I’ve had a few days with the new Craft & Vision magazine, Photograph – Issue Two, and am once again thoroughly impressed.  If you aren’t familiar with the magazine you might want to read my review of Photograph – Issue One, which fully explains what you can expect to find in each issue.  This time around, I immediately dug in as soon as the download to my iPad was complete.  Much to my surprise and delight I found articles and/or portfolios by several friends: Andy Biggs, Jay Goodrich, Nicole S. Young and Younes Bounhar.  Surely I must be moving up in the world to have friends whose work is being published in such a high-quality magazine!

Andy’s portfolio of black and white images produced during his many safaris in Africa took my breath away.  His portfolio is accompanied by an interesting interview with him in which he discusses some of his in-the-field workflow and shares an inspirational anecdote about one of his safaris.  Jay’s article about an autumn leaf peeping trip with his three year old daughter is heartwarming.  The photo that accompanies the article could make even the most miserable tyrant smile.  Nicole writes about exposure and metering modes, and she leaves nothing to the imagination.  If you’re struggling to understand how your camera’s meter determines what it believes to be the proper exposure and, more importantly, when you need to take control and adjust that exposure, this article will get you up to speed pronto.  Last, but certainly not least, is Younes’ informative piece on long exposure photography that will make you want to head out the door right now with camera and tripod in hand.

In addition to the aforementioned content you will find stunning portfolios by Martin Bailey and Chris Orwig (killer black and white portraits), articles by John Paul Caponigro on creative composition, a review of the popular Fujifilm X-Pro 1 camera by Al Smith, two great articles by the publisher himself, David DuChemin, and lots more.

Photograph – Issue Two is available now for $8.00.  Better yet, subscribe for four issues for $24 and save yourself $8.00.  I’m subscribed and will continue to do so as I’ve not found another photography magazine with such high quality content.

Delta Pool, Utah

Back when I shot Velvia I extended the very limited dynamic range of that beautiful but contrasty film by using graduated neutral density filters.  The digital revolution has all but eliminated GND’s from the backpacks of many landscape photographers.  I use to carry three of them.  I now carry only one, a Singh-Ray 3 stop soft-sep GND.  Why?  Blending two or more digital exposures together to create a single image with an expanded dynamic range allows much more precision and control over the final image.  If you’re like me, you’re a little bit intimidated at the thought of learning yet another Photoshop technique.  Don’t be.  I put it off for way too long and now that I’ve gotten more than a few blended exposures under my belt I almost never break out my GND in the field.  The tutorials below will get you started.

Exposure Blending in Photoshop – Sean Duggan
This might be the best place to start.  It’s an easy to follow tutorial and doesn’t delve into the more complicated aspects of blending exposures that might just confused a virgin blender.

The Basics of Exposure Blending – Sean Bagshaw
Here’s another excellent primer to get the virgin blender well on their way to exposure blending bliss.  I found this one to be particularly helpful.

Blending Exposures in Photoshop – John Williams
This tutorial not only walks you through how to blend exposures for increased dynamic range but also how to blend images with different focal points for increased depth of field.  A bit more advanced than the first two tutorials.  Very useful for landscape photography.

How to Blend Multiple Images Together – Kevin McNeal
If you’d rather automate most of the image blending process, this tutorial shows you how to use the Exposure Fusion function in Photomatix HDR software.

Merging Images: Landscape Photo Tip from NANPA Summit Presenter Jay Goodrich
Jay puts a different twist on merging exposures with regard to balancing the transition zone, which for most photographers is the most challenging aspect of blending exposures.

Blending Exposures in Photoshop Elements – Richard Bernabe
Here’s a fantastic tutorial for those who are using Photoshop Elements instead of Photoshop CS5, or one of it’s earlier iterations.  Very easy, very effective.

Guest Post: Exposure Blending – Younes Bounhar
This is the technique I use most often as it more or less automates the selection process.  Anything that makes my life easier is good in my book.

Understanding Digital Blending: Three Approaches to Extended Dynamic Range – Michael Reichmann
Even more ways to blend images for increased dynamic range with a thorough explanation of each technique.

Digital Darkroom: Graduated Neutral Density Filter – Jesse Speer
In terms of digital wizardry this tutorial from 2004 is ancient.  Nonetheless, the technique is still valid and is one of the simplest to master.

Hand Blending High Dynamic Range (HDR) Images Using Luminosity Masks – Tony Kuyper
I saved the best, and most complicated, for last.  Tony is a master of Photoshop and this tutorial will deliver the very best results possible.  If you expect perfection and you’ve got time and patience, Tony’s technique is the way to go.

Got a favorite exposure blending tutorial?  Feel free to leave a comment and a link to the tutorial.

Another week, another batch of awesomeness all over the web.  Let’s get started…

Click This – Carl Donohue
Here’s Carl’s first compilation of 2011 filled with useful, fun, interesting and not-all-photo-related content from around the world wide web.  My favorite?  An interview with Doug Peacock, one of my favorite authors and a staunch advocate of my favorite animal, the grizzly bear.

