Praise for the Color Correction Video Tutorial Series
“Mark, I cannot thank you enough for your hard work in preparing and providing these color correction videos. I absolutely love them. You provide a very easy method for following along and learning so much. Thanks again.”
Steve
Praise for Texture Labs Collections
“These Texture Labs Collections are awesome and I look forward to incorporating them into my images!”
Gary Brook
Orland Park, IL
Praise for the Dramatic Compositing Video Tutorial Series
“I recently purchased Mark’s awesome Dramatic Portrait Compositing video series and when I posted my very first composite to FaceBook, I received nothing but compliments. I always thought I could create a composite like this, but had doubts in the back of my mind. Mark’s lighting setup and clear post-processing instructions made it fun and easy. I’ve always wanted to be able to create amazing composites and now I can!”
Gerard Gaudet
Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
Praise for the Photographer’s Photoshop Companion
“The book is EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!! I just sent an email to the Minnesota Valley people extolling its virtues. You really have a great way of making things like layers understandable, and your coverage of smart objects is one of the best I’ve read. I’ve got a couple people that’ll be really tickled with the infrared section. I told them its like having you handy, except better ’cause you can play with the exercises at 2 a.m.”
David Perez
Northfield, MN
“Mark is a fantastic teacher, both in video and in print. I have both CS2 and CS3 ebooks and would recommend that if you don’t have the CS3 book, you go ahead and
upgrade—just the coverage of the new Bridge and Camera Raw will make it more than worthwhile. Mark may not be as well noted as some other authors out there, but I sure have learned a lot more from him than any other author.”
Ross Ramsey
Knoxville, TN
“Your CS3 ebook is tremendous. I am a relative newbie to Photoshop CS3 but am treating it like a college course—lots of studying and reading. I own 3 other books on CS3. Yours is the best of the lot, and I haven’t even scratched the surface given all that is included.”
David Hanson
St. Cloud, MN
“I first purchased Chapter 5 and was so pleased with it that I purchased the whole ebook. After 25 years of teaching, I retired. If my judgment is the least bit valid, I’d say your book would make a great home study course. I’m certainly going to recommend it to my photo friends.”
Jerry Miller
Sun City Center, FL
Praise for the Photoshop Impressionism Video Tutorial Series
“To the many fans of uber-creative artist/instructor Mark S. Johnson, the way in which he sees the world is one of pure inspiration and creativity that can’t help but be infectious to others. If you’ve ever had the fortune to be taught Adobe Photoshop creative techniques by him, then you know what I’m talking about. Well, he’s at it again with a brand new video tutorial series he is calling Photoshop Impressionism.”
Bob McGowan
Missoula, MT
Praise for Illuminating HDR
“I recently purchased Mark’s Illuminating HDR eBook and it has been working wonders for me. I just sent a shot off to HDRcreme.com for a review from my peers and guess what—it was selected as ‘Photo of the Day.’ I am very proud of this and want to thank Mark for all he has done for me with not only the HDR eBook, but others as well.”
David Schram
Puyallup, WA
“Like all of Mark’s other books, Illuminating HDR is well written, easy to follow and understand, and will be a welcome addition to my virtual bookshelf.”
Frank Thomas
Lisle, Illinois
“I purchased Mark’s HDR eBook yesterday and it has ignited my creativity. Thanks for such wonderful work!”
Ron Granstra
Gloucester, VA
“With his easygoing demeanor and great expertise in Photoshop, Mark Johnson delivers an eBook that is sure to delight the photographer who aspires to achieve the perfect HDR image. Mark’s eBook successfully reveals the secrets of HDR.”
Marie Altenburg
PSA Journal book review
“Mark’s wonderful eBook is clearly a labor of love! It includes plenty of detail, awesome shots, and right-on examples. Who could ask for anything more! I am totally impressed.”
Steve Orr
Reisterstown, MD
“I just finished Mark’s HDR eBook and loved it. I worked through each of the Lightroom tutorials and found them easy to understand, comprehensive, and enjoyable. What an amazing eBook! I always learn so much from Mark.”
Joe Barranco
Milton, GA
Praise for Luminescent World
“I love to read, but have a hard time purchasing e-books because I do not like to sit at my computer to read…but this e-book looked so beautiful that I kept coming back to Mark’s website. I finally purchased Luminescent World, and let me just say that every time I sit at my computer to read this book, it is like a gift. The photographs are stunning, the text is understandable and fun to read, and the entire book is one creative, imaginative and inspiring piece of work.”
