How Does He Do It? In Camera or In Photoshop?

I ran across Patrick Hoelck's brilliant photography portfolio after I saw it discussed (OK, debated) in an online forum (I wish I could remember which one). I really, really like his style, but beyond his cool photography, what peaked my interest was how the forum participants were arguing back and forth about whether his "look" comes from his technique in camera, or after the fact in Photshop. Now, as a guy who really loves Photoshop, I have great respect for him either way (because digital photography in the 21st century is two things; the photography and the processing in Photoshop), so if he's getting this look in Photoshop, all I can say is "Please teach it to me!" If he's doing it all with lighting (as apparently he is quoted in a magazine article), then all I can say is "Please teach it to me!" Either way; take a look at his cool images and see what you think (and post your comments as to whether you think it's mostly done: "In the Lighting" or "Later In Photoshop").

Be The First To Get My All New "Lightroom Book for Digital Photographers"

Now that Adobe has officially announced Lightroom Verison 1.0 (see the next post down), I've just finished wrapping up my new book, "The Lightroom Book for Digital Photographers," which has the exact same layout and style as my "Photoshop CS2 Book for Digital Photographers," where it takes you through the whole process step-by-step, from importing, thru sorting, developing your raw, JPEG, and TIFF images, all the way through printing the final image (and there's an entire section just on using Lightroom with Photoshop; where Photoshop fits it, and when and where to use it).

NOTE: if you purchased the pre-release eBook version of this book (the online downloadable PDF version, based on the public Beta release of Lightroom), you'll be happy to know that I basically rewrote the entire book from scratch for this final print edition, with all new content, photos, new chapters. What I'm most excited about are the last two chapters, which I added for the print version, which take you step-by-step through two real working photography projects; a wedding shoot (where we start with a live bridal portrait shot on location at the church) and it takes you through the entire process, including importing, sorting, the inital client presentation in your studio, having the client proof shots online, all the way to actually printing the final 16x20 formal print for framing. The second chapter follows a different step-by-step workflow, from the live shoot to print, of a outdoor/landscape photo shoot. This two chapters pull it all together in a way I've never seen illustrated like this before,and I can't wait to share it with you.


You can order it now, and be the very first to get this new book, from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com, or wherever books are sold.

Also, I'm doing something completely different next week, as I'm teaching a two-day hands-on Lightroom Workshop at the Digital Technology Centre in Sarasota, Flordia, and if you want to learn the future of the professional digital photography workflow, I hope you'll join me (the class is limited to 20 people, and there are just a few seats left). You can find out more, and reserve your spot by CLICKING HERE. I hope to see you there! (By the way, if you sign-up for my workshop, make sure you bring your camera, because this is totally hands-on, and we'll be doing the whole process live, from capture to output).

See Lightroon Version 1.0 in Action at NAPP's New Lightroom Learning Center

On the heels of Adobe's announcement this morning of Lightroom Verison 1.0, which is packed with new features not included in the previous public beta, we (NAPP) have launched a totally new, fully updated Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Learning Center with all the latest info on this amazing new tool for the professional digital photography workflow. Here's what you'll find there:

• Video tutorials from "The Photoshop Guys" *Me, Matt, Dave, and the "Lad" Corey Barker"
• A "Live on location" report video interview from Adobe's Headquarters, with Lightroom Product Manager Tom Hogarty
• A "Quick Finder" with the offical pricing, ship date, hardware specs, and more
• I wrote a feature story on my 10 favorite new features added since the last Public Beta was released
• I also wrote an FAQ (from my point of view), on how Lightroom fits in with Photoshop, and when you should use which
• Plus direct links to all the latest news and info

Of course, there are special extended videos exclusively for NAPP members, that are not available to the public. Check out this totally new learning center by CLICKING HERE.

Fascinating Interview with "The Father of Lightroom," Mark Hamburg, and other cool Lightroom Stuff

There's a great interview with Mark Hamburg, the "father" of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, over at since1968.com, and it not only shares some interesting insights into Lightroom's development, but it also dispells some rumors and speculation. This is only part I of the interview, and part II is coming soon. Check it out by clicking here.

