View of the Las Vegas Strip and Valley from The Burgundy Suite 3328P at Paris Las Vegas on the 33rd Floor

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23 May
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Keeping a Healthy Relationship While Traveling

David Skelton / Adventures, Concert Nights, Gallery, Getaway Days, Photos, Reinventing Moments, Traveling, Video / / 0 Comments
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David Skelton

Capturing Moments, Sharing Stories

How Travel Strengthens Our Love: Adventures Across the US

My husband Gio and I have an unquenchable thirst for adventure. Since tying the knot in December 2015, we’ve embarked on countless journeys, exploring the beautiful and diverse landscapes of the United States. Traveling together is a way to see our country and a powerful tool to strengthen our relationship. In this blog post, I’ll share highlights from our US adventures and how we keep the spark alive while on the road.

Our First Adventure as Newlyweds: A Four Corners Road Trip

In this selfie, Gio and I mark the beginning of our Four Corners Road Trip at the Arizona-Nevada state line on I-15 North. It's the first frame in a series of unforgettable moments.
In this image, Gio and I kick off 2016 with a selfie in front of the T-38 Talon at the Air Force Academy’s Thunderbird Overlook. It’s a snapshot that captures the spirit of adventure and respect for military history.

In December 2015, eight days after our wedding, we set off on our first couple’s adventure – a week-long, 2,000-mile Four Corners road trip. We explored Grand Junction, the Rocky Mountains, Denver for New Year’s Eve, the Air Force Academy, Durango, the Four Corners Monument, Williams, and the Grand Canyon. It was the perfect way to start our married life together, filled with adventure and discovery in our backyard.

December 2017: Adventure in Honolulu

Gio stands on the walkway leading to the USS Arizona Memorial's entrance, under the inscription, on a sunny day with clear skies.
In a poignant moment of reverence, Gio pauses on the bridge leading to the hallowed grounds of the USS Arizona Memorial as the bright Hawaiian sun casts shadows that dance across the solemn path.

We spent an unforgettable few days in San Francisco, where we sailed under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, explored Chinatown, Nob Hill, and Haight-Ashbury, and rode the Powell-Hyde Cable Car. The city’s vibrant energy and cultural diversity made this a memorable experience.

December 2019: San Francisco, California's Golden City

Gio Skelton smiling with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background during a sunny San Francisco vacation in December 2019.
December 2019: Gio Skelton’s infectious smile lights up the San Francisco skyline with the majestic Golden Gate Bridge as a breathtaking backdrop.

We spent an unforgettable few days in San Francisco, where we sailed under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, explored Chinatown, Nob Hill, and Haight-Ashbury, and rode the Powell-Hyde Cable Car. The city’s vibrant energy and cultural diversity made this a memorable experience.

August 2021: South Lake Tahoe Vacation Nightmare Turned Adventure

David and Gio Skelton stood on the MS Dixie II deck on Lake Tahoe in August 2021, obscured by heavy smoke from the Caldor Fire.
August 2021: Our Lake Tahoe adventure aboard the MS Dixie II took an unexpected turn as the Caldor Fire raged nearby. The smoke-filled air was a stark reminder of nature’s power, cutting our vacation short.

Our trip to South Lake Tahoe didn’t go as planned due to the Caldor Fire. However, even with the unexpected evacuation and canceled flight, we turned it into an adventure by driving 450 miles home and making the most of the situation. It taught us to adapt and stay positive even when things don’t go according to plan.

June 2022: Two-week Summer Vacation in Miami

David and Gio Skelton parasailing high above Biscayne Bay, with the Miami skyline visible in the distance.
Our 2022 Miami vacation reached new heights as we soared over Biscayne Bay on a parasailing adventure. The feeling of weightlessness and the panoramic view of the city were unforgettable.

Miami was a tropical paradise. We spent two weeks exploring Biscayne Bay, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling in Key West, and cruising around Miami Beach. This relaxing vacation allowed us to recharge and reconnect in the Sunshine State.

April 2024: Four Corners Road Trip 2.0

Photo of Gio and David with arms outstretched, each foot and hand planted in a different state at the Four Corners Monument.
Feeling the power of being in four places at once! Check out our stop at the Four Corners Monument. #roadtrip #fourstates #traveltuesday

Eight years after our first Four Corners adventure, we embarked on a second one, this time in reverse. We revisited some of our favorite spots and discovered new ones, including Page, AZ, the Four Corners Monument, Santa Fe, Denver, Winter Park Ski Resort, Grand Junction, the San Rafael Reef, Beaver, and the Virgin River Gorge. Seeing how much we had grown as a couple since our first trip was incredible.

Getaway Days and Concert Nights: Short Trips, Big Impact on Our Bond

Gio Skelton, arms outstretched, flying like a superhero on the SlotZilla Zipline above the illuminated Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas.
Watch out, Las Vegas! Gio Skelton channels his inner superhero on the SlotZilla Zipline, soaring high above the vibrant Fremont Street Experience.

