performs, including its novel capacity to modify your monitor setup in response to changing room lighting.
Cleaning dried up inkjet printers
What we use to clean up old printers we get given.
The very simple guide to 'what is colour management'.
Is the red in RGB the same as a London bus, or a UK Telephone box? A very short explanation of what colour management is, and why you use it.
PrintFIX PRO - review
ColorVision have announced a considerable upgrade to the PrintFIX. The new version uses a Spectrocolorimeter to let you create printer icc profiles for just about any ink/paper combination. We've been looking at what it does and the results you can get.
Web browser colour management test page
Just how well does your web browser handle colour management (if at all). This page has a collection of test images to try it on (updated to show the effects of using large colour spaces like ProPhoto on the web)
Convert your 8 bit RGB images to 16 bit before converting to black and white?
If you are going to be doing much in the way of image manipulation (curves etc.) to your black and white image, it may be better to convert your 8 bit colour images (such as JPEGs) into 16 bit colour first. Sometimes 8 bit RGB can be equivalent to 10 bit greyscale.
DxO Optics Pro V3.5
A review of the latest update to the DxO software. It adds many new features to the RAW conversion software that Keith regularly uses for his landscape prints.
Pictures at an exhibition
Keith writes about some of the technical issues and challenges in producing prints for his exhibitions in Oct./Nov. 2005. Particularly covers workflow, resizing and sharpening aspects.
Black and White printer test image
A downloadable file to test the quality of your B/W prints.
Why not get Paid for people visiting -your- web site?
Google Adsense helps pay to keep the articles and reviews part of the site going. Find out more from Google, by following the link below.
"Thanks to all of you who help, and those who write in with comments ... I appreciate it" - Keith
Some specific features
- The Gallery section now allows you to browse many more of Keith's images.
- More info on our Commercial Photography services in Leicester and the East Midlands
- The options for buying prints have been enhanced, with much more info on what is available and how you can obtain them.
- The Info and Resources section has been redesigned to help find your way round our numerous articles, tutorials and links sections.
- Our web design and usability section has been expanded
- Our Photographic resources page has been expanded (batteries, lighting, general photography)
We also have an RSS feed if you wish to be kept up to date with new site content.
The Site structure
Some selected articles
Better pictures for your web site
Keith was recently asked for advice on getting better pictures on a web site. His top ten tips cover the process of taking the pictures in the first place, through to sharpening and saving for web use.
An Introduction to Black and White digital photography
The basics of producing high quality black and white images from your digital camera. An extended version of an article that Keith first wrote for Canon in their CPS magazine.
Top usability rules of thumb
Part of our web design and usability section
Photoshop Elements -basics
A collection of tutorials based on Keith's locally taught courses. Eight simple techniques enable you to dramatically improve many digital images. Takes a pragmatic results based approach, rather than the usual description of all the functionality and features.
Is your web site user friendly?
A short article covering several things you should think about if you want to help your visitors get round your site. Part of our Usability and Design section
Why use your camera's RAW format?
What it is and why you should be using RAW format for your pictures. Includes links to software packages to handle the data
Going Digital (2)
The second of Keith's articles on moving from 35mm film to digital for landscape work. It covers a recent trip to Colorado.
DxO Optics Pro
A review of this powerful software package for correcting lens distortions.
Focus magic
Get rid of camera shake and poor focus? Keith reviews a useful package.
Spyder 2 Pro
Keith reviews the latest monitor set-up device from ColorVision.
Other areas of our site that may be of interest...
NEW -- Create your own customised A3 size wall calendar from a choice of 90 of Keith's images. Choose your own images for your own custom printed calendar - 12 months starting any month of the year - many all new images not yet in our main gallery.
Digital Black and White. Keith was recently interviewed about digital black and white photography for a magazine article. We have an expanded version here covering some of his thoughts, techniques and tips for those thinking of trying black and white.
As well as our Commercial Photography services and Training there is a growing collection of photography Articles and Reviews on the site aimed at helping you get the best out of your own photography. We also have a growing collection of Photography related information and links that we hope you find useful.
New site features and some of Keith Cooper's latest work are always covered in the What's New page.
Visiting Leicester or wondering where it is? We have views from the Leicester traffic cameras.