I don’t know why but it takes a lot of will to go photographing after 2:00 p.m unless I have to go somewhere: to photograph someone for PentruEa magazine , meet someone or other stuff.

These were taken during my way to work.

1. Scene from trolleybus. PANCOM intersection.

_____________________________________

2.

______________________________________

3. Advertising view. On the left Academy of Economical Science.

_____________________________________

4. Women selling make up products under 2012 Moldcell advertising.

______________________________________

5.

Just a small essay on yellow.

1. A worker behind the trees.

_____________________________________

2. A tree coming out between buildings.

______________________________________

3. A worker and a man passing by.

_____________________________________

4. A composition on yellow.

______________________________________

5. Yellow light.

_____________________________________

6. Yellow building with people passing by.

Check out my friends blog. He is a French photographer doing his stories in Moldova.

http://moldaviemoldova.over-blog.com/

1. Academy of Economical Studies yard.

_____

2. Lady with red rose bag.

_____

3. Man cutting the grass in front of a supermarket.

©2010 John Roshka, All Rights Reserved
These images are not available for use on websites, blogs or other media without the explicit written permission of the photographer.

Street Moment

I haven’t updated my blog for a long time. That’s bad.

I’ll do my best to show one image everyday. That will keep my working and will stimulate working with photography.

___

One of my images had been published in a German Economic Magazine

Haven’t posted anything related to PerfectRaw for a long time. Well, apparently the team working on it is leaving it behind, moving forward by launching new websites, Manuel Llorens site, and working on other projects.

I’m moved by this decision guys made, but on the other hand I can understand their situation. Without financial support and having families is pretty hard to work on a project just “for fun”. But, we are all very thankful to them…well, at least I am. I’m still using PR 0.65 and I love it.

And there’s also a hope. Manuel made the PerfectRaw 0.65 code public, so that anyone interested in the continuation of the project can participate.

I’ll keep following the PR project and if there are some major changes in it’s way to nr. 1 RAW developer… I’ll post it here. Until then I think I’ll fill this blog with my photography and share it with you.

Actually I don’t know why haven’t done this so far..

You can start by checking out my photojournalist skills by visiting my profile at Demotix.

Have a great light…

These photos had been waiting on my hard drive for several months though a lot of my friends had been asking for me to process and post them online. Today I finished work earlier and decided to please everyone…

I’ve known this band and their music for years but until not long ago I met them in person. All of them are cool guys with music background. The bassist played in one of the most famous alternative band from Moldova, Alternosfera.

“Yoj” or Russian “ЕЖ” means hedgehog, so for people speaking English it may sound like “The Hedgehog” which I guess is not a very bad name for a band…

Found 2 videos on youtube. Check out their music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84oQILTYDiU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOVGPt_4fu8

In general, Chisinau has a lot of rock bands, from alternative to hard metal. They also have enough clubs to play their music at. Club Z is one of them. At this club on 14th of November 2009 the band Yoj had one of their concerts. Enjoy.

All the images were shot with Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical IF. It’s an amazing lens for this kind of situation. The wide aperture gives the opportunity to get sharp images and zoom range might be enough for capturing great moments.

YOJ

Ruslan Spataru - Vocal, music, lyrics

"Chuba" - bassist

YOJ

Yoj

"Chuba" - the bassist

The guitarist

Yoj

Yoj

The Sax

The Sax

The exhibition will be held in front of Opera and Ballet Theatre and all the money from sale will go to an orphanage. Works of many photographers will be displayed, including 3 of my works.

The works to be displayed and available for purchasing with a signature on them:

Faith

The Cathedral

The Immensity

I check the Ojodigital forum everyday, even twice a day, and always find useful information.

