Free Digital Video E-books

- Adobe offers some great primers on video technology. be sure to check these free e-books out.
- Adobe Digital Video Primer (PDF: 9.8M) Whether you want to understand the differences between analog and digital, how to choose and set up a system that's right for you, or how to prepare and edit your content for delivery in virtually any format, the Adobe Digital Video Primer is a resource you'll use often.
- Adobe HD Primer (PDF: 1.6M) This primer will help you understand what's involved in making the transition to authoring and distributing high-definition content and how to get the best results out of that transition.
- Adobe Digital Audio Primer (PDF: 84k) In this primer, we'll introduce the basics of sound so you can work more effectively with Adobe® Audition™ and the rest of your digital audio or video toolkit.
- Adobe DVD Primer (PDF: 6.3M) This in-depth primer will get you acquainted with DVD technology and teach you how to make your DVD content more dynamic. If you're already creating video productions, it will introduce you to state-of-the-art technologies you can use to repurpose your content for DVD distribution. If you're a beginner you'll find out how you can easily develop and author your own DVDs.
- Adobe Professional DVD Production with Adobe Encore DVD Primer (PDF: 2.2M) This primer provides background information on the DVD-Video format and explains what makes Adobe Encore® DVD such a powerful application for professional DVD creation.
- Adobe Streaming Media Primer (PDF: 1019k) The Adobe Streaming Media Primer offers a single comprehensive source for learning everything you ever wanted to know about streaming media — including pitfalls, costs, how-tos, and the basics.
- Adobe DV Primer for Creative Professionals (PDF: 392k) Thinking about adding video to your repertoire? If you're a graphic designer, web professional, photographer, or other creative professional and you want to start working with video, this Primer is the place to start. You'll learn how video can expand your creative reach, the basics of the technology, and what you'll need to get started.
Fun at Photoshop World



Automating Tasks with Photoshop Actions
Quickly reapply complex artistic effects to multiple images.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
Creative Sepia Tones
Fine-tune sepia tints with gradient maps and blending modes.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
Free Plug-In for Apple and Adobe

The Boris Continuum Materials Unit can be used to create a nearly infinite variety of animated backgrounds in After Effects, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Motion, and Final Cut Express. The plug-in suite includes 15 Boris Continuum Complete filters that can be stacked or used individually to create abstract animated backgrounds or lifelike footage. For a limited time, Eye Scream Factory and Boris FX have teamed up to offer COW members a fully licensed version of BCC Reptilian, one of the included filters. BCC Reptilian is designed to simulate the look of scaly or spotted animal skin. By adjusting the colors, textures, and lighting, you can create an amazing variety of effects. Download the Reptilian Filter
To get more details like this... sign up for the Creative COW newsletter.
Photoshop Clone Stamp

This technique goes beyond copy and paste, however, because it uses the flexibility of Photoshop’s Brush palette. This allows you to adjust the size and hardness of the brush as well as the opacity of the stroke.

- Select the Clone Stamp tool by pressing S.
- Select a brush from the Options bar or Brushes panel.
- Specify the tool alignment in the Options bar. If Aligned is selected, the sample point and painting point move parallel as you brush. If you click again and start over, the sample point picks up relative to the current brush position. If Aligned is deselected, the initial sample point is re-used. The second method ensures that you are always sampling from the same area but the first produces more visual variety if using a large textured area.
- Option+click (Alt+click) within the current document, or another open document (set to the same color mode). This defines the source point for sampled pixel data.
- Click and start to paint as if you were using the Brush Tool (you are essentially sampling pixels from one area and painting them into another). The sampled pixels are drawn from before you click. Therefore, it may be necessary to release and start over occasionally to avoid cloning the problem area. If using Photoshop CS4 or later, you’ll also see a preview of the pixels you are painting.

Performance Tips
- Try cloning at a lower opacity from several different places to fill in a problem area. This way you can avoid too much repetition in the pattern.
- Try to “follow the line” by looking for edges to follow in the image. Straight lines such as creases in clothing are easier to follow than random spots. Look to follow the natural curves and linear paths that are present.
- You can clone from all visible layers by specifying Use All Layers. This is useful if you want to clone to an empty layer at the top of your document while sampling from the layers below.
How Everyone Can Create Better Video
An Interview with me.
"Author and video expert Richard Harrington discusses his efforts to bring superior video techniques to the rest of us. Rich discusses getting it right from the ground up, from camera set-up to final production, why so many users want to use greenscreen, and why the tools you have on the desktop are more than adequate."
Fine-Tuning Photoshop Filters
Learn several fading techniques that help you get the most out of standard Photoshop filters.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
Repairing Damage With Photoshop:Heal or Patch?
- The Healing Brush (J) is a tool that is designed to correct imperfections in a photo.
- The Patch Tool uses similar technology as the Healing Brush, but Patch is better suited to fixing larger problems or empty areas.
To see the full tutorial, head on over to TipSquirrel.
New Photoshop CS5 Podcasts Released

We had to change hosting companies... you'll find that we've posted a BUNCH of new episodes in iTunes. We have 72 new episodes in the can... so don't miss out!
http://tinyurl.com/uappodcast
Panoramic Layout Options

- Auto: With this method, Photoshop first analyzes your source images. It then applies either the Perspective, Cylindrical, and Spherical layout option. Photoshop attempts to choose which method to use that will produce a better photomerge.
- Perspective: This method creates a composition by designating one of the source images as the center of the panoramic image. Photoshop generally picks the middle image, then transforms the other images around it. Photoshop will stretch and skew images as needed to overlap the layers and blend them together.
- Cylindrical: The cylindrical layout option works best for creating very wide panoramic images. The source images are overlapped in a way that looks like an unfolded cylinder.
- Spherical: The spherical option is best-suited for 360 degree panoramas. The images are mapped to the inside of a sphere and can create a seamless image for use in specialty applications like multimedia or animation.
- Collage: This method only changes rotation or scale in order to overlap the content.
- Reposition: This method only changes the alignment of images, but does not transform (stretch or skew) any of the source layers.
Check out our Panoramic Training Here
My 360˚ Panoramic Action

A while back I made an action that is designed to create a seamless loop for properly shot 360˚ photos. People seem to be unable to find it (as its the number one search result for my site). So here it is again.
- Download the action here
- Double click the file Panoramicsrev3.atn to load it.
- Switch to Photoshop.
- Complete your 360˚ panorama using the Photomerge command.
- Choose Window > Actions to view the Actions panel.
- Select the Seamless Loop action in the Actions panel. If necessary click the disclosure triangle next to the Panoramics set.
- When ready, click the Play button at the bottom of the Actions panel. Photoshop runs a series of steps to complete the seamless loop action.
- Crop the bottom and top of the panoramic image to taste, but be careful not to adjust the sides of the image.
Understanding Adobe Camera Raw
After Effects Material Controls are Often Overlooked

In the rush to design, many motion graphic artists skip the advanced controls inside the Material Options category. These are essential as the refine how a 3D light interacts with your 3D layer. The properties that affect appearance the most are Diffuse, Specular, Shininess, and Metal.
The only changes made to the scene above were modifications to the Material Options. No other settings with lights were modified. The Material Options are powerful controls that are often overlooked. When you're first exploring Material Options, try lowering or raising their values one property at a time.
- To start, drop all of the values to 0% to remove the effect of the lights.
- Next slowly increase the Specular value. This will add a hotspot to your layer (it may get quite blown out). This value controls how reflective the layer is. The bigger the number the brighter the reflection.
- Raise the Shininess property which will cause the light to show specular highlights. The bigger the number the smaller the highlight.
- Use the Diffuse property to soften the results generated by the Specular and Shininess properties. This will soften the transition between lights and darks.
- Raising metal property will lower the color distinction between the darker areas and the highlight, but the highlight will still be brighter. It also affects how much the layer's color influences the color of the reflection.
From the new Adobe Press book – Motion Graphics with Adobe Creative Suite 5 Studio Techniques
Creating 3D in Illustrator with the Revolve Command
1. Select an object or line inside of Adobe Illustrator.

A line or a shape is all you need to create a 3D object. By default, the extrusion will rotate around the left edge so position the vector object accordingly.
2. Choose Effect > 3D > Revolve. Check the Preview box so you can see the effect update as you make changes.

With the Preview box checked, changes will update so you can experiment more easily. For complex objects, the screen may take a moment to redraw.
By default, Illustrator revolves objects around the left edge. You can change this to the right edge using the from pop-up.
3. If you object has a fill, you can use the cap command to make it appear solid or hollow.

4. Use the Angle property to set the number of degrees to revolve the path. While you can use any number between 0 and 360, I typically start with 360˚.
With the Preview box checked, changes will update so you can experiment more easily. For complex objects, the screen may take a moment to redraw. You can use the Offset slider to expand the path to create a ring-shaped object.

If you experiment with this effect, some pretty cool options are possible. Try using a dashed line and creating an irregular path. In this case a basket shape is possible and you can create abstract 3D objects for motion graphics work. Technique adapted from RC Concepcion.
From the new Adobe Press book – Motion Graphics with Adobe Creative Suite 5 Studio Techniques
After Effects Stacking Order Matters

Things can get tricky when you start to layer 2D and 3D layers in the same timeline. As a designer, you need to understand how After Effects interprets things so you can build your compositions correctly.
- When working in 2D, the highest layer in the Timeline is in front of all the other layers. The lowest layer is behind them.
- 3D layers are stacked based on their Z‑position value (assuming the camera is pointing at their fronts). This means that the object closest to the Active camera is in front of the other layers. This is true even if the layer is at the bottom of Timeline stacking order.
- Track and Alpha mattes must always be immediately on top of the layer they are matting. This is true for both 2D and 3D layers.
- Layer blend modes still follow the stacking order in the Timeline.
- 2D layers mixed with 3D layers are ordered by their spot in the Timeline stack.
- If two or more 3D layers have overlapping z‑position values, After Effects uses their Timeline stacking order to determine top position.
If you want to keep a logo bug or other element always on top of your 3D layers it's easy. Just place the element on the topmost layer in After Effects and don't enable the 3D switch. You can also do the same for a background layer that you want behind all your 3D layers. Just put a standard 2D layer at the very bottom of the timeline.
From the new Adobe Press book – Motion Graphics with Adobe Creative Suite 5 Studio Techniques
Master Photoshop Transparency

Want a free excerpt from the new edition of Photoshop for Video?
Learn about layer masks, alpha channels, and selections — http://www.peachpit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=1617518
Adobe Output Module & Bridge – 178 UAP
Instructor Richard Harrington explains this companion program to Adobe Photoshop.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
Automating Tasks with Photoshop Actions
Quickly reapply complex artistic effects to multiple images.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
Teaching at Motion Conference in Santa Fe

October 16, 2010 8:30 am at motion{u} :: santa fe
As a motion graphics designer, you'll use After Effects, Photoshop, or Illustrator to some degree in every project. But how do you decide which tool is best for the job and how can you use them together for the most efficient and effective workflow?
This workshop cuts to the chase and teaches advanced techniques for all three applications (no matter what your experience level is with each). You'll learn essential techniques including typography, repairing and retiming footage, stylizing footage, background design, and 3D objects.
Learn how to integrate After Effects, Photoshop, and Illustrator for an efficient and effective workflow. Topics include:
- Pixels and Vectors: Mastering Resolution
- Typography for the Screen
- Repairing, Stylizing and Retiming Footage
- Perfect Loops: Designing Backgrounds
- Creating and Importing 3D Objects
- Check Your Sources: Organizing Files for Animation
- Mastering Transparency: Perfect Masks and Alpha Channels
- DVD and BD Menu Design
- Motion Control 3D
- Virtual Sets with Panoramic Photos
Pre-register today – http://motion.motion.tv/schedule/sessions/motionusf-10-16-10/
Using the Image Processor – 177 UAP
Instructor Richard Harrington explains how the image processor script provides an easy way to batch process several images.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
Creating Image Galleries with Adobe Bridge
Quickly review, arrange, and output images to PDF and the web.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
Fading a Filter — 176 UAP
Instructor Richard Harrington discusses how the fade command works. It is available on all versions of Photoshop, and is considered a very flexible tool.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
Tablet Techniques for the Mixer Brush in Photoshop
Interactively blend canvas colors with lifelike painting strokes.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
Smart Filters – 175 UAP
Instructor Richard Harrington talks about how to take your filter collection even further.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
Active Cameras Switching in After Effects

You can trim the layer handles for the camera to control when a camera becomes active.
The gotcha is that only the Active Camera will render. Which one's active? The answer is it depends:
- If you have two overlapping cameras, the one on top of the layer stack takes precedence.
• If you want to edit between cameras, you can adjust the in and out points in the timeline. Then sequence the camera layers so you can cut between them.
From the new Adobe Press book – Motion Graphics with Adobe Creative Suite 5 Studio Techniques
Refining Selections Edges
Precisely preview and adjust difficult selections. Output your results to a new layer, mask, or document to creatively combine the selection with new backgrounds.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
Photo Effects – 174 UAP
Instructor Richard Harrington talks about using styles to create image effects.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
PanosFX Actions

From postcards and filmstrips to paper and sketch effects. These actions are great, they produce powerful results and are flexible enough to create several looks. The website has more than 30 free actions and the powerful ones for sale are very affordable. Be sure to check out their many products to build up your Photoshop toolbox. If you did pick up the new book, be sure to look on the DVD for some additional free actions.
Retouching Images with Puppet Warp
Use a visual mesh that keeps key areas in place to perform everything from subtle image retouching to total transformations.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
Type Effects – 173 UAP
Instructor Richard Harrington talks about cool effects you can do using text, and how to combine it with layer styles.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
IN-DEPTH HDR PRO in Photoshop CS5
Get the best HDR output from the updated options in Photoshop CS5.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
Color Correction and Enhancement

"Learning how to spot problems in your images and then choosing the right correction technique is an essential part of mastering Photoshop. Richard Harrington describes the most important tools and shows you how to use them to make the best color correction and enhancement choices.
The primary purpose of Photoshop is to act as a digital darkroom where images can be corrected, enhanced, and refined. How do you know an image needs touch-up? You can pretty much assume every image can look a little (or even a lot) better than how the camera captured it. Whether it’s adjusting the exposure, increasing contrast, or boosting saturation, Photoshop is the place to improve an image."
Check out the free lesson here.
Warped Text – 172 UAP Warped Text – UAP 172
Instructor Richard Harrington explains the warped text options in Photoshop. Warped text allows you to make custom effects for your text.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
Free 3D Textures for Photoshop Extended

Want more free textures for Photoshop Extended? Be sure to check out the free ones posted by Adobe.
http://www.adobe.com/go/ps3dcontent
Render and Email in After Effects

- Open up your General Preferences and be sure that the Allow Scripts to Write Files and Access Network box is checked.
- Add your files to the Render Queue like normal.
- Choose File > Run Script > render_and_email.jsx, you will now be prompted for your email settings.
- Enter server smtp address: such as mail.mac.com, click OK
- Enter the reply to address: such as the email you want to use to send the message.
- If your server required log-in (most do), click YES and enter your ID and password. Click OK.
- Enter the recipients email address. Click OK
- An email with the subject AE Render complete will be sent when the queue is finished.
How cool is that?
If you have an iPhone... you can also checkout apps like LogMeIn and iTeleport to actually view (and control) your screen from your mobile device. I've actually set up rendered files and sent them via YouSendIt to clients remotely.
Into AE? Be sure to check out two new books – Photoshop for Video (Fourth Edition) and Motion Graphics with Adobe Creative Suite 5 Studio Techniques
Two Render Tips for AE

A Better Stop
Normally when you click Stop on an item in the render queue, it adds it to the bottom of the list and will pick up where it left off. That may be what you want, but often you intended to bust the render, tweak it, and re-render. To stop a render and re-queue it to begin at the beginning, hold down the Option (Alt) key when clicking Stop Render. This will avoid the pickup and add the item to be re-rendered from the start of the original output settings.
Need to Re-render?
For one reason or another, it always happens, the need to re-render. Perhaps a small tweak to a keyframe or a timing issue. Chances are while your animation may have needed refining, the render queue was perfect. Save yourself some time and Re-queue that animation.- Select a previously rendered animation.
- Press Command + Shift + D (Control + Shift + D) to duplicate the render item with the same settings and output name. This will rewrite over the previous file to the exact same destination.
- Save your work, then click Render when ready to output.
Into AE? Be sure to check out two new books – Photoshop for Video (Fourth Edition) and Motion Graphics with Adobe Creative Suite 5 Studio Techniques
Creating Custom Actions in Photoshop

Photoshop Actions record a series of commands for playback on future images. They can be used to generate extremely complex results. Actions should seem pretty appealing, let’s learn how to create your own.
You must first create a set to hold your personal actions. Sets hold actions, and there’s no limit to how many actions can be placed into a set or how many sets you can load. Let’s give it a try.
See the full article here for free
Free Online Crash Course on Photoshop CS5
'
You can see it here too – http://tv.adobe.com/watch/adobe-at-nab-2010/adobe-photoshop-cs5-for-video/
Two New Photoshop Books


Both of my Photoshop books are fully updated (and released!)
Amazon has a combo deal.. get both books for $67
That's a ton of training, hundreds of hands-on files. 72 training videos and more.
See this page here – http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Adobe-Photoshop-CS5-Professionals/dp/0321714261/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_3
Sign Up for Creating DSLR Video at Photoshop World
Interested in DSLR Video? Like Vegas? Don't miss my workshop at this years Photoshop World.
http://photoshopworld.com/optional-pre-conference-workshops/
Color Grading Footage In Adobe Photoshop Extended
Learn how to adjust the color and exposure of video clips using Adobe Photoshop Extended.
From the book From Still to Motion
Are You a Teacher? How to Request Free Review Copies from Peachpit Press.

