Capitalize on shooting digital

By Tes Jolly

Like many outdoor photographers, I was skeptical but curious about digital photography. I feared my middle-aged brain might overload trying to make sense of the technology. Economically, I wondered if the investment would be worthwhile.

After much research, I plunged into the digital world of photography (Nikon’s D1X), though I continue to shoot film as well. Digital formats provide instant results and shooting information, a valuable learning tool. “Reusable film,” in the form of memory cards, saves processing costs. More importantly, going digital enhances my ability to sell images when time and deadlines are a factor.  

Here are some tips to speed the return of your investment in a digital camera:

Do your homework and get the edge on the competition. Unless you are already computer savvy, the thrill of shooting your first card of images can come to a bewildering halt as you stare at a computer screen wondering what to do with all those downloaded images. Start by learning the basics of CD burning, image file formats, image editing, file saving and file sizing. 

Most photographers use Adobe Photoshop to view and work with their images. Several versions are available - for beginners to masters. Select the one that matches your expertise. Photoshop for Dummies is a great reference book. Learn the basics of file formats, file saving, image adjustment and sharpening. Art directors are more receptive to accepting digital image files from photographers who understand the terminology and how to prepare images for submission. Follow client image file requirements carefully. Build their confidence in you by getting it right the first time. 

Organize images at download. If you can’t locate a particular image file quickly, you can lose a sale. Check out Moose Peterson’s Digital Pro image management software. He offers great tips and advice for organizing image files, plus a 30-day trial version.

Market your digitals. With a digital camera, you can shoot, download, save to CD and mail in minutes. With a high speed Internet connection, it's possible to e-mail images to a client. Magazine and book publishers sometimes face deadlines without photo needs filled. Make contact, inform them that you shoot digitally, and ask them to contact you if they have last-minute photo needs or short deadlines. Capitalize on the advantages of shooting digitally.

Safeguard sellable image files. Properly archived image files ensure that you will have them to sell now and in the future. Burning files to high-quality CDs or DVDs is a time- and space-efficient way to store images. Images should be resaved on new CDs every few years to avoid file corruption. Another option, one I use, is a second external hard drive that serves as my backup archive. I set this drive to automatically back up my files each night. Happily, my images are now safe and quickly accessed, and my computer quit issuing "Out of Memory" warnings, allowing me more time behind the camera where I belong! 

Shoot for Success! Aim to have fun!

Tes Randle Jolly is a freelance outdoor photographer/writer, avid hunter and active member of OWAA and SEOPA. Her work appears in a variety of national and regional outdoor magazines and hunting books. She resides near Montgomery, Ala., with her husband, Ron Jolly.

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Finding answers on the Web

By Bill Clede

Newsgroups never were my bag.

I got started online in 1985 with a Kaypro 4 CP/M machine and a 300 bps modem. I used Tapcis when my later machine ran DOS then switched to OZwin II when I installed Windows. You could address a forum message to a specific person, and replies were tacked at the end. Message threads stayed together. With these programs and forum software, you could log on, retrieve unread messages at modem speed and log off automatically, without human intervention.

That was important when one paid for access by the minute.

In this era of broadband connections and unlimited access, the push for efficiency has diminished. If you have a question about anything, it’s a good bet someone else had the same question and found an answer on a newsgroup. All you need to do is search the bazillion newsgroups to select the few hundred where your question might have been answered.

Would you believe that you now can easily do just that?

Go to google’s newsgroups and enter the key words of your question. I tried “gun collector value” and received 6,000 hits.

On the rec.guns newsgroup, I found responses from a collector who is well known among Luger aficionados. In one, he explained that an original 1939 German Luger could be worth anything. Much depends on all original parts, indicated by the same two-digit number on most major parts, the condition of the finish and other markings on the gun. In short, “Some World War II Lugers are worth only $300, but most are worth much more.”

