Welcome to Michael’s blog. Michael Andrew, (aka Michael The Maven) is a freelance
producer, photography instructor, tech innovator, and when needed, disaster aid
specialist. Disclaimer: Michael is a participant in Bhphoto & Amazon affiliate programs
that provides an advertising commission if you purchase through links on this website.
I heard so many things about this movie I had to see it. I thought it was very good, just know that it absolutely isn’t a family movie. There are a lot of honest, brutal, parts about this young man’s life. In a way, it reminded me of Karate Kid, where our hero is beat up over and over and over and over in so many different ways, and in the end, the good guy wins. It was very well thought out and had lots of little lessons throughout.
Some of you know what I am up to, most of you dont. As part of my goals for this new year, (which I have kept so far), I thought I would just open this up and tell you all about the little adventure I am on. I imagine many of you will think I am crazy, but I want to open up more on here and not have fewer and fewer filters between myself and you.
This duffle bag on the floor contains ALL of my clothing and toiletries, about 10 complete changes and 4 sets of workout clothes, including one pair of dress shoes and one pair of workout shoes. The duffle bag isnt even completely full. I have one back pack that has my camera gear and computer. This is really all I need to be happy and travel anywhere in the world.
I also have 3 production bags that include light sets, more cameras, hard drives and other equipment all of which fits into my Toyota Prius. Much of this equipment will be liquidated as I am going to the Canon 5D II for video production.
I currently have no permanent residence, and any other belongings I have, which isnt a while lot (besides the H1) is in permanent storage in Alabama. In fact, I havent had my own place for the last YEAR. I have either been in hotels (like I am now) or visiting friends.
So, this is what I am up to….by taking these measures, I am completely free to travel anytime, any where in the world. Am I still booking weddings? Yes. Am I still making videos? Yep. Thats the beauty, both of these do not require me to live in a specific location.
Today I checked into a Hotel and rented it for one week. Over this period of a week, I will got into lock down and attempt to completely script my next video project (which is the Canon Speedlite Crash Course for those of you who are interested). If I finish by the end of the week, I will move to a new location and do the shoot.
Crazy? Maybe…but I LOVE IT. If I enjoy it as much as I think, I plan to visit all 50 United States this year, all the while doing weddings and making Crash Course Videos.
🙂
There are actually 3 of us hiding in this picture, me and two of my favorite kids in the whole world. For the answer, 365 is the password.
Im in Red. The third is hiding so well you cannot see him, he is about 10 feet to the left of where I am. 
Now that the Photoshop Crash Course DVD has been released, I wanted to open a lesson or two as previews. This is the first on Layers (there are several layers lessons), but if you struggle with Photoshop, this is something you are going to want to check out:The first customers received their DVDs on Friday and already we are getting fantastic reviews:
“Michael- I am so impressed by your new Photoshop Crash Course. One week ago I completed an online Photoshop CS4 University Class. Being a type A personality I had a much quicker uptake watching the DVDs the first time versus 14 weeks of text, quizzes and a final exam. I could have saved a lot of money and time had I had my hands on this course 3 months ago! I am so grateful for the RAW, HDR and Cosmetic portions of the DVD. We covered these in the University Online Course, but did not cover the scope or use of the tools as you did. You should be very proud of your hard work! This is exceptional.”
“So I just finished the 2 DVD’s… WOW. That doesn’t cover it. I was kinda on the fence of trying to decide to order this thing cause I already knew a lot about photoshop, but I was self-taught so I got it… WOW. wow wow wow. Mike I hope you win awards, make money, get Karma, feel the love, any kinda good vibe your way cause this thing is ridiculous. I now understand why it took you so long to finish. It covers so much. Well worth the wait. I was so excited to see you cover painted portraits, HDR etc etc. And the stuff I did know how to do; I now understand WHAT I’m doing. The difference with your stuff (from other tutorials/teaching products/books etc.) from my perspective is, I can tell where your motivation was in making it. It isn’t only about making money for you; I can tell that you really put yourself into this thing to help us. You don’t hold anything back. Can’t say enough. Thanks!”
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I got my photoshop DVD on Saturday and I finished watching the entire thing last night (monday). I have to say it was probably the best money I have spent on anything photography related with the exception of my 40D and photoshop itself. You covered everything so well and everything was done great – you have such a conversational teaching style that breaks difficult things down to my level and now I REALLY GET IT!!! I have had photoshop CS3 for 9 months and have been playing, exploring and trying to book-learn as much as I can during that time. The thing that excites me (you really have no idea how excited I am) is that I was able to learn more in ONE weekend of watching your DVD than in the entire 9 months I have been trying on my own with books!
Even my husband who supports my photography mania – but doesn’t use photoshop, came in sat down and was really impressed. He said “This is really cool!”. and he was learning right along with me! He heard how excited I was when I kept yelling out, “oh my gosh, is it really that simple???” or “I finally get it!” Thank you Thank you Thank you! I recognize and appreciate all of your hard work, and thank you so much! It was worth every penny (and probably a few more than I paid) I hope you take a good break for surely you deserve it! – Jonni”
🙂
Im trying to keep the price as low as possible, but it will go up to $79.95 soon. Here is the link:
Michael Andrew’s Photoshop Video Lessons For Beginners DVD Set
If anyone else who has seen the lessons and would like to give me feedback, I would love to hear from you!
Amazing story if it is all true. A little long, otherwise a pretty good movie. Probably best as a rental.