Are you a teacher? Consider our books for your class. Four to choose from
- From Still to Motion (HDSLR filmmaking)
- Video Made on a Mac (Advanced Apple and Adobe video workflow and techniques)
- Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5 (A college class book or for those stuck at beginner)
- Photoshop for Video (Fourth edition just released)
Here's how to request a free desk copy.
http://www.peachpit.com/academics/academics_detail.aspx?st=67280
Photoshop CS5 Puppet Warp
Learn how to create Puppet Warps in Photoshop CS5.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
Going to Photoshop World? Take My Pre-Con
I have a great pre-conference session called:
CREATING VIDEO WITH DSLR CAMERAS
Explore options for creating and working with video from your camera, from practical shooting techniques and essential lighting to easy editing strategies and online sharing.
Instructor: Richard Harrington
Time: 01:00pm-06:00pm
Price: $199
Sign Up Here – http://photoshopworld.com/optional-pre-conference-workshops/
Using the Cell Pattern Effect in After Effects
1. Choose a method from the Cell Pattern pop-up menu. Some patterns are sharp and angular while others are more organic. Experiment as you can change methods at any time.

Here are three of the twelve cell patterns. From left to right, Plates, Pillow, and Tubular.
2. Adjust the contrast of the effect to create the desire pattern. You can use the Invert checkbox to swap values of luminance. The Contrast/Sharpness slider modifies the overall detail level of the cells.
3. Modify the randomness of the cells with the Disperse slider. The lower the number, the more uniform the pattern. If you increase Disperse above 1.0, be sure to set the layer to Best quality.

Different Disperse values were used to modify the Cell Pattern. A value of 0 creates a uniform shape. Increasing the value to 0.50 adds more randomness. A greater value of 1.50 starts to create very irregular shapes.
4. Adjust the size and position with the Size and Disperse sliders.
The key to making an animated background is the Evolution option. As you animate evolution, the pattern will change over time. By default, revolutions are progressive, which means each cycle is an entirely unique value. There is a way though to create a seamless loop point.'
5. Under Evolution Options, check the box next to Cycle Evolution. This will ensure that a revolution for the Evolution slider makes the pattern repeat.
6. Add a keyframe near the start of the composition for Evolution for 0x and one at the end for a full number (such as 2 x). By using full rotations, you'll create a loopable pattern.

Using full rotations with the Cycle Evolution option enabled will create a loopable pattern.
Tip: Want a Different Looking Background? Randomize it
You can get a different pattern by changing the Random Seed slider. Do not keyframe this value; rather drag to choose a different starting pattern. You can also adjust the Size or Offset settings.
7. To create a richly layered background, blend multiple layers with the Cell Pattern effect applied. You can stylize the background with the Colorama effect and a vignette as well.

Stacking multiple instances of the Cell Pattern effect can create depth and visual interest.
Download the file here – www.richardharringtonblog.com/downloads/Cell_Pattern_Noise_BG.zip
Be sure to check out the new book here – Motion Graphics with Adobe Creative Suite 5 Studio Techniques
In NYC? Don't Miss the Free Photoshop CS5 Summit
DATE: Friday, June 25 TIME: 4:30 – 7:30 pm LOCATION: Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom 311 West 34th Street New York, NY 10001 PRICE: FREE – Bring a Friend!* You must sign up in advance here – www.photoshopuser.com/cs5nyc
Merge to HDR Pro & HDR Toning — Photoshop CS5
Learn how to create true HDR in Photoshop CS5. You'll also learn how to apply HDR toning to any photo.
Be sure to also check out the new book – Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5
Lens Correction in Photoshop CS5
“One of the commands in Photoshop CS5 that received a major makeover is the Lens Correction command. It’s no longer buried, rather it sits proudly near the top of the filter menu. Adobe now ties the filter to specific lenses in the file’s metadata. You can even create your own lens profiles with a great utility. Visit http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lensprofile_creator/ for full details.”
Check out the full tutorial here for free.
Understanding Photoshop – Creating Panoramic Photos App is FREE Two Days Only
Until June 5... we are giving this application away for free. Learn how to create breathtaking panoramic photographs using Adobe Photoshop® and your digital camera. This innovative application combines the latest in knowledge and technology to accelerate your learning.
- Includes 15 training videos edited specifically for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Offers easily viewable screens, with zooms and close-ups of the action.
- Every lesson includes hands-on files that you download to your computer. There’s no need to merely watch, you can try out every technique on your own.
- Test your knowledge with interactive quizzes. Score yourself as well as check your answers with video responses.
- Search throughout the application by keyword and your own bookmarks.
- A quick reference guide is also included to help build your skills.
- Interact with the trainer with comments and a Twitter client.
Additionally a quick reference guide for shooting panoramic photos is included for quick reference in the field.
TO SWITCH VIDEOS – SWIPE YOUR FINGER ACROSS THUMBNAILS
If you like it, please consider a small donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action – http://www.pancan.org/ in memory of Marilyn Marlowe.
Adobe DSLR Class Archive Online
I'm also amazed at Premiere Pro's ability to handle native DSLR video with no transcoding or rendering (good stuff!).
We focus a lot on DSLR video, but all video pros and photographers will learn something. You can watch the class here online (give it a minute to load).
Working with DSLR Video with Adobe CS5 Production Premium
https://admin.adobe.acrobat.com/_a561260173/p57397558/
New Video Actions for Photoshop
I've updated the Video Actions for Photoshop.
I've added the following new actions
- BD 720p – Size images for a slideshow for Blu-ray or 720p
- BD 1080p – Size images for a slideshow for Blu-ray or 720p
- Encore Blank Button – Creates a new menu button for use in Encore
- Encore Button Highlight – Creates a Highlight layer for use in Encore
Download the actions here.
- Unzip the actions. The extension should be .atn
- Locate your Photoshop application folder
- Place the file in Presets > Actions folder
- Launch Photoshop
- Choose Window > Actions to open the Actions panel
- Click the small triangle in the upper-right corner and choose Video Actions V2
- Run the action as needed
Camera Raw — Understanding Adobe Photoshop

I've posted a brand new Photoshop tutorial over at TipSquirrel.com. Learn how to get the most out of Camera Raw in Photoshop CS5 or CS4.
Check it out here for free.
Get the free Photoshop CS5 Knowledge Panel

Get the free Photoshop CS5 Knowledge Panel for a bunch of cool free tutorials built right into Photoshop CS5. Choose Window > Extensions > Knowledge to open it.
Here's why you need it.
- It's totally free
- It's interactive with cool controls
- A bunch of my tutorials are in there on video and animation.
Adobe is now delivering the Knowledge panel for Photoshop. This tool delivers interactive step-by-step guidance, walking you through some 70 tutorials written by expert authors. Unlike other tutorials, these can drive Photoshop: clicking links executes commands in PS (e.g. clicking "File->New" brings up the New Document dialog box)."
Learn more here – http://blogs.adobe.com/jnack/2010/05/the_knowledge_panel_arrives_in_photoshop.html
Thanks to Victor Gavenda at Peachpit and John Nack at Adobe for doing this.
35% Off and Free Shipping on my Two New Photoshop Books

Peachpit has a great resource center for learning Photoshop CS5. They have a bunch of book excerpts and free podcasts.
You can also check out four of the seventy-two videos that ship with my new edition of Understanding Adobe Photoshop.
Puppet Warp • Refine Edges Command • Merge to HDR Pro • Content-Aware Tools
Plus they've got a great deal on my new Photoshop books.
- 35% Off
- Free shipping
Check out Peachpit.com and enter code KPPSV
Photoshop for Video and Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5 are both off to print and shipping soon.
Motion Control 3D Samples
Sample motion graphic created for The Johnson Group's documentary, Bedford: The Town They Left Behind. The film went into limited release in theatres across the country.
I am working up some new tutorials on the techniques... leave comments about what you want to see.
You can see it in HD here.
Here's a short free tutorial here.
Free Final Cut Pro/Motion/AE Plug-ins
I always like free stuff... especially good free stuff.
Here's the link – http://www.idustrialrevolution.com/idrplugins/freebiepack1/index.html
A new Photoshop podcast you should check out

New on Peachpit TV: Photoshop in 5 with RC Concepcion
Check out the latest show on Peachpit TV: Photoshop in 5 with RC Concepcion. NAPP instructor & Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop Rafael "RC" Concepcion gives 5-minute tutorials in Photoshop on topics including the Type panel, Soft-proofing, Brush-based tools, Channels, Adjustment and Mask layers.
Content Aware Fill / Scale / Heal in Photoshop CS5
Learn about all three content aware tools in Photoshop CS5. Easily remove objects and blemishes with just a few clicks. From the new book Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5 by Richard Harrington.
Working with DSLR Video with Adobe CS5 Production Premium

You can sign up here – http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/event/index.cfm?event=detail&id=1613414&loc=en_us
Working with DSLR Video with Adobe CS5 Production Premium
Wednesday, May 26, 2010 — 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM US/Pacific
Thanks to their exceptional image quality, low-light capabilities, and the fact that you can shoot using standard 35mm DSLR lenses that give your footage the look of expensive film-based cameras, DSLRs are finding their way into video productions at all levels.
Join Richard Harrington, co-author of From Still to Motion: A photographer's guide to creating video with your DSLR. He'll explore the options for creating and working with DSLR video in CS5 Production Premium which includes Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Adobe After Effects. You’ll learn everything from practical shooting techniques and essential lighting to easy editing strategies and online sharing.
You’ll also be introduced to the latest Dell Precision workstation and NVIDIA Quadro graphic solutions to help you make the best decision to outfit your editing needs – including taking advantage of the latest performance improving updates in CS5.
Creating Timelapse Movies in After Effects
Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS5 is 100% Done
The book is ready to order and will ship soon. As a bonus, it also includes 6.5 hours of training videos.
Photoshop is the foundation of every digital career. Many users think they know it, but in truth they have gaping holes in their training. This book covers what a professional truly needs to know about Photoshop. For students this book offers a chance to explore the program interactively. For professionals it provides a chance to add to your skill base. The book cuts though the clutter and is unique, focusing not just on digital photography, but also the Web, graphic design, multimedia, and video.
Readers will learn the basics in correcting, editing, sharpening, retouching, and presenting photos as well as work on specific projects/exercises. Coverage of exciting new C5 features includes: Puppet Warp, Refining Edges, Eyedropper tools, Merge to HDR, Content Aware Fill/Scale/Heal, 3D Text, and Lens Profile.
The full-color book includes a DVD with hand-on exercises and practice images as well as 72 new video training tutorials that expand the on the lessons in the book.
After Effects Plugins 64 Bit

Here's a definitive list on the state of After Effects plugins right from Adobe.
After Effects CS5 requires 64-bit plug-ins as well as a 64-bit operating system. As plug-in developers release 64-bit versions of their plug-ins, we will list them here. Most plug-in developers are working on 64-bit versions of their tools, and many have announced that their plug-ins will be available at or near the time that After Effects CS5 is available. Check this page often for updates.
Adjusting Vibrancy in Photoshop - HD
Missing Plug-Ins in Photoshop CS5

Plug-ins available via web download
Some plug-ins that were available for previous versions of Photoshop are no longer available for CS5. Others are available as a web download.
• For Mac OS: http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=4687
• For Windows: http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=4688
Plug-ins supported in 32- and 64-bit Windows, and only 32-bit Mac OS:
- Lighting Effects
- Extract (Use Refine Mask under the Selection menu)
- Variations
- Web Contact Sheet II (Web Photo Gallery)
- Layer Comps to WPG
- PatternMaker
- PhotoMergerUI
- Picture Package
- Embed / Read Digimarc Watermark
- Firewire
- Firewire DLL
Plug-ins no longer supported in Photoshop CS5:
- Filmstrip format. Previous versions will not work in Photoshop CS5
- Texture Fill
Plug-ins supported only in 32-bit Windows and Mac OS:
- Send Video Preview to Device
- Video Preview
For more information – see this article
How to run Photoshop CS5 in 32-bit mode

To run Photoshop CS5 on Mac OS as a 32-bit application:
- Select the Adobe Photoshop CS5 application file, installed by default in the Applications/Adobe Photoshop CS5 folder.
- Choose File > Get Info, and select Open in 32 Bit Mode.
- Deselect this option to run Photoshop CS5 in 64-bit mode.
To run Photoshop CS5 in Windows as a 32-bit application:
- Close Photoshop CS5.
- Navigate to the Program Files (x86) > Adobe > Adobe Photoshop CS5 folder..
- Double-click the Adobe Photoshop CS5.exe file.
To run Photoshop CS5 in Windows as a 64-bit application:
- Close Photoshop CS5.
- Navigate to the Program Files > Adobe > Adobe Photoshop CS5 folder..
- Double-click the Adobe Photoshop CS5.exe file.
Photoshop World Las Vegas

The schedule for Photoshop World Las Vegas has been released.
Be sure to head on over (as well as take advantage of the Early Bird offer).
Plus... see my picture ;)
Understanding Adobe Photoshop Back Online

- Miss a back episode? Pick it up.
- Want the episode in HD? They are back to being BIG!
- New to the show, learn new Photoshop techniques.
- And of course, tell your friends
If you have requests for new shows... post them here.
Get it in iTunes
Get it on Blip.tv
Tinting a Photo with Photoshop

You can also use the Hue/Saturation command to tint an image. If you are working with a grayscale image, you need to convert it to an RGB image first.
1. Open an image you want to process.
2. Add a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer.
3. Click the Colorize box to tint the image.

