Photoshop World Recap-Through Mel’s eyes

Well, it’s Monday and I’m back home in sunny Florida. I’m still trying to catch up on lost hours of sleep. Why so many lost hours of sleep? It wasn’t the late nights on the strip, rather the early mornings because I didn’t trust my wake-up call, nor alarm clock to wake me in time to get to PSW events every morning. I intended to blog more than once per day but the connectivity in the conference room area (and even outside) was spotty at best, but mostly unavailable. Therefore, instead of a daily blog I figured I’d end it on a recap of the week.

It’s truly hard to believe that a week ago was the 1st time I stepped on a plane in over a decade. Now, I feel silly for having that phobia but happy that Photoshop World forced me to get on that plane if I wanted to join the fun on the west coast. I would have missed out on the opportunity to meet so many friends with whom I’ve connected over the various social networking sites. You see, and I know I’m not alone on this: Photoshop World, for everything that it offers,  starts with the people. From the NAPP staff to the friends you’ve met, to the friends you’ll meet, to the instructors…the package starts with the people. I miss being away from my family but if I’m going to take that time, it’s great to be with people who share in the love of photography and are just so nice. People at PSW were overwhelmingly friendly. It’s a different world at that conference. I try to do my best to surround myself with nice people and think I do a pretty good job, but we’re talking about thousands of nice people in one place, for a similar purpose.

So, I mentioned that I went to the tweetup party on Tuesday night. Let me tell you, this is a great opportunity to meet so many other photographers. Not just that, but so many of the instructors who present at Photoshop World, as well as the faces of NAPP such as those affectionately known as the “Photoshop Guys”. That, coupled with the always awesome Erik Valind who captures the adventures of the evening with his awesome Westcott lighting setup, shooting the antics of all of the party-goers. You can find the photos from the tweetup here.

I missed the Opening Ceremony in Orlando so attending this one was a MUST. It did not fail to impress me. The runway fashion shoot featuring creations by local students was a hit! The camera shutters were firing away as Scott Kelby entered the stage to officially kick off Photoshop World. I am proud to say that my friend William Beem won the Photoshop World Alumni Photo Contest with his photo from the fashion show. He brought home a sweet iPad2 for his efforts!

Of course the days were filled with various Photoshop World classes as well as classes, presentations and fun (Photoshop Wars) on the Expo Floor. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, my favorite hangout in the Expo hall is the Westcott Shooting Bays. I do stress that some attendees needed to share some of the space and let others have a chance to shoot. I saw many photographers in a front row seat chimping at their screens or refusing to move a little to the left or right so that fellow photographers could capture a few images as well. I know there is a contest where one can win gear, but it’s simple common courtesy. That said, the instructors that Westcott brings to the showfloor not only teach, but challenge you the photographer, to get out there and direct the model and be creative–nicely, of course! There are a great number of vendors on the floor presenting their software and products as well. I saw Terry White teaching at the Adobe booth as well as Dave Cross at the Wacom booth for example. It’s difficult for me to walk around the floor without the temptation to purchase something from everyone!

The Gameworks afterhours party was a great time. I’m not really into video games and such but it’s a great time to take a break and talk with your friends and make new ones. Most of the instructors and NAPP Photoshop Guys are there as well. It’s a laid-back time to meet those from whom you learn, in a casual environment. It’s definitely worth the cost of the ticket if you plan to go to D.C.

The other must-attend party at Photoshop World is Midnight Madness. I arrived as they were doing a Family Feud-style gameshow. This is a time when the crowd really gets involved and has fun with others from NAPP and the Photoshop Guys. And of course, you’ll meet Vanelli at the door, the ‘security guard’ so be sure to have your ticket handy. Tickets are available for free on a first-come first-serve basis early on the morning of the party.

Friday afternoon swiftly approached and I was starting to feel that familiar emotion of sadness. As the crew began to break down the signage and the ‘Photoshop World Conference/Expo Closed’ sign was displayed at the information booths, the inevitable was upon us: The closing of Photoshop World Las Vegas. The closing ceremonies did not fail to entertain. Various slideshows were presented by NAPP, Joe McNally, Moose Peterson, a little self-intro by Pete Collins (the new guy) and the emotional and amazing Dave Black followed by the awards and giveaways. I actually entered one contest, being chosen as a Westcott Shoot It First participant. Though my photo didn’t win, I was very proud of it and the fact that my confidence has gotten to a point where I’d even enter this contest. I will say that my friend Mike Reeves was a most deserving winner.

