This “East Coast” 2010 Photoshop World was held in Orlando Florida this year. I had the great pleasure of running into Shane and Christina Sauer again; along with their group of 26 9-12th grade kids. Yes, you read that right, 26 high school kids at Photoshop World! I met Shane and Christina Sauer at one of the Photoshop Worlds in Boston a few years back. Their dedication and love for kids made an impression on me.  As most know, kids always have a strong place in my heart along with people that unselfishly help them. It gives me great please to present to Niceville High School a year of SmugMug!

About their Program

The Choice program at Niceville High School gives young students the chance to get their feet wet in IT with a graphic design and digital cinema like no other k-12 program. The thing that separates the NHS Choice program is the experienced faculty and the rigorous curriculums. It’s more like a college environment and strives to find instructors from the industry rather than from the education field. Its that real world knowledge that keeps the students on the cutting edge. In addition the ultimate goal is for students to learn a lifelong skill while earning industry-standard certifications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Final Cut Pro, Motion, CEO, Cisco, CIW, and many more.

Shane and Christina Sauer

Shane and Christina Sauer head up the Digital Media & Cinema program. They are a husband and wife team who honed their skills in New York City and decided to settle down in the Emerald Coast. The Sauer’s teach 9-12 grade students, and strive to expose them to things that most kids would never experience. This is the second year the Sauer’s brought students to Photoshop World. Last year, they took 9 students to PSW in Boston and it was such a motivating and enriching experience, they took 26 kids this year to the Orlando 3-day conference. Not only do students get exposed to the best in the industry, taking classes such as Photography, Lighting, Photoshop, and Motion Graphics, they walk away from PSW refreshed and inspired to make a career out of what they love.

Rather than bring the standard parents as chaperons, the Sauer’s decided to bring former students from last years trip. The PSW alumni have the knowledge of how the conference is organized as well as get a chance to take classes and continue learning themselves. They get much more out of the conference than a parent would. Last year one of the many things that learned at PSW was to create amazing panoramas. The 180 degree shot shows the NHS Digital Media Mac lab, and the 360 degree shot shows the adjoining studio where they film, shoot photography, and have equipment checkout. This year they also built a website where students could send live photos from their mobile devices, and friends and family could watch as NHS CHOICE rocked their way through PSW 2010. Niceville thanks the NAPP & ADOBE for making PSW so much fun and can’t wait for next year!

How they are going to use SmugMug Pro

They are planning on using Smug Mug as an online portfolio for students and as a fundraiser. Students could upload their work and share it with one another, friends and family, other teachers, etc….In addition, they could use this as a fundraiser. Parents and family members would be able to purchase the students artwork. They also think this would be useful for students to share work with one another, it would help with brainstorming, feedback, and improve the overall quality of work that’s produced.

At lunch, Trey was asked about his online photo gallery. He explained it was a custom design from SmugMug and how he  incorporated it into his work-flow. A few weeks later, Trey called and asked if I was willing to have SmugMug donate a ticket to Vacation With Vanelli that would be given away at a contest that Trey was holding . I was excited that he thought enough to include me in his contest and SmugMug to do such a generous thing. Trey wanted to introduce me to Markham Bennett, VP of BizDev for SmugMug. He said he felt we both have a lot in common and together we can brainstorm on a few ideas.

That connection with Markham Bennett made me look like a super hero at Photoshop World in Orlando. (By the way, for those who went to PSW, did you notice I wore a different super hero tee-shirt each day?) SmugMug, through the help of Markham, donated 300 camera straps that were given away to attendees that “Found Vanelli” or was caught doing a good deed. He also arranged for me to give away 3 free SmugMug Pro accounts and one fully custom SmugMug Pro account!

Choosing the lucky attendees wasn’t an easy task. In casual conversations, I would ask what type of work they do and how an online portfolio could help them. Little did they know I was vetting them! I had the great pleasure to award 4 very deserving people with a SmugMug Pro account that they can use in their charitable works. I have created a special SmugMug Spotlight section that will announce each of the winners.

