Tip #77: From the Seminar

Yesterday, I attended Scott Kelby's "Light It, Shoot It, Retouch It" seminar. Five hundred of us were taught and entertained by Scott and his staff, as Scott went through the steps in the different processes. I learned a good deal about setting up portrait sessions with live models, product shoots, and how to retouch each of the styles. The seminar was balanced between lighting arrangements and the use of Photoshop to retouch and produce the final images. I also learned about tethered shooting and why it is important in the studio -- a two inch screen on the back of a camera is just not large enough to make good lighting decisions. I can definitely recommend attending one of Scott's seminars, if you get the chance.

As with most seminars, there was an opportunity to hear about new products coming to the market to make photo editing chores less tedius. Two vendors jumped out at me. I recomend a visit to both companies' websites.

• onOne Software and their latest product suite, and


• Topaz Labs and their latest offerings.

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Tip #72: More Photographic Training

In previous tips I have described the pros that I follow. I have provided links to their sites, and I have offered up camera maker sites that provide tutorials. I would be remiss in not pointing you to specific sites that I use to learn more about my blossoming craft.

My favorite trainer is Scott Kelby. Scott has blogs and sites that offer free and paid-for instruction. Scott also does nationwide tours. In fact, I am attending his "Light It, Shoot It, Retouch It -- Live" seminar in Austin on Monday. I am sure I will come out of that training with a whole set of skills for which I was previously unaware. I am looking forward to 8 hours with Scott.

• For starters and for free tips try KelbyTV.com


• For more in-depth, but paid-for instruction, try KelbyTraining.com


• And, if you get a chance attend one of his live seminars. I'll have more to say on this topic, next week.

Note to Boss: Yes, I am taking a vacation day.



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Tip #71: Canon Explorers of Light

Here's a link to Canon's online training opportunities.



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Tip #70: Nikon's Learn & Explore

See what Nikon has to teach at Learn & Explore.



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