From the column, "Dispatches from the Enchanted Kingdom" of Manuel Buencamino Business Mirror, 16th July 2008
"MAKE MY DAY" I had a rather interesting conversation with a friend on Monday. It started when I asked if he had noticed that our club’s peaceful and friendly veranda was suddenly filled with so many military types in civilian clothes. He answered casually, “Oh, they’re Raymund Fortun’s security detail.” “Fortun needs bodyguards?” I asked. “Now he does,” my friend replied. Raymond Fortun is the lawyer who charged Homobono Adaza and several “active, retired or discharged officers of the AFP with having committed the crimes of Conspiring and Proposing to Commit Coup d’Etat and Estafa.” His affidavit can be accessed through his blog, www. raymond42n.multiply.com. I knew my friend was quite close to Fortun—as a matter of fact, he was taking a cigarette break from a meeting with him—so I tried to find out if he knew anything behind the Adaza headlines. “I find it curious that the PNP is investigating the case and the military is not at all concerned about the coup allegation,” I asked. He replied, “Well, that’s what I told Archie [Fortun’s nickname]. I asked him why no one was interested in the second group of coup plotters that Adaza said he was trying to preempt.” “And?” I asked. “Well, he said no one really gave it much thought because the whole thing smelled of extortion from the get-go,” my friend replied. “But how did Fortun get involved in this whole thing?” I asked. “Apparently, some Japanese investors had set up a dummy corporation for an investment in a resort in Marinduque. The Japanese began to have doubts about their front so they wanted them replaced, but it was proving difficult. Consequently, the manager of the Japanese group suggested a two-pronged approach to the problem: a lawyer and, at the same time, some muscle. The lawyer was Fortun, and the muscle was OMT Security Services Inc.,” he replied. To make a long story short, the Japanese group, Fortun and the OMT group discussed legal and “persuasive” steps to get the company back to its rightful owners. It was during one of these meetings that things turned weird. Fortun’s affidavit reads, “13. On 1st July, 2008, Col. Mapalo [OMT group] texted me that he needed to meet up with me on an urgent matter. I agreed to meet at 5 p.m. at Bo’s Coffee, Glorietta 4, Makati City. I was surprised when we were joined by Atty. Adaza and Col. Tapia. In this meeting, Atty. Adaza told me that OMT was going to concentrate on the big project, i.e. the coup d’etat. He said that the overthrow of the Arroyo government was ‘imminent,’ and that there were actually two (2) groups that were poised to stage a coup d’etat. Atty. Adaza, however, told me that the other group was with the presence of high-powered personalities, and that politics would again rule if this other group would conduct the overthrow ahead of the OMT group. Hence, he apologized and told me that the OMT group was compelled to demand Mr. Sakuma and his investors to produce $4 million, otherwise they would murder Mssrs. Copon and Galdo [the front men for the Japanese investors] and ‘turn him [Sakura] in.’” My friend added that the group also threatened to kill Fortun. That’s why he decided to call a senator for advice. Unfortunately, the senator offered none. Fortun called another senator, and he immediately set up a meeting with the CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group). An entrapment operation was planned and executed successfully. I have mixed feelings about Adaza’s politics, but for all his shortcomings and, sometimes, strange actuations, I never imagined him an extortionist. But then again, I keep thinking, “$4 million can buy a lot of things, but it won’t buy a coup.” “How many generals and colonels will $4 million buy?” I asked my friend. “Well, you have a point. I guess it was just an attempted extortion,” he replied dejectedly. I felt sorry for my friend because he and I see conspiracies everywhere; he more than me. And so we parted and left it at that, until I got stuck in traffic and started thinking about the $4 million again. And then it hit me. I called up my friend, “$4 million can buy you a lot of assassinations! Could that be it?” “You made my day, bro!” he exclaimed.
 COMING SOON.
 Shot after the model shoot at Batangas City.
One of the six here owns the high-heeled shoes on the left. Guess who? CLUE: Hindi naka-medyas. :P
  Another creation. This one done in less than 15mins.
Shot during our Taal Model Shoot. Model: Rachel Narag.
Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS on a 40D.
ADDENDUM: Original photo attached for comparison.
  I've been pretty unproductive lately. Maybe it's still some hangover due to having checked 5,627 Bar Exam booklets in 5months. A worse possibility is i'm on the brink of a burn-out.
