Photoshop Tutorials & Inspiration for Beginners
How To’s, Inspiration, and Resources for Aspiring Photographers, Designers, Content Creators, and Crafters
If you're at all familiar with creativeLIVE, you already know that they're more than kind of AMAZING. My experience with the entire crew (as well as with the in-studio audience and viewers around the globe) has been nothing short of phenomenal. As part of their year-end promotion, my 2-day course on Workflow + Album design is on sale for only $79. Get it while it's hot! :)
I recently had the honor of announcing the re-branded, special edition of Your Camera Loves You that has been re-released exclusively to Barnes & Noble under the title, "Getting Started in Digital Photography: From Snapshots to Greatshots." Now I can also tell you that I will be giving away some signed copies—and one of them could be YOURS!
To enter, tell me why you want the book in any of the following ways and be sure to copy & paste this link so it's included: http://bit.ly/UMPb02
I'll choose/draw winners on Thursday!
If you're in any way connected to the creative industry, you've surely heard about Adobe's Creative Cloud by now. And if you're like a lot of people, you're still not entirely sure exactly what it is. In a nutshell, it's a new way of accessing Adobe products and it comes with various benefits, but it requires a bit of a paradigm shift. Allow me to explain...
Up until now, you purchased Adobe products either alone (such as buying just Photoshop by itself), or as part of a collection (which would include several bundled products like Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, etc.). You would then own these for as long as, well... forever really. The products were either shipped to you in a box with an install disc or you downloaded them and carefully stored the serial numbers somewhere for easy access in case you find yourself needing to rebuild your hard drive or migrate to a new machine.
The advantage of the old system was really just that you owned your software license outright for all of eternity, which allowed you to make a sizable investment (Photoshop just by itself ran around $700), and then use it for as long as you want. Regardless of how many new releases came out, you could hum along using your (now outdated) version to your heart's content. It was expensive up front, but you could get some serious mileage out of the software until eventually caving in and upgrading (which would usually be necessary at some point as older versions eventually aren't supported and making your computer play nice with other professionals in the industry often requires a somewhat current version, meaning that even the most stubborn among us can only hold out for so long).
The disadvantage was that upgrading always meant a bunch of time and more money, and as a result, it often got put off. Waaaay off. It wasn't uncommon for professionals to be limping along on software that was often 5 or more years outdated.
Additionally, because of the expense, people would often opt for only a single piece of software, bending the laws of nature in an attempt to make that one piece of software (namely, Photoshop) do things it was never intended to do like multi-page layout and design like wedding albums, product catalogs, and company newsletters—for which InDesign is far better suited. You name it, I've seen it happen. This was not only expensive in terms of the extra work and hassle it created, but it held people back from developing new skills on new software platforms. And to put it quite simply, it was just plain painful to watch. I used to teach Photoshop on a seminar circuit and when I learned that people were using Photoshop to build annual reports and such, I was nearly speechless and felt like crying on their behalf. What a nightmare! But that's what happens when upgrading requires an act of Herculean strength to move corporate and bureaucratic mountains just to get budgets approved, etc.
Enter Creative Cloud.
Adobe's new subscription based plans mean that for less than $600/year (substantially less for new subscribers, and students/educators/teams get special discounts too), you can have the latest and greatest version of not only Photoshop, but the entire suite of Adobe products. And instead of owning a box with an install disc, you own a web-based license which enables you to download any and all of Adobe's products and use them for as long as you maintain your subscription. Upgrades and updates happen automatically.
This makes it easier to budget (your finance department will thank you!) and comes with a whole slew of benefits including:
The paradigm shift In essence, instead of "owning" your Adobe products, you're effectively "renting" them. This is the paradigm shift you'll have to make in order to cross over into the new and fluffy world of cloud licensing. From people I've talked to, this is the part that feels difficult to swallow. I too prefer to own rather than rent in most cases, but when it comes to having access to all the software in the current version, plus all the added benefits, I'm willing to shift my paradigm.
RequestsThe "cloud" is new for Adobe, and surely it will take time for people to cross over and in the meantime, I imagine that Adobe will continue to refine the way it all works.
Personally, I'd like to also be able to pay a year at a time rather than monthly. It works out to be the same either way, but psychologically I'd rather pay in a chunk rather than every month.