4. Adjust the Hue slider to try out different color combinations. Adjust Saturation and Lightness to refine the tint.
The adjustment layer automatically has a Layer Mask attached, which allows you to mask the effect.
5. Click the Layer Mask icon for the Hue/Saturation adjustment layer.

6. Select your Brush tool and press D to load the default colors of black and white.
7. With a small black brush, paint the areas where you want the original colors to show through. so the original red shows through. If you make a mistake, you can press X to toggle back to white for touch-up.
This tutorial comes from the book, Understanding Adobe Photoshop.
Power Cropping Tutorial

- Cropping to a specific size
- Cropping for print and web
- Using Smart Objects for scaling
- Non-destructive cropping
- Perspective cropping
Here's a link to the tutorial.
Smart Objects -140 Understanding Adobe Photoshop 140
Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to use smart objects in Photoshop CS4 to re-scale an object without losing clarity.
Like the podcast? Then be sure to check out the companion book.
Quick Mask Mode - Understanding Adobe Photoshop 142
Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to refine a selection in Photoshop CS4 with paint brush tools & quick mask mode.
Like the podcast? Then be sure to check out the companion book.
Refining Edges - Understanding Adobe Photoshop 144
Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to easily modify selections with the refine edges command in Photoshop CS4.
Like the podcast? Then be sure to check out the companion book.
Shadows/Highlights - Understanding Adobe Photoshop 163
Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to use the shadow/highlight adjustment in Photoshop CS4 to repair images with exposure problems.
Like the podcast? Then be sure to check out the companion book.
Last Chance to Save on Photoshop World

The last chance to save $100 on Photoshop World is tomorrow. The Early Bird offer is a great deal. I'll be teaching several classes, including a pre-conference session on DSLR Video as well several motion graphics classes. Here’s the link.
If you're new to Photoshop World, here's the Top 10 Reasons to Attend
Crop and Straighten Photos Command in Photoshop

- Scan several images at one time. For best results, you need to keep 1/8 inch between the images in your scan.
2 If you’re working in a multilayered image, select the layer that contains the images. - Choose File > Automate > Crop And Straighten Photos.
- Each image should be cropped, straightened, and moved into its own document window.
Startup Memories of Adobe Photoshop
In this documentary, the founders of Adobe Photoshop - John Knoll, Thomas Knoll, Russell Brown, and Steve Guttman - tell the story of how an amazing coincidence of circumstances, that came together at just the right time 20 years ago, spawned a cultural paradigm shift unparalleled in our lifetime.
NAPP Helps Celebrate Photoshop's 20th Anniversary

First, take their (tough) quiz on Photoshop history.
"The quiz is just for fun, of course, but it’s harder than you might think."
If you’ve got a couple of minutes, click this link to take the quiz and see how you do.
Second, You can virtually attend the Live Webcast of the big party/presentation/Photoshop love-fest happening this Thursday night (the 18th) in San Francisco celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Photoshop.
- You sign up here (it’s free): http://www.photoshopuser.com/photoshop20th
- The Live Webcast starts at 7:30 pm Pacific Time (10:30 EST).
- There are some VERY special guests making an appearance that night.
20 Years of Adobe Photoshop – with Visuals

"The first version of the Photoshop splash screen features just four Photoshop programmers. In subsequent versions, more and more names are added to the list. In more recent versions, a limited number of Adobe VIP’s appear in the splash screen."
You should also check out this great interview with John Knoll, one of the two inventors of the application.
Want to Learn DSLR Video? Come to Photoshop World.

Just a heads up, I am teaching a Photoshop World pre-conference class on DSLR video. The workshop is March 23 in Orlando, FL.
Here's a short video about the class – http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2010/archives/8465
Register today and save! There's only 2 weeks left to save $100 on the Photoshop World Conference
"OK, it’s two weeks and one day, but you get the idea. The $100 early bird registration deadline is coming up, and if you want to join us in Orlando on March 24-26 for the world’s largest Photoshop training event, (and do it on the cheap) you can sign up or just get more details right here (By the way: if you’re a NAPP member, you can get a full conference pass for only $499 using that early bird discount)."
Want to Save Your Processor and Battery from Flash?

Well... here's a cool plugin thats free for Mac users... it's called ClicktoFlash and its a plugin that keeps Flash files from auto-loading on Safari.
"Ever wanted to get rid of the scourge of the web that is Adobe Flash, but still retain the ability to view Flash whenever you want? With ClickToFlash, you can! Using ClickToFlash, all of those icky Flash bits that have infected most webpages on the internets are replaced with a nice, smooth gradient and the word "Flash" set in a nice, pleasing font. When you want to view the Flash, just click on it!
The advantages of ClickToFlash are numerous. Since Flash isn't loaded until you specifically ask for it, your CPU usage will stay at normal levels when browsing the web. This has tons of benefits: web browsing stays speedy, your Mac laptop won't get as hot, and your Mac's fan won't come on as often. In fact, we guarantee* that ClickToFlash will quintuple your battery life and that it will protect those precious parts of your body on which you rest your laptop! (*note: not actually guaranteed)"
Be sure to read the rest of the instructions and download here – http://rentzsch.github.com/clicktoflash/
You can even use the plugin to force YouTube videos to use the QuickTIme player for H.264 playback. Just click the Gear icon and tweak the preferences.
Continuum Cartoon Look

Everywhere you turn, you’ll spot the “look”: video footage transformed to look like a cartoon. In a traditional workflow, the process involves rotoscoping. An artist literally traces animation frame by frame over the original source. The technique was invented by Max Fleischer around 1915, and has been used by animators on classic films such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and Cinderella, as well as modern movies such as Titan A.E. and Waking Life.
The process is very tedious, however, so many video pros and motion graphics artists have been on a quest for an easier solution. These days you’ll find several products on the market to transform your video footage to look like it’s a cartoon. Early options such as Studio Artist ($379; www.synthetik.com) and market leaders like ToonIt ($399; www.redgiantsoftware.com) have all seen heavy use.
While they’re not new to the plug-in market, Boris FX has released their own take on cartoon filters. The Boris Continuum Unit: Cartoon Look breaks out four filters from the larger plug-in package Continuum Complete. The set is only $199 (significantly less than competitors) and runs in several host applications including Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro, as well as Apple Final Cut Pro and Motion. The four filters for stylizing your footage include:
Read More...
Using Premiere Pro to Organize Video for After Effects

- Create a new Premiere Pro project and match its settings to your primary footage format.
2 Import a folder of QuickTime movies into a Premiere Pro project. You can even import a Final Cut Pro XML file to bring a sequence in without needed to do anymore media management. - Edit the clips as needed into sequences.
- After your clips are edited, just select them and press Command+C to copy them to your clipboard.
5 Switch to an open After Effects project and press Command+V to paste the clips using Dynamic Link. The clips (with handles) will move from Premiere Pro to After Effects.
For more tips like this, check out the book Video Made on a Mac.
Creating Lower-Third Graphics with Data Sets in Photoshop

By harnessing the power of data sets, you can dramatically speed up the production of repetitive graphics. In fact, by feeding in a text file, hundreds of lower-third graphics can be generated in a few clicks. The advantage of this method is that a producer or production assistant can gather all of the needed names and titles into a single text file (easily created with any word processor). This file can then be loaded to generate as many graphics as needed. While the process is a little tricky at first, it’s pretty easy to get the hang of.
Read the complete article over at Layer Magazine for free...
Tips for Creating Better Photoshop Actions
- Brush strokes, cloning, and most manual tools from the toolbox do not record properly with actions. Instead, use an alternative, such as a Gradient Fill layer (Layer > New Fill Layer > Gradient) instead of the Gradient tool.

• To play a single step of an action, double-click it.
• If you make a mistake in an action, click Stop. Delete the incorrect steps by dragging them into the Actions panel’s trashcan. Choose Edit > Step Backward as many times as needed. Then click Record and start again from the last good point.
• Button mode lets you launch actions quickly—just click an action and it runs. You can access the command from the Actions panel submenu. You’ll need to disable Button mode to access recording and editing features.
• Choose Playback Options from the Actions panel submenu. Specify that you want the actions to play back an action accelerated. Photoshop can process faster than it can redraw the screen.
• Be sure to back up your custom actions to two locations: the default location and a secondary backup location. This way, a reinstall or upgrade won’t blow away your custom actions.
• To create an action that will work better on all files, set the rulers set to measure using percentage.
• Use File > Automate > Fit Image to resize an image for a specific height or width.
Five Uses for Adobe Bridge
Sneak Peek at new Adobe Tech
for more information on hardware, check out these blogs: http://blogs.adobe.com/VideoRoad/2009/11/three_words_youll_be_hearing_a.html http://blogs.adobe.com/VideoRoad/2009/11/more_on_the_mercury_engine.html http://blogs.adobe.com/genesisproject/2009/11/technology_sneek_peek_adobe_me.html#more
Photoshop World Schedule
- Early bird registration is $100 off (it expires February 26)
- I am teaching a DSLR Video Pre-conference session
- I am teaching 3 Motion Graphics classes
- I will be showing pre-release copies of the new From Still to Motion book at Peachpit's booth
- I hope to catch up with many of you at show.
"You've never seen a training camp like this! Photoshop World is the ONLY Photoshop and digital photography conference designed to put you at the top of your game with fast and furious classes from the world's leading experts. Photoshop World is where Photoshop users go to learn hard and play even harder!"
Image Processor – Understanding Adobe Photoshop 177
Like the podcast? Then be sure to check out the companion book.
Special Video Book and Content Deal

Peachpit would like to give your group a unique opportunity to provide your members with high-quality articles and video instruction from Richard Harrington and Robbie Carman’s critically acclaimed Peachpit book, Video Made on a Mac: Production and Postproduction using Apple Final Cut Studio and Adobe Creative Suite absolutely free.
Get more information – here
An Interview About my New Book
Fading Filters - Understanding Adobe Photoshop 176
Type Effects – Understanding Adobe Photoshop 173
Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to create text effects with layer styles in Photoshop CS4.
Like the podcast? Then be sure to check out the companion book.
Sizing Digital Images in Adobe Photoshop CS4

The second part of the image-sizing puzzle is a clear understanding of these output requirements. What resolution does your printer need? Are you sending the image to a service provider such as a developer or commercial printer? You’ll need to make lots of choices, but they should be based on where the image needs to end up. Do not make assumptions when starting a project. Know the destination of your image so you’ll know which path to take.
KEEP READING AT PEACHPIT.com
Get the Book
Color Correction and Enhancement with Adobe Photoshop CS4

Learning how to spot problems and then choosing the right correction technique is an essential part of mastering Photoshop. Several different tools are available, some more useful than others. By analyzing the most important tools and determining in which situations they might help you, a more thorough understanding of color correction is possible.
The primary purpose of Photoshop is to act as a digital darkroom, where images can be corrected, enhanced, and refined. How do you know an image needs touch-up? You can pretty much assume that every image can look a little (or even a lot) better than how the camera captured it. Whether it's adjusting the exposure, increasing contrast, or boosting saturation, Photoshop is the place to improve an image.
KEEP READING AT PEACHPIT.com
Get the Book
Creating Transparent Video with Adobe After Effects CS4

The alpha channel is the technology behind transparency in computer graphics. It first evolved in the late 1970s at the New York Institute of Technology and then continued to be refined at Lucasfilm and at Pixar. When you employ alpha channels embedded into footage layers, transparency data can travel seamlessly between After Effects and Flash.
You can create alpha channels in several ways. One common technique you can use for video footage is chroma key technology. By shooting elements against a blue or green screen, you can easily remove the background. This technology is hardly new, making its first appearance at RKO Radio Pictures in the 1930s. The popularity of chroma key technology has grown immensely, bringing the technology and tools within reach of most content creators.
KEEP READING AT PEACHPIT.com
Get the Book
Video Improvements – Photoshop CS4 Sneak Peak
Richard Harrington shows you how to size pictures for video and work with video files in Photoshop CS4.
Check out our Photoshop Books
Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4 & Photoshop for Video
Auto-Blend – Photoshop CS4 Sneak Peak
Richard Harrington shows you how to use auto-blend to combine multiple exposures in Photoshop CS4 .
Check out our Photoshop Books
Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4 & Photoshop for Video
Dodge, Burn, and Sponge – Photoshop CS4 Sneak Peak
Richard Harrington shows you the improvements that Photoshop CS4 brings to the dodge, burn and sponge tools.
Check out our Photoshop Books
Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4 & Photoshop for Video
Layers Magazine Design Contest

Layers Magazine is running a great contest:
“How would you like a chance to win a 1.5-TB Guardian MAXimus quad interface hard drive and $200 dollars in Fotolia credits, both courtesy of Fotolia? We thought so. Just show us your killer design skills, and before you know it, it could be you downloading a ton of awesome images from Fotolia to your brand-new hard drive. And as an added perk, we'll publish the winning entry in the January/February 2010 issue of Layers magazine. So how do you win these great prizes? All you have to do is enter the Layers Back Page Design Contest.”
| Here’s the official rules |
Little Things – Photoshop CS4 Sneak Peak
Richard Harrington shows you the small but important updates and features new to Photoshop CS4.
Check out our Photoshop Books
Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4 & Photoshop for Video
Three Free After Effects CS4 Tutorials
Vibrance Adjustment – Photoshop CS4 Sneak Peak
Richard Harrington shows you how to use the new vibrance adjustments in Photoshop CS4 to boost the saturation of a scene without affecting skin tones.
Check out our Photoshop Books
Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4 & Photoshop for Video
Enhanced Panormaic Photomerge – Photoshop CS4 Sneak Peak
Richard Harrington shows you the new photomerge features in Photoshop CS4 that can take your panoramic photography to the next level.
Want to know even more abut panoramic photos? Check out our iPhone training app.
Check out our Photoshop Books
Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4 & Photoshop for Video
Enhanced Smart Objects– Photoshop CS4 Sneak Peak
Richard Harrington shows you how to use smart objects and how they have been improved in Photoshop CS4
Check out our Photoshop Books
Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4 & Photoshop for Video
Color Range Command – Photoshop CS4 Sneak Peak
Richard Harrington shows you how to use the color range command and how CS4 makes it even easier to make a localized selection.
Check out our Photoshop Books
Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4 & Photoshop for Video
Adjustments Panel – Photoshop CS4 Sneak Peak
Richard Harrington shows you how to use the new adjustments panel in Photoshop CS4 to speed up your workflow.
Check out our Photoshop Books
Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4 & Photoshop for Video
Masks Panel – Photoshop CS4 Sneak Peak
Richard Harrington shows you what’s new with masks in Photoshop CS4 and how to use them to non-destructively add transparency to an image.
Check out our Photoshop Books
Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4 & Photoshop for Video
Adobe About Module – Photoshop CS4 Sneak Peak
Richard Harrington shows you how to use the Adobe output module in Bridge CS4 to make PDF slideshows and web galleries of your images.
Check out our Photoshop Books
Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4 & Photoshop for Video
Interface Changes – Photoshop CS4 Sneak Peak
Learn about important changes to the Photoshop CS4 user interface such as refined workspaces, freely rotatable canvas, greater zoom levels, enhanced controls with panels, and tabbed documents.
Check out our Photoshop Books
Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4 & Photoshop for Video
Refining Edges – 144 Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Great New App to Learn Photoshop

You also get access to bonus content that won't be posted anywhere else. The app also lets you download the videos to your iTunes library so you can watch when you are not online.
The "Learn the Creative Suite with Terry White" app is available for both the iPhone and the iPod touch. You can get it from the App Store for $1.99.
Photoshop 3D – Photoshop CS4 Sneak Peak
Learn about 3D in Photoshop CS4
Check out our Photoshop Books
Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4 & Photoshop for Video
Get More Out of Your Mac