Although I got all the credit and hugs, the real credit goes to Scott Kelby for having Photoshop World that lead me to RC, Scott, Trey and now Markham!

Top 10 Scott Kelby Can

10 Rob H Scott Kelby doesn’t use strobes; the brilliance coming from his mind can illuminate any scenario you may encounter.

9 Rob Sylvan Scott Kelby can save JPGs with lossless compression. None of the data wants to leave the photo.

8 William Beem Scott Kelby doesn’t use VR because he shakes. Everything else around him shakes.

7  chris Scott Kelby naturally sees the world in HDR

6  Alan Hess Scott Kelby doesn’t need to set the White Balance, the light will change to whatever he needs.

5  Michael White Scott Kelby doesn’t use a memory card, the photos store directly in his brain and then are transferred to his compute through thought when he feels like it.

4  Charles Dee Rice Scott Kelby never adjusts his camera’s shutter speed. Time stands still for as long as he leaves the shutter open.

3  Jeff Tamagini Scott Kelby can wirelessly trigger the sun

2  Rebecca Fryer When Scott Kelby does a 360 Panorama he doesn’t use a tripod the world rotates around him.

1  Charles Dee Rice Scott Kelby is the only photographer capable of photographing Chuck Norris delivering a round-house kick… to the camera.

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

I spent less than 5 minutes on this sample. I’ve included the original, (right out of the camera no adjustments), cropped and the Silver Efex versus Adobe’s Black and White adjustment layer.

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.

Camera Gear

• Tripod
• Nikon D300
• Nikon Lens 17 – 55  2.8
• Remote trigger
• Circular polarizing filter

How I got the shots:

I shot at a focal length of 17 mm on aperture priority with an F/stop ranging  from F/11 to F/22.  I kept a low angle using the remote trigger.

What would I do different:

I knelt on cactus needles AGAIN, so either long pants or knee pads. The rock in the Valley if very sharp. I also would have made sure I cleaned my lens and sensor. Ohh and of course arrived a little earlier!

I’ve met many people over the years and have made Lifelong friends.

The very first friend was Scott Kelby himself.  We met when Scott, Rob Kerr, Jim Workman  and a few others were giving a special one day “Money Back Guarantee” seminar on Photoshop. I took the class because I just opened my own Karate studio and the budget was too tight to hire a graphic artist. I remember sitting in a class with about 30 people memorized by Kelby and Kerr. I instinctively kept raising my hand asking questions. They were very patient and answered them. The second one day seminar they made an announcement to hold all questions until the break and then come see the instructor. I was the first one there. After awhile people would ask me to ask questions for them; they were too embarrassed to ask.  Scott started to recognize my face and I could tell it was bittersweet. Happy to see a devoted fan, but dreaded the questions. During one of the breaks Scott and I started talking and the martial arts came up. He mention he helped a martial arts client; who later became his instructor, launch a magazine called NAPMA – National Association of Professional Martial Artists. Not sure how it happen, but the  next one day seminar, Scott said he didn’t realize I was a martial arts master. I told him I hated that term (there is only one master I know). I was glad Scott befriended me as Robert Vanelli not Mr. Vanelli the former champion. It was always hard knowing who your true friends are when you are in the spotlight. He was excited to announce the first Photoshop World. I’ve been attending them ever since.

A connection that landed an unexpected job.

I met Ross Bushong while attending the L.A. Photoshop World in 2002. As usual, I was lost finding the convention. I heard a voice say, “hey the convention is over here, follow me.” From that day on, Ross and I became great friends. Although Ross lives in Washington State, we manage to talk several times a week. We room together when he attends Photoshop Worlds. In 2006 our families finally met as we flew to Washington State to celebrate Thanksgiving together. A few years later Ross asked me if I was interested in working with him on a web site project for a company he worked for; Cadwell Labs. It was a rewarding experience working along side him!

Hanging out with HOLLYWOOD on the set of N.C.I.S.