My search also found an article on the rec.aviation.misc newsgroup. A fellow complained that his Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association magazine carried an ad for a (horrors!) “Colt 45 pistol.” Another pilot explained that it was a commemorative piece, honoring Chuck Yeager and showing his likeness and his airplane.

For another search I chose keywords “Glock 22 40 S&W” and found a surprising variety of responses.

A 1995 message asked about reliable guns for protection against animals in the backwoods. A professional elk guide responded, saying his carry gun is a Glock 22 (40 Smith & Wesson). He does not hunt elk with it but has used it to put down game animals. He cautioned that it’s not a gun to use against a bear, “although he would have to wade through the brass to get to me.” He used it to shoot snowshoe hare for dinner and never worried about rain or snow.

A 1996 message responding to a backwoods fly-fisherman’s question of gun choice for a high-country excursion where black bear live: “Not many handguns really will help you with bear. Use a large can of pepper spray instead.”

Past President Bill Clede is former outdoor editor of The Hartford (Conn.) Times and book author, now semi-retired. He writes a monthly column for Shotgun News on finding information on the World Wide Web.

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Internet modem switch scam

Here’s how it works:
Some Web sites encourage the user to download software to view certain materials. Unknown to that user, the downloaded software disconnects his or her computer’s modem and then reconnects it using an international long distance number. The result: the modem may be placing a call to as far away as Chad or Madagascar, and the computer user may be billed for an international call.

Important:
Don’t download programs from the Internet without reading the disclosures. Some Web sites may advertise as “free and uncensored” or may allow information to be downloaded. However, a pop-up window with a disclaimer should appear. The disclaimer usually reveals information on possible charges or the rerouting of the Web site. It may say, “You will be disconnected from your local Internet access number and reconnected to an international location.” Consumers must read the disclaimer to learn what charges will be assessed.

To minimize the risk of this happening, consumers should get an international block on their computer line from their local phone company. For more information, visit the Federal Communications Commission Web site.

Contributed by Betty Lou Fegely

Computer tune-ups

At a loss about how to keep your computer “up to snuff”? One very simple way is to visit PC Pitstop. You’ll see a link asking you to “click here” to start your tune-up. Just follow the instructions. You’ll be asked to register (you don’t need to – just click “new member” then “test anonymously”), and your machine will download a diagnostic program. After the test, the Web site offers multiple suggestions on how to speed up your machine, correct problems or update your version of Windows. I’ve found this site and its advice to be very accurate and reliable. Give it a try.

Michael Furtman

Mentoring over the Net

John E. Phillips has mentored a number of generations of OWAA members, including President Laurie Lee Dovey. In an effort to encourage mentoring within OWAA, Phillips has agreed to allow OWAA members to use the information on his Web site. Phillips’ site offers a vast array of writing tips and how-to-become-a-big-time-full-time-freelance-outdoor-writer information, as well as a number of “John-isms.” Check out Phillips’ site and consider mentoring others the easy way, by sending them a link to his site.

If your Web site offers tips and tricks that would be helpful to aspiring communicators or the pros among our ranks, please send the address to headquarters. We’ll include a link to your site in the soon-to-be-launched Mentor’s Corner on the OWAA Web site.

Contributed by Laurie Lee Dovey

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Bizlancers.com

Bizlancers.com, a new resource for finding project and contract work on the Internet, is a job search site that matches businesses with freelancers. Businesses post their projects for free, and freelance professionals offer their services via bids. Businesses benefit when freelancers post their best work and most competitive prices. Freelancers benefit from low fees and many project postings, including jobs ranging from Web page design, advertising and photography to writing, art and graphic design.

Contributed by William H. Geer

Public Lands Day

Sept. 20, 2003, is National Public Lands Day. The event is the largest annual grassroots, volunteer activity mounted on behalf of America’s public places. In 2002, 11,000 trees, shrubs and flowers were planted; 700 tons of trash were collected and 78 miles of trails were built or refurbished. Toyota has sponsored the event since 1999. Contact Gary Kozel at 202-298-1225 or call 800-VOL-TEER, www.npld.com.    

