Photos to Inspire
Photos to Inspire: Eddie Tapp
By Double Exposure Contributor
Aug 15, 2006

All images © Eddie Tapp

By now, photographers looking to dig into the nuances of digital imaging have probably heard of Eddie Tapp. The fact that he's been a professional photographer of merit for many years is part of it, but that's not all that drives the growing demand for his lectures and workshops.

As amazing as digital photography is proving to be—from the new professional-level cameras to the possibilities afforded by the RAW photo format—this new medium is still intimidating. Only 40% of professional photographers in the U.S. have made the switch from film, and those ready to take that step want to learn from someone—preferably one of their own— who knows digital inside and out.

Eddie fits that bill. Not only is he a great photographer, he's also a great teacher, recently nominated to the Photoshop Hall of Fame. “Eddie is one of those instructors who has a connection with students that just really sticks,” comments Scott Kelby, President of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP). It takes a lot of patience and requires a better-than-usual understanding of how to shoot and process with digital equipment.




To See a Gallery of Eddie Tapp's Images, Click Here


Years of Optimism

Over 20 years has elapsed since Eddie Tapp began tackling digital imaging. True, the quality of the early equipment was lacking, but his excitement over its potential kept him interested and kept him experimenting with digital imaging workflow, color management, and pre-press, among other issues.

It paid off. Through regular contributions to The Professional Photographer, Photo Electronic Imaging, Infoto Magazine and other publications, Eddie piqued the interest of professional photographers and corporate decision-makers who shared his optimism about digital imaging. Today, he's recognized as one of the top experts on digital photography and Photoshop in the world.

Lately, he's been very active in educating and consulting studios, agencies, and corporations all over the world, and his list of professional clients is quite impressive, with Epson, Eastman Kodak, Polaroid, and Apple Computer among them. Add to that the U.S. Departments of Defense and Energy, other government agencies, and a long list of photographic studios. Eddie's most rewarding partnership is with Canon USA, as part of its “Print Masters” program, and as one of Canon's “Explorers of Light”—the 60 most influential photographers in the world: http://www.photoworkshop.com/canon/explorers/eddie_tapp/tapp.html


Sharing His Passion

No matter who he works for, though, Eddie's chief aim is to help fellow photographers, professionals and amateurs alike, move gracefully into the digital age, and he's put together several workshops and seminars for those who want to create beautiful photos entirely with digital equipment.

“Once or twice a year I teach a week-long Photoshop workshop in Hawaii,” in his role as the Director of the Institute of Visual Arts in Maui, he explains. “The objective is to create images that will be put through the entire digital workflow process from capture, process and output.”

Included here are some of Eddie's prints from his most recent workshop, which show his passion for glamour shots, a predilection that's made him a highly sought-after speaker at WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) events. “We start out with two days of shooting in exotic locations, sometimes creating scenics and panorama compositions and other times with models. Then we move into workflow, creative and production techniques in Photoshop and finally to finishing, printing, and color management.”



First Time in Print

Eddie also offers one- to three-day workshops, on-site staff training, one-on-one training, and an “ETime Remote” on-line training program (www.eddietapp.com), along with seminars in cities throughout the world. This fall, he'll team up with photography legend Monte Zucker for a 17-city U.S. tour. But despite his busy schedule, he can't reach everybody. So, he recently embarked on a project that colleagues have urged him to do for a long time: writing how-to books.

Rather than create another 800-page doorstop that glosses over information in an effort to cover everything, Eddie is writing a series of books that allow readers to drill down into specific topics. Eddie Tapp on Digital Photography (from O'Reilly Media) features six books that cover Photoshop workflow setups, color management, controlling digital color and tone, advanced production techniques, professional production techniques, and creative enhancement techniques.

The first book Photoshop Workflow Setups, is already available, and the book on “Color Management” will appear this fall. What do readers think of his approach? NAPP's Scott Kelby sums it up well: “Eddie's easy-going style and years of real-world experience make him one of the top trainers today.”


© Copyright 2002 by Photoworkshop.com