For those who know Mike Kubeisy knows he is HOLLYWOOD. The number of shows Mike photographs for is too long to post. Just looking at his photo gallery will give you an idea how this man shoots Hollywood! I’ve met Mike over the years at Photoshop World and didn’t realize the extent of his skills. Mike doesn’t brag or rub his success in your face. Watching the gag C.S.I. Photoshop World opening video I commented how the set looked so real. Mike said they actually shot on the set of C.S.I.. I asked how did Kelby manage to pull that off. Mike just smiled and said Scott has friends. Later Scott told me it was Mike’s connections that enabled them to shoot on the set. Mike’s character and core spiritual values make it easy to call him a great friend. His sense of humor and practical jokes makes it easy to call him my brother! Mike phoned one day and asked if I heard what Terry White did for Scott’s birthday. Being the tech gadget-man Terry is, he flew to Scott’s home and spent the weekend connecting gadgets to more gadgets. Mike said his birthday was coming up soon and asked me what I was planning on getting him. He said if I didn’t get him anything yet, how about doing what Terry did for Scott and fly out here. We both laughed and I was on a plane to L.A. the following week. Mike paid for the trip and I had a blast setting up his web site and connecting all of his gadgets. Mike took his boys and me on the set of N.C.I.S.. Watching Mike work was an eye opener for me. The way the man’s mind thinks about the shot and waste no time getting it was a valuable lesson for me. I was just setting up the shot in my head and Mike was already done!  On that trip we also connected with Ben Willmore and did shoot with him. I also was able to meet up with the ever inspiring Vincent Versace. Mike told me after he dropped me off at the airport he text Larry Becker and told him he loved hanging with me but it’s exhausting. He later texted he was rested but he missed Vanelli!

Meet inspirational mentors at the Portfolio Review & The Art of Digital Photography.

The Who’s Who of Photoshop and Photography are the seminar instructors. The best part, they are available for you to talk to for free! Years ago, Scott introduced me to my inspirational mentor, Vincent Versace. Vinny took me aside and reviewed my projects. He was harsh. He looked at my projects and ripped them apart. He said the photography was terrible. I made the mistake of saying I wasn’t a photographer. Back then, I would hire a photographer and I would do the ad layouts. Vinny looked at me with that stern stare and said why are you wasting your time and  mine!  I didn’t know what to do. On the plane ride home, I realized he was telling me to become a photographer! So I did. The next Photoshop World, I approached him and before  I could speak he asked what are you. I replied, “I’m a photographer“. He smiled and said, great show me your stuff. The past Photoshop Worlds not everyone had the unforgettable opportunity to meet their inspirational mentor like I did. Now at Photoshop World you can attend a free portfolio review. Helene Glassman helps organize the portfolio review. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get one-on-one instructive feedback as your portfolio is reviewed by some of the most highly acclaimed professional photographers in the industry today. If you did not register ahead for the portfolio review, you can still attend The Art of Digital Photography. This is a night of pure magic. It’s where some of the world’s leading digital photographers come together, on one stage, for an evening that you’ll be talking about for years.

The Expo and Bonus Classes saved me from a costly mistake.

I love walking around the Expo seeing what’s new in the industry. Chatting with vendors and getting their advice. Many years ago; before desktop publishing became popular, I almost spent a small fortune on a printer that created printing plates. I came across a vendor that told me that technology will soon to be outdated. I thought he was just trying to sell me on his product. I asked around and found he was right. I purchased my first large format printer, an Encad, instead. I saved over $1,500.00 and the embarrassment  of making a financial blunder. Years later, I talked with Epson and HP at the Expo. I compared the two products side by side and was able to make an informative decision on which new large format printer I wanted. Also at the Expo are the bonus classes. These are free classes you can attend in between the seminar classes.

There are many extra benefits from attending Photoshop World, but I will leave you with these for now. I do want to say thank you to Scott Kelby. He has been at the heart of all the opportunities I’ve had. Scott’s unselfishness to share made it possible for me to meet with these talented people.

Peachpit has been publishing top-notch books on the latest in graphic design, desktop publishing, multimedia, Web design and development, digital video, and general computing since 1986. They are sponsoring a special contest for Photoshop World attendees.

