Digital Photo Magazine

...mainly on creating stunning B&W digital images.


***TECHNIQUE
The first section of the mag covers the 'technique' which provides the basic skills to make stunning digital images in different ways. For example, in the special B&W editions, these techniques include converting and combining RAWs; dodging and burning (digital diffusion); film grain and borders; and producing mono inkjet prints.

Specifically, ...
...start-up the required settings. For digital camera users, this section provides the ultimate way/technique to convert RAW files.

By the way, taking photos in a RAW file is similar to TIFF or JPEG with fewer pixels but its advantages is to do their flexibility and the quality of the data they hold, not the size of the image. Unlike JPEG file where it is highly processed by the camera (exposure and colour has been fixed, sharpened and ... more

BLACK & WHITE are always together. These colours bring varied meanings and have been used for several occasions. B&W are our popular motifs to respect our loved ones who passed away showing our deepest sympathy and mourning.

Black is the absence of light. It is indeed the back draft of the night when creatures, monsters, aliens and corpses come alive and scare the living. With the white full moon glows in the night watching the terror of demons, and listening the cries of the wolves and the victims in the wilderness convey suspense, horror, shock and disbelief. Black represents the dark side, blindness, magic and spells, curses and witches, cults, evil and the unknown!

But on the other hand, white shows the brighter side of darkness - light, the presence of colours! White represents purity, cleanliness, healthy living, simplicity and holiness. It is the motif of the angels from heaven, the friendly ghosts (like Casper), the beautiful lady in the 'balete' tree, the bride-to-be waiting for the groom to take her hands in the altar, or even our hardworking doctors and nurses and the Wimbledon tennis players. These are some of the things that I could think why 'black and white' are influential in our lives.

Being a photo hobbyist, B&W is something unique and it could graphically and effectively illustrate those different perceptions by using camera. I could also relate B&W to mono images which I am happy to share my thoughts on the various special editions of "Digital Photo" magazine published from 2006 to present, mainly focused on mono images or B&W format, including main sections of the publication.

Briefly, the magazine is being published monthly at £4.99 (little bit expensive) circulated in the UK region and abroad. It is an A4 size publication having from 162 to 180 colourful pages and 3 major sections to read: 'Technique', 'Win stuff' and 'Your' section. With the special editions on B&W, these sections focused mainly on creating stunning B&W digital images.

***TECHNIQUE
The first section of the mag covers the 'technique' which provides the basic skills to make stunning digital images in different ways. For example, in the special B&W editions, these techniques include converting and combining RAWs; dodging and burning (digital diffusion); film grain and borders; and producing mono inkjet prints.

Specifically, I learned from this section that creating a great B&W shots requires five major points: strong texture; strong skies for landscapes; good balance in sky and subject; right contrast; and right presentation and effects.

These major points are fully represented using photos and the steps showing the stages in operating the software found in the free CD. Having this illustration, it is quite effective in guiding users to navigate with the software to start-up the required settings. For digital camera users, this section provides the ultimate way/technique to convert RAW files.

By the way, taking photos in a RAW file is similar to TIFF or JPEG with fewer pixels but its advantages is to do their flexibility and the quality of the data they hold, not the size of the image. Unlike JPEG file where it is highly processed by the camera (exposure and colour has been fixed, sharpened and compressed to take up less space/bytes), the RAW file is better because you can do these adjustments by yourself.

On the other hand, other important discussion covered are rescuing old, damaged and faded photos by using Photoshop technique. Again, it shows how you can restore old pictures and bringing the memories back to life.

Another interesting sub-section of Technique is the "Technique of the Month" that provides a range of quick and easy ideas to enhance digital images using Software elements, Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro. The Technique section also offers valuable templates for calendars, and other essential camera skills to capture stunning images particularly using Photoshop software.

**WIN STUFF
This is the second section of the magazine where the winners of the Digital Photographer of the Year are featured. Prizes include: complete sets of SLR camera, kit and accessories. This is really an excellent opportunity for people who want their photos entered in the competition and earn from the hobby as well. The competition has different themes which encourages alot of photo enthuasists to submit their photos.

Aside from this photo contest, the mag has regular crossword puzzle and some questions to be answered by either text messaging or filling-up the entry forms. Prizes range from image-editing software to external hard drives.

**YOUR Digital Photo section
There are two interesting subsections, namely, Gallery and the free CD feature. It also contains the details about its subscription, letters/e-mails and the collection of photographs from the readers. It contains several pages of photo gallery showcasing truly stunning images from readers around the world. Brief description of the photographers is added, including the type of camera being used making this section an inspirational pages of the magazine.

The freeCD-ROM is a sub-section in the magazine that explained the contents of the CD. The exclusive CD is a regular monthly offer and really a very good marketing strategy from the publisher where subscribers could have hands-on experience of the software, particularly the Photoshop software. Quickly, the CD has its own plastic compartment properly labeled and it runs easily with your PC/notebook. The minimum requirements are: Windows 95, 98, or greater and minimum screen resolution of 1024x768.

The CD-ROM works just the same as a website, but no need to connect to the internet or hang around for downloads. It can be opened using the browser and clicking on the buttons on the left of the screen will take you where you want to go. Unluckily, if the CD found to be damaged or has incorrect contents, you can return it to the publisher.

**TESTED section
Unfortunately, this is not listed in the table of contents of the mag. It is found at the middle section of the publication which offers the latest digital kit reviews and ratings of various SLR digital cameras and accessories - from printers to lens.

This is really an informative section because products/gadgets are rated based on features and build, performance, image quality, and value for money. Pricing information is also included and based on the average cost for the products/gadgets from the internet and the high-street.

It is indeed a comprehensive review/rating section which makes this magazine stands-out from other magazines.

***THE ADS
I observed that the magazine maintains a list of advertisers or sponsors which constitute a number of pages in the magazine. Comparing it to other magazines available in the stores, the ads cover 25-30 percent of the total number of pages - from printing services to various photography gadgets such as lens, lighting accessories, tripods, printers, backpacks, memory cards and many more.

**IS IT WORTH FOR A POST-HALLOWEEN TREAT?
Overall, the magazine provides a comprehensive discussion on images utilizing the Photoshop and Elements software which I could not find with other leading photo publications in the market. The free CD is a valuable companion kit for people who would venture on Photoshop software and other image-editing gadgets in converting the RAW files of more than 70 popular cameras into stunning B&W images, including easy photo guides and templates.

FINALLY, for people who love to take pictures, this is something to look forward as part of your magazine collections, particular for either using a monochrome film or converting your coloured photos (scanned or digital) using available software. Something different, something you can share with your family and friends.

So, if you like to have it (especially for B&W special editions) , you can place your orders by calling 0845 601 1356 or visit its website at http://www.photographymags.co.uk/ or http://www.dpmag.co.uk/, and have it a special post-HALLOWEEN treat to yourself!

(Note: The magazine offers special subscription rates. Subscription for international/overseas by airmail is £87 while for European countries is £81 for 13 issues. Payment is either thru direct debit or credit card and orders by on-line or by phone.) 

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