Regardless of political orientation, everyone seemed to be pretty perturbed last week when the White House shelled out $300,000-plus to fly Air Force One over New York City to take a publicity shot, not only spending money needlessly but also scaring the pants off the locals.
Photoshop master Scott Kelby took action (Photoshop action, that is) by writing the White House via his blog, “Scott Kelby’s Photoshop Insider.” Check out his April 30th post here.
Although intended to be humorous, the post actually proves two serious points. One is that the white house REALLY didn’t need to do that. Kelby proves it by saying that “in literally less than two minutes I hacked together” the composite image he posted (see below) stock images. Nice going, Scott! (Imagine what he could do with a day and a budget.)
Drawn in by Air Force One, I poked around Kelby’s blog, which I haven’t checked out for a while. As always I was blown, blown, blown away by how much output—from images to books to magazines to training DVDs—that this one man creates, all while serving as the president of National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP).
I admit that I often frustrated by the tone (the unnecessary, cheesy jokes that don’t make me smile) of some of Kelby’s books. However, I never get frustrated by the man. The tone of other books he pens is just right, and the nature of his information is always right on.
Regarding “Photoshop Insider,” I love the gallery of images at the top of his blog, which is a functionality I’ve just got to figure out. Click, click, click. Very nice. I also liked his gear list (always curious about that) and I was amused to read his favorite movies, some of which are all-time favorites of mine (Stripes), while others top my list for all-time stinkers (Pretty Women). Go figure.
Before I go on about MY thoughts on Kelby, why don’t YOU chime in and share any Kelby Moments you might have – love or hate, inspired or frustrated. I’m curious what you think about the King of Photoshop writing, and how he has helped you master Photoshop, or not.