EverydayHDR is no more and here is why…
Well it has been over 5 years with EverydayHDR and while I loved it, it is time for a change, welcome f64 Academy. It is bitter sweet talking about my website now with friends, I catch myself saying “every…f64 Academy is my site” . There are a plethora of reasons for the re-brand of EverydayHDR. All of these reasons are spelled out in this 14 minute video today.
If you are the reading type you can skip down to the toggles below to understand more about the rebrand to f64 Academy.
Why the Re-brand to f64 Academy?
I was almost turned down for a speaking engagement at a seminar.
I recently reached out to a highly reputable seminar to be a speaker during the event. The response I received made my heart shrink into my chest as I was being clumped into an HDR only educator. I thought, “I am much more than an HDR guy…. but wait a minute my website is EverydayHDR”. To the masses I would be considered an HDR Guy, not necessarily a well-rounded Photography and Photoshop Guy.
This made me realize that the impending rebrand needed to happen sooner than later. Instead of a year end rebrand, I had to speed it up before I lost more contacts and quite possibly my business as a whole.
Camera sensors are diminishing the need for tone mapping.
New camera sensors have been killing the need for tone mapping for some time. The new Sony Cameras have so much dynamic range in a single raw file that tone mapping is becoming a thing of the past. I have shown this time and time again and last month I compared Sony’s Compressed Raw files to Uncompressed and the results were truly breathtaking!
I was writing about HDR for the sake of my brand.
This is unfortunate and may be one of the best reasons for me to rebrand. I found myself trying to relate all of my writings and video tutorials to HDR Photography. At first I found this to be a challenge and really quite fun. However, as time has progressed I have stop relating it to HDR and just been creating content about Photography and Photoshop in general.
Surely I will still write about HDR, I will even create video content pertaining to HDR. Now that the bubble has burst and I have made the transition to f64 Academy I feel like I can breathe again!
Why the name f64 Academy?
Let's break down the name: f.64 and Academy.
Why f64 Academy? Well in order to answer this let’s breakdown the name.
f64 is a very small aperture setting found on large format cameras. This setting would yield tack sharp focus with incredible depth of field. That is the type of photo education I want to bring to you. Tack sharp education delivered in a clear and concise manner free of secrets and hidden agendas.
An academy is a place of higher learning. This isn’t a High School or a College, it is a place you go to to innovate on a trade. It is a place filled with knowledgeable instructors who have devoted their life to the progression of the Arts and Sciences.
This is the f64 Academy Mission Statement:
“It is our goal to bring you the finest Photoshop and Photography education. As the aperture (f.64) implies, we deliver tack sharp, clear and concise education with a transparent mindset free of agendas and secrets. As an Academy we distinguish ourselves as scholars called to a higher standard to continually innovate on the art of Photography. We pledge to leave no photographer of any skill level behind in the process!”
There is some historical relevance behind the name.
In the early 1930’s Ansel Adams (my favorite Photography Mentor) created a group along with 1 other photographers. They called this gathering, Group f.64. It was their goal to make Photography a legitimate art form. At the time the thought was that Photography was not art because it was created by a machine. Group f.64 is the reason photography is considered an art form today.
If you have been following my educational material for the last year you know that I have been talking about Photographers Artists quite a bit. I even devoted a whole 3 hours of education to it with: The Artist’s Eye. All too often I hear, “I am a Photographer, I could never be an artist”. Why on Earth do we still have those terms separate?
Our founding fathers of Photography have worked so hard to have themselves considered artists. When was the last time you heard someone say “I am a Painter, not an Artist”? Never! Because the two words are used in harmony all the time!
I am not saying I am picking up where Ansel left off, because those are huge shoes to fill. f64 Academy is an homage to those who walked before us in hopes that we never forget what they have done for Photographers throughout the ages.
What can you expect from f64 Academy?
What to expect
Let’s make this one easy… The same great taste, just a new package.
