Scott Sheppard takes a lighthearted look at what's new and exciting in the world of the Macintosh computer in this one-hour weekly radio show. From the digital hub to the den of the Panther operating system, Scott is always on top of what is happening in the world of Macintosh and has his finger on the pulse of the industry. With a tasty serving of news, reviews, information, and interviews, Inside Mac is all Mac, all the time, and one of the unique tech shows on radio today.

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Inside Mac - February 28th 2004

Kevin Ames - Professional Digital Photographer

Listen / Download the February 28th, 2004 Show

Kevin Ames began his photographic career at the age of 12, when he sold pictures of a class field trip to his schoolmates for a tidy profit. From this entrepreneurial and creative beginning, Kevin has become a recognized leader in the fast-evolving world of commercial digital photography.

"Whenever I'm using a camera, I'm not so much concerned with it, as I am with the light," Kevin says of his creative philosophy and process. "I love to control, and model, and make light work on whatever I'm photographing. It's my passion when I'm behind the camera."

His company, Ames Photographic Illustration, Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia and serves clients on location or in the studio. Ames specializes in creating evocative images that promote its customers' products, services and ideals.

"Making photographs for people being my own boss...I am doing what I've always wanted to do, since I was a child watching my parents develop photographs in their bathroom/darkroom. I always knew I wanted to be a photographer, and so every day that I'm making photographs and creating is a perfect day."

Kevin is much in demand as a teacher and speaker. He is a Photoshop World Dream Team instructor at the semi-annual Photoshop World conference. Kevin is also a software Cinema author and presenter at Dean Collins' Photoshop Training Camp Live! events across the country. and author of their "Basic and Advanced Fashion Photoshop" training CD's. He has taught classes at art schools and conferences around the world, including Fotographia Orvieto in Orvieto, Italy, Arthouse in Dublin, Ireland and at the Commercial and Industrial Photographers of New England conference in Boston as well as in major cities across the United States.

Kevin also teaches advanced digital photography at the Creative Circus in Atlanta, Georgia. Subjects of his classes and lectures include: Making the Digital Transition, Digital Asset Management, Digital Fashion Photography and Post-Production; Digital Negatives--the Case for Shooting Raw, Fashion Shoot Live!, Retouching Beauty, and Putting Your Portfolio Online.

"I hope to teach the new way of thinking that digital offers," notes Ames.. When I'm helping people learn the possibilities of digital, my main concern is to show the problem-solving abilities that are the underlying power of the tips and tricks. I want students to learn how to apply techniques creatively to get the visions in their heads out for others to see."

Kevin writes the "Digital Photographer's Notebook" column for Photoshop User Magazine. His articles and reviews have appeared in Studio Photography & Design, Photo>Electronic Imaging and Digital Output magazines.

His credentials include being a Certified Professional Photographer, Certified Electronic Imager, Photographic Craftsman and an Approved Photographic Instructor. He has served as Co-Chairman of the Digital Imaging and Advanced Imaging Technology Committee and Chairman of the Commercial Advertising Group for the Professional Photographers of America.

His latest project is creating a book titled Photoshop CS: the Art of Photographing Women from Wiley Technology Publishing. It will be in bookstores in March of 2004.

Bill Ferster - StageTools

For the past 20 years, Bill Ferster,s career has been highlighted by the development of a series of innovative, computer-based products for the film and video marketplace. In each case, the new product revolutionized existing industry standards and led market demand for advanced technology tools serving creative people.

He has founded a number of innovative technology companies, beginning in 1979, with the founding of West End Film, maker of one of the first PC-based 3D animation systems. Further development yielded a full product suite of integrated drawing tools for slide making, paint, charting and full color desktop publishing to over 1,200 clients worldwide.

West End,s success attracted the interest of Chicago-based Pansophic Systems (NYSE), who acquired West End Film in 1987. Bill served as Director of Product Strategy until 1988, when he founded Editing Machines Corporation.

The mission of EMC was to develop and market a creative and cost effective tool for streamlining the offline editing process, applying the random access abilities of computer technology to video editing.

