There are a few tools I’m a fan of: the crop tool in Photoshop CS6, BlackRapid straps, Induro tripods (I love my AT-213), and the Topaz Suite.

Recently, I was talking with good folks at Topaz about getting on Google+ when during one of our conversations they asked: “Hey, how would you like to do have a copy of Denoise to giveaway to the community?” I thought deeply about this for about a millisecond and said, “Yes!”

I use Denoise on almost all my images, and highly recommend it (otherwise I wouldn’t even talk about it). It’s also about $80, so scoring one free for someone seemed pretty cool.  So here’s how this is going to work, all you need to do is:

1) Download Denoise (you get to use it for 30 days free – no watermarks on your images).
2) Create an image using Denoise that is 1200px on the long side.
3) Let me know you are going to participate by commenting on this post so I can add you to the contest album.
4) Upload your image to the contest album (link)

That’s it. You don’t have to share this post or circle anyone (unless you want to share the love). Photos must be submitted by Friday 5/4 at 11:59 EDT.  The winner will be announced on 5/7 during the +PlusPhotoShow.  Hangout at 9pm EDT.  The winner will also be announced on the blog the same night.

Some additional details:
-Regarding copyright: the images are yours, the remain yours, and I assert no right to them beyond displaying them in the album and during the +PlusPhotoShow.

-This contest is open  to anyone over the age of 18 (that is, it’s not restricted to the United States) but it is void where prohibited by law or regulation.

-I have the right to reject entries if images are deemed to be obscene, provocative, or inappropriate.

-Legally binding releases for individuals and any elements subject to the rights of third parties the responsibility of the entrant.