I intend to deliver content that was just as good, if not better, than the content on EverydayHDR. Notice that EverydayHDR still kind of exists. You will still see the bumpers on the old content and even references to EverydayHDR on older posts. All of those posts will redirect to the f64 Academy equivalent.
While it may only look like a name change, there is so much more to come in the future. I have big dreams for f64 Academy and this is just the stepping stone to get there!
For Blake, it's all about the art and process synergy. He dives deep into complex topics and makes them easy to understand through his outside-the-box thinking so that you can use these tricks in your workflow today!
Hey Blake congrats on the new speaking deal.
Question. What becomes of my membership that I have with you now?
Hello David! Thanks 🙂 Well as of now HDR Insider remains open. It will be changing to a new non HDR specific platform shortly. I am still working that one out. Stay tuned!
I think your marketing strategy is “right on”. The HDR moniker was putting you in a box. To me you were always much more than HDR and now your “new packaging” should reflect your diversity.
Thanks John, I really appreciate your comments and support!
Hi Blake
Good luck with the re-brand. I have been with you for a few years now, and you helped me get going in digital photography. As I grew and as Photoshop and cameras became better, I also began using one image for most HDR-type shots and blending where needed. I watched your development with interest as I was discovering the same things. I always learn something new from you and look forward to what you will be showing us next.
Pat
Very cool, Pat. Your encouragement is enlightening and inspires me to keep innovating, so thank you!
*way to go Blake it’s great to make a change, and can be a nervous experence. BUT change is good, an d as you say HDR is a tool these days its always there in out kit
Regards
Phil Johnson
Hey, Blake. Love the new f.64 Academy name! Good move and well thought out rebrand. Looking forward to continuing with the f.64 Academy.
Sweet! It took months to come up with that one so I really appreciate that feedback!
You are doing the right thing. You are an amazing artist with a gift in teaching as well. Good things will happen to you.
Thank you so much for seeing that and sharing it with me. I try not to hold anything back, there is no value in a closed book when all you can read is the cover 🙂
Such a smart move! In a very competing photography and post processing market one can’t be stagnant. Who you are, what you provide, and how your communicate “it” really makes you standout.
Excited for you!
Rick in Spokane
So thankful for that feedback, Rick. I am overjoyed to be branding outside the box now. No more getting turned down for 3 letters 🙂
Well done Blake. I am totally behind you on this. I have been creating images from multiple photos recently for ordinary landscapes, thinking to myself why the heck am I doing this hdr stuff. There are clearly times when it is so useful but having invested in the new Sony equipment recommended by you I am bowled over by the dynamic range offered and this negates the reasons for the hdr process on many images.
I shall continue to follow you with great interest. Good luck with it.
Sweet! You are one step ahead of me 🙂 I need to get my hands on some high end Sony, just haven’t made the move yet. Soon, very soon! As for now I still very much love my 6D. One day and one day soon I will join you on the dark side. I am anticipating a new a7 as Sony seems to do a new one every 6-8 months. If no mention of a new one soon, I will be jumping ship on over.
Red rover, red rover, send Blakey right over 🙂
Hi Blake,
Excellent video and explanation. I have to admit, I only came to your web site for your Great PS tutorials. I do some HDR, but like you said, it not the block buster is once was. Looking forward to see the new content and training. Question, what happens to HDR Insider, which I’m a member? Also, do we need to sign up for your newsletter as f64 Academy?
Dennis
Hello Dennis,
Thanks for the unending support, you Rock! You on’t need to sign up to the newsletter again as nothing has changed on that end.
As of now HDR Insider remains open. It will be changing to a new non HDR specific platform shortly. I am still working that one out. Stay tuned!
Excellent move, Blake. Makes sense. The longer you wait the harder it gets.
I could not agree more! Thank you so much.
Blake, good luck with F64! You were born to be an artist, teacher and a speaker. You have the voice, the enthusiasm and the knowledge to lead us onward. The world of photography is more exciting than ever with equipment and software evolving at an exponential rate. I am glad to be going along on the ride!
