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                        *      PHOTOGRAPHY HAPPENINGS !!     *
                        *        Photography news in Singapore       *
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Greetings all photo enthusiasts !!
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1) This a non-commercial (free) mailing list for photographers, so that we can all be kept informed of the latest photo news and products.
2) For subscriptions and un-subscriptions, simply e-mail me your e-mail address.
3) All the recipients e-mail addresses on this mailing list will be kept private and confidential.
4) If you have any news of photographic interest you wish to share with the rest, please do e-mail it to me.
5) Although I'll try my best to verify the information before putting it up, I will not be held responsible for any inaccuracy of information in the newsletter.

The official "Photography Happenings !!" home page is located at:

Best regards,
Nelson Tan (Editor)


Issue #35 (24nd September 2001)


CONTENTS

Okay, and in this issue of "Photography Happenings !!", we have:

1) Announcements
- Editor's note
- A new photography forum

2) New Products
- Minolta DiMage 7
- Minolta Dynax 5
- New Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM lens with Image Stabilizer
- LowePro Roadrunner AW
- Canon introduces the 4-megapixel PowerShot G2
- Hasselblad announces 905SWC
- Hasselblad launches 503CW in colours

3) Events
- Mountain Photographic Competition

4) Websites/Product Reviews
- Let's do the Lomo!
- Nikon D1x information and gallery
- Timothy Edberg's Gallery
- Nikkor 18-35mm or 17-35mm?
- Contemporary Street Photography
- FotoDesign by Michael Weber
- FM3A review
- Bill Steber Photo
- Canon Gallery - Explorers of Light

5) Special Offers and Bargains
- Bowens studio lighting promotion (Singapore)

6) Photography tips
- Build your own Bay 1 lens hood
- Internet legal advice on copyrights
- Canon Mailing Lists
- Virtual F-Stop Calculator
- A photographer's day in court


* ANNOUNCEMENTS *

Editor's note
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Recently I had the good fortune to purchase a collection of old magazines from a fellow photographer, at the low price of US$0.60 each. There were approximately 150 magazines ranging from 1996-2000, which I paid US$80 in total. This represented a great value for money, probably a better deal than any equipment I've purchased. Why? Because for this small sum of money, I'm buying a collection of knowledge and visual imagery of countless professionals, the sum of knowledge which is impossible to accumulate during one's lifetime. It may seem like exaggeration, but it makes sense to ride on the shoulders of giants, rather than reinvent the photographic wheel. I believe one can learn much more from the masters in photography (if they are willing to dispense their wisdom) than one's own trial-and-error. As such, the magazines represent an immense accumulation of knowledge and visual stimulus, which I prize much more highly than a good bargain on any photographic equipment. Sometimes, I'm not so interested in the technical aspects covered by the magazines; I'm more interested in reading interviews with the masters that give an insight into their frame of mind. It is their unique perspective that differentiates the masters from the merely good photographers...

As some of you readers realized by now, the official website for Photography Happenings!! is currently down. This is due to unforseen complications at the end of the service provider. I will probably be applying for a shift of server space as well as a new URL, which means that the thousands of links to the current website will be invalid. This is most unfortunate and there is no way around it (as far as I can tell). Hopefully I can get the new website up and running as soon as possible. Meanwhile, do be prepared for a lag between this newsletter and the next, as I make my transition to the new site. If you have any comments about improvements you want to see in the new website, do drop me an e-mail. Of course, any website programmers lurking on the list and willing to help design the new site will be most welcome.


A new photography forum
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After the unexpected shutdown of the previous forum service, we now have a new photography forum. The same rules apply:all posters must be civil, no flaming, no vulgarities, and no personal attacks. Enjoy!




