A lot of photographers and video makers use Adobe apps in the course of their work, most commonly Photoshop, Premiere and Lightroom, but don't usually think about them a lot. Adobe wants to change that, and so they put a lot of effort into their annual global event, Adobe MAX – which is taking place in Los Angeles om October 18-20.
This event serves as a way to get the word out about major new features in Adobe software to the world's media, along the lines of an Apple reveal. We've already had a look at the new Photoshop features (opens in new tab) and latest Lightroom features (opens in new tab).
Adobe MAX is also a place where attendees can learn software tricks and techniques, through deep-dive sessions with Adobe experts. And it's a way to promote Adobe as a company that cares about creativity – and connects people who do too – via talks by world-leading creatives across multiple disciplines.
All that means that thousands of people are willing to travel to Los Angeles and shell out $1,895 for a conference ticket. But if that's not you, then here's some good news.
During the pandemic, Adobe Max went online only. And although it's returning in physical form this year, you can still register in advance, here (opens in new tab), and you'll be able to watch the best stuff in the comfort of your own home, for free.
What's on at Adobe Max 2022
This year's event takes place from Tuesday 18 October to Thursday 20 October, and because of time differences, there are four virtual schedules (opens in new tab), depending on where you are in the world.
To give you a taster of what's on offer, we've picked out a few events below that Digital Camera World readers should find interesting. But there are lots more: see the full list of speakers here (opens in new tab) (filter for 'Virtual' to see all those appearing online).
Also, make sure you check our news feed next Tuesday, where we'll share the biggest news stories coming out of Adobe Max, and explain how they can benefit you in your photography, videography or film-making.
1. Opening Keynote from Adobe experts
As ever, the conference kicks off with the Opening Keynote (opens in new tab), a two-hour long walkthrough of all the new features Adobe is launching for the Creative Cloud and other software. If you don't have time to watch live, check the Digital Camera World homepage, where we'll bring you all the most relevant news for photographers and videographers.
2. Inspiration Keynote with Cristina Mittermeier
If the Opening Keynote is designed to educate, the Inspiration Keynote (opens in new tab) is meant to, well, inspire. Tune in to hear from photographer Cristina Mittermeier (opens in new tab), film director Siân Heder, painter Kadir Nelson, DJ Steve Aoki, and artist Jeff Koons as they share what keeps them motivated to keep creating.
3. Using Lightroom for Mobile to Take and Edit your Best Photos Yet, with Aundre Larrow
Visual artist Aundre Larrow hosts a hands-on virtual session (opens in new tab) designed to familiarize you with the camera built into Lightroom for mobile. You’ll also learn about the editing tools you can use to spruce up any image you take and make your images shine wherever you decide to share them.
4. From Stills to Video: How to Transition Like a Pro
Mark Mann, renowned portrait photographer, recently turned his hand to shooting video and found the learning curve to be steep. In Adobe Max talk (opens in new tab), Mark reveals how his stills expertise acts as a major asset, but also reveals some challenges for directing video.
5. Creating Mouthwatering Food Photos with Lightroom
Join food photographer Bea Lubas (opens in new tab) for this step-by-step, example-rich session on food photography. Follow along as Bea shares how to elevate your food photos through lighting, composition, and plating before she dives into Lightroom.
6. Digital Storytelling: Epic Solo Himalayan Motorcycle Trip
In this session, world-renowned photographer Jody MacDonald (opens in new tab) brings you on her latest adventure in search of hope and inspiration in a rapidly changing world. She’ll unpack her process and venture into new media — like bringing travel photography and video editing to YouTube.
7. MAX Sneaks with Kevin Hart
Another annual highlight of the conference is MAX Sneaks (opens in new tab): a sneak peek at new tools and new features coming to Adobe software soon. There's no guarantee these ideas will actually make it into new products, but it's intriguing stuff nonetheless, and normally presented in a fun, light-hearted fashion. This year's co-host is comedian Kevin Hart.
8. Mix Traditional Photography, CGI, & 3D
Join photographer and director Lionel Koretzky (opens in new tab) to learn about his journey from the traditional photoshoot to CGI and 3D and how much photographers have to bring to the table in this ever-evolving medium. You’ll see how 3D is the next evolution in photography, providing versatile new tools to photographers and brands to extend their creativity to a new world of possibilities.
9. Powerful Lightroom Color Tools Make Me Feel Like, WHOA!
Learn how the color tools in Photoshop Lightroom can help transform your images into artistic masterpieces. Deep dive into the sea of colors with ZEISS Ambassador Kenneth Hines, Jr. in this engaging session (opens in new tab) where you’ll explore the powerful color-enhancing tools Lightroom offers.
10. Race Cars, Cameras, Action! Larry Chen’s Photography Process
Follow automotive journalist and car culture photographer Larry Chen (opens in new tab) as he goes through his shooting, culling, and editing process using Photoshop Lightroom, Photoshop, and Adobe Premiere Pro on his Intel-based MSI Creator laptop. Larry will demonstrate how he captures images using Canon cameras (opens in new tab) and chooses the best ones on the fly.