Debbie Hartmann
Shoreview, Minnesota
“Enchanting! Mark’s achieved it once again – beautiful images added to the magic he has of transmitting crystal clear ideas and knowledge. Download is a must. The book is beautifully edited, and if you have your monitor calibrated, you’ll take even better advantage of this beautiful book.”
Christian Frolich
Puerto de Alcudia, Balearic Islands, Spain
“Mark’s talents and gifts just keep getting better and better! I absolutely love Luminescent World because it is beautiful, totally creative, and it lets me in on Mark’s secrets. I can not stop myself from looking at “God Beams” as it is completely enthralling. (You know I am going to shoot my own version now!). Keep up the great work – you are an inspiration to all of us who want to find ourselves through photography.”
Steve Orr
Baltimore, MD
“Luminescent World is a truly wonderful book! I really like the format. It is simple, yet powerful. I love the way the book is laid out so that when viewed two-up, the finished image is always shown as the text continues. I also like seeing the original photograph so I can see the possibilities. I found myself really drawn into the stories about how Mark created the image. There is enough detail on the processing to inspire me to experiment myself. I found this phrase on page 87: “How could I illustrate my emotions?” and realized that this is a metaphor for the entire book. I think this is exactly what is missing in my photography…emotion. Thank you for just the right kick I needed. Thank you for the inspiration. Thank you for continuing to share your amazing talent and vision with us all. Thank you for Luminescent World!”
Tom Croak
Colorado Springs, CO
Praise for Botanical Dreaming
“Craft, Vision, Inspiration – Mark Johnson’s book, Botanical Dreaming, guides the reader on a journey of creative thinking, photographic insights, and valuable Photoshop tutorials with a well-written text and a variety of beautiful images.”
Katrin Eismann
Artist, Author, and Educator
“Botanical Dreaming is a powerful testament to the healing and inspiring spirit of Mark’s soulful work as an artist and teacher. Stunningly beautiful photography and a wealth of inspiring photographic and Photoshop techniques are just the icing on the cake.”
Craig Tanner
Radiant Vista, Co-Founder
“Joseph Joubert once wrote, ‘He who has imagination without learning has wings but no feet.’ Through his explorations of the art and craft of photography, Mark Johnson supplies readers with both inspiration to sprout wings and fundamental techniques to provide sound footing. Using beautiful imagery and insightful observations, Mark invites us to grow on our creative paths – to get out onto the dance floor of life and celebrate the glory of flowers.”
Nancy Rotenberg
Photographer, Author, and Educator
“Botanical Dreaming is one of the most inspiring books on photography that I have seen. Until now, my favorite teacher and inspirer was Freeman Patterson. His books are my “bible” and there was no other author that even came close to his teachings…until I received your book! Thank you so much!”
Jana Vanourkova
Czech Republic
“I just have to express my complete joy in receiving your Botanical Dreaming book in the mail yesterday! Almost a year ago, my passion for photography helped me make a life-changing decision…to give up 25+ years in a corporate retail environment, and pursue photography full-time! The actual life-changing moment happened for me during Neil Chaput’s “Wildlife Up Close” workshop as an incredible Siberian Tiger emerged through the beautiful, foliage-filled woods of Montana. It brought me to tears. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. And your book has now become an essential part of my on-going personal transformation. For me, learning to take the time for quiet, peaceful moments is a challenge. Having your book to look at, read, and absorb, has been wonderful. Thank you for your beautiful work and inspirational talents.”
Joan Eldredge
Harwich, MA
“Your flower photographs are absolutely inspiring and I’m making room on my shelf between my Freeman Patterson and Tony Sweet editions for Botanical Dreaming!”
Eric Severson
Montclair, NJ
“Thank you for taking the time to put together such a wonderful collection. After reading through the entire book last night I must thank you for giving me permission to shoot the way that I do. I only took up a camera a few years ago and from day one I’ve always tried to capture that soft and often times purposefully out-of-focus shot. I think my friends thought I was nuts, but it’s just what I like. Thanks again for your encouragement and inspiration.”
