Photoshop World

A week ago I went to this little adventure called Photoshop World. However, Photoshop World is more than just photoshop, it now has a large (I would say almost half) contingent that focuses on the craft of photography. What was the done deal for me, was this time they had a whole tract on social media/business. Now I think I'm pretty social media savvy - well it turned out there is a whole lot I need to learn yet! But I'm getting there :) Like ta da - the introduction of the blog (I have my goals on how often I want to put up posts, but want to see if it's feasible before I announce that schedule - because then I expect you internets to keep me accountable!)

So Photoshop World, why was it such an awesome experience? I feel for the money spent, you get a lot of bang for your buck. Awesome, top notch, friendly instructors that actually hang out with the attendees. The 'telephone' book (it is huge) of ALL the classes over the whole conference. Because you know the whole make yourself be in three different places has not been perfected yet (I'm working on it though!). And then the expo - ah the expo. The place that will drain your wallet faster than you can say gesundheit, not because they are sharks, but just because for me, it's a chance to see the products first hand. In Canada - sometimes we are a bit behind the times, so it's nice to see and feel the products before purchasing. I guess I'm old fashioned that way.

So I'll start with the people. The instructors are great. I love the chance to sit down and actually have hands on learning from people in the know. As well as, sometimes my brain in it's oddity, can become hung up on a point, so it's nice to be able to dialogue and get concrete answers. As a photographer I am an artist, however there is a very big portion of black and white thinking in my brain that likes concrete answers!

The biggest highlight for me was the chance to have my portfolio reviewed by Zack Arias. I went in with sweaty palms, pounding heart, but I survived! It was just simply an honor. We all have our heroes in our lives that we look up to. Zack is one of my photography heroes. I love his work. But I think even more, I like the straightforwardness. Remember my black and white thinking brain? Well with him, it's called like it is - ugly, bad or good and I like that. Plus the whole Used Film crew is friendly and approachable. If you want to read a great personal blog - his wife Meghan Arias is the place to be. Plus she is quite a gifted songwriter and singer - you can find her on itunes. For me that feedback was worth the whole trip, and the whole trip was already pretty awesome already!

Any class by Joe McNally is always entertaining, full of knowledge and just leaves you sitting there going wow. I didn't see as many of his classes as I was hoping to. However, if you are a photographer, or wanna be photographer, or heck even just like reading a good story - check out his blog. Not only is he a great photographer, he is a great writer.

The expo floor. Ah the expo floor - I love thee but I hate thee. Why must you cling to my wallet so?! I did pretty good though (being poor helps with that!). There are a few vendors there that I work with and want to point out though.

Artistic Photo Canvas - you guys as always rock. Seriously, you rock my canvas photographic world. I was fortunate this spring to win a free canvas from them. Well that was it, I was hooked. Done deal. If you are my client, and you want a canvas. This is the company I order from. They are amazing artists in their own right. I have never had a canvas from there where I was disappointed. As an added bonus - these guys know customer service. I deal with a lot of companies, and I have to say these guys have it down to an art. I wish I could say it's because of this or that, but I can't. Perhaps it's always because they take the time to listen, and to work with you to create a piece of canvas art? All I know is they know customer service and they should open a side business of teaching that to a few other companies that can't seem to grasp that concept.

Westcott - you guys were the icing on a great conference. They are the wizards at crafting light. A photographers true friend is light. We learn to mold it to create images. These guys have it down to a science. They set up a 'shoot out' in the back of the expo with models, their lighting equipment and wonderful setups. It was wonderful for this small town photographer. Seriously. I blew through memory cards like it was going out of style.


I do have to mention Hoodman - just because well, they were funny. And they actually knew where Saskatchewan was and how to spell it - so bonus points for them!

And I almost forgot Adoroma! They were so sweet in shipping an item to the hotel for me, in which I saved a whole bunch in shipping! (so much I could have bought two!). They were friendly and easy to work with. If your in the States - looking for photographic equipment - check them out. I would recommend them if your in Canada too - just the shipping really bites for us Canadians.

It was a great time. I loved it. And I thoroughly look forward to returning next year (I hope). But now you know what all the hype is about :).