Epson Print Academy Launches New 15 City Tour

Over the last few years I’ve attended two Epson Print Academy live events in New York City, and I’ve also reviewed the Epson Online Experience, which was an online training series that featured many of the videos that were produced for the live Epson Print Academy events. After both of the Print Academy events I attended, I came away with a lot of information that helped me make better photos, files and prints. You can read an overview of my experience at The Epson Print Academy in 2006 here.

The newest Epson Print Academy has just been announced, with a 15-city tour that begins on Nov. 8 in Atlanta, GA and continues through May 2009 with stops throughout North America.

After seeing many framed prints output on the new Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and 9900 on Epson Premium Semi-gloss Photo Paper at a recent press event, I think that attendees will be very impressed by the prints that they see at the Print Academy, as well as the knowledge that they gain there.

The people teaching truly know printmaking and file preparation, and the companies who will have tables at the event also add to the value of the program. For example, just seeing SoLux bulbs in use at the event and asking questions about different beam spreads, intensity and color temperature can help anyone better light their work in a gallery, a studio or at home.

Like the previous Print Academy, there will be two tracks this year, and the following info from the press release gives a good overview of what you can expect:

Hosted by well-known New York City-based photographer and lecturer Jack Reznicki, Track One integrates video interviews, including a special segment on location with nature photographer John Shaw, along with live digital printing workflow tutorials, covering a range of topics, including:

·Easy-to-understand Photoshop Lightroom 2 techniques for getting the most out of Raw files
·Improving images and print quality with easy-to-use lighting techniques
·Basic color management, including creating and using custom color profiles
·Exciting new ways to create incredible black-and-white prints
·Printing with Photoshop CS4 and using new Photoshop plug-ins
·Maximizing print quality with the Epson Stylus® Photo R2880
·Sneak Peek at new Epson UltraChrome HDR ink technology

Track Two features live presentations and demonstrations by renowned industry experts such as John Paul Caponigro, Greg Gorman, Mac Holbert, Andrew Rodney, and Jeff Schewe and covers a range of advanced topics, including:

·Working with expanded color spaces and smart objects in a non-destructive 16-bit printing workflow
·Advanced techniques for working with Lightroom 2 and Photoshop CS4
·Maximizing image quality and improving productivity using Camera Raw 5 in Photoshop CS4 and the Develop Module in Lightroom 2
·Digital photography and ink jet folklore, myths and urban legends explored and explained
·Fine art print handling, mounting and framing and understanding image permanence with Michael Reichmann of The Luminous Landscape and Henry Wilhelm of Wilhelm Imaging Research
·Advanced techniques for producing black-and-white prints with greater control and quality
·In-depth expert-level fine art printing techniques for creating exhibition-quality prints
·Advanced color management and the latest cutting-edge techniques for custom color profiling
·Updating workflows to take full advantage of Epson’s new UltraChrome HDR ink technology for increased print quality and productivity

In addition, both tracks include admission to an expo area featuring a gallery of images created with new Epson UltraChrome HDR ink technology featured on the Epson Stylus Pro 7900 and 9900.

The Print Academy Expo will also feature a product demo area where experts from Epson and partnering companies will be on-hand to answer questions and demonstrate products. Sponsors include: Adobe Systems Incorporated, Bogen Imaging, Eizo Nanao Corporation, Lexar Media, Inc., Light Impressions, Microsoft Corp., National Association of Photoshop Professionals, Nik Software, onOne Software, Profoto, Solux, Wacom Technology, and X-Rite.

“The goal of the Epson Print Academy is to provide both an educational and inspirational venue for photo enthusiasts and working pros alike to interact with some of the most knowledgeable professionals in the field,” said Dan (Dano) Steinhardt, marketing manager, Epson Professional Imaging. “Print Academy attendees receive instruction and insight into how they can get the most out of the latest digital imaging workflow tools to dramatically advance their printmaking skills. Over the years, we’ve had tremendous levels of participation and overwhelmingly positive feedback, due in large part to the participation of experts in the field as well as the integration of the latest digital imaging products and technology from supporting companies. We’re looking forward to another successful tour.”

Pricing and Registration

Early bird pricing for Track One is $79.95 when participants register at least three days prior to the program, and pricing for Track Two is $149.95 after a special $50 professional discount. More information including the Epson Print Academy seminar schedule of locations and how to register is available at www.EpsonPrintAcademy.com.