Stumbled on to a well done video from Computerphile called "How Blurs & Filters Work", which I thought some of you may find interesting. Discussion centers on what an image kernel is and how they're used in image processing. Video is under 8 minutes and is embedded after the break. Enjoy.

From teaching classes over the years I frequently hear that many agencies are using Photoshop 6 and 7, Paint, Photoshop Elements, Microsoft Picture It and other applications due to the lack of funds to purchase upgrades. There is nothing wrong using some of the older versions but there are several functions that the older versions do not support, like high bit depth processing, limited color space/model options and the lack of more sophisticated image processing algorithms (de-convolution, pattern removal using FFT).  I also understand that many agencies who would love to have PS CS3 Extended with all of the great plugins that have been developed will never get the funds to make these purchases.

One solution to the funding issue is Image J (http://rsb.info.nih.gov/ij/index.html) Image J is a free, open source application provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  I not only have used this application for case work but to learn more about digital image processing algorithms. Image J is a very robust image processing and analysis tool set that has been referred to on the FVA list serve and recently in the book written by George Reis. This write-up is not a tutorial about Image J, it is meant to provide information about the application that may assist some readers.

On December 8, 2009 North Carolina State University (NCSU) held the 2nd NCSU Forensic Science Symposium.  If you weren't able to make the symposium NCSU has made many of the presentations available online, to include both the slides and a video recording of the event.

Be sure to check out "Image Processing of Forensic Evidence", presented by Dr. John Russ, Emeritus Professor: Material Science & Engineering, NCSU - click here to view the complete presentation.

POSITION INFORMATION-  Positions allocable to this class perform specialized photographic work for the District Attorney's Bureau of Investigation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS -Takes photographs in various formats (e.g., still, digital, and black and white)
utilizing video and/or photographic equipment in order to assist deputy district attorneys with specific case needs.
Develops and prints photographs using the Noritsu photographic and film processing system for use as evidence in criminal prosecution.

For further information log-in to see the attached PDF file or contact Jack Nadelle.

Brooks Photographic Imaging, LLC has two current openings for Visual Imaging Specialists.

We are looking for two dynamic and creative individuals to work for Forensic Training company. We need talented professionals with experience using Adobe Premiere, PhotoShop, Illustrator, Acrobat, and Dreamweaver at a minimum. Candidates must also possess strong video editing, producing, camera, lighting and sound operations skills to help create training videos and for live broadcasts.

For more information on these opportunities or to apply click here.

Another Jem from the Photoshop Jedi Master Deke McClelland. Think a discussion on Photoshop's Image Size tool is too basic for you? Fear for you I do, for that is the mindset of someone leaning toward the dark side.

"The essential Image Size command lets you scale an image on screen or in print. In this week's Photoshop Top 40 Countdown episode, Deke explains resampling and resolution, both of which affect the core quality of digital photographs."

onOne Software today announced availability of Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 for Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Apple Aperture. Tackling specific problems within a photographer's preferred workflow, the Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 offers simple yet powerful solutions for color correction, image resizing, masking and professional photographic effects in one affordable package. With support for Photoshop CS5, CS4 and CS3, the Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 includes FocalPoint 2, PhotoTune 3, PhotoFrame 4.6, PhotoTools 2.6, MaskPro 4.1 and Perfect Resize 7 (the next generation of Genuine Fractals). The Perfect Photo Suite 5.5 will also include the recently announced Perfect Layers, which will be available in early 2011.

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