Na Goodman
St. Paul, MN
“Your new flower photography book has been very inspirational! I was in a “rut” with my flower photography—I love to take flower photos, but I am usually disappointed with the similarity of all the shots. By keeping the majority of the photo out of focus, shooting for color and composition, and not being confined to a tripod, I had a great time at the local flower garden!”
Sue Bednarz
Salem, OR
“The mailman just delivered IT!!!!! My very own signed copy. Beautiful—Exquisite—Luscious!!! A birthday/anniversary gift from my wife. The images, the quotes and your outlook on life will help me to further develop the EYE that was given to me.”
Paul J. Casco
Arlington, MA
“I don’t know which I liked more—your writing or your images. Both are fantastic. I really relate to your writing about the magic, mystery, and delight of being with and photographing flowers and the joy their colors bring to me. I am taking a “techniques” class which is getting me too much into my head and I am losing the fun of shooting, so hopefully I’ll get back to (as you and Charles Needle say) seeing and shooting from my heart. Thanks for putting the book together and for the openness and honesty in your writing as well as your photographic creativity. The book is totally inspiring.”
Natalie Birnbaum
Atlanta, GA
“I just received “Botanical Dreaming” and it is truly inspiring. I have always loved taking macros of flowers and when biking, I am usually the last one in because I stop at every bit of color I see. You have expressed what I feel very eloquently. Mother nature does produce some amazing sights in her flowers and seeing them up close and personal is a gift she has provided to us. I have just started with the book but look forward to picking it up each day to enjoy your many lessons about photography as well as life. Thank you so much for publishing such a treasure. I just can’t say enough about it.”
Wes Norman
Alexandria, VA
“I recently purchased Mark’s Botanical Dreaming book and it really speaks to me. I’ve followed his tutorials for years. There are so many educators on the web competing for attention, yet Mark is consistently the most effective teacher year in and year out. I sincerely appreciate his dedication to excellence.”
Jay Namyet
Eugene, OR
Praise for Workshops
“To say that Mark Johnson is a wonderful instructor would putting it too lightly. He is, simply, incredible. His ability to recall the functions of Photoshop, Photomatix, and other applications was something to behold (and this is coming from someone who teaches instructional technologies at the college level). He has boundless energy and his enthusiasm for the creative processes that make up creative compositing was infectious. We all felt it and fed off of it. And even more importantly, he decided long ago that sharing his knowledge with those on the web—for free—was of utmost importance. I encourage anyone reading this to spend time on his web site and take in his Photoshop Workbench series, which has easy to understand video tutorials of just about everything you could ever want to know about Photoshop. They are free if you view them online and also available in DVD format. His book, Botanical Dreaming, which is part artwork, part macro photography technique, part inspiration, part life lesson, is 100% worth the cost, so I also recommend that to you.”
Bill Wolff
Bear, Delaware
“Your dedication, enthusiasm and passion was quite evident throughout the course lectures and out in the field. Not only did I walk away totally renewed and invigorated, I came home more impassioned about landscape photography and Photoshop than ever before.”
Bob Greco
Hackettstown, NJ
“Your style of teaching, thorough explanations, patience, and more patience, are such integral parts of teaching such a complex multi-layered subject.”
Ellen Spotts
“I just want to say what a pleasure (and intense learning experience) your Photoshop class was. Whew! My cerebrum is maxed-out, but I think a lot of information was actually retained, and it’s nice to have your wonderfully explicit instructions to refer to as I tackle various steps in the process. That was more time spent inside and in front of a computer than I’ve done in a long time, but it was worth it—so much better, from a student’s point of view, than a huge lecture hall with no work stations. Many kudos to you on your infinite patience and personable teaching style!”
Ann Duncan
Boulder, CO
“Thank you so very much for the enthusiasm and care you extended to all of us who attended. I took away a number of interesting things that I didn’t know about and refinements to some that I did know. I’m left with the feeling that even if you had both days to yourself, you’d still have more you would want to share. Your willingness to try things on-the-fly is wonderful. Keep it up. Thanks for all your hard work and the way you care for your students.”
Jim Kirkpatrick
Walnut Creek, CA
Praise for the Photoshop Workbench
“Mark’s approach to teaching is fantastic. His enthusiasm is contagious and I am always excited when I see new videos from him.”
