Kyle Blake album available on iTunes!

Just a quick note to let you know that Kyle Blake's album, Holding doors, Pulling Out Chairs, is now available on iTunes.  I did all the photographic and design work for the album, and it is definatly worth the download.  Head over and have a listen here.

Education and Inspiration

Today I attended a conference with hundreds of photographers from around the Kansas City area hosted by the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP), of which I am a member, and Adobe.  

It was simply fantastic!  I got the opportunity to learn from one of the top photographers in the country and was able to meet creative professionals from some of the biggest names in the business.  It was encouraging to sit in the room and be familiar with everything that was being discussed in regard to photoshop.  Thats not to say that I would consider myself the all knowing photoshop guru =), but it was great to at least be familiar with all the techniques discussed.  My education in photoshop began years ago and after all that time I was able to walk into the Kansas City Convention Center where advanced techniques were being taught and feel completely capable of accomplishing everything that was discussed.  

Today was more than merely educational though.  It was inspirational.  I got to see the cutting edge techniques being developed by the industry, by the people leading the charge.  I was able to see new ways of using tools that I had never considered before and powerful adjustments that could be created and combined in photoshop to create powerful images.

Needless to say, I can't wait to get out with the camera and start shooting!

Kyle Blake - Holding Doors, Pulling Out Chairs

It was so much fun to handle the photography and design work of Kyle's entire album.  I was so pleased that we were able to achieve the specific mood that Kyle desired.  Work began by listening to Kyle's music.  Starting with the message he was conveying though his voice, and working from that point on a visual concept allowed us to create artwork that accentuated the message, not flashy visuals that detracted from it.  By approaching the project in this manner Kyle was not only able to speak to his listener's through his lyrics, but also on a completely different level with them visually.  

We wanted to create a warm, intimate feeling with this solo album because of the honest and deeply personal lyrics.  

I'll say it again.  It was a blast!!! Be sure to check it out on iTunes (available soon) or pick up your own hard copy by emailing kyleblake5@gmail.com for details. 

-Gavin