Woo hoo! That is awesome to hear! I thank you for the bit about being born to do this. I am fortunate to have found something I love so much at such an early age. You seeing that lets me know I am where I am supposed to be and that is more reassuring than you can imagine right now!
Blake,
From the start I knew you were far more than just an HDR educator. I do not shoot HDR, yet every single thing you have taught me beginning with Workflow and ending with the Master Class, has improved my landscape/outdoor photography editing experience. I have purchased programs from other well know educators in this field, yet the way you teach has actually reached this brain of mine in a way that works. I’m not stopping, scratching my head or clicking rewind to take another look, I’m just getting it in a way that is clear and concise and I can apply it immediately.
I congratulate you on your re branding concept. Great name, easy to remember and dang, your logo will fit nicely on just about everything. I appreciate that you provided us with this informative video. Your sense of responsibility to your students/fans/clients is remarkable. Just one more thing I enjoy about your teaching style. You really care and it shows.
I’m in the middle of creating my first website and brand. Dang, it’s a challenge. I applaud you in the massive efforts it took to Re-create and know that as human’s we continue to evolve, so why not our creative endeavors?
Much appreciation for the video. Great good luck to you and F64 Academy. You are going to Rock It!!!
Wow! I am speechless by your support. This is awesome to see, really, if you could see my face right now you’d see it splitting ear to ear. Everything you have mentioned are things I have striven to convey. You don’t always get this kind of feedback so this means a lot to me.
If you ever need any help on your brand or website build shoot me an email and I’ll help you wherever I can! This was very difficult to pull the trigger on, but man does it feel good right now, especially after reading this. Thank you, sincerely!
HOPE I CAN SEE YOU THERE ?
You should be able to change whenever and for whatever reason you choose.You are correct by the way, prior to subscribing, I thought allot of the material APPEARED to be HDR focused.It initially turned me away from subscribing to another learning site. However I’m very glad I did for two reasons.
1)the style and pace of instruction. You are excited about your topics which I believe makes us subliminally more inclined to want to learn.
2)The actions and the breadth of topics you discuss are much different than other services.I actually enjoy the tutorials and look forward to them.
Last, your comments about the artist’s eye were exactly what I thought of immediately. I guess Ill have to try it.
Thanks for the great work and value you provide.
This is very reassuring to hear. The last thing I wanted to do was turn people away based on 3 little letters. Man this is refreshing!
I appreciate your support and feedback here. This is incredible to read, its as if you knew what I needed to hear 🙂
OK by me.
Woo hoo!!!
Hey Blake
All your tutorials, on HDR, Photoshop, Topaz products, etc, etc have been excellent and I look forward to your new approach.
Sweet! Thank you so much for sticking it out with me 🙂
Great move for you and your followers Blake! Completely understand your reasoning and wish you every success with the new brand. Do we need to re-subscribe or will you simply take us with you?
Looking forward to expanding my photography experience.
Dave.
Thank you so much! No need to resubscribe, I have taken you right on over.
I appreciate your enthusiastic support!
Just noticed the ‘sign me up for the newsletter’ box!!
Yep, it just changed 🙂 all new for the new brand.
Great move Blake and for all the right reasons. I applaud you in your decision. So much lately I have been seeing “HDR” done poorly by otherwise good photographers who I know are using camera’s with sensors that have excellent dynamic range. I just want to gently shake them and tell them there is a much better way to bring out that range in their processing without the drawbacks that they obviously haven’t mastered getting around using conventional HDR software and tone mapping. Bravo Blake and congrats on turning around securing the speaking engagement. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, Mark! I do agree, HDR is both a blessing and a curse. Of course I will still shoot for it when the need arises and process them accordingly. I guess it just doesn’t need the tag HDR anymore. Thanks for the feedback.
very excited about your new branding i’ve been interested more in making great photographs then HDR so I can see were on the same page. Although I’m a retired photographer now I look forward to your new endeavor and learning with you know that I also appreciate the nostalgia and the way you crafted F /64Your new endeavor
Thank you so much. I have been reading and researching Group f.64 for months now and using all of its members as my mentor council. I know I really can’t since they are all since gone, however, it is nice to read about their struggles and know that ours are the same if not worse with the influx of cameras out now. They paved the way for us for sure, though!