Or maybe it's the compelling pull of producing better images.
When my mind wanders, i fool around with my pictures. Downloading, changing folders or, as what happened this morning, i made another attempt at producing a "Dave Hill effect" to one of my pics.
Taken at Taal, Batangas on 20th June. Model: Jok Vega Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS on a 40D.
ADDENDUM: Original pic attached for comparison.
I was inducted as a probationary member of the prestigious Camera Club of the Philippines last night. As a proby, i was immediately thrust into doing some of the duties for the regular and lifetime members during the July 2008 monthly meeting, which duties i am expected to perform for at least a year until i qualify as a regular member (God willing).
As a proby, i was now entitled to join in the monthly photo contests. These contests were also a way into becoming a regular member, since the number of "points" a proby accumulates within a year would be a basis for the membership in assessing whether or not i deserve to become a regular member. The "point system" is pretty simple: you are required to submit two (2) entries every monthly contest. Judges rate all photos along a scale of 1 (fail) to 5 (excellent), with 3 being 'passing'.
The theme for July 2008 was Vanishing Philippine Historical Architecture. The panel of 5 judges included Bambi Harper and Ross Capili.
In a possible case of beginner's luck, and in a field of 80 entries submitted by some of the best photographers in the country, this photo landed in 3rd place with a 4.17 rating out of 5, and will appear in the Club's August 2008 newsletter. [N.B. My other photo rated a 3.38.]
An auspicious start. Will i be a one-hit wonder?
Congressman Homobono Adaza is one of my childhood heroes. My memory of him is still fresh -- he was the most vociferous, meticulous and most powerful voice of the Opposition during the counting of the votes of candidate Corazon C. Aquino and Pres. Marcos at the Batasang Pambansa in 1986. Bono would note for the record each and every defect in the certificate of canvass being tabulated by Congress, each defect being a sufficient ground to defer the CoC until the violations of electoral law could be verified or explained. However, in each instance, then-Speaker Nicanor Yniguez would merely say: "Asterix!" [NOTE: This is not a typo; Yniguez would, time and again, mispronounce the word "asterisked". This verbal flub was the most infamous parliamentary act, until it was upstaged by "Noted!" during the 2004 Presidential canvass.] When Marcos was declared winner of the 1986 elections by a highly partisan Congress, i cried myself to sleep.
Congressman Homobono Adaza is one of my heroes. That is, until 1st July 2008.
Attached is the .pdf file of the complaint-affidavit i executed and subscribed under oath, charging Congressman Adaza and several active, retired or discharged officers of the AFP with having committed the crimes of Conspiring and Proposing to Commit Coup d'Etat and Estafa.
I am NOT an instrument of the Arroyo government as part of a crackdown against the opposition. I am not a fan of this government. I was compelled to file this complaint as a matter of self-preservation and in defense of my client. I felt that i was threatened, and i felt that these individuals would ruin my career if they were not brought to justice. To this day, i still feel that my life is in danger. However, it has been said that for evil to prevail, it is enough that good men do nothing.
If there is one time when God could send down a force-field, now is the time.
 I woke up this morning with a feeling of awe and foreboding. Yesterday, my pictures appeared in a leading newspaper, thus increasing public awareness of my capabilities (?). What used to be merely an internet thing has now gone public knowledge. But while i had worked hard in lawschool, apprenticed under the brightest law partners and literally "paid my dues" before i was thrust into the public spotlight as President Estrada's spokesman and defense lawyer, i hate to admit that i find myself totally unprepared for what to do next as a recorder of life through the medium of digital photography. As i always do in times of doubt, i prayed. "My Lord, i thank you profusely for the blessings You continue to shower upon me. Inspite of my weaknesses, you have shown Your profound mercy by still looking after me and my family, as well as my loved ones. I thank you for the opportunities You have graciously provided to be an instrument of justice in my country. Lastly, i thank and praise you for giving me a chance to record that perfect sunrise, that unforgettable moment, that smile that brightens the day. "It is here that i ask for guidance, my Lord. Where do i go from here? I do not have the visual genius of Willie de Vera, Edwin Loyola or Caloy Zamora; the digital wizardry of PARC Cruz, Borj Meneses or Dopy Doplon; the discipline and tenacity of John Mateos Ong; the transcendent skills of Bien Bautista and Ross Capili. "The road for me continues to be murky. But i have full trust and faith in You, and accept whatever You have planned for me. For this brief time on earth to prove me worthy of Your kingdom, i am truly grateful." Before i am finished, i hear a deep and soothing voice: "MY CHILD, FEAR NOT. INDEED, THE PEOPLE YOU HAVE MENTIONED ARE GREAT MEN WITH GREAT VISION. BUT AS THEY HAVE EYES, YOU HAVE YOUR OWN. AS THEY HAVE A BRAIN TO SEE THE WORLD, YOU HAVE YOURS. AS THEY HAVE INSPIRED OTHERS BY THEIR WORK, YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO DO LIKEWISE. FOR EACH OF MY CHILDREN IS UNIQUE, AND HAS A SPECIFIC ROLE IN HIS OR HER LIFE. SO TOO, SHOULD YOU FULFILL YOURS. FEAR NOT, AND REMEMBER THAT I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS." I made this all up. I did not hear a deep and soothing voice. But i hope that, while you were reading this, YOU felt Him saying it. As i did. Time to go out and see what else in life i can record. Without fear or doubt, because He is with me.
