Wednesday May 20, 2009

Newsletter – Don’t Get Behind on the Most Unique Finds!

We have a free newsletter that goes out to anyone that wants to join in the fun! I’m working hard with the rest of the team here at Stuck in Customs to make the Internet a more beautiful place for you!

What the newsletter will contain:

  • Any upcoming news, events, or plans about Stuck In Customs, so you can be the FIRST to know!
  • A collection of fun links that I find/post on Google+/Twitter, neat finds, and other things to inspire you.
  • Advanced secret links to upcoming reviews so you can be the first to see and provide feedback! !! This is a cool one, eh?
  • A review of the latest, most interesting photos.
  • A nice, compact, beautiful email that you can share with your family and friends. These are just the sort of pretty emails that can make you popular in your email circle o’ friends.

Newsletter Sample

Want to see what it looks like? Visit our archive of past newsletters to see what you’ve been missing!

Thanks from Trey!

That’s me, Trey Ratcliff, on the right, looking somewhat confused and exasperated after a few weeks of photography in Argentina. I put out a monthly newsletter that is filled with all kinds of tricks and tips. Go ahead and sign up… I promise not to spam you!

Plus me on the Googles!

Here is my Google+ Profile. See you soon!

Like me on Facebook!

Actually you don’t have to like me you can just subscribe to my updates! Facebook profile

Follow me on Twitter!

Join me (@TreyRatcliff) on Twitter. Everyone is doing it… even my mom.

Online Newsletter Software

Would you like a newsletter of your own for your family, hobby, or company? I found this great service called AWeber… if you want to try it, see my full AWeber Review.

Here is a little preview of the newsletter:

The Stuck in Customs Newsletter

Note: We’ve had this newsletter up for only a short time, and look at where all the subscribers are from! Cool! :)

Newsletter Subs

About Me

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  • Mike

    So is Stuck In Customs some kind of joint venture? Previously you seem to have stated it as a one person thing…

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Patrick-Ahles/610098261 Patrick Ahles

    @Mike: that is regal plural! :P

  • Mike

    @Patrick: thanks for the lingo tut. English is not my native language so sometimes I miss out on nuances :(

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Trey-Ratcliff/502475833 Trey Ratcliff

    Hehe funny with the regal bit… It’s not just me any more. I’m still the one that takes all the photos and does the writing, however. I have a few people who help me out so I can stay on the creative side to provide good content to y’all!

  • http://www.voidmemory.net Hector Garza

    Stuckincustoms HQ and Stuckincustoms Empire.
    Sounds scary… but I’m in for the fun.
    :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Trey-Ratcliff/502475833 Trey Ratcliff

    hehe yeah… the HQ! Hey, after about half a day of launching, I took a screenshot of the map and put it up at http://img.skitch.com/20090526-j6ijqcynrtddh48nqyairdt2rm.jpg

  • http://www.mdsimages.blogspot.com Michael S.

    Rock on!

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  • Facebook User

    Haha very cool idea. I am among the two people in my country. Maybe I should meet up with the other person and make Stuckincustoms fan club. I call president!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Gail-Moshier/513775196 Gail Moshier

    Wow, that is impressive for the first offer!!! Need to get some more Montanans on board. I did forward it on to some of my friends. Hope at least one of them checks it out!!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Amish-Shah/680572652 Amish Shah

    i am the ONE from Mumbai, India !!!!

  • http://flickr.com/photos/zlamperti Zim

    Yay! I’m the one at RN, Argentina :)

  • Mike

    three in Sweden, I suppose I am the one in Stockholm :)

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  • casusan

    lets get Oprah’s school to subscribe!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Leandro-Rolim/1137147722 Leandro Rolim

    Whenever I see an awfull sad HDR I ask people “Have you never heard of Trey Radcliff?”
    So I send them to Stuck in Customs and I smile for making the world a better place without nasty HDR failures :)

    A fan from Portugal!

    leorolim
    http://flickr.com/leorolim

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Michael-Colynuck/1801203446 Michael Colynuck

    Trey has inspired me to get back into photography after nearly 20 years of inactivity. Now if could only find a girlfriend, I’d be complete… :)

    Michael
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/momalwayslikedmebest/

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Trey-Ratcliff/502475833 Trey Ratcliff

    Hehe thanks all… very nice of you!