We've also got a new podcast series too with free tips and practice files. Web or iTunes for free.
"On a Mac, the sky's the limit for creating professional video. With all the tools available though, it can be a daunting task to decide which ones offer the best solutions for combined efficiency and high-level results. How can you effectively communicate your vision to clients and crew? How should you calibrate your camera for multi-camera and green screen shoots? Is it better to do your keying in After Effects, Motion, or Final Cut? How should you set up your edit suite for efficiency and accuracy? How do you manage large amounts of media and a multitude of formats for multiple software applications?
In Video Made on a Mac, you'll learn the answers and much more. Chock-full of practical advice and step-by-step instructions, each chapter provides insight on the critical components of production and postproduction that can make all the difference when you're up against a tight budget and schedule. The accompanying DVD supplies you with project files and high-definition footage so you can follow along with the examples, as well as 50 training videos. Whether you're an advanced Mac user or just beginning to incorporate Adobe Creative Suite into your Final Cut Studio workflow, you'll learn to apply best-practice techniques to all your video projects."
Calculations Command — 145 Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Editors Retreat

Past keynotes and attendees have included such names as Alan Heim, Sally Menke, Stuart Bass, Chris Franklin and David Helfand as well as Apple, Adobe and Avid experts and industry power users. Attendees have included representatives from HBO, FRONTLINE, MTV, Lockheed Martin, Harpo Productions and Telemundo.
Running for 4 days and 3 nights, the Retreat offers advanced sessions on post visual and audio techniques and features valuable insight into emerging trends and technologies. An equal amount of time will be devoted to discussing the creativity, craft and business practices of successful editors.
To ensure that only the best of the best attend, participation is subject to an application and screening process. Visit www.EditorsRetreat.com for the full schedule and more details.
Attendees all receive a huge goodie bag! Right now its valued at over $4500 in gifts:
- Megasuite from Digieffects $799
- Plug-in from Automatic Duck $495
- Plug-in Collection from CGM $199
- Adobe Premiere Pro CS4 $799
- Free Training Course from FMC $1,500
- NAB Post Production Conference Pass $895
- Music License from Free Play Music $100
Spot Color Channels — 146 Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Designing with Kuler – 147 Understanding Adobe Photoshop
New Versions of Adobe Software to be 64-Bit

"It’s common knowledge among post-production pros that 64-bit operating systems are the best choice for top-of-the-line performance, especially when producing HD or higher-resolution content. After 3 versions of simultaneous 64 bit and 32 bit support for After Effects and Premiere Pro, we wanted to let you know today that CS4 will be the last version of Adobe’s leading video applications to support 32 bit operating systems."
Simon Hayhurst – The Senior Director of Product Management for Dynamic Media
Check out the news here.
- http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/adobe/story/the_future_is_64_bit/
- http://blogs.adobe.com/keyframes/
New Podcast Featured on iTunes

Our new podcast, Video Made on a Mac, is in the New and Notable section of iTunes.
Richard Harrington and Robbie Carman show you how to create professional video on the Mac. In this series, they share videos and project files using real world examples in Final Cut Studio and Adobe Creative Suite. From pre-production to post, and accomplishing it all within a tight schedule, this podcast series gives you a sample of what you can learn using their book, Video Made on the a Mac.
Be sure to visit the site to get the free downloadable files or order the book. Be sure to use the code VMMBOOK at checkout to receive a discount.
The new podcast is brought to you by the fine folks at Peachpit Press.
So You Think You Can Teach Photoshop Contest
"Anyone with a desire to teach others how to make cool Photoshop effects can enter this contest. No matter if you are a graphic designer, photographer, teacher, student, or hobbyist. If you’ve got the chops, the creativity and the personality, this contest is for you. You may enter up to 3 video tutorials for judging."
The deadline for the contest is October 31, 2009.
The prizes look great!
One Grand Prize: $2,500 (USD value)
- National Association of Photoshop Professionals – one-year membership
- GridIron Flow software
- Kelby Training Online Classes – one-year subscription
- Layers magazine – one-year subscription
- Kelby Training Books & DVDs
- Photoshop World Conference & Expo Admission (plus flight and hotel expenses)
- And Tons of Fame & Exposure
- Plus, as the grand prize winner you get the opportunity to teach millions with a special guest spot on PhotoshopUser TV and Layers TV podcasts, in the pages of Photoshop User magazine, in an instructor’s chair at an upcoming Photoshop World Conference & Expo, on the PlanetPhotoshop.com and of course, visibility within NAPP to 71,000 members worldwide.
5 Honorable Mention Prizes: $500 (USD value)
- National Association of Photoshop Professionals – one-year membership
- GridIron Flow software
- Kelby Training Online Classes – one-year subscription
- Layers magazine – one-year subscription
- Kelby Training Books & DVDs
Great After Effects Training and Resources

Looking for some After Effects training? One of my favorite resources is The Anvel run by Dean Velez. Besides a bunch of cool freebies and templates, Dean has a great subscription package of After Effects tutorials. Dean is a very experiences designer with a few Emmys under his belt.
He generously shares this knowledge with others. Dean's discs are great for ideas and I float them amongst the RHED Pixel staff so they can try out some new techniques.
My New iPhone Apps are Released

We've just released two very cool new applications for the iPhone and iPod touch. These applictons take full advantage of the iPhone and iPod technology.
- Includes training videos edited specifically for the iPhone or iPod Touch.
- Offers easily viewable screens, with zooms and close-ups of the action.
- Every lesson includes hands-on files that you download to your computer. There’s no need to merely watch, you can try out every technique on your own.
- Test your knowledge with interactive quizzes. Score yourself as well as check your answers with video responses.
- Search throughout the application by keyword and your own bookmarks.
- A quick reference guide is also included to help you build your Photoshop knowledge.
- Interact with the trainer with comments and a Twitter client.
Understanding Photoshop: Quick Fixes
LearnClick here to visit the iTunes store
Understanding Photoshop: Creating Panoramic Photos
Learn
Click here to visit the iTunes store

Creating Custom Brushes – 148 Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to create your own custom brushes in Photoshop CS4.
Like the podcast? Then be sure to check out the companion book.
Custom Gradients – 150 Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to design and use Photoshop CS4 gradients to enhance the sky in a photo.
Like the podcast? Then be sure to check out the companion book.
Layer Organization – 153 Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to keep your layers organized in Photoshop CS4.
Like the podcast? Then be sure to check out the companion book.
Creating Panoramas – 154 Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to create a panoramic image in Photoshop CS4.
Like the podcast? Then be sure to check out the companion book.
Layer Comps – 155 Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to store multiple designs inside of one Photoshop document with layer comps.
Like the podcast? Then be sure to check out the companion book.
Blending Modes – 156 Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to use blending modes in Photoshop CS4 for a variety of effects.
Filters & Blending Modes – 157 Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to combine filters with blending modes to achieve even more effects
Stealing Sunsets – 162 Understanding Adobe Photoshop 162 Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to “steal” a sunset by taking the colors from one image and mapping them to another with Photoshop CS4.
Creative Sepiatones — 161 Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to make creative use of sepiatones in Photoshop CS4 to achieve a precise look.
Vibrancy – 160 Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to use the vibrancy adjustment in Photoshop CS4 to adjust saturation with more precise control.
Using Levels | 159 Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to use the levels adjustment on a per-channel basis for color correction tool in Photoshop CS4.
Overlooked Photoshop Commands – Part Four (The Layer Menu)

Group: Cmd+G (Ctrl+G)
Ungroup: Cmd+Shift+G (Ctrl+Shift+G)
Arrange Layers – You can move layers around from the keyboard.
Bring to Front Cmd + Shift + [ (Ctrl + Shift + [)
Bring Forward Cmd + [ (Ctrl + [)
Send Backward Cmd + ] (Ctrl + ])
Send to Back Cmd + Shift + ] (Ctrl + Shift + ])
Align Linked and Distribute Linked – Because your eyes aren’t that good. Link the layers together and access these controls from the menu (or use the Move tool and Options bar for a graphical interface). Want something centered on the screen? Link to the background layer and highlight it. The highlighted layer is the basis for all centering and distribution.
Overlooked Photoshop Commands – Part Three (The Image Menu)

Adjustments > Shadow/Highlight – This powerful command makes fixing dark shadows and overblown highlights a snap. Be sure to check the More Options box for extra power.
Adjustments > Invert – Useful for swapping transparent areas on a mask or channel.
Calculations – This is truly a powerful way to create an alpha channel.
Variables – These allow you to define variables in a template, then quickly input new data to create additional graphics.
Overlooked Photoshop Commands – Part Two (The Edit Menu)

Step Forward and Step Backward – Multiple undos.
Fade – Not happy with the results of a filter or an adjustment? Choose this immediately after running the filter. By the way, did I mention this adds blending modes to all filters? Your filter collection just grew 2100%. Try it now! Give your filters new life! Remember: you must choose this immediately after running a filter. This is quite possibly Photoshop’s most underused feature. (Shift+Cmd+F/Shift+Ctrl+F)
Copy Merged – Copy multiple layers into one layer on your clipboard. Why flatten unnecessarily? (Shift+Cmd+C/Shift+Ctrl+C)
Check Spelling & Find and Replace Text – Because spelling errors are generally nonbillable.
Free Transform – This tool does it all. Access every layer transformation by Ctrl+clicking (right-clicking) while in free transform mode. Cut downs on image degradation by applying all your sizing, warping, and perspective changes at once. Cmd+T (Ctrl+T)
Purge – Free up space by deleting undos, clipboards, history! This will enable you to save and close when you get the dreaded “Scratch Disks Are Full” message.
Overlooked Photoshop Commands – Part One (The File Menu)

Close All – Cmd+Option+W (Ctrl+Alt+W)
Save As... – Choose from 20+ formats (more through special plugins). Photoshop is the ultimate graphic converter. Shift+Cmd+S (Shift+Ctrl+S)
Save for Web & Devices – It doesn’t get any more intuitive. Choose the two-up window, resize and compress your image for the web or e-mail. Now you can safely send the client an approval copy without having to worry about messing up your original. Shift+Option+Cmd+S (Shift+Alt+Ctrl+S)
Place – Can’t open it? Try placing it. This is how you can bring in EPS, AI, or PDF files. It allows you to position and scale an image (via a bounding box). When you click OK, Photoshop will add it at the proper size, position, and resolution (plus newer versions of Photoshop will insert it as a useful Smart Object).
Automate Submenu – These are some of the most useful tools for preparing client comps. Whether for print, web, or e-mail, the Automate options take boring tasks and make them quick and easy. Think of this menu as Photoshop’s batch rendering option. (Think of batch rendering as the only chance you may get for caffeine, nicotine, or vending machine—the vices for a media pro.)
Color Correction: Levels | 158 Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Instructor Richard Harrington shows you how to adjust brightness, contrast and exposure with levels in Photoshop CS4.
Use After Effects to Transcode your HD material to 50 Formats

I wanted to share a little work in progress file. I find After Effects tremendously useful for resizing video. In fact I use it often to pre-process footage before applying additional codecs.
What I’ve put together here is a Resizer project. It allows you to quickly convert an HD file (720 or 1080) to 50 different output formats. The file is quite simple to use, and covers output sizes ranging from SD, to Presentation Software, to Web, to iPhone.
This is a work in progress… but I’d love to get your feedback. To learn how to use it (and get the file) keep reading....
First off… download the resizer template from here (Resizer_Template.zip). It is an After Effects CS4 project. There are two files, both are identical. The .aep is a project file, the .aet is a template file that will create a copy automatically when you open it.
Read More...
Learn Flash and After Effects for Free

After Effects Essentials for Flash Users
- Free chapter and project files
- http://bit.ly/pN1mJ
Flash Essentials for After Effects Users
- Free chapter and project files
- http://bit.ly/XB6Ag
Learn How to Scan Photos for Video

Seems like a lot of folks have forgotten (or never learned) how to scan photos. With this is mind, I offer some practical scanning advice. Several problems can be introduced by those using antiquated scanners with a distinct lack of skill. To get the best results, try the following:
- Before scanning an image, ensure you have the latest software needed by your scanner. You can always check their websites or use Version Tracker. Having problems with a lack of support on the OSX side for older scanners. I recommend checking out VueScan from Hamrick Software.
- The most important thing when scanning is to be consistent. Scan all of your photos in at one time if possible.
- Ensure that the scanner is lying flat, or you may get misregistered scans.
- Use a gentle glass cleaner whenever smudges appear. Spray the cleaner on the soft cloth, and then wipe the scanner bed down.
- Make sure your photos are clean before scanning. Never write on the back of photos, instead write on a post-it note and adhere to the back.
- Place your photos on the scanner straight. Use the edges to help you maintain parallel edges on your photos. If you get crooked photos, try Photoshop CS’s newest automation tool File>Automate>Crop and Straighten Photos.
- If your scanner allows you, set the white and black points before scanning. Think of this as a white and black balance that you would do in a video camera. This will produce the best tonal range. You can then use Photoshop’s color correction tools to adjust the white and black points as well as make additional color changes.
- If you are scanning in previously printed items such as newspapers, magazines, books, inkjet prints, etc, you will likely get a moiré pattern. Photoshop scanning the small spaces between the previously printed dots causes this. Most scanners have a de-screen filter in their software. If available use it when scanning previously printed items. If this is not available, run the Median filter at a low value (Filter > Noise > Median).
- Scan at the quality you need. For video, scan so you have approximately 4,000 by 3,000 pixels. This is generally enough pixel information to perform motion control in After Effects.
- Save to uncompressed formats such as TIFF, PICT or TARGA for maximum compatibility and disk space usage. The PSD format is great for layered files, but is not as efficient for single layered files. Always save the appropriate file extension for your file type.
Searchable Video with Creative Suite 4

“With the proliferation of video on the Web, access to information is getting easier to find and understand (for most). The challenge is twofold: first is getting people to find and search your video for the right information and second is if the individual has an auditory impairment, so much information is only available in the audio track. This is why there has been such a big push to make video searchable online and more accessible. In this article you’ll use Adobe’s tool set to set up your video content for both goals.”
Alpha Channels - Photoshop for Video
In this Adobe Photoshop podcast tutorial, Richard Harrington teaches how to make an alpha channel based upon the luminance of an image.
Content Aware Scaling - Photoshop for Video
In this Photoshop tutorial, Richard Harrington takes a look at content aware scaling, a new feature in Photoshop CS4, which gives the ability to stretch a part of a picture based on the subject matter.
Adding Depth of Field - Photoshop for Video
In this episode of Photoshop for Video, Richard Harrington takes a look at a depth of field blurring technique that allows you to simulate the depth of field look inside of Photoshop.
New Camera Raw Updates

Adobe has released a new version of Camera Raw – Version 5.4 . Note that Camera Raw 5 and later is not compatible with Photoshop CS3.
Read More...
Masks Panel - Photoshop for Video
In this episode of the Photoshop for Video podcast, Richard Harrington discusses his favorite addition to Photoshop CS4, the masks panel which gives you precise control over the masks on a layer.
Balancing Images - Photoshop for Video
In this Photoshop podcast tutorial, Richard Harrington gives some free tips to help balance out exposure issues in a photo. When lighting issues arise with a photo, with parts of a graphic that are too light or too dark this podcast can help.
Adobe Creative Suite $200 Off

Just thought I’d share that Adobe extended their discount offer on Creative Suite 4.
UPGRADE TO ADOBE CREATIVE SUITE AND SAVE UP TO US$200.
For a limited time, your version of Adobe® Creative Suite® 2, Creative Suite 1, Macromedia® Studio 8, Studio MX 2004, or Production Studio software qualifies you for up to US$200 off on eligible upgrades to Adobe Creative Suite 4 software. Don't hesitate, this offer ends April 30, 2009.
Crop and Straighten Command in Photoshop

