Quick "Twutorial"

Late last week I received a Photoshop question via Twitter. It was an interesting question but rather than attempt to answer it in 140 characters on Twitter, I've created the following quick "Twutorial" that answers the question, (and lets me tag this blog post as another "Technique of the every so often")

The question was, is there a way to scale (Transform) a layer and a path at the same time.
The quick answer is no, but thankfully there is a way to do it very quickly and easily thanks to a keyboard shortcut.


If you have the layer selected in the Layers panel and the path selected in the Paths panel, and then press Command-T (PC: Ctrl-T) only the path will be transformed.


Instead, deselect the path so it's temporarily not visible, and use Free Transform to scale the layer.

Then in the Paths panel click on the path to activate it.

Press Command-Shift-T (PC: Ctrl-Shift-T) to "Transform Again", meaning Photoshop will scale the path using the exact same values as when you scaled the layer contents,


Quick and easy! So although you can't transform a path and a layer at the same time, this shortcut takes the guesswork out of scaling 2 things the same amount.

(For those people who like to see techniques like this in motion, I'll post a link to a video version once Vimeo finishes uploading it)

P.S. I can't promise that I'll always be able to answer questions like this, but I thought this one would be of interest to lots of folks

Insider Tip: Photoshop World

Insider Tip: Although the Early Bird Deadline for Photoshop World ends today, online orders won't be processed until Monday morning, so if you missed today's deadline, you have the weekend to take advantage of the $100 discount if you register online.

And don't forget:
NAPP members save an additional $100 off
If you're not a NAPP member, your Photoshop World Registration includes a 1 year NAPP membership!

Register here

Finish the Sentence...with Dave Cheung

"It's time once again to ask a well-known photographer, instructor or otherwise interesting person the same 10 questions and ask them to Finish the Sentence! This time, the sentences are finished by.... Dave Cheung.

Dave, please Finish the Sentence..."

My favorite photography accessory (lights, modifier, bag, tripod) is
QuiKlips: a little accessory which allows me to wear my flash on my belt.

I’ve learned the most from...
failing

If I could go anywhere in the world it would be_____ because….
Home, because nothing is better than spending time with my family. I should note "home" doesn't mean my house, but simply being anywhere with those I love.

My most-used Photoshop add-on, plugin, action set (etc) is
QuiKeys

I love the fact that Photoshop
is so powerful

I hate the fact that Photoshop
is so powerful

If I could turn back the clock 10 years
I'd marry Quin all over again. She's the best thing that's ever happened to me.

In 10 years
I'd like to be able to grow facial hair like Dave Cross

If I could give one piece of advice it would be
Make more mistakes!

Your readers can find out more about me
on twitter and our new website.

Ladies & Gentlemen, let's hear it for Dave Cheung!!
Dave & Quin Cheung are the visual artists behind DQ Studios. Their strong story-telling ability coupled with their high-fashion eyes have earned them the love and respect of their clients and won them multiple international image and album awards. Dave & Quin are also highly respected educators of the wedding phtoography industry and have taught photographers from around the world on topics ranging from philosophy of wedding phtoogrpahy to business and sales structure.
Dave & Quin make their home in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with their two young boys.

My experience with the DSLR Camera Remote 1.1

Last night I posted a couple of photos I took using the DSLR Camera Remote 1.1 from OnOne Software. Here's a quick run-down of my experience of setting up etc.

First, I gotta say that it was extremely simple and painless.

1. I downloaded the app from iTunes and installed on my phone
2. I downloaded onto my laptop the free server software from OnOne
3. I connected my camera to my laptop
4. I launched the server software


5. I launched DSLR Camera Remote 1.1
6. Since I have a wireless network at home, the app found my laptop


7, I pressed FIRE to take a photo


result:


As I said, simple and painless.

But what if you aren't in a spot that has a wireless network? No problem, just make an ad hoc network. On the Mac I just went to the Airport menu and created a network:

(The very helpful Help system with the server shows how to make similar networks on the Windows platform)
Then on the iPhone, I used the Wireless setting to join my new network.


