Pixiq

I had the pleasure of attending Photoshop World this year, and it was definitely not what I was expecting. Jack Reznicki, a Pixiq Expert and my own personal Photoshop World concierge, told me I had to see the opening event, and that "It's a hoot!"

The word "hoot" doesn't begin to describe a full-on K.I.S.S.-style rock show spoof with Scott Kelby dressed in stage makeup and strutting (if that's what it can be called) around in 6-inch platform vinyl stripper boots. Scott: You had me at Crop Tool.

Behold:

First off, I have to say that Photoshop World is a great show to attend. It easily ranks as my favorite trade show to date, and I've been to more than a few. The show is packed with the best, biggest names in the imaging industry, and the sessions are interesting, relevant, and really fun. You will learn more about Photoshop in three days than you will in a month, so if you are into Photoshop and Lightroom, you should try to make it to the show. (Can make it to the show? Go straight to the source: Scott Kelby's fabulous online training site, KelbyTraining.com.)

I met some amazing people—including the lovely Helene Glassman and Jim DiVitale—and saw some great demonstrations by the experts at Adobe, like Dr. Russell Brown's magic show, and Terry White's easy video editing in Lightroom.

I went to some great sessions, too. Being a photographer first and an imagist second, I went to the more photographically aimed sessions, rather than those aimed at the Photoshop pros. I was privileged to hear Joe McNally energetically show an audience of a few hundred people why he is SO GOOD at what he does; I listened in rapt pleasure as Jay Maisel shared his images as he described how he envisions the world and why he loves being a photographer; and I saved some money by watching Zack Arias set up a simple, inexpensive studio and make beautiful images with two lights.

The highlight of my trip was having a wonderful dinner with two of the Photoshop World presenters: Jack Reznicki and Ed Greenburg, authors of Photographer's Survival Manual. I haven't ever laughed so hard while being so stuffed at once—I guess I didn't have the good luck of being born Jewish. Maybe they'll adopt me.

For all things Photoshop World, and to get in on the 2011 shows early, check out photoshopworld.com.