Blake,
In preparation for a workshop in Yosemite, I am reading a book by Ansel Adams. He makes several references to Group f/64. From Wikipepia:
“The name of this Group is derived from a diaphragm number of the photographic lens. It signifies to a large extent the qualities of clearness and definition of the photographic image which is an important element in the work of members of this Group.”
You are right HDR, to the most part, has become an antiquated procedure. Your new brand reaches back to a period when photography was redefined as an art form. By adding “Academy” you are linking art and your obvious joy in teaching. Well done!
Cal
Thanks Cal! Looking forward to the Workshop. It took a few months to come up with the perfect name and I went back and forth on it a lot. I lost a lot of sleep in the process, so did my wife as I’d tap her on the shoulder just as the lights went out, “Hey, babe, am I doing the right thing?”
“Yes dear, go to bed” would be her pillow smushed face response.
Thanks for the support and seeing how much really went into this!
Great news. I was wondering if you were considering something like this. Sometimes I would hesitate to post an image over on HDR Insider FB page just because I knew it really had nothing to do with extending the dynamic range or tone mapping of any kind; but then I’d usually go ahead (because it was a damn good image! LOL) because I knew that you knew what dynamic range is really all about anyway. All the best with the transition! It will probably be easier for people like me to bring others on board with the new branding.
Awesome to hear, Jeffrey! I know what its like, I hesitated posting o much in the last few years all for the sake of being an HDR site, talk about frustrating! We need to catch up and talk. City shoot sometime?
Makes sense to me. In fact over the last year (give or take), I’ve been thinking that you’re so much more than “just HDR” (not that that’s a bad thing). Congrats on the re-branding. I look forward to continued training and inspiration from you.
Thanks, Eric! I really do appreciate it. This was a big endeavor for me so I am glad to read this and know others saw it too. I appreciate the support!
It might not be for me, but I’ll stick with it, at least, until you have the new concept up an running and, maybe. I’ll find out it does suit me. Which ever way it goes, thanks for the ride and the very best of luck with the rebranding.
Dave.
Stick around! I am sure you will love it 🙂 I appreciate your support!
Blake: congrats on the name change and I am quite sure that it will bring more business to your site. You are a superb instructor! Thank you for all that you teach us!
Thank you so much for the kind regards and support. I am thankful for students like you 🙂
You are a good educator and look forward to f64 Academy and what you will be doing in that brand mode. Good choice in making the change. It is something that we all have to evaluate with our business plan periodically. The best of results for you!
Thank you. It was a tough decision to move, but in the long run I know it will be valuable for not only me but those I instruct as I can branch out. This is very liberating!
Great Move, Blake! When I joined the HDR Insider, I was a little nervous because I’m still a beginner, but right off, you taught that HDR was a means not and end in post-processing. Every tutorial and workflow….well, everything!..has been helpful. You’re a born teacher. (Being a retired teacher, I recognize the gift!)
Wish you well at f64 Academy. –See you there!
Thank you so much. That means a lot to me. Other teachers intimidate me, really, thankfully you didn’t tell me this sooner. However, these remarks coming from a fellow educator, like yourself, amplify their value! Thank you for the support and feedback!
Blake,
What a great move! I joined Everyday HDR because I wanted to learn from a “photography expert.” When I first discovered your website, it was readily apparent to me that you were that expert! This name change now makes that clear. I will continue to subscribe to your site, and can’t wait to learn as much as I can from your wealth of photography knowledge and skill.
(Question: Do I need to now subscribe to f64 Academy, or does my subscription to Everyday HDR keep me enrolled in f64 Academy?)
Thanks Larry! You all are giving me such amazing feedback on this. I know I made the right move now. No need to signup again. Everything just merged right over.