Gopaddle.com

www.gopaddle.com is a new Web portal designed to bring people, paddlesports providers and waterways together. The site publishes a free electronic newsletter that addresses the needs and interests of paddlers and includes stories that might attract non-participants to try canoeing, kayaking, rafting or tubing. When financial resources permit, www.gopaddle.com intends to solicit articles, photographs and audio/video presentations that depict people of all ages and genders enjoying human-powered recreation on waterways. The site welcomes your feedback.

Jim Thaxton

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Problem solved - Alpha Smart

The Alpha Smart, manufactured by Smart Input Inc., is a small, lightweight word processor that stores up to eight lengthy projects at once; allows you to create, add to, edit and work on any or all of them and downloads the upgraded files to your PC. It also will download works in progress from your PC so you can work on them in the field. It offers all the features writers need, including thesaurus, spell check and word count. The Alpha Smart comes in a nearly indestructible package that weighs a mere 2 pounds, has a user-friendly keyboard, uses conventional AA batteries that last hundreds of hours and sells for less than $300.

Laptops are heavy, expensive, have short battery life and tend to get finicky. The Alpha Smart has more than tripled my output during hunting season. It slips into my briefcase, backpack or hunting vest. When those bursts of inspiration strike, it’s right there. Anybody want to buy a good, used laptop?   

Ralph M. Lermayer

Intego's NetBarrier 2003

Intego Inc., maker of the NetBarrier personal firewall for Mac users, is entering the Windows marketplace with NetBarrier 2003, a collection of firewall, antivandal, privacy and monitoring tools designed to protect both home and corporate PC users from Internet security threats. Key features include data, ad banner and surf filters for privacy protection; detailed vandal and unauthorized application alerts and automatic online updates of new or enhanced features. Intego NetBarrier 2003 operates with Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000 and XP and is available in a downloadable version or in a boxed version for a suggested retail price of $49.95.

Contributed by Elizabeth Dabbelt  

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Guy Coheleach: www.guysart.com

An OWAA member for 13 years, Guy Coheleach produces wildlife art that has been featured in 21 exhibitions across the country in the past 11 years. He travels all over the country and around the world in search of his subjects. His specialty being African wildlife, he has visited Africa several times a year for decades. In 1972, he was run down by an elephant in Zambia! His Web site features logical organization, an array of images to browse, prices and ordering information. Take a look and be inspired to go on a safari! 

Nominated by Kevin Rhoades

If you are interested in having your Web site linked to New Wave Marketing or know of another OWAA member who fits the bill, please send us the link and tell us why your nomination deserves to be featured in a future issue of the Tech-E-Letter.

Browse other OWAA member Web sites!

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The Wilderness Society (www.wilderness.org)

Founded in 1935, The Wilderness Society (TWS) works to protect America’s wilderness and to develop a nationwide network of wild lands through public education, scientific analysis and advocacy. Its Web site features news from TWS’s eight regional offices, the latest conservation legislation from Washington and a “hot topics” section spotlighting TWS advocacy campaigns. TWS’s free, weekly, e-mail newsletter, WildAlerts, contains current conservation news and includes actions you can take to save lands. Visit the Web site and help TWS achieve its goal of ensuring that future generations may enjoy pristine forests, rivers, deserts and mountains!

Katie McKalip

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Who is Dr. P.C. WoodKnot?

Lost as an infant in an old growth forest, Dr. P.C. Woodknot was raised by a vegetarian wolf commune until age 10. Discovered by a band of barefoot hikers and returned to the awkward bosom of humankind, he grew up in an organic, high-tech household, and the rest, as we all know, is histrionic. If you have a question for Dr. Woodknot, please submit it to him care of the OWAA Tech-E-Letter feedback form. 

Dear Dr. WoodKnot,

I travel frequently, and I see that at most trade shows and conventions, especially the big ones, they have rows of computers offering free Internet access. When I use these computers, how secure and private are the messages I read or type, the sites I access and my password? How about at those Internet cafes?