The result was the EMC2, the world,s first digital nonlinear offline editing system. The EMC2 has been very successful, with over 800 users in 32 countries throughout the world.

Bill received an EMMY Award in 1993, for ,Outstanding Technical Achievement in Digital Editing0/00, for pioneering a technology that has revolutionized the way all films and videos are being edited.

EMC was acquired by the Dynatech Video Group in 1994, a diversified information technology public company, where he served as the division General Manager responsible for the nonlinear editing products.

He recently founded StageTools, which is the leading developer of digital motion control tools with its MovingPicture product. MovingPicture is a tool for documentary and industrial filmmakers to pan and zoom on high-resolution images.

MovingPicture is used extensively by organizations as diverse as ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, BBC, PBS, NOB, MSNBC, Discovery, LifeTime, Harvard, Yale, Tufts, Apple, Microsoft, the New York Mets, Crawford Communications, Henninger Media, Foote Cone and Belding, DDB and MatchFrame Video.

MacCase created the Apple specific, laptop case market with the launch of it's first product, the Classic iBook Case, back in 1999. Designed for Apple's original, colorful, clamshell iBook, the design captured all the spirit and fun of the computer itself. With a colorful, round shape and innovative "MacCase Window" that allowed the Apple logo to become part of the design, the Case was an instant hit. Since then, the line has expanded and currently consists of four products types:

The MacCase Sleeve, a zipperless slip case which still features the signature MacCase Window that lets the Apple logo become part of the design,

The innovative MacCase Binder is an original concept which allows the PowerBook or iBook to be carried like a day planner,

The MacCase BriefCase which has set the standard for quality, function and design since it's introduction in 1999. They combine multiple carrying and storage options with a minimum of bulk and are available in PowerBook Silver or Stealth Black.

The new MacPack Combo backpack works with the MacCase Sleeve to provide safe, comfortable, hands free transport of the iPod, a single or even multiple PowerBooks or iBooks and accessories.

The core strength of the company is it's consistent ability to combine innovative design solutions provided by it's award winning CEO, Michael Santoro, with a design vocabulary that is perfectly matched to the "Apple Aesthetic". MacCase is the most Apple-like line of any case manufacturer in the industry. The design vocabulary present in every MacCase product exudes the Apple design aesthetic, so much so it looks as if the products came from Apple itself. The products can be seen at the company's web site - www.mac-case.com, at Apple resellers and in reseller catalogs. For more information please call- 866-526-2247

Mr. Santoro's achievements include the design for the 1995 "Car of the Year", Chrysler Cirrus as well as the Dodge Straus and current Jeep Wrangler. He also did the designs for Vector M12 and Lamborghini Jota super cars as well as numerous programs for Rubbermaid, Samsung, and the interior for the Gulfstream G5 aircraft, of which Steve Jobs is an owner.

The Monster iCharger

The Monster iCharger provides non-stop iPod operation by offering the convenience of charging its battery in a car. The Monster iCharger simply plugs into the cigarette lighter. It conveniently monitors charging with the 3-stage LED light. The iCharger compliments the iPod while keeping a low-profile appearance in a car. Smart Digital Charger technology supplies a rapid battery charge, followed by a trickle charge to optimize performance and lengthen battery life. The iCharger retails for $29.95

The Monster iSplitter

With the Monster iSplitter, it is possible to share music and movies with a friend. In the car, on a plane or at lunch, two people can plug headphones and listen. Just plug the iSplitter into the headphone jack on an iPod, iBook or Powerbook, then plug two sets of headphones into the iSplitter ports. The iSplitter retails for $9.95.

Monster iCable

The Apple iPod is capable of delivering audiophile quality sound. Monster developed the iCable, so iPod users could experience richer, high quality digital sound by connecting their iPods to stereo systems with full size speakers. iCable incorporates Monster Cable's latest audio cable technologies for digital MP3 music in a compact design to match the portability of the iPod. The Monster iCable comes in a 7 ft length and retails for $29.95.

