Scott Sheppard takes a lighthearted look at what's new and exciting in the world of the Macintosh computer in this one-hour weekly radio show. From the digital hub to the den of the Panther operating system, Scott is always on top of what is happening in the world of Macintosh and has his finger on the pulse of the industry. With a tasty serving of news, reviews, information, and interviews, Inside Mac is all Mac, all the time, and one of the unique tech shows on radio today.

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Inside Mac - December 6th 2003

Listen / Download the December 6th, 2003 Show

Kevin Ames - Professional Digital Photographer

Kevin Ames began his photographic career at the age of 12, when he sold pictures of a class field trip to his schoolmates for a tidy profit. From this entrepreneurial and creative beginning, Kevin has become a recognized leader in the fast-evolving world of commercial digital photography.

"Whenever I'm using a camera, I'm not so much concerned with it, as I am with the light," Kevin says of his creative philosophy and process. "I love to control, and model, and make light work on whatever I'm photographing. It's my passion when I'm behind the camera."

His company, Ames Photographic Illustration, Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia and serves clients on location or in the studio. Ames specializes in creating evocative images that promote its customers' products, services and ideals.

"Making photographs for people being my own boss...I am doing what I've always wanted to do, since I was a child watching my parents develop photographs in their bathroom/darkroom. I always knew I wanted to be a photographer, and so every day that I'm making photographs and creating is a perfect day."

Kevin is much in demand as a teacher and speaker. He is a Photoshop World Dream Team instructor at the semi-annual Photoshop World conference. Kevin is also a software Cinema author and presenter at Dean Collins' Photoshop Training Camp Live! events across the country. and author of their "Basic and Advanced Fashion Photoshop" training CD's. He has taught classes at art schools and conferences around the world, including Fotographia Orvieto in Orvieto, Italy, Arthouse in Dublin, Ireland and at the Commercial and Industrial Photographers of New England conference in Boston as well as in major cities across the United States.

Kevin also teaches advanced digital photography at the Creative Circus in Atlanta, Georgia. Subjects of his classes and lectures include: Making the Digital Transition, Digital Asset Management, Digital Fashion Photography and Post-Production; Digital Negatives--the Case for Shooting Raw, Fashion Shoot Live!, Retouching Beauty, and Putting Your Portfolio Online.

"I hope to teach the new way of thinking that digital offers," notes Ames.. When I'm helping people learn the possibilities of digital, my main concern is to show the problem-solving abilities that are the underlying power of the tips and tricks. I want students to learn how to apply techniques creatively to get the visions in their heads out for others to see."

Kevin writes the "Digital Photographer's Notebook" column for Photoshop User Magazine. His articles and reviews have appeared in Studio Photography & Design, Photo>Electronic Imaging and Digital Output magazines.

His credentials include being a Certified Professional Photographer, Certified Electronic Imager, Photographic Craftsman and an Approved Photographic Instructor. He has served as Co-Chairman of the Digital Imaging and Advanced Imaging Technology Committee and Chairman of the Commercial Advertising Group for the Professional Photographers of America.

His latest project is creating a book titled Photoshop CS: the Art of Photographing Women from Wiley Technology Publishing. It will be in bookstores in March of 2004.

Mark Dwight - CEO Timbuk2

Timbuk2 was founded in 1989 by a bicycle messenger with an old sewing machine. His goal was to make a messenger bag rugged enough for real bicycle messengers, yet stylish enough to appeal to a broader market of young, hip urbanites as an alternative to the traditional two-strap day pack.

Street smart. Travel tough. City cool. Over the years we've developed a reputation for making some of the best, most rugged messenger bags available, at reasonable prices. Our catchy name, three-panel design, distinctive "swirl" logo, and the fact that we make them right here in San Francisco, added to the cachet. Combined, these characteristics have made Timbuk2 the most popular among the authentic bicycle messenger bag brands. Timbuk2 bags and accessories are available at specialty bike and outdoor retailers worldwide.