Canon Announces EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens
This new lens from Canon has an integrated 1.4x extender – something never before seen in a lens.  Could it be a game changer?

Building a Better Online Portfolio (Video) – Photoshelter
Very insightful webinar with Stella Kramer, a Pulitzer prize-winning photo editor, speaking about how to make your online portfolio a success.  I’ve listened to this three times now and I get something new out of it each time.

Why Fitness Matters to Outdoor Photographers – Robert Rodriguez Jr.
Excellent post on a topic not often discussed with regard to photography. Robert offers a compelling argument for getting out from behind your desk to get some exercise a few days a week.

Loktah – Organic Packaging Materials for Photographers
I haven’t yet figured out how to use these amazingly cool products but I’ve got a few marketing ideas floating around in my head. Check ‘em out and see what you can come up with.

Photography Tips: Merging Two Exposures in Photoshop – Jay Goodrich
Just what it says. Throw away your GND’s and learn how to manually combine exposures to increase dynamic range.

North Cascades Disappearing Grizzlies – Backpacker
Didn’t know there are still a few grizzly bears in Washington, huh? Yep, there are – but not many and not for long if support for a reintroduction plan doesn’t materialize.

A Couple of My Older Images on Flickr

Aspens at Sunset in Winter, Utah

Smokies Spring Foliage, Tennessee

I decided to change the format a bit here, from “My Favorite Blog Posts” to “My Favorite Stuff on the Web” so I wouldn’t be locked into turning you on to JUST cool blog entries. Now I can also share awesome photos, articles, blogs and other random stuff that’s either useful, insanely cool or flat out interesting. Hope you don’t mind the change. Without further ado, here’s some more great stuff.

Images from a Trek in Patagonia – Colby Brown
Colby has been posting a series of amazing images from a recent trek in the Patagonian mountains.  I already wanted to visit but viewing his photos makes me wish I were leaving tomorrow!

Why Do You Photograph – Jay Goodrich
Thought provoking article about what drives us to get up before dawn, stay out after sunset and travel to the ends of the earth to create photographic images with some fantastic and inspiring responses, including this one by Guy Tal.

Soft Proofing in Lightroom Now Available – Nat Coalson
Soft proofing is part of the workflow to ensure that your print matches what you see on your screen.  Until now, it couldn’t be done from within Lightroom.  My friend & Adobe Certified Expert Nat Coalson shows you how to soft proof within Lightroom using a new plug-in.

Lightroom 3.3 Has Arrived - Adobe
This update doesn’t bring lots of exciting new features but if you’ve been frustrated by a lack of RAW support for your Canon S95 (or other new camera), it’s time to celebrate.
Click here to download the Windows version of Lightroom 3.3
Click here to download the Mac version of Lightroom 3.3

More Stuff to Click On – Carl Donohue
Carl has compiled another great list of interesting and useful stuff found all over the web and it’s not just photo related.  I always enjoy this compilation. 

And from my archives:

New on flickr: Reflection Lake Sunrise at Mt. Rainier National Park
An old photo I re-processed to fulfill a print order from a client that I posted on flickr last week.  Mt. Rainier NP is one of my favorite places and one I’ll likely visit again during wildflower season in 2011.

Quick Tip: Explore Your Options
I share a little tip that works for me when seeking out the most dynamic composition at new location.

That’s all until next week.  Y’all have a great week and weekend!

Lots of great posts last week.  It was hard to narrow it down to just five but I dug deep and managed to pull it off.  Enjoy the articles.

Why Do You Photograph? – Jay Goodrich
Jay discusses his reasons for photographing the natural world and asks readers to share their experience.  I couldn’t help but leave a comment on this one!

15 National Parks You’ve Never Heard Of – Huffington Post
Anyone who knows me knows I’m passionate about America’s national parks.  This photo essay documents 15 of the least visited parks in the U.S.  I’ve been to five of ‘em.  You?

Sixty Six Ways to Promote Your Blog – Rosh Sillars
Just what the title says.  You probably won’t try all 66 suggestions, but give a few of them a shot and you’re likely to see traffic to your blog increase.  Really good stuff here.

Turning the Commercial Corner: Part 1 – Adam Barker
Thinking about transitioning from photography hobbyist to photography professional?  Adam dispenses some solid, no BS advice in this article that I assume is the first in a series. On another note, if you’ve never heard of Adam Barker I bet you will soon.  Uber-talented landscape, commercial and adventure photographer making a stratospheric rise through the ranks.  Be sure to spend some time salivating over the images in his online galleries.

5 Great Outdoor and Landscape Photographer Blogs – Dan Bailey
Patrick J. Endres in Alaska, Guy Tal in Utah, Jon Cornforth in Washington, Ian Plant in Virgina and…Bret Edge in Utah!  I’m honored to be recognized by Dan and even more honored to be included in such an impressive list of crazy talented photographers.  Thanks, Dan!

As usual, feel free to post a link in the comments section to any blog posts or articles you found useful, insightful, inspiring or just plain fun.