Also, if you're into the history, evolution, and development of Lightroom, don't miss the Lightroom Podcast from Adobe's own photographic evangelist, George Jardine. His discussions, which include a who's who from Lightroom's development team, are always interesting and fun, and give you a different, insider perspective. You can find it right here.

And of course, don't miss my buddy Matt Kloskowski's hugely popular Lightroom Killer Tips weekly video podcast, where each week he shares a Lightroom step-by-step tutorial, tip, or cool trick, plus his blog is a must-see because of all the extra content he adds there as well.

The Other Side of Dave Cross

On the heels of yesterday's post, talking about my buddy Dave Cross's photography workshop coming up in April, Jason Moore over at the Photoshop and Photography Blogroll posted a really nice interview with Dave that gives you a great look into the man behind "the Canadian Photoshop legend." A very nice read, and although I've known day for years, even I learned some new things about him (for example, I never knew Dave spent time in a maximum security federal penitentiary, or that he once held the Canadian title for "All Nude Clogging Champion--Males 25-40 Division"). Check it out right here.

My Great Smokie Mountains Workshop is Now Sold Out....but....

.....the week after my workshop, my buddy and Photoshop TV Co-host Dave Cross, will be heading up another Great American Photography Workshop (GAPW) on April 18-22nd in one of my favorite shooting locations: Zion National Park and Bryce Canon in Utah. These are just amazing shooting locations, and you'll find some incredible opportunites to capture some shots of a lifetime. Plus, if you've never been lucky enough to attend one of Dave's Photoshop Sessions, he is a brilliant teacher with a real gift for making Photoshop fun and accessable. So, not only will you be shooting right alongside Dave (by the way; Dave is a passionate photographer, so don't be surprised if he tries to kiss you), you'll also be learning his latest Photoshop workflow techniques for photographers, and he's got some really great stuff to share. Best of all, these workshops are limited to only 20 people, so you'll get plenty of one-on-one time (both shootin' and Photoshopin'), and you'll learn, laugh, and bring back some shots that are astounding! These workshops are selling out months in advance, so if you want to find out more, or reserve one of those spots so you don't miss out, go to the Great American Photography Workshop's Website, at Gapweb.com.

Photoshop World for Photographers

By now I'm sure you know, Photoshop World (NAPP's annual convention and the world's largest Photoshop training event) is coming to Boston on April 4-6, at the Hynes Convention Center. But if you haven't been to Photoshop World in a few years (or ever for that matter), you might not realize that it has grown to include a photography component that isn't just Photoshop training.

For example, did you know that we have a full track on just professional lighting techniques, where you see some of the best in the business setting up and lighting everything from commercial product shots, to portrait lighting techniques, to even how to professionally light shots of food from one of Kraft food's own in-house experts.

Beyond that, we have an entire track dedicated to the inspirational side of photography, featuring the amazing images and insights of legends like Joe McNally, Jay Maisel, and George Lepp (among others). Or imagine how much you'd get out of having some of the nation's top photographers spend one-on-one time with you, reviewing your portfolio and sharing their ideas to make it even better. How much would that be worth to your career? (that amazing opportunity is free to Photoshop World attendees, by the way).

Or how about the most talked about event at Photoshop World--the after hours "Creative Side of Digital Photography" where you'll spend an evening seeing the work, and hearing about the creativity that goes into the images that change our world, hosted by a panel of today's most brilliant photographic artists.

Also, if you bring your camera to Photoshop World, we have pre-conference photography workshops that include our live on-location photo safari, and Canon's hands-on live photo studio photo shoot, or one of a half dozen shooting opportunities right on the expo show floor.

If you're interested in the future of the digital photography workflow, in Boston we've added an entire track for photographers dedicated to teaching the new workflow using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, and how to it with Photoshop CS2/CS3.

Anyway, I just wanted to give you a peek into a part of Photoshop World that has grown, matured, and expanded during the past few years, and if you're a photographer I wanted to make sure you were aware of this "other side" of the event.