In addition to our bigger vacations, Gio and I love taking frequent “Getaway Days.” We’ve been to Las Vegas nine times, zip-lining on the Fremont Street Experience, taking helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon and Red Rocks, visiting the Hoover Dam, and jet skiing on the Colorado River. We’ve also attended 38 concerts with 60 bands, including Kenny Chesney, Billy Joel, Guns N Roses, Elton John, and Jimmy Buffet. These shorter trips are crucial to keeping the excitement alive in our relationship and creating lasting memories.

A study by the U.S. Travel Association found that couples who travel together report higher levels of relationship satisfaction and are more likely to say “the romance is still alive.” We’ve found this to be true in our own experience. Stepping away from our daily routines and experiencing new things together helps us reconnect and appreciate each other more greatly.

Southern California Adventures: From Catalina Island to San Diego

Southern California offers a plethora of exciting getaways for couples. We’ve explored Catalina Island, a charming island off the coast of Los Angeles, where we toured the wilderness, searched for American bison, explored Lover’s Cove marine life, and took a golf cart tour of Avalon.

Gio, captured by David Skelton, jet skiing in San Diego Bay, his expression is exhilarated, embodying the spirit of adventure and personal discovery.
Gio has seen masterfully jet skiing in San Diego Bay, perfectly encapsulating the thrill of adventure and the joy of creating lasting memories on the water.

We also love San Diego, which we’ve visited 16 times. We’ve attended concerts and jet skiing in San Diego Bay, cruised around the harbor, visited SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo, and shopped and dined at the US/Mexico border. There’s always something new to discover in this beautiful city.

California's Central Coast: Hidden Gems for Couples

We’ve also explored California’s Central Coast, visiting Moro Rock, the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, Santa Barbara, and taking a day tour of San Francisco. This region is a hidden gem, offering stunning natural beauty and charming coastal towns.

The Secret to a Healthy Relationship While Traveling

Traveling together has been an incredible way for Gio and me to bond, grow, and create unforgettable memories. The key to keeping a healthy relationship while traveling is to:

  • Communicate openly: Discuss your expectations and preferences before and during your trip.
  • Be flexible: Things sometimes go differently than they are, so be prepared to adjust your itinerary if needed.
  • Compromise: Find activities you enjoy and are willing to try new things together.
  • Take breaks: Spend some time apart to recharge and pursue individual interests.
  • Cherish the moments: Remember to relax, have fun, and appreciate your time together.

Research shows that couples prioritizing shared experiences, like travel, tend to have higher relationship satisfaction and commitment levels. So, whether it’s a grand adventure or a short getaway, traveling together can strengthen your bond and create a lifetime of memories within the diverse landscapes of the US. So pack your bags, grab your partner’s hand, and embark on your next American adventure!

15 Apr
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A man sitting in front of a computer watching a YouTube tutorial on Photoshop, with the YouTube logo and Photoshop icon as a centerpiece. The background is a sleek office with plants and decorations, creating a clean and sophisticated mood.

Top 7 YouTube Channels to Master Photoshop

David Skelton / Tutorials, Photos, Video / / 0 Comments
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David Skelton

Capturing Moments, Sharing Stories

Top 7 YouTube Channels to Learn Photoshop: Improve Your Post-Production Skills with These Expert Tutorials

Do you want to master the art of post-production using Photoshop? Well, you’re in luck because I’ve been there and done that! I learned everything I know from hours of YouTube tutorials. However, finding the perfect instructional videos for my skill level was difficult, and I wasted a lot of time chasing my tail. But fear not! YouTube is a treasure trove of tutorial channels that can help you learn everything you need about Photoshop post-production. The only problem is, with so many channels, figuring out where to start can be overwhelming. That’s why I’ve covered you with our top seven YouTube channels to learn Photoshop. So, let’s dive in and unleash your creative potential!

f64 Academy

f64 Academy is a YouTube channel that teaches photography and post-processing techniques. It has 116K subscribers and 337 videos.

f64 Academy Logo - Learn Photography with Experts
f64 Academy Logo – Learn Photography with Experts

Blake Rudis, a professional photographer and educator runs the channel. Blake’s tutorials are comprehensive and easy to follow, making them ideal for beginners and intermediate-level users. The videos cover various topics, including landscape photography, black-and-white processing, and compositing. Blake’s teaching style is engaging and informative, and his videos are well-produced, making them a pleasure to watch.

In terms of specific tutorials, some standout videos on f64 Academy include “Enhanced Details in ACR and Lightroom,” “Realtime Clipping Warnings IN Photoshop!,” and ” The #1 MISTAKE in COLOR Photography.” These tutorials offer a great introduction to advanced Photoshop techniques and provide a step-by-step guide to achieving stunning results.