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  • Robert Wilkes

    hey Trey! On the newsletter choices, I like them both, but my kooky love for anything asymmetric requires me to pick choice 2!Keep up the good work;Stuck in Customs is the first thing I look at each morning!

  • Zack Clayton

    I prefer version 1. The look is more unified.

    I do not like the jarring intrusion of the white lined space in two.

  • kieran finn

    Good luck with newsletter Trey.
    Cork, Ireland

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  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Anna-Brzik/1570765466 Anna Brózik

    Hi Trey, i looooooooooooove the newsletter, only have a small problem with it, the size of it is a bit confusing, i have a monitor that is on a 1280×1024 resolution, and in gmail the right side of the newsletter is cut of, have to scroll to read an watch… i don’t know what other people use to read, but this way, it is a little bit disturbing. (So taht you can imagine, the text in the little right box is only visible like this: “This newsletter is totally free, and you are welcom”)

  • john

    Nice run for your first newsletter, didn’t spot any obvious mistakes though I wasn’t looking for any. Would have liked a little more about Trey, maybe a fact about you or the family once a week. Nothing weird, but were all a little interested in who this Trey guy is and what he’s up to this week. How does this guy make it to global photo hotspots, and “his wife lets him do that??” kinda stuff. We can all relate a little better when there are clues to the mystery!!
    I know you have a bio on your page but A small section in your news letter, like a mini bio/kid has the flu/wife got a new car-kind of trailer to keep us all reading and interested. I find it strange that we need to know the people we admire or chat with, similar to our hunger for reality television, other peoples lives are fascinating, and I don’t know why!
    BTW my favorite work of yours is the kids and the Christmas tree, when you got your latest addition to the Nikon family!!

  • Michael Seljos

    Trey,

    Just got the first newsletter. Love it. You do such good work. The thing I like best is your willingness to share you skills and knowledge. Too many artists are too tight-lipped about how they create what they do. You obviously are the kind of person who wants to make the world a more beautiful place.

    The only question I have is how in the hell do you get all over the world so much? You always seem to be somewhere else every time I check on what you’re up to.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Trey-Ratcliff/502475833 Trey Ratcliff

    hehe thanks…

    John – Maybe next time I’ll include a few personal things!

    Michael – Glad you like it! I do travel a lot – but not as much as it might seem since I post stuff out of order! But I am glad you like the newsletter…I’m happy to share my tips.

  • http://ChipHunnicutt.com Chip

    Finally got home and was able to view the newsletter in all its glory and think it’s great. I do believe you should reconsider the layout b/c it is much to wide for most viewers. The website template (that’s what it appears to be to me) is wider than the standard email; your designer probably charged you and all he did was rehash what you already have. Have him slim it down to a 1-column width.

  • Mike

    I did not receive the newsletter even though I was among the first to sign up… :(

  • http://www.stuckincustoms.com Stuck In Customs

    Thanks all!

    Mike – I see you on the list… maybe the confirmation went to your junk mail?

  • http://www.flickr.com/photos/carolinadoug/ Doug

    Awesome! Thank you for the time and effort you have put into the newsletter. I can not wait to see the next issue. It is a little wide but I have not problem viewing it on my 24″ iMac.

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  • http://bhutan-360.com Gelay

    I am not there on the subscribe map. I am from Bhutan.

  • russellsnr

    Hi, Cannot find any other place to put this so!!!
    We are not accepting International orders at this time, but perhaps soon!
    Quote! We will shut down all online autographed book sales after the book hits the street. So, be sure to grab yours today!
    If this is the case will the international order be available before the book comes on the high street please and if not it is possible to buy and send to USA addy even if you live outside the USA?
    Thanks
    Russ

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Trey-Ratcliff/502475833 Trey Ratcliff

    Russ,

    You will be able to order it most countries internationally — just the regular book – not the autographed one… my apologies there. We have a little thread about it over there on the book page a-world-in-hdr.html

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  • http://www.pmwfotos.blogspot.com p.m.w

    and i can’t wait for the next update!

  • athenaz

    Most kind of you to share your marvellous skill to us..!
    I m so low tech..ie..ie..

