What's new at The Loft - Episode 108

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

I am so excited about Susan Tuttle's new workshop, Toy Camera with Photoshop.  I have taken several classes with Susan and they are so informative and detailed that true beginners need not fret.  All of her lessons are stepped out and easy to follow, and come complete with not only written instructions but video tutorials.  Susan's classes are so informative and inspirational that you won't be disappointed.  I am already signed up and as the title says it all, I CAN'T WAIT!

AND BEST OF ALL!!!   SUSAN IS HAVING AN ONLINE GIVEAWAY TO WIN A FREESPOT IN HER NEW WORKSHOP.  Click HERE to learn more.

ONLINE WORKSHOP: TOY CAMERA WITH PHOTOSHOP

Replicating toy camera + film processing effects -- polaroid, pinhole, diana, fish eye, silver gelatin, cross processing, holga, expired polaroid film, light leaks, and double exposure

Instructor: Susan Tuttle

NOTE: It is not necessary to have taken any of my previous Photoshop workshops prior to taking this workshop.

Format: stepped-out instructions, screenshots and video tutorials (clear video of the projects being carried out on the screen, with audio).  The class is not given in a live format, so you can sign in and work on the projects at any time that is convenient for you during the duration of the workshop.

Software: The projects are taught with Photoshop Elements 9.0 (PSE 9.0) -- earlier versions of the program and the most recent 10.0 will work just fine, as the tools and functions used in the projects are the classic, tried-and-true ones. I provide supplemental written instructions for Photoshop/CS versions. If you have an earlier version of Elements or a Photoshop/Photoshop CS version, your screen will look different from my screenshots, but you will be able to carry out the projects in your program if you have a basic knowledge of your program's tools and functions and are able to navigate your program with ease. Note: You can get a free 30 day trial of the latest version of Photoshop Elements at http://www.adobe.com/

Length of Workshop: 4 weeks (plus an additional 2 weeks of comp time to access the site if you need it)

Workshop Dates: March 1 - March 29, 2012 The workshop site will open Thursday, March 1st. at 9 A.M. EST.

Level: This course is designed for both beginners (who have a basic understanding of the tools and functions of Photoshop Elements and/or Photoshop/CS) and the more seasoned folks who wish to learn how to digitally replicate toy camera and film processing effects.

(NOTE:EARLYBIRD REGISTRATION goes from Wednesday, February 1st. at 10 A.M. EST until Wednesday, February 8th. at 10 A.M. EST. REGULAR REGISTRATION goes from Wednesday, February 8th. at 10:01 A.M. EST up until March 1st. when the class begins.)

Fee: EARLYBIRD FEE IS $119 USD REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE!

REGULAR FEE IS $129 USD

Hope to see you in the workshop forum!  Thanks for stopping by and come back soon.

What's new at The Loft - Episode 105

Thanksgiving at Universal - Part 2

The day after Thanksgiving we went over to the original Universal Studios park. 

Cassidy and Ray started out the day by going on this roller coaster that circles around about 1/3 of the park.

Cassidy gave the ride two thumbs up

and while they were doing that Ashlyn and I visited with The Simpson's

And Ashlyn had her picture taken with Dora and Diego

The Christmas tree was beautiful

But it looked really awesome with a starburst lens.

The New York area is my favorite in all the park.  I love all the little alleys, brownstones and storefronts, especially when lit up at night.

Did I mention that I really love the fisheye lens

Then Ashlyn and I got some more henna tattoos.  Ashlyn got her whole hand done and some fingers in a similar pattern from the day before.

And I got a medallion on my hand similar to the one I had done the day before along with one finger done and a wrist cuff.

Ashlyn snapped this picture of herself as she waited while I got my henna tattoo done

And while the rest of the family went on some rides I played around with some apps to enhance some photos.  I couldn't decide which filter I liked better!

Here's Cassidy and Dad being silly

As night approached all the Christmas lights came on

With my new macro lens I took a few bokeh pictures

And of course I had to get a fisheye photo of the tree all lit up

We had such a great time at Universal, and we are looking forward to going back to Vero Beach for Christmas.  Happy Holidays and thanks for stopping by. 

What's new at The Loft - Episode 104

Thanksgiving at Universal - Part 1

For a second year in a row we have decided to skip the usual holiday craziness and go have some fun at Universal Studios for Thanksgiving.  And since I can't really ride the rides anymore, I brought along my cameras (yes cameras) and took a lot of photos and some art supplies to keep me busy.

We arrived on Thanksgiving eve and walked around the piazza of the beautiful Portofino Hotel.  Unfortunately the tree in thie piazza wasn't lit yet, but it the rest of the piazza was beautiful.

But they did have a beautiful tree lit in the hotel lobby.

Thanksgiving day we took the boat over to the parks.

and while Ray and the girls were riding the rides I got to try out some of my new lenses for my iPhone.  

Love the fisheye lens

And while I didn't get a lot of time to do any art, I did manage to do a little.

Cassidy got her face painted

And Ashlyn and I got Henna tattoos. Ashlyn got this awesome flower on her forearm.

and I got this amazing medallion on my forearm

We went to Harry Potter later in the afternoon

and had Thanksgiving dinner at The Three Broomsticks

So are you having fun yet?  Come back soon for Part 2 and see the photos from the next day spent at the original Universal Studios park.

  Thanks for stopping by and come back soon.

What's new at The Loft - Episode 19

Greetings from Charleston Part 2

Tuesday, 4/6 we checked out of our hotel in the historic district, and the family split up for a short time.  Ashlyn and I headed towards the upper King Street shopping district. because I wanted to go to this great store called Knit where I bought these fantastic yarns.  Gotta love a store that has a knitting night called the Knit and Bitch.

Here's a close up of the above yarn.  I really love the fibers in this.

I really loved the color to this skein. 








After we went to Knit, Ashlyn and I visited Urban Outfitters.  Although I probably could never wear the clothes in this store, I really loved this store itself, which was a converted old theater.  Here's some photos of the store.

Here's the interior looking towards what was the stage at one time.

Here's a view looking towards the balcony.

Ashlyn bought a pair of skinny jeans here, but I was excited because I got a Diana Mini Lomography camera.  For those of you unfamiliar with Lomography here is a link on the subject.   I can't wait to play with this and will no doubt be posting on this in the future. 

After leaving Urban outfitters though, we headed to an art supply store where I bought some carving blocks, so I can hand carve some rubber stamps.  I'll be posting about this in the future too I'm sure.

After the art supply store we met up with Dad and Cassidy who spent a couple of hours at the Childrens Museum, and walked the market area, had some lunch and took a carriage ride through the historic residential area.  Here's some photos:

My card for Tuesday 4/6 is called ATC by Lynn, which was made from a postcard advertisement I picked up at the art supply store, and a Charleston tourism booklet.

There is lot's more to tell you about so keep a look out for the next posting.  As always comments are appreciated so drop me a note and let me know what you think.  Thanks for stopping by and come back soon.