Registration is Open for Summer Classes at Pacific Grove Adult School

Pacific Grove Adult School Registration opens for Summer Classes June 4, 2018 at www.pgadulted.com. You can also call a human at 831-646-6580. 

We are teaching Basic Photography and Lightroom Classic CC. 

Lightroom Classic CC starts on June 21st and meets on the following dates, June 28, July 5, 12, 26, Aug 2, 16, 23, 30, Sept 6, 13. The fee is $150 for 11 weeks and 33 hours of class instruciton. This course covers the Import & Development Modules with new tools and upgrades that Adobe has added. The recommended textbook is Lightroom Classic CC by Scott Kelby released on May 21st. The textbook is not necessary but helpful. We hand out copies of the powerpoint each class for your review. See you in class. 

Basic Photography Principles is a course designed for the person who is interested in learning camera basics or the photographer who wants to get off of auto and learn or relearn aperture, shutter speed, depth of field, color temperature, auto focus, composition and more. We have weekly assignments and critique to reenforce and practice each concept. We go on a field trip towards the end of the course for some fun photographing in the field. Fee is $150. The course states on July 18th and continues on July 25 Aug 2, 9, 23, 30, Aug 13, 20, 27, Sep 10. This is a 10 week course with 27 hours of class instruction and 3 hours of field work. 

Lightroom Classic CC and Pacific Grove Adult School-Signup List for Summer

Lightroom Classic CC is the newest upgrade from Adobe. I will be teaching Lightroom Classic CC at Pacific Grove Adult School this summer. There are a lot of changes to the desktop version of Lightroom.  If you have taken the class before and need a refresher and learn the new tools and updates, we hope to see you there this summer.I will be including these in the class. The first class meets June 21st at 5:30 and ends at 8:30 PM. Class dates would be June 21, 28, July 5, 12, 28, Aug 2, 16, 23, 30, Sep 6 and 13. 

I use Scott Kelby's book for textbook(release date in May 2018) and reference but provide you with a weekly powerpoint handout that consolidates the information. We cover the Import and Develop Module at the pace the class sets. Fee is $150 for 10 Weeks and 30 hours of instruction. 

Registration will open on or about June 4th at www.pgadulted.com. I am keeping a waiting list for those of you who want to email me and let me know if you are interested and want to register. You can use the link on our contact page or email me at barbara.moon@batistamoon.com. 

Thank you to all of you who have supported the classes at Pacific Grove Adult School over the last 10 years. I have learned as much as I hope you have. Barbara

Nik Collection Update - Silver Lining in June

News
Nik Collection Creator DxO Files Bankruptcy
By Joseph Tepper, May 1, 2018 @ 11:16 PM (EST)
Rumblings have been going around for a while concerning the financial stability of DxO Labs, the company behind popular photo editing software products “Nik Collection” and “DxO Photo Labs.” But in an official statement, the company confirms that it has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection—but insists the restructuring will not impact customers. 

Actually, the company used the opportunity to tease upcoming products. Those include an upgraded version of the main DxO Photolab. In the process, DxO flaunted the program’s perpetual license as opposed to the subscription model offered by Adobe. 

“[This is] an opportunity for us to reiterate our commitment to the 'perpetual license' model (as opposed to a subscription model) that allows our customers to update their products according to their needs, rather than in a constrained manner,” the statement reads.

As well, DxO promises to release updated versions for the popular Nik Collection of software. The goal is to make the programs work more smoothly and streamline the plug-ins with an iOS or PC system. Read more about the developments, here. 

On March 7, 2018, DxO Labs chose to file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection and is now in the process of restructuring the business.
 
We are very confident that this procedure, which should not last for more than a few more weeks, will not affect our customers in any way. In fact, we are pleased to announce the following upcoming product releases:
 
In June, we will release a free update (version 1.2) of our flagship software, DxO PhotoLab. Recently awarded the TIPA 2018 Award for Best Image Processing Software, this latest version of DxO PhotoLab will include improved local correction features, and will add support for 7 cameras, including the Canon EOS 2000D and the Sony A7 III. This release will also be an opportunity for us to reiterate our commitment to the “perpetual license” model (as opposed to a subscription model) that allows our customers to update their products according to their needs, rather than in a constrained manner.
In June, we will release the new version of the Nik Software Collection, which DxO acquired from Google at the end of 2017. Much awaited by the Nik software community, this first “by DxO” version focuses on fixing bugs that up until now could disrupt the user experience, as well as on ensuring full compatibility with the latest Mac OS and PC platforms. 
 
