It’s Fontastic!!!!

One of the biggest challenges facing any designer out there is finding that perfect font. While the Creative Suite includes a fair number of fonts, you’re always going to run into that situation where you need a very stylized font - something just crazy even. Go to DaFont.com. This site is awesome. It has an easily searchable database of free fonts that you can download and install right into your system. You can even type in your own sample text and get an instant preview of what the font will look like. I personally have this site bookmarked and use it all the time. Check it out.

December 7th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Camera Raw Update

Adobe has released and update to the recent Camera Raw 4.3. This new update, designated Camera Raw 4.3.1, addresses issues with certain raw files and has added support for additional camera models like the new Nikon D300 and the D3. There is also an update to Adobe Lightroom. Find out more about the update and which cameras are supported here. There are also links to download for Mac and PC.

December 6th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Cool Little Gadget

OK, when I first saw this thing I chuckled because if you see somebody using it, it just looks kind of silly. It’s called the xShot. It is simply an arm extension for your camera. Now, we have all been in the situation where we hold our camera out and point it at ourselves and perhaps a friend we are with, but what is wrong with every one of those shots - it looks like you shot it yourself. With the xShot you can hold your camera out further away from you and take a picture without it being obvious that your arm is holding the camera. Check out their web site here. It has video demos and pictures. Like I said, it seems a little silly at first, but it is really a cool little gadget.

December 5th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Too Darn Cool!!!!!

Wacom has finally announced the release of the brand new Cintiq 12WX. This device is just simply too darn cool. I have been testing one out for about a week and a half now and all I can say is WOW!! If you have ever worked on the previous Cintiq models, you know that while they are brilliant devices, they are limited due to their size. They didn’t always fit comfortably in an artistic workflow. Well, with the new 12WX you can work on your desktop with a little more ease. You can lay it flat or prop it up on the easel stand. You can also lay it in your lap. For you really traditional artists, and perhaps more laid back artists like me, this is a big plus. Anyway, you must check this out at Wacom’s website. Also, I must admit that the price is not that bad either.

December 3rd, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

A New Community…Sort Of

If you are a Photoshop Elements user there is a kinda new forum you may or may not know about. It’s called Elements Village and it’s an online community for Photoshop Elements. It was formerly the forum at the Photoshop Elements User website, and is loaded with discussions on art, photos, tutorials, and even links to my popular podcast, “Photoshop Elements Killer Tips”. It’s a great resource if you are looking for answers to the most common questions for the beginner, all the way to the advanced user. Check it out here.

November 30th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Hey Video Peoples!!!

If you have been to Photoshop World or if you frequently read Photoshop User or Layers Magazine then you have no doubt come across the name Rod Harlan. Rod has been teaching video and motion graphics for years. Now you can keep up to date with Rod daily on his new blog: DVConfidential.com. Rod keeps you abreast of what’s happening in the world of video and technology and even throws in the occasional silliness. Rod also recently appeared on Layers TV. He was demonstrating some pretty cool After Effects techniques.

November 29th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Photoshop World Orlando!!!

It’s that time again. Registration is open for Photoshop World East 2008, which will be held in Orlando, Florida April 2 - 4. The class schedule is now posted. As usual, this is an event not to be missed. Three days of Photoshop madness with some of the best instructors in the business. Of course, along with the awesome training there is the tech expo which, for the first time, will be open all three days with additional courses in the expo theater. I will be teaching a couple classes myself, so check it out now and hope to see you there.

November 28th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Nikon D300 Review

Terry White has posted an interesting “first impression” review of the new Nikon D300 on his tech blog. He covers a number of points, but the most notable, and perhaps one of the biggest concerns for photographers, is the noise issue. Terry conducts a noise test with a number of images exposed at varying ISO settings. It’s interesting info for those who just aren’t sure whether to make that leap yet. Check it out here.

November 27th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Photoshop Book of the Week!

This week’s selection is Real World Camera Raw with Photoshop CS3. Co-Authored by Jeff Schewe and the late Bruce Fraser. Jeff updates Bruce’s best-selling book on this remarkably powerful Photoshop feature. With hands-on techniques for exposing and shooting for camera raw, this is the definitive guide for mastering in the raw. Find out more here.

November 26th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Happy Turkey Day!!

Well, I just wanted to take a moment and wish all you loyal Planeteers out there a very happy Thanksgiving. I am in Mississippi right now visiting family and it is kind of cold around here. I think I am already ready to get back to Florida. Anyway, hope all of you have a great holiday and have lot of fun. I haven’t eaten for a while so I am ready for the big feast, and of course, that delicious cranberry sauce shaped like a can. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

November 22nd, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Another Gift Idea

If you or someone you know is itching to get a pressure sensitive tablet, but you don’t want to spend several hundred bucks on an Intuous, worry not, Wacom recently released their new Bamboo tablets. These are really cool. I just got one myself and it is really nice. It’s got a very slick design and features programmable hot keys, as well as other useful functions. The Bamboo Fun even includes a cordless mouse. The best part is the price. The Bamboo retails for about $70. It’s a great purchase for anyone wanting to get more familiar with using a tablet. Also, it’s fairly small and is very easy to travel with. Find out more here.

November 20th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Lightroom & NASCAR!!

Well these two topics aren’t necessarily related but anyway. Matt Kloskowski has posted an interesting perspective on Lightroom by simply asking the question: Why? Why Lightroom to be specific. It’s an interesting read from one of the leading experts in Lightroom. Check it out here.

Also Scott Kelby had the privilege of attending a NASCAR race down in Miami over the weekend with photographer Joe Glyda. Of course, he took some remarkable pictures. Check them out here.

November 19th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Adobe Updates CS3, Photoshop Lightroom, and Camera Raw

In a recent rush of activity by Adobe engineers, there are several major updates to software from our friends at Adobe. Photoshop Lightroom has been updated to version 1.3 to improve Mac OS 10.5 Leopard compatibility, Camera Raw now supports some of the latest cutting edge cameras, and Photoshop CS3 Sports the new version number 10.0.1 to knock out quite a few small but annoying compatibility issues for both Mac and PC users. Oh yeah, and remember our old friend Bridge CS3? Well it’s up to v2.1.1 and sports a cool new HQ preview in the Advanced panel as well as some important little maintenance issues. Click here for more… Continue Reading »

November 16th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Calling All Gurus…Again!!!

Adobe has announced the 2008 Adobe Design Achievement Awards. This is once again your time to shine. There are 12 different categories in 3 different media areas. With a prize package that is absolutely astonishing. These include a trip to New York, professional studio tours, cash prizes, the entire CS3 Master Suite, and much more. It’s unreal. Click here to find out more about the rules and prizes.

November 14th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

More Inspiration From Hollywood!!

Well, it’s no secret to anyone that I am a big movie fan. Go ahead, quiz me? Anyway, I have long admired what is perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of the movies; advertising design. Things like movie posters, trailers, those cool stands you see at the theater - they are always jam packed with all kinds of great designs. I looked into who produces such amazing images. One company is called Daniel Clark & Associates. They have produced designs for some of Hollywood’s biggest movies like Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Matrix. Very cool stuff. Check out there portfolio site and be inspired.

November 13th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)