Other things that are cool about this app (after 15 minutes of playing):
The ability to change White Balance, ISO etc from the app on your phone
The fact that you can see the results on your iPhone after just a very brief pause
It works in both vertical and horizontal orientation if you want to see a larger image

Lots of options such as Burst mode, Auto Bracket, Live Preview and Intervalometer











I haven't played with those yet, but I sure plan to.















I was very impressed with the fact that when I did try an option such as Burst mode, an instruction popped up telling me that I had to change my camera settings to continuous shooting mode.









Overall, my initial experience with DSLR Camera Remote 1.1 from OnOne Software was fantastic and I can't wait to try more experiments!

(If you were sent directly to this blog post and didn't see the photo from last night, here's the first photo I took with the app)

Wish I could handle all this

My daughter Stephanie works as assistant to wildlife photographer Moose Peterson, who captured a pic of how hard she works! Love this shot!

Finish the Sentence...with Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman

"It's time once again to ask a well-known photographer, instructor or otherwise interesting person the same 10 questions and ask them to Finish the Sentence! This time, the sentences are finished by.... Ree Drummond.

Ree, please Finish the Sentence..."

My favorite photography accessory (lights, modifier, bag, tripod) is
Since I don't know how to use a Speedlight or a reflector or pretty much anything except my camera, I will focus on (heh heh) my favorite lenses: 85 mm 1.8. 50 mm 1.4. 20 mm 2.8. Love them, love them, love them.

I’ve learned the most from...
Dave Cross, who taught me about layer mask in a smoky, sweaty conference room in Oklahoma City back in January 2008...and trial and error.

If I could go anywhere in the world it would be_____ because….
A spa. because all I want in life is to have beauty treatments. I need a footrub, bad.

My most-used Photoshop add-on, plugin, action set (etc) is
I've created two action sets with the help of Doug Boutwell of Totally Rad Actions, and I use Warmer and Cooler like a crazy madwoman. I also love "Boost" which is the perfect bump in contrast and sharpness. And Slight Lighten, which is seriously just a tiny curve lighten and is hugely important to me. It's the little adjustment actions that I'm using more and more as my photography improves, not the sweeping, dramatic, change-everything actions. I'm maturing.

I love the fact that Photoshop
Exists

I hate the fact that Photoshop
Forces tabs. I hate tabs in Photoshop as much as I hate communism, tea, and bananas. And that is seriously a lot of hate. Why the tabs, Photoshop? And I haven't ever found a way to completely disable them. They're terrible. And they must be destroyed

If I could turn back the clock 10 years
I would never, ever pick up that Ding Dong in 2003. It started me on a really bad path of snacking.

In 10 years
I hope to know how to use a Nikon Speedlight.

If I could give one piece of advice it would be
"It ain't all that tragic." Please smile. Have fun. Don't get your feelings hurt so easliy. Life is fun, even when it's not so fun.

Your readers can find out more about me
at ThePioneerWoman.com

Ladies & Gentlemen, let's hear it for Ree Drummond!!
I’m a thirty-something ranch wife, mother of four, moderately-agoraphobic middle child who grew up on a golf course in the city. I attended college in Los Angeles and wore black pumps to work every day. I ate sushi and treated myself to pedicures on a semi-regular basis. I even kissed James Garner in an elevator once. Then, on a brief trip to my hometown, I met and fell in love with a rugged cattle rancher. Now I live in the middle of nowhere on a working cattle ranch. My days are spent wrangling children, chipping dried manure from boots, washing jeans, and frying calf nuts. I have no idea how I got here…but you know what? I love it. Don’t tell anyone.

I write about my decade-long transition from spoiled city girl to domestic country wife. I post photos of cows, horses, and my four weird children, and frequently include shots of cowboys wearing chaps. In my Photography section, I include Photography and Photoshop tutorials. In my Cooking section, I post step-by-step photos of all the cowboy-friendly dishes I’ve taught myself to cook through the years, and in Home & Garden, I chronicle the start-to-finish remodeling project of an old guest house on our ranch.

Finish the Sentence...with Robert Evans

"It's time once again to ask a well-known photographer, instructor or otherwise interesting person the same 10 questions and ask them to Finish the Sentence! This time, the sentences are finished by.... Robert Evans.