Thank you for your understanding and confidence, 
 
The DxO Team

Private Basic Photography Class - April 9 to May 22nd

We are starting a Basic Photography class at Batista Moon Studio on Monday, April 9th from 1-4 PM. Fee is $250, limited to 4 participants. We currently have 2 spots open. The first class is on a Monday due to scheduling conflicts and Tuesday afternoon for the rest of the class meetings on April 17, 24, May 1, May 8, 15 and 22 plus a field trip TBD. Please respond to this post or email me at barbara.moon@batistamoon.com for questions or registration. 

Private Lightroom Class

I am going to teach a private Lightroom class at our studio on Thursday nights from 6-9 PM for 8 weeks. The fee is $250 and the class will start either April 5th or 12th. I have 2 openings left. You must have a laptop, either Mac or PC. Please let me know as soon as possible what your interest is and if you have questions. This will cover the Import and Develop module. 

Registration Pacific Grove Adult School Spring Classes, March 19 - June 2, 2018

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN-REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.PGADULTED.COM

Pacific Grove Adult School Spring session starts March 19 and ends on June 2, 2018. Registration will open by March 5th. You can register online at https://www.pgadulted.com or call a human at 831-646-6580. We strive to create a safe, nurturing environment where you are free to learn and express yourself. Join us in the Spring and stretch your horizons a little bit. 

I will be offer ing the following classes for the Spring Session: 

Daffodil Hill, © 2011 Barbara Moon Batista

1. Basic/Intermediate Photography, Tuesday, 1-4 PM March 20, with the following dates for class meetings. March 27, April 3, 17, 24 May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (10 weeks). The fee is $150

2. Advanced Photography, Monday 1-4 PM March 19, with the following dates for class meetings. March 26, April 2, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21 (9 weeks). The fee is $150

3. Adobe Lightroom, Thursday 5:30-8:30 PM March 22 with the following dates for class meetings. March 29, April 5, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (10 weeks)

This is the textbook used for the Lightroom Class. It is available on Amazon in paperback or kindle. 

Adobe Lightroom Book & Slideshow Module March 22 - May 31st

I am reaching out to my former Lightroom students with an idea. If I can find 6 or more students interested in learning the Lightroom Book & Slideshow module by next Thursday, March 22nd, I can hold a class at the Pacific Grove Adult School on Thursday nights from 5:30-8:30 from March 22 to May 31st. We have a break on March 29th and April 9th. 

I just finished a project for a field trip with one of my classes and it came out quite nicely. (see image above for the cover shot) Please contact me if you are interested by emailing me at barbara.moon@batistamoon.com with contact info. The class fee is $150 for the 10 week course. I can take the list of interested persons to my principal and make arrangement to have the class. Thank you. Barbara Moon Batista

Lightroom Classic CC and the Metadata Browser Tip

The Filer Bar lives above the Preview window in the Library module. If you can't see it, use the backslash key on your keyboard to open and close the trapdoor that reveals and hides the Filter Bar. My reference is Matt Klowskosky at MattK.com. February update includes this new feature for Lightroom Classic CC. 

The Filter Bar has always been sort of an orphan for most of us. We can sort by text (keywords, filenames, captions and so forth); attributes (flags, stars, colors). You must have selected a folder or your Master folder to be able to sort with text, attribute or metadata. 

Metadata allows you to sort by various fields. Click on Metadata tab, then click on the bar above each photo and a menu will appear with search fields choices  you can choose to sort or search by in the selected folder. We have always had this list of things you could filter by. Lightroom Classic CC has added edit to the list. This will help you "remember" what images in that folder or group of images have been edited. You can now sort by edited and unedited. Choose None tab to get out of the menu.  

You can see from this screenshot an example of what the sort will look like. There is 1 Edited image and 61 unedited images. 

I hope you enjoyed this tip. If you would like to continue receiving tips on Photography, Lightroom in General, please subscribe to my blog and share it with your friends. Thank you. Barbara Moon Batista

Copy of Pacific Grove Adult School Spring Classes, March 19 - June 2, 2018

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN-REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.PGADULTED.COM

Pacific Grove Adult School Spring session starts March 19 and ends on June 2, 2018. Registration will open by March 5th. You can register online at https://www.pgadulted.com or call a human at 831-646-6580. We strive to create a safe, nurturing environment where you are free to learn and express yourself. Join us in the Spring and stretch your horizons a little bit. 

