photoD less gear, more fun
VIEWBUG THE PHOTO CONTEST
SUNDIALS HOURS OF STONE
FLASH A GUJIDE FOR NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS
LIGHTROOM 5 UNDERSTANDING POST-PROCESSING
NEW EBOOK BY NIALL BENVIE
YOU ARE NOT A PHOTOCOPIER! THIS VISUAL EXPERIENCE IS FREE TO READ AT ISSUU. SUPPORT IT!
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blog note Niall Benvie’s eBook is probably the most important thing to happen to me recently, so I decided to share it with those that adventure through these blognotes shaped like a magazine, simply because it makes sense. But do not be mistaken, this is not a magazine and does not intend to be. It’s just a way to put some photographs together with thoughts, aims and dreams. That’s what photography is all about. And to better understand it, nothing better than to buy the book from Niall Benvie, which will teach you to not be a photocopier. Jose Antunes
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RESTYLE YO
from February 10th to 28th, buy Topaz ReStyle for $20 off its original price of $59.99 (re
ReStyle is a plugin designed to alter the colors in your image with its unique array of toning effects. The technology behind ReStyle uses a
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OUR PHOTOGRAPHY WITH TOPAZ LABS
educing the price to $39.99). The coupon code for this promotion is: febrestyle
a cutting-edge process to map the color and tone statistics from a source image.
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OPENINGSHOT
Jose Antunes - The beauty of light is all around us, and where we less expect it. You just have to SEE...
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YOU ARE NOT A PHOTOCOPIER!
N
iall Benvie is back at it
Taking the time to read it will widen
again. With his eBook
horizons for your photography, and it
“You are not a photocopi-
does not necessarily mean you’ll have
er! from snapper to artist
to go out or even far away to find new
in six lessons” he will
horizons. Nial Benvie’s photographs
make you smile and probably rethink
reveal that many of the elements we
your photography. Give it a try!
find around us can be integrated with photos that go beyond the snap and will
This month I had the chance to read
not only make people stop, but also look
two eBooks – this one and A Lesser
at the world differently.
Photographer - that deal with photography from a perspective somehow
I know Niall’s writing from other places,
different from what readers expect to
mainly his previous eBook, The Field
find in a photography eBook. I must say
Studio, about the Meet Your Neighbours
I appreciate that, as I am tired of books
process – yes, Niall Benvie is, with
and eBooks that keep going on about
Clay Bolt, founder of the project. But
the same, over and over, like those sea-
I also know his views from Outdoor
scapes photographs, all done through
Photography Masterclass, a book that
long exposures, that seem as infinite
presents readers some “out of the box”
postcard essays leading nowhere. Or
views regarding the use of photography
those nightsky photographs that now
in Nature. Here Niall Benvie takes the
EVERYBODY seems to be taking...
concept a step further, so this e-book breaks the mould of what is considered
This eBook screams at the very start that
“nature photography” and offers read-
“You are not a photocopier!” and tells
ers an exciting vision of where it could
you, in 74 pages, how to go from snap-
head.
per to artist in six lessons. That’s a bold promise, but believe me, you’ll become,
Believe me, there is no way to describe
if not the artist everyone admires, a pho-
this eBook, because somehow its con-
tographer happier with yourself if you
tents points in different directions, try-
take the time to go through the tens
ing to show you multiple paths for your
of pages. You see, this book does not
photography, wisely trying to take you
promise you things, it just shows you
away from doing the same as everybody
that “art need be no more complex than
else. And that’s what I like about this
the successful communication of ideas
eBook. It reveals that we all have a style,
and feelings”. And that’s something that
which is nothing else a reflection of the
photographer Niall Benvie seems to be
way we see the world (and that’s proba-
good at.
bly why I always tell people they should SEE...), but that we tend to hide that
Being a snapper is not bad, states
style under the need to follow trends,
Benvie. It has its time and place. But
copy the work we admire, and generally
photography is more than that, and
try to please others.
You are not a Photocopier by Niall Benvie costs £ 8. Buy it now using the link on this page.
that’s what this eBook deals about.