So, after I headed to the airport with my new friends and we said our final good-byes ’til next time, I had time to sit and eat some dinner before my red-eye flight. Who taps me on the shoulder but my very supportive NAPP guy friend Larry Becker. We had an opportunity to talk not just about photography but the other things that matter to us. We spoke of his son and my kids,  his new DIYs that he’s envisioning, future travel plans, his wife, my husband, the great time at PSW and that, he was finally getting over a fever. It was a great ending to an awesome week in Vegas!

If you’ve never been to Photoshop World, start looking into now. It’s in our Nation’s capital March 24-26, 2012. I can tell you about the events, share stories about the friendships I’ve made, show photos of the fun I had but it’s just not the same as actually being there. There truly is something to be said about those relationships that are formed at Photoshop World. I’d almost call this a fraternity of sorts now. Everyone is invited. We make plans before, during and after PSW. We blog about each other. We critique one another’s work. Photoshop World may start with an event but this is a year-round experience. Thank goodness it’s held semi-annually!

I hope to see you in D.C. I’d post photos here but for some reason it’s not letting me do that. You can find me on twitter @snapshotartist and we can talk all things photography, NAPP, and why you should be at Photoshop World!

Information overload and so much more!

After spending 2 hours trying to get a red-eye out tomorrow without getting completely broke in the pocketbook, I finally got down to the classes. Then, I remembered that my other life calls and I had to make my mommy/cheerleading coach/wife calls too! My husband’s one request? PLAY THE SLOTS! YOU HAVE TO HAVE FUN! Ummm…I have, without playing the slots. Incidentally, I finally did that this evening with $10.00, won $50.00 and immediately lost that. $10 loss is only slightly bearable because I’m so thrifty but…yep! I played, won, lost and…oh well! On to other things…

I’m not complaining but wow! My iPad is in overload with all of the notes I’ve taken from the awesome classes I sat in on today. Some, only for a few moments because it was THAT important to me to grab a bit of knowledge from them and with so many options, I split the difference and popped in and out of classes. I started the day of learning with Kevin Ames, moved to Cliff Mautner then to Rod Harlan and finally, Cliff again. I like the dude. I liked him in Orlando. I learn a ton from him…and I have NO plans to ever shoot weddings, but doesn’t the information spread across all genres? I hit the Expo floor for a few moments after FINALLY catching some lunch, I visited one of my favorite places, Westcott’s shooting bays. I’m getting brave. I asked models to change poses, rearranged sets and just had a great time within 5 minutes before I finally decided to give in to my exhaustion and grab a nap before starting up again with the evening classes. I concluded my 2nd day of classes with Terry White’s Facebook class and then being inspired by the ever-colorful Jay Maisel. I also decided to pop in on Midnight Madness. That was a hoot!

I didn’t come to Photoshop World with a strategy for the classes I would be attending. It’s been quite a hodgepodge. It has included wedding photography, lighting, and social media. There are so many classes to choose from here! Thankfully, I have the book and can read up about the classes I have missed.

Looking forward to seeing what my final day in Las Vegas has to bring!

Photoshop Product Team at PSW Tweetup

It’s not a tweetup until the Adobe Photoshop Product Team arrives (in style)!

Pre-PSW Checklist

Hi all, long-time attendee, first-time blogger. Just kidding. With less than a week to go I thought a recap for resources and tips for Photoshop World might be helpful.

For those first-time attendees or for those who want the inside scoop on how to get the most out of your Photoshop World experience, do not miss Larry Becker’s “First-Time Attendee Orientation” held Tuesday during the Pre-Con sessions. This event is FREE and is held in two sessions: 3:15–4:15 pm and 5:15–6:15 pm.

If you cannot attend Larry’s event, or want more information about Photoshop World or getting around Vegas in general be sure to check out my “Insider’s Guide to PSW”. You can download it here.