Today I found some information about the interface of PerfectRAW:

“Quote:

Started by mrsoto

I started using PerfectRaw very recently, the version 0.6x, it really is excellent, as any program, with some observations and things I wanted and would be considered good for 0.7 +

Manuel Llorens: Now, although I warn you that the functionality of version 1.0 has been closed a long time and in any event take away things, but not add anything. For the 2.0 going to redo the whole engine developer and rethink the entire interface, but the interface technology is the same as the current 0.70. The digital engine of the 2.0 will be done in C + + based plugins that implement different versions (ANSI-C, OpenMP, SIMD GPU so that each machine will automatically run the fastest available version of the plugin) and rewrite the entire code Coffin using digital and optimizing float to top. Many things that have gone on the fly pidiéndose: detachable controls, multilanguage, multiplatform … have been forced to redefine and technology application. The current technological choice is frankly unmoved.

Quote:

Started by mrsoto

1) The instrument panel occupies a high percentage on the entire screen, at least for a laptop, so there is plenty of space from which to draw, for example, control of green that is only for certain brands carries 20%

Manuel Llorens: The panels used version 0.70 and concealable / disengagement. Note that the interface looks nothing like 0.70 to the 0.65, which was little more than a proof of concept.

Quote:

Started by mrsoto

2) It supports batch, I wish you would incur even for batch command line

Manuel Llorens: Impossible for version 1.0 … but there will be batch processed later, that’s for sure. In any case looks the answer to the following question.

Quote:

Started by mrsoto

3) It supports command line. This is an option you should not miss.

Manuel Llorens: Well, this is already dcraw, right? The truth is that with the 1.0 version of dcraw will also take a command line with the same processing power that pR. Well, as we finish AMAZE implement in C we will remove that version of dcraw. That way you can be revealed in your command line and batch mode simultaneously. Although the automatic batch mode (which selects the function parameters revealed in the EXIF information and the actual content of the image) that we had initially thought will have to wait a bit.

Quote:

Started by mrsoto

4) Trim. Many photos do not require major adjustments, and revealed only a good frame. Ideally, there was a crop option with the help of thirds, even calling ImageMagick. Sometimes it requires tilting the frame, but hey, at least in frame

Manuel Llorens: The idea is to reveal pR 1.0 RAW to TIFF without postprocessing. We discussed how much would be the minimum acceptable postprocessing … from my point of view I prefer to do all the postprocessing in Photoshop, but I understand that a USM, a curve editor and a saturation control, along with a rotated and trim would be nice. For the 1.0 does not believe any of this possible, but we’ll see if anything like a 1.5.

Another thing not look for version 1.0 is to a browser / cataloguer image so that now there are better alternatives. We want to reveal to the highest possible quality and maximum comfort while giving the user full control over the development process. Competing in the same ground as ACDSee, Photoshop, Neat Image, etc.. is beyond our current capabilities and does not seem necessary … I say.

Quote:

Started by mrsoto

5) Set of keys. It is certainly strange, will you have to adjust. Should bear all the keyboard options for those who have laptops with sensitive pad, it is faster to locate the keyboard combinations

Manuel Llorens: Yes, that certainly it will. For now the space bar will reveal, the TAB will hide the controls (it already does, in fact 0.65 pR is the only developer I know genuine full screen), the arrows move the image and the + / – will zoom. The other controls I guess that will have some keyboard shortcut to select.

Quote:

Started by mrsoto

Excellent work

Manuel Llorens: Thank you very much. “

As you understand this is a discussion between “mrsoto” and Manuel Llorens, one of the developer of PerfectRAW.

It seams that PerfectRAW will be designed to obtan the best from a RAW image keeping as much detail as possible. This will be done by implementing the new algorithm named AMAZED, on which they are working right now. The interface will be very intuitive as to give the photographer everything he needs and nothing more.

Hmmm, it seams promising. All we have to do it wait wait and wait…..oh, and of course using PerfectRAW v. 0.65 and PerfectRAW v. 0.70

All the best.

A new tutorial on PerfectRAW is being prepared. Stay tuned.

