Photoshop for the Soul

I thought my book

was done,

then I went to Hawaii

and the whole last

chapter happened.

Mariel Hemingway

I like what this quote says about how a change of scenery, a time of relaxation and a nurturing of the spirit can have a dramatic impact on creativity. It's true. I can't tell you how many design conferences and seminars I have been to where the keynote speaker will talk about the value of unplugging from your desk and taking time to intentionally nurture your creative spirit. Ways to do so are often suggested – but I'm taking a cue from Mariel and going to Hawaii!

I've never been to Hawaii, but I love the IDEA of Hawaii. I already have more Hawaiian shirts than I really need. My favorite pair of Vans are my dark blue Duke Kohanamoku Surfers. I have four 20" FunKo tiki statue bobbleheads (two red ones and two that glow in the dark) in my office – so you see, I had the mindset before I had the opportunity.

But this trip is not just for fun (no, seriously). I have a big passion for learning and getting better at what I do. I seek out conferences where I can be challenged and stretched. In recent years that has become a harder to bill to fill. The last big conferences I went to were a disappointment, so I am ready for something fresh and new in this arena.

Several years ago at Photoshop World, in a killer session taught by the great Jack Davis (I remember it was killer, because all of Jack's classes are killer), he mentioned a training event he puts on once a year called Photoshop for the Soul. My ears perked up and after the class I chased Jack down to ask him about it. He said that it's an invitation-only event that he teaches once a year along with National Geographic photographers Rik Cooke and Dewitt Jones on the island of Molokai in Hawaii. The workshop is held at the Hui Ho'olana Retreat Center on 100 secluded acres that have been in Rik's family since the turn of the century. You shoot one day then Photoshop those images the next.

I tried to conceal my drool as he spoke.

The not so good news? The event is limited to 12 people. Jack always invites workshop alumni first and, as you can imagine, the spots fill up quickly from that group.

Flash forward three or four years to a Photoshop Seminar I attended a few months ago in downtown Indianapolis. I spotted Jack in the front row (he was part of their "crew" but was not teaching this day) and tracked him down. After some chit-chat I asked if he was still doing Photoshop for the Soul. To my delight he not only said that he was, but that a group of women who come every year had to cancel and he had a spot open. He asked if I'd like him to send me an invitation.

I felt the drool kicking in again.

Long story a bit shorter, I leave for Hawaii in a little more than a month. I'll be on Molokai from November 7th through the 13th. To give a little more insight into why I'm so excited , here's the description of the workshop from the invitation:

This workshop is about exploring the art in our lives and within our selves. On our many fieldtrip/shoots, we will also provide essential insights and assistance on the technical side of photography for us who would like to take advantage of some truly gifted National Geographic alumni - our own Dewitt Jones and Rik Cooke. We’ll all also be taking part in evening slide shows after incredible dinners (with a chance to recline with a glass of wine while unwinding from the day) that cover both these two areas of inspiration and information. This week is dedicated to sharpening the eye, expanding the mind and opening the heart. And attendees can also plan on some dedicated one-on-one Q&A time with Jack, if they would like, in addition to all the field-trip, demonstration and lab time we'll have together.

There's much I'd like to share about this in the time leading up to my departure – as well as from the workshop itself. Stay tuned!

For now, I'll just drop a little drink umbrella in my iced tea, dial up my Big Kahuna & The Copa Cat Pack (with Matt Catingub) Hawaiian swing music on iTunes (or Jimmy Buffett if you prefer), and bid you – for now – Aloha!

Comments

[Evan McBroom]

Todd - I'm super excited for you and the opportunity that this event presents you! Wakalaka lukee wackta chuke pau. I'm sure this means, "have a great time bro, take some killer pics and charge your inner boogie"

[Todd Adkins]

"charge you inner boogie" - Love that!
Gonna be using that phrase myself.
Thanks for the kudos brother - it'll be here before I know it. Starting to get excited as well!

[Leah Norton]

Todd -- so excited for this opportunity for you! Have a great time anticipating it (these next few weeks) -- and then experiencing it!

[Todd Adkins]

Thanks so much Leah!
I still have some mental preparations to undertake - more on that in my next post. Finally getting to the point of enjoying the anticipation - well said. Thanks for the comments!