Register This Week & Explore DC For Free

If you’re ready to “walk this way, shoot this way” in one of the country’s most picturesque cities and get some exceptional photography, lighting and Photoshop training, don’t miss this great promotion.

This March, Photoshop World will head to our nation’s capital for the first time ever to offer three jam-packed days of the world’s best training in Washington, DC.

Taking place from March 24-26, 2012 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the event offers more than 100 classes taught by 40+ highly regarded instructors, including noted photographers like Scott Kelby, Jay Maisel, Greg Heisler, Dave Black, Jeremy Cowart and David Ziser.

Special Photo Walk DC Offer!
And if you register for PSW from Monday, January 16 – Friday, January 20, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in an exclusive pre-conference photo walk* on Friday, March 23. Taking place in the afternoon, the “Explore The District” photo walk, led by noted photographer Douglas Sonders, will take you through Downtown DC and give you the chance to absorb, embrace and capture the essence of Washington D.C.

To take advantage of this special offer, simply use this special code-PE12-DOUGWALK-when registering online or by calling NAPP at 800-738-8513, M-F, 8:30 am – 7:00 pm EST..

So make sure to register today to get inspired education that will change your life and an expert-led photo walk through the streets of Washington, DC!

* Space limited to 40 participants.

The Tie’s The Limit! PSW Shootout Contest Winners Revealed…

If you attended this year’s Photoshop World Conference in Las Vegas, you’ll probably remember Westcott‘s oh-so-fabulous photo shoot area, complete with live models, backgrounds and props, costumes, lighting and in some cases a whole lot of body paint! No matter what time you showed up at the Photoshop World Expo, the space was crowded with people trying to get a contest-winning shot as part of Westcott’s Photoshop World Shootout Contest.

By the time the deadline to submit images for the contest had come and gone, Westcott had received more than 800 images! After some tough deliberations, Westcott’s panel of judges was able to narrow down the field and pick the contest winners… For the first time ever, the contest resulted in a tie for First Place, and ironically, the images were both taken by the same photographer!

Congratulations to NAPP member Jeff Tamagini for not one, but two, exceptional images!

Again, congrats to Tamagini and the other contest winners, who will receive some great prizes from Westcott.

Click here to see the rest of the PSW Shootout Contest winning images.

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!

Photoshop World Las Vegas: Shoot It First MVP!

It’s official! There’s a new Shoot It First MVP in town!

Congratulations to NAPP Member Mike Reeves of Oklahoma. He outshone the competition during this year’s “Shoot It First” contest, sponsored by NAPP and Westcott, at Photoshop World Las Vegas.

Here’s a look at his eye-catching image:

After receiving exclusive access to the day’s four models/scenes at the Westcott Live Photo Booth an entire hour before the PSW Expo opened on Wednesday, September 7, all participants had the chance to submit their best photo to the dedicated contest page on Flickr. After reviewing all entries, Reeves’ work was deemed prize-worthy!

As this year’s contest MVP, Reeves will receive Westcott’s “Perfect Portrait Kit,” valued at $1,695.

Again, Congratulations Mike!

Prepare For Battle, Photoshop-Style!

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to have just a couple of images at your disposal, a ticking clock and a captive audience anxiously anticipating what kind of masterpiece you can produce? Well, now’s your chance!

During this year’s Photoshop World Expo, you’ll have the opportunity to face off against some of the world’s best and brightest Photoshop stars to find out if you’ve got what it takes to defeat a Photoshop Guru!

The series of no holds barred “Photoshop Wars,” sponsored by iStockphoto, will take place at the iStockphoto booth (#133) throughout the day during regular Expo hours. An exact schedule will be available onsite.

Think you’ve got what it takes to challenge a Photoshop Guru? Then get ready to step into the ring and battle it out with one of the Photoshop Guys! If you come out victorious, you’ll take home some amazing prizes! If you’d rather sit on the sidelines, don’t worry! You’ll have a hand in picking the winner! Either way, it’ll still be a heart pounding experience in front of a live audience. We promise you won’t want to miss this epic battle!

See you in Vegas for an all out Photoshop war!

Click here to download your FREE Expo Pass. Please note: Registered Photoshop World attendees get instant admission to the PSW Expo with their conference badge.

You Got The Write Stuff?

Have you registered to attend Photoshop World Las Vegas already? If you have or plan to sign up, why not become one of the voices of reason, of sorts, at this year’s conference by sharing your PSW experiences with the world.

Much like this year’s “Magnificent Seven” at PSW Orlando, we’ll be selecting a diverse group of attendees to blog about all the Photoshop World happenings, including written and/or video/photo posts about sessions, instructors, special events and overall conference atmosphere, etc.

Whether you’ll be attending Photoshop World for the very first time or are a die-hard alum, we’d love to hear why you believe you just-have-to serve as an onsite blogger! So if you think you’ve got what it takes, send an email to tomc@kelbymediagroup.com that highlights your writing experience via writing samples, etc. Make sure to tell us why you believe you have the write stuff!

Deadline for submissions is Friday, August 12, 2011.

We’ll review submissions in the coming weeks and email the folks we’d like to join us in the PSW blogosphere!

See you in Vegas!

*Must be registered to attend PSW to be selected as a blogger.

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.

How’d You Like To Shoot It First?

It’s becoming a great tradition at the Photoshop World Expo! This year’s trade show will once again feature a LIVE photo shoot booth—professionally lit by F.J. Westcott—featuring several live model and product scenarios.

In speaking with the person responsible for Westcott’s interactive station and Photoshop World Shootout Contest, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed with this year’s awe-inspiring scenes!

To celebrate the return of the LIVE photo booth, NAPP and Westcott have created a special promotion entitled, “Shoot It First!” Starting today, the first 50 people who register using our special promo code will get VIP access to the Westcott booth before anyone else.

Simply register for Photoshop World by Tuesday, July 19 using this promo code – PW11-SHOOTFIRST – and you’ll be one of our Shoot It First! VIPs at Photoshop World. (Participants will be selected in order of registration, while space is available.)

Click here to see what you’ll get as a Shoot It First! VIP.

So if you’re ready to become a better photographer with exclusive access to the Westcott live photo booth, register today!

*Offer expires on Tuesday, July 19 at 11:59 pm or when all 50 spots are filled. Offer valid with new PSW registrations only.

“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.

Is THIS The Year? Tell Us Why!

It doesn’t matter if it’s a status update on the NAPP Facebook page or a comment on Scott Kelby’s Photoshop Insider blog, there’s always a block of people who want to attend Photoshop World but just haven’t taken the plunge.

Once they do make it to the big show, it’s usually a similar reaction to this one from NAPP member John Swarce, who attended his first Photoshop World a little over a month ago:

“What a fantastic experience I had going to PSW, one I will be talking about for months to come! From the Tweetup to the closing ceremonies, I have never learned so much in so little time (and the time just FLEW by!). Not to mention all of the laughing, too!”

With that in mind, we’re launching a “This Is The Year. I’m Going” campaign and we’d love your help. It’s simple! Just leave a comment on this post with your own “This is the year!” story. Tell us what inspired to finally take action and attend your first Photoshop World and what your experience was like. There’s so much to Photoshop World and we’re sure you could go on and on, so please try keep your thoughts to about 50 words or less. And make sure to include your first and last name with your comment.

Your “first time” stories may be selected to be part of our special Photoshop World campaign.

All submissions are due no later than Monday, May 9, 2011.

So, the let the comments begin!