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This eBook will teach you to do photography to please yourself, and then the world. That’s the lesson I get from going through these pages, which, somehow, compel me to stop, here and there, and go photograph something. I feel the urge to try something I just read about. It may or may not work – or probably it needs some refining that time will bring – but these momentary sketches are what fuels my photography. And books like this keep the fire burning! There’s something special about Niall Benvie’s style: he creates photographs, simply juxtaposing elements he brings with him to the scenes photographed. His nature photography work is more than beautiful landscapes, it gives us messages that will make us think. It’s not always pretty, but that’s life as it is, and the photographer is also a communicator using the means he can to make us stop and look at images. And probably understand and act.
You are not a Photocopier by Niall Benvie costs £ 8. Buy it now using the link on this page.
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Romans and the Atlantic Realm - Landscape photography on the coast of the
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Temple of the Sun, Moon and the Ocean
14th March 2015
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A LESSER PHOTOGRAPHER
A
Lesser Photographer -
that want to worry less about f-stops
Escaping the Gear Trap to
and want to concentrate on doing more
Focus on What Matters,
with less.
collects in one eBook
some of the author’s preferred texts
You may not agree with all the ideas
from his blog... A Lesser Photographer.
the author presents, but you’ll laugh
Discover the mind of CJ Chilvers.
here, agree there, and in the end come out of these 86 pages with a better
Some photography eBooks do not
understanding of what you want to do
have photographs, and still they’re
with your photography. I hope.
intensely about photography. No, not about technique, which is important,
I enjoyed reading through, although I
but less than some will make you
already knew some of the posts from A
believe. It’s about you, about feeling
Lesser Photographer. But having them
the world. About being in love with
here, re-edited, remixed, condensed and,
your photography, about being an
in some cases, with new chapters added
eternal amateur instead of a wannabe
to better express an idea, makes this
professional. This eBook is about all
a great format to share ideas. A book
that.
that is completely about photography and the importance of having creative
“The best photographers of the last
freedom, something only achieved when
century—the ones who have made the
you jump away from the gear trap and,
most enduring and iconic photographs—
as I use to say, have Less Gear, More Fun.
all tell us the same thing: it’s not about the camera. A Lesser Photographer by CJ Chilvers is about escaping the gear trap and focusing on what matters: the things that actually make better photographs, like creativity and authenticity.” The lines above are a good introduction to the eBook by CJ Chilvers. It’s a voyage through 86 pages of text with some images that although not photography
A Lesser Photographer by CJ Chilvers, C&V edition, costs $5. Get it now using the link on this page.
will print in your mind like a visual advice to follow. This eBook is for those
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“Amorphic Aether” by ntgreen This is a mix of luck and knowing how to frame. This sky is so gorgeous no words are needed to describe it. In fact, no words can. The framing just makes everything fall in place, and shows us the power of an imaginery creature that could be hidden between the clouds. I almost can see a dragon flying there. It’s my choice as the winner, both because I love to photograph clouds and because I wish I could have taken this. Or at least be there to see it. Great moment with nature and a sign that bad weather can be your friend.
VIEWBUG
CONTEST
T
he previous edition of the ViewBug contest has found its winners, while the new contest has been
launched. The new project for 2015, photoD will carry on the concept, as long as people feel there is interest in being published in this blog shaped like a digital mag. As before, I had to choose the final winners and explain why each of the photographs appealed to me. While this should not be looked as exact science, and simply as my opinion regarding the photographs chosen, I hope my notes give the users some idea of how people look at their image. Knowing that no two persons share the exact same view or opinion. I guess that’s the most important think to remember from this. This said, it is time to announce that the 3rd volume of the contest is on, still with under a name, FOTOdigital, that is now buried for good, because 2015 is a new year. If you want to participate on Viewbug’s contest follow the link. under: VIEWBUG CONTEST
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“Hastings” by MikeW I am tired of all those photographs by the sea, with silky waters due to long exposure, but this one is different. I like the pier – and in that sense this is a document, go and read more on the author’s ViewBug page – and the fact that there is a human figure close by, framed so as to create an imbalance to the whole image. The fisherman looking opposite to the direction the leading lines of the pier makes you return back inside the image, and then it all starts again. Nice colours, nice clouds (I like them and the way they seem to create another direction of movement within the frame, look at their shape), nice framing and an human element. Good picture.
VIEWBUG
CONTEST
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Photographer at Moraine Lake” by tiffanywuest
““charming Riomaggiore” by marrieladurandegui I like the framing, the colours, the clouds (clouds, again!). And I like the fact that this image made me visit the author’s website, where there are more examples of this kind of work, amongst other stuff. I liked these landscapes. I am torn when I look at the plant on the right side of the frame. On one hand I would probably like to not have it there, but I understand that photographers are not painters and we’ve to live with what is there, and sometimes there is no way around. On the other hand, I kind of like the obstacle the plant creates, with its odd shape that breaks the continuity between the rock and the buildings.