* NEW PRODUCTS *

Minolta DiMage 7 - the world's highest resolution prosumer digital camera
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Minolta has rolled out a new professional digital camera that is sure to cause some red eyes among other camera manufacturers. The Minolta DiMage 7 is a 5.24 megapixel CCD digital camera, with a non-interchangeable 28-200mm (in 35mm equivalent) lens and a bright maximum aperture of f/2.8 to f/3.5. Targeted at the best-selling Olympus E10 which has the same concept of being a bridge camera with non-interchangeable lens, the new DiMage 7 has already won accolades such as the Best Digital Prosumer Camera for 2001 from TIPA (Technical Image Press Association). What makes the DiMage 7 particularly interesting is the high-resolution CCD sensor, which is nearly double the resolution of the usual 3.34 megapixel of most high-end digital cameras in the market today. Minolta has not been noted for its digital cameras until now, so it is a indeed feat to be able to boast of being the first to launch a prosumer digital camera with a 5.24 megapixel sensor. There is no doubt that other manufacturers are hot on their heels to produce competing models, and photographers should see a slew of 5-megapixel digital cameras before Christmas this year.

Other notable features of the Minolta DiMage 7 includes a swivel LCD viewfinder, instead of the usual optical viewfinder. A "macro" mode can be activated at the 200mm end of the lens, which allows the user to focus down to five inches. The shutter speed runs from 4 seconds to 1/2000th seconds, with flash synchronization at all speeds.  The camera output files in JPEG and TIF file formats, in addition to the native RAW files of the camera. A welcome feature is the ability to bracket shots in 1/3rd stops for 2 stops, which allows the user to fine-tune exposure. Both Type I and II compact flash cards are accepted by the Minolta DiMage 7.


Minolta Dynax 5 - the world's smallest 35mm SLR camera
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Minolta claims to have produced the world's smallest 35mm SLR camera with the Minolta Dynax 5. Measuring a paltry 127x87x60 mm, the Dynax 5 pips the Canon EOS 300 by mere millimeters to become the world's most compact 35mm SLR. The tiny camera is big on features though - the camera is packed with a shutter that offers speeds from 30 seconds up to 1/4000th second. The exposure compensation goes up to 3 stops in 0.5 stops increment, pretty impressive for a entry-level camera. Powered by 2 CR2 batteries, the Dynax 5 accepts film from ISO 6-6400 so you are not restricted in film choices. The usual offerings of manual, program, aperture-priority and shutter-priority are all available in this compact offering from Minolta. Check out more details about this little wonder at:



New Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM lens with Image Stabilizer
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Canon has announced a new and improved version of the EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM lens. Popular with professionals and serious amateurs, the new version comes with the much-vaunted Image Stabilizer function which allows users to shoot handheld at slow shutter speeds. This will without doubt make the new 70-200mm f/2.8 a major hit with the professionals and serious users. In addition, the new lens features better moisture and dust resistance which makes it more durable for use in harsh conditions. The optical configuration of the new 70-200mm f/2.8 L remains the same as the existing version, incorporating four Ultra-Low Dispersion glass elements to correct chromatic aberrations.

The lens employs a newly designed Image Stabilizer mechanism that uses an improved method of holding the barrel of the supplementary optical system, providing smoother movement than in previous IS systems. This results in image stabilization up to approximately 3 stops compared to the 2-stop stabilization effect of previous Canon IS lenses. Additionally, the EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM's Image Stabilizer function can be used to eliminate the image-blurring effects of mirror bounce even when the lens is used on a tripod or monopod. Other improvements include a reduced minimum focusing distance of 1.4m/4.6 ft., a newly developed aperture diaphragm that remains virtually circular from f/2.8 to f/5.6 for enhanced image quality, and a revised AF drive circuit and autofocusing algorithm for superior AF speed when used with current high-end EOS SLRs. Additionally, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM features weather-resistant construction in the mount area, switch panel, zoom ring and focusing ring to prevent water and dust from reaching the inside of the lens. This design philosophy matches the performance of the EOS-1V professional camera and makes the new lens usable in a wider range of adverse shooting conditions. When using EF Extenders, autofocus is available throughout the entire zoom range of the lens and the Image Stabilizing feature remains functional. The new EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens will be supplied with a pro-quality lens pouch and dedicated lens hood. It will be available at authorized Canon dealers in September and have a suggested list price of $3,000.



