Start to Finish Episode 2 Ideas
Rob and I are in the process of developing Episode 2 of the Start to Finish Photoshop and Photography Podcast from the TJM Media Group, and as always we’re looking for your input on what you want to learn and what would be most helpful when it comes to the shoot itself and how to process it for output.
TJM Media Group Presents: Start to Finish: Episode 1
The TJM Media Group is pleased to announce the release of the first episode of “Start to Finish” – a series where you, the reader, will help select each month’s photography and graphic design assignment and then watch as your projects are completed, from start to finish. The key to this being a fun, interesting, and informative feature is your interaction. In this first episode, we had to come up with a basic concept on our own.
In this episode, we go on assignment to the grounds of the University of Virginia and photograph Thomas Jefferson’s historic academic village. Photographs are captured to demonstrate basic pano-stitching techniques back in the studio. It was a simple task to get the series up and running.
We have every confidence that you can do much better!
Here’s how we’d like it to work:
Each month we need two basic assignments – a photographic concept and a final presentation.
For example, a suggestion for a photographic concept might be:
Demonstrate the process for capturing the photos needed to render an HDR image of the Lincoln Memorial. The resulting final presentation concept might be: Render the HDR image and present as a fine art print.
(OK, that one seems pretty neat. We might use it… )
Email your suggestions to: start2finish@tjmmediagroup.com
We look forward to working on YOUR assignments.
All the best,
Rob Jones and Jason Moore
Founders, TJM Media Group
PRESS RELEASE: Announcing the TJM Media Group
For Immediate Release…
Towner Jones Photography, LLC and Jason D. Moore Photography are pleased to announce the formation of the TJM Media Group. This new association serves as a common brand through which exciting new projects can be presented from these two established photography and graphic design content providers.
On February 1, 2010 the TJM Media Group will present the first episode of “Start to Finish” a Photoshop and photography training series showing viewers the complete creative process from capture to presentation. TJM Media Group content will be available through each of the members’ blogs as well as directly through the TJM Media Group website (tjmmediagroup.com) when it goes live in the coming weeks.
Photoshop Training DVD Interest Inquiry
As I mentioned yesterday, I am in the planning stages of producing my own Photoshop Training DVD geared for beginners and advanced intermediate users.
Instead of just jumping in and producing something based on what I think people want, I thought I would start by asking a few questions so I could hear from you and tailor the final project to more closely fit your needs as my target audience. (more…)
So, They Think I Can Teach Photoshop!
That’s right! I received official word that I was selected as one of the Honorable Mention winners in the NAPP So, You Think You Can Teach Photoshop?! contest! And I would I like to take this opportunity to thank the judges for this honor and opportunity.
Though it would’ve been awesome to claim the top slot and have the opportunity to teach a live session at Photoshop World in March as well as on their podcasts, I am truly humbled that I am ranked along with some other very talented Photoshop instructors. (more…)
Photoshop Video Contest: Entry #3
This final entry into the So You Think You Can Teach Photoshop contest is one of my personal favorites.
From the first time I saw it I knew I had to figure out how to recreate it for myself. After doing some research, I only found two videos out there that showed how to create the effect. I feel that this is the best entry I have into the contest. I think the production values are good, the content is strong, the effect is unique and interesting, and the process I present is user-friendly and that it all came together quite nicely. (more…)
Photoshop Video Contest: Entry#2
For this next video, I take a look back at a technique I used while developing a marketing campaign at work last spring. It is a concept I borrowed from a car commercial I saw a few years back that added some mystery to the new model that was coming out.
I made a few changes to make it work with what we wanted to do with the volleyball shoe we were selling and I think it has some real potential for uses from product shots to design elements to portrait photography. The possibilities are endless. (more…)
Photoshop Video Contest: Entry #1
As you will notice, I’ve begun making a few changes around here. Most notably with the layout. Every 6-9 months I like to freshen things up a bit and give the site a little face lift and since my last redesign was in March, I felt that it was due. There are still some bugs to work out as I get used to this new system, so please bear with me.
Now that NAPP’s So You Think You Can Teach Photoshop?! contest is closed and the judging is soon to be under way, I thought I would share my entries with you. (more…)
So, I Think I Can Teach Photoshop
Thanks for bearing with me these past couple of weeks. I don’t know how much it’s showed – mainly because with the amount of sleep I’ve been getting, it’s hard to tell what’s going on anymore – but I’ve been so preoccupied with the NAPP contest “So, You Think You Can Teach Photoshop?!” lately and it’s demanded as much time and attention as I could give it.