I look forward to more great instruction. I hope you maintain your sessions that critique a set of images. Your artistic viewpoint is very helpful as we look at our own images and how to make them look their best. Thanks for sharing your expertise and energy.
No problem! As it stands now HDR Insider will still be up and running until I move it over to the new platform. When I do the critique sessions are something I will never get rid of! I have so much fun doing those and I learn a ton about my own photography in the process.
With you all the way. You can call it “Blake Rudis – Smartest Man In The World” for all I care. You have helped me become a better photographer and that’s all that matters.
Hahaha, I can’t stop laughing over here. That is too funny!
Congrats and good luck on the changeover. There are a lot of photography instructors out there for one thing or another..what I’ve found is that not many have the same enthusiasm and personal touch that you have shown. Even though I’ve resisted using Photoshop or Lightroom as my go-to editors, in many cases, I’m able to tail along applying the concepts you’ve illustrated in the software I do use.
That is all great to hear. Thank you for the cordial feedback! I am glad you have the ability to apply what you learn to your editing tools of choice. That is not always easy to do. Good on you for being an avid learner.
Wow, great honest explanation. You are now moving onto even bigger and better things and you are taking us on this journey with you. Why would i leave , you and you alone have made me a better photographer mate. 🙂
Thanks Michael. Your unending support is such a blessing! We have had many conversations through the years and I am very grateful to have met you online. Now to get me out to Australia 🙂
Congrats on the new branding and the speaking engagement. Looking forward to a continued relationship in my photography education. You are a great speaker and teacher, easily followed and a stickler for detail. I know you will take me far, so I, for one coming along for the education ride. Looking forward to how you will transition us in everyday HDR.com over to the new f.64 academy.
Thanks Gail! It was awesome putting a face to your name at the workshop and living with you and the others for a week 🙂 I am glad you are sticking it out. It will be a nice change. A smooth change really as I have been doing this for quite some time, but now operating with a new mantra.
Blake,
This is a great day for you. I’ve noticed your move into PS webinars and wondered when you were going to “SEE THE LIGHT”. This move will increase your fortune and satisfy so many more PS users.
I have always been a fan and look forward to many years of your friendship and toutering.
haha! I saw the light 🙂 Thank goodness! I just wish someone would have shined it in my face sooner. Or at least opened my eyes when it was shining there. To many years of friendship for sure and many more to come!
With you all the way. In the short time I have been with you, I have learnt so much. You are an absolute amazing teacher & I would love to follow you further to learn as much as I can. You make education fun & easy, thank you
This is great feedback! I know I have fun doing it and to hear you have fun on the other end makes my job so much more worthwhile! Thank you for this.
Thanks for the update and love your voice.
Awww… stop you are making me blush 🙂
I really like where you are going with this Blake. You have consistently over the last year or more delivered great photography/photoshop education. Moving forward at this time seems a ‘no brainer’ to me. I look forward to learning as f64 progresses!
Woo hoo! Hang on tight, I just may be ramping it up a bit 🙂 Glad you are long for the ride. It is bitter sweet trading in a loved vehicle, but hey, more roads to travel now 🙂
Excellent choice. No WAY would I unsubscribe! Best trainer on photography I know…
Thanks, Jon. That means a lot coming from you, my friend! I appreciate all of the years of support. We need to get some more BBQ when you are in Kansas City again!
I can really understand your move – more of an update really. While I have enjoyed your teaching of HDR it was never something I did all the time. Your method of teaching is beyond excellent so I would stayed tuned to whatever you were teaching and I do think HDR has reached it’s natural us-by-date. Excited about what you come up with in the future – I’ll be here.
Awesome! Well with this change may come some many more interesting topics so I am glad you are along for the ride with me and the many others here! Thanks for the excellent feedback, it really does mean a lot to me.