As a NAPP member you already get $100 off the non-member price, plus if you register now, before the early bird registration cut-off date, you save another $100. If you've been to any previous Photoshop World, you get an additional $50 off as an Alumni discount (so, you could get your full conference pass for $349, which is just an insane bargain, and makes it the most affordable conference of its kind anywhere).

You can find out more at photoshopworld.com, including the list of who's on this year's "Photoshop World Instructor Dream Team," you can check out the full conference schedule, plus you can take advantage of our airline and hotel discounts exclusively for conference attendees. Hope I get to see you in Boston! :-)

From Last Week's Portrait Shoot

I took this shot last week of Debbie (our seminar tour team leader), and her adorable daughter Jenna. It was taken in the living room of their home, using a combination of natural northern night (coming through a front window), one softbox, and one reflector. The background behind them looks like a backdrop, but it's actually the lid of their baby grand piano, and the flowers were on an end table next to the chair they were sitting on. Here are the details behind the shot:

I metered the natual ambient light in the room (using a Sekonic L-358 Flash Meter), but it was fairly dark inside the house, so I added a Photogenic Studio Strobe, with a pretty large Chimera 3'x4'softbox (with the internal diffusion panel attached inside to soften the light even more), mounted on a Bogen/Monfrotto light stand. I to pick up some what little Ambient light there was, so in Manual mode I chose a shutter speed of 1/15 of a second. I also powered down the intensity of the strobe so it didn't overpower the natural light already in the room.

I moved the softbox as close to the subject's as I could without letting it be seen in the frame (the closer you get that softbox, the softer and more wrapping the light will be). I used a PocketWizard II Plus to wireless trigger the strobe.

I then positioned a silver reflector on the other side to fill in the shadows on the opposite side of their faces. Once again, I positioned this reflector as close to them as possible without seeing it in the frame (I normally use the gold side of the reflector to add warmth, but Debbie has such tan skin that I was afraid I would make her skin look too dark). The ISO was set at 200, and I set the Aperture at f/11 because I needed enough depth of field to make certain they would both be in focus, even though they were posing one behind the other. The photo was taken with a Nikon D200, using a Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR lens, set at 90mm.

Here's another

Click on the photo for a larger version.

Last one

Click on the photo for a larger version.

Lame Excuse #17 For Not Blogging Yet

Hi. Sorry I haven't posted anything yet today---I took Friday, Sat. and Sun off and took my wife to Las Vegas for the weekend just to relax and have fun, and (are you ready for this?), I didn't take my computer. That's right---no email, no wireless, no nuthin. I read a book on the plane (which I found is a nice change from writing a book on a plane), so I just got in the office, and I have no idea what has been happening the "Photoshop Land," but as soon as I do (which I can't swear will be today), I'll post something here. So, that's it---my latest lame excuse for not having a post ready this morning. Hey, in a semi-related story: I only lost $35 total on the trip. In terms of gambling in Vegas, that's like being up $250. ;-)

Fascinating Before/After Retouching Page

My buddy Jeff Revell turned me on to this Canadian site from professional photo retoucher Christiane Beaulieu, which features 30 before/after retouching examples that are really fascinating. On this site, the before/afters are done using Flash, and although the navigation takes a little getting used to, the examples are definitely worth seeing. Check it out by clicking here. Thanks to Jeff for the tip. :)

Only 2 Slots Left in Matt's Santa Fe Workshop

There are only two slots left in Matt's week-long "Advanced Photoshop for Photographers" workshop, (Feb. 18-24, 2007) at the renown Santa Fe Workshops, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I've seen Matt's outline for his class, and it's going to be amazing. You'll be out in some just beautiful locales, shooting right alongside Matt, then Matt will show you, step-by-step, how to take those shots through a professional digital photography workflow. This is going to be a career-changing week, plus this is the only week-long workshop Matt will be teaching this year, so if you want to spend an amazing week learning from one of the best Photoshop trainers/photographer's out there, then don't miss this chance. Grab one of those two last slots right away by either calling the "Santa Fe Workshops" at (505) 983-1400 or sign-up online at http://www.sfworkshop.com/digital/detail06.cfm?id=mkfeb07

Free Mac OS X Tiger Killer TIps

Once a week, Apple Computer sends out an email to their pro-users, and in each week's email is a tip from my "Mac OS X Tiger Killer Tips Book," and if you haven't been getting Apple's email, you can still get these tips, as Apple archives the tips at http://www.apple.com/pro/tips/ (of course, you could always buy the book [hint, hint], and get literally hundreds of tips, but hey...there's nothing wrong with getting a few freebies, right). :-)

Joe McNally is......Everywhere!