Blake has videos dedicated to helping beginners get started with Photoshop. His tutorials begin with the basics of the software, such as navigating the interface and understanding the different tools available. Then, he introduces more advanced techniques, such as color correction and compositing, as you progress through his videos. Blake’s teaching style is engaging, and he takes the time to explain each step in detail, making it easy to follow along.

The #1 MISTAKE in COLOR Photography

Photoshop Training Channel

Photoshop Training Channel is a YouTube channel dedicated to teaching Photoshop. It has 1.99M subscribers and 528 videos.

Photoshop Training Channel Logo
Learn Photoshop Online Today with Photoshop Training Channel

Jesus Ramirez, a professional graphic designer and educator runs the channel. Jesus’s tutorials cover many topics, from beginner-level to advanced techniques. He also covers Photoshop’s latest features and updates, making his channel an excellent resource for staying up-to-date with the software. Jesus’s teaching style is clear and concise, and his videos are well-organized and easy to follow.

If you’re looking for some top-notch tutorials on the Photoshop Training Channel, be sure to check out “How To Change Color in Photoshop,” ” Place Text Behind An Object in Photoshop [For Beginners!],” and “My TWO-STEP PROCESS For Better Cut Outs! – Photoshop Select and Mask Crash Course.” These tutorials are sure to take your Photoshop skills to the next level!

One of the standout features of Jesus’s tutorials is his use of real-world examples to demonstrate how to use Photoshop. He shows you how to edit photos he has taken himself, so you can see the entire editing process from start to finish. Jesus’s teaching style is clear and concise, making it easy to understand even the most complex techniques.

How To Change Color in Photoshop

After meticulously following Jesus Ramirez’s step-by-step directions, the Photoshop color edit has transformed the 2015 Kia Rio into a vibrant, eye-catching red, accentuating its sleek and sporty appearance while parked in the driveway.

Black 2015 Kia Rio parked in the drivewayPhotoshop color edit of red 2015 Kia Rio parked in the driveway

Anthony Morganti

Anthony Morganti is a YouTube channel that focuses on teaching Photoshop and Lightroom. It has 384K subscribers and over 2K videos. Anthony Morganti is the person behind the channel, who is a professional photographer and an experienced educator.

Anthony Morganti Logo - Professional Photography and Editing Services
Anthony Morganti Logo – Professional Photography and Editing Services

Anthony’s tutorials cover a diverse array of topics, including portrait retouching, landscape photography, and black-and-white processing. Some of the tutorials you can find on his channel are “How to ENHANCE a SKY in PHOTOSHOP” “EASILY Remove a FENCE Using PHOTOSHOP” and “How To Remove POWER LINES in Lightroom.” His videos are well-produced and easy to follow, making them ideal for beginners and intermediate-level users. Anthony’s teaching style is engaging and informative, and he often shares his personal insights and experiences in his videos.

Anthony’s tutorials focus on helping photographers and designers improve their Photoshop workflow. His videos cover everything from basic editing techniques to advanced retouching and compositing. Anthony’s teaching style is engaging, and he takes the time to explain each step in detail. He also shares his personal insights and experiences, which makes his videos more relatable and engaging.

EASILY Remove a FENCE Using PHOTOSHOP

PiXimperfect

PiXimperfect is a YouTube channel dedicated to teaching Photoshop and Lightroom. It has 4.52M subscribers and 840 videos. Unmesh Dinda, a professional graphic designer, and teacher is in charge of running this channel. Unmesh’s tutorials cover a plethora of topics, including photo retouching, compositing, and color grading.

PiXimperfect Logo - Learn Photoshop & Lightroom
PiXimperfect – Learn Photoshop & Lightroom

He also covers Photoshop’s latest features and updates, making his channel an excellent resource for staying up-to-date with the software. Unmesh’s teaching style is engaging and entertaining, and his videos are well-produced and easy to follow.

Some tutorials on PiXimperfect include “Create Realistic Puddles in Photoshop,” “Generate ‘Perspective Motion’ with Photoshop!,” and “Whiten Teeth in 10 Seconds! (No Clickbait)”

One of the unique features of Unmesh’s tutorials is his use of creative techniques to achieve different effects in Photoshop. He shows you how to use different tools and features in unique and creative ways to achieve unique and creative results. Unmesh’s teaching style is friendly and engaging, and his videos are well-organized and easy to follow, making them an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their Photoshop skills.

Generate "Perspective Motion" with Photoshop!

This image showcases a comparison between the original version and the version with the perspective motion effect applied, as demonstrated in this tutorial

Two cars crossing intersection on busy city streetPerspective motion edit in Photoshop of two cars crossing intersection on busy city street"

photoshopCAFE

photoshopCAFE is a YouTube channel that focuses on teaching Photoshop and Lightroom. It has 327K subscribers and 893 videos.

