Photoshop World Orlando 2011

I was able to go to The Photoshop World Conference again in the spring of 2011. It felt so good to be back. 

The Orange County Convention Center is cavernous and full of beautiful archways. I spent most of my time in the expo center. Even though I wasn't able to attend many of the classes I still had a wonderful time. The expo center was bustling with information and enthusiastic presenters. I filled every moment trying to absorb as much information as I could. 

While I was walking around I ran into Rod Harlan again and he invited me to the Midnight Madness Party. A long standing slogan of the Midnight Madness party ensures that "you won't learn a thing". It is an event designed for pure entertainment. Multiple boxes of donuts are passed around as participants playfully compete for prizes. Robert Vanelli, one of the Photoshop World organizers, becomes the life of the party and he interacts with the crowd causing waves of laughter. 

After Midnight Madness I went up to thank Rod for inviting me. He told me that a group of the instructors was headed to a late dinner at a 24 hour restaurant in the Peabody Hotel across the street, and he welcomed me to that as well. "Of course" I said enthusiastically. How on earth could I turn that down?

It felt like Boston all over again. I couldn't believe I was lucky enough to be having dinner with all these industry professionals all over again. I was on cloud nine. 

Even the walk to the Peabody was interesting. I got to meet another instructor by the name of Frank Doorhof, a Dutch fashion and celebrity photographer. It turned out to be a happy accident running into him. I had seen one of his presentations earlier but I hadn't had a chance to meet him until that moment. 

(To see Frank Doorhof's work please visit: http://www.frankdoorhof.com/site/). 

At the restaurant everyone gathered across two tables. I was in the mood for dessert so I ordered the grasshopper, which ended up being a massive bowl of mint chocolate chip ice cream. The conversations were just as lively as they had been all day. Everyone was happily recounting events from the day and sharing the latest technology and art information. 

At one point Rod turned to me and asked about the work I was doing with DRIP. I began to tell him about some of our past events and how we had just gotten a venue on International Drive, within walking distance from the Peabody. Others began to join in our conversation. Between the great conversations and wonderful company I was thrilled. I never thought I would be able to match the wonderful experience I was so inspired by in Boston. 

Robert Vanelli with other guest at dinner. Nothing but smiles and laughter. 

Robert and I at the end of the Photoshop World Conference. 

Rod Harlan and I posing outside of the Convention Center.

As it turns out, the amazing time I had was not a once in a lifetime event. It has recurred several times and I have the phenomenal group behind Photoshop World to thank. I am constantly inspired by this collaboration of people who joyfully educate others while remaining students themselves. The icing on the cake is that they are all genuinely wonderful people. I certainly believe in the power of doing what you love and loving what you do. Knowledge and joy have never been so infectious. 

Photoshop World Orlando 2010

In 2009 I was lucky enough to win a ticket to the Photoshop Conference in Boston through the Student Graphic Design Association at the University of Central Florida. I had nothing less than a fantastic time. I stayed involved with the Student Graphic Design Association for another year and I was able to go the the next Photoshop Conference which was held in conveniently in Orlando.

The conference was held in the Orange County Convention Center; a massive building full of geometric lines and arching windows.

Another view of the beautiful architecture from the outside.

This is a shot of the students from the Graphic Design Association with Robert Vanelli. He was one of the staff members at the Photoshop Conference who I was lucky enough to meet last year at the restaurant in Boston. I was thrilled that he remembered me from a year ago and happily posed for a group shot. 

I was also able to find Rod Harlan again! I've followed Rod on twitter since that fateful night at the restaurant in Boston. A one point I made a comment on my twitter account about a piece of art work I had finished. Out of the blue Rod contacted me and asked if he could see it. I nervously sent him a file of my artwork. 

Rod is the President of DriveDV, Inc. - a full service multimedia marketing firm, and SITEdriver - a web development company. He is also the Founder and Director of Education for the Digital Video Professionals Association (DVPA). And that's just the short list of things he does. At the time I was still a bit shy about showing people my artwork, especially someone of such high standing in the arts community. I sent him a file of one of my digital portraits. (To see more of this artwork please visit my previous post Digital Portaits) Rod wrote back shortly and told me that he thought it was great. I couldn't believe that someone in such a professional position took such an interest in what I was doing. 