A photographer shooting Moraine Lake at sunrise. I could not resist this one, simply because it talks much about the loneliness of photographing. You may be with others, but being able to be alone with your own thoughts when photographing is the best way – from my point of view – to get YOUR photographs. This picture represents that. Although it shows that there were at least two persons present, it shows us how lonely a photographer can be when faced with such a magnificent landscape. This is one image that not only talks about technique in terms of framing, it works as a memory of a moment in time. And that’s, for me, the best thing a photograph can give to people, both those depicted and those that see it and wish they were at the same spot.
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Revisit the Past in Broas - Photographing a ghost town as a means to better
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r understand the past
11th April 2015
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PHOTOGRAPH, NO.11 A DIGITAL MAGAZINE FOR CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHERS
I
ssue 11 of PHOTOGRAPH
creative flow (and getting unstuck), the
magazine celebrates
art and science of photography, depth
the power of movement,
of field, telling the story of your subject
from the strength and
through lighting, and how to create a
elegance of African beasts, to heading
photo panel.
across town via public transportation, to the muscular physicality of dancers,
PHOTOGRAPH magazine was created
to traveling across the country and
to highlight the artistic endeavors of
documenting it all in black and white.
photography, beyond all the technical talk about this craft. The goal is to
Portfolios and interviews feature the
showcase beautiful portfolios and
work of Ken and Michelle Dyball,
provide the best value in photographic
who open up about how they find
education in this 224-page, ad-free
life—and wildlife—on the savannahs
publication.
of the Maasai Mara; impressionistic photographer Valda Bailey (interviewed
Interviews, articles and photographs
in Episode 2 of the C&V iTunes Podcast),
make for a month long reading
who found unexpected grace and beauty
experience that will probably give you
while riding the No. 8 bus; Thomas
ideas for some projects. This is not
David, who took a concept of dust and
a “tricks and tips” magazine, more a
dance and created a powerful series;
compendium of creative suggestions
and Russell Grace, who—in trying to
that will keep your juices flowing when
impress a girl—inadvertently switched
it comes to photography. Give it a try,
to infrared photography, with beautiful
buying one issue, and you’ll probably
results.
subscribe to get a new issue each two months. That will give you enough
Regular contributors John Paul
photographing reading, besides the
Caponigro, Bruce Percy, Guy Tal, Chris
time to try by yourself some of the
Orwig, Martin Bailey, Piet Van den Eynde,
photographic paths suggested in each
Adam Blasberg and David duChemin
new edition.
PHOTOGRAPH, No.11 cost $8. You can also subscribe. Buy it now using the link on this page.
discuss seizing time, the strength of numbers, the starkness of nature,
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UNDERSTANDING POST-PROCESSING: THE VIDEO SERIES
U
nderstanding Post-
there is no reason to show a photograph
Processing: The Video
and state “it’s like it came out of the
Series is as the name
camera” as if that’s the right way to do
suggests a different way
it. Editing is always part of the process
to learn how to finish your images so
for a creative mind, and even more so
they look better.
in modern digital days, when we’ve fantastic tools accessible to give us the
Understanding Post-Processing: The
chance to share with others the visions
Video Series - Making the Most of Your
we had.
Images in Adobe Lightroom 5 by travel and documentary photographer Mitchell
With 10 videos that go through the
Kanashkevich is a guide through the
editing process of ten different images
processes used by the author, travel and
(also available in RAW format so you can
documentary photographer to edit his
try to edit them yourself), this collection
photographs.
offers you a fast way to understand how to use the essential tools of Lightroom.
No matter how strong the composition,
Taking you from the raw product (pun
how dramatic the moment or how
intended!) to the final work, this is a
interesting the subject in the viewfinder,
hands-on lesson that will make you
a potentially great photo never
achieve a new level of understanding
shines until it is post-processed with
of Lightroom and the editing process.
knowledge. Good post-processing won’t
It’s not a “bunch of tricks” to learn, but
save a poor image, but it will make a
a normal photographer’s workflow that
strong image stand out.
will become second nature to you if you start following Mitchell Kanashkevich
Through these videos, one gets not only to understand how Lightroom can be used to its best, but also how much editing is needed to get the best out of photographs. The different examples
advice.