I'd also like to see a reasonably inexpensive way to add a small number of additional licenses (for a family, not just a team office) to avoid having to pay all over again in order for kids/spouses to have access. (Currently, each subscription comes with 2-licenses, which may work well for many people, but when Emir and I each have a desktop and a laptop, we need a minimum of 4. Or, I suppose we could evolve to work exclusively on laptops? It's a possibility I guess...)
Either way, I look forward to how the cloud continues to evolve and the new opportunities it creates for creatives. :) Onward!
Every year about this time, I get several questions about great gifts for beloved shutterbugs who want to take their photography to the next level. So, without further ado, here are some recommendations: A Lens Upgrade (Yummy Fast Glass!) The term "fast glass" refers to a lens with a large maximum aperture, allowing the user to capture images in low-light with a faster shutter speed, earning the name "fast glass" because it negates the need for a tri-pod. However, the main reason so many people love "fast glass" (even in situations with plentiful light) is that the larger aperture capabilities allow you to create the yummy blurred backgrounds you see is so many professional photos. (Example of my cutie pie nephews below, shot with some "fast glass." Note the deliciously blurred backgrounds...)
If you or your loved one have a dSLR that came with a lens or two, they're likely zoom lenses with a maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6 (you can see this printed on the lens itself if you look closely). While those are nice general/multi-purpose lenses, there is a fantastically awesome difference when you upgrade to a fast prime lens, and if you go with something like a 50mm f/1.8, you can up your game for less than $120. (Here's the link for the Nikon equivalent.) The numbers to look at are the numbers that appear after the "f/." The lower the number (say.... f/1.8 vs. f/5.6), the larger the aperture, and the "faster" the glass. Really fast glass (like the 50mm f/1.2) comes with a pretty price tag of $1400, but you can get in the game with the f/1.8 without breaking the bank.
Seriously. This lens will change your/their world.
I can hear you now. "But Khara... it doesn't zoom!" True. But let's pause for a moment and respectfully acknowledge that there is more to photography than zooming. And when it comes to dramatically changing your photographic game, it helps to simplify things and learn to seriously rock a single piece of gear. And when that single piece of gear is a decently fast prime lens, if used properly, it can yield more dramatic results than any generic zoom/kit lens you could ever buy.
That said, a 50mm lens can be an all around awesome focal length. Unlike a zoom lens, a "prime" lens is "fixed" at a single focal length, meaning that in order to change your view, you'll need to use your feet. :) But nothing beats the sharpness of a prime lens. Of all my lenses, my 50mm lens is hands down my favorite and spends more time on my camera than all my other lenses combined (zoom or otherwise).
Get Your Knowledge On
Having an upgraded lens is nice and all, but in order to actually take advantage of it, you'll need to get your camera off "auto" mode and into something with more control like Aperture Priority mode or Manual mode. Don't panic! It's not as scary as it sounds. Seriously.
I've been teaching people how to fall in love with their cameras for years, and wrote a book specifically for people who want to learn but don't know where to start. Your Camera Loves You is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Peachpit. It's an easy read that may even put a smile on your face.
On a related note, I'm happy to announce that Your Camera Loves You has been re-released in a special edition exclusive to Barnes & Noble for the holidays with the title, "Getting Started in Digital Photography: From Snapshots to Great shots." It's the same fun-loving, easy going book with a few added features at the beginning and ending of each chapter. Check it out in stores or online!
Practice! A good lens and some serious know-how will take you or your loved one far in their photographic journey—assuming you/they put in some practice. If you're the gift giver, why not include a Saturday/Sunday morning on the town volunteering to model for them? They'll get some practice, and you'll get some nice images (if not right away... eventually). It's a win-win! (And... it's FREE!)
Gear Schmear I know you probably came to this post looking for more "gadgets" you can get the shutterbug in your life... but seriously, gadgets won't make their photos any better. The best thing you can do for yourself or for them, is to amp up on knowledge and practice. The rest will take care of itself. Just tellin' it like it is!
Happy shooting!
xoxo
Are you still scrambling to put together your holiday card? Fear not! Not only do I have a stellar recommendation on where to have yours printed, (Mpix, Mpix, Mpix!), but I also have a FREE customizable template for you! The template comes in two sizes: 8x4 photo card, or 4x5.5 flat card (vertical). But wait—there's more! I even have a tutorial video showing you how to use Photoshop Elements or Photoshop CS to drop your own photo into the design and how to get your groove on with Mpix. Check it out at the end of this post, and click here to download the zip file that contains the .psd templates.