What I do every day is checking how perfectRAW is developing. There are no major improvements so far, at least for me as a advanced user of PerfectRAW. For people who are getting used to it I would tell that the team is working on a great new interpolation algorithm named Amazed and Egon, who’s working on the interface has done some great job bringing PerfectRAW on a new level.

perfectRAW 0.70 Alpha is ready to be downloaded in tested.

From the PerfectRAW forums:

“Best of all, after many headaches to keep all versions on all operating systems at the same level, I can finally bring the download links to prove that anyone with desire

Things that work:
- Open a raw file: We will disclose some default settings, and without applying gamma (will be very dark).
- Button “Use GPU: apply gamma (with what should happen to look good) using only the graphics card and not the CPU. In some cases, integrated Intel cards as this will not work (the button will have no effect) but in no case should the application error. This is to see what percentage of graphs can be useful for accelerating the development and thus more or less prioritize the passage of modules of code to the GPU.
- Zoom buttons “1:1″ and “Fit”: They should go smoothly on any PC.
- Exit button: doing the same.
- Management of the image: Moves by clicking and dragging with your mouse (if the image is larger than the window). Is extended with the mouse wheel (or the zoom buttons on the toolbar). Turn by moving the mouse wheel while holding the right mouse button. The rotation of the image is accelerated by the graphics card anyway.
- Controls disconnect: Click on the title bar can be desencajar of the main window and leave floating.
- Menu of preferences from “Actions” -> “Preferences.” Has no action, just to verify that it looks good on all platforms and resolutions.

Things that do not work or are not implemented yet:
- You can not change the options shown. The panels which puts Exposure, Demosaicing … They are just testing, do not have any functionality.
- You can still save the image revealed. Furthermore, with the parameters fixed, Why? Future versions will be saved in JPG, TIFF8 and TIFF16, at least.
- No restrictions on size of panel. In the future will have maximum sizes / minimum, but not now. And if you close a panel, can not be re-drawn. In these versions may choose to display panels and save / load your location or select depending on whether the photo is portrait or landscape.”

The link for download can be found HERE – PerfectRAW 0.70 Alpha

This image was processed with PerfectRAW only. What I did in PerfectRAW was added 0.75 exposure and 3 preservation, thus I opened the shadows and brought back the highlights. Also, used AFD interpolation algorythm to get more detail in the branches. I used this image on purpose for you to notice the great detail PerfectRAW preserves in the pine needles. Click on the image to see it bigger.

In the beginnig of the XX century, the famous “eating place” was formerly situated from the side of Armyanskaya Street, from where the market starts today. You can always find fresh vegetables and all kind of fruits during summer here. Peasants are coming with their own products from villages with hope of selling it at the central market.

Eating Place: http://kishinev.info/center_photos_en/111114

All the photos were done with the camera from the hip. It is a new technique for me, but I started to love it. It gives a moment of reality and honesty. People become interesting and real, the way the are.

So, here are some tips I found useful during this session:

1. Front focus. A lot of photographers are using back focus (using AE-lock button for focusing). I would do that for hip shooting, it’s not confortable.

2. Using a wide lens. I was using Tamron 17-55mm, 2.8. It worked.

3.Use of perspective. One should his/her camera very well. To know the field of view, how much and what the camera is able to cover. This is important because all the situations appear suddenly and chose the point of view is essential.

4. Be lucky…or prepared.

Images are also available as slideshow HERE

Images are available for sale from RedBubble. I’m in the process of adding them. If someone’s interested in buying the digital file, please contact me.

Enjoy:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

There are more photos. All the series is available as a slideshow HERE

P.S. All the images are copyrighted. Don’t download or use without my permision.

