New Blog

Google has decided to discontinue the ability to use FTP uploads for externally hosted blogger sites. So I was forced to make the move to wordpress. It's actually been in place for a few months but haven't really set it up and imported all my blogger posts. But here it is.

http://www.kevinkeeganpro.com/v2

Happy New Year!!! 2010!!!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

Google Wave

I'm now on the wave...

Overall, i'm baffled at the amount of hype that Google's Wave has received.  Enormous amounts of press spoke of the revolution of email.  This eventually led to mixed reviews from the tech blogs, though.  Bottom line, this is a step in the right direction.  It has a lot of kinks still, and a lot of features that have yet to be added.  But as a tool for small business, especially one's with the need to a collaborate on creative ideas, this just might be the ticket.  It's like email, an online forum, and IM all in one.  So far I like it.

Illustrator Project - Self Portrait

Last quarter I took my first Illustrator class at Chattahoochee Tech.  First off, AWESOME PROGRAM.  Now, for our first project we were required to take a photo of our choosing and turn it in to a vector graphic with color.  Ok...so I decided to propose a challenge to myself and do a self-portrait.  Self-portraits have always been something that I veered away from, but this seemed to be a good opportunity to face that fear head on...when else was I going to.  I was also inspired to do so after seeing my friend Tracy's self portrait vector project she completed at the Art Institute of Atlanta.

So here it is...I think it is pretty decent and also hilarious...a true representation of the goofy side that only a few people in my life get the privilege of seeing.

Wrecked Vol. 2 Issue 6 Is Out!!!

Wrecked Vol. 2 Issue 6 is out.  This issue was dubbed the "Champions" issue, to coincide with the 2 year anniversary of Wrecked Magazine.  We finished just in the nick of time before SEMA '09.

Can't think of anything too notable in the issue, but there was one goal that Joey mentioned he wanted completed this time around. He wanted the cover to look like a magazine cover, like something you would see on a rack at the news stand.  So apparently I've been doing something wrong...and I was aware that covers were not my strongest feature in past issues.  So I went down the the local Barnes and Noble and perused the magazine isle for inspiration.  I saw exactly what I expected to see, a central and purposeful photo surrounded by bold faced, easy to read headlines that were strategically placed in the negative space of the main photo.  So...

I think I did better this time around and with virtually no revisions from my editor...done.

Snow Leopard Upgrade

Well, my family and I have just ordered the family pack of OSX Snow Leopard. I'm very excited about the slight speed bump and extra HD space but will of course be holding off on any production machines at home or at work. Too many pieces of software are still unproven with it and it's just smart to wait a few weeks for all developers to work out the kinks. Happy upgrading.

Update: All computers at the house have been upgraded to Snow Leopard. All apps passed the compatibility test and I'm good to go. Still need to investigate the changes to Quicktime and how to continue to use QT7pro efficiently.

Update 2: Okay so I've found a few bugs. One documented and one not so much.

First, I can't turn on airport on my iMac. There's a fix involving deleteing preferences, but that does some weird stuff with the way the computer shows up as a shared volume.

Second inside illustrator, when you high-light text, the high-light box flickers like crazy. Not sure what's going on here, but that doesn't affect any functionality. It just looks sketchy.

Time to rest

The last four weeks have been a real test of my creative endurance. Each of the weeks has been a different project. And each one requiring a different slice of my skillset. Here's a quick summary:

The first project was an unfortunate one. I was asked by some very dear people in my life to put together a memorial picture tape for their father's impending funeral. I was truly honored to do it but this was just the first project of many.

After that I had to start on our video at Millenia 3. It was our first full blown promo piece that explained to clients exactly what it is that we can do for them. My boss wanted to go all out. We rented a doorway dolly and also hired voice talent Brian Dennehy (from "Tommy Boy"). I was able to pull it off with three days of shooting and 2 editing and finishing. That includes reshooting an entire scene. The video came together perfectly and truly showcased our talents as a company in both the trafficking business but also the video production business.

Immediately after that I had to begin the next issue of Wrecked Magazine. We had a week to finish it and I ended up going over another 3 days. But all is well, it came out great.

Now the focus has shifted back to school work. Working on our logo design project.

After this, it's time to rest...

My latest creation

A shadow box of my NY Hope design.

Facebook 3.0 delayed release

Just to get it down. While I may be completely off, I believe Apple is holding off on releasing the Facebook 3.0 update for the iPhone for a specific reason. They want it's release it along side with iTunes 9's new facebook social networking features.

This is probably way off especially with all the griping about apples app approval process coming from facebook this week. But we shall see. It'll probably come out tomorrow.