Robert, please Finish the Sentence..."

My favorite photography accessory (lights, modifier, bag, tripod) is
love my new CameraSlinger www. CameraSlingers.com a double camera strap that holds two bodies and is easy on the back. Love it!

I’ve learned the most from...
Experience.... after 20 years as a professional photography I can look back and see how much I have changed as a photographer. You can learn something from everyone as long as you are open to absorb the knowledge. Its better to be like a sponge than a rock.

If I could go anywhere in the world it would be_____ because….
Prague because I haven't been there yet. I have been many places in the world Prague is still on my list. I love to travel and take pictures. If I had one wish in the entire world it would be that I could speak and understand any language in the world so I could talk to anyone anywhere I went. People are so unique it would be great to have that talent and dialog with the world.

My most-used Photoshop add-on, plugin, action set (etc) is
Kevin Kubota's Actions

I love the fact that Photoshop
makes my images shine!

I hate the fact that Photoshop
can't read my mind and has no autopilot function...

If I could turn back the clock 10 years
I would marry my wife all over again. Also, I would look at myself in the mirror and say hello to my hair, there are a few of them missing these days.

In 10 years
My goal is to be retired!

If I could give one piece of advice it would be
no matter what, keep walking down your path, a journey isn't complete if you give up half way. I have learned as long as I keep taking steps forward, the universe keeps placing stones on the path in front of me on which to walk

Your readers can find out more about me
At RobertEvans.com and PhotographyMentor.com

Ladies & Gentlemen, let's hear it for Robert Evans!!
Robert Evans, a native Californian photographer has achieved enormous success in his field since his studio’s inception in 1994. Robert is most notable for having photographed the weddings of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes as well as Brad Pitt and Jennifer Anniston. Robert also photographs personal events for Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy. Robert’s imagery has been featured and admired around the globe. With a headquarters in Los Angeles, Robert and his team travel nationally and internationally to document celebrity weddings, personal celebrations, and corporate festivities.

Beyond Robert’s regular contributions, his images have been published in magazines and newspapers across the globe for over a decade. His work has graced the covers and content of almost every publication imaginable including USA Today, People Magazine, Us Weekly, Hello Magazine, Ok! Magazine, Life & Style, InTouch, InStyle Weddings, Martha Stuart Weddings, Inside Weddings Magazine, Los Angeles Wdddings Modern Bride, and numerous others. His work has also been showcased on Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, Extra, MTV, CNN, and others.

Though the accolades and achievements Robert has been blessed with are immeasurable to him, most importantly, he continues to see the world through his own lens, one that is a constant reminder of the impact of his job. One of his greatest goals when he picks up a camera is to touch the hearts of each of those who view his images. “If I can move someone through even one of my images, then I have made a difference. There is no greater joy in life.”

Finish the Sentence...with Jack Hollingsworth

"It's time once again to ask a well-known photographer, instructor or otherwise interesting person the same 10 questions and ask them to Finish the Sentence! This time, the sentences are finished by.... Jack Hollingsworth.

Jack, please Finish the Sentence..."

My favorite photography accessory (lights, modifier, bag, tripod) is
California Sunbounce lighting modifiers

I’ve learned the most from...
the Masters

If I could go anywhere in the world it would be_____ because….
India, because it's an explosion of exotic color

My most-used Photoshop add-on, plugin, action set (etc) is
GetTotallyRad Actions

I love the fact that Photoshop
works:) and makes photography collaborative.

I hate the fact that Photoshop
is addictive and time consuming

If I could turn back the clock 10 years
I would shoot more personal work, less commercial work.

In 10 years
i'll be lovin' taking pictures as much as i do now.

If I could give one piece of advice it would be
stay the course. slow and steady wins the race

Your readers can find out more about me
jackhollingsworth.com

Ladies & Gentlemen, let's hear it for Jack Hollingsworth!!

world, travel, lifestyle, stock photographer. Social Media coach and consultant to photographers. Husband. Father. Austinite.
[editor's note: this bio is from Jack's Twitter page, where he has a very strong presence and over 7,300 followers]