I will be offer ing the following classes for the Spring Session: 

Daffodil Hill, © 2011 Barbara Moon Batista

1. Basic/Intermediate Photography, Tuesday, 1-4 PM March 20, with the following dates for class meetings. March 27, April 3, 17, 24 May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (10 weeks). The fee is $150

2. Advanced Photography, Monday 1-4 PM March 19, with the following dates for class meetings. March 26, April 2, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21 (9 weeks). The fee is $150

3. Adobe Lightroom, Thursday 5:30-8:30 PM March 22 with the following dates for class meetings. March 29, April 5, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (10 weeks)

This is the textbook used for the Lightroom Class. It is available on Amazon in paperback or kindle. 

Lightroom Classic CC and my Beta Test

I have written before about my hesitancy to upgrade from Lightroom CC 2015 to Lightroom Classic CC. I did finally upgrade to Lightroom CC 2015.14. I didn't notice to many problems but there were performance issues with speed during Import, Export, scrolling from image to image, moving from Library to Develop module. 

I took my 17" MacBook Pro from 2010 and gave it a good cleaning with the help of Chris Cocoran. I created a new Adobe I.D.  subscription so I could download and test the new Lightroom Classic CC. The monthly fee is $9.99 for both Lightroom and Photoshop, but I only downloaded Lightroom. So far, despite the processor in the older computer being slower, I have found no "performance" issues in the Library Module as yet. 

I watched Matt Klowskowski's video on the new features in the Library module for the Lightroom Classic CC update. I do this for my Independent Work Study group but I want to share it with you as well.

1. There is a new search box under the Folder Heading in the left side panel. You can search for a folder you want instead of scrolling through a long list of folders as your library grows. This works whether or not your external hard drive is attached.

2. Favorite a Folder. First of all there is feature down at the bottom of your preview screen that you may have overlooked. There is a trail of bread crumbs (I use this term all the time in teaching and smiled when I heard Matt use it) you can follow that show you how many images are in the selected folder, how many are selected and then a little down facing triangle. Click on the triangle and you get a list of your recent activity, a history of sorts. 

You can see Recent Sources. You can add a favorite to the Favorite Sources ie. a Collection of Folder. I navigated to Food Portfolio (fancy word for selected) and then I clicked on add to favorites and it was added to the Favorite Sources. You can Remove from Favorites by choosing the selected Folder or Collection and selecting Remove from Favorites

You can add the Folders and Collections you are working on and go back and forth between them using this Source menu instead of all that scrolling between the Folder and Collection on a project. This is available in any module in the Filmstrip. This was available before the upgrades last Fall. Now in Classic you can now go to the Folder and right click, Choose mark as favorite. A little star appears on the folder or collection to let you know you have marked it as a favorite. 

FYI: This is in the upgraded Lightroom Classic CC often referred to as 7.2. 

My next Lightroom Classic CC 7.2 blog article will talk about Collections Sets, Library Filter for Edited and Unedited files under the Metadata Browser.  

Droneography comes to Batista Moon Studio

Fernando Batista got is Drone Pilots License last Fall after 6 months of studying for the FAA test. He is now a drone captain with all the rights, privileges and responsibilities that go with the honor. 

Captain Fernando is busy at work learning the ins and outs of the local airports, good fly zones, no fly zones, permissions etc. He takes every chance he gets to practice and build up his skills and portfolio, which seems to come to him quite naturally. 

There was an auspicious panel on drone photography at the Center for Photographic Art on Feb 15th. Steve Zmak, Joel Gambord and Robyn Ward were on the panel. Fernando contributed several of his drone shots to the discussion  and he got quite a bit of good feedback from the audience. 

So, if you are in need of a drone photograph from our new, high flying camera, please contact us.  We will be happy to help you get that high flying photograph. 

Our contact info is listed on the website or you can email us from the contact page. 

Fernando Batista
Batista Moon Studio
Photographer
www.batistamoon.com
FAA Remote Pilots Certificate
484-B Washington St #311
Monterey CA 93940
831-905-0461/831-905-0820

Pacific Grove Adult School Spring Classes, March 19 - June 2, 2018

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN-REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.PGADULTED.COM

Pacific Grove Adult School Spring session starts March 19 and ends on June 2, 2018. Registration will open by March 5th. You can register online at https://www.pgadulted.com or call a human at 831-646-6580. We strive to create a safe, nurturing environment where you are free to learn and express yourself. Join us in the Spring and stretch your horizons a little bit. 

