Eyes still twinkle after 53 years

Kevin, a buddy of mine asked if I could help him photograph a Civil Air Patrol Wing command banquet. I figured sure, why not he’s a great guy. You’ll meet him at Photoshop World in Orlando in a few weeks and I’m sure you’ll agree. The only problem, I didn’t realize the event was the night before Vacation with Vanelli in North Carolina!

I rushed to get most of my projects done throughout the week. After packing for both events, I high tailed it to Orlando for the banquet that started at 6pm.. My mind was going a mile a minute thinking of the unfinished projects I had. I also dreaded t he 13.5 hour drive ahead of me that was going to start at 2am. I forced my mind to be still and focused on the event and how I wanted to compose the shots.

I set my lighting, dealt with on location dilemmas and made a few last minute flexible changes. I was feeling a bit like Joe McNally! The point I’m making; lots of chaos!
In the mist of all this turmoil, I spotted this couple looking at each other as if they were on their first date. When he spoke, she just smiled and held his arm tight. He was so proud to introduce her to anyone passing by. The banquet was about to start in 30 minutes so the staff didn’t have time to stop and chat. I was rushing myself. Then I thought of a favorite saying I have hanging on my wall.

“There is always music in the forest, but your heart must be quiet to hear it.”

I smiled at the adoring couple and asked his permission to lead his lovely bride of 52 years to my camera. His face gleamed like a little schoolboy. They stayed with me and posed for several shots as I tweaked my lighting. This was my favorite shot of the night.

When I finished the shoot, I torn down my lighting equipment and took the 1 hour drive back to Melbourne to get ready for my trip to North Carolina. Smiling all the way home, I thanked the big guy for giving me the opportunity to capture a moment in time that will live in my memory and now on my wall.

A good deed and a mystery woman

This is an interesting story I just had to share. It’s all about a good deed and a mystery woman. Why am I including this in a blog post? I’m from the school of thought, everything happens for a reason and the reason results in teachable moments.

On my way home from work, I picked Alec up from youth group where he attends with his girlfriend Cindy. He asked what we were gonna eat. Told him it was up to him to pick and off we drove.

The conversation went back and forth on where we should go and then Mike Kubeisy called. I took the call and without realizing it, ended up at a Chinese restaurant.  Finishing up the conversation in a the parking lot with Mike, Alec said dad you can’t eat here your still sick. I gave him the “just one more minute” look and told Kubeisy I’d call him later tonight. I apologized to Alec for taking the call and interrupting our conversation. Alec said no problem besides he wasn’t really that hungry he was just trying to figure out what I should eat. He took care of me all weekend when I was sick. He said he can make something at home for us. We drove to Publix, our local grocery store.

Heading into the store I noticed a sushi place. I said hey Alec do you see what I see. The smile on his face told me, “Hey I’m not that hungry but I always have room for sushi!“. He’s been eating it since he was 3 years old. Now here’s where the repayment of the good deed comes in. I said lets go!

I figured this would be a good place we can sit and talk; father son bonding time. Plus I’d be gone for a week teaching a workshop. Now the mystery woman enters the story. We see a woman rushing to the sushi door, we jokingly speed up trying to beat her to the door. She’s there way before us. Standing in line we could see she was stressed out. We both joked with her on how fast she sprinted to the door and she deserves to be seated ahead of us. She looked at us, but no comment. She said to the hostess she has been driving back and forth looking for this place and she was a little flustered.  The hostess turns to us and goes to seat us. Walking  to our table, I said to the hostess she was here before us and she needs to be attended to first. Not really understanding, she motioned the woman and she headed back with us. Alec joked and said sure you can eat with us. The woman said I’m sorry I’ve been driving all night and headed back to the front. It was then we realized she was there for take out.

Alec and I had our usual comedy chat about the events of the day. How he thinks it’s funny the waitress hands us a warm wash cloth with tongs. About 10 minutes later the mystery woman walks back in the door. She walks over to us and apoligied for being rude. She explained she just drove in from Texas and was rushing back to bring her son food. Driving away she said she felt bad so she came back. We assured her she wasn’t rude at all and we understood. She gave me a hug and left.

A man sitting alone in the restaurant (yes we offered him to eat with us too) looked over and said unbelievable, how did you do that! Alec chimed back and said yeah he makes it look easy. Then another woman comes in and sits with the guy. He looks and me and said stay away and laughs. As he’s telling his date the story, Alec said what the heck every has girls coming in for them. I know he was wishing Cindy was coming in the door next!

This was a perfect teachable moment! I was able to share with Alec my favorite quote from Stephen Grellet. I read this when I was his age when my mother was sick with cancer. These are the words I wake up to everyday.

I shall pass through this world but once. Any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.

Alec witness me apologize to him for what I felt was rude taking a phone during our conversation and now he witness a mystery woman doing the same. Teachable moments are always around us!

Lightroom Work-flow Enhancing eyes

Part 2 of 4 Lightroom Work-flow, enhancing the eyes. Part 3 will cover  skin soften.