LowePro Roadrunner AW
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LowePro has introduced the Roadrunner AW - an innovative rolling backpack with an internal frame and shoulder harness which allows users to slide it from your back, roll it and slip it back on - without any adjustments. According to the manufacturers, "the rolling system is a tried-and-true LoweproŽ wheel and handle system with high bumper guards for protection, a wide wheel base for stability and sturdy handle extensions. The construction means that the rolling frame never digs into your back and the harness never drags on the ground." The Roadrunner comes with the usual backpack features such as padded harness and waistbelts to make carrying heavy loads easy on the photographer, while the rollers makes it possible to pull the load along smooth floors. However, the additional rollers do add to the weight of the backpack, and LowePro could have made the design even better by allowing the user to remove the roller mechanism when they are not required. The designation of AW in a LowePro bag means that the bag is "All-Weather", and this bag features the patented LowePro cover that pulls out to cover the entire bag to protect it against dust storms or the tropical rain downpours. Check out the full features of the LowePro Roadrunner at:



Canon introduces the 4-megapixel PowerShot G2
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It seems that the product life-cycle of digital cameras is becoming unbelievably short. Just over a year ago, Canon unveiled the G1 digital camera - a prosumer model incorporating a high-quality zoom lens in a compact body. Now, Canon is introducing its successor - the Canon G2 digital camera with 4 megapixels and multiple focus selection points.

Looking largely similar to its predecessor, the G2 has the same 7-21mm f/2.0-2.5 zoom lens (equivalent to 34-102mm in the 35mm format), as well as a swivelling LCD viewing screen. It is also compatible with the existing range of Canon Speedlite flashes, and compliant with the Type I and II CompactFlash memory cards. According to the manufacturer, the improvements of the G2 over the G1 comes in the form of "higher resolution, better image quality, faster signal processing, lower power consumption, more focusing points, improved manual focusing, faster continuous shooting, more shooting modes and metering patterns, additional playback options and accessory compatibility, and direct print capabilities with the Canon CP-10 printer". Most significantly, Canon claims that the power consumption of the new G2 has been cut nearly in half, allowing the G2 to run as long as 5 hours in playback mode on a single battery charge. This is an important feature on a digital camera, given that the two major shortcomings of digital cameras have been the battery life and storage capacity.

For more information about the Canon PowerShot G2 digital camera, visit:



Hasselblad introduces the new 905 SWC
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The Carl Zeiss Biogon 38mm f/4.5 has been billed by a great majority of photographers as one of the finest wide-angle lens for the medium format. Its most famous incarnation is that of the Hasselblad 903SWC. The Hasselblad 903SWC is a unique Hasselblad body designed to house the Biogon 38mm lens. Unlike other Hasselblad bodies, the 903SWC does not have interchangeable lenses and the Biogon is attached to the camera permanently. There is also no reflex viewing available, as the focal length of the lens is too short to permit a swinging reflex mirror. What the 903SWC lacks it more than makes up in its image quality. The Biogon 38mm f/4.5 lens provides an extremely sharp image with extensive depth of field, giving razor sharp definition down to the corners. The 903SWC is the third incarnation of the Hasselblad bodies that houses the Biogon 38mm. Now Hasselblad has updated the Biogon with better features...