The bright lights of…Bakersfield, California are calling your name! Or perhaps it’s Tempe, Arizona. Or Butte, Montana. It’s time to capture the Neon in Your Neighborhood! Quick! Before it’s replaced with energy efficient bulbs. Grab your camera and take a few shots of your favorite local neon signs or art and submit one to flickr.

Your friendly photog authors, David DuChemin and Chris Orwig will pick 20 of their favorites to win a Phantastic Photowalk at the Neon Museum Boneyard in Las Vegas and lead them on a photo adventure that will include many more prizes and a few other great authors to help: Matt Kloskowski, Russell Brown, Frederick Van Johnson, Jeff Revell, Rick McCleary and more!

My talented neighbor, Scott Larson, and I went around Melbourne Florida taking photos of neon signs. Like most cities, neon signs are hard to find. Scott went out the night before scouting locations for our shoot. Here are a few tips from the shoot.

1. Scout ahead for locations
2. Wear a white shirt: I was heading out the door and I realized I was wearing all black. Not a good idea at nighttime. If you have a reflective running shirt that would be a better choice.
3. If people are working where you are shooting, go inside and tell them what you are doing.
4. Tripod, Tripod and….Tripod: The best way to get night shots is by using a tripod.
5. Use a remote trigger for the camera: This will lowers the chance of camera shake.
6. Experiment with a circular polarized filter and your EV mode (exposure value)
7. Shoot in Aperture priority mode using a high F-stop. (Most of our shots were F/11 to F/22)
8. Experiment with moving the camera around or zooming in or out after you press the shutter release. This will give you some interesting effects.
9. Shoot high, shoot low, take shots from all angles.: My tripod enables me to shoot at ground level. I also raised it as high as it could go and shot down.
10. Talk with you partner and give each other advice!

Camera gear: Nikon D300, Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 D lens, Nikon ED 17-55mm f/2.8G IF DX and a circular polarizing filter. Larson had the Moose Peterson’s warm circular polarizing filter.

I had to take this shot for the staff at NAPP. They seem to love Krispy Kreme. We shot at this location for a short time. We really weren’t feeling the creativity. There was a lot of street lights around and cars were coming in and out. I went inside to let the manager know what we were doing. I was tempted to grab a nice hot doughnut but the health freak Larson made a comment that he couldn’t believe the amount of people going in for junk at this time of the night! Wish I brought Reinert, he would have gone in on a few doughnuts!

To get the shot of the logo’s reflection in the window of the truck, I had to raise my tripod as high as it would go. Once I did, I couldn’t see what  I was shooting. I realized the Nikon D300 has live view. I never used it before and I heard it’s a battery killer. After Larson showed me where it was, I fell in love with it. I should add, Nikon is loaning me the D300. I normally shoot with the D200 and D2h. The point I’m making is you should know your equipment before you go out and shoot. I didn’t have the manual with me and it was too dark to see the dials. I was lucky Larson has the D300!

We went onto Checkers! I forgot to tell the manager what we were doing and they came out to inspect us. (Must have been the tripods.) I explained what we were doing and I apologized for not asking permission. She was more than happy to let us shoot. At first we shot in the drive thru and we realized that may not be the best place with the cars coming in from behind us. We moved all around the building and found the front to be the best. My tripod enabled me to lay flat on the ground.

After several traditional shots, I looked over at Larson and saw he had a blurry photo. He said he moved the tripod during the exposure. That gave me an idea. We started to shake the camera on purpose to get a few crazy shots. Back on the tripod, I experimented with long exposures using F/16 and -2 EV (exposure value). This gave me about a 10 sec exposure. After pressing the shutter release, I slowly zoomed my 17-55 in and out. I found that starting at a focal length of 55 and then zooming out to a focal length of 17 showed the logo of Checkers better. Plus it made the words “Order” and “Pick up” jump out of the frame.

I used Lightroom to boost the colors and added a -74 Post Crop Vignette. My goal was to do everything in the camera. I must admit, I did take a safe shot at first; meaning I didn’t move the lens. This gave me a fall back plan if the wild stuff didn’t work. I could have used Photoshop to get similar results, but it is always best to get it right in the camera.