This post is about the Mondi Paralleli Exhibition that will take place in Italy. It’s a presentation of different photographs of different photographers and artists from Moldova, including me…

Here’s the information about the exhibition:

Host:
Galleria Chigi, Viterbo

Type:
Music/Arts – Exhibit

Network:
Global

Start Time:
Friday, April 3, 2009 at 6:30pm

End Time:
Sunday, April 5, 2009 at 12:00pm

Location:
Galleria Chigi

Street:
via Chigi, 11

City/Town:
Viterbo, Italy

Email:
tiziana.arceri@alice.it

Description:
The idea of this exhibition comes from a 9 months long journey. Not just a simple volunteering experience, but a path made of people, places, colors.
The real “stars” of this event are Moldova and the young artists that we were so lucky to meet.
Laura and Tiziana with Lunaria

Robert Andersen
Mihai Gitu
Kostantin Margine
Vadim Palamarciuc
John Roshka

Also, there’s an event on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=59378034606&ref=mf

As I was announced that the prints will also sell, so who interested in buying some prints of Moldova from Moldovan artists…and also, if you are near Viterbo, take a look and join the exhibition.

Thanks.

And there is another one, MallDova. It situated near a bridge that connects the center of Chisinau with Botanica region. It is an amazing, modern architectural construction and it provides a wide range of services: from beauty salons to fast food, restaurants and leisure.

External View

From the top floor

MallDova has 4 floors

International brands are all over MallDova

On the 4th floor one can find different restaurants presenting different countries. There is a bowling place and game center.

Have Fun.

It’s too bad that all I could do in relation to this great man was reading few of his books while I was a kid and taking some photos at his funeral.

“His poetry is characterized by vivid natural scenery, patriotism, as well as a venerated image of the sacred mother”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grigore_Vieru

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yxgf46Gjck0

http://www.azi.md/en/story/983

When the news about his death was announced, the country fell into a deep sorrow and compasion. Everyone know him, big and small, young and old. Hid poems were full of love, all kind of love, and for everyone…love for mother, country, home, traditions, roots, place you were born…

I was amazed by the number of people gathered at his funeral…The above image doesn’t show all the persons present at this ceremony…

Sorrow…

Flowers…

Artists, popular persons, friends, authorities…everyone came…

Flowers and people…

PerfectRAW – My Favourite RAW Converter:

http://johnroshka.wordpress.com/2008/10/21/perfectraw-my-favourite-raw-converter/

PerfectRAW and some noise reduction examples:

http://johnroshka.wordpress.com/2008/11/10/perfectraw-06-and-some-noise-reduction-examples/

PerfectRAW – Solution to high ISO:

http://johnroshka.wordpress.com/2008/12/17/perfectraw-solution-to-high-iso/

PerfectRAW 0.65 is here:

http://johnroshka.wordpress.com/2009/01/04/perfectraw-065-is-here/

PerfectRAW 0.65 Workflow:

http://johnroshka.wordpress.com/2009/01/05/perfectraw-065-workflow/

Here’s a small update to the upgoing PerfectRAW project.

I copied it from PerfectRAW Forum

“Current status of the project:

• We have the version 0.65 (which I update weekly with small changes and the final code and Paul Coffin), with a very high stability and very fast. Recent changes (I have not yet uploaded) allow open large images on computers with little memory.
• Egon said that by mid-February we will have interface OpenGL / C + + / wxWidgets incorporated in this version. I remind you that many of the interface functionality was not included in the version 0.65 for not having to repeat it then, but the OpenGL version carried view items, cookies, complete histograms, etc…

• Emil Martinec is finalizing its own tune interpolation algorithm and the results are much better than anything seen before in pictures with and without noise. Soon we will start porting to C Paul Lee and I both. Since its implementation, Paul, will be completed soon, it will be faster, consume less memory and will have a more compact code and style Coffin …as you can imagine what version eventually implemented perfectRAW .
• We also have the implementation of the AFD Paul (just to improve floating point calculations will be somewhat slower but exact numbers, but especially important in the shadows) as an alternative rapid and mixed interpolation AHD / VCD Paul.
• Virtually 100% of the functionality is already incorporated in dcraw perfectRAW and the little that remains is a matter of adding more controls biting code.
• We are able to update your code within hours of Coffin have done, and that is something that few developers can assume (and one of our key objectives).
• Desmis Jacques has done a great comparative (link to the translation of Google Translate) in which it is clear that dcraw with the changes we have introduced to perfectRAW and he has done, is unbeatable in the quality of the resulting image . The only thing that is passed by a developer is in the quality of the diagonals (as with the current interpolation algorithms dcraw / perfectRAW toothed leave too, but it is something we are working for their own algorithm Emil).

