Book Pick of the Week

Of course I usually highlight a Photoshop book, but every so often there are other books that are worth mentioning. This week I want to call attention to Scott Kelby’s new Mac OSX Leopard Book. If you have the previous versions of these, you know as well as I do, these are gold mines for quick tips. I guarantee this book will show you things you probably had no idea your Mac could do. Useful things too. Scott doesn’t just explain how something works, he explains the scenario in which you may find it useful. This title is due for release in early June. Find out more and pre-order yours today here.

May 21st, 2008 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Space Background

Corey replicates the Planet Photoshop background by demonstrating how to create the star field and the nebulous clouds. Continue Reading »

May 20th, 2008 | Corey Barker | Effects, Tools, Tutorials, Videos | Comments (50)

Really Bad Photoshop!

Want a good chuckle on this Monday morning? I stumbled on a blog this weekend that I am pretty sure I saw on Rod Harlan’s blog some time ago. Its called Photoshop Disaster and it is a hilarious showcase of some rather obvious and not-so-obvious Photoshop blunders. In the spirit of Jay Leno’s headlines bit, this site takes a similar approach but with images. I took a look at some of these and I am completely surprised they made it into print. Some are perhaps simple things that might have been overlooked or they might have been intentional. Which then begs the question: What were they thinking? If anything this site will make you appreciate the diligence of going over detail and getting it right the first time. While it is funny, you don’t necessarily want your stuff showing up on a site like this.

May 19th, 2008 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (3)

Cool Photoshop World Movie!

If you were at Photoshop World in Orlando or even of you weren’t there and are trying to decide on whether or not you want to go sometime, you should check out this really cool Photoshop World movie the video guys put together over on the Photoshop World website. It really sums up the fun and creative energy that makes Photoshop World so great. It’s not just another convention or a seminar. It is one of the most fun events around. Even before I started working for NAPP I was a Photoshop World regular. I’ve attended at least half a dozen in the past few years. Not only is it a great way to learn the newest techniques in Photoshop, but it also is a great chance to network and meet all kinds of interesting people that all have the same interest you do: Photoshop!!

May 16th, 2008 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (1)

New Layers Design Contest

Layers magazine has launched their second online design contest. This is a great opportunity to sharpen those design skills and get your name out there. Just go to this link and download the contest image. Then simply use any of the Adobe apps to create a design or animation based on this graphic. This is great chance to flex those creative muscles and have a little fun. The prize is a $300 shopping spree at the Kelby Training site. Very cool stuff. So don’t wait, go download the image and get started.

May 15th, 2008 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (1)

Wild West Grunge

Corey shows you how to recreate this rugged, weathered look using a couple of filters, blending modes, and layer masks. Continue Reading »

May 13th, 2008 | Corey Barker | Effects, Photography, Tutorials, Videos | Comments (27)

Spotlight: Joe McNally

If you haven’t heard of photographer Joe McNally you have clearly been sleeping under a rock somewhere. Joe is certainly one of the most popular photographers working today. He has produced truly inspiring images for clients such as Sports Illustrated, National Geographic, and Time. He is perhaps best known for his innovative use of light on set. Joe can achieve in the camera what most can only do in the computer during post production. Joe recently released his first book: The Moment It Clicks in which he shares his thought processes for capturing some of his most inspiring images. This book is a must have for every aspiring photographer. Joe also has a daily blog on which he keeps his fans up-to-date with where he is and what he is shooting. Always inspirational stuff, you should check it out and bookmark it right away.

May 13th, 2008 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Flickr Fans Rejoice

The new Photoshop Express can now upload photos directly to your Flickr account, right from within the program. Since Flickr has established itself as one the most popular photo-sharing websites, it only makes sense that this feature is implemented. Now you can upload, correct, and store your photos in your Photoshop Express account and send over the ones you want to share to your Flickr site. The best part is that it is all online so you can manage your photos from anywhere.

Also, if you are in the Hartford, CT area tomorrow you won’t want to miss Scott Kelby teaching his Photoshop CS3 Power Tour. It truly is a lot of fun and everyone from beginners to advanced users can always get something out of it. Find out more here.

May 12th, 2008 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (1)

Opening Today!

Well, other than the new movie Speed Racer, which I will definitely check out this weekend, the news is that Scott Kelby’s newest course: Professional Portrait Retouching, was just released on the Kelby Online Training site today.

This highly-anticipated course takes you through the processes of some of the most sought-after retouching techniques anywhere. Scott covers stuff like enhancing lighting, changing eye color, removing stubble, highlighting hair, and so much more. It’s all presented in his straight-forward, non-technical style. This course will have you retouching photos like a pro in no time.

May 9th, 2008 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Last Day in New York

Well it’s the last day of classes here at B&H and I must admit, it has been a lot of fun. I met a lot of really interesting people who are truly passionate about learning Photoshop. I met a man that is 80 years old and posed some really intelligent questions. Proof positive that it is never to late to learn something new.

This being my first time to B&H Photo, I must admit I was really impressed on many levels. First, the scale of the store is just immense, even more so with the newly expanded area upstairs dedicated entirely to cameras of all makes and models. Second is the staff. They were extremely friendly, but much more than that, they were very knowledgeable of the products. Bottom line, this business is truly a well-oiled machine and there is always a good size crowd. If you find yourself in the New York area. Add this place to your list of stops.

Also, Larry Becker (Director of NAPP) and I went out for a little photo safari in Times Square last night and we managed to get a few decent images. Click here to see a larger view of the one to the right here.

May 7th, 2008 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (2)