- Place multiple photos on your scanner. For best results, you need to keep 1/8 inch between the images in your scan. If the Crop And Straighten Photos command does not succeed (which is rare), you should process the individual images using the Crop tool.
- If you’re working in a multilayered image, select the layer that contains the images. If you only want some of the images, draw a selection border around one or more images.
- Choose File > Automate > Crop And Straighten Photos.
Each image should be cropped, straightened, and moved into its own document window.
Powering Audio Search for Video

Continue to the Layers Magazine website to see the full tutorial for free.
New Book for After Effects and Flash Users
The official blurb
Adobe Creative Suite 4 brings together two powerful animation tools, each of which has its own specialized features and workflow. Learning to integrate Adobe After Effects and Adobe Flash Professional gives you more options for your animations and effects and the power to integrate video and motion graphics into a richer user experience. In this book, authors Richard Harrington and Marcus Geduld lead both types of users, those who are more familiar with either Flash or with After Effects, on using the programs together for maximum efficiency and creativity.
After walking you through the core features of both programs, the authors then explore advanced uses for each application. Each chapter focuses on a particular function of the program, teaching you how to create content for Flash with After Effects, enhance your projects using 3D environments, create professional-looking video with Adobe Media Encoder, and add interactivity, accessibility, and searchability to your video. You’ll also get hands-on experience using the project files on the accompanying DVD.
Within these easy-to-follow, step-by-step lessons, you’ll learn to:
- Seamlessly exchange projects and assets between After Effects and Flash
- Shoot green screen material correctly, work with Keylight, and utilize embedded alpha channels
- Create dynamic text, vector-based animations, and “animated” video using the tools in Adobe Creative Suite 4
- Work with 3D cameras and lights and create 3D environments
- Convert Flash to broadcast and DVD standards with After Effects
- Use Adobe Media Encoder for professional results
- Create interactive controls and use cue points in your video
- Optimize video for accessibility and use Adobe® Soundbooth® for video transcription
- Use ActionScript in your projects for more innovative animations
Get your copy now.... it really has some fun projects and cool things in it.
Free Expo Hall Pass for Photoshop World

Photoshop World Expo
March 26 - 27
If you are going to be in the Boston area in March but can't attend Photoshop World, you can still come join us at the Photoshop World Expo absolutely FREE!
The Expo portion of Photoshop World is a showcase of the latest cutting-edge digital imaging, computer- and design-related technologies, products, and services. You can also take advantage of free classes and product demos, as well as special discounts on the latest books and DVDs at the Official Photoshop World/Peachpit Bookstore!
Get your FREE, downloadable EXPO PASS ($40 value)
Photoshop World: The Eastern Conference Expo Hours: Thursday, March 26, 2009 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm Friday, March 27, 2009 - 9:00am to 1:00pm Hynes Convention Center 900 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02115 Hall C
Free Photoshop and After Effects CS4 Tutorials

The fine folks at Focal Press have decided to release two free updates. The popular books Photoshop for Video and Creating Motion Graphics both have free updates for the Creative Suite 4 release.
Even if you don’t have these two books (which I’d really suggest you check them out)... the CS4 updates are absolutely free.
Alpha Channels : Creative COW : Photoshop Tutorials
Smart Objects - Photoshop for Video
131 UAP - Managing Workspaces - Understanding Adobe Photoshop
131 Understanding Adobe Photoshop - Managing Workspaces - Watch more funny videos here
Want to go hands-on with the image files? Get the book.
Like the podcast? Subscribe for FREE.
Want more training? Check out our Books.
Photoshop Brush Shortcuts

For more on Photoshop, check out the latest book: Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4
- The book is on sale at Amazon for 37% off, and adds some great new stuff.
- The book is on sale at Peachpit’s website for 35% off. If ordering from Peachpit, use the discount code UAPTWO at checkout.
Two Important Updates from Adobe

Additionally, Camera Raw for Photoshop CS4 (Mac|Win) adds some much-requested improvements
- Targeted Adjustment Tool (TAT) for on-image adjustments
- Output sharpening for print or screen output
- "Snapshots" for saving multiple sets of settings per file
- You can find out more here. Thanks to John Nack for pointing these out.
130 UAP - Setting Preferences - Understanding Adobe Photoshop
130 Understanding Adobe Photoshop - Setting Preferences - The funniest videos clips are here
Want to go hands-on with the image files? Get the book.
Like the podcast? Subscribe for FREE.
Want more training? Check out our Books.
129 UAP - Converting Image Modes - Understanding Adobe Photoshop
128 Understanding Adobe Photoshop - Pixels in Depth - Click here for another funny movie.
Want to go hands-on with the image files? Get the book.
Like the podcast? Subscribe for FREE.
Want more training? Check out our Books.
New Photoshop Book is Shipping

The book is on sale at Amazon for 30% off, and adds some great new stuff.
The book is on sale at Peachpit’s website for 35% off. If ordering from Peachpit, use the discount code UAPTWO at checkout.
We’ve made our podcast series totally interactive for our book readers (more in a few days).
You can access a free chapter on Automation here.
You can view an excerpt from a chapter on color correction here.
The books are in my hands and shipping from both Peachpit and Amazon.
If you like the book... PLEASE write a review (I’d really appreciate it).
Scott Kelby's Holiday Gift Guide is Great

Noted author Scott Kelby has released his annual gift guide. What’s great about the list is that there are some really cool tools on there for photogs and even hobbyists. It’s nothing but the coolest photography and Photoshop gear.
“Since many of you are new to the gear guide, I wanted to let you know how I make my picks each year, and why I think it’s different than most other guides you’ll find out there these days. Put simply, every item in here is stuff I actually use, it’s stuff I’m crazy about, and now it’s become stuff I can’t live without (which is sad, in a way), and it’s the same stuff I recommend to my friends (well, my friends with room on their Visa cards).”
I agree with several of his picks, already using things like the Hoodman Loupe and Boda Bag myself. Be sure to check it out.
Exposure Blending with Photoshop

“One classic technique that digital cameras make very easy is blending more than one exposure together for contrast control, increased dynamic range, or creative purposes. A variation on this technique is to apply different RAW-conversion settings to a single RAW file and then combine the files into a single image. Let’s explore both approaches and look at the proper camera technique behind the scenes.”
127 UAP - Recovery in Camera Raw - Understanding Adobe Photoshop
127 UAP - Recovery in Camera Raw - The most amazing bloopers are here
Like the podcast? Subscribe for FREE.
Want more training? Check out our Books.
Photoshop CS4 – Color Range Command
Richard Harrington shows you how to use the color range command and how CS4 makes it even easier to make a localized selection.
Want the videos in HD? Then check out our iTunes version.
Photoshop CS4 – Little Things
Richard Harrington shows you the small but important updates and features new to Photoshop CS4 .
Want the videos in HD? Then check out our iTunes version.
124 UAP - Making Masks With Channels - Understanding Adobe Photoshop
124 UAP - Making Masks With Channels - Funny blooper videos are here
Like the podcast? Subscribe for FREE.
Want more training? Check out our Books.
Photoshop CS4 – Video Improvements
Richard Harrington shows you how to size pictures for video and work with video files in Photoshop CS4 .
Want the videos in HD? Then check out our iTunes version.
Photoshop CS4 – Printing
Richard Harrington shows you new printing features in Photoshop CS4 , including the ability to do 16-bit printing.
Want the videos in HD? Then check out our iTunes version.
Photoshop CS4 – Dodge, Burn & Sponge
Richard Harrington shows you the improvements that Photoshop CS4 brings to the dodge, burn and sponge tools.
Want the videos in HD? Then check out our iTunes version.
Photoshop CS4 – 3D Features
Richard Harrington shows you how to use 3D layers and 3D models in Photoshop CS4 .
Want the videos in HD? Then check out our iTunes version.
Need a Little Help?

You’ll find that the help system is still coming online fully... but there’s some great stuff to check out. Think of it as an appetizer until the real thing ships later this month.
Photoshop CS4 – Enhanced Panoramic Photomerge
Richard Harrington shows you how to use smart objects and how they have been improved in Photoshop CS4 .
Here is the action mentioned in the video.
Want the videos in HD? Then check out our iTunes version.
Free Filter Guide from Peachpit Press

To download the free guide – Click Here.
To order from Peachpit.com
CLICK TO ORDER – DISCOUNT CODE – UAP TWO - 35% OFF (Enter Code at Step 3 of checkout)
To order from Amazon.com
CLICK TO ORDER – 17% OFF
Photoshop CS4 – Enhanced Smart Objects
Richard Harrington shows you how to use smart objects and how they have been improved in Photoshop CS4 .
Want the videos in HD? Then check out our iTunes version.
Ready for the Upgrade?

“Working in tech, you almost take for granted being a gear junkie and having the most newfangled computer out there, but I’m sure there are a lot of you who want to make the jump that are unsure of what is technically needed, as well as other people out there that are ‘taking the plunge’ and getting the CS4 Suite in addition to a new computer to be able to hold it.”
Read more
Photoshop CS4 – Vibrance Adjustment
Richard Harrington shows you how to use the new vibrance adjustments in Photoshop CS4 to boost the saturation of a scene without affecting skin tones.
Want the videos in HD? Then check out our iTunes version.
New Photoshop Book Now On Sale
Understanding Adobe Photoshop CS4:
The Essential Techniques for Imaging Professionals
By Richard Harrington
List Price: $49.99 – Sale Price $32.49
DISCOUNT CODE – UAP TWO - 35% OFF

Readers will learn the basics in correcting, editing, sharpening, retouching, and presenting photos as well as work on specific projects/exercises, including: digital painting; preparing images for newsprint; designing a CD/DVD label, magazine cover, and advertisements; and building an electronic portfolio.
The full-color book includes a CD-ROM with hand-on exercises and practice images, access to a reader’s only Web site for bonus downloads and files, and access to the popular video tutorial Podcasts (150 at time of publication).
CLICK TO ORDER – DISCOUNT CODE – UAP TWO - 35% OFF (Enter Code at Step 3 of checkout)
Photoshop CS4 – Camera Raw 5.0
Richard Harrington shows you how to develop your camera raw files with Camera Raw 5.0 and CS4.
Want the videos in HD? Then check out our iTunes version.
More Free Photoshop Tutorials I've Done

Looking for some more, free Photoshop training? Here are a few more tutorials I’ve done... these are from Peachpit.com. Enjoy!
| Aligning Images in Photoshop CS |
Photoshop CS4 – Auto-Blend
Richard Harrington shows you how to use auto-blend to combine multiple exposures or layers in Photoshop CS4.
Want the videos in HD? Then check out our iTunes version.
Photoshop CS4 – Masks Panel
Richard Harrington shows you what’s new with masks in Photoshop CS4 and how to use them to non-destructivly add transparency to an image.
Want the videos in HD? Then check out our iTunes version.
Short List of New Features for Photoshop CS4

Increased Productivity
- Fluid canvas rotation
- Enhanced Pan, Zoom, and large image navigation
- More refined, natural results with Dodge, Burn, and Sponge
- Next generation Adobe Bridge
- Tighter integration with Photoshop Lightroom
- Kuler for color harmony creation and sharing
- N-up and multiple document view
- More powerful printing options
- Superior performance on very large images*
- Extensibility with SWF panels
- Unified tabbed interface with self-adjusting panels
Unrivaled Editing
- Live, nondestructive corrections with the Adjustments panel
- Re-editable, feathered, density-controlled masks
- Enhanced Auto-Blend with seamless tones and colors
- 360° panoramas
- Extended depth of field
- Camera Raw with localized adjustments
- Enhanced Smart Objects
- On-image controls for Curves, Hue/Saturation adjustments
- Clone Stamp and Healing Brush preview cursor
Breakthrough 3D, Motion Graphics, and Image Analysis (Extended only)
- Direct painting on 3D objects
- Easy conversion from 2D to 3D
- Editable 3D properties (scene, materials, meshes, lights)
- New high quality interactive ray tracer
- Create 3D composites with 2D images or other 3D objects
- New, high-performance, non-modal 3D engine
- Volume Rendering
- Keyboard shortcuts enabled for the Animation panel
- Enhanced preview of non-square-pixel images
- Preview and export audio content and frame comments
- Animate 3D objects and their textures
- Enhanced Count tool
Photoshop CS4 – Adjustments Panel
Richard Harrington shows you how to use the new adjustments panel in Photoshop CS4 to speed up your workflow.
Want the videos in HD? Then check out our iTunes version.
Photoshop CS4 – Adobe Output Module
Richard Harrington shows you how to use the Adobe output module in Bridge CS4 to make websites, PDF slideshows and web galleries of your images. This technology is slick and easy to use.
Want the videos in HD? Then check out our iTunes version.
Like Your Photoshop Videos in HD?
#1 iTunes Store
You can subscribe to or download all our videos absolutely free by visiting the iTunes store. By clicking subscribe, you’ll pay nothing, but get over two hours of free Photoshop CS4 Training. New episodes are released daily.

#2 Apple TV
Our show is also available on Apple TV in HD. A quick search for CS4 and you’ll find us.
I hope you enjoy... comments are very welcome (and encouraging).
Photoshop CS4 Online Learning Center from NAPP

The fine folks over at the National Association of Photoshop Professionals have an online learning center with some great resources.
Here are my favorites to check out.
- If you’re a keyboard shortcut junkie...
- Interview with Adobe's John Nack
- Flash Panels
- Content Aware Scaling
121 UAP - The Healing & Patch Tools - Understanding Adobe Photoshop
121 UAP - The Healing & Patch Tools - More bloopers are a click away
Like the podcast? Subscribe for FREE.
Want more training? Check out our Books.
Using the Color Range Command
1. Open an image with an area of continuous color you’d like to select.

2. Turn the Background layer into a floating layer by double-clicking its name in the Layers panel.
3. Choose Select > Color Range to make a selection based on a range of colors. Check the Localized Color Clusters option to reduce the selection area to just the chosen colors.
4. With the Eyedropper, click within the yellow area of the flower to make an initial selection. Hold down the Shift key and drag through other areas of the flower to add to the selection.
5. Leave the Fuzziness set to a low value (30-40). When most of the flower is selected, click OK to create an active selection.