Enjoy!
I don't usually get quite this personal on my blog, but what the heck—sometimes you just have to put yourself out there and trust that it will be for a good reason. Besides, it's entirely possible that someone may even find what you have to say helpful, encouraging, or even—dare I say it?—inspiring. I hope that's the case.
The truth is—I have a confession to make. I am far from perfect. (Well geez... Don't act so surprised!) It's a well known fact that no one is perfect, but that doesn't stop us from trying, does it? I'm as guilty as anyone else when it comes to thinking that I might actually be Super Woman, but the universe has an annoyingly stubborn way of reminding us that we're all human.
I run a successful business. I'm a published author. I have a wonderful family and a rich life filled with more rewarding experiences than I could count, which I wouldn't trade for the world. But alone, in the privacy of my own mind, I'm waging war—fighting a constant battle against Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
More than a torturous condition that very few people understand, OCD is listed by the World Health Organization as one of the top 10 most debilitating disorders around. Having kept my battle private for more than 22 years, I've decided to open up and go public in an effort to help others and spread awareness after a recent and especially bad flare up that began in October of 2011 (just as Emir and I left on our bike tour) and roared to epic proportions this past February as we got serious about wanting to start a family. The reinvigorated battle lead to my recent TEDx talk called, "Anything is Possible, and That's the Problem. Or is It?"
The talk explores the ways in which our beliefs shape our realities (however distorted they may be), and how we can all benefit from a wider perspective and more balanced thinking. Check it out:
If you or someone you know is suffering, it's easy to end up in a very dark place if the OCD goes untreated. Find a therapist (who specializes in OCD), ask your doctor about medication, and get some good books. These are my personal favorites:
When in Doubt, Make Belief by Jeff Bell Part memoir, part therapy, this is a great place to start.
Devil in the Details by Jennifer Traig An intelligent and tragically hilarious memoir.
Nowhere Near Normal by Traci Foust Another eye-opening (brilliantly written and humorous while simultaneously tragic) memoir that helps to put things in perspective.
Perhaps I'll share more details of my own battle someday in a future blog post, but for now here are some things worth knowing:
Spend an hour with me tomorrow—and shave boatloads of hours off your album design time. (Yes, I said boatloads.)
No previous InDesign experience necessary. I'll be teaching from the ground up.
Here's some of things people have said about my InDesign workshops in the past:
“I watched your InDesign tutorial today…in the time it took me to design two pages in Photoshop, I’m almost done with an entire album. Why did I wait so long to try this????” — Nicole Neff
"I attended your platform class and it was indeed life changing. Now I'm using InDesign to design my albums and it's so easy and quick. Thanks!!" —Emilie
"I just wanted to let you know how much I LOVED your platform class!! It was seriously the best class I went too! I took away more applicable knowledge than I have in years! You kept it fun and interesting and educational, always following it up with a smile! Love it! :)" —Jamie
Join me at 1pm central (2pm est) right here.
If you've been looking to spruce up your FaceBook timeline cover, this post is for you! I have a tutorial coming down the pipes to show you exactly how to build your own using InDesign, but for now, you can download this InDesign Facebook timeline cover template that I created, and start having fun right away!
Note: Opening the template file requires InDesign CS4 or newer.
New to InDesign and don't have a clue how to use it? Learn the basics and be up and running in less than an hour with my InDesign tutorial video. Bonus: Save 10% with the code CRAZYFAST.
As much as I love Apple, I do not love managing/downloading my photos with iTunes or iPhoto. But—I also don't want 3 years worth of images bogging down my phone. What's a girl to do? Turns out, Mac users can easily bypass iTunes by using Preview. Just plug in your phone, launch Preview, and choose File>Import from iPhone.
Once the images are downloaded, you can also use Preview to batch delete photos from your iPhone. Pretty sweet, eh?
Now that you have tons more space for tons more photos, get out there and get to it already! :)
PS: Looking for more photo fun? Check out my post on how to give your mobile photos a life beyond Instagram and Facebook.
PSS: Windows user? Check out this great post made just for you!
Talk about the coziest of cozy fall days!? What goes better with cooler temps and fall leaves than your sweetheart on your arm? :) Can't wait for these two to tie the knot next June!
Khara Plicanic. Instructor, Photographer, Designer, Advocate. Here you'll find tools, inspiration, and empowerment to help you on your own creative journey.
