Dave Cross’ Photoshop World DC 2012 Planning Assistant Available Now!

Photoshop World is just days away… And if you’re planning to experience the world’s best photography, lighting and Photoshop training but don’t know how to start devising your plan of attack, you’re in luck. Photoshop World instructor Dave Cross has once again created a helpful PDF that lets you pick your first and second choices.

How It Works:
Simply select a class from each pop-up menu to help you decide what class you want to attend for each time slot. Print out the page and once you get to the conference, check the signs for the room numbers and any last-minute changes.

Please note: While this doesn’t register you for the class (pre-registration is not required), it’ll help you plan out your days.

Click here to access Dave’s PSW DC 2012 Planner.

Don’t forget, you can also download our free PSW app. It not only lets you set up a schedule on your iPhone, iPad or Android phone, but offers pertinent information about the Photoshop World Expo and other PSW events.

Law Enforcement Training Day at Photoshop World Washington DC

If you work in law enforcement, you can now take part in a full day of training during Photoshop World Washington, DC…

Law Enforcement Training Day will be taking place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Friday, March 23 from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, you’ll join Adobe and leading digital forensics experts for an in-depth look at the subjects that will help you become more effective in using Photoshop and other digital tools for forensic investigations.

You’ll learn about:

- Image Verification — telling real images from manipulated images.
- Advanced camera technologies
- Photographic techniques
- Video, still and audio workflows for investigations
- Accurate image color capture and calibration
- Forensic artist use of Photoshop and more
- Speakers will be announced closer to the date.

Fees include:

- Full day of education
- Continental breakfast
- Lunch
- Afternoon snacks

Click here for more information and to register.

FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING PHOTOSHOP WORLD DC IN ADDITION TO THE ADOBE LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING DAY, PLEASE CONTACT KARLA SANFORD AT KSANFORD@KELBYMEDIAGROUP.COM FOR SPECIAL PRICING

The PSW Hashcaster Site Returns!

Photoshop World DC is just around the corner, which means that the PSW Hashcaster site is about to go live to help you constantly find the latest news!

There have been some great improvements to Hashcaster this year, including the ability to add video so all you video buffs out there, be sure to tag any Photoshop World videos you share with #PSW12 on Twitter so we can add them for all to see. Here’s a helpful guide to show you what Hashcaster is all about.

What is Hashcaster?
Hashcaster is a real-time Twitter curation platform setup to help you find the best content tweeted at Photoshop World and to help you easily identify and connect with top influencers.

Why you should use Hashcaster?
Keeping up with a fast trending hashtag on Twitter can be like drinking from a fire hose. It’s almost impossible to keep up with all those tweets, links, photos and videos generated by the thousands of attendees and non-attendees at an event. Hashcaster solves this problem by curating all this content into organized channels that you can view at anytime through the event’s Hashcaster web site.

However, Hashcaster doesn’t stop there. The Hashcaster platform continually monitors the hashtag Twitter stream to identify top influencers and contributors at the event, making it easier for you to connect with the who’s who.

Finally, you can become a top influencer yourself; the Hashcaster system evaluates each and every tweet in real-time to identify nuggets of knowledge and diamonds in the rough at PSW. One of those diamonds in the rough could be you!

How can I access Hashcaster?
You can access the Photoshop World Hashcaster site through your web browser, smartphone or tablet by visiting http://psw.hashcaster.com/home

How do I get my tweets, links, photos & videos on Hashcaster?
Hashcaster does all the work. You simply include the hashtag, #PSW12, in your tweets and the Hashcaster system looks after the rest. It’s that simple. Please note, we are still tracking the #PSW hashtag but a lot of non-Photoshop World attendees have been using it lately, so #PSW12 will be the event-related hashtag this year.

How do I become a Top Influencer on Hashcaster?
The Hashcaster system is continually evaluating the Twitter stream to determine who are the top influencers at any given time. This list of top influencers is literally updated with every new tweet. Becoming a top influencer depends on a whole range of factors that help the system identify those people that have the most positive impact on the hashtag community. Although there is no way to guarantee that you’ll become a top influencer, the following do’s and don’ts can help increase the likelihood that you’ll make the list.

Things that make you a positive contributor on Hashcaster.
• Tweet unique tweets with relevant content frequently.
• Get a story published on Hashcaster by tweeting high quality links to topical articles and blogs.
• Contribute photos or videos to Hashcaster.
• Retweet interesting and relevant tweets form other community members.
• Have a high Klout score.
• Have lots of followers in the hashtag community.