The new Hasselblad 905SWC incorporates the improved Carl Zeiss Biogon lens. With smoother focusing, improved PC flash sync post, better ergonomics and redesigned shutter mainspring for greater durability, the Biogon CFi 38mm f/4.5 promises to deliver images with even better contrast definition than its predecessor.  According to the press materials from Hasselblad, "the CFi Biogon 4.5/38 mm lens has been completely recalculated using only environmental friendly types of glass. This means that no glass types containing lead or arsenic are used to ensure the safest possible working conditions during raw glass manufacturing and lens element production." Find out more about the Hasselblad 905SWC at:



Hasselblad 503CW now in colours
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Flipping through the Hasselblad catalog, my eyes never fail to notice that the 903SWCE (a special version 903SWC) is available in a striking yellow, while other Hasselblads are only available in black or chrome. I always thought that it would be cool to have a Hasselblad in that colour, even though the existing chrome version is as elegant as a Hasselblad can get. In a surprise move, Hasselblad has launched the 503CW in 4 colours, and these are not even collectible editions! Available in Ruby Red, Cobalt Blue, Forest Green and Sun Yellow, the colour scheme is utilized on the cameras with the film magazine and standard focusing hood. I still think that the yellow Hasselblad is particularly cool. Check it out at:




* EVENTS *

Mountain Photographic Competition
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Itching to display your photographic talents? Here's your chance - win attractive prizes at the Mountain Photographic Competition organized by the Kenda Mountain Film Festival. From now till the 31st of October, send in your best images for the two categories of Landscapes and Action, and stand to win cash prizes. The best 30 images will also be exhibited in November. For more details, visit:




* WEBSITE/PRODUCTS REVIEWS *

Let's do the Lomo!
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If you are sick of the latest hi-tech innovations from the major Japanese brands of cameras, and just want a simply no-frills retro form of photography, I might just have the cure for you. Check out the latest rave of alternative photography emerging from who else but the formally-formidable Soviet Union - the Lomo camera. Formally manufactured as a high-quality camera for military use, the Lomo compact camera with its fixed focal optics is now available world-wide for funky use. Its characteristic images are derived from the visible vignetting when used wide open, and the ultra-saturated colours that are out of this world.

The original Lomo camera also started off a school of alternative photography, who rebel against the definition of what photography should be. The Lomo brand now covers two other cameras, which features four lenses that shoots four consecutive images that cover the usual 36x24mm frame. This creates four separate images in a single 36x24mm frame, that records an action sequence. Quite a funky idea, and one that is adopted by many photographers already.  The website features a gallery by various photographers shooting on the Lomo. I must say that the website has one of the most terrible navigation I've ever seen. The links are not self-explanatory, and it is not immediately apparent where to click. Perhaps that is one of the philosophies of Lomography?


Just in case you couldn't find the gallery:


Nikon D1x information and gallery
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The new Nikon D1x features better image quality than the much-revered original Nikon D1, and many photography enthusiasts are keen to see the improvements. Just how much better is the new D1x better than the once-king Nikon D1? Guess no more - with the following websites you will get to see the reviews and images taken by the new Nikon D1x. Better read them fast though - with digital revolution coming on so fast and furious, you'd never know when Nikon will unleash the D2 upon unsuspecting users!



Timothy Edberg's Gallery
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If you are running out of inspiration and too lazy to drag yourself out of bed for some sunrise shots, then perhaps you should check out Timothy Edberg's gallery of excellent landscape photography. That should put some fire back into your zeal for landscape photography...



Nikkor 18-35mm or 17-35mm?
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Ever since Nikon introduced the ultra-costly 17-35mm f/2.8 AFS lens, Nikon users have been clamouring for a cheaper version of the superlative optics. Nikon heard them and they've answered the prayers with the consumer version - the Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5. Although not as fast as the AFS version in terms of focusing or aperture, the new optic is less than a third of its formidable AFS cousin. But is it as good? Judging from the questions posed on the Nikon mailing list forums, it is clear that many photographers are keen to find out. Check out the review on Thom Hogan's website, as he compares the Nikkor 18-35mm against the Nikkor 17-35mm AFS:




Contemporary Street Photography
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Street photography has always been an enchanting aspect of photography for me. The prospect of photographing absolute strangers in their daily lives, in their candid moments is a crucial form of social documentary that cannot be overlooked. It is a genre of photography that can be accomplished by everyone, requiring no special equipment, but rather a keen eye and a thinking mind. However, it is precisely because of the no-barrier mentality that street photography becomes marginalized as a form of photography. Photo greats like Henri Cartier Besson elevated street photography to its highest form, but his works have been appropriated by some into photojournalism rather than street photography. No matter how you look at it, street photography is an important documentary tool, which is obvious when you realise how much history can be reconstructed from the "snapshots" of ordinary people in the past.