To help plan your schedules two electronic options are available for you. First is the PSW App by Shaun Welch available for the iPhone. If you don’t have an iphone or iPod Touch,  don’t worry there is the ever-popular PSW Schedule PDF by Dave Cross which you can download here.

Next, if you are on Twitter, be sure to sign up for the NEW Photoshop World Hashcaster Site for the latest information and roundup of all the day’s PSW news and important Tweets. You can sign up here. Speaking of Twitter, the Photoshop World Tweetup will be held Tuesday night at 8 pm just outside the registration area on the patio (same location as last year). This is a great opportunity for you to meet and network with other Photoshop World attendees and the instructors (including Scott Kelby himself).

Last, here is a handy checklist of things to remember when coming to Photoshop World:

1. Your Badge. It is the “must-wear” accessory at this year’s “Project Photoshop”.  You need it to get into any event during the conference. If you forget it, expect to be asked by staff to go back and get it.
2. Comfy shoes. As in shoes you can walk around in all-day and not get blisters. Learn from my first-year mistake. Ouch!
3. A sweater or jacket. Vegas may be 110° F next week, but the conference rooms are air conditioned so be prepared if you tend to get chills.
4. Water. There is water available in the back of the session rooms. However, if you are going on a photo-safari or photo-walk, bring water. In Vegas, it may be a dry heat, but 100°+ temperatures can sneak up on you.
5. Writing utensils. It seems every year I am borrowing my pen to the person seated next to me so they can fill out their evaluation forms at the end of a session. Don’t forget you may also want to take notes during the sessions.
6. Money. Now I don’t mean bring cash for the table games, but be sure to have your credit cards or cash on hand for the expo hall. Many exhibitors will be selling as well as displaying their wares and also there is the Kelby Training Bookstore. It’s like Target – expect to spend a lot more than you planned for.

Hope this list and resources help you make the most of your PSW experience. See you all next week in Vegas.

NAPP member, Kevin Stohlmeyer is an Adobe Certified Instructor, User Group Manager and Adobe Community Professional for Photoshop. A graphic designer specializing in digital illustration with more than 15 years experience in the field, Kevin has also been teaching the Creative Suite since 2000. Check out his blog posts at c2gps.com/blog.

Get Your Insider’s Guide to Photoshop World!

If you’ve attended Photoshop World, you’ve probably heard all about the 4+ alumni in attendance. If you haven’t attended, our 4+ alumni are the die-hard PSW attendees who come to the conference year-after-year. Some of them (I won’t mention any names!) even attend the West Coast AND East Coast editions in the same year. Well, one of those oh-so-awesome members of the elite 4+ Club—NAPP member Kevin Stohlmeyer—has created a super-duper guide to the conference that can be used by first-time attendees, as well as return attendees! Thank you Kevin for sharing your insight into the must-attend photography, lighting and Photoshop conference!

“An Insider’s Guide to Photoshop® World”

This year will be my fifth overall Photoshop® World conference (fourth in a row at Vegas) and each year, I meet new folks who have a lot of questions about the conference and Las Vegas in general. They want the “inside scoop” on where to go, how to get around, etc. So I started thinking about this project last year and here is the result – “An Insider’s Guide to Photoshop® World” with helpful tips, hints, and insights not only for the conference itself but also getting around the hotel and Las Vegas. I’ve even included a section on “Eats” featuring some great bargains and my picks for the best restaurants (that I’ve been to) in Las Vegas. I hope you find this helpful and that it makes your Photoshop® World experience the best it can possibly be!

Click here to review “An Insider’s Guide to Photoshop® World” and start preparing for “Project Photoshop!”

NAPP member, Kevin Stohlmeyer is an Adobe Certified Instructor, User Group Manager and Adobe Community Professional for Photoshop. A graphic designer specializing in digital illustration with more than 15 years experience in the field, Kevin has also been teaching the Creative Suite since 2000. Check out his blog posts at c2gps.com/blog.

