Photo Walk: Was yours as interesting as mine?

Did everyone enjoy their photo walks? I must say it was rather interesting here in Tampa. I woke and was gearing up to leave and noticed that it was raining. Which is all too typical here in the summer, but a damper when if you are going to walk around outside for a few hours. However in true Florida style, the rain lasted just a few minutes and the sun came out. I finally made it to the walk site and met up with Matt who was rallying the walkers. I decided to give myself an assignment this time around. I thought it would be a good idea to mainly shoot textures. Being a designer and artist I can always use textures and patterns for whatever. Once I geared my brain to seek out textures, they just popped up everywhere. I wanted to share this because it was an extremely interesting observation experiment. When you out shooting you are looking for that great shot but it’s interesting when you narrow the focus of what you are looking for. By concentrating on textures, I found myself noticing things I never would have considered. When you are out shooting, most tend to look at the whole scene rather than the small details or parts that make the whole. By focusing on a specific aspect and employing some creative thinking you can achieve something very interesting. For instance, a drainage grate on the street is nothing exciting, but if you move in closer and concentrate on the shapes and patterns as they are cropped in your viewfinder. You will see elegant patterns emerge that you didn’t see before. Try it! It really is quiet interesting.

Ultimately I had a great time and got to meet some very interesting people along the way. I will be using some of my discoveries in upcoming tutorials right here on Planet so stay tuned? Again, would to here how your walk went and perhaps see some interesting images.

July 20th, 2009 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (9)

Harry Potter

Manipulate the magic of Photoshop to recreate the title graphics from the new Harry Potter summer movie. Continue Reading »

July 17th, 2009 | Corey Barker | Effects, Tutorials | Comments (29)

Photo Walk is here!!!

That’s right!!! The time has come for Scott Kelby’s Second Annual Photo Walk sponsored by Kelby Training. This has probably got to be one of the biggest photography events in history. Right now there are over 30,000 people signed up around the world. That’s almost three times what it was last year. If you are going, you will want to check out Scott’s blog today as he has some last minute thoughts before you head out to your walk. You can also get some last minutes tips at the photo walk website where there is a blog hosted by our very own Brad Moore.

I will be going to Matt Kloskowski’s walk here in Safety Harbor, FL. It’s right at the tip of the bay here in Tampa. So we might be able to get in some waterfront shots. I am just bringing my D40. It really does give me some great shots. It’s going to be fun! If I get any really outstanding shots I will post them here on the blog next week. Good luck and happy shooting!!!

July 17th, 2009 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (2)

Contest Winners Announced!

In case you haven’t checked the contest page yet we have posted the winners of the latest Planet tutorial contest. The entries are getting more creative and it’s getting tougher to pick the winner. You can check out the winners here. The next contest will be starting in the next week or two and I am thinking this time I am going to add a little twist to it. Make sure you check back soon to find out. In the meantime, the enjoy the winning images and all the fun tutorials right here on Planet!!

July 13th, 2009 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (4)

Photo Walk Numbers Climbing | PS Instructor Kit Available

Scott Kelby’s 2nd Annual Worldwide Photo Walk is getting close and there’s already over 20,000 people signed up in more than 200 cities around the world. More are getting added every week. If you plan on attending, you better sign up soon as these things fill up fast. Whether your a novice photographer or a professional who just wants to engage the social aspect photography by walking with other photographers talking about shooting and critiquing each other’s work. It’s a great way to meet new friends with like interests and hone those photography skills just a bit more. You can never have too much practice!

Just released today is the Photoshop educator’s instructor kit. Based on The Photoshop CS4 Book for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby. This new kit was created for those instructors in a classroom settings that are teaching Photoshop on a regular basis. It provides lessons, video tutorials, test questions, and additional materials that go beyond what is in the regular book keeping the content of your lessons fresh and students learning more. Scott himself has provided a short video explaining the kit in detail. Click here to watch the video and learn more.

July 6th, 2009 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (2)

Ice Age Acorn

Corey has a special extended tutorial on illustrating the Ice Age acorn. Continue Reading »

July 2nd, 2009 | Corey Barker | Effects, Tutorials | Comments (39)

GridIron Flow Now Shipping

The new visual workflow software from GridIron Software is now available. Flow is a new software application that allows you to visually map the path of any file assets you have attached to certain projects. No more wondering which version of a logo you have placed in a particular file. Flow will show you exactly which file it is associated with a visual map. It will also alert you if you try to delete a file that is placed in a different file. This is a remarkable asset management tool that no creative professional should be without. You can get more information and order yours here.

June 29th, 2009 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (3)

Transformers, Part 2

In part two of this tutorial, Corey finishes the Transformers logo he began last week. Continue Reading »

June 24th, 2009 | Corey Barker | Effects, Tutorials | Comments (13)

Canadian Tours Sold Out! | Follow Planet on Twitter!

Well later this week I will be bringing the Down & Dirty Seminar Tour across the border to Canada. First stop is Toronto and then Calgary and both seminars are now sold out as of yesterday. This tour is really getting a lot of momentum and I am super excited that so many are coming for a fun day of learning. We will be posting future U.S. dates here in the next few weeks so keep checking the Kelby Training Live website for new dates as they are posted. Looking forward to my first trip Canada ever!

Also, for all you Twitter folks out there, you can follow me on Twitter here. I am usually posting news about what’s new on Planet but every now and then I throw in a little silliness just to liven things up. I even post some early updates on new tutorials and other special events. Hey, it’s fun and there are no rules!!

June 23rd, 2009 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (3)

Transformers, Part 1

In this two-part tutorial, Corey begins creating the Transformers logo from this summer’s upcoming blockbuster. Continue Reading »

June 19th, 2009 | Corey Barker | Effects, Tutorials | Comments (17)