Here's the download for Adobe Photoshop 2.0.

Adobe Systems Inc. has announced Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.0 beta, a public preview of new and improved functionality to be delivered in the next major release. Lightroom is an application for managing, adjusting, and presenting large volumes of digital photographs. Lightroom 2.0 beta will feature enhancements such as dual-monitor support, localized dodge and burn correction and will be the first Adobe application to support 64-bit for Mac OS X 10.5 Intel Macs and Microsoft Vista 64-bit operating systems.

They seem to be mostly licensed stock photos.

Getty Images also has a good collection of photos of Charlton Heston. Their group of photos are more editorial in style, including images from a sidewalk memorial.

At long last, you can spend a day with the photo realist genius of our times, Bert Monroy. While you may not be able to draw like Bert does (no one can, he's truly the master) in this seminar you'll be able to learn the techniques he's developed over the years to create realistic images that boggle the imagination.

It's the perfect seminar for Photoshop users, photographers and illustrators alike! Different from any seminar offered before, Bert will show you features that are underused and even overlooked by most people, yet powerful enough to make any imagined effect a reality.

Class Schedule
Layers and Channels: What It Is All About

10:00 to 11:00 A.M.
Layers and channels are what make up an effective image. Understanding how to use them effectively is how this day begins. The world of layer effects and the proper use of channels and alpha channels will be carefully explored in this hour.

Pen and Brush Techniques: Making It Real

11:15 A.M. to 12:15 P.M.
The right brush for the job is crucial in the workflow. How to create and use brushes will be covered in the first half of this hour. The illusive Pen tool will be demystified in the second half. How to use the Pen tool for creating elements for an image. How to use it for selecting existing elements in an image.

LUNCH BREAK
12:15 to 1:15 P.M.

Compositing and Retouching: Making It Look Good

1:15 to 2:30 P.M.
What makes an image jump off the page? What makes the product shot look good. The process for making an image work will be discussed in this hour.

Special Effects: Your Creativity Unleashed

2:45 to 3:45 P.M.
Lights and shadows make a scene. How do you add them after the shot is taken? How do you add elements into a scene and make them look like they belong? This hour will explore the world of special effects to finalize the image.

Filters: The Final Touch

4:00 to 5:00 P.M.
This final hour will take you on a whirlwind ride into the magical world of filters. You will learn how to create realistic textures. How to totally change the mood of an existing image. You will be inspired to let your imagination run wild.

When:
Thursday evening, April 10th
Doors open at 6:30 pm, presentation from 7-9 pm with Q&A.

Where:
Harrington College
200 West Madison
Chicago, IL

This event is free.

ASMP Chicago/Midwest presents an evening of candid discussion about our industry and ASMP’s role. In addition to giving an overview of the state of the industry and ASMP’s efforts to help businesses stay on track, the speakers will seek feedback from members on those efforts. This is a rare opportunity to hear from and speak with an industry leader on behalf of your business and profession.

The business of being a professional photographer continues to evolve. Market forces, new business models and technology make the job of being an independent photographer tougher than ever. Understand how the big picture of how our industry has changed in order for your photography business to adapt and thrive.

Learn about ASMP’s latest initiatives and how you can make the most out of your membership. Although this program is geared for ASMP members, nonmembers are welcome and encouraged to attend.

This course addresses the marketing and management fundamentals that are central to operating a financially successful professional photography business.

Topics include:

Financial and legal requirements for starting a photography business
Viable photography business models
The components of a business plan
The importance of defining and branding your business concept or niche
Building a business image
Understanding the “marketing mix”
Pricing for profitability
Creating a selling plan
Building adequate business volume
Understanding managerial accounting
Hiring helpers/employees
Developing a workflow plan
Managing the direction of your business

Flashes of Hope is dedicated to creating portraits of children facing life-threatening illness. Many of the ASMP’s, American Society of Media Photographers, chapters and members have contributed to this worthy project.

Griffiths was a member of the Magnum photo agency. He was best known for his work during the Vietnam War.

The new Executive Board for 2008-2009 is as follows:
President Todd Joyce
First Vice President Richard Kelly
Second Vice President Jim Flynn
Secretary Shawn Henry

The photo service of L'Osservatore Romano, the newspaper of the Vatican, has an extensive archive of photographs of Pope Benedict XVI. The collection will be updated throughout his US visit.

Alamy has a collection of photos of Tony Blair taken throughout his political career.

Just enter "Jerry Falwell" in the search field to access the collection.

Falwell died today at age 73.

Here's a slide show of Rev. Jerry Falwell from yahoo.

The slide show features a soundtrack by Josh Garrels.

I recently upgraded to this package from Macromedia Studio MX, since I needed to upgrade my MX version of Dreamweaver.

So far, the most useful upgrade in the package is Adobe Bridge CS3. Nice new interface, and a great feature called "stacking".

Stacking basically allows you to group images together under one thumbnail. Very handy for doing first edits.