Happy Thursday everyone. Let’s get down to it:

First off, be sure to check out our newest episode of Layers TV by clicking on the player to the right. This week, Corey has got some cool animations going on in Photoshop with Video and I’m talking about how to use components, specifically the PhotoflipCS component from Digicrafts Flash Components. I tell you, this component is one that I immediately pull out when I need to create a photo slideshow in Flash quickly and with great visual effect.

I was really taken with all of the responses I got from people who are using digital cameras out there. It really is a great joy to be outside and shooting. One of the things that I think makes it even better is to be able to share and I think it’s great that recently there has been a surge of groups that you can get with to be able to do just that.

Hit the jump if you want to see cool places to share, as well as cool tricks on how to shoot a block of ice from one of my favorite photographers.

Rick Sammon Tutorial

Legendary photographer Rick Sammon has got a great column on photographic challenges in the Columns section of our site. If you havent experienced Rick teaching you, it’s such a joy. I for one have been a great fan of his many books, so it’s an added treat to be able to have him writing for us about shooting in an Ice Hotel, one of the coldest hotels known to man. Click here to check out his tutorial.

Great Places to Share Photography

I think photography has a lot to do with the sharing of images with other people. It takes your photography to the next level, as well as gives other people inspiration to do things. Similarly, when working with applications like Photoshop, I think it’s an awesome idea to get out there and mix it up with other Photoshop people around the world to be able to get your passion and your skill to the next level. These are places that I think are really cool to do just that.

DeviantArt: I’d totally forgotten about this website until my friend Carl Cox turned me back on to them. It’s a great site to register and share your photographs with. People will email you and share comments, critiques, and the like. It’s definitely one I’m putting on my watch list.

Scott Kelby’s 7 Point System Group: If you have read Scott’s 7 Point System, it’s a great idea to share with others that are doing the same thing. Check them out.

Matt Kloskowski has got his own Flickr Group on Lightroom Presets! What do you have when you take all of the cool presets of Lightroom Killer Tips, and add great photography? The answer is – this Flickr group. Get out there and join!

If you know of a place where you can send photos for group critique, make sure you leave me a comment. I’m sure the rest of the class would love to hear about it. See you tomorrow!