Here's an update on Joe McNally (one of my all-time favorite photographers): First, PPA's wonderful Professional Photographer magazine did a feature story on Joe (called "Regular Joe: Tales from a guy who gets the job done" [by Stephanie Boozer], that was just brilliant. It features some great images from Joe's work, along with a fascinating profile/interview. Best of all, if you don't get "Professional Photographer" you can read the PDF of it online, by clicking here.

Also, there's a great article over at RobGalbraith.com on Joe "Shooting the D1X for National Geographic." It's really a fascinating look at a moment in digital photography history, as it recounts how Joe shot a groudbreaking cover the magazine (I won't spoil it by telling you which cover it was---you'll see when you read the article), but it's definitely worth a read. You'll find it by clicking here.

Lastly, just in case you missed this post back in September, Joe is profiled on Apple.com, and not only is the story great, you get to see some more of Joe's work. You'll find it at http://www.apple.com/pro/profiles/mcnally/

Photo Gallery From Bruce Fraser Tribute

Andrew Rodney (who was kind enough to lend me one of his images last week for my article on Bruce Fraser's tribute) has posted a great gallery of images from the tribute, held in San Francisco. If you couldn't make it, check out the photos from this wonderful celebration of Bruce's life and career.

Also, if you haven't yet, make it a point to stop by the "Bruce Fraser Legacy Site," put together by his friend, and legendary landscape photographer Stephen Johnson.

Catch my interview on The Photoshop & Photography Blogroll

I did an in-depth interview last week with NAPP member Jason Moore over at "The Photoshop & Photography Blogroll, and it's now up online (here's the link). I really enjoyed the interview because Jason asked some different and intriguing questions, and that made it fun (and it really made me think). Besides my interview: Jason has a great site (and he's one heck of a photographer, so make sure you check out his portfolio [under his Links section on the right side] while you're there).

A Night to Remember

Here's a shot taken during my speech at Bruce Fraser's gala tribute and industry celebration (photo courtesy of Andrew Rodney), which took place on Wednesday evening. Lara Baca, and the event's coordinators, put together a wonderful evening filled with words, photos, videos, and music along with some heartwarming, touching, and often humorous accounts of life and laughter with such an amazing, and beloved icon in our industry. The evening was hosted by Graham Nash, and featured live Scottish bagpipes, and a group toast to Bruce with Bruce's favorite Single-Malt Scotch. It was really heartwarming to see the outporing of love and admiration for Bruce, from both the speakers and packed house of friends and well-wishers.

Live Shoot at Macworld Expo

Here's a look at my session today at Peachpit Press's booth at Macworld Expo in San Francisco (click on the image for a larger version--photo by Dave Moser). This picks up where I left off yesterday: I started with an empty stage area, and when the class started I set up the two lightstands, one SB-800, and a diffuser on a lightstand (shown in the far right photo) and did a live shoot (that's Sarah in the photo: she worked for the AV company running the sound in the theater for Peachpit, and I asked her, and Scott Cowlin [shown in yesterday's post] to pose for our live shoot, and she was just wonderful). Then I took the photos in the new Adobe Bridge 2.0, where we sorted the photos (and looked at some of my favorite new features), then we took the images in Photoshop CS3 for finishing. Thanks so much to everyone who came out to see my sessions. I met so many NAPP members, and people who watch Photoshop TV--it was just a blast! )

Darkroom: The story behind the name

I was speaking at Macworld Expo this week, and I had some people asking about our launch of Darkroom magazine (the how-to magazine for Adobe Lightroom), and one of the things they asked was "What's the story behind the name?" We chose it for four reasons:

(1) The obvious play on words; since the product's called Lightroom, and it's key component is the Develop module, we thought this name did a good job of combining both.

