Comments on: Update: Hands-On Seminars

By: Steve Herzberg

Steve Herzberg — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:49:22 +0000

Last week, we had the first “Create Your Own Course” seminar. Photographer Tom Folger and Model Stephanie Vostry participated in a 4 hour shoot. For me, it was an incredible opportunity to teach two talented people in a 1:1 format. For Tom’s reaction and a few of the images from his shoot, go here:

http://www.prairiefireproductions.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/FolgerTestimonial.pdf.

(Yes, that’s me — meter in hand — talking with Stephanie.)

Thanks, Tom and Stephanie, it was fun.

By: prairiefire

prairiefire — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 17:38:37 +0000

Doug,

One of my long-term goals is to produce training videos. I’ll put parts of them up on this site and we will sell the full video’s for reasonable prices.

Janice and I are collaborating on a video that will present her creative yet practical approach toward retouching. She is known to be one of the very best retouchers in the world and is looking forward to sharing her secrets with a wider audience.

By: Doug

Doug — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:29:46 +0000

Thanks for the update. I found a used copy of the book – delivered to my house for $8 – in excellent condition! It definitely is not Janice’s work but then again, I didn’t spend much either. I’m sure glad I didn’t spend $40 for it! What can we do to encourage her to write a book????

I’m looking forward to a published tutorial from her. My notes have been used a ton.

By: prairiefire

prairiefire — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:54:38 +0000

I just spoke with Janice, yesterday — and this is not her book!

It’s a long story, but even though the web lists her as the author, she is not.

I’m not sure that the book is available, now.

Janice has agreed to post some tutorials, here. Stay tuned.

Steve

By: prairiefire

prairiefire — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 03:01:42 +0000

I never understood the power of Color Efex Pro until I took Janice’s class. Her out-of-the-box use of filters is brilliant.

Actually, all of the Nik software is very good. I love Viveza, and because Viveza is at the heart of the Nik developed Nikon NX2, I’m finding that I’m using NX2 a lot more and it is challenging ACR and Lightroom as my RAW processor of choice.

I’ll be writing about all of these programs in future posts.

Nik is a sponsor of this site. For those of you who want to try the programs, they have free trial offers. If you like them, they’ve made a discount available to our readers. Just go to the sponsors section and check it out.

By: Doug White

Doug White — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:26:09 +0000

Yep. The NIK software package absolutely is a black hole. Being an amateur, I had to think hard about $500 after paying for Janice’s class. I don’t regret either Janice’s class nor the purchase of the NIK software. I wonder if would be be such a fan on NIK if I had just bought the package and not seen how Janice used it. If we hadn’t taken the time to go back through some of those images with time to make notes, I would not be half as happy as I am today. She is a world class artist. She spoke of her progress on a book that covered these details. I’m hoping this is that book.

By: Doug

Doug — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 02:02:01 +0000

I still use my notes taken in Janice Wendt’s photo retouch seminar. That was just great. I see she now has a book on NIK software published Oct ’08. I assume this is the book she spoke of in our seminar. Have you seen it or any reviews of it? Here is the link I found.

http://www.allbookstores.com/book/9780470287637/The_Official_Nik_Software_Image_Enhancement_Guide_The_Photographer%27s_Resource_For_Professional_Workflow_Techniques.html

The NIK tools are so extensive, I need all of the references I can get!

By: prairiefire

prairiefire — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 01:40:47 +0000

Thanks, Patty. Right now, most of the sponsor’s are just watching the economy. While they do, I’m exploring new ways to bring some of my friends in.

In the mean time, I’m teaching private or small group seminars.

By: Patty Fox

Patty Fox — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 01:29:07 +0000

Looks good, Steve. Hope your sponsor starts sponsoring again. Would love to take a Tony Corbell class.
Patty

By: prairiefire

prairiefire — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 01:20:59 +0000

Doug,

I’ve not seen the book — but I’ll try to get a copy for review.

I’ve written about the Nik filters before — to me they are incredible — but a black hole. Start down that path and it’s is so creative you don’t want to come out.

My daughter, Jenny, taught me how to learn software programs. She became very computer proficient at a very young age. When I asked how she learned things she said
“I fiddle.”
“Fiddle?”
“Yes, I fiddle — I go through all the menus and try things.”

So, now, I fiddle. I just play with things until I get a feeling for how they work.

I’m hoping this Blog gets people talking substantively about things like books they read and programs they use.

I really will try to build a supportive community.

Best,

Steve