iSight software used for video conferencing
With Apple’s new iSight camera, students in three of Rick Pukis’ classes were able to “iChat” with a professional commercial photographer who lives more than 3,000 miles away in Spokane, Wash. iSight is a state-of-the-art video camera used to video conference with colleagues, friends, family, etc., over broadband. The difference between iSight and other video teleconferencing equipment is that it is easier to use and more affordable. “In the past, the university has spent thousands of dollars on equipment used for video conferencing, but the cost of the iSight camera is very low, and just by plugging it into the computer, we’re able to use video conference,” says Mr. Pukis, associate professor of communications in the Department of Communications and Professional Writing. “It was my idea in the beginning to go ahead and order a couple of the iSight cameras to try out and see how well it worked.” The camera worked well, and students in Mr. Pukis’ Introduction to Electronic Media, Introduction to Electronic Field Production, and Digital Effects for Television and Cinema classes were able to get advice from commercial photographer Dean Davis. “First, I wanted to bring a professional to the students so that they could see their story of how they became a professional commercial photographer,” Mr. Pukis says. “Secondly, Dean is an extremely proficient Photoshop user. It’s a very complex program, and I thought he could share some insight and give tips to the students.” Mr. Davis began by telling the students how he got started in professional commercial photography. He then disconnected the iSight camera from his computer and gave the students a virtual tour of his three-unit workspace in downtown Spokane. Once he reconnected the camera to his computer, he spoke about Photoshop and what it means. “Photoshop is ‘The Digital Darkroom,’” Mr. Davis explains. “What’s amazing, especially at the forefront when we first started shooting digitally, is that Photoshop is so easy to use. It can really salvage images shot under horrible lighting.” Students were able to ask Mr. Davis questions about photography and Photoshop, and Mr. Pukis says that what they enjoyed most about the video conference was that Mr. Davis shared his life story, his photographs, and his studio with them. “They wanted to know more about the technology, like how to light stuff for photo shoots, etc. I talked with Dean afterwards, and he said he would be happy to do another video conference in the future,” says Mr. Pukis. “I think this was a very good experience for the students.” More information about the iSight camera can be found at http://www.apple.com/isight/. Find out more about Dean Davis and check some of his photography at http://www.deandavis.com/. Other News Stories:
January 2007 |