Understanding PostProcessing: The Video Series by Mitchell Kanashkevich costs $89.90 Buy it now using the link on this page.
used by the photographer will be sufficient for you to understand that
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SUNDIALS
Photographing the old, learning to create your own.
Sundials in the region of Sintra and Mafra offer unique opportunities to photographers wanting to create collections of stone work elements. Both regions are rich in this kind of work, and having a group of photographers on a day visit to some of the sundials is the best way to get them started not only in creating collections but also to explore the stories about each of these examples of an art that not only gave the hour but decorated the walls and roofs of many houses and temples in a region rich in quarries which produced different types mof stone, mainly the marble which for centuries has embellished the area and various regions. Besides photographing, participantes were invited to create their own sundial and explore software that emulates sundials.
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Maria Emília Pires
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SUNDIALS
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Maria Emília Pires
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SUNDIALS
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Maria Emília Pires
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SUNDIALS
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FLASH SIMPLIFIED A GUIDE FOR NATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS
A
new eBook by photogra-
birds, the techniques covered can be
pher Glenn Bartley, author
apllied to many other subjects. But for
of Post Processing: A Guide
bird photographers, this eBook may be
for Nature Photographers,
an essential guide, as the experience
looks at one weapon many nature pho-
of the author is an always present ele-
tographers forget: flash.
ment here. In fact, Glenn Bartley, who is a professional nature photographer from
Flash is, as Glen Bartley says, “your ‘secret
British Columbia, Canada, focuses his
weapon’ as a photographer, and its use
efforts on capturing intimate images of
opens up many opportunities to nature
birds in their natural habitat and is espe-
photographers that would otherwise be
cially known for his portraits of rare and
off-limits”. This eBooks guides readers
difficult to photograph birds from the
through the use of flash in nature pho-
Neotropical Region and for his portfolio
tography, essentially in the photography
of hummingbird images.
of birds, and area the author is familiar with.
In this eBook you learn how flash allows you to extend the shooting day, freeze
Through this 65 page eBook, Glen Barley
action or simply introduce a catch-light,
provides a solid foundation of how and
fill-light or punch to images taken in
when to use flash as a tool to create
late afternoon light. Through reading it
better nature photographs. Chapter 2
and practicing the techniques explained,
provides a clear understanding of the
you’ll achieve a better understanding
basic flash controls and their most com-
of flash and its potential to work with
mon scenarios. Chapter 3 looks more
natural light.
practically at how to use flash in the field. Chapter 4 of the ebookexplores more unconventional ways to use off-camera flash and multiple flashes. Also included are appendices of useful flash accesso-
Flash Simplified: A Guide for Nature Photographers by Glen Bartley costs $19.95. Buy it now using the link on this page.
ries, FAQs, and troubleshooting tips. Although the illustrations are based on
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SUNDIALS
João Dionísio photoD • 37
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SUNDIALS
João Dionísio
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João Dionísio
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SUNDIALS
João Dionísio
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SUNDIALS
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7 TIPS FOR NATURAL LOOKING TRAVEL PORTRAITS
7
Tips for Natural Looking
urge all of you to be respectful in all of
Travel
by
your actions. None of our photographic
Mitchell Kanashkevich is
Portraits
subjects are there for the sake of our
a FREE eBook but also the
amusement; they are all human beings
start of a series of free eBooks, under the
with emotions, feelings and needs. Please
title 7Tips.
keep this in mind. No matter how much you want to photograph your subjects,
7 Tips is a free eBook series. Each pub-
don’t overstep certain boundaries.”
lication will include a set of seven tips, one for each day of the week, to hone
Whatever you do, keep in mind this
your skills on a specific topic related to
aspect of the eBook and... respect those
travel photography. The first edition in
you photograph. That’s probably one of
this series focuses on natural-looking
the lessons to learn from this FREE
travel portraits.
eBook.