I have been with you for over 2 years. Even though your title was “Everyday HDR”, I have always thought of you as a very enthusiastic instructor, not just about HDR, but about photography. I understand how titles can affect people. The majority of people I have met through my life have been followers. Best of luck with this new group. Because of the type of person you are, this will be a very successful time in your life and your family’s life. Never let anyone talk you out of doing what you want to do. I will be staying with you in this new adventure because I can relate what you talk about to much more than photography. You are an excellent instructor and a better person. Later, your friend, Don.
Thanks, Don. That really does mean a lot to me. I remember the first image you submitted to HDR Insider for a critique and I thought, “Wow, this guy wants me to critique his work”. Ever since then I have remembered every image you have submitted. It was such an awesome experience getting to know you on the Workshop as well. We had some awesome chats and I am overjoyed to call you my friend. I appreciate the support more than you know!
EverydayHDR is dead? Oh my word!
But I was only wanted to be here for your HDR stuff, and HDR stuff only.
How will I ever be able to suppress all the halos without you?
And my camera only goes up to f22! Oh my.
I am bereft 🙁
Damn you, Blake Rudis!
On the other hand, I do like you, and you’re very handsome.
And who needs HDR anymore anyways? Not me, that’s for sure.
Just think of all those shutter actuations I will save. My camera will last me 3 times longer. And I won’t have to carry 14 memory cards, and spare batteries, for all that bracketing nonsense.
God bless you, Blake Rudis!
To paraphrase the Beatles… I will still love you, when you’re f64
I laughed through this whole comment. I knew it would be hilarious though, your witty personality always has a way of coming out. Thanks for the support, without you there’d be no Facebook Projects! You have made yourself a great asset to HDR Insider and more importantly a friend to me. I appreciate it. My wife had never heard that song… what blasphemy! I educated her.
Educated her, eh? On music? Hmmm, perhaps a further rebranding is in the offing. f64/45rpm. Photography with songs, and maybe some interpretive dance. It’s always best to look in more than 1 direction (I assume Sarah has heard of them) 🙂
To be serious for a moment though, I think this is a great decision. I have noticed a decline in participation on both the website and FB group, and did wonder if HDR was still exciting people.
As all the other guys have said, you have a natural talent for education and communication, and have done well to maintain interest in the one subject for as long as you have. But. I assume, even chocolate can become boring if it’s all you eat. Hmmm… chocolate. (maybe this is not a good analogy).
So, yeah, onwards and upwards, my friend. The sky’s the limit (and not a sign of tonemapping issues in those clouds). 🙂
A sound and persuasive argument for your brand-name change Blake. I’ve enjoyed Everyday HDR and now look forward to the new ride with f.64 Academy.
Thank you so much for sticking it out! You rock!
Congratulations on taking this determined step to the next phase of future. Personally, I am relieved I no longer have to worry about learning HDR. I love your tutorials and tips and have all I can manage just getting one workable shot, much less trying for three or more and then trying to line them all up somehow. So I avoid it and instead revel in learning about textures and techniques and how to finesse an image into something that is pleasing to view. Thank you for continuing to work your vision.
Thank you, Paula! Well HDR can certainly make for great photos, it just has to be done tastefully. It did take me a very long while to gain the hang of it. I will more than likely continue doing the process on my landscape work as I simply love the result. I am just excited to write about more than just HDR!
Thanks for the support 🙂
Greetings from down under Blake and congratulations on the new direction.
I agree that with the greatly expanded dynamic range of camera sensors HDR is becoming less and less relevant, and it makes perfect sense to re-frame your educational ‘brand’ to be more general, but still high quality.
I look forward to seeing your new range in educational and training video’s and courses
Thank you, Wayne. You’d think I would have done this a looooooong time ago, haha! Oh well better late than never right? Thank you for your support and words of encouragement.
I understand your need to expand and branch out into other areas of photography. You are so incredibly knowledgeable and have so much more to offer. I do hope however as you rebrand and open yourself up to new opportunities that you won’t throw the HDR baby out with the bath water. Many of us do not have the latest gear available and for the foreseeable future, I will still be doing my HDR images the old-fashioned way with brackets, tone-mapping, etc.