How Photoshop World Helped Grow My Graphics Business…

During last year’s Photoshop World Las Vegas I had the great pleasure of meeting Escondido, California-based graphic designer & photographer Theresa Jackson, who happened to be attending her first PSW. And she struck gold during the Opening Keynote, when one of her images was awarded the Guru Award in the Artistic category her first time at the big dance, so to speak! To say that Theresa is a huge fan of Photoshop World would be an understatement! She even reached out to me about writing a guest post on the PSW blog about her experience in Sin City and how it changed her life…

Here’s Theresa in her own words (and awe-inspiring images)!

I’m a graphic artist, the sole proprietor of Orchard View Color. Photoshop is the bread and butter of my business. I use it every day. I work in Illustrator and InDesign too, but Photoshop is the app I depend on most.

For several years I considered going to Photoshop World in Las Vegas. I wanted to go but struggled to justify the cost and time away from work. Self employment has some great perks, like the freedom to take time off whenever, but time off means no pay. Each year came and went as I sat on the fence trying to talk myself into attending Photoshop World.

Last year I finally made it to my first PSW, after participating in my first Worldwide Photowalk. Alan Hess was our walk leader in San Diego. Alan convinced me to go to PSW. That was exactly one year ago this month.

Before the walk, I learned that Alan taught at Photoshop World. I planned to ask Alan about PSW in hopes that he could convince me to go. I introduced myself as a freelance graphic artist, fine art photographer, and skilled Photoshop artist. I said, “It’s difficult for me to justify the cost of PSW. Tell me why I should go.”

Alan’s eyes lit up and he said, “Theresa, you HAVE to go to Photoshop World because you will be inspired. You will meet great people and you might just learn a few things.”

That was it. There was no better possible answer. I jumped down off that fence and registered for the event.

There is no debating it this year. I can’t wait to go back for my second PSW.

Attending PSW was a great decision for myself and for my business. I have many new clients and am busier now than ever. I believe PSW deserves the credit for my growing business. Here’s why:

I am inspired
Creative people inspire me. I didn’t realize how much I missed that until I went to PSW. I came back inspired to create more and to meet more creative people.

I am now very involved in a local PhotoArts Group. I exhibit with this group nearly every month. My photography hobby also provides content for my business website. The photo group connections and my website articles have both brought me new clients.

I made new friends
Last year I went to PSW alone. This year will be so different. I can’t wait to meet all my new NAPP friends in person. (If the list wasn’t so long I would name everyone here. You know who you are).

More friends means more resources. With Facebook and Twitter, help is almost instant. All I have to do is ask. That kind of resource is invaluable.

I gained confidence
Disclaimer alert: I won a Guru Award at my first ever Photoshop World. The Guru Award was for my Trippy Self Portrait (image below), which made me easily recognizable as a Guru winner. The Guru Award certainly boosted my confidence and gave me some instant credibility, which I recognize can’t happen for everyone. I still believe PSW would have boosted my confidence with or without the guru award.

Inspiration plus friendship is a great recipe for confidence building. Confidence helps me bid on new projects and negotiate with existing clients. It allows me to take on projects I might have passed on a year ago. Without a doubt my increased confidence equates to an increase in my business.

You HAVE to go to Photoshop World

I owe a big thank you to Alan Hess for getting me off the fence one year ago. I wrote this blog to pay it forward. Now is the time to invest in yourself and your business. Next year you can thank me by convincing someone else to do the same.

Theresa has worked in the graphics and printing industry for 26 years. She currently runs her own freelance graphics business specializing in all things print, including wide format banners and vehicle wraps. In her spare time she pursues her love of fine art photography, which usually involves lots of Photoshop editing.

“Gimme, Gimme 4, Gimme 4!”

Forgive the Britney Spears-inspired title… But really, what better way to promote this weekend’s exciting Photoshop World promotion than with a great play-on-words prompted by the singer’s hit song, “Gimme More“?

So if you haven’t registered for Photoshop World yet, now’s your chance to enhance your top-notch training experience with one of four great bonus offers.

To kick-off this long 4th of July weekend, we’re launching our Gimme 4! promotion. So whether you’re looking to get a free Speed Pass (no longer available for purchase!) or attend the PSW After-Hours Party for FREE, now’s your chance to cash in on one of four great deals!