Model Acknowledgment
Dina Pezzimenti
Melbourne, Florida

Model Mayhem # 1040336

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Lightroom Work-flow Removing blemishes

Part 1 of 4 Lightroom Work-flow, how to remove blemishes. Part 2 will cover enhancing the eyes, Part 3 will soften the skin and  the final segment will teach face sculpturing.

Model Acknowledgment
Dina Pezzimenti
Melbourne, Florida

Model Mayhem # 1040336

Read more

Perspective Crop

Perspectives can become distorted when you point a camera upwards to get the whole building in or if you are not quite square on – this is known as keystone distortion. This is a very simple tutorial explaining how to do a perspective crop in Photoshop. I was reminded of this from Trey Ratcliff when he gave a seminar on HDR in Tampa. Keep in mind, the best way to fix perspective distortion is to get it right in the camera. The second best is using Photoshop.

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Photo Walk

Join the Exposure Photographic Art Team on January 9th, 2010  for a free Photo Walk event along the beautiful ocean front area of Indialantic Beach, Florida. We will meet at 4:00 p.m. in the parking lot next to Bizarro’s Pizza on 4th Ave and walk down the beach and through some of the shopping areas along the way. Bring a few dollars in quarters as the parking area does have parking meters. Space is limited, so please sign up in advance.

Get your FREE Photo Walk Ticket by registering today at eventbrite.com.

January 9th, 2010
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Indialantic Beach, Florida

Extra Benefits from Photoshop World

After reading comments from the Roast Scott Kelby gave me, I was reminded why I love going to Photoshop World.

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.

Photoshop World Las Vegas 2009: Getting the Most out of PSW

Photoshop World is my time to be selfish. All year long I help others develop their skills in Photography, Photoshop and yes Martial Arts. When I attend this conference I get to relax and have fun while learning new skills and meeting old and soon to be new friends. I plan my days to get the most of PSW. NAPP host two Photoshop Worlds every year; East Coast and West Coast. I have had the honor to attend all of them (except for 1) since 1998. Most people don’t have the luxury to attend the conference twice a year so selecting classes may be difficult. In my case, the classes I missed on the East Coast, I catch on the West Coast. So, what do you do when you can only attend once a year? I have outlined a few tips and tricks to get the most out of PSW! At the end of this post I have included my itinerary for PSW.

ATTEND A PRE-CON

Pre-cons are a great way to get PSW off to a great start. NAPP works hard to offer a wide range of Pre-Cons for everyone. The only problem; there isn’t room for everyone. Signing up in advance is the only way to ensure you can attend a Pre-Con. If you miss out, you can try to attend a few NON OFFICIAL photo walks that members set up. Terry Reinert has always provided great walks.

PLAN AHEAD AND USE A FRIEND

Scott Kelby and his group has developed a genius plan to organize the classes. The classes are coordinate into “TRACKS”. These tracks let participants select what they want to learn. One pitfall; sometimes you are conflicted on choosing which class to take! This is where friends come in. Plan ahead which classes you both want to take. If there is a conflict, split up and later that day review your notes with each other. If you don’t bring a friend with you, make a friend and do the same. If you have a problem making a friend, come see me and I will loan you one of my friends. (Sorry Terry, you are first on the loaning out list).

TRAVEL LITE

You will receive a Photoshop World conference book. The Alumina affectionately call it “The Phone Book“. The book has notes to ALL the classes. It’s heavy, leave it in your hotel room! Bring a note pad instead. Laptop computers? Nope don’t need them. It’s best just to sit and listen to the instructors. You don’t need to write everything down, that’s what the book is for. Just write brief notes to remind yourself where to look in the book. Sometimes the instructor has something that isn’t in the book and they will tell you to write it down.

SNACKS and WATER BOTTLE

Each room will have water available. Staying  hydrated will keep you focus on the class. Bring a small water bottle and fill it up before the class starts. Healthy snacks will also keep your mind off hunger pains!

BUSINESS CARDS

Business cards are great. One main problem, you will hand out and receive lots of them. Organize them as people give them to you. Write a little note on the card that will help you remember the person who gave it to you. When you return to your  hotel room, add them to your contact list on your phone or computer. Also add any notes you have on them. Organize the new contacts as members of Photoshop World. When you get back home, you can send them a thank you email. Keep in mind most people took a week off to attend Photoshop World. They may be slow to respond. DON’T give your contact information to anyone you don’t want to contact you.

COMFORTABLE SHOES and OUTFIT

I’ve logged over six miles walking back and forth from my hotel room to the convention center and to the classes. Wear shoes that will make your feet love you. It tends to get cold in the seminar rooms. Wear something that will make you feel comfortable while sitting in the classroom.

LOAD PHOTOS ON YOUR iPOD OR PHONE

Load up your iPOD or phone with your best work art. Show them to people who ASK for them or if you need ADVICE on a project. Over showing your photos can turn people off. Judge the people you are with and if they want to see your work, they will ask. Don’t be afraid to ask others if you can see their work. If you see something you like, ask them how they did it.

