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About 18 months ago I wrote a short review for WP on the editing keyboard, the Loupedeck+. I rated it highly in the way that it could make a significant difference to both speeding up workflow and making editing easier and more fun. An all-round winner. When Loupedeck launched their new model, the Loupedeck CT, some months back I admired their new (more expensive) iteration and thought, naah, I'm happy with the Loupedeck+. But, hey we all know how it goes.... images start to flash in your mind... possibilities..... shiny new toys..... just been paid.... sitting around social distancing... working from home.... editing loads of pictures. And, yes, you got it: I weakened and "invested" in the Loupedeck CT. Honestly, it is a thing of beauty. Extremely well-made, totally programmable from beginning to end: it'll handle your workflow any way you like, labelling, selecting, editing, toning, output. Set it up for editing for umpteen video software applications; photo editing the same. I've got mine set for Lightroom although changing it to something else is just a dropdown box selection. And I've also customised the myriad controls for the way I operate. This is one delightful shiny toy with a very real sense of purpose. I've found Loupedeck an excellent company to shop with. From the website to ordering, to shipping to packaging to product - it's all very high quality and quite similar to the Apple style - although Loupedeck use basic black rather than white. I was struggling to work out how to do one bit of customisation and emailed the Customer Help address. I had a full response within 48 hours which provided very clear instructions and a GIF. In a follow-up, Loupedeck acknowledged that there could be a steep learning curve with customisation and they planned a series of How To videos to help. The online manuals are not that clear. The CT - see photo - is neat and compact and much smaller than the Loupedeck+. At the moment it plugs into my iMac with a supplied right-angle (neat touch) USB cable. However Bluetooth is built into the CT and a software update is to follow which should remove the need for the cable. About 3-4 weeks into living with the CT I am delighted with it. I keep tweaking how I use it and just find it gets better and better. It's not cheap but, hey, what is in photography; and compared to some of the prices charged for u/w gear, the CT is "a bargain". More details are here: https://loupedeck.com/en (PS: I was able to sell my Loupedeck+ through WP to a fellow member who I am sure will be delighted with it. It's still a tremendous addition to an editing system and one I would not hesitate to recommend.)

hi there, Over the years i progressed in underwater photography techniques, but my editing skills are still very very basic. I came to this realization as i happened to be shown by two experienced photographers on 2 cases how they used Photoshop, this was miles aways from my capabilities with Lightroom! My current capabilities: I have enrolled to an Adobe photo plan, so i am using Lightroom Classic for editing (but i also have the latest Photoshop version in that plan). In Lightroom Classic, besides the basic global adjustments, i have been using spot removal (backscatter), graduated filters, and i am just starting to discover the adjustment brush, using my mouse for approximative selection of area when i want to do local changes. What i'd like to learn: How/when it really is worth jumping to Photoshop. Photoshop's smart tools to easily select a shape (e.g. a fish, a diver) onto you want to make local adjustments (e.g. color adjustmnet, clarity...) without affecting the rest of the image. Smarter/quicker ways to remove Backscatter? To be clear, i don't need the knowledge to "transform" the photo into a really different scene (e.g. adding/removing objects). That is not what i am after, i just want to get more efficient at getting my work "pop out". How? Call me old school, but i still have a preference to learn on a paperbook. I can read few pages when going to bed, etc. That is practical. And i do not have a tablet. That said, if the quickest/best way to learn these skills is a set of videos or something else, i am all ears. So looking for advice on how/where to learn these skills for underwater imagery editing :-) cheers Nico

Hi, perhaps this is already covered but I couldn't find a blog post about it. The problem I'm trying to solve is regarding the managing of files and storage. I use Lightroom and Photoshop to clean up images. Usually i get back from a dive... throw the files on my laptop and edit a few for social media. When my laptop storage starts to get low, I backup the images on an external hard-drive (actually two mirror copies) and delete the files on my laptop to make room for more. Occasionally when bored or have time, I'll copy an album from storage to .my laptop and edit some of the pics I missed. But then I haven't found a way to backup just new versions of an album and have to overwrite the whole album instead when sending them back to my backup drives. The issue: Photoshop creates a Tiff file in the folder directory of the images. Moving files back and forth means I end up missing things and not backing them up properly, losing Tiff files and the hours spent editing on photoshop. Ideally what I'd like to do it somehow get photoshop to save all tiff files from any album on my local computer in say a folder called "Tiff files." That way Abode knows to look there for the files instead of the album directory. Meaning backing up is easier as I just have to find the newer files (by date) to save to my storage devices. Then I can bring in media from the backup hardrives and edit away without having to resync the whole album. Anyone got any tips or found an easy way to manage this? Cheers, Duncan

