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.