6. Click the Add layer mask button for the layer. The petals will show well, but parts of the flower will be missing.
7. Add a solid color layer to make it easier to see your edges. Choose Layer > New Fill Layer > Solid Color. A purple layer will help things stand out nicely. Click OK and drag the solid layer below the masked flower.
8. Examine the masked layer closely. You will need to paint in part of the center of the flower. Additionally, some of the petals contain unwanted transparency. You may also have some leaves or stems that bled through. We can fix all of these problems quickly using the Brush tool.
9. Press D to load the default colors of black and white.
10. Select the Layer Mask attached to the layer.
11. Press B to activate the Brush tool. Adjust the size of the brush and its hardness settings so you have a smaller brush with a gentle edge (an 80-pixel brush with a hardness of 75% is a good place to start).
12. Paint in spotted or missing areas with white. You can remove any unwanted areas by painting with black.
13. When finished, you can save the image as a layered file such as a TIFF or PSD formatted file.
Photoshop CS4 – User Interface Changes
Learn about important changes to the Photoshop CS4 user interface.
- Refined workspaces
– Freely rotatable canvas
– Greater zoom levels
- Enhanced controls with panels
- Tabbed documents
Photoshop CS4 – Free Training Starts Tuesday 9/23
120 UAP - Curves in Lab - Understanding Adobe Photoshop
120 UAP - Curves in LAB - The funniest bloopers are right here
Like the podcast? Subscribe for FREE.
Want more training? Check out our Books.
Photoshop CS4 Just Around the Corner

Want to find out everything new in Adobe Creative Suite 4? Trust me... there’s some really cool things coming. Adobe has an invitation out to view their Web broadcast on September 23rd. But you do need to go to the sign-up page at www.adobe.com/go/somethingbrilliant.
By the way... we are going to be releasing something very special on the 23rd as well as a “thank you” to all our viewers. Be sure to stick around and keep an eye out.
119 UAP - Zoomify - Understanding Adobe Photoshop
119 Understanding Adobe Photoshop - Zoomify - Awesome video clips here
Like the podcast? Subscribe for FREE.
Want more training? Check out our Books.
Just Got Back from Photoshop World

The show was a great chance to catch up with industry pros as well as friends. I managed to bump into two former students and several viewers of our podcasts.
Some of the highlights of the show:
- Adobe announced that they will announce CS4 on September 23 (weird... I know)
- I caught a few great classes from some top instructors
- I saw some great new technology, blog posts forthcoming
- Lots to talk about soon... tonight I am tired.
Great Black and White Conversion Resource
- Julieanne Kost from Adobe has posted a great resource for converting color images to grayscale using Photoshop.
- To use this template, first open and crop your desired image to 540 x 366 pixels at 72 ppi. Note: you can crop the entire image, or focus in on a smaller, more important part of it.
- Flatten your cropped file and select "Save As" to save the cropped file as "FileNameFlatLowRes.psd"
- Then open the template, click on any one of the smart object layers in the layers palette. Select Layer > Smart Object > Replace Contents, and navigate to select your cropped, low resolution, flattened file.
- After the images are replaced, choose the best looking conversion, open your original high resolution file, and drag and drop the adjustment layer from the template to the high res file. Voila!
Be sure to check out her great site for more resources.
Avoid Import Blues for After Effects

Import Tips
- Double-Click in the AE Project Window
- Shift-Click Multiple Items
- Organize in Folder and Option+Drag (Alt+Drag) from Desktop
- Keep file names less than 27 characters long
Photoshop
- Assign unique names to each layer
- Avoid using layer sets unless you want the layers to come in as a nested composition
- If layers are not needed, reduce your render burden by importing as a flattened file such as a PICT, TIFF or TARGA
- If you have applied an adjustment layer in Photoshop such as Levels, consider applying the effect directly to the individual layers in Photoshop instead
Illustrator
- Be sure to use layers in Adobe Illustrator to split up elements
- Change AI preferences to use AICB format (not PDF) for proper Copy/Paste
Great Photoshop Actions for Video

Tools for Television – Want to automate standard video graphics production tasks? Then check out Tools for Television’s Photoshop Toolbox for video-friendly actions at http://www.toolsfortelevision.com.
Action FX – For complex text and special effects, check out the excellent site http://www.actionfx.com. There are several free actions as well as some to purchase.
Photoshop Video Actions – Upgraded to CS2 or CS3? Then be sure to check out the built in Video Actions that I authored with
Dan Brown for some timesaving automation tools.
PanosFX – A newer site that is really becoming one to watch isPanosFX (http://www.panosfx.com). This site has some incredible free actions as well as some very affordable and powerful tools for sale.
Adobe Exchange – If you’re not in a position to purchase add-ons to your system, there’s one incredible free resource worth mentioning. With the release of Photoshop 5.5, Adobe launched a Web site originally called Action Xchange where users could share their actions; see http://www.adobe.com/exchange.
Saving Time with the Image Processor

The Image Processor script can be used to convert and process multiple images. It differs from the Batch command in that you don’t need to first create an action. The image processor can be used for any of the following tasks:
- To convert a images to JPEG, PSD, or TIFF format. You can also convert files simultaneously to all three formats.
- To process a set of camera raw files using the same camera raw options.
- To resize images to fit within a specified pixel dimension.
- To embed a color profile into images or convert files to sRGB and save them as JPEG images for the web.
- To include copyright metadata into the processed images.
- The Image Processor can be used with PSD, TIFF, JPEG, or camera raw files.
Step 1: Choose>File>Scripts>Image Processor.
Step 2: Select the images that you want to process. You can use the open images or navigate to a folder to select images.
Step 3: Select a location to save the processed images. You can choose the Exports folder you created previously on your Desktop.
Step 4: Select the file types and options you wish to convert to.
- Save As JPEG – This sets the JPEG quality between 0 and 12. You can also choose to resize the image and convert it to sRGB color profile.
- Save As PSD – This sets the PSD options. You can also resize the image and choose to Maximize Compatibility.
- Save As TIFF – This saves images in the TIFF format with LZW compression. You can also resize the image.
Step 5: You can choose from other processing options.
- Run Action – If an action is loaded into your Actions palette, you can run it on the image during the process.
- Copyright Info – You can add copyright metadata to the image.
Step 6: Click Run to process the multiple images.
Special Episode of Layers TV

“Corey is joined by guest co-host Richard Harrington to discuss working with video in Photoshop Extended, Premiere, and After Effects.
- When working in Premiere, don't forget about the search menu that you can use to locate the effects you want
- Change Color is a useful effect that you can use to target and adjust one color region of your video clip
- There are also Shadow/Highlight adjustment options in Premiere
- You can bring your video clips into Photoshop Extended and apply Photoshop effects to them
- Make video clips into smart objects so that Photoshop will treat them as a single layer
- After you have finished editing the video clip in Photoshop, go under the Export command and render the finished video
- Get more information from Richard at Photoshop For Video.com
- Use After Effects to make speed changes to your video clips. Remember, time is just another keyframe
- If you want further video training from Richard, you can watch his classes at Kelby Training.com, or see him live at Photoshop World this September in Las Vegas”
DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE
WATCH ONLINE
DVD Menu Design in Photoshop CS3 Extended

“Now up is the incomparable Richard Harrington. Richard has a tutorial for making a DVD menu in Photoshop CS3 Extended that will have you creating great DVD design with little fuss. Richard will also be doing stuff in Layers TV very soon, so be sure that you check that out as well. Click on the link below to get to the tutorial.”
Richard Harrington - DVD design using Photoshop CS3 Extended
Photoshop for Video Featured on Photoshop User TV

Be sure to check out this week’s epsiode of Photoshop User TV. Scott Kelby had me on the show for an interview and a couple of quick tips.
Scanning Advice

- Before scanning an image, ensure you have the latest software needed by your scanner. You can always check their websites or use Version Tracker. Having problems with a lack of support on the OSX side for older scanners. I recommend checking out VueScan from Hamrick Software.
Read More...
Photoshop Disasters: Laugh & Learn

One of my favorite sites that I like to check out on a regular basis is Photoshop Disasters. The site is a freakshow gallery of Photoshop gone wrong. The site is driven by user submission and acts as both entertainment and education. There mission:
“Have you seen a truly awful piece of Photoshop work? Clumsy manipulation, senseless comping, lazy cloning and thoughtless retouching are our bread and butter. And yes, deep down, we love Photoshop.”
Be sure to check the site out, it’ll make you look at things a little differently.
What is Photoshop World?
Cool Video Prodution Widgets for Your iPhone or Laptop

Video Footage Calculator – Calculates how much storage you'll need for your footage type and duration.
Web – iPhone version – Offline version
Film Rate Calculator – Determines how much film you need for a particular scenario.
Web – iPhone version – Offline version
Aspect Ratio Calculator – Determines the aspect ratio for different footage formats.
Web – iPhone version
Depth of Field Calculator – Calculates depth of field for many camera sensors.
Web – iPhone version
Pixel Aspect Ratio Calculator – Determines relationship of Pixels for many digital formats.
Web – iPhone version
Lens Angle Calculator – Helps calculate the lens angle for a given sensor size and focal length.
Web – iPhone version
Power Load Calculator – Calculates the load on a circuit to see if it is excessive. You can also calculate the minimum circuit breaker size for the given load.
Web – iPhone version
These tools are cool, free, and useful.... three points that make them a must have for my iPhone.
Soundbooth Beta Open to Public from Adobe

Adobe Soundbooth is a great tool to fix everyday audio problems and production workflows. It works well for video or Flash workflows and is built around a fairly intuitive set of task-based tools. Adobe is giving its customers a chance to play with Soundbooth CS4. If you are already a CS3 owner, the beta works until after CS4 is released. If you don't own CS3.... then it only works for 48 hours.
Here are some of the core features worth checking out:
- Arranging audio files on multiple tracks
- Making quick edits and applying fades
- Matching volume levels with a single command
- Removing unwanted noises and background sounds
- Adjusting tempo and pitch
- Recording and polishing voice-overs
- Adding effects and filters
- Previewing MP3 compression quality
- Easily creating customized music — without musical expertise
- With the new Adobe Sound Document file format you can take “snapshots” of your work-in-progress and undo changes made to your audio assets.
New Online Class – Photoshop and After Effects for Event Photographers

You can watch the first three parts of the lesson for free and find out more on their site. The tutorial touches upon most of the Production Premium suite. You'll learn a bit about Photoshop, After Effects, Encore, Premiere Pro, Soundbooth, and the Adobe Media Encoder
I hope you enjoy it.
Photoshop World Schedule Announced

The schedule for the new Photoshop World has been announced and I am very excited.. I'll be teaching four brand new classes that I hop you all will enjoy.
Building an Electronic Portfolio (Using DVD, Presentation Software, and Web Galleries)
Looking to expand your photography or design portfolio? This in-depth class will teach you how to create dynamic electronic portfolios to showcase your work. Learn how to prepare your images for the screen, then take them to new places such as the Internet, DVD, and Presentation software. This session will help you show your portfolio to more people with less expense. If your looking for easy and innovative ways to showcase your work, don't miss this important pre-conference session.
Creative Animation with the Puppet Tool
Looking to create animation from photos? Learn how to combine layered Photoshop files with After Effects Puppet Tool to quickly add natural motion. You can bend, warp, and animate both raster images and vector graphics, including still images, shapes, and text characters. In this session, you'll learn creative possibilities for creating animated elements for use in video and multimedia projects.
Advanced Motion Control 3D
Clients, Producers, and After Effects Artists alike have fallen in love with bringing pictures to life. Want to learn how to create movement "within" a photo? This popular class has been fully updated to show you even more techniques for using Photoshop files for creative story telling. Learn how to use 3D cameras, lights, particles, and the Vanishing Point feature to create exciting animations that capture the imagine and engage your audience.
Creative Chromakeying
The use of green-screen and blue-screen is a popular technique for both video and film special effects. In this informative session you'll learn how to create virtual environments from photos, then key your video using Photoshop or After Effects. A special emphasis will be placed upon using After Effects' powerful keying technology like Keylight as well as strategies to help with the production of the chromakey shoot.
The conference is September 3-6 in Las Vegas... be sure to check it out!
Great Tutorial on Vanishing Point Exchange

“Without a doubt, the best new feature in After Effects CS3 is the Vanishing Point Exchange with Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended. Creating very believable 3D movements from quite simple 2D digital photographs has to be seen to be believed, and the best thing is it’s a pretty easy process. However, there are a few caveats to keep an eye out for, so let’s take a trip into the world of two-dee three-dee!”
Check the whole thing out here.
Review of Premiere Elements 4 (4.5 out of 5)
“You might be thinking, “What’s consumer software doing in a pro magazine?” The short answer is that if you aren’t using the Adobe Master Collection or the Production Premium suite, you probably need Adobe Premiere Elements 4. Whether you work as an advertiser, designer, developer, or photographer, you most likely have an interest in making videos or DVDs.

Here’s the lowdown: Premiere Elements only runs on Windows machines. If you’re a Mac user, you should be looking to iMovie and iDVD ’08 to fill the same needs. On the PC side, the market has been woefully underserved by offerings from Adaptec and Microsoft. With version 4 of Premiere Elements, Adobe clearly steps up to offer a dramatic redesign, combining power with ease of use (an Adobe trademark).”
You can read the rest of the review here...
Adobe TV at NAB 2008 – Production Premium CS3 for Final Cut Pro Editors
If you want more free classes... visit the Adobe TV site.
Adobe TV at NAB 2008 – Photoshop CS3 Extended for Video
If you want more free classes... visit the Adobe TV site.
Adobe Demos Future Technology at NAB
Adobe has actually posted their "secret" presentation from NAB. Hart Shafer talks about four cool things Adobe has up their sleeve.
You SO need to watch this... trust me. BTW (for those of you waiting... they did show OnLocation for Mac in this demo).
Really Cool Adobe Announcements

In the meantime. Check out this article for details.
http://www.peachpit.com/blogs/blog.aspx?b=a75e92b0-f44f-4dfb-9eb4-96920bcaddc1
More on the Puppet Tool – Hands on Files and Bonus Video

To get the hands on files click here.
To get a bonus video tutorial - click here.
(Thanks to the fine folks at the New York Post Conference for letting me post this).
’Toon Your Video in Adobe CS3 Production Premium

“Sure, clients want it…that “cartoon look.” But let’s face it; good animation is hard to come by. Unless you have a gaggle of animators locked in your closet, you’ll need to get creative. Sure, you could break out the pencil and paper (or maybe even try shadow puppets), but we’re here to offer you a different solution. By harnessing the power of Adobe CS3 Production Premium, you can convert video frames into vector art into film-resolution movie files. Curious? It’s all possible with the power of the Production Premium. Read on.”
3D[in] Photoshop CS3 Plug-ins

“With Photoshop CS3 Extended, Adobe significantly expanded the power to work with 3D models. Many users were excited by the ability to add 3D objects and modify their textures, but modeling and advanced rendering functions were missing.
Strata offers a suite of plug-ins called 3D[in] Photoshop CS3 Plug-ins. It’s important to note that these plug-ins only work with Photoshop CS3 Extended, but that shouldn’t be viewed as a limitation. With these plug-ins, you can essentially run the core set of Strata tools as linked applications that launch from within Photoshop, then return the results to Photoshop. Now you can match a 3D object to the perspective and lighting of a photo, create new 3D layers, and generate Live 3D Web and PDF pages from Photoshop designs.”
For the rest of the review, click here.
Photoshop for Video featured on Planet Photoshop

“This week I recommend Photoshop for Video by Richard Harrington. This book covers the information you need to implement Photoshop into your video workflow. It covers using channels effectively, setting up automation, creating interesting effects, and much more. If you want to get a better handle on working with Photoshop in your video workflow then this is the book for you. Richard is an Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop and After Effects and is an instructor at major events like Photoshop World and NAB. His visual communications consultancy, RHED Pixel, creates motion graphics and produces video and multimedia projects. Richard also has a blog at RasterVector.com and another at PhotoshopForVideo.com.”
Be sure to check out the rest of the site for a ton of great tutorials and video tips.
Get the Adobe Media Player Now!

What does this all mean? I had a chance to sit down with Deeje Cooley, who serves as the evangelist for Adobe’s Dynamic Media Organization (and formerly as the product manager for the Adobe Media Player). Cooley was tasked with bringing the product to market and he shared insight into Adobe’s motivation for the product and goals for its role in the market. Unlike competing products, the Adobe Media Player has chosen to focus on being a video-only player.