As a general area of photography I thing HDR has always gotten a bad rap because of all of the over-the-top processing that was so common in the HDR world. I think many photographers have completely missed the point that it is also used to,add dynamic range to the image so that neither bright or dark areas of an image have to be sacrificed and the final image can be much closer to accurately representing what the photographer shot.
I’ve always hated the over-processed fake looking stuff, but without HDR many of my portfolio images may never have even been kept – much less featured!
Best of luck,
Randy
I couldn’t agree more with you here. Many of my portfolio images would not be there without HDR processing and the style I have developed over the years with it. I will always embrace HDR in some form or fashion because the techniques can yield phenomenal results.
I am excited to talk about many other things now. Compositing, Portrait work, street photography, gear not related to HDR and so on. It will be very liberating.
Thanks for the support and for your much respected opinion.
Blake, I kinda foresaw that this rebranding needed to happen. Having completed your excellent and most useful DZS, CZS and MZS courses and countless freebie tutorials I thought ‘how does your Zone Edit systems fit into HDR and indeed how does HDR fit into Zone Edit?’
Of course HDR and Zone Edit are two separate entities. HDR is but just one facet of photography that can benefit from your artistic and technical approach. I could see that more and more your ideas and workflows were becoming an academic subject in there own right.
So rebranding is certainly the right move. I love your stuff so I shall still remain a disciple. Onwards and upwards! Keep up the good work! Good luck to you!
PS
I think you may be requiring a new and larger house soon. Your brain must surely be acquiring the size of a small planet.
haha! My office is rather large, but I can promise you that was only to make my “set” bigger not for my brain. Thank you for the awesome feedback, this is awesome to read.
Blake, what can I say? I like it. I’ll continue to support your new direction. I discovered you while looking for HDR info. But over the past couple of years I have, as you have, changed directions. I eagerly await your newest teaching videos, actions and critiques like my dog waiting to be fed. I love them all. I did see something in one of your recent tutorials about Color Zone 3.0, interesting, can’t wait to see what this will be about. Always enjoy uploading images for your critiques and than having to wait six weeks to see the sessions. Oh, and thanks for honoring me for my age. I guess I’ll always be in focus from now on.
All the best,
haha! Always in focus, I get it. That was very clever 🙂
I still have a strong love for HDR Photography, that will never change. I am just excited to step outside the box for a while and harness this creativity i other directions. That excites me!
Good on you Blake. It takes great courage and wisdom to step out and rebrand. I for one am still a huge fan of HDR but look forward to f64.
Sweet! I’ll still be doing HDR, I may never get away from it completely. I will just but focusing my fire in many more directions rather than limiting myself. I do appreciate your feedback.
I’m new to the HDR insider, I have learned many things and some new skills, I will miss it but, I’m excited for you and your new adventure and looking forward to seeing the new stuff. You are a great teacher with a easy teaching style.
Thank you, Marla! Well, I still do love my HDR stuff and there is a plethora of content here that will remain archived (5 + years). I have really enjoyed getting to know you and your style and appreciate your words of encouragement.
Was wondering when you would make the break!!! I’m all in with you. Yr. innovative teaching abilities (including your ability to communicate with us) as well as your grasp of the material is unique in the field.
Thank you so much for recognizing that, Bill. I appreciate your feedback and support. It means a lot to me really. A simple comment like that really goes a long way to inspire me. It fuels my fire!
So many great compliments and I agree with all of them. Best of luck and I look forward to your new brand.
I know, I am beside myself. Really this makes me so happy to see such positive encouragement and I thank you for yours as well!
Good on ya mate! as our friends downunder would say.
🙂 I have yet to make it there…. one day!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! It’s about time. I was growing away from HDR.
Awesome! So glad to hear it. Well, I’ll still be doing HDR stuff, but it excites me to see you excited 🙂
New and improved! Great news Blake! I have shot at F64 many times with an 8×10 Deardorff years ago doing studio work, so I’m already in the club! I still get blown away by the tonal ranges of HDR, seems like all ten zones are there without even using the zone system… But, onward and upward!