Kurt Anno
Indianapolis, IN
“I have been watching Mark’s Workbench videos for a long time now and I believe he is the best Photoshop instructor I have seen (and I watch a lot of Photoshop video tutorials). The way he presents information makes it very simple to understand.”
Lawrence Keeney
Boulder City, Nevada
“After dealing w/ PS for several years, and yes, several classes, I finally got MASKS! Why? Because Mark Johnson so carefully explains every move he makes, even if he makes it several times. I shall be eternally grateful.”
Sylvia Patton
Los Angeles, CA
“I am so grateful for the Photoshop Workbench series because FINALLY (and I mean this with emphasis) I’ve found a resource where I can learn how to create the array of images that have existed for years only in my mind. I’ve tried other web tutorials, but Mark makes it so easy to follow along and truly learn techniques.”
Brian Reed
Aurora, Colorado
“In attempting to learn Photoshop, I bought all of the top rated books; took multiple short courses locally; and read all of the how to articles in the major magazines. I finally took a semester long course at a local community college, and even this was not as helpful as Mark Johnson’s Photoshop Workbench and his e-books. Mark freely shares his expertise and enthusiasm for this most creative tool on the website, and his e-book on CS3 is an often used reference. He makes the whole process easily understandable and the fun it should be. I have also purchased Botanical Dreaming, and it is a constant source of joy and inspiration. Much like Galen Rowell does in his books, Mark openly shares all of the how-to information that so many other author’s skip. I’ve never been so warmly thanked as when another photographer took my advice, and visited Mark’s website or purchased one of his books.”
Dr. Bill Casper
San Diego, CA
“Thanks for your continued dedication to publishing the Photoshop Workbench each week. It continues to be my primary source of Photoshop instruction. I find that your teaching style really stands out compared to the others on the web. You explain what you’re doing, what the menu option is, and why you’re using that tool. It seems all the others simply recite a string of shortcut keystrokes with little explanation.”
Craig Stocks
Delavan, IL
“Several years ago I decided to move from the film world to the digital world. One of the biggest challenges I faced was learning Photoshop. I spent a lot of time and energy reading various books and attending classes at a local Junior College. However, it was not until I found the Photoshop Workbench that I really began to progress. I have friends ask me “how did you learn Photoshop?” and I always tell them that I learned it from Mark Johnson!! He did more for me than any other source.”
Bruce Bader
O’Fallon, IL
“The video tutorials are fantastic. I’ve been working with Photoshop for years now, yet every tutorial has something in it that is new to me.”
Terry McDonald
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
“Of all the tutorial experts out there I have found your presentations to be the clearest and most useful.”
Steve Haines
Essex, CT
“I truly appreciate your Workbench series, and look forward to each of them. Can’t begin to tell you how much I have learned from these weekly tutorials.”
Gerry
MI
“I learned so much from your tutorials, which include information within information! Your directions for adding digital catchlights resurrected large numbers of “dead,” sightless subjects from their analog graves. There is simply no limit here. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am pleased to relate that your teaching has really enhanced my workflow and increased the number of submissions I submit to SuperStock, Inc., which reps my stock work. Your work is gorgeous!”
Ivy Bigbee
“I’d like to thank you for producing this amazing videocast! I can’t even begin to tell you how much I’ve learned—and I haven’t even listened to everything yet.”
Norman Freelan
Cleveland, OH
“Thank YOU for all you do—I have to say I have learned more about Photoshop from you than any other source, and it is much appreciated!”
Greg Zitney
Novato, CA
“It’s people like Mark that provide the incredible positiveness in a world that is so full of negativity. In other words, thank God for him balancing out an otherwise off-kilter world. My sincere appreciation and gratitude to him for his particular style, content, graciousness and above all his teachings. I would hope he continues to grace us with his generosity…in spite of a pitiful world.”
Usha Vedula
“As usual you take the complex and reduce it to the simple.”
Dave Randolph
Raleigh, NC
“I have purchased Mark’s Photoshop Companion eBooks along with all of the Photoshop Workbench DVDs and I have learned more about Photoshop using his materials than with all the other Photoshop books I have read.”
Jim Kostecki
“I searched the internet high and low for videos that teach Photoshop techniques, but never found anything nearly as effective as Mark’s. Almost everything I know about Photoshop is a direct result of his weekly videos.”
Brian Retzler
Macomb Township, MI