The Adobe Media Player is immediately available as a free download for Windows and Macintosh platforms from http://www.adobe.com/go/mp.
Photoshop Express is the Future of Digital Imaging (For Many People)

Here are the core features
- Upload up to 2GB of photos (for free!)
- Sort images to keep them organized
- Easy to use editing tools let you do all sorts of tasks like Crop, Rotate, TOuch-up, remove red-eye, change focus, sharpen, white balance, and add fill light (plus more).
- Share your photos with a Gallery (customized photo displays are supported)
- Upload them to your Facebook page, blog, or anywhere else online.
My thoughts? It's awesome! Here's why this matters to pros and even hobbyists.
- First, it brings Photoshop to more people, ensuring a healthier life for Adobe.
- Second, it's free! 2GB of storage is useful.... I am loading up images that I often use to teach with as well as a few portfolios I'd like to share.
- Third, New Media.... it's catching on and apps like this are truly exciting to all ages.
Be sure to check it out... good stuff!
Learning After Effects

Learning After Effects requires you to spend some time with the program and follow a structured learning regimen. Some of our favorite After Effects learning tools include:
- After Effects Apprentice – Trish and Chris Meyer
• After Effects @ Work – Focal Press
• Broadcast Graphics on the Spot – Richard Harrington, Glen Stephens, Chris Vadnais
• Creative After Effects – Angie Taylor
• Creative Cow – www.CreativeCow.net
• Xeler8r – www.xeler8r.com
Photoshop World is Next Week

Going to Photoshop World next week? If so I hope to catch up.
Here’s my teaching schedule.
Wednesday, April 2
04:45p-05:45p Building Your Portfolio Online
Thursday, April 3
Motion Graphics Track
08:15a-09:15a Put Your Portfolio on DVD
10:45a-11:45a Typography in Motion
06:00p-07:00p Motion Control 3D, an Introduction
New Photoshop Book – I Need Your Input

Please use the comments below and let me know what you'd like to see. I promise that everyone who replies will get a special download when the book is closer to done. I can't comment too much on timeline, the exact title, etc.... but I promise you'll like it!
Open Television Network Launches

“klickTab is a unique service that lets you create single item, or channel feeds (aka podcasts) where there is a charge per item downloaded.
As a content owner, you create an account for yourself at http://www.opentvnetwork.com/contentowners. You can check out the process through the screencasts on that page, along with some resources on encoding, hosting and protecting content.
Once you have created an content owner merchant account, you then create the feeds (podcasts) and add items to those feeds. We provide you with an embed code that has the klickTab graphic and all necessary code behind it so that a viewer customer can click on the link, enter their email address and password and download the link to iTunes or Miro. In iTunes or Miro they can browse the previews (trailers) you provide, buy content items, manage them, view and/or synchronize to an iPod or stream to an Apple TV.”
You can find more details on their site and in this article.
Two More Classes on Kelby Training

Two more of my classes are now online at Kelby Training.
Photoshop for Video - Working With Photos
Richard Harrington uncovers techniques essential for video editors who are working with Photos in Photoshop. He shares his best practices for working with graphic and still images in a video environment.
Photoshop for Video - Technical Essentials
Join Adobe Certified Trainer Richard Harrington, as he uncovers the Technical Essentials of Adobe Photoshop CS3 for video professionals and enthusiasts.
You can access all the classes online for only $19.99 per month (besides mine there's a ton of great stuff up there).
Adobe Updates Device Central

You'll need to log on with your Adobe ID (they're free). This is important to check out for mobile content creators.
If you are not familiar with Device Central, be sure to check out this overview.
Adobe Photoshop CS3 ACE Exam Available

Educators Scholarships to Photoshop World

Photoshop World Conference & Expo – April 2-4, 2008 – Orlando, Fl
The National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP), today announced a call for nominations for its third annual Dean Collins Educational Scholarship for 2008. The Dean Collins Educational Scholarship is awarded annually to one high school or college educator nominated by his/her student(s) to provide the recipient an opportunity to attend NAPP’s annual convention – Photoshop World Conference & Expo. The scholarship also includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, a one-year NAPP membership, and subscription to Photoshop User magazine.
The deadline to submit nominations for the Dean Collins Educational Scholarship is Friday, February 29, 2008.
Own Photoshop Elements? Wanna Upgrade?

You can upgrade from Photoshop Elements to Photoshop CS3 for only $299. For those of you math geniuses... yes its cheaper to buy Elements, then upgrade, then buying Photoshop outright.
Click here for the offer.
"An offer this good doesn’t last forever. Move up online at the Adobe Store by 2/29/08.
To order by phone, call 1-800-585-0774 and mention offer code 27105. Have your Adobe Photoshop Elements serial code ready for verification."
GridIron Flow Demo Movie

"Flow is a revolutionary approach to digital content management that dramatically simplifies the design process for creative professionals working on graphic design, web and video projects. Flow automatically tracks your work from idea to end result and manages your assets and applications for your most complex projects- all without changing the way you work."
Flow isn't shipping for a while, but GridIron is accepting sign-ups for beta testing.
New Options for Web Galleries

"Adobe® Media Gallery (AMG) for Adobe Bridge adds quick, powerful Web gallery creation to Adobe Photoshop® CS3, Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended and the Adobe Creative Suite®. AMG makes it possible to create HTML or Flash-based galleries from any of the file formats supported by Bridge; adjust the galleries using the built-in preview; and export the results or upload them via FTP."
The add-on is free... and works great with easy preview and FTP options. You can download the free plug-in at http://labs.adobe.com/wiki/index.php/Adobe_Media_Gallery.
New Training Site Launches

A. Yup, we sure do. Here’s the link.
Q. So what is subscription-based online training?
A. In the past, we’ve offered online training courses, and it was always “Pay as you go” (basically, you’d pay individually for each class you took). But now you can pay one annual subscription fee and then you have unlimited access to all our online classes.
Q. You said this is amazingly affordable. OK, how affordable is it?
A. Our annual subscription is only $199, or you can pay $19.95 a month. By contrast our online classes used to be around $70.00 each. If you took just three classes, you were already paying more than our new subscription tuition. Now, you get unlimited access, all year long, for only $199. That’s just 55¢ a day, for unlimited access to the best Photoshop and photography teachers on the planet.
Q. What makes you guys different?
A. We knew we had to do something really special to stand out from the other online training options, so we asked ourselves what is the single most important aspect of any online course. Is it the topics? The price? The technology? The quantity? The look? What is it? We think the single most important thing is “The teacher.” It’s who you’re learning from, and their connection with the students. It’s their passion, their knowledge, their ability to communicate and share in a way that makes sense, that’s engaging, and even fun. That’s why we built our entire program around one thing; bringing you nothing but the very best teachers on the planet. Period.
Q. If the teacher provides files for us to practice along with, can we download them, or do we have to pay extra?
A. You get ‘em without any extra fees whatsoever. It’s part of your subscription.
Q. Can I get a sneak peek at how it all works? How about letting me try a couple of lessons?
A. Sure, why not. Head over to the KelbyTraining site, and click the “Try it Now (Free)” link at the top. You can watch the first three lessons from any of the classes to get a sense of what we’re doing, how the player works, and stuff like that.
Photoshop User Awards – Deadline Soon

The December 31, 2007 entry deadline for the 2nd Annual Worldwide “Photoshop User Awards” competition is right around the corner.
If you’re chosen as this year’s “Best of Show” winner, they'll send you and a friend on a trip to beautiful Maui, Hawaii (including round-trip airfare, hotel, and daily expenses) to get you totally inspired to have your work featured as the cover art for an upcoming issue of Photoshop User magazine.
Besides the grand prize, there are also thousands of dollars in other prizes and winners in a variety of different categories. The contest is open to any Photoshop user, anywhere in the world, but you can’t win if you don’t enter, so for all the details, visit PhotoshopUserAwards.com.
Don’t forget to enter by midnight on December 31, 2007.
Photoshop World Schedule Announced

The new schedule for Photoshop World Conference & Expo is posted. Visit the updated website to see the offerings. The conference is to be held in Orlando, FL on April 2-4, 2008. Here’s the link. I'll be teaching a few classes on the show floor (which are free) as well as these great classes on using Photoshop for video and multimedia.
Motion Graphics Track:
- Put Your Portfolio on DVD
- Motion Control 3D
- Typography in Motion
Wacom Bamboo Fun is a Great Value

The Bamboo comes in a standard version, simply called Bamboo, which is targeted towards Windows users who need signature abilities for their documents as well as a few other perks. The "Fun" version costs $20 more (unless you go for the larger one, then its $120 more).
The tablet has four programmable buttons as well as a touch wheel. It also comes with a full version of Adobe® Photoshop® Elements and Corel® Painter™ Essentials. What surprises me is that the tablet costs the same as buying Photoshop Elements as a stand-alone application. The tablet is a nice addition to a home workstation and would be a great entry point for a new tablet user.
Useful Article on Photoshop Automation

• Photoshop Automation Techniques
If you want a lot more on using Photoshop for Video, be sure to check out the book Photoshop for Video from Focal Press.
Photoshop CS3 & Leopard Bug


1. Choose Photoshop > Preferences.
2. Click the File Handling tab.
3. Uncheck the Enable Version Cue box.
4. Quit and re-launch Photoshop.
5. Enjoy.
Adobe Media Gallery Plug-In

“Adobe® Media Gallery (AMG) for Adobe Bridge adds quick, powerful Web gallery creation to Adobe Photoshop® CS3, Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended and the Adobe Creative Suite®. AMG makes it possible to create HTML or Flash-based galleries from any of the file formats supported by Bridge; adjust the galleries using the built-in preview; and export the results or upload them via FTP.
Download and Installation
AMG is available on both Mac and Windows. The download package includes both the plug-in as well as AMG templates, all of the Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom™ default templates, as well as the Lightroom HTML Gallery.
Adobe Media Gallery for Macintosh
1. Close all applications, including Photoshop.
2. Click on the link above to download & open the DMG file
3. Open the AdobeMediaGalleryAll folder
4. Double click on SetUp and follow the on-screen instructions to install
Adobe Media Gallery for Windows
1. Close all applications, including Photoshop.
2. Click on the link above to download & open the zip file
3. Open the AdobeMediaGalleryAll folder
4. Double click on SetUp and follow the on-screen instructions to install
You can make your own templates for Adobe Media Gallery -- the source code for the template files is available on opensource.adobe.com.”
Explore the Adobe P2 Workflow

Check out Terry White’s special 200th episode of his Adobe Creative Suite podcast. He has as his guest Kevan O’Brien who walks through the entire process he used for creating a video podcast with Adobe Senior VP Johnny L.
Click here to see the “Making of” video with the full P2 workflow.
Click here to see the original video starring Johnny L in the DVA lab at Adobe San Jose.
Strata 3D in Photoshop

New Scripts for Photoshop CS3

"Background Remover," "Interpret Video," "Fit Video to Audio," and "Slide Show" scripts take advantage of Photoshop CS3 Extended's new video capabilities.
If you want to save time, download Dr. Brown's Services 1.9.2
Free Online Seminar at Adobe.com – Sign Up for Your Spot
Adobe is offering a free class that you can take on using Photoshop with their video products. It's a live online seminar and I highly encourage you to sign up in advance. EVENT DESCRIPTION: Working with Photoshop Extended to use with Premiere Pro and After Effects
Join Richard Harrington, author of Photoshop for Video and Understanding Adobe Photoshop, contributing author for After Effects On the Spot, After Effects at Work, and Broadcast Graphics on the Spot, to learn how to prepare your digital images for video. Using the best professional techniques, bring your still images to life using Adobe Premiere Pro CS3 and Adobe After Effects CS3. Richard is also the host of the weekly show, Photoshop for Video and runs a blog with the same name at www.PhotoshopforVideo.com.
When: Thursday, November 15, 2007 10:30 AM-12:00 PM (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada).
Where: online & telephone
Sign Up: www.adobe.com/go/dveseminars
Which Photoshop is Right for You?
Seems many folks are confused by the wealth of Photoshop choices on the market... (Do I need Elements or Extended?) With five different products baring the Photoshop name, a little bit of sorting is in order.
Fortunately Adobe has all five products compared on one single page to make your shopping process a little easier. What's nice is that they clearly break down the features as well as the target industries and activities for each program.
While you're there, you can read a quick blurb on Photoshop’s 20 year history.
Photoshop for Video Chapter 14 Posted

If you have your code ready, please visit http://booksite.focalpress.com/Harrington/ and start to download. You'll find a full-length chapter plus all of the source media needed for the exercises. It’s a big download, so be sure to have a fast Internet connection handy.
For problems or suggestions concerning the site, please contact: Technical Support.
Adobe Premiere Elements and Photoshop Elements Released
If you are a Windows user who likes to fix up their photos and video... then you should check out the new releases from Adobe. There are very solid releases with a lot of cool features. I created a few free tutorials on Premiere Elements (I love the YouTube publishing feature). You can check them out here and also learn more about Photoshop Elements.
A New Blog on Digital Video

Podango, the online video and audio network that enables publishers and advertisers to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences, is heralding a wide range of topics and speakers. They include: new media pioneer Scott Bourne, host of The Apple Phone Show; Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, hosts of MommyCast; as well as Jason Van Orden, David Lawrence and others. Speakers will share ideas for building and monetizing audiences in today’s niche-oriented, interest-driven new media marketplace. Read More...
New Podcast on Everything Adobe

Podango, the online video and audio network that enables publishers and advertisers to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences, is heralding a wide range of topics and speakers. They include: new media pioneer Scott Bourne, host of The Apple Phone Show; Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, hosts of MommyCast; as well as Jason Van Orden, David Lawrence and others. Speakers will share ideas for building and monetizing audiences in today’s niche-oriented, interest-driven new media marketplace. Read More...
New Tablets from Wacom

Podango, the online video and audio network that enables publishers and advertisers to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences, is heralding a wide range of topics and speakers. They include: new media pioneer Scott Bourne, host of The Apple Phone Show; Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, hosts of MommyCast; as well as Jason Van Orden, David Lawrence and others. Speakers will share ideas for building and monetizing audiences in today’s niche-oriented, interest-driven new media marketplace. Read More...
Can a Tablet be Sexy?

Podango, the online video and audio network that enables publishers and advertisers to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences, is heralding a wide range of topics and speakers. They include: new media pioneer Scott Bourne, host of The Apple Phone Show; Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, hosts of MommyCast; as well as Jason Van Orden, David Lawrence and others. Speakers will share ideas for building and monetizing audiences in today’s niche-oriented, interest-driven new media marketplace. Read More...
I’m Back in the Pasture

Podango, the online video and audio network that enables publishers and advertisers to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences, is heralding a wide range of topics and speakers. They include: new media pioneer Scott Bourne, host of The Apple Phone Show; Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, hosts of MommyCast; as well as Jason Van Orden, David Lawrence and others. Speakers will share ideas for building and monetizing audiences in today’s niche-oriented, interest-driven new media marketplace. Read More...
Photoshop World Early Bird Registration Deadline

Podango, the online video and audio network that enables publishers and advertisers to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences, is heralding a wide range of topics and speakers. They include: new media pioneer Scott Bourne, host of The Apple Phone Show; Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, hosts of MommyCast; as well as Jason Van Orden, David Lawrence and others. Speakers will share ideas for building and monetizing audiences in today’s niche-oriented, interest-driven new media marketplace. Read More...
Producing Video and Animation for Multiformat Delivery

Podango, the online video and audio network that enables publishers and advertisers to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences, is heralding a wide range of topics and speakers. They include: new media pioneer Scott Bourne, host of The Apple Phone Show; Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, hosts of MommyCast; as well as Jason Van Orden, David Lawrence and others. Speakers will share ideas for building and monetizing audiences in today’s niche-oriented, interest-driven new media marketplace. Read More...
Really Cool Actions for Photoshop

I've been meaning to post on this for a while (I am knee-deep in 4 books right now). Came across some incredible Photoshop actions from the talented PanosFX.com. The new Analysis action set contains 23 different looks that can make your photos into books, filmstrips, and photo spreads. What's nice is that these actions add realistic lighting and edges for a very believable effect. Another bonus is that things remain layered which means you can perform some level of animation in After Effects (or even the Photoshop CS3 timeline). The set cost $10, but is quite nice and a strong entry into my toolbox. If you'd like to see the quality of PanosFX, check out their generous Freebies. Quite a lot of cool things in there.
Motion Graphics Resource Site

Interested in Motion Graphics? The check out the evolving MographWiki which has a nice collection of user contributed content and articles. Its a great place to browse for ideas and talent. There's a lot of useful things up here including:
Free Reading
But I did write a new book and thoroughly revise another.
For your reading enjoyment and personal education.