  • athenaz

    May I subscribe Newsletter, too?

  • http://www.stuckincustoms.com Stuck In Customs

    Sure thing :) Just sign up above for free… it’s easy! :)

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  • http://www.wichmannstories.blogspot.com Mark

    I signed up for the newsletter a while ago but have never received a copy. I just tried to sign up again figuring that there was an error, but it tells me that I’ve already confirmed my subscription. What can I do so that I get a copy?

    Thanks,
    Mark

  • Kathy

    Same as Mark- signed up but no newsletter and tried to sign up again but says I have signed up and there is an error.

  • http://www.wichmannstories.blogspot.com Mark

    Thanks Trey – whatever you did fixed it, I had received the latest newsletter when I got up this morning….

  • http://www.stuckincustoms.com Stuck In Customs

    MArk – that is strange — You should have gotten a welcome email after confirming your email address. That Welcome email will contain links to the first 3 newsletters.

    Kathy – everything better with you? Did you get the welcome email?

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  • Sam

    Hi! Fantastic site Trey. I seem to be having a similar Newsletter-related problem as some of your other readers. I signed up a while back and received the welcome newsletter and one more after that…. but I’m yet to receive the latest…

  • pheroze keeka

    Hi Trey, i signed up for the newsletter , confirmed but no newsletters! my spam filter isn’t blocking it so please advise.

  • http://www.taylormahaffey.com Taylor Mahaffey

    Man! I got the first email with the back newlsletter and lost it. I want to read all the past ones! SHUCKS

  • http://www.stuckincustoms.com Stuck In Customs

    hehe no prob – new newsletters will contain links to previous ones – no problemo!

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  • http://www.stuckincustoms.com Stuck In Customs

    Thanks for the feedback – I appreciate it.

    I did some informal polling — I’ve noticed that most people tend to CTRL-click (or on the Mac Command-Click the link, which opens the link in a new tab – it’s hard to make rules to fit everyone’s surfing patterns! :)

  • http://www.exposedbythelight.wordpress.com Jacques (fotofreq on flickr)

    hey there. like a few posters above, i have not received recent newsletters (at least the latest one) even though i have been subscribed since day one. i tried to subscribe again, but it failed; instead i went in to the original like in my first newsletter to unscubscribe and resucbscribe, hoping that will fix things for the next newsletter. i would love to get a copy of the most current newsletter now, if not to much of a bother, to tide me over until the next one. many, many thanks!!

    Jacques

  • http://www.stuckincustoms.com Stuck In Customs

    That is really strange!! Humph! I can’t figure it out. According to AWeber, either:

    1) Your ISP is blocking it at their source
    2) Your spam filter at home is blocking it.

    Can you try with another email? If you re-subscribe, you get access to the old ones too! :)

  • Chad

    This has been great trying to sign up for your newsletter but everytime I try I get an error from the Aweber site that i does not exist…

  • http://www.stuckincustoms.com Stuck In Customs

    Really?

    Well – you don’t actually have to sign up on the aWeber site – you can just sign up here above, and then you get a confirmation email. Actually, you won’t ever really hear from “AWeber” – they are just a back-end service

  • Chad

    I was tyring to sign up from this site and was getting rediredted to AWeber just tried again with Success THANX

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  • Vernon Britton

    “This is secret” is wonderful. I would love to see a very tight crop on her eyes. What are teh relections? You?

  • http://www.stuckincustoms.com Stuck In Customs

    Thanks!

    It’s been an amazing reaction so far – I feel very lucky!

  • http://freedomsrealmart.ca Alice

    Giggle Giggle – I see me on the map! I am the nice little northern dot on the Alberta/British Columbia Canada border. Now I really feel special… :)

  • David McLaughlin

    Hi Trey, You mention yesterday that a news letter on your web site that would be sent out. I did not receive it, nor the last time you mentioned a news letter. I tried signing up again but it told me I was already on the list. Can you try and fix whatever is causing the problem?

    Thanks,
    Dave

  • http://www.stuckincustoms.com Stuck In Customs

    THanks all.

    David – I’ve talked to a few people who had it blocked at the ISP level. They sometimes think that AWeber is a spammer. Anyway, in their cases, they contact their ISP and then everything was okay… but if you tweet me, I can link you up another way.

