candyK

Looking at the specs of the Dell Alienware laptops, there is no built in memory card reader, which is surprising.

Thank you ever so kindly, Brian. Currently digesting all of the info you've shared and looking at Tammy's thread, I see it's an IPS Anti- Glare Display. Stupid question perhaps but is this another term for Matte display?

PS... Very interested in the ROG Mothership GZ700 but it's not available yet...

Hi Brian, Laptop is still in computer shop, bad graphics card. It's my understanding they wiped out the computer and tried reloading both Windows 10 and Nvidia card, graphics card still didn't work. He is going to do something with the BIOS this weekend (whatever that means) to see if it will bring back the graphics card. I am looking to buy a new laptop and trade in/resell the notebook. I'm currently looking at the ASUS ROG series (Mothership, Zephyrus, Strix, Matrix models), trying to sift through all of the specs, particularily the screen specs, wanting a matte IPS display as you recommend. and my head is spinning. As per ASUS' wbsite, some models say they are IPS Levels equipped, and/or anti glare screen. Is the anti glare screen going to screw up my calibration when the time comes? I want the best, regardless of the price. Which ASUS ROG laptop do you recommend? Thanks.

Hi Damien, I'm trying to get the paper profiles for Press Cards, Fine Art Giclee Prints, and Photographic Prints from my new lab for soft proofing and I seem to be getting the run-around as they only want to send me the lustre/deep matte or pearl metallic but that's not the finishes I want to order (ie: glossy, watercolor, glossy on silk, etc). My question is, is the lab not obligated to give the photographer these profiles? Why wouldn't I want to soft proof the images prior to submitting my order, I'd be foolish not to? Thanks in advance.

Thanks Brian, appreciate it. I’ll have them reload everything fresh?

Ok, thanks Brian. As I mentioned earlier, I only use it very minimal, like if I go away on a weekend or take it up north on our summer vacation so I can view my photos (I’m too impatient to wait until I return home, lol!). I talked to the computer shop again and insisted on a new power supply which they are going to order in. I guess I’ll take it in tomorrow and have them deinstall the Nvidia card and reinstall to start. What is the advantage to reinstalling Windows? Just so I’m clear when I go in.

Hi Brian, My laptop is an ASUS FX53VD-RS71 Notebook equipped with Intel i7-7700HQ @2.80GHZ, 8GB DDR4 RAM (plus 4GB DDR4 RAM Upgrade, Machine to 12GB total), Nvidia GTX 1050 4GB Video Card, 1TB 7200RPM Hard Drive, Windows 10. Purchased Sept 10, 2017. When I first got it set up, I noticed PS was using the Intel (R) HD Graphics 630. Photoshop was working fine, so I didn't question it. I should mention I only use this laptop, maybe once every 3 or 4 months. In Nov 2017, I went to use it and PS dropped the video card entirely, wasn't even bringing up the check box to check mark the graphics card. I called Adobe, they ran a Nvidia driver update which then recognized the graphics card (GTX1050). This week I went to use it again and the same thing, PS dropped the Nvidia graphics card again, check box is greyed out. I also noticed when I clicked on Nvidia control panel, it was telling me no graphics card, couldn't even access the Nvida card in the laptop. I gave up trying to find the driver updates online. Also the power brick gets red hot, which is unsettling as well. I've called the computer shop where I purchased it and they want to charge me a diagnostic fee, etc. etc. Also called ASUS and of course, because it's over the one year warranty, it's up to me to pay the repairs. I think I've been sold a dud for $1600.00. At this point what do you recommend? Removing graphics card completely and doing a fresh install or can you link me to the proper Driver download? (Running PS CC2017) Thanks in advance.

It had been a while since I oredered prints (Don's Photo) so I gathered all the images I edited in class, about 30 - 4x6's along with 4 -5 x 7 black-and-white test prints for the sharpening class. I was hugely disappointed with the color; snow scenes have a blue tint and skin tones look green, overall very contrasty and dull, lacking vibrance. But I have to admit, I was very pleased with the sharpening on my 5x7's and anxious to concentrate more on the Sharpening Class once I get the color error corrected. I know, I've been foolish to not order regularly but I just kept putting it off. Anyway, I spoke with the lab manager and he offered to do a re-print for me. So, I'm patiently waiting for them to arrive before I recalibrate. But I have to admit, I'm very leary to re-order anything from them if they're not reliable and inconsistent. In the meantime GTA Imaging out of Toronto (Pro Lab) has accepted my application since I'm not considered a professional photographer and they're closed for the holidays until the New Year at which time I'll send in for test prints. Going back to calibration, I currently use the Spyder 5Pro, my monitor is a 24" ASUS Pro Art PA248Q. LCD monitor but LED backlit (the LED / LCD is confusing me) and I'm questioning if I should upgrade my calibrator. I went through all of your calibration tutorials and I can't decide if I should go with the Xrite i1Disply Pro (as it does both LCD and LED) or if I should stay with Spyder (because I'm familar with the brand) and upgrade to the Spyder 5Elite. Curious to hear your thoughts Damien when time allows. UPDATE: Since I emailed you this morning, my re-prints were just delivered (YAY!) Night and day difference, lab screw up I guess. Attaching a quick cell phone picture (sorry, very poor lighting here at work, re-prints on right). In real life, I feel the color is spot on to my edited version, anxious to compare in proper lighting to the computer. However, I am still considering the new lab and a new calibrator.

Yes, i was using a card reader, built in to my computer.