Thanks!!!!
I agree, there is some incredible tonal detail in HDR. I wish one day our DSLR lenses would it f64, that would be incredible. However, the Diffraction and aberration would be horrible!
I applaud you on a very thoughtful step forward. Rebranding is a smart way to stay current and those who get it will always be with you. Count me in. Looking forward to all you to offer on this next journey.
Blake, Adapt and grow…..Your reasoning makes sense with your growth…I have enjoyed and developed skills with HDR from you. And have leaders many new skills with Photoshop…Blend If skills are next.
Your tutorials with Topaz products are fabulous. Keep up your good work. Thank you.
Blake, I think you are out in front on this one. I agree with what you are doing. I, however, want to thank you for giving me the base in HDR that I needed when I needed it. I agree that between the sensor in my Nikon D750 and the Lightroom Develop module I rarely need to use Photomatix any more.
I use Topaz and onOne 10 and am very happy you do webinars for them because your presentations are always spot on, maybe a little fast, but still spot on.
For the future, I did not purchase the Master Class even though I have both the Digital and Color Zone Systems. I hope to in the future. The reason I have not done so is because my eye does not pick up the differences in all the zones or how they improve my images. I would love to know how to improve my perception so that I can see the improvements you see.
I am looking forward to “f64 Academy.”
I generally do not use the Norton/symantec web browsing safety software, but it somehow seems to find a way to reinstall itself every once in while. Today was one of those days.
It (Symantec) reported to me that your new website is a, “known, dangerous site.” I took a screen capture to send it to you, but your email system would not allow an image paste.
When I looked into the warning it indicated that there was 1 case of your site being regarded a nuisance. Yes, I know this is junk, but some users (who have Norton) might not choose to visit your site, which would be a great loss for both you and them.
.
Blake, I have watched several tutorials you have taught in the past few months, and I have learned so much from your classes. I never was a big HDR fan but have played with it some. I am glad you are moving on seemingly in a direction of more interest to me. Also, I have forwarded your tutorials to several of my friends with like interest. Good luck on your new venture and I look forward to seeing more from you. Thank you, Keep up the good work.
Hi Blake,
Again as you are getting from most people, congratulations on the big move. I too have to say I have learnt alot from you and again I do not do just “hdr” photography.
I am looking forward to what you bring to the table now and will be watching with earnest.
Good Luck and I’ll stay tuned.
Great stuff Blake, consider me signed up.
Finally got around to watching the video. Excellent video, excellent strategy! Very insightful and wise to make this change. I know f64 Academy will do great.
One slightly anal question, though: Is it f64 or f.64? I’ve seen you write it both ways.
Keep up the good work, Blake. You’re awesome!
Thanks, Bev! I am going back and forth between both, officially f.64, however, if written fast as f64 or referenced in a blog post that way I think it’s fine.
I appreciate the support!
I finally got around to watching your video about the name change. Even without watching the video, I trust your judgement. You are an inspiration to me as a photographer. I watched your video about My Portfolio and it is SO helpful. I am sure this is just the beginning of all the good teachings we will get from you. As a retired professor, I know how hard you work to give us good content. Glad to have you take on the f64 Academy moniker. Makes sense to me. Count on me to be one of your many followers.
Why thank you so much, Mary! This feedback means a lot to me. I don’t take it lightly as I use it for the fuel to aid my fire. I appreciate the continual support!
I shoot a Sony a7R, and find that many, if not most of my HDR shots require multiple exposures to capture the entire zone. How will you teach us to use the dynamic range of high end cameras, to achieve single exposure, full zonal range shots? Which I would so love to embrace, and say bye-bye to all those ghosts and halos and all that unnecessary artifacts crap!
By the way, your new name of f64 Academy is fine. Especially to old fossils like myself, who so admire Ansel Adams, Dorthea Lange, and Mr. f64 himself, Edward Weston. May your teaching skills help us glimpse their greatness.