With all three videos now uploaded and officially entered, I’m feeling pretty good about it all. I don’t want to talk myself up or get my hopes too high because you never know what will happen with these things. There are a number of good tutorials out there with some good presenters of all types and I’m proud to count myself in their number. I trust that Scott and the other judges will select the best all-around presentations as the winner, whoever it may be.
With that said, I feel that my content is solid, my method is straightforward and clear, my production values are good, and I have a pretty good shot.
Starting Monday, I will post my 3 entries right here so you can what I’ve been working on. So, be on the lookout for those!
We’ll be back to our regularly scheduled program tomorrow with the November 2009 Desktop Wallpaper Calendar.
Reconstructing the Past
My dad has been working on a video for a library’s local history video project that is focusing on the stories of those buried in the village cemetery dating back to the 1800s.
Due to time, weather, and collapse, it has been my task to reconstruct some of the gravestones so that they might be more usable in the finished video. One stone in particular presented a challenge. Below are my two starting images. As you can see, not only is the stone badly discolored, it is also broken down the middle of the name. Not an impossible job by any means, but it’s going to take some work.
Without getting into too much detail, there was a lot of cloning and healing going on, not to mention the hue/saturation and curves adjustment layers applied to the two halves of the stone.
But it didn’t stop there! This gentleman’s stone rests next to his wife’s stone, which is still upright. So, my next step was to stand it up once again. However, this stone was not as tall as the wife’s so I had to pull from her’s to add some height and apply some more healing to make the base look different enough that it was believable.
I know it’s not a perfect job, but in some situations, you don’t want perfection because it will look too manicured or polished. As it is, I don’t think it quite blends seamlessly together, but I’ve gotten some feedback where they couldn’t tell which was the Photoshoppped stone, so I guess my job is done.
What Are You Looking For?
To continue with what seems to be our theme of the week, I’d like to pose another question to you: What are you looking for in a video tutorial?
When you’re searching around on YouTube or Lynda.com or Kelby Training or wherever for Photoshop tutorial videos what separates the great ones from those that are only so-so? Is it the production values (video quality, sound quality, nice intro graphics, etc.)? Is it the personality of the presenter? Is it the language used (laymen’s terms vs. technical terms, “geeky” vs. down-to-earth, etc.)? Is it the unique nature of the tutorial itself? Is it how smooth the workflow seems to be? What is it?
I know, for most people it’s a combination of all of these factors, and I’m sure it’s true for you too, to a greater or lesser degree. But I’d like to invite you to examine your criteria for judging these sorts of tutorials a little more closely and share with all of us what exactly it is that makes a tutorial video stand above the rest.
At the same time, it’s easy to spot what we don’t like. It may be hard to know why, exactly, but we know it when we see it. Here, too, I’d like you to think about what tells you that a tutorial just isn’t worth your time.
Describe 2 tutorials: your ideal video and what differentiates it from the crowd, and what turns you off straight-away.
As you may have guessed, I’m doing a little market research as I prepare my entries for the So, You Think You Can Teach Photoshop contest. It’s true, that I want to do everything I can to create the best videos I can so I will, hopefully, win the contest. But even more than that, my interest lies in furthering the value of such videos so that regardless of any sort of prize that may be at stake, the videos I produce will help others become better Photoshop users and more effecient artists.
So, any input would be greatly appreciated!
And, again, if you have any techniques, concepts, or sources of inspiration that you’ve always wanted to know how to do, please let me know!
Thanks!
How’d They Do That?
As I prepare my entries for the So, You Think You Can Teach Photoshop?! contest I’ve got one concept nailed down and I’d like you’re help to decide the other two.
I’m not going to tell you what the first one is quite yet. I did a search on YouTube for it and only found two videos – a decent one in English and a short one in German – about the same technique so I think it will certainly stand out and it’s definitely a unique effect.
I’m looking for ideas for styles/concepts/techniques that are fresh, new, popular, and cutting edge that make you say to yourself “How’d they do that?!” If you’ve come across anything like that, send me an image of it or a link and I’ll check it out. Who knows? Maybe your suggestion will be a part of my entry into the contest!
Time’s ticking away so get me your ideas today!
Thanks!
So You Think You Can Teach Photoshop?!
Yes I do!
I came across a tweet the other day from @NAPP_News about a new contest running through the end of October seeking video entries all about Photoshop tutorials. I don’t really enter a lot of contests but I just couldn’t pass this one up.