I will be offer ing the following classes for the Spring Session: 

Daffodil Hill, © 2011 Barbara Moon Batista

1. Basic/Intermediate Photography, Tuesday, 1-4 PM March 20, with the following dates for class meetings. March 27, April 3, 17, 24 May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (10 weeks). The fee is $150

2. Advanced Photography, Monday 1-4 PM March 19, with the following dates for class meetings. March 26, April 2, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21 (9 weeks). The fee is $150

3. Adobe Lightroom, Thursday 5:30-8:30 PM March 22 with the following dates for class meetings. March 29, April 5, 19, 26, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (10 weeks)

This is the textbook used for the Lightroom Class. It is available on Amazon in paperback or kindle. 

Congratulations Jean Wells and the Lesson of Serendipity

I met Jean Wells a few months ago when she called to get some instruction in Portfolio Development and Lightroom. Serendipity seemed to set in after a few meetings. Jean joined one of my Lightroom classes and continued her photography and Lightroom lessons. I had to cancel one class at the last minute due to illness. Jean had heard about Padre Trails through a good friend of hers and a fellow student. So, they went to the Padre Trails meeting that night as our class was postponed. Jean liked the group and became a member. Well, as luck would have it, Padre Trails membership was asked at the last minute to have an exhibit at the Pacific Grove Art Center. Jean signed up and delivered several pieces she had prepared for another presentation. All of the pieces fell into place. Jean sold this piece at the Padre Trails exhibit at the Pacific Grove Art Center during the exhibit. 

Lesson: Never give up. Keep on developing your art. You just never know what series of events will lead you to your next experience or triumph. Grist for the mill of the creative soul, serendipity. 

Padre Trails Camera Club has been active on the Monterey Peninsula since 1948. Club members express their artistic creativity through digital photography and print making. PTCC members benefit through open discussion, image and technique sharing, informational programs, "Group Shoots" and friendly competition. Our meetings are free and open to the public. See our annual Calendar page for meeting details or our current month calendar. Whether you're experienced or just beginning, if your goal is to create more compelling images, Padre Trails can help.

http://www.padretrailscc.org

Congratulations to Jared Ikeda

Jared Ikeda took Advanced Lightroom from Pacific Grove Adult School about a year ago. This image was on the bulletin board at school outside the MacLab all of that time. It has been  there through all of the classes since,  and through the Studio Tour last September. (We print the last class of the Advanced Lightroom Class and Photographyclasses).

The office selected this image for the Spring Brochure 2018 coming out in a couple of weeks. Lesson: You just never know who is going to see your images and want to offer you an opportunity to use it or purchase it. Show your work whenever you get a chance. 

Lightroom Classic Pacific Grove Adult School Jan 11 - Mar 15, 2017

This class needs 2 more students registered by Jan 12th or it will be cancelled. If you have been on the fence about taking this course, NOW is the time to register. Please call 831-646-6580 and talk to a human to register TODAY. You can also register online at https://www.pgadulted.com. It is a challenging and fun course for those who want to learn how to manage their images in Lightroom and develop their images, all in one place instead of all over your computer. Hope to see yo in class. Barbara Moon Batista 

Portfolio Development Jan 17 - Mar 14, 2017

This course is designed for the photographer who has dreams of developing a body of work for an exhibit, book, slideshow, project or personal development. We will explore the creative process, developing a concept or self assignment, editing, exhibiting and presenting. This course is taught in a non confrontational style with plenty of time for questions and feedback in a small group setting. It is recommended that you develop a small body of work by the end of the course but it can also be the first step to a larger project or personal breakthrough. 

I do believe there is an artist in everyone. It only takes a little bit of courage and taking the first step to discover your own inner voice and follow it wherever it takes you. Join us for a unique experience and see where this process will take you. 

Register online at Pacific Grove Adult School https://www.pgadulted.com or call a human at 831-646-6580. It is located at 1025 Lighthouse, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Adobe Lightroom CC/Classic Jan 11 - Mar 15, 2018

Lightroom CC (2015.2/2015.3) (not to be confused with NEW Lightroom CC see below)
This upgrade to the subscription Lightroom CC (now Classic) model happened in early Oct 2017
Haze control for specific areas
Increase or decrease the amount of atmospheric haze in parts of your photos. Dehaze is now available as a local adjustment with the Graduated Filter, Radial Filter, and Adjustment Brush.