The "messenger bag" as we know it today, first appeared in the 1970's, as a utilitarian transport bag for bicycle messengers, modeled after shoulder bags worn by earlier mail couriers and field correspondents. The bicycle messenger profession grew in response to increasing motor vehicle congestion in rapidly growing cities, and the messenger community developed an identifiable sub-culture, often associated with an irreverent attitude toward motor vehicles and traffic signals. The more general appeal of the messenger bag stems from its working-class heritage, its carry-all utility, and its rugged, waterproof construction - plus it's affiliation with the urban bicycle messenger sub-culture. Since bicycle messengers are both male and female, the messenger bag is one of the few "shoulder bags" to be embraced as a male fashion accessory. Meanwhile, the basic messenger bag has evolved from a "big empty bag for carrying other people's stuff" to a slightly more refined bag for personal use. Today, the messenger bag is a popular fashion item, especially prevalent in major cities and school campuses worldwide, and available in a wide variety of stylish interpretations.

While we did not invent the "messenger bag", Timbuk2 has been influential in popularizing the messenger bag as a mainstream urban fashion accessory. For nearly 13 years we made pretty much just one product - our Classic Messenger Bag - which many of our enthusiastic customers describe as "indestructible". The first bags we made were one-color, like most other messenger bags. Then, too many years ago to remember, we struck on the idea of the three panels, resulting in our distinctive tri-color design. The three-panel design is a Timbuk2-original - since copied by other companies, but, as they say, never equaled.

In 2001 we launched timbuk2.com, with our unique Build-Your-Own-Bag feature, allowing individuals to customize their own messenger bag with a vast selection of colors, fabrics and accessories. Once designed on-line, the order shoots directly to our factory floor, where it's promptly made-to-order by our San Francisco production team. Our custom bags are typically shipped within three days of order - and sometimes our customers receive their new bag the very next day! This Internet-enabled build-to-order capability is also a Timbuk2-original, and remains the only true build-to-order bag of its kind.

All of us folks here at Timbuk2 are bag fanatics - and we love designing and producing new products that delight our enthusiastic and loyal customers. We have recently stepped-up our product development activities, and are pleased to introduce a number of new products, including a messenger-style computer briefcase, computer backpack and urban waistpack, plus a number of accessory cases for cell phones, PDAs and MP3 players. We're just getting started - as you read this, we're busy designing many more exciting new products.

Scott Sheppard - Executive Producer / Host

Scott Sheppard is the founder and editor of the popular Macintosh Web Site, http://www.OSXFAQ.com He is also a monthly Contributing Editor to Macworld UK magazine and produces a daily audio broadcast of Mac news and information on Inside Mac Radio.

Scott Sheppard previously hosted the Inside Mac Show broadcast by CNET radio.

Scott has been using Apple computers for more than 25 years, as well as spending many years as a Wintel user, giving him the unique perspective of having spent a lot of time on both sides of the computer fence.

Sam Levin - Co Host & Senior Mac Technologist

Sam Co-Founded the Stanford Mac Users' Group in 1985, and has worked with leading Macintosh developers on business development, licensing, and strategic market development. Sam Directed licensing initiatives for leading entertainment companies such as Virgin Interactive, Broderbund, and Mattel.

Sam has worked with numerous Mac companies such as: Aladdin, Apple, Broderbund, Connectix, IBM Multimedia, IXLA, Jiiva, Keyspan, Microsoft, MYOB, Meilenstein, Fathom Pictures, LandWare, Mattel, Nova Development, Totally Hip Software, Y-E Data and more.

Christian Pickman - Producer

Christian Pickman is the producer of Inside Mac and he brings 5 years of radio experience to the show. He is the guy you talk to when you call in, so be nice to him !!!!

Greg Douglas - Director of Network Operations

Gregory Douglas has fifteen years of experience in the radio, television and computer- related areas. He was the Director of Network Operations for Personal Achievement Radio, which included responsibilities for the production, operation and distribution of the "PAR" format. As the primary individual in charge of the on-air sound for "PAR", Mr. Douglas interacted with the motivational authors, Nightingale-Conant, ABC Radio Networks, PAR O & O's and affiliates and the broadcast talent. He pioneered the transition to digital for the flagship PAR studios. In addition, Mr. Douglas was M.I.S. Manager for Douglas Broadcasting Inc. where he was responsible for the traffic and business computer functions as well as the computer networking of DBI/PAR radio outlets.

Previously, he was the General Manager of DBI's Seattle operation and Station Manager at WBPS-AM in Boston. Also, Mr. Douglas has been involved in almost all areas of broadcasting, including traffic, business, engineering, production and sales.