LightRoom 5 Mini Review

For the past two weeks I’ve been tinkering with a beta version of LightRoom 5. Using the Adobe TV tutorials by Julieanne Kost, I discovered two tools that really stand out with my editing process in LightRoom. Let me present Radial Gradient and the Upright tool. Below are screen shots of LightRoom5 beta where I’m using both of these tools to edit a photo taken at Longwood Garden.

Radial Gradient. What is this? Adobe describes this tool as a way to “emphasize important parts of your image with more flexibility and control. The Radial Gradient tool lets you create off-center vignette effects, or multiple vignetted areas within a single image.”

Straighten tool alows photographers to “Straighten tilted images with a single click. The new Upright™ tool analyzes images and detects skewed horizontal and vertical lines, even straightening shots where the horizon is hidden.”

A-freaking-mazing.

Also, after two years of working with LightRoom software I figured out the difference between Folders and Collections. Quick learner that I am.

Based on the amazing editing work I’ve done using just these two tools, I’ve made the decision to upgrade to LR5. If you are looking for a robust photo editor that gives you room to grow your photography skills, look no further than LightRoom 5.

Posted on June 17, 2013 :: Categories: Product Review :: Tags: LightRoom 5, Photography
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2013 1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut Half Marathon

Getting a bit excited about tomorrow’s half marathon in Pennypack Park famously titled 1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut Half Marathon. The hottest race in town – literally. Mid June is hot time to run in Philly and so is July, August, September as well.

You can check out my race recap from last year to get a feel for this fun, local race.

Recap:

A beautiful yet humid morning for a half marathon race in Pennypack Park. This half marathon not meant to be a PR race as the hills on this course and a mile long trail run called Mount Cookoo will slow your pace. The course has other features that make the event unique and fun. I know of no other race where runners are serenaded by “Uberhans” the toughest accordian player in the U.S. Oreo cookies at the finish line – yum! Also, who doesn’t like Bavarian food, beer and dancing post race?

The rains over the past few days made the trail extra muddy forcing me to walk carefully through mud puddles. I am happy to report no falls or broken bones came from running this trail. However, my running shoes collected a fair amount of mud during this run. Earlier in the morning the were a pristine white with purple highlights.

This is a local race which raises funds to support Pennypack Park and HCM Foundation. The race course is set entirely within the bounds of Pennypack Park in a lollipop configuration. You will start and finish at the same place. Those who have decided to run the Half Sauer Half Kraut Marathon will repeat this course twice. I’ll never chose that option. FYI – I’ve registered for the 2013 Philadelphia Marathon and with fingers crossed hope to get into the 2014 London Marathon.

Overall, this is a wonderfully well organized local race on a course that will challenge your running skills. I would definitely recommend the half marathon to intermediate to advanced runners.

Posted on June 14, 2013 :: Categories: Inspirational, Philadelphia :: Tags: Half Marathon, PennyPack Park, Philadelphia, Running
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Sweden’s Princess Madeleine Weds Her Prince – Chris O’Neill

Today in Stockholm, the youngest child of King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden wed her American fiance, Chris O’Neill is an exquisite ceremony. The white tie event brought out glittering crown jewels and gowns from numerous royal families invited to the wedding. With exception to HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco who wore no ribbon, crown or jewelry of any type to this wedding, also, her husband was MIA.

I have to say, the bridal entrance was the most touching one I’ve seen of all the royal weddings. I love how the children literally sung Madeline and her father down the isle to the waiting groom. Watch the video below and you’ll find yourself agreeing with my assessment of this beautiful, loving royal swedish wedding:

Congratulations, Madeleine and Chris, today is the begining of your beautiful journey together. I wish the both of you all the best!

Posted on June 08, 2013 :: Categories: Inspirational, International :: Tags: Royalty
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Philly Cycling Classic 2013

Had a great time spectating the men’s event of the 2013 Philly Cycling Classic in the sweltering heat. Still learning the fine points of focusing with the 70-200 f/4 L lens while continuing to be blown away by the quality of photos taken with the ‘pancake’ 40mm f/2.8 lens.

Congratulations to Kiel Reijnen and Evelyn Stevens who took first prize in the Men’s and Women’s Philly Cycling Classic events.

More photos can be found at this LINK.

Hmm, it seems the new version of Flickr has taken away the ability to embed a photo sideshow.