Update: Guess I was sort of right...

Wrecked...2 down

2 more issues have been done since I last posted regarding Wrecked Magazine. Many great sections and some mediocre covers. One good thing that came out of this last issue is the K&N ad that I did. While simple, it definitely nailed what they wanted I think. All I have to go on is the fact that they approved it on the first proof. (Which brings up the point that criticism is a great thing, so at least you know where to improve.) I'm sure the design could be better but how would I know. Well the client appears happy, so you can't ask for much more than that.

Update: It's live!

"Layers" for iPhone

I started off using "Brushes" for iPhone, a very capable app. But coming from a photoshop background, I was still missing a few features that would make painting on an iPhone an easier transition for me. "Layers" brings some of those features to the platform at long last.

The first feature of course, is the use of layers. The is the first step towards non-destructive painting that the app offers to artists. Up to five layers can be utilized, re-arranged, painted on, filled, and deleted. Import pictures to layers and you can do some simple photo compositing too. You can even undo your steps (up to 30) using the counter-clockwise arrow and watch your changes backtrack on their respective layers in layer view. And then redo them as well. Pretty neat to watch.

The next tool is the eraser tool. Erase on any layer, with full access to the different brushes and sizes and a transparency adjustment slider. Finally! Like I said, I come from a photoshop background where I can erase something or even better, mask it out. But with "Brushes", I was not able to do any erasing only additive corrections meaning if you went outside the lines so-to-speak, you'd have to re-paint what you screwed up with a similar/identical color. Seemingly "adding" paint strokes on top of paint strokes. Since you're currently limited to five layers, there is still the possibility that you might need to re-paint or paint over something on one of those layers. Regardless the eraser tool is a very welcome addition.

Much of the same tools and utilities from "Brushes" have been used in "Layers" as well. Color sampling by holding your finger down on the color you want. Also an eyedropper tool that can sample all layers or your current one. Pinch to zoom, and also double-tap to zoom to a specific area (at 200%), and 1000% max zoom (over "Brushes" 800%) allowing for pixel specific painting.

Export settings include email as flattened JPEG, PSD (yes, a photoshop document) with layers, send to your photo album on your device, or save as duplicate. So you can take you're layered painting and edit it right into Photoshop.

While this app won't make you magically have talent (as I was hoping for), it will give you a greater tool set in which to create your next mobile masterpiece. Add a Pogo Stylus and you're good to go.

Update: Back to School...

I'm back in school again. I ran into my editing instructor at Wendy's a few weeks ago and we started talking about how everything was going on campus. He mentioned that there is a new program at Chattahoochee Tech in Digital Media Production/Arts. I asked if an Illustrator class was included in it and he said yes, so I was sold. Also I've already completed about half the classes when combined with my other degree, so this one shouldn't take more than 3 quarters to complete. In addition to Illustrator, the degree will also require classes in Cinema 4D, Maya, Dreamweaver, and Flash. Very exciting stuff.

I started about 2 weeks ago just after 4th of July weekend. So far it's been great, and that's why I haven't had time to post in a while. Also, I see i'm getting a lot of hits on my Lowepro Classified 160 AW bag review though. That is much appreciated.

Another note, I've made the switch to the iPhone 3GS. It rocks, there's no other way to put it. Especially with apps like Layers. I'll post a review on the device and some of the sweet apps I use at some point.

New iPhone 3GS - Why I'll be switching

Today, I was locked in on the live blog of Apple's keynote at WWDC. What I was listening for was the realization of rumors that I've been following for 3 months now. The specific rumor I've been waiting for was a new iPhone handset. And today it was finally announced. The iPhone 3GS!

The are a few reasons that this particular version of the iPhone will be the one that makes me switch.

In no particular order:

• Capacity - For the first time, the iPhone has reached a capacity that can hold my entire itunes music collection plus several movies and tons and tons of apps.
  
• New camera with video - As a photographer and even more so, video editor, the iPhones new 3 mp camera is a welcome feature. Increased still image resolution and also the ability to shoot 30fps VGA video, edit it down to the exact moment you want to show, and upload it to youtube is just plain cool. Or as a buddy of mine would say, "Deluxe!"
• iPhone OS 3.0 - Copy and paste, search, push...all features my blackberry has had and one of the biggest reasons I couldn't make the switch before.
• Battery life - This is just speculated as Apple generally pads their battery life numbers a bit. But it's supposed to be better. And even currently, my long trusted blackberry curve has to be charged every other day or sometimes every day.
• It's an apple product - I've used a mac for my home computing for years and it will always be simpler from Apple product to Apple product, to sync my contacts, calendar, aswell as music and movies because of this fact.

