If you're running a Mac and haven't upgraded to Photoshop CS4 yet, then I have good news for you. You can get the latest version of Adobe Camera Raw (5.5) with all the current profiles, and the CS4 version of Bridge, with the just-announced Photoshop Elements 8 for the Mac, and you can get it for $79. (According to the official press release, "Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 for Mac will be available in Oct. 2009." You can have Adobe notify you when it's available.) As part of the deal, you get Adobe's latest merge technologies included the new Photomerge Exposure.

One of the reasons I think this is exciting is because the Bridge CS4/ACR workflow is so powerful. If you really look at what's there, you only need Photoshop or Photoshop Elements for the finishing touches on your best photos. I wrote an entire book on this approach.

You can hear all about it in my interview with Bob Gager podcast. Bob is the Elements product manager for Adobe.

Master Adobe Camera Raw 5.5 and Bridge CS4

Get the most out of Adobe Camera Raw 5.5 and Bridge CS4. The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers lays out the entire workflow that you can master in just a day. It fits in your laptop bag and is very easy on your wallet. And it works with Photoshop Elements 8 for the Mac too!

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Adobe just announced Photoshop Elements 8 for Mac and Windows. On the Mac side of the equation, you get the latest Adobe technology plus Adobe Camera Raw 5.5 and the CS4 version of Bridge. That means you'll have access to all of the current Raw file profiles available from Adobe. This is a big deal if you have a new DSLR. On the Windows side, the Organizer has been greatly improved and includes lots of helpful automated tools. You also get ACR 5.5 for Windows. I sat down at Adobe HQ with product manager Bob Gager to discuss the ins and outs of Elements 8. It's a terrific conversation, and I think you'll enjoy listening to it.

Photoshop Elements 8 will be available from Adobe.com for $99. And you can take advantage of a $20 rebate lowering the price to $79.

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You can also download the podcast here (27 minutes). Or better yet, subscribe to the podcast in iTunes.

Bob Gager, Photoshop Elements 8 Product Manager. Click on image to zoom.

Monthly Photo Assignment

Simple is the Sept. 2009 Photo Assignment. My original thought was the power that comes from a simple composition, with as few elements as possible. But you might find another twist on this month's theme. You can read more about how to submit on our Member Participation page. Deadline for entry is Sept. 30, 2009.

More Ways to Participate

Want to share photos and talk with other members in our virtual camera club? Check out our Flickr Public Group. It's a blast!

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SiteGrinder lets you take ownership of your websites. Effortlessly output pages right from Photoshop.

Red River Paper -- Try the $7.99 Sample Kit.

Add Magic to Your Slideshows -- FotoMagico presentations are so amazing that your audience will be asking how you did it.

Technorati Tags: digital photography, podcast, technique, Technology, The Digital Story, tips

There's always more to learn in Photoshop. I just came across a terrific article on Virtual Photography Studio titled, 21 Photoshop Tutorials And Resources. They provide links to excellent articles that show you how to create HDR images, build effects, make stunning backgrounds, retouch portraits, create 3D effects, and more. If you're looking to improve your Photoshop chops, you may want to keep this resource in your back pocket.

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I've been using a Drobo for about a year and a half, and it's worked wonderfully. So I was interested to see this published report on Photography Gadgets titled, Drobo Experience Report: Going strong after 18 months. This post covers the setup, usage, pros, and cons. If you've been considering a Drobo as a backup for your media, I think you'll find this report useful.

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I was reading news stories online and stumbled across this photo. What's wrong with it? I'm sure the photographer didn't notice that the subject is lined up with the background so it appears he has Martian antenna.

But, then, as you look closer, it gets even more interesting. Is this a Photoshop job? The lighting on the subject is coming from both sides. It doesn't look the same as the lighting on the background. If that's the case, then someone actually placed the subject there... on purpose? Hmmm... Figure that one out. Looks a little passive aggressive to me.

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One of the types of photography that definitely became more accessible with the digital age is infrared. Now you can modify an old DSLR, or simple add an IR filter to an unmodified version, and experiment with this dramatic style of capture.

In the article 20 Stunning Infrared Photographs, Nate Jelovich shows us examples that can be used for inspiration. Even if you're not considering trying your own hand at this approach, I'm sure you'll enjoy these images.

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Taking control of your flash changes your images from ho-hum snapshots to works of art. I just found a solid tutorial that covers different methods for balancing flash output with ambient light. In the article, How to Use Flash With a Slow Shutter to Create Motion and Ghosts by Cameron Knight on PhotoTuts, you'll learn how to adjust your lighting to create far more interesting effects than you would ever get in auto-everything mode. It's definitely worth a read.

And don't forget, this week's TDS podcast is on Backlit Portraits.

Now Available! The Digital Photography Companion. The official guide for The Digital Story Virtual Camera Club.

• 25 handy and informative tables for quick reference.
• Metadata listings for every photo in the book
• Dedicated chapter on making printing easy.
• Photo management software guide.
• Many, many inside tips gleaned from years of experience.
• Comprehensive (214 pages), yet fits easily in camera bag.

Now you can steady those videos and group shots captured with your iPhone thanks to the Blur Tripod for the iPhone. For only $14.99 US (plus $5 shipping and handling), you get the adapter that enables you to mount the iPhone on any tripod. They also provide a mini tripod that fits easily in your pocket.

The Blur tripod itself is 5" long (6.5" extended) and 3⁄4" in diameter. The tripod adapter is 2" wide, 1.5" tall, and 0.8" thick weighing in at about 2 ounces (60 grams). The adapter works on any standard tripod. The pads on the inner surface of the Blur adapter cushion the iPhone, yet provide a snug and secure fit. Blur states that the pads will not scratch the screen.

You can order the kit directly from the Blur site.

iPhone App Reviews and Camera Phone Tips

Yahoo! Releases Official Flickr App for iPhone

A Look Inside Shutterfly for iPhone

Flickr Tip: Manage Permissions During Mobile Workflow

Cropulater Brings Picture Cropping to the iPhone

Panorama 2.1 for the iPhone

FotoTimer Provides Self-Timer for the iPhone

HP iPrint App Makes Printing Easy from iPhone or iPod touch

True Photo App for iPhone: CameraBag

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Backlit portraits can be dramatic and beautiful, especially if you know how to set up your camera. In this show, I explain three sure-fire techniques for great backlit portraits.

The normal progression I go through when working outside with these types of shots is this:

• First, I position the model with the sun shining on her hair, then take a few test shots. This helps me evaluate the lighting.
• Then I switch to spot meter mode and take an exposure reading off her face.
• I'll often try adding light via reflectors or using natural reflection from the surroundings.
• If none of these techniques work the way I want, I'll then use fill flash. I might use fill flash also if I'm covering an event and have to work quickly.

The sample you see here uses the walkway to bounce light up into the model's face. She is kneeling down to be closer to the reflected surface, and to add variety to the poses we experimented with during the shoot.

Photo by Derrick Story using a Canon 5D Mark II with a 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS zoom lens.

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