I use aperture to layout my books. I've never had to think about it. It all just works.

the mac ships with plenty, iPhoto, for example, which is surprisingly good. plug in your camera and go. (perfect solution for jpeg shooters.


but say for example, you want to import your files manually, using image capture (included), into your pictures folder, you name and date your folders, go through your images, with a raw converter, then with photoshop's browser, touch up your favorites, save those as psd's, then import only the psd's into iphoto.

(you could built on that using applescripts and automator (2 built in apps for automating repetitive tasks)

use apples time machine and external disc drive automated backup...

or buy Aperture. and an external drive (not the same drive you use for time macine) and aperture vaults you images for you.

I use aperture... it's amazing and will replace 90% of what you used photoshop for in the past.

epson. I just picked up an r280 for $99.00 cdn. that is less than the cost of the ink set that came with the printer.
(there's even a new model that ships with a colorometer for profiling your monitor, on the pro end).

I'm with Gwyn. Everything I have the means to print at home, I print. Everything I can't do myself I send to REPUTABLE labs. prefferibly PRO labs.

I had one bad experience with a lab copying and selling my work a few years back, and try hard to keep my work under my control.

That's why you need to get paid.
hope you're feeling better.
my suggestion is put the podcast together, and you-tube/ itunes it, but place an ad for it in the podcast trying to sell the dvd's. on the dvd's, the buyer could get dvd quality video (that's why I suggest a mini dv cam), larger quality images from the podcast to work along at home with, and bonus episodes that aren't available online, along with a pack of coupons/gift certicates from various sponsers to drum up sales for your ad partners.

Well Matt's gotta figure a way to pay for his time also.....
the only thing I would add, is this:
If you decide to go that way, Matt, I'd be interested in helping out.
Assuming you'd want to podcast....
See if Pentax, ePhotozine, or anybody else Wants to PAY you for your efforts with ad dollars.... DVD's for sale or what have you...
You'd need a camcorder with mic inputs (canon zr 900's go for about $189.00 cdn), a mic, and a few cheap halogen worklights. Screen catpure software.
Set up a three point lighting set up, plug a lapel mic into your camera and get busy.
Then you'd need to send your dv tapes, your still images, and your screen capture files off to a video editor to put it all together. and get back a podcast file ready to publish.

I can edit video.

I find the 28-70 f4 a good compliment for the 16-45... if you can find a good copy second hand (check the rear lens element, there were a few dogs with that model), but it is a stellar performer....and cheap.
the 100 mm macro is a huge value and amazing perfromer.
in fact here's the gear (not counting back-up, this is my everyday, everyjob kit) I make my living with:


16-45, 100mm macro, 28-70, 10-17, and 50mm1.4

this is a perfect time of year to drag out the cokin blue/yellow varipolariser filter.... really pops those fall colors!
that tlr is really cool. there's a fella round these parts does the old time photo stuff like those above....he operates out of a trailer though, hits the fairs, rodeos, and tourist spots.

Mac, you're wearing them.....

I think equipment and technical detials are useful, but understanding composition and light is more important.

"S" curves, converging lines, repeating elements, rule of thirds, saddle compostion, color theory, etc are the elements many people overlook. What lens? What aperture? What camera? get asked about too often, in my opinion.