When I found Rod again at this Photoshop Conference he greeted me with a smile and introduced me to one of his friends as "that girl who makes amazing illustrations". I was simply beaming. 

This is a photo of me with Scott Kelby. Scott is the Editor and Publisher of Photoshop User Magazine, Editor-in Chief of Layers Magazine, training director and instructor for the Adobe Photoshop Seminar Tour, President National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP), CEO of Kelby Media Group, and author of a string of bestselling technology books. 

After the first conference I attended in Boston I was browsing through books in the Apple store. I picked up a book called "The iPhone Book: How To Do the Most Important, Useful & Fun Stuff With Your iPhone." It was colorfully written and sprinkled with humor. I turned the book over and was blown away when I saw Scott Kelby's name. Unable to contain my excitement I turned to my friend and shouted "I know him! That's Scott! I met him at the Photoshop World Conference!" 

At Photoshop World they have an expo hall that sells books by all of the professionals who speak at the conference. Many of the books are written by Scott and all of them pertain to art and technology. Except one. While pouring over the book selection I stumbled upon a book titled "The Book for Guys Who Don't Want Kids: How to Get Past the Fear of Fatherhood." At first I assumed the book had been misplaced but upon closer inspection I saw that it was written by none other than Scott Kelby. Curious, I picked up the book and began to skim through the pages. 

It was written by Scott in response to one of his friends finding that his girlfriend was pregnant and wanted to keep the baby. Scott's conversations with this man turned into the advice and tips that were the basis for the book. I remember one story that stood out to me in particular. Scott talked about a promise that he and his wife made to both get up in the middle of the night and take care of their child together as a team. No fighting about your turn vs. my turn. They would both get up and sit as a team. 

He went on to describe how difficult it was at times and how exhausting it is to raise a child. But he also spoke fondly of the deeper connections he built with his wife and the powerful bonds he created with his children. In a sea of tech books I was completely taken with the one book that seemed so out of place. I found it so compelling that a man with so much prestige relating to technology would take the time to write a book helping other men to become better fathers. All of his books about how to use the technology are brilliant, but this book really gives you an idea about what this man is made of. I have nothing but the outmost respect for Scott.

As I was leaving the convention center I ran into Vanelli one last time. He posed for a picture with his son Alec. The enthusiasm and positive energy at the Photoshop World conference is delightfully overwhelming. It brings so much joy to my heart to be surrounded by so many industry professionals who take as much pride in connecting with others as they do in their jobs. 

Photoshop World Boston

The first time I heard about Photoshop World was at a Graphic Design Student Association meeting at the University of Central Florida. It was a three day conference and expo centered around Photoshop, Photography, and Lighting (to name a few things) and it was going to be held in Boston. The Graphic Design Student Association was going to hold a drawing to see who would win one of the four spots available. As soon as I knew what it was I wanted to win the ticket. The day of the drawing came and I was the second person called. I could not believe it. I was going to Boston for Photoshop World.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I got there but I was blown away from day one. We were given an enormous book detailing every class and lesson. I was overwhelmed with all of the professional instructors and the variety of interesting classes to choose from. For three days I bounced from class to class soaking up knowledge like a sponge. I saw slide shows from wildlife photographers and people who had made arduous trips to Antarctica just to photograph the ice. I saw presentations of how make professional quality motion graphics and how to thrive when dealing with clients. I accidently found myself in a class being taught by Jay Maisel, a photographer who's work and philosophy forever changed the way I looked at photography. (See my previous blog post Boston Changed Everything)

After every beautifully exhausting day I found myself back in the hotel rereading notes and analyzing my photography. I'd fall asleep wondering what I was going to be lucky enough to learn the next day.

One thing I am eternally grateful for is Mariko's example. Mariko is the Creative Director and CEO of DRIP, the performance art company that I work for. A few years ago we ended up doing a show at the Create Chaos Conference in Orlando. After our show we would attend some of the conference classes together. What was surprising to me was that when ever a class was over Mariko would walk right up to the instructor, introduce herself, and begin to ask them questions and really try to pick their brains. I was so impressed with the way she saw an opportunity and was determined to make the most out of it. While other people had left the class and moved on, I was watching her make some meaningful connections and conversations. I never forgot that.

Months later when I ended up at Photoshop World, I found myself following her example. I stopped to ask instructors questions or what their opinions were. Sometimes I would simply introduce myself and thank them for everything I had learned. I was so blown away by how friendly and accessible everyone was. In most of my experience, when I would meet a professional they would be reticent or secretive about their work. Everyone I encountered was completely willing and excited to talk about what they did. I was always behind my group, staying to talk. I fell in love with the whole environment and experience. On the walk back to our hotel I was usually one of the last people, holding my Photoshop World book close to my chest, wondering how on earth I got so lucky.

The Photoshop World Conference was only Wednesday through Friday, but before I even booked my flight I had an epiphany. Why would I rush back to Orlando when I could just stay longer and have a weekend to myself in Boston? Opportunities like this don't come along very often and I decided to go for it. With the help of my best friend, Amber, I found another hotel in Boston to stay for the remainder of my trip. Of course my decision came along with ruffling some feathers. My group had some reservations about me staying by myself on what was essentially a university sponsored trip. And then there was my mother, who was terrified about her daughter being alone in a strange city. My mind was made up. I was spending the weekend in Boston. Alone.

When the conference was over I rode with my group on the subway until we were at the stop for my new hotel.

"Do you think you'll be okay without us?' someone asked me
"I hope so" I said with a laugh as I jumped off the subway.

The truth is I found being with a group somewhat oppressive. I like to wonder around and do my own thing. Having to wait for everyone all the time and "do what is best for the group" was exhausting and restrictive. I climbed up the stairs until I got to the street. The sunlight, the 30 degree weather, the uncertainty - It felt like freedom.

I found my hotel and settled in. I had my heart set on going back to the Boston Museum of Art so I headed back to the subway and got on the train.

I rode that subway about 20 minutes before I realized I was going in the wrong direction.

By the time I realized what had happened I knew that I wouldn't be able to make it to the Museum in time before they closed. I got on the train heading back to my hotel. Oh well, I thought as I looked out the window. I guess I'll just go back and have dinner.

I rode the subway until I got to the building where the Photoshop World Convention was held. I remembered that there were some nice restaurants in that area. I wondered around in some shops for while, bought a pair of earrings. I walked across the street to the plaza where the convention was held. I was walking past a sea food restaurant when I was spotted.

Robert Vanelli, a bear of a man who most people simply call Vanelli, waved at me. Vanelli is a crew member at Photoshop World. I remembered talking with him while our group was waiting to get into Midnight Madness, an after party for the Photoshop World attendees. Vanelli was very outgoing and full of energy which makes him hard to forget. I walked over to say hello. He was standing next to Rod Harlan, an instructor at Photoshop World.

I remember Rod already knowing me from my twitter account which blew me away since I was officially meeting him for the first time. I never thought that someone that professional would be interested in my twitter account, let alone recognize me. I remember hoping that the cold weather was hiding the fact that my cheeks were blushing. Vanelli asked me where the rest of my group was. I told him that they had left already and I had chosen to stay some extra days.

"So you are by yourself?"
"Yeah"
"Why don't you have dinner with us?"
"Oh my God, are you serious?"

I tried to pick my jaw up off the floor and not sound so much like a kid.

"I'd love to!"

Dinner was blur of great food and great conversation. Vanelli never sat in one spot for very long. He made sure to visit everyone at the table. I sat next to Rod and a woman who told me a story about how when she went to Photoshop World when it was in Las Vegas she had saved up enough money for the conference but she didn't have enough for a hotel. She ended up sleeping in her car. When some of the people working the event found out they insisted that she stay in one of their hotel rooms. I remember listening to that story and thinking how amazing she was for going and how kind and down to earth these people are for helping her. I talked to Rod about twitter and we exchanged information. When dinner was over one of the girls took this shot of us.

A wonderful dinner!
Vanelli is on my left in the black shirt, and Rod is to my right in the jacket with brown sleeves.