  • http://www.pbase.com/davidmcl David McLaughlin

    Hi Trey,
    As soon as you mentioned ISP blocked, I had the same problem with email and one of my sisters living in the US. What she did was to sign-up with Yahoo (web based email). I gave it a try and have received some info about your News Letter. Thanks for all your efforts to share.

    Dave

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  • http://www.davidhoptman.com david hoptman

    GREETINGS:
    I have to say I like your style..and your enthusiasm in regard to the HDR which I myself think is a great new software.
    the only advice I can give you is this. You make some exceptional photo’s but I think in order for you to evolve as a photographer you need to take the next step and learn how to make photo’s without so much freakin distortion in regards to your architectural images. They come off as amateurish. You can either go to a a view camera or think about getting yourself some pc lenses and software that will help you alleviate some of your exaggerated distortion. Even a bubble level at a low tech level might help you..or a step stool and a tripod that will take you up a bit higher so don’t have to point your camera up so much.. If you like check some of my work out on my site.www davidhoptman.com
    good luck but don’t forget to keep evolving your technique. You are on the right track just don’t’ stop now.. You have a ways to go as we all do.
    GOOD LUCK BEST David Hoptman

  • http://www.stuckincustoms.com Stuck In Customs

    Thanks – good feedback.

    I see two camps of people – some hate distortion of architecture – some don’t mind. I think I am somewhere in the middle. Often times, I think the distortion can be quite cool and artistic.

  • Alistair

    Love the images, particularly the variety. Did I read somewhere you are coming down under to New Zealand?

  • http://www.flickr.com/photos/samgasser/3889469213/ sam

    I really enjoy your work and would like to become a member of the HDRSPOTTING.com. I was wondering if I could get an invite. It would be much appreciated. By the way, can’t wait for the book.

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  • ziadaze

    I really enjoy your art and I thank you for sharing like you do.I’m having great success with my five exposure images,but not so much with single exposure images.Any good ideas?Thanks!!!

  • Glyn

    Whats this about Aussies being laid back! We love you yanks, especially the artistic ones. Come to Sydney Trey and we would show you some real hospitality my friend. Why don’t you set up a demo or even a street walkabout as you did in Austin. You could call it Walkabout Downunder, for want of a better title. We’d love to see you, come on down

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  • Roger

    Something is wrong. In the “welcome” email it has a list of newsletters and it says: Newsletter #10 New Video and D3S Review, Amazon Sold Out, “Tunnel Penorama” reveal

    But clicking the link goes to #9.

    This is what it lists:
    Newsletter #10 – New Video and D3S Review, Amazon Sold Out, “Tunnel Penorama” reveal
    Newsletter #9 – New Zealand, Kelby Guest Post, New Video, more!
    Newsletter #8 – Limited Edition Sales Last Chance, great links
    Newsletter #7 – Live Video Chat, New York Times article, more

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  • Crystal

    If we just signed up for your newsletter, will we still get #12? Was interested in the workshop in Tokyo! Thanks!

  • http://perceptionoflife.com Tim A.

    I’m in the same boat as Crystal above. I would like to know if there is a way to get the #12 newsletter or get information on the workshops elsewhere? Interested in the one in Tokyo!

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  • Joel

    Hey Trey,
    Got your latest newsletter and your interest in the Shanghai World Expo. I’m a fellow Austinite who moved to Shanghai late last year. I was in the process of moving and missed your Austin photowalk as well as your talk at my employer. If you are thinking of coming to Shanghai, email me.

    -Joel

  • Richard

    Got the newsletter. Lots of good stuff in there. Thank Trey!

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  • John Kaiser

    Trey, I also am not receiving your newsletter. Please email the link. Great stuff. as long as I’m here, any thoughts on doing a webinar? Also how about a short video of you actually filming a slow motion clip? How do you know you are moving the camera at
    10x normal?

  • http://www.stuckincustoms.com Stuck In Customs

    Thanks — that is strange – try signing up with another email addy? I’ll send you a direct link in the meantime.

  • http://rory-tate.smugmug.com Rory Tate

    Trey,
    Your name first appeared to me while reading a tread on Adobe abut their HDR problems (CS4). Since I’m about to buy the PS CS5 update I would really value your opinion on its new HDR features/functionalities/improvements.