(2) there are legal reasons we couldn't use Lightroom in our name (so Lightroom User was out).

(3) We fell that today's darkroom is the computer. It's a digital darkroom for sure (couldn't use that name for legal reasons either), but a darkroom nonetheless, so we felt it worked on that level.

(4) We just liked it. The first time it was brought up in a brainstorming meeting, everybody said "That's it!" Luckily, we've had a great response on the name so far (most people instantly "get it"), and the initial response to the launch, both from the industry and from NAPP members, has been just incredibly positive. Thanks so much for all your kind words, and I can't get to get that first issue in your hands.

My Sessions at Macworld Expo

I'm out in San Francisco today for Bruce's tribute. My book publisher, Peachpit Press, has a booth on the show floor, so they snagged me for a session late yesterday afternoon, where I set-up and took the shot above (that's Peachpit's Marketing Manager Scott Cowlin) right on the show floor, at the end of my session.

I set up one Nikon SB-800 flash mounted on a Bogen/Monfrotto light stand using a Bogen "Justin Clamp," which features flash shoe mounted on a ball head, so you can position it anywhere you want it. It's really quite brilliant.

Then I set up a second stand with a Lastolite tri-grip diffuser (again, attached with a Justin Clamp), and I positioned the wireless flash so it would fire through the diffuser to spread and soften the light. Luckily, the pipe and drape in Peachpit's booth was black, so I positioned Scott Cowlin about 6 feet in front of those drapes. The whole set-up took about 3 minutes, thanks to the SB-800's built-in wireless capabilities (works with every Nikon from a D70 on up).

By the way: I'm doing another session today at 1:00 pm, where I'll be doing that same shoot, and setting it up from scratch in front of the audience, then we'll take the results into the new Adobe Bridge and Photoshop CS3 for a step-by-step digital photography workflow class. If you're out this way, stop by and catch it, at the Peachpit Press booth.

In other Macworld News: The iPhone Apple introduced yesterday will just amazing! Read Terry's White's on scene report (he was at Steve Job's keynote) and he's got some great insights. :)

Shot This Last Week

When you see it's a photo of a Tiger, it makes the headline sound really bad, but I shot it in the photography sense. I got the shot thanks to my buddy Rod who arranged a private sunrise tour of "Big Cat Rescue" in Tampa (a great non-profit organization that has created a sanctuary for big cats who are in retirement), so we could get good light and access to areas the public wouldn't normally have. This shot was taken with a Nikon D200, using a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens mounted on a tripod, but with a 1.4 extender on the lens to get in even closer.

Want to Learn Adobe Lightroom Hands On? Then Join Me in Sarasota Next Month For My Workshop

If you want to start using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom today, and kicking your digital photography workflow into high gear, then come to my two-day hands-on workshop, on Feb 5-6, 2007 at the Digital Technology Centre in Sarasota, Florida. I'm going to take you through the entire process, starting with a live shoot, and then taking you step-by-step through the entire workflow process (including its integration with Photoshop CS2, where we'll be working as well), and at the end of that two-day course you'll be a total Lightroom shark (and totally hooked on your fast new workflow). The facility is absolutely first-rate, and it's a small intimate group (I think it's limited to the first 20 people who sign up). For more info, and/or to sign up, visit this link. Hope to see you there!

Bruce Fraser Tribute on Wednesday at Macworld Expo

I'm heading out to San Francisco tomorrow morning for a memorial tribute to beloved digital imaging legend Bruce Fraser. Larry Baca and Bruce's close friends at Pixel Genius, LLC have put together a really wonderful celebration of Bruce's life and career to be held on Wednesday at Macworld Expo. If you're heading out that way, I encourage you to attend and join in honoring someone who has given so much to our industry. The full details, and how to get your entry pass to the tribute, are at PhotoshopNews.com

Predicting the Near Future of Digital Photography

I ran across this article last night where the writer, Mason Resnick, had a list of ten predictions for things that are right around the corner in the digital photography industry. I guess one reason I thought it was so interesting, is that I agree with so many of his predictions (especially #9). If you've got a sec, jump over at check out this article at the Adorama News Desk (the article isn't long, and it's a nice quick read).