Icing on the cake:

• MMS (eventually)
  
• Voice Control
• Faster 7.2Mbps data connection
• Awesome apps, that do very specific things that I need done. Like track my hours for freelance video and graphic design or tons of awesome games.
• Fairly early release date

There is one minor but noteworthy hiccup that might keep me from switching and it's AT&T's network. I'll have to research it more, but I remember when the first iPhone 3G came out and I saw some very unhappy friends of mine with iphones that just plain sucked at picking up a signal.

Go see "UP"

You won't regret it.

Formula D Atlanta 2009 - by Will Roegge

Formula D Atlanta 2009 from Will Roegge on Vimeo.

Memorial Day Weekend Photos

Stumphouse Tunnel
Originally uploaded by kevinkeeganpro

Some fun stuff from the weekend including a few macro's with my new 50mm f/1.8D.

Formula D Media Coverage - No Cell Phone Cameras

The few times that I've attended Formula D events as part of the press, the officials there always stated that they want to see real deal cameras out there. This means no cell phone cameras or point-n-shoots. They have their reasons for saying that I guess. But I'm not clear on what they are and I've never tried to challenge them on this. I have always used prosumer/professional equipment at the events regardless.

Well times are changing. Print media isn't necessarily dying, but web media is definitely on the rise. With many of the automobile based magazines shutting down their operations, web media is the consumer's only alternative to get the information that they crave. E-zines and blogs, like WreckedMagazine.com and Speedhunters.com are fast becoming the go-to outlet for drifting and other motorsports coverage.

So, how does this relate to Formula D's media rules?

The Internet generation wants their information fast, really fast. To me, this means that technology to get that information published quickly, needs to be utilized to its fullest potential. But this doesn't mean the coverage can lack quality. Typical equipment for shooting a Formula D event could be a digital video camera (at least something from the prosumer class) and/or DSLR. Turn around time can be quick if done correctly. Usually media, whether it be video or stills, can be posted that night, after the event. But the current trend across the Internet is moving towards real time. People want streams of video, status updates of their friends, and instant news coverage reported live, as it happens. So how do you accomplish that.

New technologies/services such as Twitter, allow websites to publish short 140 character headlines and other facts in real time, as they happen. A blog can be set to import this Twitter feed along with anyone else using certain key words, such as #FD or #FormulaD. This not only allows the authors of the website/blog to contribute, but also allows anyone with a cellphone or laptop attending the event to collaborate via text, images, or URL links, current happenings from their point of view as they occur.

The future also holds a number of great things for real-time streaming media. The revolutionary Apple iPhone is set to enter its 3rd generation this summer and it promises to be quite a leap forward. Rumored specifics as to the devices capabilities include shooting video as well as an industry first, basic video editing within the device. Imagine the possibilities that this kind of tech could open up for journalists alone.

Another potential packed technology is the Eye-fi SD card. This card can auto upload photos from a digital camera via Wifi hotspot connections. Combine this with Verizon's new Mifi 3G portable wifi router and an amazing point-n-shoot like the Canon G10 Powershot, and you can produce fantastic images and have the ability to upload those high quality photos in near real time.

On my last trip to LA for FD Irwindale, I was toting around a Canon GL2, Nikon D90, and my blackberry curve. I shot video of drift runs first, waiting for something to report on, then shot high quality stills, and then a secondary shot with my curve to post to Wrecked Magazines Twitter feed. All very important to the success of the story. A reminder though, technology is useless without the knowledge of how and when to utilize it.

This technology is merely a tool though, you still need to be able to tell a story. That is the root of all journalism. And by no means should this new technology replace tried and true approaches and outlets. The need for a solid flow of well written articles, quality edited video and sharp photographs published or broadcast in a timely manner, will never run dry. But with the additional need to be the first on the scene with current events, it is definitely worth it to invest in another hand or person to report via these new tools.

Formula D is going to have to change the way they look at media coverage as a whole if they plan on getting the most out of it. Cell phones, as well as point-n-shoots are becoming perfectly capable for the production of the futures web-based media.

Lowepro Classified 160 AW Review

First off, there are a lot of great reviews of this particular bag out there on the interwebz. So I'm going to go over some of the same stuff and also some things that I haven't seen mentioned.

The Classified Series from Lowepro is their attempt to create a more discrete bag for the photojournalists/travelers around the world. Features like the discrete Lowepro logo and more traditional bag shape and colors help to achieve this goal, but it's not a miracle bag. It's real potential lies in how easy it is to access your camera in a hurry and also return it to the bag covertly.