Things that make you a negative contributor on Hashcaster.
• Do not tweet out the same tweet over and over again.
• Do not tweet promotional links with little or no story content.
• Do not retweet every tweet in an attempt to increase you ranking.
• Do not use auto tweeting services that replicate your message across many user accounts. (this will get you blocked)
• Do not include profanity in your tweets (this will get you blocked)

Some final tips?
We have learned that people who share important event announcements and who tweet their experience (like quick tips that they learn in classes) not only become ranked contributors, but make lots of new friends along the way in the #PSW12 Twitterverse. Engage in the conversation (don’t be shy), don’t tweet anything you wouldn’t say in public, and support fellow Tweeps with generosity and good will.

Have fun!

So You Want To Be In Pictures?

If you’re looking to expand your creativity by shooting video, don’t miss our FREE “Fundamentals of DSLR Filmmaking” workshop at this year’s Photoshop World in Washington, DC.

Taking place on Friday, March 23 from 6:30 – 10:00 pm, the class will teach you the principles of filmmaking and how to capitalize on what humans crave when they watch films—stories. Taught by Jeff Medford and Ross Hockrow, you’ll learn how to tap into the minds and hearts of people everywhere and satisfy their innate desire to hear stories.

This session, part of Get In Motion Tour, will teach you the building blocks of stories, the structure of stories, different storytelling techniques, and how to build stories on a timeline by editing it all with Adobe Premiere Pro.

In the process, you’ll master fundamental filmmaking techniques, including finding the right gear and learning how to use it to make successful, profitable films that will launch you into new and untapped income streams.

See you in DC!

Please note: This seminar is free to all current NAPP members and registered Photoshop World attendees. No registration or reservation is required to participate.

Time’s Running Out to Book Your PSW Hotel!

If you’re planning to attend the first ever Photoshop World in Washington, DC and will be needing lodging, you may want to act fast to lock in some of the lowest hotel rates available in Downtown DC during the conference dates!

We’ve set up special Photoshop World rates at several hotels in The District, but the blocks are filling up quickly! In fact, we’ve already completely booked up our block at the Four Points by Sheraton Washington D.C. Downtown.

In addition, the Grand Hyatt Washington ($249 per night + tax) and the Washington Marriott at Metro Center ($209 per night + tax) are filling up quickly… And, you only have until Thursday, March 1 to lock in the low rates! So make sure you don’t wait too long to book your hotel!

While the rates may be higher than what we’ve been able to secure in Orlando and Las Vegas, they’re much better than what you’d pay at those hotels without the special PSW rate. If you were to go online today to book a room at the Washington Grand Hyatt outside of our block you would pay $369 per night during conference week. So, you’re saving $120 per night by reserving a room using our link on the site or by calling the reservation desk. Just make sure to mention that you’re a Photoshop World attendee to secure the designated rate!

Ready to Shoot It First at Photoshop World DC?

There’s no doubt that Photoshop World is the place to experience three days of complete training from a top-notch team of instructors like Scott Kelby, Jay Maisel, Moose Peterson, Jeremy Cowart and Dave Black.

But did you know you can also put your newly acquired photography and lighting skills to the test at Photoshop World?

This year’s Photoshop World Expo will once again feature live photo shoots, including the highly popular Westcott Shootout booth, which will feature a theater offering lighting training and the opportunity to photograph live models in perfectly lit photo bays.

From February 6-10, be one of the first 50 people to register for Photoshop World using this special promo code-PE12-WESTCOTT and you’ll be one of our Shoot It First! VIPs at Photoshop World.

Here’s what you’ll receive:

- Commemorative Shoot It First! T-Shirt.
- Exclusive access to all models/scenes at the Westcott Live Photo Booth for an entire hour before the PSW Expo opens on Saturday, March 24.
- The chance to win Westcott’s “Spiderlite TD6 1200W 2-Light Kit,” valued at $1,6205, by submitting one of your photos from the exclusive shoot for the PSW Photo Faceoff Contest.
- So if you’re ready to become a better photographer and want exclusive VIP access to test your skills, register for Photoshop World, March 24-26, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.

After all, no other conference gives you the tools and inspired education you need to unlock your creativity and create everlasting images!

See you in The District!

Click here to sign up to receive email updates from Westcott.

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.

Celebrate the 12 Days of Photoshop World…

We’re in the spirit of giving this holiday season! So whether you’re looking to get a FREE Speed Pass or just want to save a little extra green on your full conference registration or pre-con workshop, we’ve come up with a dozen great deals to celebrate the 12 Days of Photoshop World!

Starting today, you’ll have the chance to ring in the holidays with one hot deal every day for 12 days straight!

Simply register for Photoshop World Washington DC anytime from now through December 23*, and you can cash in on one of the exclusive holiday offers.

Click here to check out the complete list of offers.

One you pick the deal you like most, just come back to the 12 Days of Photoshop World landing page on that designated day to get the special Promo Code you’ll need to use at checkout!

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!

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.