Upon the request of Nick Turpin (one of the photographers featured in the website), I visited in-public.com which is dedicated to contemporary street photography. It is a refreshing change from the usual type of street photography, and some of the photos show humour and irony, which elevates it from the usual street shots. It is obvious the photographers had spent time visualizing the images, and waited for the elements to fall into place. If you are into street photography, be sure to check out:



FotoDesign by Michael Weber
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The Internet is a truly wonderful media. It has allowed the exchange of information, between individuals all over the world. No longer subordinated by the traditional media, the Internet gives everyone a voice to speak out to the world. You no longer have to be someone important to stand on a soapbox to give your views and opinion. We are no longer subject to the censorship of the editors of traditional media. In short, everyone can say anything they please.

That's not all good news. Because the Internet has allowed individuals of lesser capabilities to voice their opinion as the official truth, many others who unwittingly follow such advices are led on the wrong path. From urban myths to incorrect medical advices, the consequences can range from a waste of money to life-threatening situations. Fortunately, for photography reviews, if you read a biased review you merely end up buying the wrong stuff. Which is why I make it a point to check out the gallery of   people who offer product reviews and advices. Some so-called reviewers have terribly mediocre works in the gallery, which makes you wonder how they can pose as qualified reviewers offering professional opinions.

When I checked out the website of Michael Weber, I was truly bowed over by the wonderful layout of the website and the concise reviews of his. Each short review is accompanied by a single stunning image made by that piece of equipment. It makes no bones about the virtues and shortcomings of each lens or camera. The image accompanying the review shows you how good the equipment is, and that he knows what he is talking about. Absolutely a must-visit site if you are a Nikon user.



FM3A review
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When a new camera or lens is introduced, it is inevitable that the new equipment is compared to the predecessor. Especially when the predecessor is a classic, it becomes impossible not to compare it with the successor. The new Nikon FM3A is such a case, being derived from the classic Nikon FM2. If you are thinking of buying a FM2 or FM3A, be sure to check out the following review:




Bill Steber Photo
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I was thinking of how to best introduce the website, when I saw the excellent introduction found in the opening screen. So rather than using my own words, I'd let the author tell his own story:

"Bill Steber is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with degrees in English and Photography. He has worked at the Tennessean newspaper in Nashville as a staff photographer since 1989, where he has won over thirty regional and national photojournalism awards. His documentary work has been exhibited widely throughout the South. In 1997, Steber was awarded an Alicia Patterson Foundation grant to continue a project documenting Blues Culture in Mississippi that he started in 1993. The grant was for one year and during that time Steber was on sabbatical from the Tennessean. The project combines portraits of blues musicians playing at home and in clubs with images that describe what remains of the rural African-American culture that gave rise to the blues. Examples include, juke joints, cotton farming, sacred music, rural church services, river baptisms, folk religion and superstition, life on Parchman penitentiary, hill country African fife and drum music, and diverse regional blues styles. In addition, Steber is combining these images with field interviews that put the photographs in an historical perspective."

The website contains interesting photo-journalistic photos, in an unusual website layout. Check it out at:



Canon Gallery - Explorers of Light
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Being one of the top brands in photography today, Canon is a keen supporter of programs that promotes photography. One of such programs is the "Canon Explorers of Light", which showcases the very best works of photographers using the Canon camera system. Although the program emcompasses many other photographers, 10 photographers are selected to display their works in this website. The website is small and easy to navigate, although I just wished that there were more photos and photographers featured, and that each photographer give a synposis of their work rather than simply stating what equipment was used.