As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I am hoping to get back into the routine of producing video tutorials and this contest seems like a perfect opportunity to get started once again. I can enter up to 3 videos, to their specs, for a chance to win a healthy prize package. There’s some subscriptions and memberships in there but what really makes me want to enter is the opportunities that come along with winning. The winner will be sent to Photoshop World (ticket, flight, and hotel) where you will be given an instructors chair to teach at one of the sessions. The winner will also get a guest spot on Photoshop User TV, Layers TV, visibility in Photoshop User Magazine, PlanetPhotoshop.com and to the entire NAPP community. The exposure alone could be huge!
I’ve been through all of my Photoshop tutorial videos and I’ve decided to start from scratch for my entries. I now have some really nice audio equipment that I didn’t have before which will make a big difference.
At this point, I just have to figure out what to do the videos on. I’ve got a couple of ideas but I’m open to your suggestions. I don’t know how I’ll do in the contest – I know there are some great teachers out there – but I’m going to give it my all and hope for the best!
Workflow Friday
So, I guess it’s my turn. I decided to pull one of my videos out of the moth balls to share with you a fun little technique for turning your 2D images into a 3D-like magazine or book. Enjoy!
If you would like to sponsor this or one of our other regular series, or if you would like to support this site through a general site sponsorship or banner ad, please visit our sponsor page to learn how!
Finished Portfolio
After about a month of gathering samples of the many aspects of my work in the midst of an already hectic schedule I now have a complete online portfolio!
I have just finished uploading the videography section which features 12 screen captures from a handful of projects – mostly from the past year.
I was behind the camera on each of these shoots and was also responsible for lighting and setup of the scene. I have written about a couple of these setups before. You can read more about the setup with the drape background here and the outdoor shot here.
Thank you to all of you who have been so kind in your comments as I’ve put this together. And a special thanks goes to NAPP Executive Director Larry Becker who really pointed me in the right direction as I was brainstorming the development of my portfolio. Thanks Larry!
To see the now-complete version of my online portfolio, click here.
New From Adobe & Updates
Adobe TV:
SAN JOSE, Calif. — April 9, 2007 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe® TV, a free online video resource for expert instruction and inspiration about Adobe products, including the company’s Creative Suite 3 family of world-class creative tools. With multiple channels, original series programming, and content from Adobe, leading training organizations and the world’s leading subject matter experts, Adobe TV delivers a virtual library of entertaining and instructional videos. Designers, photographers, video professionals, and developers will find product deep-dives, innovative tips, techniques from luminaries, and behind-the-scenes tours of the hottest creative shops and Adobe product teams.
Designed to educate, inspire, and entertain the creative community, Adobe TV is immediately available online from the Adobe Web site at http://tv.adobe.com , or as a network with multiple shows in the new Adobe® Media Player 1.0 software, also announced today…
Adobe TV features four channels, each targeting a specific audience: Photographers, Designers, Video Professionals, and Developers. Each channel features programming from Adobe evangelists, leading trainers, subject matter experts, and luminaries who pull in the crowds at industry events around the world. More than 200 videos are currently available on Adobe TV, with programming that mixes how-to information, case studies, personality-driven shows, and workflow deep-dives. The first set of videos offers secrets about Photoshop® software, podcasts and design tips for Creative Suite, techniques for Photoshop Lightroom®, tips on Adobe Flash® Professional software for beginners, approaches to taming the Web, and information about video and audio production.
Adobe Media Player:
SAN JOSE, Calif. — April 9, 2008 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced the immediate availability of Adobe® Media Player 1.0 software. An Adobe AIR™ application, this customizable, cross-platform media player provides exciting new ways for viewers to discover and interact with their favorite content, while offering revenue and brand-building opportunities for content publishers. Major television broadcasters and leading content publishers, including CBS, MTV Networks, Universal Music Group, PBS, CondéNet, and Scripps Networks have worked with Adobe to provide a broad range of television programming and entertaining video content to viewers.
To help viewers discover new content, a broad, searchable catalog of shows from leading media companies and networks is available and it is expected that it will continually expand to include video from additional broadcasters, studios and independent producers. Some of the initial content available on Adobe Media Player includes: CSI: New York, CSI: Miami, Big Brother, Star Trek, Melrose Place, Hawaii Five-O, The Twilight Zone and MacGyver from CBS; clips from The Hills, MTV News and Yo! MTV Raps from MTV Networks; select shows on HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network and Fine Living Network from Scripps Networks; Epicurious.com, Style.com and Wired.com from CondéNet; PBS programming and music videos from Universal Music Group. Additional content from MTV Networks’ brands including MTV, Nickelodeon, COMEDY CENTRAL, VH1, CMT, Logo, Spike, The N, GameTrailers and Atom Films will be made available over the next several months.