 This article appeared in the Manila Bulletin's Picture Perfect section on 24th June 2008.
My profound thanks to sir Ronald Jayme and his amiable column writer, Yugel Losorata.
The .pdf file is attached for those who missed it.
A good friend recently sent me this text: "Those who joyfully leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything. Worry ends where Faith begins."
I had often wondered how i had risen from relative obscurity to prominence (albeit with accompanying notoriety). My religious upbringing and, later, adherence to the principles of a Catholic religious group made me understand that everything had a purpose, and was merely a part of God's plan. To paraphrase a song, i am but a speck in the greater scheme of things. This enables me to keep my feet squarely on the ground; to accept that fame is fleeting and worldly; to embrace humility as a God-sent virtue; and to submit myself to whatever comes my way as being part of the path to Heaven.
Sometime early this year, i had wanted to embark on a different field -- into the world of photography. The plans were sound, and the timetables were attainable. However, even the best-laid plans cannot bear fruit without God's blessing.
After my stint as Bar examiner, i had a deluge of work that prevented me from pursuing these plans as well as meeting up with my colleagues who would have been part thereof. Now, i have been asked to handle a class in a law school nearby. Parenthetically, my wifey had asked me way back then, "Photography or Teaching?" Indeed, i had to choose only one, since both are time-consuming, and i refuse to further deplete the remaining quality time i had for enjoying my family.
When i was called to teach, i knew that God had spoken. However, i'm sure that my photography career will have its own time in the sun.  Maybe, it's the same phase of relative obscurity that i have to pass through. I will be patient, and wait for God's time.
 There's this photographer by the name of Dave Hill who comes up with pictures that have a gritty 3-D effect. You can take a look at his work at http://www.davehillphoto.com . For sure, it may not be life-like and some may actually say it is more graphic than fine art, but his work is still impressive.
As i have been dabbling in post-processing recently, i tried to simulate a Dave Hill-like "feel" to some of my photos. The pics here are samples, 'before' and 'after'.
  There are a lot of good plug-ins to post processing tools for photographs in the market today. Just recently, i decided to get myself one.
The results are quite astounding, and the potential for digital mayhem is intriguing.
The original pic was taken at Graceland Estate Country Club in Lucban, Quezon. I used Cokin filters to improve the blehh color of the sky that morning, as well as the lake.
I then used a computer-generated "infrared" filter on the same pic.
Thank God for technology. Now the photo geeks like me have a fighting chance against the Jojo Guingona's Gerry Sabado's and Bien Bautista's of this world.
Now if these filters could solve our rice crisis and lower electricity rates, i would be a very happy camper.
  This being my second straight year to go to Bora (from 24-27 Apr), i made sure that i would be fully armed with the right photography gear. I mean, i had a crappy superzoom the last time around, for heaven's sake.
This year, i'm bringing 2 semi-pro bodies (D300 and 40D), 2 IS lenses (17-85 and 70-200 f/2.8L), 2 macros (Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 and Canon 60 f/2.8), an ultra-wide (Tokina 12-24) and a fishy (Sigma 15 f/2.8). The icing on the cake? I got myself a Cokin filter system today. I tried fooling around with it while waiting for some clients, and here are some results. First pic is with a Tobacco 2, ND8 and Star 8. Second pic is with a CPL, Sunset and Tobacco 1. Shots taken at Greenbelt park, Makati City.