Photoshop for Video 3rd Edition (previously titled Photoshop for Nonlinear Editors)
• Major updates with tons of new content and more than 75 new pages of material
• Over 2.5 hours of training videos
• Expanded coverage of DVD and Motion Graphics
• In-depth look at HD graphics and workflow
• Full coverage of Photoshop CS3
Download the free chapter here.
You can order the book here.

Here's a free chapter from my new book How to Wow with PowerPoint. This is the intro to the book and focusses on best practices for designing graphics for the screen (so even if you aren't a PowerPoint fan, you'll find some wholesome goodness on here). I hope you all enjoy it, If you'd like to order the book click here.
Photoshop World Begins

Podango, the online video and audio network that enables publishers and advertisers to “get heard” by today’s hard-to-reach, niche audiences, is heralding a wide range of topics and speakers. They include: new media pioneer Scott Bourne, host of The Apple Phone Show; Paige Heninger and Gretchen Vogelzang, hosts of MommyCast; as well as Jason Van Orden, David Lawrence and others. Speakers will share ideas for building and monetizing audiences in today’s niche-oriented, interest-driven new media marketplace. Read More...
Quark to InDesign Conversion

Fortunately, money could solve this problem (I know... that's often the case). A useful recommendation from an Adobe colleague pointed me towards Markzware and Q2ID for the conversion.
The short review... it works! Spending $199 to save having to rekey 250 pages is worth it in my book. Currently it only works with CS1 or CS2.... but you can always convert, then promote the document forward.
101 Photoshop Tips (Free)

Thanks to Scott Kelby for pointing this one out.
Gary Logsdon has posted 101 Photoshop tips that work with most versions of Photoshop. There are a lot of useful ones here that save time and effort. What's also nice is the ability to download the tips as a PDF file to save to your computer for the future.
What's not to like about free tips?
Adobe Integrates Creative Suite Apps for Video

It was an exciting afternoon on March 27 when Adobe announced updates to virtually its entire product line-tying together seven applications into a new version of its Creative Suite software for streamlined, video-intensive workflow. Adobe's Creative Suite 3 Production Premium bundle will be cross-platform when it debuts in the third quarter of 2007 (that is, between July 1 and Sept. 30).
Targeting both postproduction and rich media (aka multimedia) professionals, the bundle includes After Effects CS3 Professional, Premiere Pro CS3, Encore CS3, Photoshop CS3 Extended, Illustrator CS3, Flash CS3 Professional, and Soundbooth CS3. For Windows users, the bundle also includes OnLocation CS3, formerly Serious Magic DV Rack, and Ultra CS3 software for chroma keying, also a former Serious Magic app. (Mac users can run these two apps under Boot Camp.)
Read the full article at DV.com.
Photoshop CS3 Public Beta Refresh

John Nack, Photoshop Product Manager, has opened up access to a new build (version) through his blog. You can find out how to access the new version here. For you early adopters.... I hope you enjoy. By the way, the new version has more to it than that... so you may want to check it out.
Have Look at Photoshop CS3 from a Video Perspective

In case you missed it, things are running a little differently these days at Adobe. The company has bought into the whole "testing lab" thing-offering up notable programs for public beta, such as Lightroom for organizing digital photos, Soundbooth for audio editing, and now Photoshop CS3.
Head over to DV.com for lots of links and of course my opinions. I hope you enjoy.
Great Tutorial on Putting AE to a DVD

Dinosaur... Oh, Dinosaur... (Evolve or Die)

Well, the policy is changing (a bit). Adobe is tightening up its policy on upgrades and applying limits to just how old a copy can be in order to be upgraded. According to the FAQ posted for Photoshop CS3:
Q. If I buy Photoshop CS2 today in order to get access to the Photoshop CS3 beta, will I get a free upgrade to Photoshop CS3?
A. No. The rich feature set and productivity enhancements of Photoshop CS2 already provide a strong upgrade value, and the opportunity to preview the upcoming CS3 release is an additional bonus. In addition, customers who are still using Photoshop version 6.0 or earlier will benefit from taking advantage of a more liberal upgrade policy for Photoshop CS2. Adobe will not offer upgrade pricing more than three versions back on Photoshop CS3. Go to www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/index. html for more information on Adobe Photoshop CS2.
This means a minimum of Photoshop 7 must be owned to buy the upgrade to Photoshop CS3. I agree that this is a reasonable change... but I raise it to you know for you people forced to sit on the fence. I know plenty of people (especially in corporate and education fields) who are constrained when it comes to upgrades....
The bottom line... if you are still using Photoshop 6 or earlier... upgrade now to Photoshop CS2.
New Photoshop Podcast Soars

Thanks to those who are watching (a few comments)
1. Please click the subscribe button (it is free)
2. Please tell your friends
3. Please leave feedback.
4. Please post a comment here with requests for specific tutorials.
I want this podcast to be truly useful to the community. Your support and feedback really do help.
Photoshop CS3 Sneak Peek – On the Web – On iTunes
New Photoshop CS3 Online Learning Center

These guys have good stuff and can be commended for making the bulk of it free to new users. Be sure to check it out and explore new options. You may also want to Join NAPP for access to a wealth of other online materials and training.
Photoshop CS3 Public Beta Available on Friday – New Podcast Today

If you are looking for some training, here's two places to start:
Photoshop CS3 Sneak Peek – On the Web – On iTunes
Photoshop CS3 Learning Center – On the Web
Adobe Reader 8 is Released

Looking for greater options and compatibility when browsing PDF files? Then its time to download Adobe Reader 8 (formerly Acrobat Reader). The new version features a streamlined interface that can be customized by the end user. An important change is that Acrobat Professional users can enable the ability for Reader users to fill and submit forms as well as add comments. The program is also GPU aware so a powerful graphics card will speed things up.
After Effects 7.0.1 is Released

• An issue has been fixed where After Effects' application window could not be revealed after being hidden.
• After Effects can now read IFF image files rendered out of mental ray for Maya.
• Shift-clicking to draw vertices with the Pen tool now constrains to 45 degree angles.
• Copy and paste of semitransparent text from Illustrator into After Effects has been fixed.
• Choosing Composition > Preview > Audio Preview (Work Area) will now play the whole work area.
• Users can now import Blackmagic Design 8-bit YUV AVI compressed files.
• An issue that caused incorrect pixel aspect ratio and dimensions when importing DVCProHD files captured in FCP5 has been fixed. (I begged for this one)
• Audio waveform no longer disappears when the window is resized.
A big thanks to After Effects Product Manager Steve Kilisky for letting me know.
Just What are Scratch Disks?

By targeting hard drive, Photoshop can temporarily use disk space to help in opening large files, ruing complex filters, or performing a resize command. But how do you set this up?
1. Launch your preferences by pressing Cmd + K (Ctrl + K).
2. Find the Plug-Ins & Scratch Disks Category in the drop down menu at the top of the window.
3. Set your first Scratch Disk to a hard drive and click OK.
Internal hard drives are best (as opposed to networked drives). You should also avoid using the Startup (system) drive as this will bog performance down. If you are a video editor, you can target your fast video editing drives. Don't worry, Photoshop will trash any temp files when you quit or on relaunch after a crash.
Be sure to set your Scratch Disk preferences right for a great bump in performance when working with larger files or with several files open.
Adobe Releases New Articles on Digital Photography

Digital Image Integrity by George Reis Photographs have been altered or “faked” ever since the very beginning of chemical photography. Learn how Photoshop CS is providing forensics experts and law enforcement specialists better tools for evaluating the authenticity of a photograph.
Black and White Conversion Tutorial by John Paul Caponigro Are you looking for more detail in your digital B&W conversions? Or perhaps better contrast and tonal separation? Here’s an opportunity to learn how to get maximum flexibility out of your B&W conversions. Follow along step-by-step, as John Paul Caponigro shows you how the pros do it in this dynamic PDF tutorial.
Mac OS 10.4.8 and Adobe Software

The Latest Adobe News (With Personality)

I really enjoy that fact that Adobe has an active blogging initiative amongst their employees. These folks really know their tools and their community. The problem before has been that I don't have time to browse ALL of them for those golden nuggets of Adobe goodness... until now.
While visiting Adobe Labs, I found them showing off a new product called Spry. The whole Ajax and Web 2.0 stuff is a little beyond me, but they do have a nice gallery of practical uses. Check out their Photo Gallery, Effects Demo, and the aforementioned Super RSS Reader (OK, I added the Super part). Now in one window you can browse ALL the Adobe blogs for all applications. This really is a cool way to keep up on the lesser known parts of Adobe.
New Free Photoshop Actions

Kuler – Very Cool Online Color Picker

New Audio Tool from Adobe for AE and Flash Users

Continuing their new Labs idea, Adobe has a preview release of yet another new product. This time its Adobe Soundbooth which is an audio editing tool for those who don't need the power of Adobe Audition (or who find all the features just a little confusing.) The program is well suited for:
• Editing audio quickly.
• Cleaning up noisy audio.
• Visually identifying and removing unwanted sounds.
• Recording and polishing voiceovers.
• Adding effects and filters.
Download now before the current Soundbooth beta expires on February 28, 2007.
A great review of Soundbooth can be found on Creative Cow.
Video Preview out of Photoshop CS2

2. Make sure the hardwire is powered up and connected to a monitor, then launch Photoshop.
3. Work with your current document and design as needed.
4. Choose File > Export Video Preview...
5. Specify your Output Mode and Aspect Ratio and click OK.
Preview away
The History of Photoshop

The Photoshop User Awards

The deadline for entry is December 31, 2006 and you can find the full rules here. There are eleven categories to enter:
1. General Photography (digital or traditional scanned images manipulated or collaged in Photoshop)
2. Illustration (original creations drawn or created in Photoshop)
3. Artistic (artistic creations)
4. Photo Restoration (Restoring or repairing damaged images - die: rips, scratches, tears, faded photos, etc.)
5. Wedding and Portrait Photography (Wedding or Portrait images enhanced using Photoshop.)
6. Landscape & Travel Photography (Outdoor photography enhanced or corrected, or processed in Photoshop)
7. Photo Retouching (Retouching people, landscapes, architectural images, commercial retouching, etc.)
8. Advertising Design (Images used in brochures, annual report collages, advertising, logos, etc.)
9. Composites and Collaging (Collage of images).
10. Student Work (Images created or manipulated by students. NOTE: A valid student ID is required to enter work in this category).
11. General Photoshop Design (Images that don't fit into one of the categories listed above: cartoons, Photoshop graffiti art, tattoo art, medical imagery, astronomy, etc.).
It's a great contest and open to all Photoshop users.
New Radio Interview – Photoshop and the Classroom

Richard Harrington was recently interviewed by Mac Edition Radio about Photoshop and education.
"An interview with Peachpit Press Author Richard Harrington on writing a book to help teach Photoshop. Rich brings years of teaching experience, expertise with motion graphics, and a longing for the perfect book to teach Photoshop with, and wrote “Understanding Adobe Photoshop: Digital Image Concepts and Techniques.” Recorded at the National Association of Photoshop Professionals Photoshop World Conference, Las Vegas, in September 2006 by Harris Fogel."
Have a listen if you'd like.
Machine Wash Filters for Photoshop


The filters are priced at $49 a set, and upgrades for previous users are available if you contact tech support.
New Conference Notes

As Photoshop World winds down, its time for homework. Be sure to check out the conference handout section for extra notes and practice files. If you took a class with me, I hope you enjoyed. Have fun and keep learning.
New Photoshop Podcast

Join us each week for a dose of professional Photoshop training. We've turned our new book, Understanding Adobe Photoshop into a weekly podcast. It's a good idea to subscribe via iTunes, as back episodes won't hang around long. If you are impatient (or want to get the whole set on a DVD) you can purchase the book.
Subscribe now and receive a dose technical training delivered every Monday. Understanding Adobe Photoshop with Richard Harrington .
The new podcast is brought to you by the fine folks at Peachpit Press.
Hope you all enjoy...
NOTE: If you haven't subscribed... don't miss our free Photoshop podcast exclusively for video pros – Photoshop CS: Essentials for Digital Video.
Understanding Adobe Photoshop Gets High Marks

A few months ago, my new book on Adobe Photoshop was released. I'm not one for fancy titles... so I simply called this one "Understanding Adobe Photoshop." The book combined everything I learned teaching Adobe Photoshop to both college students and working pros, and it is targeted for both new users and those who are self-taught (having never taken a full college-level class).
The book is doing well (but of course... I'd be happy to sell more). It is very well-suited for classroom use as well with hundreds of hands-on exercises (including images) as well as 4.5 hours of training videos. Enough of my thoughts... what are others saying?
Read More...
Final Results of the NLE Survey
We asked: Which NLE do you prefer to use the most?

We set an all time record for responses. All said, 510 users weighed in... and the results were surprising.
1. Apple Final Cut Pro/Final Cut Express (36.27%)
2. Avid Nonlinear Editing Systems (31.96%)
3. Sony Vegas (14.12%)
4. Adobe Premiere Pro (13.73%)
5. Media 100 (3.92%)
Given the number of respondents, we have determined that the survey is accurate within +/- 4%... That means Final Cut Pros lead was slim, but it still took the top spot.
Going to Photoshop World? Then Take My Classes...

Thursday – September 7
Do No Harm - Non-Destructive Color Correction
NAPP Expo Theatre – 03:30-04:30 pm
Help Desk Live
Various Times
Friday – September 8
Your Photoshop is in My After Effects
Motion Graphics Track – 09:30 -10:30 am
Podcasting for Educators
Peachpit Expo Theater – 12:00-12:40 pm
Photoshop in the Classroom
Peachpit Expo Theater – 2:00 - 2:40 pm
Typography in Motion
Motion Graphics Track – 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Motion Control 3D
Motion Graphics Track – 5:15 - 6:15 pm
Photoshop World Show Floor Action

You can come check out many different vendors as well as attend free educational sessions. You can get your free pass by signing up in advance or you'll have to pay $20.00 at the door.
Review – Color Theory and Color Theory Pro

ColorTheory from Digital Anarchy provides a pretty quick answer. The interface is clean and simple, but generates powerful results in a variety of color schemes. The Pro version adds the ability to load a source graphic in to compare with your colors. It also adds the ability to run ColorTheory as a plug-in from Photoshop or After Effects-compliant hosts.
The product is priced at $49 for the Standard version and $99 for the Pro.
Long Delayed, But On It's Way!

Useful Website for AE and 3D

Super Cool Photoshop Actions

From postcards and filmstrips to paper and sketch effects. These actions are great, they produce powerful results and are flexible enough to create several looks. The website has more than 30 free actions and the powerful ones for sale are very affordable. Be sure to check out their many products to build up your Photoshop toolbox. If you did pick up the new book, be sure to look on the DVD for some additional free actions.
Richard Harrington on Photoshop TV

• How to correct a series faded photographs with adjustment layers
• How to use video actions for creating DVD slide shows from your images
If you'd like to subscribe to the free podcast, click here.
To buy this episode, click here.
Adobe Releases New Photoshop CS2 Update

The download is free and should be downloaded by all users.
Download Mac
Download Windows