In this eBook, about travel portraits, Mitchell Kanashkevich that takes you beyond ordinary postcard shots and teaches you how to create honest portraits without a forced feel. Mitchell’s practical advice comes from years of
7 Tips for Natural Looking Travel Portraits by Mitchell Kanashkevich is a FREE eBook Get it it now using the link on this page.
experience in the field. He will help you understand how to photograph people in different cultures and unfamiliar situations. Through 12 pages the author explains not only the technical aspects, but also something that many forget: the ethical aspects of photographing people. Mitchell Kanashkevich states that “photographing people is a sensitive area. I
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SUNDIALS
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SUNDIALS
Maria Duarte Ferreira
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SUNDIALS
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SUNDIALS
Maria Duarte Ferreira
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THE EBOOK OF POWERFUL IMAGERY
w
hat is Powerful Imagery?
seamlessly so that the viewer can con-
Different
nect and react.
authors
will
have different answers, but this eBook offers
In this ebook, Mitchell Kanashkevich
readers the opinions from Mitchell
included a collection of 15 of his favou-
Kanashkevich a travel and documentary
rite images made over the past decade of
photographer. He constantly travels the
his travels. Images, says the author, “that
world in search of images of unique cul-
I feel embody the essential attributes of
tures and stunning places.
powerful imagery.”
His work has appeared in some of the
Powerful Imagery is all about demystify-
world’s top travel and photography mag-
ing how great travel photographs are
azines (National Geographic Traveler,
created. The sole aim of the eBook is
Vanity Fair, Lonely Planet Traveler,
to help you take your own photogra-
Geographical UK) on book covers, in ad
phy beyond your previous limitations.
campaigns and has made its way into pri-
If you’ve ever wondered just how those
vate photo collections around the world.
amazing photographs you see in maga-
The question above may seem straight-
zines and online are taken, this is the
forward enough, but the answer isn’t
eBook for you.
always as simple. As you’ll see browsing through the pages of this eBook, each
Four pages dedicated to each image,
situation has its own set of opportunities
explaining everything from the first
to bring forth its own entirely unique
impressions to the final work, guide
impact.
readers through the thinking process the author uses to create these examples. If
Generally speaking, it is safe to say that
the images published here ressonate with
they all share the act of moving the
you, maybe it is time to pay EyeVoyage a
viewer on some level. It can be a sense
visit and buy this eBook for you.
Powerful Imagery by Mitchell Kanashkevich costs $16.90. Get it it now using the link on this page.
of story or of a particular place, an emotion or mood. The most powerful images blend all of these qualities together
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SUNDIALS
Paula Correia photoD • 57
Paula Correia
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SUNDIALS
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SUNDIALS
Paula Correia
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SUNDIALS
Paula Correia photoD • 63
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THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO GEAR FOR THE LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER, SECOND EDITION
w
hat is Powerful Imagery?
seamlessly so that the viewer can con-
Different
nect and react.
authors
will
have different answers, but this eBook offers
In this ebook, Mitchell Kanashkevich
readers the opinions from Mitchell
included a collection of 15 of his favou-
Kanashkevich a travel and documentary
rite images made over the past decade of
photographer. He constantly travels the
his travels. Images, says the author, “that
world in search of images of unique cul-
I feel embody the essential attributes of
tures and stunning places.
powerful imagery.”
His work has appeared in some of the
Powerful Imagery is all about demystify-
world’s top travel and photography mag-
ing how great travel photographs are
azines (National Geographic Traveler,
created. The sole aim of the eBook is
Vanity Fair, Lonely Planet Traveler,
to help you take your own photogra-
Geographical UK) on book covers, in ad
phy beyond your previous limitations.
campaigns and has made its way into pri-
If you’ve ever wondered just how those
vate photo collections around the world.
amazing photographs you see in maga-
The question above may seem straight-
zines and online are taken, this is the
forward enough, but the answer isn’t
eBook for you.
always as simple. As you’ll see browsing through the pages of this eBook, each
Four pages dedicated to each image,
situation has its own set of opportunities
explaining everything from the first
to bring forth its own entirely unique
impressions to the final work, guide
impact.
readers through the thinking process the
The Complete Guide to Gear for the Landscape Photographer by Justin Reznick costs $12.95. Get it it now using the link on this page.
author uses to create these examples. If Generally speaking, it is safe to say that
the images published here ressonate with
they all share the act of moving the
you, maybe it is time to pay EyeVoyage a
viewer on some level. It can be a sense
visit and buy this eBook for you.
of story or of a particular place, an emotion or mood. The most powerful images blend all of these qualities together
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YOUR PHOTO LIBRARY SOME OF THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHY EBOOKS IN THE WORLD