UPDATE: I plugged my camera into my PC via the USB cable and was able to copy and paste the three images which I’m also able to view in ACR with all metadata (yay!). Took another picture tonight on the same card and that image can’t be previewed on PC either eventhough it previews in camera. So I put in a new card, took some more shots and it seems perfectly fine. Bad card I guess??

Sorry, correcting the card info: Lexar Professional 32GB. 95MB/s. SDHC UHS-I (1) Class 10

Hi Brian, While out shooting today, I put in a brand new SD card, preview shows perfectly fine in camera but not on PC. I have three images that I can not pull off the card, says file is not supported or may be damaged. I've been using this brand for a long time and this is the first issue I've encountered. The card is a Lexar Professional- 32GB - 95MB/s - SD (1) HC I class 10. Not sure where to start troubleshooting. Any help and suggestions would be most appreciated.

Forgot to upload my photo...

Hi Damien, Question regarding HDR imaging. I've been following a local photographer in my area on Instagram who creates HDR images with Photo Affinity software. Is there a way to create such images in Photoshop without purchasing HDR dedicated software. I've been playing around with the channel mixer and high pass filter but not getting the results I like. Curious to hear your thoughts and suggestions. https://www.instagram.com/gilbertkaterynych/?hl=en Thanks!

And what about Bridge? installed on C: but storing cache on D: Is this alright?

Hi Damien, Quick question, which drive should PS be using for the scratch disk? It's currently using D: but PS is installed on C: and no option to change it? Adobe is telling me the scratch disk should be on the same drive as the installed program for everything to run properly? Your thoughts? I just got my computer back from upgrading my C: drive to 1TB and it's a big fat mess, I'm trying to sort things out. Thanks.

OMG!!! I am ridiculous! I have the DVI digital cable and have been using it all along. NOT the VGA! Sorry for the confusion. I’m good to go.

Will do! Anxious to make the switch! Thanks!

Sorry Brian, just seeing your reply now. I haven’t had a chance to run one of the programs yet that you suggested but hope to get to that soon for curiosity sake. I currently have a 32GB RAM and the traditional 15-pin VGA cable. Great suggestion about the HDMI cable, I never knew this was even an option to be honest. I’m booked in at the computer shop for the 1TB HD upgrade early Jan and will keep an eye on my current video card as the video card seemed to be the culprit for the weird behaviour in PS that prompted my hardware inquiry. I don’t do anything 3D and will probably use the liquify tool more in time to come, but good to know. Thanks Brian, you have been VERY helpful and your time is most appreciated!:). Too bad you don’t have a computer shop close by, I would support your business in a heartbeat!:)

Hi, I was surprised to find a hard copy of Photoshop CS6 as I thought PS was only available through cloud. Since I no longer require LR (I know, that's a VERY bad word on this site, Lol!) I am considering letting go of my yearly photography plan and seriously considering the purchase of the PS hard copy: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/offer-listing/B06ZZCMW8Y/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new What are your thoughts Damien? Is this a good idea? More money upfront but it will save me money over time. The reason I ask, I had purchased a hard copy of LR6 last spring, and when I went to download it kept flipping to my LR CC 2015 account. I was fortunate to return the program and work off of my CC account. Just wondering if I will have the same problem with the PS hard copy and be money out forcing me back to my CC copy of PS. Thanks.

Sorry, yes, main drive is SSD. Thanks!

Thanks Brian for your thorough reply. I had a quick peek at the links you provided, I will try to run one this weekend and report back to you when time allows. Power supply is Thermaltake Power Gold 80Plus 650watts. I would prefer to upgrade computer I have, just the C: drive to 1TB at this time. BUT I would like to compare the cost of upgrading everything. I would like to be specific on my request at the computer shop when I get a quote, so what do you feel would be comparable to my current hardware but an upgrade for: Power supply? Nvida Graphics Card? Currently Ge Force GTX 750ti Intel Core i7 -4790? The computer tech I used to deal with is semi retired, doesn't seem to care if he gets business or not. The new computer place is so busy, they've got the take it or leave it attitude. So, that's why I'm reaching out to you. I want to go in with my guns loaded and know what I need. Thanks again, Brian!:)

Hi Brian, Wondering if I could pick your brain for a moment as I encountered some weird behavior in PS this week. I ran a windows disc cleanup which included temp files, said it would free up 10GB of space, but only gained 4GB. My C: drive is currently 81.4GB free of 223GB, 32GB RAM. I realize I'm getting close to 1/3 of the space you recommend for programs to run effeciently, but I don't understand what's filling up my C: drive as all of my editing/documents/pictures is stored on my E: drive. I wipe out my downloads/zip files and recycle bin, right after I transfer them to my E; drive. The new computer tech in our area, suggested to ghost my C; drive and upgrade it to a 500GB, 32GB RAM to keep everything running smoothly. Do YOU recommend this? I had the computer custom built Feb 2016, for photography purposes only, Windows 7 Professional, Intel Core i7-4790, GeForce GTX 750ti. I keep fighting the upgrade to Windows 10. Or should I look at upgrading to all newer technology including the core and graphics card. I'm not sure if I'm willing to remortage the house but if it's going to spare me a pile of headaches, I will consider spending the extra money. I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts, recommendations. Thanks! Also, I notice when I'm working in PS my C:drive drops anywhere from 1GB - 3GB of space, is this normal?

Hi, Just thought I would provide an update. I spent the better part of the morning on live chat with Nvidia as Adobe said my graphics card was not supported nor tested by PS (eventhough all has run flawlessly since Feb 2016). Nvidia had me change some settings in the Nvidia Control panel and after rebooting a couple of times, the glitch seems to be resolved. Keeping my finger's crossed.