Expo Alert! You’re Gonna LEICA What You See!

During this year’s Photoshop World, prepare to see the world of photography through a new lens—one with the best German engineering on the market. For the first time ever Leica will be exhibiting at the Photoshop World Expo in Las Vegas.

“We look forward to introducing the Leica portfolio to attendees and interacting with the photography community from amateurs to professionals during the event,” says Christian Erhardt, the vice president of marketing for Leica Camera Inc. “Leica is excited to show the latest line of high quality cameras and optics at Photoshop World.”

From compact point-and-shoot cameras to the most technologically advanced medium format solution, Leica makes a camera for every situation.

“Leica’s unique technical expertise makes our optical instruments ideal companions offering the highest possible reliability and durability,” asserts Erhardt. “The result is a renowned series of cameras and lenses and a superb range of sport optics, including high-aperture and laser rangefinder binoculars and spotting scopes.”

During all three days of Photoshop World Expo, Leica plans to spotlight its exceptional products, including the most compact full-frame camera on the market—the Leica M9.

“Leica’s storied M-System incorporates over five decades of continuous technical improvements and the Leica M9 solidifies this proud heritage’s place at the forefront of digital technology,” professes Erhardt. “As the world’s first digital rangefinder camera with a full format sensor, the M9 is the perfect contemporary tool for those who value outstanding image quality and appreciate the superior craftsmanship that Leica is known for.”

To help consumers enhance their Leica experience, specialists will be on hand to demonstrate products and answer questions. And they’ll offer more information on the company’s world-renowned Leica Akademie, which will debut in North America this summer.

“With a rich European heritage, the Leica Akademie has been helping Leica enthusiasts enhance and deepen their Leica experience for over 75 years,” says Erhardt. “The Akademie’s goal is to increase the fun and enjoyment of photography, expand photographic knowledge and bring the total Leica experience to a new generation of photographers.”

So if you’re looking to experience a new standard in photography, make sure to stop by Leica’s booth at the Photoshop World Expo at the Mandalay Convention Center during regular expo hours on September 7-9.

See you at the Expo!

Click here for more information on Leica’s exceptional products. To learn more about the Leica Akademie, click here.

Yes, You Want To Be There!

So we are still a few months away from Photoshop World and you may still be on the fence about going. One of the main questions you’re probably asking yourself is “Do I want to go? Is it worth it?”…. Well let me decide for you — Yes! Yes you want to go, and yes it is 100% worth it.

One of the main reasons that I like it so much, is the networking you gain from it. Besides all the incredible learning, what is better than being surrounded by thousands of creative people who all share the same interests as you.

It’s hard for me to describe how awesome of an experience you will have if you go. However, I will say this – You will be missing out if you’re not there

If you’re a first-time attendee this year, here are some tips on planning your trip…

Don’t get there the day-of: I would say get there a day or two early just so you can attend any events, like the Tweet-up or any other gatherings. It’s also really great just to start the experience as soon as you can.

Bring your camera!: This was a huge mistake I made when I attended the first time. Whether it’s for a shootout on the expo floor, or so you can take a picture with an instructor… Just make sure you have it

Bring a backpack: When walking around the expo floor, you will find yourself picking up flyers, brochures, catalogs, etc. I must say, it really is a pain to carry all of it around with you in your hands. A great thing to do, would be to buy a Pro Pass when you register… Then you get a fancy NAPP backpack (along with other great things too).

So I hope I helped you decide to be there. Thanks for reading!

Brandon Jacoby is currently the World’s Youngest ACE (Adobe Certified Expert), an award-winning photographer and guest tutorial author for the NAPP. Check out his blog, or follow him on Twitter.

It’s Lucky Number Seven!

In case you haven’t been keeping count, Photoshop World will be back in Las Vegas for the seventh year in a row. Yes, seventh year! So if you believe in “Lady Luck,” then you’d better register today ’cause we’re betting PSW Las Vegas No. 7 will be a banner event!

But seriously, it’s been an amazing seven years of bringing the world’s best photography, lighting and Photoshop training to the Vegas strip. And this year’s conference is shaping up to be hauter than ever, especially with this year’s “Project Photoshop” theme! The fashion-meets-Photoshop theme was a hit in Orlando, and we’re expecting it to be mondo-beyondo in the entertainment capital of the world!

But that’s not all, there are some new faces joining the already impressive list of talented and inspirational instructors. Names like noted sports photographer and Lightpainting guru Dave Black, entertainment and celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart, uber portrait photographer Joel Grimes and fashion photographer extraordinaire Frank Doorhof.

Along with inspired education, you’ll have the chance to put your just-learned-tips-and-tricks to the test right on the expo floor! This year’s expo will once again include a special interactive live photo booth professionally lit by F.J. Westcott. The live photo space will feature several live model and product shoot scenarios to help photographers of all skill levels put their shooting skills to the test and push their creativity up a notch!

Click here to read our latest press release announcing all the latest Photoshop World developments!

So if you’re ready to be inspired, then put your money on seven. Photoshop World Las Vegas No. 7, that is! It’s an investment that will pay you back in spades!

And if you are a betting man (or woman), make sure you register by August 5! That way you can use your $100 early-bird-savings at the tables or slots!

See you in Vegas!

Day 2 Images

Event Photos Day 1

The Fun Has Begun

By Nicole S. Young

We made it through the first day of Photoshop World and it was a huge success. Day one is all about revving things up and getting everyone motivated for the days to come, and they definitely put on a good show.

My day started with a cup of coffee and a seat on the floor just outside the expo hall, waiting to watch the opening keynote. Once the doors opened and the crowd made it’s way into the auditorium we were greeted and then watched a hilarious “behind the music” style video of the “NAPP” band and then they came out in stage (donned in face paint and platform shoes) and sang their top hit: “I Wanna Photoshop All Night & Retouch Every Day”.

