Midnight Madness recap, what a party! Special thanks to our vendors for giving away killer prizes… SmugMug HoodmanUSA Metal Mural Piqsure onOne Software The Tiffen Company Tether Tools and Animoto

The World Champion David Rogers

David Rogers has reigned as the Oreo King during the Pre-Midnight Madness show for the past several Photoshop Worlds. He was looking to snatch another victory this year in D.C. but, as fate would have it, he is unable to attend this year’s event. Although we considered canceling the Oreo challenge, the out cry from past participants was too much. We decided to let the event continue. David’s undefeated title is up for grabs at the Pre-Midnight Madness Sunday, March 25 at 9:30! 

What is Midnight Madness?

Dubbed as the session for “Photoshop freaks who just can’t sleep,” Photoshop Midnight Madness has become legendary in the world of training conferences. If you’re lucky enough to snag a ticket to this late-night Photoshop love fest , you’re in for a hilarious night of wild surprises, tons of prizes, howls of laughter, and loads of fun.

This night of no-holds-barred Photoshop mayhem is definitely the hottest ticket at the conference – delivering non-stop music, madness, contests, and partying is hosted by the conference ringmaster himself, Scott Kelby.

There are two things we can promise you about Photoshop Midnight Madness:
(1) You’re not going to learn a darn thing about Photoshop, and
(2) You’re going to have an absolute blast doing it! So, if this sounds like your brand of fun, make sure you get your ticket early, then plan to stay up late!

Only 200 tickets are given out for Midnight Madness. Tickets will be given out on Sunday, March 25 at 7:30am, outside of the Expo Hall A.

This Photoshop World I will speak on the Expo floor at the Westcott, onOne, Nik Software, Metal Mural and SmugMug booths on the creation of my Aviator piece.

Each demo / talk will explain how I used these services to streamline my digital workflow.

Metal Mural is also giving away a FREE Vanelli & Friends Bahamas Cruise Photography workshop to one lucky winner!

The Aviator Piece

Wednesday
02:00pm – 02:30pm Demo at the Westscott Booth on lighting the Aviator
03:00pm – 03:30pm  Talk at the Metal Mural Booth on printing the Aviator

Thursday
02:00pm – 02:30pm Demo at the onOne Booth on using onOne’s tools to create the Aviator
03:00pm – 03:30pm Brainstorming at the Metal Mural booth

Friday
10:00am – 10:30am Talk at the SmugMug booth on posting the Aviator piece

Schedule

Tuesday, September 6th

Smugmug has agreed to give away 25 FREE Smugmug Pro Accounts (a $150.00 value) along with other prizes! Simple fill out this form, add a catchy “I love Photoshop World” comment and, most importantly, attach a photo with Vanelli. Enter as often as you like; as long as you have a different photo with Vanelli.

Those following along with us at home are eligible too! If you have an old photo with Vanelli or if you get creative with Photoshop and add yourself standing next to Vanelli, you can win too!

[form 5 "VPSW"]

We are the reason Vanelli Loves Photoshop World!

Photoshop World offers many “can’t miss” classes. The only problem; you can’t attend two classes at the same time! In the past I found myself torn between which class I should take. My decision would be based on how well the instructor wrote their notes. The only problem, you didn’t know if an instructor had their notes in the book or if you had to download them from the web. Now we have access to the new digital workbook before Photoshop World even starts!

My advice; pick your classes ahead of time. If you are torn between a class that is offered at the same time, look at the class material. If you still can’t decide,  get with friends at breakfast and have each one attend a different class. Meet later to share your notes and to answer each other’s questions.

Use the workbook as a resource. It’s a good idea to skim through the class material before you attend it. This will enable you to focus on the instructor and it gives your mind a chance to think how you can apply the new techniques to your current or future projects.

Be ready to take notes on tips or web sites an instructor may mention. When an instructor drops a name, it’s a good idea for you to look up the person they mention. Usually it’s someone who has inspired them!

Last, each night review your notes and make a plan to apply at least one technique on a current or future project when you get home.

Most of all, enjoy yourself!

Vanelli’s Photoshop World 2011 Itinerary

Last Photoshop World in Las Vegas, I attended the Real World Concert Photography Pre-con, taught by the talented Alan Hess & Scott Diussa. I must admit, guilt forced me to make the switch.