Signed,
Saving Private Writing

Dr. WoodKnot replies:

Dear Private Dubya,

You are right to be concerned. The bad news is that it is a trivial, technical matter to record anything you type at one of these public computers. Basically, the only security you have at these places, convention or cafe, is the honesty of the people who set up the computers. Mind you, at many of these conventions, the PCs are rented and the completely honorable sponsoring organization could be oblivious to any abuses by the PC supplier. 

Bottom line, I would definitely not send any sensitive information from these computers or log into important accounts. I imagine that some pretty interesting information could be obtained from the e-mails sent and received at these convention computers. The account names and passwords of anyone using these PCs also could be “harvested.” If you are worried about your passwords being harvested, consider changing your passwords to temporary ones before traveling and changing them back when you return home.

If you suspect a public PC may not be secure (spider sense tingling?) have some fun and type some real humdinger disinformational e-mails? I would avoid any whoppers regarding national security, as that could lead to a visit from humorless government people who probably won’t be wearing “we’re here to help you!” buttons.

When you get down to it, the Internet isn’t very secure. How many of you set up your Web browser on your home PC to “remember” the login name and password of Web sites you visit? Be advised that these juicy tidbits of info are saved in a file that can easily be downloaded, cracked and read by hackers. For your really important accounts, you should disable this “remember” feature in your Web browser. I’ll suggest other ways to increase your security in future columns.

Sincerely,
Dr. DubyaoodNot

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OWAA receives grant to promote conservation

By William H. Geer

Earlier this year OWAA received a matching grant of $5,600 from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to help fund improvements in conservation reporting. OWAA’s mission calls for improving the skills, ethics and standards of professional outdoor communicators for the benefit of public enjoyment and conservation of natural resources. Conservation always has received special emphasis in the journalistic activities of OWAA members because outdoor activities largely depend on diverse and widespread natural resources adequately conserved to provide wildlife and wild places. The objective of the proposal is to help OWAA provide a stronger voice for natural resources conservation by utilizing new technology to offer more conservation story lines and provide stronger electronic links to conservation information to professional communicators. This would enable conservation journalists to retrieve, review and use new information on critical conservation topics in time to communicate more effectively with the public.

The public would become better educated in conservation issues by more comprehensive, timely and accurate journalism, and outdoor writers would profit by selling more newsworthy stories. With better sources of factual and breaking information, more journalists are likely to develop conservation-based stories and incorporate information garnered from the source links published by OWAA. The ideal is to thoroughly inform the public before resource decisions are made or actions taken so that outcomes favor continued public enjoyment of the outdoors.

In pursuit of this ideal, we will be publishing stories on key and current conservation issues in Outdoors Unlimited and provide links to other conservation information sources via the Tech-E-Letter.
 

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Questions/Comments: Let the editors know what you think of OWAA's Tech-E-Letter. Access our feedback form.  

Editorial Guidelines for OWAA's Tech-E-Letter: OWAA welcomes your submissions of features (500 words or less), tips (150 words or less) and emerging news/links (50 words or less). E-mail your articles or story ideas to Technology Committee Chair Betty Lou Fegely.   

Technology Committee:

Betty Lou Fegely, Bill Clede, William H. Geer, Bob Knopf, Dan Small, Jay Michael Strangis, Jennie Logsdon Martin, John Hong, John Mahn, Karuna Eberl, Kevin Rhoades, Laurie Lee Dovey, Lou Bignami, Marianne Conrad Paton, Mike Furtman, Tim Christie, Walt Tegtmeier. 

OWAA Staff:

Executive Director, William H. Geer
Technology Newsletter Editor/Assistant Editor, Katie McKalip
Outdoors Unlimited Editor/OWAA Webmaster, Kevin Rhoades
Member Services Manager, Lisa Carter
Administrative Assistant, Hailey Magsig

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