Simply register for Photoshop World Las Vegas anytime between July 1 – 4*, and you’ll have the chance to take advantage of one of our exclusive bonus items.

Just click here to see the four offers and select the one you like most from the list!

Happy 4th of July… And, we’ll see you in Vegas, baby!

*Offers are valid until Monday, July 4 at 11:59 PM EST. Not valid with any existing Photoshop World registration, and cannot be redeemed for cash.

Rock & Roll – The PSW After Hours Party

I shoot bands & musicians in Atlanta so this was an extra special treat for me that I was not going to miss!  The one and only Scott Kelby (and his talented band members including his lovely wife) rocking to tunes by Travis Tritt, Alien Ant Farm, ZZ Top, Janet Jackson and one of my favorite’s from The Clash, “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” (just to name a few)! This After Hours Party was a huge hit at B.B. Kings Orlando.  The rainy night didn’t seem to keep anybody from making this fun event… Great food, great entertainment and chance for everyone to get to know each other a little better. This was a great opportunity to just have pure fun… and it was!

Keri McDaniel – (Snapped Images) is Photographer in Atlanta specializing in Lifestyle Photography   -   www.snappedimages.com

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Photoshop World Opening Day Highlights!

If you follow Photoshop World at all, I’m sure it comes as no surprise that the opening keynote on Day One starts out like a rock concert and a Hollywood movie screening all merged into one. If you’re brand new to PSW…don’t worry, so am I; but as it turns out…that’s what it’s like!

So lights, camera, action, music, video, balloons, confetti, models, runways….here we come.

An auditorium full of hungry photo and photoshop devotees eagerly awaited this morning’s keynote event…and we weren’t disappointed! There was an opening video fashioned after TV’s “Project Runway.”  It was at this moment that I realized what a DORK I CAN BE!

The conference theme is “Project Photoshop” and I had been walking around kind of dwelling on how little sense that made to me and wondering why on earth they would have picked that for a name. I wondered what it was I must have missed that would have made it all make sense. “Duh!” she says to herself after the first 6 minutes of the keynote event.

It was a real treat to see a few tricks that the Adobe folks showed us when it came to using Photoshop; but the real thrill was getting to see glimpses of what they are working to release on some future date…(kinda like a software version of concept cars at an automobile trade show!)  We got to see how easy it might one day be to fix lens distortion with just a couple of clicks! “SWEET!!”

A personal high note for me was when one of the people I had the good fortune of meeting yesterday won one of the Guru Awards this morning.  The Guru Awards are given to people who have submitted photoshop work in a variety of categories prior to coming to the convention and then the top three in each category as well as which of the three is the winner are announced at the opening event! It was a lot of fun to feel excited about one of the winners when 2 days ago I didn’t expect to know a soul!

So far that’s my favorite part; people have been friendly and easy to meet.  I don’t know, maybe like myself, all this lovely creative, “techie” stuff and all the fun toys just puts everybody in a good mood. Whatever the reason…I’m having a blast being a part of it.

BTW…the Classes I took today; the Expo I wandered around; the After Hours Party I went to…ALL JUST AS FUN AS THE FIRST HOUR! Oh how I wish I had known about all of this years ago!

Jan Ziskovsky

Jan is a first time attendee from Iowa.  She is a commercial food photographer and graphic designer.

PSW tweetup photos

Tuesday night at Mandalay Bay hotel there was a Photoshop World Tweetup (an in-person “meetup” using Twitter to help spread the word and share tidbits…). Many of the Photoshop World instructors and attendees were there, and as the pictures show, a good time was had by all!

Thanks to Erik Valind, who was behind the camera taking photos of people at the tweetup, and Dave Rogers, who deftly managed the automated Lightroom workflow, live pictures captured on location were immediately transferred to Flickr for the world to see (like it or not!)

The setup used Lightroom 3′s integrated tethered capture features and Publish Services to transfer each new capture up to Flickr on the fly, complete with a custom graphical identity plate! This was a really cool setup that worked very well, and there are lots of great pictures to see at http://www.flickr.com/photos/erikvphoto/sets/72157624791646040/with/4922787663/