Therefore, I think it is clear that the project is reaching a high degree of maturity, and that in a couple of months (DM ) . Will have something looking RC, or so I hope and pray fervently.

Furthermore, as you know, William and Egon have made good progress in obtaining a raw, DNG format, virtual zero noise, which is the first step towards Zero Noise RAW perfectBLEND or whatever they finally call it. Since much of the reuse of code for this project perfectRAW in reality is little more than mix it all to take this project very well advanced.

From the technical point of view there are only three pitfalls.

Incidentally I did some cleaning in the forum closing obsolete items and moving them to a specific Sub Mauro kindly created for us.

A greeting to all“

I suggest you to check Desmis Jacques comparison on different revealars. Here is the Translated link

His comparisons presents PerfectRAW as a high quality revealar among the others based on true examples.

I chose an image with contrast problems and a lot of branches. In the field I chose a high aperture number (small aperture ring) to eliminate chromatic aberrations.

This is the original RAW file.

Feel free to download it and try it yourself with your RAW converter and compare the results. I tried it with RawTherapee and ACR and it didn’t work for me. I’m not going to post the examples because I’m not a professional at these softwares, but if someone gets a better results using ACR or other software please feel free to send me some links with your comparison.

Also, take into consideration that PerfectRAW 0.65 is a converter, demosaic software. It reveals the RAW and you have the possibility to save it in TIFF or JPG. It provides WB management, exposure compensation and preservation (Recovery), highlight recovery, noise attenuation and other features. It doesn’t provide color management, color shift, contrast or other toning techniques. 

PerfectRAW it’s a tool for getting the most from your RAW file. With the saved TIFF one has the possibility to work in the favourite software.

So, considering you saw the original RAW image , this is the image I got directly from PerfectRAW (2.4 mb):

Now, I’m about to write down the settings I used to get this result:

Exposure: +1  

I use it to lighten the image.

Preservation: +1    

I used this setting to bring the blue color of the sky back after using +1 for exposure. First chose the exposure number you need and then work with the Preservation. 

White Balance:  Camera  

Here I play with Camera and Auto settings. Here is what came up with Auto setting for white balance:

So, white balance is a matter of taste.

Green Equilibration: I don’t touch it. It’s for Panasonic cameras.

Highlight recovery: 0  

I didn’t use it here because I don’t have burned out highlight. When needed I increase the number little by little until I get what I need. Then, I raise the Exposure, becuase when I chose a highlight recovery number the image automatically becomes a bit darker.

Noise Attenuation: None

Didn’t use it here, but you can chose AFD and the % you need for reducing noise. Play with it until you get the desired result.

Interpolation Algorythm: AFD    

There are a lot of them, but the best are VCD and AFD. You can combine the VCD algorythm with AFD noise reduction.

Saturation: I leave it by default. DCRAW calculated it for me.

Black Level: Same as Saturation. Sometimes I increase the black level to get a bit of contrast.

Median Filter Passes: 10  

This tool is very usefull when in the image there are branches, grass or other fine detail. I always put it on maximum – 10.

ES Median Filter Passes: 10

This is a new tool and it eliminates some color cast.

EECI Refine:  1  

This i also a new tool and it brings a sensation of sharpness. Bigger the number more pixels are added on the edges like a zigzag. Use it with more than 100 % zoom. The second image (yellow cast) was processed with EECI Refine 0. If you look at 100 % you’ll notice the difference between the blue cast image (the upper first) and the second one (yellow cast).

Save TIFF: TIFF 16 bits sRGB

Save JPEG: JPEG 8 bits sRGB

Well, these are the main settings in PerfectRAW. Enjoy and don’t forget, more you use it, better you’ll hadle it…and better the results.