Posted on June 02, 2013 :: Categories: Philadelphia :: Tags: Philadelphia, Photography
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Memorial Day 2013

Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations, that we have forgotten, as a people, the cost of a free and undivided Republic

~ John A. Logan

Posted on May 26, 2013 :: Categories: Holiday, Military, National :: Tags: Memorial Day
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WCASB Primary Election Results

I am so delighted to report on a primary race that is near to my heart. The West Chester Area School Board (WCASB) has for the past four years been in the capable hands of my friend and fellow photographer – Sean Carpenter. Primary elections were held this past Tuesday in Pennsylvania. When the dust settled from election day, Sean Carpenter secured the highest number of votes within the slate of Republican primary contenders for WCASB: Carpenter 3,930, Coyle 3,637, LaTorre 3,573, Pimley 3,322.

Congratulations Sean! I look forward to celebrating your victory in November and viewing your incredible photography.

Posted on May 23, 2013 :: Categories: Pennsylvania, Photography :: Tags: Photography, WCASB, West Chester Rally
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FTR Radio Partners with Smart Girl Politics for Operation Helping Hand

FTR Radio to partner with Smart Girl Politics for Operation Helping Hand, a three hour radiothon to benefit the Mercury One Charity 2013 Midwest Tornado Relief Fund.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 22, 2013 – Indianapolis, IN – FTR Radio is teaming up with Smart Girl Politics for a three hour radiothon to benefit the Mercury One Charity 2013 Midwest Tornado Relief Fund. One hundred percent of the money raised will go directly to relief efforts in Oklahoma.

The three hour radiothon will air live on FTRRadio.com Thursday at 8pm EDT.

“In the past we have asked our listeners to donate to various charities and have been overwhelmed by their generosity” said Thomas LaDuke, Executive Director of FTR Radio. LaDuke added that “FTR Radio and SGP have done other radiothons in the past and we hope to top our 2012 ‘Cancer Sucks Radiothon’ that raised nearly $6000 for the American Cancer Society.”

Jedediah Bila, Monica Crowley, S.E. Cupp, Erick Erickson and Dana Loesch are just a handful of the cable news contributors and talk radio personalities who have agreed to take part in Operation Helping Hand.

For more information on the radiothon and to donate, visit http://mercuryone.fundly.com/operation-helping-hand-for-midwest-tornado-victims.

Posted on May 22, 2013 :: Categories: Inspirational, National :: Tags: Oklahoma, Smart Girl Politics, The Snark Factor
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Prayers and Blankets not Politicizing Needed in Oklahoma

May 20th, Moore, Oklahoma:

Note the last few seconds of this video where the narrator notes that a school/daycare has been leveled. The video is chilling to watch and the death toll most likely will rise in the coming days.

New York Times reports:

Amy Elliott, the spokeswoman for the Oklahoma City medical examiner, said at least 51 people had died, and officials said that toll was likely to climb. Local hospitals reported at least 145 people injured, 70 of them children.

A spokeswoman for the mayor’s office in Moore said emergency workers were struggling to assess the damage.

“Please send us your prayers,” she said.

In the land that reality forgot and showing all the humanity of a modern day Eva Braun, Liz Winston, producer and co-creator of the Daily Show, uses this tragedy to score political points on the backs of the victims:

This tornado is in Oklahoma so clearly it has been ordered to only target conservatives.

— Lizz Winstead (@lizzwinstead) May 20, 2013

H/T: Warner Todd Huston

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this horrific tornado. For those not interested in politicizing this tragedy, your help and support is greatly needed in Oklahoma. Please click on this LINK for information on ways in which you can help the victims of this disaster.

Posted on May 20, 2013 :: Categories: Memorial, National :: Tags: Oklahoma, Tornado
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2013 Broad Street Run Recap

Broad Street Run. This is my all time favorite 10 miler race. A straight and mostly downhill 10 mile race that bisects amazing neighborhoods of Philly on the way to the finish at the Navy Yard. The part are the spectators who line the entire 10 miles of this course. They are out in force cheering on friends, family members and strangers as they run past. I’ve not encountered a similar level of spectator participation in any other race. I love that it is my home town that turns out for this event.

When the running gods smile upon you during this race it feels close to heaven. When they don’t, well, it is better than not running at all.

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