Epson Print Academy Expands Curriculum for 2006 Program

Dec. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Photographers of all levels looking for education about how to create spectacular prints will be able to find what they need at the Epson Print Academy 2006 traveling school. Based on the success of the previous award-winning Print Academy programs, Epson is expanding the curriculum for 2006.

The Epson Print Academy will now offer two different full-day tracks: Track One is designed for photo enthusiasts, advanced amateurs and other digital SLR camera owners to learn how the pros get great prints from their digital SLR cameras. Track Two is designed by working professionals exclusively for working professionals to learn advanced digital printing techniques that will help them advance their businesses to the next level in both quality and productivity.

Track One, hosted by digital printing expert Vincent Versace, will feature exciting new video interviews and digital tutorials with master photographers and printmakers Greg Gorman, Mac Holbert, Bob Krist, Jack Reznicki, and John Shaw, as well as new live demos and step-by-step insider techniques the pros use to make spectacular prints.

Topics covered include:

* A step-by-step experience following admired nature photographer John Shaw, beginning on a photo shoot in the Sierras and culminating in the creation of a print in the digital darkroom
* A discussion of common digital file problems and fixes provided by master printmaker Mac Holbert of Nash Editions
* New Photoshop CS2 tutorials from Adobe's Senior Digital Imaging Evangelist Julienne Kost
* A demonstration from celebrity photographer Greg Gorman showcasing how he creates stunning black and white prints
* An overview from Bob Krist explaining how he prepares digital camera files to address the growing interest in using digital projectors and multimedia viewers

Track Two features live presentations by renowned industry experts such as John Paul Caponigro, Bruce Fraser, Greg Gorman, Mac Holbert, and Jeff Schewe. Topics include:

* In-depth color management and custom profiling
* Creating and optimizing a professional workflow
* Expert-level fine-art printing techniques
* Using a RIP for contract proofing and to increase productivity
* Collaborating with graphic designers and commercial printers
* Advanced black and white printing techniques

"The Print Academy has continued to demonstrate Epson's leadership in digital photography at sold out venues throughout North America by providing an educational experience that is both practical and inspirational for photo enthusiasts, teaching them how to produce what photography is all about -- the print," said Dan Steinhardt, photographic marketing manager, Epson. "In our ongoing effort to address the demand for more education and meet the ever-expanding and more complex needs of professionals, we decided to build on this platform by adding a second, more advanced curriculum for working professionals. Both curriculums will provide a wealth of useful information and techniques at a value that is unmatched by other programs."

By popular demand, a new Expo area will be open to attendees in both tracks featuring a gallery of images printed on the new Epson UltraChrome K3 printers from Epson's Stylus Pros. Also, Print Academy sponsor representatives will be on hand to answer questions and demonstrate products. Sponsors include: Adobe, Lexar Media, Inc., Light Impressions, Microsoft Corp, the National Association of Photoshop Professionals, nik multimedia Inc, Wacom Technology, and X-Rite.

The Epson Print Academy 2006 will launch Jan. 14 in Dallas. Early bird pricing for Track One is $49.95 when participants register at least three days prior to the program. Pricing for Track Two is $99.95 after a special $50 discount for professionals. More information including the complete tour schedule and how to register is available at www.EpsonPrintAcademy.com.

SOURCE Epson America, Inc.