Lightroom Classic CC
New name: Lightroom Classic - Basically the upgraded version of Lightroom CC
Your favorite photography app has a new name, but it’s still the industry standard for desktop-based digital photography workflows. This is cloud based and requires a subscription of $9.99 a month for the Photography Edition and includes Photoshop

Extensive performance improvements
Experience faster performance when you launch the app, generate previews, switch from Library to Develop Module, move sliders and brushes, and more.

Faster image selection
Begin image selection faster on import with the improved Embedded Preview workflow

Range Masking for fine selection control
Make precise color- and tone-based selections for local adjustments. Use the Adjustment Brush, Radial Filter, or Graduated Filter to define a rough mask, and then refine your selection using new Range Masking option

Lightroom CC (no longer the desktop workflow model)
December 11 Adobe introduced a NEW platform and new concept for Lightroom. This version is in development and may take a long time to have the same features as Lightroom Classic. 

The idea is that you have all of your images in the cloud instead of on your computer. You can process your images anywhere provided you have an internet connection. They are adding features with each upgrade. 

Lightroom is still about the same at its core but the added features on the subscription model vs the stand alone version is where you see the dramatic differences. Adobe has decided to no longer support the stand alone version of Lightroom 5 and 6. The last upgrade for new cameras and lenses plus bug fixes is the end for both Lightroom and Photoshop.  Adobe is moving to cloud baed services, whether desktop or only cloud based with a subscription model. 

You can register online at Lightroom CC
at Pacific Grove Adult School https://www.pgadulted.com or call a human at 831-646-6580. 

Adobe Lightroom CC is now called Lightroom Classic.  This is a course for you to learn the basics of the Import and Develop module in Lightroom CC now Classic. Adobe has renamed their products since last October. I will try to clarify what is available and what I teach here at Pacific Grove Adult School. The MacLab has the traditional Lightroom CC subscription model. We currently teach on that version. We will update to Classic for the Spring session. Either way you will learn the basics of the Import and Develop module. I use the Scott Kelby textbook, Lightroom CC. Kelby will have a new book out February 27 on Lightroom Classic and available on Amazon, Peachpit Press, B&H. The image below is the book I currently use for this course. 

Advanced Photography Class, Jan 8 - March 12, 2018

Advanced Photography Class is designed to build on your skills learned in Basic & Intermediate Photography OR the ones you have learned on your own. We will review aperture priority, shutter priority, depth of field, focal lengths and auto focus. We will then introduce you to the Histogram, hyperlocal distance, RAW, bracketing for HDR and panoramic basics. We will finish with a field trip. 

I follow the same format in this course as in Basic & Intermediate Photography Class. I start with 1 plus hour reviewing the assignment from the week before. We go to each computer and review the images in Photo with quick editing tips on basic like brightness, contrast, detail and color. Advanced concepts of HDR and Panoramic will be demonstrated in Lightroom. The next hour plus is lecture on a new concept with an assignment for the following week to practice that concept. I hand out the lecture each week for your review and note taking. We meet in the MacLab at Pacific Grove Adult School on Monday from 1-4 PM. The classes are small and intimate allowing for more Q&A. 

You will need a camera, tripod and cable release for this course and a thumb or flash drive to bring your assignment to class. 

You can register online at https://www.pgadulted.com or call a human at 831-646-6580. The school is located at 1025 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 

Basic & Intermediate Photography Class, Jan 9 - Mar 13, 2018

Do You have a New Year's Resolution to improve your camera skills? This course is designed to help you build or refresh your basic camera skills. Each week we meet in the Mac computer lab at Pacific Grove Adult School for 3 hours and focus on your camera skills. The first one + hour we look at everyone's assignment from the previous week and make constructive comments on the images, how to improve the skill and clarify any questions the students may have. This includes quick edits of images to show how post production is so powerful. 

The second 1 + hour we learn a new photography concept in a casual lecture with time for Q&A. Classes are small (6-10) and allow for plenty of time for each student to ask questions. 

The following photographic concepts are covered to give the student who wants to get off of full Auto once in awhile, the freedom to do so. You will need a camera and your manual, a tripod is suggested but not necessary, cable release, thumb or flash drive for your assignments. 

1. Aperture Priority

2. Shutter Priority and ISO

3. Depth of Field and Focal Length

4. Color Temperature 

5. Composition

6. Auto Focus

7. Field Trip to a local favorite site as a class

8. Weekly assignment to reenforce the concepts discussed

I hope to see you in class. Register online at https://www.pgadulted.com or call a human at 831-646-6580. The school is located at 1025 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950.