I've been using a Loupedeck+ editing system for around 18 months. They are superb. If you edit LR or Photoshop photos - or with a bunch of other photo editing software, these devices are fantastic. Highly intuitive with a short learning curve, they make editing quick and easy and really speed up your workflow. It sits alongside your keyboard/mouse and has physical dials and sliders which make subtle editing tweaks a breeze. You can see from the two photos just how easy to use it is! Prior to getting into the edit, they are also tremendous for reviewing newly uploaded pics: flag for selection by Pick/Delete, colour or star-rating, quick auto edits and then select by batches. Many of the keys can be reprogrammed to suit particular workflow styles. Full information is here: https://loupedeck.com/en/products/loupedeck-plus?skip=true I've been so impressed with the Loupedeck+ that I have "invested" in the even more fancy model, the Loupedeck CT. So I am now selling my Loupedeck+. It's in perfect condition and comes with the original box, simple instructions (they are all available online) and newly acquired travel case. They are very well built and rather stylish! New from Loupedeck the keyboard and case is €269. I'm looking for €195 and this would include postage in the EU/UK. PM me if you have questions Thanks for reading Tim

So it pains me to even feel the need to bring up this topic. I am editing images for a potential editorial from Lembeh. In the background of the majority of the images are plastic bags, plastic cups, etc etc. Is this considered a non-ethical move to remove these from each image to showcase a destination that is no longer pristine? I know I am not alone here. I pride myself on using photoshop on a very limited basis and remaining as true to the image as possible, however, obviously no one wants to purchase and/or see rubbish in the images. This is something I thought would be an important topic moving forward as this seems to be the new normal for dive destinations across the globe, (*cries in a corner....) Thanks all.

Hi everyone, I'm not sure if this is the best forum to post this question so if it is better suited elsewhere please let me know. I'm looking for recommendations on what post processing software to purchase. I had planned to use Photoshop and Lightroom but in light of Adobe's move to do subscription only for products 2018 and on I'm not so sure now. I don't currently own Photoshop or Lightroom (although I previously used an older version of Photoshop - 2007 or 2008 I think?) I don't plan on using cloud storage, I prefer to back up locally. Here are some options I've come up with: 1. Do subscription service choosing the non-cloud version (classic cc?) that has both photoshop and lightroom 2. Same as above except use photoshop plus a different program (like ON1) for RAW color correction, etc., (instead of lightroom) 3. Use Photoshop Elements (perhaps get an older version like 2015 edition) and use ON1 as plug in with ps15. This would avoid the Adobe subscription fee and would provide an easier version of photoshop to grasp since I am in still a beginner in regards to working with RAW files. 4.?? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Hi, I'm a beginner and want to get into photography. Most of my underwater shots were shot JPEG, but I have recently upgraded my camera and can't wait to use it and shoot RAW.. Is it necessary to have BOTH lightroom and photoshop. I have photoshop and have been trying to learn it which will take me a while... do people then normally export to photoshop?? Should I splurge and purchase that too when the time comes? Any thoughts/preferences? Thanks! Also what about video? I have adobe premiere elements which I like a lot but do people do color corrections before piecing together videos??

Sorry all if this has been covered before, I am having this issue repeatedly and wondering if this is something that just comes with shooting in water. I have tried to remove noise, dust and scratches, healing brush, all with no success. What the heck is happening.... Using a canon 5d mkiii with sigma 15mm, this seems to be beyond regular backscatter. Any suggestions would be amazingly helpful, thank you.