Announcing "Darkroom Magazine" The How-To Magazine for Lightroom Users

I'm really excited to announce that we're launching a brand new magazine called "Darkroom," which is a magazine totally dedicated to teaching Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, and how to use Lightroom together with Photoshop CS2/CS3 for a professional photography workflow.

Here's the best news: As a NAPP member, you'll get each issue of this new magazine for free along with your regular Photoshop User magazine. The Public will be able to buy a subscription to Darkroom, but only the downloadable online version---not the printed version.

I'll be leading this new magazine as Editor and Publisher (which will follow as similar style and format as Photoshop User magazine), and joining me will be contributing editors Dave Cross, Matt Kloskowski, and Corey Barker along with articles, tutorials,and tips from some of the leading experts on this amazing new workflow application. The first issue is already in production and will be available as soon as Adobe ships Lightroom Version 1.0.

So, that's the scoop. You can find out more info at the magazine's official Website at DarkroomMagazine.com

UPDATE: Yosemite Workshop I Mentioned On Monday Now Sold Out

The DLWS Workshop I mentioned on Monday is now already sold out, so if you want to join me (and renown landscape photographer Bill Fortney) on April 11-15, 2007 for the GAPW workshop in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park (there's only 20 participants), I would secure your spot today at www.gapweb.com. Hope we'll be shooting together there!

2.4 Million Downloads for Photoshop TV in The Month Of December!

Whoo Hoo! We've hit a new milestone, as Photoshop TV was downloaded more than 2.4 million times in the month of December! Thanks to everyone around the world who watches the show, and thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help us bring the show to you. Also, I also want to thank my co-hosts Matt and Dave (and Corey, The Photoshop Lad"), along with our Executive Producer Pamela Hennessy, who make doing Photoshop TV such a blast!!!! :-)

P.S. I hope you caught last-week's show, because I did an on-scene report from B&H Photo's store in New York City. If you've never been to B&H, this video clip will make you plan your family vacation in NYC!!

You're Invited to Come Shooting With Me in Yosemite Next Month, and the Great Smokey Mountains Nat'l Park in April

YOSMITE: Imagine this: we get up early for a dawn shoot in spectacular snow-covered Yosmite. After our shoot, we head for an incredible breakfast at spot that's a favorite with the locals, then after lunch we head to the Lodge where you'll learn the latest Photoshop digital photography workflow techniques from me, legendary nature photographer Moose Peterson, and the wonderful Laurie "The Equipment Lady" Excel (NAPP's own Camera equipment guru and Photoshop shark). Plus, you'll learn flash lighting techniques from the absolute master of flash, the brilliant Joe McNally. Then, before dusk we head out for another shoot, in the beautiful golden light. But you don't have to imageine it---you can be there, shooting right along aside me, Moose, Laurie, and Joe at the Digital Landscape Workshop Series (DWLS), which runs from Feb. 25-28, 2007. But, it's limited to just 30 people, so get more info, and secure your spot today at DWLS Web Site or by calling 760.924.8632 (M-F, 9am-5pm PST).

GREAT SMOKIE MOUNTAINS: If you can't make it to Yosmite, then you're invited to come join me in this spring, in the beautiful Smokey Mountains National Park in Tennessee, where you'll be shooting in some of the most beautiful locations in North America, alongside me and one of my all-time favorite landscape photographers and instructors, Bill Fortney. We'll be shooting in the perfect light, and learning step-by-step Photoshop techniques when it's not, and it will be an experience that will change the way you shoot, and work in Photoshop, forever! This workshop, produced by the "Great American Photography Workshops,"is limited to only 20 participants, and space is VERY limited (only 20 participants), so if you want to join me on April 11-15, 2007, secure your spot today by calling 866-747-GAPW or check out the full workshop info on the GAPW web site.

If you've never been to a workshop like this, ask anyone who's been: there's nothing like learning by doing, and having access to these amazing photographers will teach you more in four days than you've learned in years. I hope you and I will be shooting out there soon. See you there! :-)