Tag: reviews

Life After Adobe Lightroom

Landscape, Nature, Photography Meanderings, reviews

Cancelling Adobe and using On1

A little over a month ago I decided to try a new (to me) software for photo editing.  I have been an Adobe Lightroom user for many years and I’m quite proficient with it.  So going to a new software with the schedule I keep shooting was a bit intimidating.  I started reading forums and watching videos just to see what I would be getting myself into.  I was pleasantly surprised with the results other’s were getting and at the ease they were obtaining them, so I did it, I purchased On1 and I also purchased a year of their On1 Plus.

A Rough Start

At first I was getting great results, it was easy and although I had to watch a video or two I was pleased with my purchase.  Then comes the update…….well that did not go smoothly at all!  At first I thought it was me, and the fact that I had no idea what I was doing with this program, so I went onto the forums and tech support to see what I was doing wrong, I found out it wasn’t me, it was the update, it was filled with bugs and naturally it was during a deadline for getting photos to my venue for a show I had shot and mind you I had already given up Adobe Lightroom; cancelled my membership and moved on to bigger and better things or so I thought.  In a panic I had to go back on and reinstall Adobe Lightroom to get my project finished.                                                                          

Two Weeks Later…

Two weeks after this happened, I was reading the forum and found out the bugs were fixed.  I still have to keep Adobe products for now due to their “contract”, but I have been editing 100% with On1 and I love it!  I have also talked to some photographer friends who are considering the move,  but they are waiting to see what I think first.

I have included a few before and after photos, can you spot the differences?

Before On1 Editing
After On1 Editing

After using this software for a while longer I will update you with the findings. For now use what you’re comfortable with, but keep your options open, because you may find something you like better.

I’ll see you behind the lens!

Review: Styx, Tesla & Joan Jett

Concert Reviews, Concerts, Rock

On Sunday June 17, 2018 three iconic bands from the 70’s & 80’s took the stage at MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater in Tampa, Florida.  Styx tours yearly and always has an incredible line up of stars with them.  This year was the band Tesla and Joan Jett & the Black Hearts.

Tesla opened their eight song set with a rocking start as lead singer Jeff Keith belted out I Wanna Live then went right into Hang Tough.  Vocally Jeff was strong as he worked his way across the stage, giving the audience a show of his still youthful moves and kicks.   Mid set they performed the iconic Signs cover from Five Man Electrical Band. It was an incredible fifty minute set.  Dave Rude (the only “new” member) is fun to watch on stage, he plays to the audience with flair.  Overall they were tight and the audience was into the experience.

Styx-8

Styx-20

Styx-26

Styx-14
Styx-1

Next up was Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.  I saw Joan Jett last year and wasn’t really impressed with her vocals, however this year she was on the money.  Her Vocals were strong and remained so throughout her sixteen song set.  She began her set with Bad Reputation and continued with several of her own songs and quite a few covers such as Cherry Bomb from her former band The Runaways,  The Arrows I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll and Tommy & the Shondells Crimson and Clover.  She also performed I Hate Myself For Loving You and Fake Friends.  Overall her set was solid and she performed well. Unfortunately there are no photographs as no one was approved for Joan.

Last up was STYX, iconic and strong and one of this writer’s favorite 70’s & 80’s bands.  This band does not disappoint. Lawerence Gowan (1999) is not just a great vocalist, but he’s an incredible showman and fits right in with James “J.Y.” Young (founding member 1970), Tommy Shaw (1975), Ricky Phillips (2003) and Todd Sucherman (1996).  STYX opened their set with Overture which showcased each member as they entered the stage and opened with Gone, Gone, Gone followed by Blue Collar Man and The Grand Illusion.  The set continued with them doing all of their best hits such as the rock ballad Lady and Too Much Time on My Hands.  We were waiting on founding member Chuck Panozzo to make an appearance; as he normally does and I heard he did in Oklahoma.  However, it did not happen in this show.

The only cover was Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody performed by Lawrence Gowan.  STYX closed their set with Come Sail Away  and encored with Mr Roboto; yes, you read that correctly.  Renegade was their final number for the evening.

Styx-37

Styx-46
Styx-65

Styx-44

Styx-66

 

Over all this entire tour was fantastic and delivered all that was expected.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Addition of Lens & Pens

Lens & Pens

Going forward, I will be adding a segment to my blog called Lens & Pens.  It will be photographs and a review of concerts and events I attend.  I have been wanting to take this blog a bit further and now it’s time.  Once I move my blog over to WordPress.org I will become more active and will have a lot more content to add.  Thank you to all who have subscribed, I appreciate each of you and your comments.