EAT WITH NEW FRIENDS

During the breaks, have lunch or dinner with new friends that you have met. Share conversation with them.

ATTEND PORTFOLIO REVIEW

As a Photoshop World conference attendee, you’ll have 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. Helene Glassman and the gang donate their time and skills reviewing participants portfolios. The only catch, you have to sign up at least two weeks in advance.

CHECK OUT HELP DESK LIVE!

This is where you go to get your Photoshop questions answered, one-on-one, directly from the Photoshop World instructors themselves. Led by Photoshop author and NAPP’s resident Help Desk guru Peter Bauer, Help Desk Live is open all three days during Expo hall hours of the conference, and located close to the classrooms so you can just walk up and have your Photoshop questions answered in a fun, informal setting. Bring questions you would like answered.

THANK THE STAFF MEMBERS

Most people don’t realize the staff members you see at Photoshop World are actual staff members from Kelby Media. They take turns attending Photoshop World each year. They are there to help make your experience an enjoyable and memorable one. Take time to give them a simple “thank you“. They work long hard days while they are at the convention.

LASTLY, ENJOY YOURSELF

I’m not advocating you become a member of “Ross Bushong’s Classic Class Dodgers”. But after you attend classes and do your homework, take in a few shows, relax by the pool. You deserve it!

VANELLI’S ITINERARY

Tuesday, September 29^th

11:25a-01:25p Arrive in Las Vegas

03:00p-02:00a Free to shoot

Wednesday, September 30^th

06:00a-07:00a Work out

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

09:30p-02:00a Free to shoot

Thursday, October 1^st

06:00a-07:00a Work out

09:00a-10:15a Opening Keynote

10:45a-11:45a Graphic Secrets: Totally Text Lesa Snider

12:00p-01:00p Mastering the New Adjustments & Masks Panels Ben Willmore

01:15p-02:15p Digital Photographer’s Notebook Kevin Ames

02:30p-03:30p Top 20 Shortcuts for Photoshop and Lightroom Julieanne Kost

06:15p-07:15p The Designer’s Lifesavers Jack Davis

08:00p-11:00p Photoshop World After-Hours Party – House of Blues

Friday, October 2^nd

01:00p-05:00p Expo Open

06:00a-07:00a Work out

08:15a-09:15a Lightroom for Wedding Photographers  David Ziser

09:30a-10:30a Real World Camera Raw Jeff Schewe

10:45a-11:45a Concert Photography From Capture To Client Alan Hess

12:00p-01:00p Seeing the Light Jack Reznicki

04:45p-05:45p The Lone Ranger Joe McNally

06:00p-07:00p Lightroom for Landscape & Travel Photography Jack Davis

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

Saturday, October 3^rd

06:00a-07:00a Work out

09:00a-01:00p Expo Open

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

01:00p-02:00p Printing From Lightroom Jeff Schewe

02:15p-03:15p Create Print Layouts in Lightroom Scott Kelby

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

Sunday, October 4^th

Anytime – 11:00a Free to shoot

01:00p – 08:30p Arrive in Orlando

Photoshoot with my favorite cousin

My cousin Robbie (that is Mr. V to the rest of the world. I am familia, plus I am his favorite cousin so he is Robbie to me.) offered to take me on a photo shoot.

Sunday we started off. All is well with the world. We are headed North on the thruway. The sun is shining. It is a beautiful day. But wait… Headed North, isn’t Delray South? Oops! Just a slight miscalculation. A quick U turn and we are on our way. Robbie’s artistic eye is seeing all these wonderful things to photograph. However I don’t think it would be a good idea to slam on the breaks while driving down the thruway, just to take a picture of an old building.

I was so excited to be going on this shoot. My photographic experience is to put my camera on auto, point, and shoot. Just as we pulled into the Japanese gardens it started to pour. My spirits sank. I thought we would have to turn around and just go home. Rob never hesitated. He just muttered a note about bringing rain gear next time.

First thing I learned was how to stand properly. Putting my left foot forward and holding my camera properly greatly reduced camera shake. Then I had a lesson on how to shoot in the aperture mode. Rob’s words. “The higher the f stop the more of the story you will see.” The lower f stop will blur your background . I also learned it is important to take a few pictures. Then take a break and review your pictures. Looking at mine revealed that I had strange white spots on my pictures. The cause was rain drops on my lens. Another lesson learned Always make sure you lens is clean. I also learned how to use the ev button. This allowed me to control the amount of light in my picture. Also it is very important to make sure that your camera is zeroed out. Having the wrong settings will greatly affect the color in the picture.

The last lesson that I learned was to arrive early. Then you have the time to take all the pictures that you want. The guards really don’t enjoy taking you by the collar and throwing you out.

Thank you Rob for a wonderful day. I learned so much!

Layers

This video tutorial gives a quick overview of using layers in Photoshop. Read more

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