Stock Images and Inspiration

I have gotten several requests or questions about where to get some really good stock images. While there are a number of sites that have good images at varying prices, there are two that I visit frequently. The first is iStockPhoto.com. They have a large database of images, illustrations, and videos, all at varying price ranges for different uses. The second site is Fotolia.com. This site offers remarkable images and illustrations at comparable pricing to iStock. I frequent both of these sites, not just to purchase images, but also to do a little idea harvesting. These sites offer images and illustrations that other users have done and it can be quite an inspiration to just search through and just get ideas. Give it a try. You may find that spark.

January 2nd, 2008 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

It has been quite a year in the world of Photoshop. With CS3 hitting full force, the industry has just been crazy. Not just with Photoshop but the entire Creative Suite got a complete overhaul. With some brand new applications and of course Macromedia’s fine line of web authoring tools. Not to mention, that small yet powerful new application Lightroom. Never have I seen a single software package hit the ground running as fast as this one. Since it’s introduction there has been a number books, Scott Kelby did a seminar tour across the country, Matt Kloskowski even produces a podcast/blog called Lightroom Killer Tips which is a hugely popular resource, and the list goes on. Back in October, RC and myself launched Layers TV which is basically the how-to podcast for everything Adobe. Meaning we cover all the apps like In Design, Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Flash, and so on. It’s been off to a great start and we are having a blast making it. I have also had a blast bringing you some my coolest discoveries over the past year and can’t wait to bring you even cooler stuff over next year. It has just been a blessing to work next to industry giants like Scott Kelby, Matt Kloskowski, Dave Cross, Felix Nelson, and RC Concepcion and look forward to another innovative year here at the NAPP. Thank you everyone for the continued support here at Planet and at the NAPP. I wish everyone a very Happy New Year.

December 31st, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Photoshop Book of the Week

This week I highly recommend Ben Willmore’s newest book: Adobe Photoshop CS3 Studio Techniques. This is the 6th edition of Ben’s fabulous series. I personally have learned an insane amount just from this series alone. Especially the chapter on curves. Ben’s straightforward explanation of how curves works is quite possibly the most informative out there. This chapter alone is worth the price. The book is also jam-packed with loads of in-depth lessons for the beginner all the way to the advanced user. Read other reviews and find out more about the book here.

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

Post Holiday Blues

No, not really!!! I hope everyone had a great holiday. So, I know that we all just want to be very lazy these days, but there isn’t a better time to master those apps you have been wanting to. What do I mean? If your gonna sit around why not checkout the new Kelby Online Training site? It is really something. Having just launched last week, it has already gotten quite a response. Learn from the best all day, any day. Also, one last reminder that the deadline for the Photoshop User Awards is December 31, 2007. That’s just a few days away. Get those pieces done and enter them here.

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

My New DVD Is Available Now

Well the wait is finally over. My new DVD: Photoshop In Motion is now available at KelbyTraining.com. In this course we will explore those not-so-obvious techniques for creating eye-popping animations and motions graphics, all right within Photoshop CS3 Extended. I guarantee there is no course like this anywhere and you will be amazed at what you can accomplish with just Photoshop. This course is also available on the newly-launched Kelby Online Training site.

December 21st, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

GROUNDBREAKING ONLINE TRAINING!!!

All of us here at Kelby Training have been working very hard at producing what is sure to become the very best in online training site anywhere. This site boasts the who’s who of Photoshop training, with names like Bert Monroy, Scott Kelby, Dan Margulis, Joe McNally, Katrin Eisman, Eddie Tapp, Dave Cross, Matt Kloskowski, RC Concepcion, and many more to come. It’s not just Photoshop either. There are courses in Illustrator, Indesign, Dreamweaver, and even on-location training with photographers like Moose Perterson and Joe McNally. The very best part is the cost. It’s just $199 for one year or $19.99 a month, and that gives you access to all the content, including the lesson files. NAPP members pay only $179 or $17.99 a month. This is big, big news. Enough said – go over check it out. There is an intro video by Scott Kelby, and you can even try a few lessons for free. Check it out here. Scott also has a detailed Q&A and more in depth description on his blog here.

December 20th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (1)

Book of the Month

I normally post the book of the week but this time its big. Famed photographer and speaker Joe McNally has a new book coming out very soon titled: The Moment It Clicks. This is a truly inspirational book and it is already generating a lot of buzz on Amazon. Reaching #1 in Photography How-To. It is already a hit and it isn’t even out yet. If that is any indication of how good this is going to be. Now I am not necessarily a photographer, but I must say, Joe’s work does truly inspire me. Even if you are a veteran photographer, this book will inspire you to take pictures to that next level.

December 18th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Photoshop World – The Evolution

Well, it’s getting close. Photoshop World East will be here before you know it. Come join me on April 1st with Scott, Dave, RC, Matt and a who’s who list of the best names in Photoshop education for three days of nothing but Photoshop fun and learning. Registration is now open and the newly designed Photoshop World website reflects the new theme: The Evolution. That’s right for you sci-fi freaks out there, this one is not to be missed. Check out the site here for a list of instructors, schedules classes and much more. Don’t forget to check out the guru awards as well. Don’t pass up the chance to have your work shown in front of thousands of people.

December 17th, 2007 | Corey Barker | Blog | Comments (0)

Cool Apple Ad….Again!

• Apple has posted a clever little animated commercial spot featuring the Mac guy and the PC guy and that chubby fellow in the red hat. As usual, Apple has the most innovative and creative advertising on tv or web. Check it out on Apple’s home page.

• On another note, Scott Kelby has posted a really good review of the Nikon D300. Find out more on his blog here.
• Since it’s Friday, I will share one of my favorite time wasting activities. This is for you movie lovers out there. Check out the Apple movie trailer site. It’s got all the theatrical trailers for movies currently out and coming soon. Oh, and did I mention they are available in HD as well?

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

Bert is In the House!!!

Hey everyone. Smile, it’s almost Friday. Anyway, if you haven’t checked out this week’s episode of Layers TV, go and do it now. Famed Illustrator Bert Monroy was on the show sharing some Illustrator goodies. Also, Bert managed to make an appearance on this week’s episode of Photoshop User TV. (What a busy guy!) If you have seen Bert before you know he has always got something great to share. Don’t miss either episode. (Oh, and watch Layers all the way through the credits. There is a funny little gag at the end.)

One last thing, Scott Kelby has a nice, in-depth review of the Nikon D300 on his blog today. Check it out here.

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