    I am very happy that I’ve hooked up to your blog – I have so much to learn.

    Rory Tate
    Canadian, OK

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  • Carroll Hanks

    I am a retired wedding photographer and would like to learn more about HDR. Recently got a Sony Nex5 which will auto create an HDR from 3 shots. I would like to learn to create the fantastic shots I see here, the great luminosity and range. Which of your books would be the best for learning that technique?

  • http://www.stuckincustoms.com Stuck In Customs

    Thanks!

    Carroll – probably best to start with my HDR Tutorial at http://www.StuckInCustoms.com/hdr-tutorial/ — the book at stuckincustoms.com/ebooks may help too!

  • ExTexan

    I cannot believe David Hoptman’s comments! Your condenscending attitude toward Trey is unbelievable. While not everyone likes the effects Trey accomplishes with HDR, he certainly is not the amateur you seem to be attempting to portraying him. I feel certain he knows how to minimize or eliminate perspective distortion with Photoshop. His reply to your rude comment was very polite, he indicated not everyone is turned off by the perspective in the photos. A freeking view camera? As he travels around the world getting these amazing shots can you visualize dragging around a view camera, various lenses, a huge tripod, film holders, big case to hold it all, etc.

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  • ShadofMind

    How do you get such unique perspectives in your pictures. Like the Caml…do you shoot at an angle or do you manipulate them a little to get that unique look?
    Thanks for any tips.

  • http://www.stuckincustoms.com Stuck In Customs

    Thanks all.

    Shadofmind- I do shoot at an angle, but I do little, if any “perspective” changes in photoshop. After the photo is taken, you can’t change a whole lot there.

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  • http://www.facebook.com/hfusilier Hayden Fusilier

    I signed up for the newsletter several months ago. I tried to sign up again and it gives me an error saying “Our records indicate that you are already subscribed to this list and have verified your subscription. ” Never got the email and its not in my Spam. Also After i purchased the HDR tutorial DVD set i have not been able to access the clubhouse. Please help!!!!!!!
    Hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas! :)

  • http://www.stuckincustoms.com Stuck In Customs

    Very strange! I forwarded this to the support team on your behalf – I hope they can figure it out! :)

  • Andrea Boyle

    Loved the latest newsletter and have also enjoyed the comments on this page. I noticed that Anna Brozik (#25) has the same problem viewing your web site as I previously had. Anna, if you have a Windows based computer like my Dell, try holding down the Control key while hitting the minus key to reduce Trey’s site so you don’t have to scroll across. I’m not sure what the Apple equivalent would be but I’m sure you can find it out there somewhere by a Stuck In Customs reader.

  • http://www.stuckincustoms.com Stuck In Customs

    Thanks! Andrea — Mac ppl can do that with a Command + or Command -

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  • Allister

    looking forward to getting the letters,
    A

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  • http://hartillart.com Alec

    Your thoughts on working with established TIF or JPEG images that might benefit from HDR treatment?

  • Melinda

    Signed up for the Webinar. Haven’t received an email on how to link to the class.

  • Brenda

    I was taking a fantastic photo of sunset with lightning cloud and met a fellow photographer, travelling thru town, who told me to look up your site. so from a perfect stranger, with a canon, I have been reading your blog since and picking up new ideas and enthusiasm! I’m hooked, and my nikon is getting a real workout! Keep it up

  • Julie

    Trey,
    I haven’t received a newsletter since May 27. Is this correct?

  • http://www.stuckincustoms.com Trey Ratcliff

    Yes – I’ve been a little slow… sorry ! :(

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  • http://teresa.curd@gmail.com Teresa

    Hello Trey. I LOVE photography-though i am very amateur. Are some of the tools you have provided guides and tutorials that someone with little experience can both understand and use? I absolutely love your work. sunsets, wicked storms captured like a time capsule, Montana horses….and even your amazing snow monkeys!! thank you for sharing-hope to hear from you

  • Anonymous

    Trey, I signed up for the newsletter a while ago, but haven’t received one in a while including the recent January ’12 release.  I tried to register again but the system tells me that I am already registered.  Help!

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