P.S: By the way, I am also reading the book "Explorers of Light" published by Canon USA Inc. If you want to read more about the full selection of photographers in the Explorers of Light, check out the coffee table book. the ISBN no. is 0-922826-90-0.



* SPECIAL OFFERS AND BARGAINS *
(The Editor will not be responsible for any errors or misinformation pertaining to the details of any promotions and special offers.)


Bowens studio lighting promotion (Singapore)
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Ruby Photo is having a special promotion for Bowens studio lighting. Priced attractively as a kit, the Bowens studio lighting are ideal for both photographjy enthusiasts and professionals. All prices are inclusive of GST, and offers valid while stocks last!

Bowen 500 with 24x32" softbox and light-stand at S$950
Bowen 500 with 36x48" softbox and light-stand at S$1050
Bowen 1000 with 36x48" softbox and light-stand at $1565



* PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS *
(The Editor will not be responsible for any errors and damages following the implementations of the tips in this section)

Build your own Bay 1 lens hood
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Once you delve into the world of medium format, you may find that some accessories are pretty rare and expensive. One of the examples will be the Bay 1 accessories, which includes filters and hoods for Rollei cameras. Here's a site that explains how to make a Bay1 lens hood using materials available at home. It looks nothing like the original, but if it works and costs next to nothing, why not give it a try?



Internet legal advice on copyrights
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Should you find your images being misappropriated by someone else for commercial gains and need a lawyer, who do you call? Given that you do not have the budget for Alley McBealish lawyers, your next best bet would be reading up on copyright laws and advice. The following website provides some basic information about copyright laws and infringements, so you can decide if you have a case before calling up an attorney. Be forewarned though... not all the laws are applicable for every country.



Canon Mailing Lists
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If you are a Canon user, you might like to link up with other Canon users to share knowledge and advices, as well as snippets of rumours about up-and-coming Canon products. Here're some of the Canon lists which you might like to sign up:



Virtual F-Stop Calculator
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Other than pressing the Depth-of-Field preview button and squinting into the impossibly dark viewfinder, there is a better way to calculate depth of field. Check out the f/Calc  program, which calculates stuff like image size and f-stop size required for certain depth of field. It is a nice little freeware program, which I downloaded and used sucessfully. Unfortunately, the Palm version is not free, and wonder how useful a PC-based program would be when I'm out in the field working out the necessary depth-of-field. That said, the author is terribly nice to offer a free PC version, so let's all be grateful. If you need the Palm version, it is available for a small fee. Check it out at:



A Photographer's Day in Court
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It is important to know your rights as a photographer, especially if you are doing photography commercially for a living. Check out the real-life story of this photographer who made his point to a multi-million corporation by bringing them to court, after repeated warnings not to infringe his copyright failed. It was his knowledge of copyright and his foresight in copyrighting the images that made it easy for him to bring the offenders to court. Have you registered your images? Registering your images with the appropriate authorities gives you to clout to fight legal battles with offending parties, as well as maximizing the amount of damages that the court can award you. But if you didn't register the images, the least you can do is to ensure that your images have the copyright logo on them. Having the words "(C) Copyright 2001 Nelson Tan" (where 2001 is the year of creation of the image) goes a long way in protecting your rights.

If you think your web images are too low resolution for someone to rip off for any commercial gains, think again. From the case study in this example, it is not just the image itself, but it seems that the concept of the photograph can also be protected. The judge has deemed it unique enough to be eligible as a copyright, so you never know when your copyright notice can protect you against unauthorized usage of your intellectual property!



That's all for this issue, folks!
Happy shooting!!

Best regards,
Nelson Tan

Visit the official "Photography Happenings !!" website at:


Post your photography questions at the new Photography Forum at: