Photoshop (Elements) & Pentax classes

Hi all,
This seems to be getting some interest, so I thought I'd start a new thread for it

I'm thinking of putting together an afternoon or day (probably Saturday) where I can demonstrate some Photoshop techniques and workflow. Maybe you want to know about colour management, or some specific type of digital manipulation (compositing, adjustments, cut-outs, pen tool etc, etc).

Either drop me a PM with things you'd definitely like to know more about, and whether you could make it down to somewhere in Sussex.

Time is a bit short at the moment, but I'm sure something could be set up - I just need to work out numbers, a venue, and what the possible cost might be.

Let me know
Matt

Great idea Matt.

Presumably you are you planning on letting the holiday season go by, before embarking on the venture.

For me the Chichester end of Sussex would be handy.

With regard to topics I am keen to learn most subjects as my PS skill level is hovering just above zero

Indeed. Matt for president.

I'd be happy to come down to the South Coast. Anywhere from Brighton to Chichester would be fine, but I'd go further afield to suit Matt's convenience.

I can see a problem here.

There's the risk that if the masterclass is for a mixed-ability group, half will be bored, and half will be lost.

I think this is another example of Matt's extraordinary generosity of spirit, but I do think that there's little point travelling a long distance, and putting Matt to the time and trouble to organise and prepare, when the basics can be easily obtained from any one of numerous books and web sites.

It's one thing to dash off a quick question on a forum when with a little effort it's perfectly possible to look up the answer for oneself.

It's quite another to expect a masterclass without having put in a substantial amount of preparation first.

Point taken.

I am not really just above zero. I can do all the standard stuff but much of it by trial and error.

Matt's suggestions for improving J.R.'s image made me think that there is so much that could be learnt and that it is probably best learnt by someone demonstrating it.

Without a doubt - totally agree.

Don't get me wrong - I think this is a great idea, and hats off to Matt for even contemplating it.

It's just one of these things where if we're not careful, people are going to end up disappointed. Either beginners (who'll be out of their depth), or already-advanced PS users (wanting something super-advanced), or Matt (cos people don't sign up for the course because they don't know clearly what level it's being pitched at, and then his preparation is wasted).

I think it should be money up front (people value more what they've paid for), and he shouldn't price it too cheap.

None of my business of course - just a few thoughts FWIW.

We tried this in a previous edition of PU Magazine - I had a half page advert for a full day Seminar including PS, techniques and a model shoot. Not one reply. I know another contributer who tried the same and he was a Big Name in the photo press. He got no response either. If Matt can get a response, then it was and still is a great idea.

ChrisA is quite right about different skill levels though and it's very difficult to offer one programme for all levels.

Anyway, hope it works and helps some of us to hone their skills.

Well it looks as though Matt has two 'takers' so far.

Hopefully there will be others

Actually, what I have in mind will cover both newbies and old-hands.
There is a huge set of little things that add up to a lot. For example, the old favourite of "Dodging and Burning" is easy for a newbie to understand... and as any seasoned PS user knows there are many ways of accomplishing it - but I have some techniques that are genuinely new (at least I've never found 'em printed or online )

Additionally, I forgot to say that most of the techniques will be Photoshop Elements compatible too

But then if the majority want complex PS stuff then I can do that too


(Yes, it'll have to be after holiday season...)
Matt

It is tempting to say yes, especially if we Elements users can enjoy the time too, but I fear the logistics and expense for me will make it impossible.
I do have a trip to the UK in October (probably staying in Rye), but I don't think the bill payer would appreciate me swanning off for one of our three days together

I'm also looking into web-based meeting rooms.

I have found one option that will allow VoIP communication between 3 attendees and me - so we could easily do a quick PS class that way. Up to 20 attendees can visit (if invited) so it might be a practical way to go.

Of course, I don't get any funding from this... but there's always a Paypal donation

Could arrange for a half-hour session or so during the week (in my lunch break). Let me know if there are any takers and we'll try and set up a trial...

Matt

Me! Me!

Matt - logistically and geographically, attendance for me would be out of the question, but would you consider recording / podcasting or something along those lines? I'm sure there are others like myself who are too far away, but would be delighted to 'siphon' off some of your expertise...
(and make paypal donations for the privilege...)

Loving the idea of the web based conference.

Wouldn't mind driving down to Brighton for a day out, but there is a cost difference between web based and a 200 mile round trip in a V6!

That's looking much more positive
I'm currently testing web conferencing tools to see which one(s) will work ok.
At the same time I'm looking into recording apps to see if I can preserve the web-meeting for later consumption

Sure that it'll come together
Matt

Could you make little 10/15min videos and post on here say once a month then anyone/everyone could watch.: