Living the Dream: The ideal Photoshop job
By Dave Cross
2 Sep 2009
What's your profession? Please describe it.
My official title is Senior Developer, Education and Curriculum for the National Association of Photoshop Users, but on my business card it says "Chief Photoshop Guy". Ultimately I'm an educator - I write books and articles, record video tutorials, teach seminars and share productivity and creativity tips.
Where do you do this?
I'm a transplanted Canadian working in Oldsmar, Florida (just outside Tampa).
Do you enjoy what you do?
It's no exaggeration to say that every single day, I absolutely love what I do! I work with an amazing group of people who have fun while we work our butts off. I get to interact with all kinds of people in the photography industry and as a result of my job, can name some pretty famous people as my friends and colleagues. On top of that, I travel across the country teaching Photoshop, meeting tons of wonderful people who love Photoshop much as I do!
When you were young, what did you want to "be" when you grew up?
I used to live and breath soccer, so I also assumed that I'd be a professional soccer player. I did actually have a try-out with a professional soccer team in Montreal (me and 59 other guys) but that didn't work out.
Do you feel stuck doing what you are doing?
Not at all! I've never worked with such a creative, fun bunch of people. We are always looking for new ways to reach more people and teach Photoshop in new ways.
What are the most and least satisfying parts of your job?
This may sound odd, but some times it can be a little frustrating that we have so many good ideas, but not enough time to do them all. Every now and then we have to put a really good idea onto the back burner until we have the time to give it the attention it deserves.
How do you combine photography with your job?
I have to come up with Photoshop tutorials, write articles, and create content for seminars and Photoshop World. Very often that means that I need a specific photo to use in the tutorial, so I just go and shoot it. It also mens that I often surprise my models by deliberating taking photos that have exposure (or other) problems so that I have something to fix in Photoshop.
Anything else you'd like to add?
I believe that photography and Photoshop go hand in hand, whether it's a simple crop, or an extensive composite job where you shoot multiple images and combine them in Photoshop. I'm from the school of thought that Photoshop is not a dirty word, but a wonderful tool that can add even more to an already wonderful photo.