Have you or your friends always wanted to learn underwater photography in a real underwater environment without spending lots of $$ on an expensive dive trip? Have you or your friends purchased expensive underwater photo gear and have no opportunity to work with the new gear so you can only try it out on a $10,000 liveaboard dive trip? Have you ever wanted to just improve your underwater photo skills in a real world environment? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Now is your chance to learn everything you wanted to know about shooting underwater in an 11 foot 85 degree pool specifically designed as an underwater photo studio. Got that new housing you are dying to try, new strobes, new camera?? We can help you. How about that point and shoot system? We can do that. Want to improve your macro skills? or you wide angle skills? Can’t get that great shot of the diver in blue water and big sea fan up close. Let us teach you right in the water. Shoot macro with our fresh water seahorses, or people with our fresh tone mannequins, or wide angle with our large green sea turtle. If you can shoot it we have it. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ FACILITIES INCLUDE: large 11 ft deep pool. Custom strobe port connections in 30 locations in the pool to totally control lighting. Camera bench with repair tools. Full 1000 sq foot photo studio with multiple studio strobes, soft boxes, reflectors, light stands, etc. 50 ft underwater cable which attaches to a pocket wizard strobe trigger to be able to fire studio strobes from underwater. Hot shower at pool side. Changing area and hot shower available. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ CLASS INFO: Classes are limited to 5 students maximum. Have a private session or bring some friends. Workshops can be held at your convenience, week days, nights, or weekends. For maximum progress the Friday night, & all day Saturday & Sunday weekend sessions are advised. Photoshop instruction available. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ REQUIREMENTS: Certified Divers only, no photo experience required. Students must supply their own cameras, housings, strobes, and dive gear. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ PRICE: TBD based class size, number of sessions, etc ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ INSTRUCTOR INFO: Rod Klein is a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and has been diving since 1992. He has a Master of Fine Arts Degree from UCLA and studies at the prestigious ART CENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN. Rod Klein is a digital artist, photographer, and writer. Before becoming a PADI MSDT in 1992, Rod worked in the television industry as a graphic designer, and director. Rod’s images have appeared in numerous publications and he was formerly digital editor for Fathoms Magazine, Senior Editor for Diving Adventure Magazine, field editor for Scubadiver Australasia and Asian Diver, and is currently Senior Editor for EZ Dive Magazine, the first bilingual dive magazine. His work has been published in numerous magazines including Scuba Diving, Sport Diver, Action Asia, Fathoms, Diving Adventure Magazine, Asian Diver, Scuba Diver Australisa among others. Rod just completed a 3 year custom house/studio in Venice, California. It includes an 11 foot deep pool dedicated to underwater fashion, products, & artistic creations. There also is a 1000 sq ft. photo studio, with 14 ft ceilings and a full compliment of strobes, soft boxes, etc. Rod conducts digital workshops at various resorts and liveaboards and is represented by Seapics.com, Waterframe.com, and Alamy.com. Rod has been a judge a several prestigious underwater photo contests. Including: Asian Diver Shootout, Layang Layang Digital Shootout, and Ocean Odyssey Shootout in Lembeh Strait. You can visit Rod’s website, http://www.rhkuw.com/, to see his image galleries and read his many articles. CONTACT INFO: email: rhkdiver@gmail.com Phone: 310-404-4159 pool.pdf

Hi all, I posted a photo to the Wetpixel Facebook group and had some feedback off an experienced photographer about the 'pinkish' look to the Manta Ray. I had failed to notice at the time of original processing that there was a slight pink look to the Manta which made the shot less realistic to what we actually see. I was hoping I just found the elusive magenta manta ray but unfortunately it was just my mistake. I am still a novice to the underwater photography world and always looking to gain experience and the post processing part is something I am working on. After the feedback I went back to the photo and took the magenta and red down and got much more realistic shots. Check out the 3 shots and where I have corrected. Many Thanks I posted

All, I have some UW pictures where I would like to convert some of the blue pixels into red. At this point, there's very little info on the red channel. On a JPG, I would do that in PS Channel Mixer. How would I go about it in Camera Raw? Thanks, Joss

Hi All, I've created a script to automatically add EXIF data & a histogram to your image\s. just download and run... http://www.asafel.com/blog/item/18-photoshop-script-adding-histogram-exif-data-to-your-images P.s. fully editable result, all the text and the histogram can be edited.

Join Us For Our 3rd Annual “Capturing Critters in Lembeh” Digital Imaging Workshop December 3 – 13, 2014 Adobe expert Erin Quigley and UW Photo pioneer Keri Wilk join together with support from our In-House Photo Pro Sascha Janson and In-House Marine Biologist Dimpy Jacobs for our Capturing Critters in Lembeh 2014 workshop. This well-rounded team of experts will provide presentations, seminars & one-on-one time on topics including the best time to photograph a critter, creative shooting and lighting techniques, and finishing and editing strategies. This is the perfect workshop for learning the pros’ techniques and skills to get the images you’ve always wanted to produce. Included in this unique 10-Day Workshop: • Daily seminars by our professional presenters on a wide range of customized topics followed by practical in-water application. • ”Office Hours” (one-on-one) time with the pros: maximize your learning curve during surface intervals and master the techniques presented or sort out your processing woes. • Unsurpassed dive guide attention and superlative resort service to compliment the entire event. • 10 nights & 24 guided boat dives Follow this link to find out more: 3rd Annual Capturing Critters in Lembeh UW Workshop Dec 3-13 2014 - Hosted by Lembeh Resort & Critters@Lembeh in North Sulawesi, Indonesia Workshop Flyer 2014 v10Jan-1 rev2LOW.pdf

