I recently sprung for this software bundle, taking advantage of some aggressive promotions and coupon codes, for US$199.95. I do definitely like many bits of these programs, though for full / regular price of each individual plugin ranging from $100 – $200 I have to say they are pretty badly overpriced. Especially the Photoshop version of the five-plugin collection (Ulimate Edition) at $599.95. Some of these software makers have to come back down to earth. There is nothing so special in any of the included plugin apps that can justify these absurd prices. And there are plenty of grounds for this claim in comparison to programs like those offered from Topaz and others. Noise Ninja is just one of many very capable noise reduction or sharpening apps that are a fraction of the price of Nik’s Dfine or Sharpener Pro. And if you buy the equivalent Topaz bundle, for significantly less than even my super discounted price on the Nik bundle, you can use them with Lightroom, Aperture, Paintshop Pro, Photoshop CS or Elements and more, without having to pay some massive upgrade premium.

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Pause

I’ve been a bad little blogger lately… Winter’s here, I don’t want to go out as much, and I’ve been spending too much time on the computer already between work and playing around in the digital darkroom. The Santa Clause Parade was cancelled due to bad weather. Worse, I missed the Olympic torch relay in town here because I got my dates mixed up. So I haven’t done a very good job of keeping this blog fresh with Foothills goings on.

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Well, being the soul-less domain name hogging sleazebag that I am, I added another photography related domain name to my small collection. www.shutterbugacademy.com. It’s kinda long, but still fairly catchy and easy to remember. With all of us obsessive enthusiasts running around snapping everything everywhere, I think there’s some serious cash to be made in workshops, tutorials, and instruction. I might do something with that domain down the road, but it would be better for someone more talented than myself to run with. So if you are that person, and just waiting for a decent .com domain name (they are disappearing fast!) then you might make me a juicy offer on pixelpapa.com, ubersnap.com, or shutterbugacademy.com.

This old gentleman from auditions for American Idol is an inspiration.

Sixty-two years old, possibly a retired army general, possibly mildy nuts, but certainly in great physical shape for his age, and witty enough to lyricize insightful observations of pop culture. I’m pretty sure his song Pants On The Ground is an expression of disgust over young boys who think they look cool wearing their pants 3/4 of the way down their ass, with the crotch down around their knees. Larry, sir, I couldn’t agree with you more, and I think your simple song is going to inspire like-minded adults around the globe like a rally cry of good taste and timeless sensibility. Thanks for sharing your gift with the world.