It's available in 5 different bag sizes now ranging from the brand new Classified 100 AW Kit (basically a travel size pouch for a notebook and some other things and also two new attachable pouches "35" and "30"), 140 AW, 160 AW, 200 AW, and 250 AW (the largest bag, which also can hold a 15" notebook computer).

Let's talk about the bag size first. The 160 AW dimensions are listed by Lowepro as 13.4W X 8.9D X 14H in. In actuality the bag (fully loaded) is more like 11.5W X 9D X 12H in. The height is from the top of the bag not the top of the carry handle and the width is with the "bull horns" tucked away. So this is a relatively small bag, especially when sitting next to the much larger 200 and even bigger 250.

As with all Lowepro products, the quality is impeccable. Quality metal d-rings, swivel clasps, webbing, and stitching. The only drawback I could find on this topic is on the all weather cover. The actual seams where the waterproof fabric is sewn together, are not taped shut. Though unlikely, in a heavy down pour, water could get through. But it would also have to find its way through the rest of the bag to get to the camera/equipment. But on a good note, the small slits on the side of the AW cover where the shoulder strap d-rings poke through, are taped to prevent tearing of the fabric.

Pockets. The bag has 3 external pockets. The two front pockets are underneath the main flap.

The outermost is covered by a velcro flap. The flap has a nice see-through vinyl window to keep business cards or ID visible when needed. Lift the flap and you'll find a very versatile pocket with pen holder loops and another small sewn in drop pocket for coins, headphones or other small items.

Next is the larger drop pocket. Inside is a nice tether and clip for keys etc. and also the included memory card wallet.

There's also a little pocket that is accessible on the front even with the main flap buckled closed.

The last pocket is a zippered pocket on the back of the bag, meant for relatively thin/flat items you need to carry. I suggest this only because it's the side of the bag that will be resting on you. No need to be poked every time the bag swings into you or across you.

There are 3 slip lock loops on the bag, one on the front (is the leather loop the Lowepro logo is pressed into) and two on the sides just below the d-rings where the shoulder strap attaches.

Inside the main compartment are a few dividers that are customizable with the standard Lowepro velcro system. Two of the dividers are topped with a nice protective leather accent. And they're also shaped to allow room for the bulky bottoms of larger cameras like the D3, Canon 1Ds, or cameras with a vertical battery grip.

They also threw in a handy micro-fiber cloth to clean a lens with and also lay across LCD screens to protect them. The cloth is stowed away in a nice mesh velcro pouch until it's needed.

*The cloth is kind of short. So if you attach it to a divider on the right of the camera it probably won't be able to cover the whole LCD screen. You're better off velcro'ing the mesh pouch on the left side of the camera. Unlike what I did.

I was able to fit my ultrapod, SB-600 Flash, Tokina 11-16mm, 18-105mm, and D90 with 70-200mm f/2.8 mounted, into the main compartment the other weekend. This was in part, thanks to the expandable bellows that allow more storage space inside. There's a large zipper just behind the two front pockets that allows for the expansion.

Here's everything that I carry in the bag most of the time:

My complaints with the bag are minuscule. The shoulder pad on the strap, as others have mentioned in their reviews, doesn't slide. It's stitched to the webbing and doesn't allow the bag to be swung back and forth to gain access to your gear. Between that and the lack of taped seams on the AW cover, this bag is hard to complain about. It works great in the field, great for travel or around town and is built like a tank.

I picked mine up off eBay for around $110 at the time this is being written.

Update: Got a real chance to use this bag during the Memorial Day weekend. This thing is great. It rained a lot and had to use the rain cover on a few occasions with fantastic results. Getting to gear and changing lens was really easy as was concealing it quickly. And in my Fiance's opinion looks good wearing it around.

Also at work here, a co-worker saw my bag and proceeded to make fun of it, calling it a man purse...chuckle chuckle. I then told her it was my camera bag, to which she replied, "That doesn't look like any camera bag I've ever seen." That pretty much sells the thing in my opinion, very discreet indeed.

Formula D Long Beach 2009 - by Will Roegge

Formula D Long Beach 2009 from Will Roegge on Vimeo.

Formula D Atlanta '09 Pics

Rhys Millen
Originally uploaded by kevinkeeganpro

Formula D was last weekend in Atlanta, Ga. I decided to rent a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 and see what I could get. The pics turned out well. Still need a lot of practice to get the panning down but I'll get it. The pics were edited in Aperture using Nik Color FX Pro, Sharpener Pro, and Dfine. Enjoy