PhotoshopCAFE logo - Learn Photoshop, Lightroom, and Photography Featured Keywords: Photoshop, Lightroom, Photography, Tutorials, Resources.
Learn Photoshop, Lightroom, and Photography with PhotoshopCAFE

Colin Smith, a professional visual artist and teacher manages the channel. Colin’s tutorials cover a comprehensive range of topics, including photo retouching, compositing, and design techniques. His videos are well-produced and easy to follow, making them ideal for beginners and intermediate-level users. Colin’s teaching style is engaging and informative, and he often shares his personal insights and experiences in his videos.
One of the standout features of Colin’s tutorials is his use of real-world examples to demonstrate how to use Photoshop. In addition, he shows you how to edit photos he has taken himself, so you can see the entire editing process from start to finish. Colin’s teaching style is friendly and approachable, and his videos are well-organized and easy to follow.
Examples of standout tutorials on photoshopCAFE include “A better way to blur the background of a photo in Photoshop, 3 mins.” “REMOVE BACKGROUND with PERFECT edges in PHOTOSHOP. Advanced technique for the best results,” and “How to REMOVE reflections from glasses in PHOTOSHOP | NOT what you expect.” These tutorials offer a great introduction to advanced Photoshop techniques and provide a step-by-step guide to achieving stunning results

How to REMOVE reflections from glasses in PHOTOSHOP | NOT what you expect

PHLEARN

PHLEARN is a YouTube channel dedicated to teaching Photoshop and Lightroom. It has 2.12M subscribers and 846 videos. The channel is operated by Aaron Nace, who is both a professional photographer and an instructor. Aaron’s tutorials cover a broad spectrum of topics, including portrait retouching, photo manipulation, and compositing.

He also covers Photoshop’s latest features and updates, making

PHLEARN logo symbolizes mastery in photo editing and design Featured Keywords: PHLEARN, logo, photo editing, Photoshop, Lightroom, photography, design, online learning
The Official PHLEARN Logo: Unleash Your Creative Potential

his channel an excellent resource for staying up-to-date with the software. Aaron’s teaching style is friendly and personable, and his videos are well-produced and easy to follow. In addition, he often shares his personal insights and experiences in his videos, which makes them more relatable and engaging.

One example of the videos you can find on PHLEARN is, “How to Instantly Remove Anything from Photos – New Fill & Delete Photoshop 2023” This tutorial demonstrates how to remove unwanted objects or people from your photos using the Content-Aware Fill tool and other advanced techniques.

One of the unique features of Aaron’s tutorials is his use of creative and fun techniques to achieve different effects in Photoshop. He shows you how to unconventionally use different tools and features to achieve unique and creative results. In addition, Aaron’s teaching style is approachable and entertaining, making his videos a joy to watch.

How to Instantly Remove Anything from Photos - New Fill & Delete Photoshop 2023

Adobe Photoshop

Last but not least on our list of top YouTube channels to learn Photoshop is the official Adobe Photoshop channel. This channel is a great resource for beginners who want to learn the basics of Photoshop. The channel covers various topics, including basic photo editing, design, and typography.

While the Adobe Photoshop channel tutorials may not be as in-depth as those on other channels, they’re an excellent place to start if you’re new to Photoshop. The tutorials are well-structured and easy to follow, making learning new skills and techniques easy.

One of the standout features of the Adobe Photoshop channel is the “Photoshop Basics” series, which offers a comprehensive introduction to the software. This series covers everything from the basics of the user interface to more advanced topics like layers and masks. If you’re new to Photoshop, this series is an excellent place to start.

In addition to its focus on the basics of Photoshop, the Adobe Photoshop channel also offers tutorials on more advanced topics like photo manipulation, compositing, and advanced color grading. Some standout tutorials on the channel include “Add Text and Shapes to an Image for Social Media | Adobe Photoshop,” “How to Blend Two Images in Photoshop | Adobe,” and “How to Remove Backgrounds in One Click | Adobe Photoshop.“

Overall, the Adobe Photoshop channel is an excellent resource for beginners who want to learn the basics of Photoshop. While the tutorials may not be as in-depth as those on other channels, they provide a solid foundation for understanding the software. In addition, they can help you get started on your Photoshop journey.

So why not check out the Adobe Photoshop channel and start learning the basics of Photoshop today? With the right tutorials and practice, you’ll create stunning images in no time.

How to Remove Backgrounds in One Click | Adobe Photoshop

Conclusion

There you have it – my top seven YouTube channels to learn Photoshop. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, there’s something for everyone on these channels. From structured courses to interactive critiques, these channels offer a variety of teaching styles that can help you take your Photoshop skills to the next level. The best part is that these channels are free and easily accessible, so you can learn at your own pace and on your own time.