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.

Photoshop World 2012 Avatar

It’s becoming an annual tradition… NAPP member Kevin Stohlmeyer has once again created his super cool Photoshop World avatar for our first-ever conference in Washington, DC. If you’ve already seen the PSW brochure, then you’ll notice that the new version gives a tip of the hat to this year’s theme! So if you’re planning to attend PSW, feel free to use Kevin’s updated avatar to shout out to the Social Media world that you’ll be attending the conference this spring!

It’s that time again! With Photoshop World only thee months (and counting) away, I thought I would share my new 2012 Social Media Avatar with everyone. Show your support for the World’s largest photography, lighting and Photoshop Conference by joining our social media campaign! 

Here’s how:

First, download the PSD file HERE.

To modify, simply drag and drop your headshot into the document and remove the “Your Photo Here” Layer. Be sure to position your headshot layer between the “Backdrop” and “Overlay” layers.

Next, create a layer mask to blend your headshot into the image. 

As an added bonus this year, I have included a “Button” layer that you can manipulate onto your image. 

Save the final image as a .jpg file. Remember Twitter has file size a limitation of 700k. Reduce the quality in the .jpg dialog box as needed. Now you are ready to join the campaign for Photoshop World 2012!

Enjoy!

Kevin

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.

Download the Photoshop World DC Brochure!

In March, Photoshop World will bring a new party to our nation’s capital to offer three non-stop days of informative, inspirational and invaluable photography, lighting and Photoshop training from seasoned professionals more than happy to share their tried-and-true tips and techniques.

From new and returning instructors like Greg Heisler, Jack Davis, Calvin Hollywood, Frank Doorhof and Jeremy Cowart to the addition of two new tracks, our first-ever Photoshop World in Washington DC is a can’t miss affair!

Click here to visit the landing page we’ve set up for easy downloading the official Photoshop World brochure, which will be arriving with the January issue of Photoshop User.

The brochure features descriptions of all training sessions and optional pre-conference workshops, a list of participating instructors and much more.

And don’t forget to register before Friday, February 17 to save an extra $100 off the registration rate.

So download the brochure today and start planning now for the ultimate educational experience!

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 World: Bring On Day Two!

Well, Day 1 of Photoshop World has officially ended and Day 2 is underway!

Starting off yesterday with the amazing “Project Photoshop” Opening Keynote was a blast (those guys at NAPP sure know how to have fun). Not only was the keynote fun, but it was a unique event in that Adobe had a special announcement for us: Carousel, a new product that acts as a multiple device photography solution. The Adobe team that created it was there to join in the announcement, which was so great to see all of those people that work so hard on great product experiences for us.
The keynote is also where the Guru award winners and Photoshop Hall of Fame recipients are awarded. It is so amazing to see the work that NAPP members create… All awards were well deserved!

After the keynote the sessions got into full swing. I attended Small Flash Basics with Joe McNally to kick off the morning… And what a way to start it off! Joe always has a fun and informative session, and really just to watch him work is awe inspiring. His audience can really bask in his passion for all things photography. I look forward to more lighting with him tomorrow!

My next session was Portrait Retouching for Photographers with the man, the myth, the legend– Scott Kelby. Talk about awe inspiring…He can retouch in Photoshop in about 30 seconds, whereas it would take me 3 hours! Which is of course why I’m attending PSW… to learn from the best.

After roaming the grandiose Expo floor and catching some short demonstrations from RC Concepcion and Moose Peterson, it was time for my final session, Making a Difference with Your Camera by Jeremy Cowart. This session was thought provoking and truly a great way to finish up the first day of PSW.

I look forward to more great sessions tomorrow and finishing up the day with Midnight Madness fun!

Meetup, Tweetup and oh! Those Westcott Shooting Bays!

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Yesterday morning, I had the opportunity to head out to the Valley of Fire with other NAPP members and Photshop World attendees. What a great opportunity to meet with my friends with whom Ive excitedly spoken about Photoshop World. We headed out to Valley of Fire, a landscape very unlike Florida! While most of the others worked on HDR photos, I took some time to play with my speedlights, with the beautiful desert landscape as my backdrop. Thankfully, Gudrun stepped in and allowed me to take one photo of her.

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Last night was the always awesome Tweetup Party with photography provided by my friend Erik Valind. Many wondered what kind of crazy antics would ensue. No, I didnt end up in the pool. Nothing too crazy other than many many photos taken in Eriks 6-light setup, to include strip banks and the awesome 7 Westcott parabolic shooting tethered to an iPad using Tethered Tools awesome gear and a really cool iPad stand.

After attending the Opening Ceremony I headed to my first class of the day. Following that, I excitedly headed to the Expo Floor. You see, I was flattered to be given the opportunity to Shoot It First at the awesome Westcott Shooting Bays prior to the opening of the Expo floor. Westcotts ever-talented and creative crew have designed 4 awesome shooting bays with props, awesome models, MUAs and amazing instructors giving helpful tips, sharing the knowledge and using various continuous lighting products and modifiers provided by Westcott. Though I havent had a chance to do much editing today, I wanted to share one of the photos I took of the Alien model this morning. Again, other than crop, there is no other editing..

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Photoshop Product Team at PSW Tweetup

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

Setting up

The Photoshop World Crew are early risers today to set up registration (starting at 11am).

Countdown to PSW

It feels like this was the longest week of my life as the clock is ticking ever-so-slowly to Photoshop World Vegas. Though this is my 2nd PSW, this marks my first visit to Vegas and I’m completely stoked about it!

Photoshop World has been the trending topic amongst us in my twitterverse (@snapshotartistry) and facebookdom. What have we been discussing? Everything from the awesome instructors and classes, to the Expo floor vendors and presentations, to advice about portfolio reviews and of course, wondering about the crazy antics which will further make this a memorable event (like getting tossed in a pool for a splash photo at the tweet up party? Hmmm….) have been fodder for conversation this week.

So, since I can’t concentrate because I have Adventures at Photoshop World on my mind, I figured I’d just start blogging about it now. I can’t wait to learn more, see old friends, meet new friends, eat a famous In-n-Out burger, explore the Expo floor, shoot at the awesome Westcott bays, maybe win a small fortune at a slot machine…And I look forward to sharing my experience and journey with you!

By the way, there’s something else I’ll share with you. I haven’t flown in plane in over a decade. The last time I flew, I realized that my claustrophobia had worsened. I have avoided flying, much to the disdain of my family. They really didn’t enjoy those road trips to Michigan and Western New York from Florida! Anyway, I am determined to overcome this phobia and get on that plane Monday – just for Photoshop World! Besides, it’s a really long drive from St. Johns, FL. Yes, I checked – 2,275 miles door-to-door. So, I’ll be leaving on a big ole jet plane Monday and praying I don’t have a panic attack and I’ll see you in Vegas!

Time to start packing!

Melissa (Mel) Reyes-Abbey is a super busy mom, wife, coach, photo meetup organizer and photographer from St. Johns, FL ( a suburb of Jacksonville). She’s an action photographer who loves portraiture and believes that ESPN will beg for her photos. She strives to learn more about how to create her vision and shape light. Being a social-media junkie, she’s found a ton of resources through books and the Internet to educate herself. That’s how she found NAPP. Snapshotartistry.com has been her business for almost 2 years. She loves happy clients and sharing what she’s learned with fellow photographers.