I remember beaming. I could not believe that just happened. I had dinner with eleven industry professionals because I got on the wrong subway. I got to meet so many interesting people over dinner by a complete stroke of luck. I felt like a rock star. I must have thanked them a thousand times.

I walked out onto the street. My face was already starting to hurt from smiling too much. I called my mother to share the good news. At first it was hard to control my excitement and my mother couldn't understand what I was saying. Once I slowed down, and she knew that I was okay, she just listened to me ramble excitedly until I got to my hotel. 

That night I got some boston creme pie and ate it in my hotel room.  I sat on the bed waiting for all this excitement to settle. I was in Boston, by myself, just got done with the Photoshop World Conference, got lost, and ended up having one of the most amazing things happen to me purely by luck. I don't think I've ever been so dizzy and so happy all at once. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

That was years ago, I still can't believe how much that happy accident has impacted my life.

Boston Changed Everything

I was lucky enough to be able to go to Boston for the Photoshop World conference in Spring 2009. I had never been to Boston before and I couldn't wait to take it all in. Once we got to our hotel room I noticed this building outside of our hotel window. It was highly reflective and I love the way it caught the light. I took one picture in the late afternoon and the other just after dusk.

The Photoshop Conference was amazing and I learned so much. But the most surprising source of inspiration came from a photographer named Jay Maisel.

The Photoshop conference has multiple class going on at the same time. At that specific time there were no classes pertaining to design so I wondered into Jay Maisel's class. I wasn't expecting to get much out of it because at the time I was not especially interested in photography.

Mr. Maisel went up to give his presentation and I was blown away. He did one segment relating to 9/11. He went to photograph ground zero but he was told he not allowed. Instead he photographed the faces of the people as they walked past where the twin towers once stood. The people were unaware they were being photographed and he ended up with some very raw and emotional portraits.

He then showed a series of photographs he had taken over the years. They were full of interesting perspectives, unusual light, bold color, and expressive gestures. His photographs reminded me of how I see the world. I always end up noticing these interesting and unique things but I never take pictures of them because I though no one would ever find them as interesting as I did. Jay was taking the pictures that I was too shy to take. I left that class and saw the world in a whole new way.

I decided to stop taking pictures like a tourist and and start taking pictures like an artist.

This was a piece of Iranian art from the Boston Museum. Rather than getting a "perfect shot" I captured the reflection of the window because it was made to fit the style of the art work in the room. 

Instead of trying to get the entire statue in one shot I focus on what drew me to look at it in the first place.  I loved the serenity in their faces and the subtle colors in the background. 

One of my favorites! Instead of only filling the photo with the statue, I stood back and gave him a setting. 

I loved the simple elegance and the quiet reflection of their face along with their juxtaposition against the wall.

The Boston sky at dusk.

Instead of taking this shot at eye level I crouched down next to the statue and pointed the camera up towards the ceiling. I think the dynamic angle really makes the shot. I love how it looks like she is reaching up for the light. 

This piece of art was in a room filled with artifacts that related to the afterlife. I have no idea whether it was intentional or not, but this was placed over and exit sign and I thought it was hilarious. 

Once again, rather than taking a picture of the entire statue I decided to focus on what I was most attracted to. The face, the gesture, and the reflection of the window made this image memorable.

This was a practice cast of a bust. This was something that never would have been on display in ancient Egypt, it was only meant for the sculptor  to use as a reference. Simple objects like these tend to make me think more about the individual artist who created them. Almost like you are so close to being able to look back in time because you are so close to an object they have touched. That is why I took a picture that included the objects reflection.

This particular statue was enormous. When in front of it you were forced to look up towards the ceiling. It happened to be raining outside and I wanted to capture the beauty of the statue's face as well as the rain cascading down the skylight. 

I love the way this historic church is surrounded by all of these modern sky scrappers that vanish into the fog. Only the light from the windows lets you know how far up the building rises.

A statue of an angel with outstretched arms in the Boston rain.

This was taken the morning I was leaving to go back to Orlando. It was raining but still wanted to see as much of the city as I possibly could. I'm so glad I went out that morning.

There is still beauty in a cloudy day.