Boracay, you're dead meat.
 I promised to reward myself for 5 months of daily toil as Bar examiner in Criminal Law, as soon as i received my honorarium from the Supreme Court. Having been addicted to photography beginning September 2007, it was obvious that a serious upgrade of my equipment was the logical prize for my efforts.
Specifically, a new back-up camera and a long zoom with VR (vibration reduction).
So when i received my honorarium, i wasted no time in disposing of my trusty Nikon D80 and my 80-200mm lens, with the intention of getting another D300 and a 70-200mm VR.
When i went to Hidalgo St. this afternoon, i was dismayed to learn from Wilson (of Avenue Photo) that the 70-200VR was no longer in his stock. I was also contemplating on getting the D300 from him, but he informed me of possible firmware issues of the 70-200VR with the D300 (NOTE: I confirm that there are threads in photography fora discussing this "issue"). Almost ready to go home disappointed, i suddenly spotted Wilson's stock of a Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS lens. When he told me that he was selling it at Php4,000 CHEAPER than the Nikon version, i was seriously tempted. I then asked him how much he was selling the Canon 40D with a 17-85 IS kit lens, and was shocked to learn that the combo was Php9,000 CHEAPER than the D300 body.
What happened is a no-brainer. It wasn't what i wanted, but i am now a "dual system" shooter.
I can just hear the Nikonians say, "hey dude! You get what you pay for!" Oh well, the next few months will decide which system stays with me. And i'll have the fun of knowing first-hand which between Canon or Nikon is the better brand. May the best camera win! :P
REPRINTED FROM AN ARTICLE OF THE SAME TITLE, 6th APRIL 2008, The Daily Tribune
It’s not surprising that a fast mind like Atty. Raymund Fortun would pick photography up as a pastime and turn it into a passion. He seems to be challenged by the speed of creating something well-composed. Can he and his camera be faster than his ever-changing subjects? In this exclusive online interview, he dissects the issue without the complication of a high-profile court case, showing the brilliant man that he really is. |
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Edgar Cruz (EC): Did lawyering prepare you for photography? Atty. Raymund Fortun (RF): I’ve been a passionate and driven person since birth. I just look cool on television, but I’m very intense in what I do whether it’s lawyering, sports, music, and now photography and the arts. EC: What are the common factors between law and photography? RF: The discipline, dedication and the patience required of someone who wants to be good in both. EC: When did you see the light, so to speak, to become a photographer? RF: Recent technology has now made it possible for slideshows to be shown during weddings, debuts, etc. Initially, I wanted my kids to have beautiful slideshows of their youth when they have their debut or wedding. Then, it dawned on me that I could do the same for other people, that is, to make beautiful memories of their special day. EC: Will you be a photographer if you’re not a lawyer? RF: Heavens, I never dreamed that I would have a passion for photography. As of November 2006, I was happy taking snapshots of my family using a Casio Exilim 4.0MP point-and-shoot. I think the camera bug bit me when I got a super-zoom camera, a Lumix FZ7. From that time on, coming out with beautiful pictures became an obsession. EC: Are you planning to turn professional? RF: The thought has occurred to me. My number one problem is time management. I am choirmaster for two choirs, and I will resume my teaching load (at San Beda Alabang College of Law) by next semester. Obviously, coupled with lawyering during weekdays and quality family time during weekends, I am in a quandary whether this is something I would have time to do on a regular basis. Right now, all I want to do is improve on my technique, scene recognition, instincts, after which I will have a long talk with my wife on whether I should go professional. EC: Your wife? RF: My wife’s opinion is the one that matters the most. She has been very supportive, and she thinks I have a lot of promise in this field. EC: What is the most common comment about your photos? RF: My very first wedding shoot (in Sept. 2007) was horrible, but understandable. I had absolutely no idea on what would constitute as a good-looking wedding photograph. But I’ve taken the comments from a lot of photographers very seriously, and I’ve been reading a lot of photography literature since then. You can check out the latest comments in my Multiply Web site, http://raymond42n.multiply.com EC: Are you paying the kids as models? RF: Which one? My family shoot? It was a lot of fun. I shot them in their pajamas. EC: Will you not intimidate future clients since you’re a “de kampanila” lawyer? RF: No. I