Monster iCarPlay Wireless

The iCarPlay is an FM transmitter for iPod with dock connection. This FM transmitter and Car Charger makes iPod mobile listening easy. It features a one-button FM Channel selection with eight available channels, and a Smart Digital Charger for fast charges and maximum battery life. It also features 24k gold contacts for maximum corrosion resistance and power transfer. The iCarPlay wireless retails for $69.95

The Monster iSpeaker Portable

This lightweight, battery-powered mini-speaker set was specially designed to play music from an iPod or Apple computer. It fold into "double-CD"-size shape for easy packing into travel or computer bag. The iSpeaker Portable is self-powered and runs on its own batteries. It's ideal for those on the go because it folds up into a small size. The iSpeaker Portable retails for $59.95

Monster iSportCase for iPod

This lightweight, durable, protective carrying case is for hands-free traveling with iPod with dock connections. It features a belt clip for easy portability. It also features special PE construction for durability. The self-adhesive car mount lets you clip your iPod to a safe place in the car. Designed for easy access to ports and jacks. The iSportCase retails for $19.95.

Ultra-Low Profile iCharger

The Ultra-Low Profile iCharger is for iPod with Dock Connection, to power-up the iPod on the go. Smart Digital Charger technology ensures fast, accurate charges and maximum battery life. The charger's unique, innovative flush-mount design gives it a compact appearance. A 3-stage LED charge indicator lets you know charging status. 24k gold contacts provide optimum power transfer and corrosion resistance. A convenient 10-foot cord allows for ease of use. The Ultra-Low Profile iCharger retails for $39.95.

Monster iCase Travel Pack for iPod

Protect, share and charge your iPod and carry all your accessories on the go. Includes Monster iCharger to charge your iPod, a Monster iSplitter to share music with a friend, and room for all your gear. The iCase Travel Pack for iPod retails for $69.95

iCarPlay for iPod

Play your iPod tunes through your car stereo cassette player. The iCarPlay features a convenient, 40-inch cord to place your iPod within reach while driving and 24k gold-plated minijack contacts to resist corrosion for maximum signal transfer. The iCarPlay retails for $19.95.

Scott Sheppard - Executive Producer / Host

Scott Sheppard is the founder and editor of the popular Macintosh Web Site, http://www.OSXFAQ.com He is also a monthly Contributing Editor to Macworld UK magazine and produces a daily audio broadcast of Mac news and information Inside Mac Radio.

Scott Sheppard previously hosted the Inside Mac Show broadcast by CNET Radio - KNEW 910 AM San Francisco.

Scott has been using Apple computers for more than 25 years, as well as spending many years as a Wintel user, giving him the unique perspective of having spent a lot of time on both sides of the computer fence.

Sam Levin - Co Host & Senior Mac Technologist

Sam Co-Founded the Stanford Mac Users' Group in 1985, and has worked with leading Macintosh developers on business development, licensing, and strategic market development. Sam Directed licensing initiatives for leading entertainment companies such as Virgin Interactive, Broderbund, and Mattel.

Sam has worked with numerous Mac companies such as: Aladdin, Apple, Broderbund, Connectix, IBM Multimedia, IXLA, Jiiva, Keyspan, Microsoft, MYOB, Meilenstein, Fathom Pictures, LandWare, Mattel, Nova Development, Totally Hip Software, Y-E Data and more.

Greg Douglas - Director of Network Operations

Gregory Douglas has fifteen years of experience in the radio, television and computer- related areas. He was the Director of Network Operations for Personal Achievement Radio, which included responsibilities for the production, operation and distribution of the "PAR" format. As the primary individual in charge of the on-air sound for "PAR", Mr. Douglas interacted with the motivational authors, Nightingale-Conant, ABC Radio Networks, PAR O & O's and affiliates and the broadcast talent. He pioneered the transition to digital for the flagship PAR studios. In addition, Mr. Douglas was M.I.S. Manager for Douglas Broadcasting Inc. where he was responsible for the traffic and business computer functions as well as the computer networking of DBI/PAR radio outlets.

Previously, he was the General Manager of DBI's Seattle operation and Station Manager at WBPS-AM in Boston. Also, Mr. Douglas has been involved in almost all areas of broadcasting, including traffic, business, engineering, production and sales.