The new stacking tool is particularly useful. Now a group of thumbnails can be combined into one "stacked" thumbnail, which itself contains the entire group. Very helpful when doing a first edit.

Group related images into collapsible stacks. Use stacks to organize multiple versions of the same file, group related files, or gather files to send to Adobe Photoshop CS3 or Adobe Illustrator CS3 for batch processing.

The 2006 Photography & Design Conference is the most comprehensive learning event in the photographic and imaging industries. This year's conference will offer over 100 in-depth photography and design seminars, including several hands-on workshops, taught by world-renowned experts. You'll find information-packed, idea-generating sessions at the only conference in the country that's 100% focused on photography, design & imaging.

My friend, and consultant, Ian Summers will be presenting a seminar at Photo Expo. It takes place on Saturday, at 9:00 AM.

Is your photo career on track? Do you have a clear vision of your creative strengths and which talents will generate work in today’s market? Ian Summers, an advertising and publishing creative director turned creative coach, will show you how to diversify your business and realize your creative vision in a seemingly chaotic marketplace.

I'll be joining more than forty other artists, and opening my new studio to the public.

Please stop down, take a look at some new work, have a bite to eat and chat awhile.

The studio is located at 126 Leverington Ave, Studio #101, at the corner of Baker St. There's plenty of free parking.

Here's more information.

The work will be shown in the main entrance to the seminary, where the open house tours begin.

Here is some more information and directions to St. Charles. Hope to see you there.

The studio is located at 126 Leverington Ave, at the corner of Baker Street. It's in the Mill Artist Studios complex. It's in Building II, across the street from plenty of free parking.

I have my full digital editing and printing suite set up on the second floor. I'm reserving the first floor for client presentations, including a wide screen flat panel LCD TV, for post shoot reviews. I also have access to large shooting studios across the street in the main building.

All in all, it's a great setup. Give me a call, and come take a look!

MTV's Real World filmed their current season here in Philadelphia. About a year ago, my gallery called me saying that the producers were interested in one of my pieces to use as room decor.

This isn't the sort of thing I usually do, and since there was no money in it I said "Sure go ahead" and then forgot about. Usually these things don't lead to anything.

Anyway, my son told me he saw my piece on the show last week. Since I'm old enough to remember when MTV launched, I'm too old to actually watch it anymore. But they have some shots of the house on their website.

This piece is titled "Believes". Here's the portfolio the piece comes from.

This is the piece as it is used in the house on MTV's Real World.

Here's a page with more links to a 360 degree view of the room and the MTV Real World producer being interviewed about the design. Follow the links under "Green Bedroom".

I recently made this portrait of Ram Gupta, Products and Technology EVP of PeopleSoft. The portrait is being used on the cover of Quest Magazine.

In addition to their framing supplies, they have a great assortment of archival storage boxes and folders.

Gentlemen (and ladies), start your engines.

This is a portrait of my son Evan and my wife Cornelia. The baby in her belly is now our year and a-half year old Lucas.

I took this shot using a 35mm point and shoot camera loaded with Fuji Astia transparency film. I then used Photoshop to paint in the subtle softness beginning around Evan's face and extending out to the edges of the frame.

For some more portrait photography how tos, try these Kodak portrait tips.

To see more of my portrait work go here.

I found a source for the backing yesterday. The Small Corporation sells archival photo supplies and more. They manufacture a custom sized aluminum honeycombed archival product for both prints and photographs. I think this will do the trick.

Thanks to Kansas City photographer Michael Regnier for suggesting the use of Oleopasto as a solution.

Oleopasto is a translucent oil-based gel. I can apply it to the surface with a brush or a knife. It has the double benefit of protecting the surface of the print and imparting a textured surface.

I've been using Pixlpro for my own digital submissions to clients here in Philadelphia and throughout the country. I'm now happy to announce that, together with my brother Bill Tracy, we've launched Pixlpro as a subscription service for commercial photographers.