After all the announcements and awards were given out we all headed out to our conference classes. After a few hours of classes they opened the expo and the rest of the day was filled with checking out all of the vendors, catching a few expo classes … And I even did a short presentation at the Peachpit booth, too.

My evening was then filled with catching a few parties and meeting up with some of my colleagues from iStockphoto at the Minus5 Ice Bar. It was cool. Overall the day was jam-packed with a ton of fun events and I’m really excited about the rest of the conference!

Nicole S. Young is a full-time commercial photographer and author living in the Salt Lake Valley, Utah. She’s a NAPP member and an Adobe Certified Expert in Adobe Photoshop CS4. Nicole spends most of her time photographing people, food and also writing about both photography and Photoshop. You can find Nicole on her blog (NicolesyBlog.com) and also on Twitter (@nicolesy).

What A Difference A Day Makes!

For the first time ever, you can still get the most complete Photoshop and photography training at Photoshop World, even if you can’t commit to all three days of this year’s can’t-miss conference.

To make sure everyone has the chance to get in-depth training and invaluable inspiration from an A-list team of instructors, we’re now offering one-day passes to Photoshop World!

To register, simply review this year’s stellar schedule of sessions and events and pick the day you’d like to attend.

But that’s not all!

You’ll also be able to sign up for a pre-conference workshop or purchase a PSW After-Hours Party ticket. Plus, you’ll be able to enter the Photoshop World Expo, where you’ll discover the latest and greatest photography and Photoshop-related products and have the chance to attend bonus classes.

So even if you can’t commit to all three days but want to get your Photoshop World fix, make sure to sign up for a one-day pass today!

Come to the PSW Expo!

Even if you can’t make it to all three days of Photoshop World, you can still get a taste of the action by joining us on March 25 & 26 (Thursday & Friday) at the Photoshop World Expo… and it won’t cost you a penny!

Simply download a free pass here and bring it with you to the Orange County Convention Center on Thursday, March 25 – 1:00pm to 5:00pm or Friday, March 26 – 9:00am to 1:00pm to see a portion of what Photoshop World is all about.

Best of all, you can attend any of our bonus classes being held on the Expo floor! This year, we are very excited to have world-class photographer, David Cuerdon, join us at the Kelby Training Theater where he will share his portrait and retouching tips that have made him famous.

Plus, you can join the “Photoshop Guys” for a live taping of PhotoshopUser TV and attend a brand new class taught by the winner of our “So, You Think You Can Teach Photoshop?” contest.

Here’s a complete schedule of our bonus classes. Sorry, the Photoshop World Expo is closed to the public on Wednesday, March 24th.

Hope to see you there!

Digital Silver Imaging Holds Book Signing by Author Ted Dillard

Digital Silver Imaging (DSI) is hosting a book signing by author, Ted Dillard, at Photoshop World Boston.  Dillard, author of RAW Pipeline and Color Pipeline, will be at DSI’s booth #820 on Thursday March 26th to discuss  and sign copies of his two books.  Dillard will have advanced copies of his 3rd book, Smart Object Pipeline, due in July.  DSI will be selling both books and take advance orders for the new book.  His fourth book, Black & White Pipeline, will be out in October.

“We are pleased to be working with Dillard” says DSI owner Eric Luden.  “His understanding and skill of both the RAW and Smart Object workflow are critical to how photographers are working today.  His books help our customers produce better files.”  Dillard is working with DSI on his latest book, Black & White Pipeline and will feature the unique printing services and techniques offered at the lab in Belmont.

About Digital Silver Imaging
Digital Silver Imaging is the only North American lab dedicated to true archival b&w silver gelatin printing from digital files or scans.  They do not use any color or inkjet methods to produce customers’ work.  The owner, Eric Luden, has worked in the photographic industry 25 plus years for leading manufacturers such as Kodak, Ilford, and HARMAN technology.

About Ted Dillard
Ted’s career in Photography spans over three decades, from his first work in his grandfather’s darkroom, through his early work for the local newspaper, through 25 years of commercial and advertising work for a national client base.  In the late 1990’s Ted joined Calumet Photographic as Digital Imaging Specialist, and then moved to EP Levine. There he founded the Pixel Institute where he wrote The Digital Imaging Masterclass, which would ultimately be edited (ed: Kara Helmkamp) and published as Raw Pipeline, by Lark Books in May ‘08. His Second book, Color Pipeline came out in Jan ’09.  He is currently the Founder and Manager of Tech Superpowers Professional Imaging Services in Boston.

Wednesday is Gridiron Flow Day @PSW!

Ok… It’s really not, but it should be. The folks at Gridiron have some really cool giveaways planned For Wednesday at the Expo and even everyone following along at home can get in on it! Here’s the scoop…

GridIron Software will be showcasing its new beta product, GridIron Flow, at booth 521 during Photoshop World.

GridIron Flow software allows users to see how all the pieces of a project fit together, in one simple, elegant interface whether they are using tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Apple Final Cut Studio, Microsoft Office or other software. Flow provides a visual map and total understanding of each project being worked on and allows users to track all the components of a project, regardless of where the files are located. With instant access to any file or version needed, users can get a lot more done in a lot less time—without having to do anything differently.

GridIron will be presenting demos of its Flow software, with special tips for Photoshop users, throughout the conference. Plus, they will be giving away a free copy of Flow Every Hour!

But that’s not all… GridIron will also be giving away an iPod Touch to every 50th participant who downloads and tests out the public beta of Flow!

Download the Flow Beta

See what people are saying about Flow