About Adobe Systems Incorporated
Adobe revolutionizes how the world engages with ideas and information – anytime, anywhere and through any medium. For more information, visit www.adobe.com.
Also from Adobe, the new releases for Lightroom 1.4.1 (Mac, Win) and Adobe Camera Raw 4.4.1 (Mac, Win) are now available!
Video: Kloskowski’s Layers
In this video I show you how to create the cool “layers” effect used extensively throughout Friend-of-the-Blog Matt Kloskowski’s Layers book.
UPDATE: Thanks to visitor Taffy Orlowski who reminds us that,” The cover design for Matt Kloskowski’s Layer’s book was created by NAPP designer Jessica Maldonado.”
Note: There were some issues regarding the synching of narration and video during the editing process. I’m still getting used to the software and I’m working out some of the bugs. Please bear with me. My apologies.
-Thanks.
Video Suggestions
(Blog Note: Today we hit 8,000 unique visitors since the stats began counting in September! That’s 1,000 in 2 weeks! Thanks everyone!)
As regulars will know, with the new year I began a new feature as a part of the blog creating video tutorials on a variety of topics using Photoshop and Lightroom and posting them on My YouTube Channel. It’s been a busy couple of weeks, leaving me wanting for a chance to get back behind the microphone again.
To that end, I’d like to enlist your help, loyal viewers, for ideas for new videos that you might like to see. Beginners, what do you want to learn? Intermediates, what sort of creative techniques or effects do you want to learn do better? Advanced users, do you have any tricks that you hear a lot of requests for that might be a good topic for an upcoming video?
Leave a comment or send me an email with your suggestions and we’ll see what we can do!
Thanks in advance!
(And Happy 55th Birthday Dad!)
Video: Lens Blur and Edge Effects Using Quick Mask
In this video I show how to add some depth of field by selectively applying a lens blur and also create an interesting edge effect all using Photoshop’s Quick Mask mode.
As always, if you have any ideas for future videos, please leave a comment or email me.
Video: Lightroom B&W Conversion
This time, I take you through processing a color photo into black and white using Lightroom.
Video: 2D Images to 3D Magazine/Book
Here, I take a pair of 2D images and assemble and manipulate them to add some depth and dimension. Give it a try and let me know if you come up with anything cool.
Video: Gallery Frame
About a year ago I wrote a post outlining the steps I used to create my reusable gallery frame for my NAPP portfolio. Now, here’s a video that walks step-by-step through the same process. It’s quick, it’s easy, and the results are clean and classy. Take a look and give it a try!
For more videos, visit My YouTube Channel.
Video: Web 2.0 Reflections
In this video I walk through the steps you take to create those cool Web 2.0 reflections that were made popular in all of those Apple ads and are now popping up all over the web. Have fun with it!
And, as always, if you have any ideas for future videos or have any questions that I might be able to answer with a video, please let me know!
How To Do Videos
I hope everyone’s new year is off to a good start.
As a follow-up to yesterday’s post, there was an issue with the video – it inadvertantly cut off about 45sec too early – and I’ve re-uploaded it and it seems to be working just fine now.
Last week over at Friend-of-the-Blog David Ziser’s Digital ProTalk, David shared a link with us to get a free copy of screen capture software, Camtasia. Now, it’s a few versions old but it’s free and it still has all of the features that you could need to produce your own video tutorials. I had used a trial of this version a couple of years ago and saw a lot of possibilities with it. And now I’m pretty psyched to get my hands on a full version.
If you’re unfamiliar with what Camtasia is, it’s an easy-to-use piece of software that allows you to record all action on your computer screen. You can choose to record only a set region of your screen or the entire screen for use in creating any number of things. Once your video is recorded, you can open it up in Camtasia and edit out mistakes, insert other video or audio clips, and there are a number of different output options when it comes time to export your videos. In addition to Camtasia, I picked up a Logitech QuickCam Chat so I can record narration for the videos and, perhaps, record live video introductions down the road.
After exporting, I will be uploading videos onto my new YouTube Channel and then embedding them into my blog. I do this for two reasons: first, YouTube doesn’t limit the number of videos you put up and they’ll handle all the bandwidth for usage; second, I can upload videos up to 100MB without worrying about loading up my server space.
I’m going to try to put together at least one video per week on a variety of topics including Photoshop, Lightroom, Acrobat, and maybe even some PowerPoint since we’ll be doing some videos for work as well.
If you want to take advantage of this free offer go to this link and get your license code by January 7th.