I’ve attended almost every NAPP Photo Safari with the masters Joe McNally & Moose Peterson since it was offered at Photoshop World. I was planning on taking it again until I ran into a fellow Photoshop World Alumni. I was excited about the safari and she sadly looked at me and said for years she has been trying to get into the safari but it’s always sold out. I hesitated to swap with her until I felt my mother’s presents in the form of Italian guilt!

The class was amazing. We started off with the Duo showing their award winning shots and explaining the pros and cons of being a concert photographer. Now, I don’t have any intension of being a concert photographer, but learning to shoot better in low level light intrigued me. I wanted to learn what I could have done better when I found myself at one of Alec’s basketball games  in a poorly lit gymnasium or at one of his school plays when he was a kid. I struggled to get a shot without using flash. I was hoping to learn their expert tips and I wasn’t disappointed.

During the second half of the class, we had the chance to put our new knowledge to the test. We were treated to Scott Kelby and the band! We got to hear great music and take shots. I must admit, I thought Hess and Diussa had a pretty easy job until my self inflicted stress kicked in. I wanted to pretend I was on assignment and I had to get these shots or no pay day. The band was only going to play a few songs and we had to snap an award winning shot. Sounded easy until you had to compete with other photogs doing the same thing. Everyone was having a blast and a great time, except I was sweating bullets. At one point I tried to convince myself I didn’t have to pressure myself like this, but I stuck to the plan. I’m glad I did.

After the class, we were told we needed to submit our best photo before 11pm. I thought I had plenty of time. I was committed to making a few appearances and make my rounds at the Photoshop World pre-parties. Life was good until I ran into Alan at the last party of the night. He asked me where my photo was and I told him I have time, it’s not due until 11:30pm. He smiled and said you mean 11pm. The stress started to build again. I only had 20 minutes to run back to my room , pick the shot and upload it. I said you couldn’t find it in your heart to give me an extension could you? His grin was even bigger when he said what do you think. I took off fast and made it to my room only to realize I didn’t have Photoshop installed on my netbook. I pulled up Lightroom picked my shot did a quick edit and uploaded it. I made it with 2 minutes to spare!

The next day, Alan said he got my photo just under the deadline, but why didn’t I color correct it. In my rush, I sent him the raw file without the adjustments! So what did I actually learn taking the pre-con class, other than Hess and Diussa have an extremely stressful but rewarding job? I learned to approach low level light with a new set of tools!

More information on the  Real World Concert Photography Pre-con can be found on the Photoshop World’s web site.

Image information.

NIKON D300
f/stop 2.8 @ 1/100 ISO between 1600 – 3200
70-200 VR

Tuesday, March 29th

01:00pm – 05:00pm Real World Concert Photography with Alan Hess & Scott Diussa

Wednesday, March 30th

01:00p-06:00p  Expo Open
01:30p-04:30p PORTFOLIO REVIEWS
08:00p-11:00p Photoshop World After-Hours Party @ B.B. King’s Blues Club

09:00a-10:15a  Opening Ceremony & Keynote
10:45a-11:45a  Customizing Photoshop with Dave Cross
12:00p-01:00p  Extracting Hair In Photoshop CS5 with Ben Willmore
01:30p-02:30p Kelby Training Theater Bonus Class #1
02:45p–03:45p Kelby Training Theater Bonus Class #2
03:45p–04:45p Design & Composition with Joe Glyda
06:15p-07:15p  Lightroom for Wedding/Portrait Photographers with David Ziser

Thursday, March 31st

01:00p-05:00p Expo Open
01:00p-05:00p NAPP Help Desk Live
07:15p-09:15p The Art of Digital Photography
10:00p-12:00a Midnight Madness hosted by Scott Kelby

08:15a-09:15a Animal Portrait Painting with Fay Sirkis
09:30a-10:30a Develop Module Boot Camp in Lightroom 3 with Kevin Ames
10:45a-11:45a One-Light Lighting! with Jack Reznicki
12:00p-01:00p  Lighting Techniques in Still Life Photography with Jim DiVitale
02:45p-03:45p PhotoshopUser TV with Scott Kelby
04:45p-05:45p  Skin, Skin, Skin! with Katrin Eismann

Friday, April 1st

09:00a-01:00p Expo Open
09:00a-01:00p NAPP Help Desk Live

08:15a-09:15a The Wonders of Camera RAW & Smart Objects with Russell Brown
09:15a-10:15a Building a Successful Portfolio with Helene Glassman
11:00a-12:00p 10 Ways to Make Lightroom Work for You with Julieanne Kost
01:00p-02:00p Get Inspired… and Get The Shot! with Frank Doorhof
02:15p-03:15p More Fantasy Portraits: Smoke, Mirrors & Photoshop with Kevin Ames
03:45p-04:45p Conference Wrap-up & Giveaways

I admit, I’m spoiled by getting to attend Photoshop World twice a year. But that still doesn’t make it easy to select my classes!