In addition to our regular annual photo workshop we have added a second week. Come to one or join them both! Special Advanced Workshop with Jack Davis & Bonnie Pelnar July 20-27, 2013 For the more advanced digital photographer and those interested in DSLR video we have added a second week-long workshop featuring both Bonnie Pelnar and Jack Davis. Jack is one of the world’s leading experts on Photoshop, as well as himself being an award-winning photographer. Jack is coauthor of the bestselling guide to Photoshop, The Photoshop Wow! Book. His latest book, How to Wow: Photoshop for Photography, showcases the process of going beyond what was shot, to crafting what was experienced. This workshop will focus on topics like the latest camera RAW conversion features of Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom for underwater photographers, processing video from your SLR, point & shoot, & GoPro cameras, and advanced shooting and lighting techniques. Both Bonnie and Jack will be diving with you every day. You can join either workshop separately or attend them both. There will be a small bit of overlap in the topics covered, such as the introductory presentation and Photo Composition presentation, but the majority of the topics will be new. A deposit of $100 holds your reservation and spot in the workshop. For complete info visit Under Watercolours For those interested in staying an additional day we are offering an optional day trip to snorkel with the whalesharks at Isla Mujeres. Cost is $200 plus and extra night at Scuba Club. For those interested in coming in a day early we are offering an optional day trip around the island of Cozumel with a visit to see the crocodiles at Punta Sur.

12th Annual Underwater Photo Workshop & Contest July 13-20, 2013 We've been running workshops for many years and this one will be the biggest and best of them all with lots of fun, prizes, photo pros and surprises! Here's your chance to get all your questions answered and improve your underwater photography skills. Everybody is bringing cameras to capture the beautiful reefs of Cozumel. This workshop is designed to show you how to use your digital camera and get the best shots possible when shooting underwater. No camera is too big or too small! Not only is this workshop a lot of fun, but you'll learn all about how to improve your underwater photography by shooting better and improving on what you've captured by using Adobe Photoshop. Your instructor and host is Bonnie Pelnar. Bonnie has made 36 trips to Cozumel and she knows where and how to find the best Cozumel has to offer and can show you how to capture it with your camera. Scuba Club Cozumel offers FREE unlimited shore diving, day and night. The area in front of SCC is the BEST shore diving in Cozumel. Cozumel muck diving at its finest! In addition to the presentations and seminars, Bonnie will be available to dive with you each day. We will set up a special photographer's boat, so if you wish to dive with the rest of the shooters, you are welcome to come along. At the end of the week we'll be having a photo contest with an awards ceremony and prizes! A deposit of $100 holds your reservation and spot in the workshop. This year will be our biggest and best yet, with great prizes, photo pros, demo gear and more! For complete info visit Under Watercolours This year we have also added a second week with Adobe guru, Jack Davis. Come for one or join them both. More info here. Here is what some of our past workshop attendees had to say... "This was one of the best dive trips I have ever done. Bonnie seems to have the perfect formula mix of having fun as well as serious underwater photography instruction for those wanting to improve their uw images. I had just bought a new housing for my digital camera and Bonnie patiently answered my numerous questions on the new rig. She also shared her vast knowledge freely with the participants. I plan on doing future UW Photography Workshops with Bonnie." Ellen - Portland, Oregon "Bonnie is a great teacher. She's very patient and knows her stuff. Everyone came away with great new tools for photography. I especially liked her Photoshop classes." Andrea - Laguna Niguel, California "We had a marvelous time at Scuba Club Cozumel with Bonnie last February. I can't wait to go again! She has great tips for getting the best presentation from my underwater photos. Besides, it's PARTY TIME whenever Bonnie is around, ha!" Helena - Mammoth Lakes, California "Just when the vacation began to wear off and I started to get back into the swing of reality I received a DVD in the mail from Bonnie. It was a collection of photos from our workshop trip. It brought tears t0 my eyes. Some were tears of laughter, others were from the great memories of all the new friends I made while on board the Solmar V. Who knew learning could be so much fun?" Marj - San Jose Trip report from a previous Underwater Photography Workshop at Scuba Club Cozumel