Posted by Jamie Botdorf on January 16, 2007 at 1:22 PM
One of my New Year's resolutions was to take a class and/or self-study to improve my shooting and workflow/editing skills this year.
I'm open to suggestions on good books to read, workshops to attend, software tutorials, etc. that others have found useful. I consider myself quite a newbie looking to grow.
I know a number of the members here do some workshops or have books - feel free to email me a link to your resources.
My apologies if this is OT or has been covered several times before...
Thanks for any help.
Posted by Rich Long on January 16, 2007 at 2:09 PM
Out of most the posts here I think this one is more ON Topic than Off.
Of all of the writers I would have to refer you to John Shaw! I've attended his workshops as well as workshops by Art Wolf and the late Galen Rowell as well as a few others. My advice is to shop around. Look at the work of those you think you might want to attend a workshop from then the work of thiose who may have attended. You'll often find a track record from which you can base your choices on.
I found for me the best workshops were lead by not only phenominal photographers and artists, but people with similar personalities to my own. I took workshops from people who had a real passion for the art of photography over the technical aspects, while all along they used the technical foundations to teach from.
As a former teacher, I always said the class had to first be fun, then open to discovery on every level.
I have a friend who teaches wonderful workshops and would be happy to email you his site. Many here know him and his work speaks for itself and his passion.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on January 16, 2007 at 3:11 PM
As far as books, I highly recommend Dan Margulis' books on color correction, "LAB, the Canyon Conundrum" and "Professional Photoshop". I recently 'discovered' these after having heard his name bandied around for a whilie and recently reading some reviews. Others here probably take his techniques for granted.
While my workflow and approach to using Photoshop differ a little from his, his explanations are clear and detailed. You really gain a deeper understanding for why things work the way they do in terms of color and how Photoshop works. While he give you 'steps' and a process he definately does not dole out useless recipes, he makes you understand what is going on so you can apply the knowledge to whatever you need.
Browse the books at your local store and read his forward sections, that will give you a flavor of his style. Make sure you get the latest edition of "Professional Photoshop" it's been fully updated.
Kalin
Posted by Jamie Botdorf on January 16, 2007 at 4:58 PM
Thanks! Does anyone have any opinions on Rick Sammon's books/workshops?
Posted by Bret Edge on January 16, 2007 at 7:28 PM
I can't help you with Rick Sammon's books/workshops but I strongly second Rich's suggestion. My Photoshop skills improved tenfold in less than a week after I bought the John Shaw e-book. The techniques he describes are almost all simple to master and his method of instruction is second to none. Even an idiot like me could follow him!
I also highly recommend workshops by fellow NPN'ers Guy Tal and Michael Gordon (http://www.gtworkshops.com/) or Andy Biggs (www.andybiggs.com). These guys are at the top of their game and lead workshops with the utmost professionalism.
Posted by Nat Coalson on January 19, 2007 at 1:07 PM
We're currently working up our 2007 schedule of classes, and are planning offerings in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom and a unique two-day workshop about building individual creative style into a strong body of work.
Discussion
6 repliesI'm open to suggestions on good books to read, workshops to attend, software tutorials, etc. that others have found useful. I consider myself quite a newbie looking to grow.
I know a number of the members here do some workshops or have books - feel free to email me a link to your resources.
My apologies if this is OT or has been covered several times before...
Thanks for any help.
Of all of the writers I would have to refer you to John Shaw! I've attended his workshops as well as workshops by Art Wolf and the late Galen Rowell as well as a few others. My advice is to shop around. Look at the work of those you think you might want to attend a workshop from then the work of thiose who may have attended. You'll often find a track record from which you can base your choices on.
I found for me the best workshops were lead by not only phenominal photographers and artists, but people with similar personalities to my own. I took workshops from people who had a real passion for the art of photography over the technical aspects, while all along they used the technical foundations to teach from.
As a former teacher, I always said the class had to first be fun, then open to discovery on every level.
I have a friend who teaches wonderful workshops and would be happy to email you his site. Many here know him and his work speaks for itself and his passion.
While my workflow and approach to using Photoshop differ a little from his, his explanations are clear and detailed. You really gain a deeper understanding for why things work the way they do in terms of color and how Photoshop works. While he give you 'steps' and a process he definately does not dole out useless recipes, he makes you understand what is going on so you can apply the knowledge to whatever you need.
Browse the books at your local store and read his forward sections, that will give you a flavor of his style. Make sure you get the latest edition of "Professional Photoshop" it's been fully updated.
Kalin
I also highly recommend workshops by fellow NPN'ers Guy Tal and Michael Gordon (http://www.gtworkshops.com/) or Andy Biggs (www.andybiggs.com). These guys are at the top of their game and lead workshops with the utmost professionalism.
We're currently working up our 2007 schedule of classes, and are planning offerings in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom and a unique two-day workshop about building individual creative style into a strong body of work.
Stay tuned....