Tuesday, March 23rd

12:00p-09:00p NAPP Photo Safari with Moose Peterson & Joe McNally

Wednesday, March 24^th

01:00p-06:00p  Expo Open

08:00p-11:00p  Photoshop World After-Hours Party – BB King

09:00a-10:15a  Opening Ceremony & Keynote

10:45a-11:45a My Favorite Photoshop Tips & Techniques with Russell Brown

12:00p-01:00p  Many Uses of a White Seamless Background with Zack Arias

02:30p-03:30p  Mastering HDR Photography with Matt Kloskowski

06:15p-07:15p  The Lazarus Effect: Raising the Dead Pixel with Vincent Versace

Thursday, March 25^th

01:00p-05:00p  Expo Open

07:15p-09:15p  The Art of Digital Photography

10:00p-12:00a  Midnight Madness hosted by Scott Kelby

08:15a-09:15a  Real World Image Sharpening with Jeff Schewe

09:30a-10:30a  Photoshop for Video with Richard Harrington

10:45a-11:45a  Designing With Type 2010 with Scott Kelby

12:00p-01:00p  Photoshop Restoration with Matt Kloskowski

04:45p-05:45p  Bringing Out the Big Guns with Joe McNally

Friday, March 26^th

09:00a-01:00p  Expo Open

11:00a-12:00p  Practical B&W Conversion for the Common User with Vincent Versace

01:00p-02:00p  The Perfect Panoramic With Photomerge with Jim DiVitale

02:15p-03:15p  One Light for Real People with Jack Reznicki

03:45p-04:45p  Conference Wrap-up & Giveaways

Think in terms of global and local change. When you make a global change, you effect both the camera and the flash. When you make a local change, it effects the camera or flash separately. The example I’m giving is aperture priority mode using f/8 with an off camera SB 800 flash set to remote and TTL (through the lens). The camera sees the scene and  exposes it correctly with the proper shutter speed. It then sends a signal to the flash and tells it how much light it needs. This is seamless and yields great results using an auto mode.When you want to be creative this is where we make the camera dance with the flash. Dialing the camera with a -2 EV (exposure value) will trick the camera into underexposing the scene by adjusting the camera and flash equally. The dance begins when you adjust the TTL flash by adding a +1. Now you made a local change to the flash that will effect the power of it. A great example is found in Joe’s new book, “The Hot Shoe Diaries“. Look for cowboy Chris standing in front of a barn.

We then boarded two buses and headed to our ghost town. The bus ride is always informative. I had the pleasure of sitting with Drew Gurian, Joe McNally’s assistant. Drew’s knowledge on lighting and skills as a shooter are amazing. Joe answered people’s questions and gave advice on how to capture the ghost town. When we arrived, we were set free to shoot on our own for a few hours. Joe and Moose were always in range to answer any questions. As an added bonus, Laurie Excell and Sharon Peterson were also on hand to answer questions. I was extremely impressed with their wealth of knowledge. They definitely have emerged from the legendary shadow that Moose cast. Before the class split into two groups, Adorama‘s very own Jeffrey Snyder captivated the crowd as he gave pointers on how to shoot a moving subject with flash. I’ve known of  Jeffrey as the Pro Service Account Executive for Adorama, but I had no idea he was a great shooter. He was motivating and inspirational as he pumped up the crowd. Then Joe and Moose took their group and gave a lesson on flash photography. When we finished, we boarded the buses again and headed home. It was great hearing fellow participants share their adventure!

We arrived back around 8:00 p.m., just in time to attend the Tweeter meet up at the House of Blues. At first, Larson thought there was going to be dead silence as tweeters sat and text each other instead of speaking. Just kidding! It was great putting faces to people that you have only met through text.