think that people would find it cool to have Raymond Fortun as their official photographer. At the end of the day, it’s the output from my camera which matters. One of my brothers was worried that baka sungitan daw ako by certain demanding clients. I told him, “I have nasty legal clients, and I’ve dealt with them.” I don’t foresee any problem with this. EC: Are you a weekend photographer, a Saturday photographer or a Sunday photographer? RF: If I go professional, I would rather be shooting only during Saturdays. Sundays are for God (I’m a choirmaster, remember?). Oh, and wifey demands that I keep my fourth weekends free for out-of-town trips. EC: Has it ever occur to you that you may be the reincarnation of some famous photographer? But your answer will not be probable in court. RF: No, Catholics don’t believe in reincarnation. Ha ha ha! I think I’d like to develop my own style. I’d like to shoot one wedding where everything is in black-and-white, except for the flowers. EC: How much will you charge for a wedding coverage, the whole works? RF: I don’t know right now. It really depends on what will be required of me. For sure, I can’t charge the way the established pros do because I still have a lot to learn. But I’m a fast learner, and I intend to be very good in this field. EC: What’s the lead time in order for you to accept a wedding coverage? RF: Maybe a month. It will have to fit my schedule (only during the first three Saturdays of a month). That would also be enough time to schedule a pre-nuptial shoot, which is becoming the in thing nowadays. A pre-nuptial shoot is one where the couple and I would go some place scenic and make dramatic shots/poses. EC: Who is the Filipina actress you’d like to photograph in the nude? RF: I will never do this. My reputation as a lawyer will be affected. EC: When did you learn perfectionism is an important rule in photography? RF: I’ve always been a perfectionist in everything I do. If I don’t think I would be any good in something, I won’t do it. When it comes to photography, there are certain rules that, generally, have to be followed to come up with a photo that is “pleasing to the eye.” EC: Are you obsessive-compulsive? RF: Hindi naman. I just like doing things well. There is no “pwede na ‘yan” in my vocabulary. I set high standards for myself, that’s all. EC: Lawyering and photography are two different things? RF: Wala lang. It’s not something I’d like to be known for, so I won’t do it. As I said, if I don’t see myself being good at it, I won’t do it at all. I’d like to be known as a good wedding/events photographer. EC: Could you have diverted to photography because of your need to be perfect, which, I think, is not possible in lawyering? RF: Being perfect is possible in lawyering. It is people who do not believe in the majesty of the law that gives lawyering a bad name. If only lawyers abide by their lawyer’s oath, cases would be resolved much faster in this country. EC: What other things people do not know about you? RF: (That I’m) intense. I don’t look it and I don’t sound like it, but all my clients know that I would do everything legally possible to win their case. This passion for life applies to my shooting, my choir, and in sports. EC: You think or shoot faster? RF: Think fast and shoot faster actually. The camera I have now takes care of the “shoot faster” part. I can now do six frames per second. EC: Yes, they necessarily follow one another? Are you a speed freak? Why do you sing and not speed drive? RF: Ha ha ha, hindi. I’ve been blessed with having a quick mind. It helps during interviews. ‘Di ako nagpa-panic. I believe that everything is pretty much laid out by a Higher Being. So I’m calm enough to let things flow, and trust in Him. EC: What is the last question that you would like me to ask you? RF: Whose wedding would I like to shoot? EC: Shoot! RF: I’d like to shoot Prince William’s wedding to any future bride EC: Wow! Would you like him to marry soon? RF: Prince William? In about five years. By then, I would know if I’m worthy to do the shoot. Can I have another question as a last one? EC: Sure! RF: Ask me this: Students have masters from whom they learn. Who are yours? Answer: Ross Capili for portraitures and Frank Dizon of Imagineer Digital for weddings/events. I’m training under Frank Dizon for weddings. |
  My continuing saga on learning the inner workings of this post-processing tool.
Threshhold adjustment layer and eraser tool.
 I received an invitation from a certain Edwin Loyola to be one of his contacts here in Multiply. Di ko kilala itong taong ito, pero what the heck, in-add ko na. Then as is the rule here in Multiply, you get emails of posts made by your contacts. On a boring Holy Saturday, i clicked on Mr. Loyola's posts -- and was floored by the stunning images he captured. And to think that this guy only uses a Canon 20D and a relatively unspectacular lens.
I got to meet this digital artist recently, and he is (as i expected) a genius with a camera. More than 14 years of experience, self-taught in post-processing, a down-to-earth individual. Early today, i asked for insights on his closely guarded secrets; he was gracious and generous in sharing (some of?) them to me. Pic on the right is just one of my play-arounds i.e. naglaro lang ako.
My pics will never be the same again. Thanks, Master Edwin. Btw, Mr. Loyola and some other digital artists (e.g. Parc Cruz, Borj Meneses) have an ongoing exhibit at the Philamlife Building along United Nations Avenue. If you guys have time and want to be inspired, do drop by. Bring along your checkbook, too. The proceeds of any sale will go to a number of charitable institutions.
 The results of the 2007 Bar Exams was released by the Supreme Court yesterday. I am honored to have been the Supreme Court's standard as examiner for Criminal Law.
The Rules of Court provides that a bar examinee is deemed to have passed if he or she obtains a general average of 75% in all subjects, without falling below 50% in any subject. The Daily Inquirer reported today that the Supreme Court had to adjust the passing rate from 75% to 70% because of the "unusually strict correction" done by the examiners in three subjects: Labor Law, Civil Law and Criminal Law. It also reported that in these subjects, the disqualification rate was adjusted from 50% to 45%.
The report is erroneous. Justice Azcuna in his press conference yesterday said that it was only in Labor Law and Civil Law that the Court had to adjust the disqualification rate. For the record, i did not give a grade lower than 50% to any examinee. I wanted every examinee to have a fighting chance to pass, despite probably having a "bad day" in Criminal Law. It is my understanding that i am the only examiner who was this lenient.
I hate sounding defensive, but God knows that i am not "unusually strict". As my students in Criminal Procedure and Criminal Law will attest, i am one of the fairest professors on campus in grading students, either in recitations or in exams. I even gave a final grade of 95% to 3 students during the 1st Semester 2006 (and flunked only 4 out of 74).
I respect the Supreme Court's decision to lower the passing rate this year. Indeed, i am a witness to the need for more lawyers in this country. But as one of the Court's standards in determining who should or should NOT be a lawyer this year, it my fervent hope that those who were considered to have passed the Bar this year, by being given a lease on life, would fulfill their new roles in establishing justice and truth in our times.
 My family's trip to Pagudpud was definitely worth it. The hundreds of pics that i took of pristine beaches, golden sunrises and glorious sunsets, and notable architecture (the Burgos lighthouse and the Ilocandia churches) succinctly captured the wonderful memories we had.
But does Pagudpud have to be so darn far from Manila?!
We left Pagudpud at around 8am on Wed (19th Mar). Arrived at Vigan at 12nn and had lunch there. Left for Manila at 1pm, and had dinner at Urdaneta at 7pm. Finally arrived at our home in Las Pinas at 12:30am on Thursday (20th Mar)! So excluding the lunch and dinner breaks, as well as brief stop-overs, it was still easily a 12-hour drive non-stop. It was a good thing that i had the foresight to bring along my Macbook Pro and my complete collection of iTunes-formatted movies, so the drive wasn't THAT boring for my kids.
On the other hand, a trip to Boracay would be a 1 hour ride to the airport, a 1 hour waiting period at the lounge, a 1 hour plane ride and a 30min boat ride to the island from Caticlan.
Next time we go back to Pagudpud, we'll definitely just fly to Laoag. ;)
    I downloaded today a trial version of Aperture 2, Apple Computer's proprietary photo-editing software.
I haven't really gone around most of its features. But in removing unwanted parts of a pic, say, a dust spot or a face blemish, just use a "Retouch tool", simply click and drag on the spot -- and the software deletes the spot. Yup, that easy.
How about blown highlights and its opposite, cold spots? Aperture 2 allows you to literally see them (hotspots in red, cold spots in blue) in a pic, then get rid of them by simply sliding on some slider thingys.
My initial impression? This is a super software for busy photographers, more superior than any in the market. Check out its features yourself using the online tutorials at www.apple.com/aperture/tutorials/ .
Check out the two photos on the right. Pics 1 and 3 are edited using Aperture; pics 2 and 4 are the originals. I used recovery, exposure control, and color enhancement only.
Your comments are most welcome. :)
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