Photoshop enthusiasts, here's your chance to put your talents to the test, and perhaps learn some new tricks along the way. O'Reilly Media has announced its 2006 Photoshop Cook-off contest!

Here's how it works: Using recipes from any of the five O'Reilly Photoshop Cookbooks, manipulate one to three of your favorite original photographs, and submit them to O'Reilly before August 15, 2006. The contest is open to all residents of the United States, 14 years of age and older. Entry is free, and no purchase is necessary to participate. Sample recipes are available for download.

All entries will go before a panel of eighteen top Photoshop experts as judges, including Mikkel Aaland, Katrin Eismann, Harris Fogel, Tim Grey, Deke McClelland, Bert Monroy, Eddie Tapp, Vincent Versace, and John Beardsworth, among others.

The Grand Prize package valued at $6600.00 includes:

• Adobe Web Bundle (Creative Suite 2 & Macromedia Studio 8)
• Pantone Reference Library
• GretagMacbeth Eye-One Display 2 Pro monitor calibrator
• Nik Software Nik Sharpener Pro
• Premium Subscription to Lynda.com
• iView Multimedia iView Media Pro3
• JupiterImages 1-year subscription to Photos.com
• Shutterstock.com 3-month subscription
• Lensbabies Lensbaby 2.0
• Software Cinema DVDs:
  • Photoshop Fundamentals and Advanced Techniques
  • Advanced Masking Techniques
  • Image Restoration, Repair & Enhancement
  • Pro Techniques I & II Plus Color Management
  • Best of Photoshop CS2
• Total Training DVD: Advanced Photoshop CS2
• O'Reilly Media Gift Certificate
• iStockPhoto Gear & Free Credits
• Lowepro Rolling CompuTrekker Plus AW Bag
• Wetzel & Co. Backgrounds/Textures 6 CD Bundle

Prizes will also be awarded to the best in each of the five categories, as well as to runners-up. The five categories are: Blending Modes, Filter Effects, Fine Art Effects, Photo Effects, and Retouching.

Each prize winner will be notified by e-mail or telephone by October 9, 2006. Prize winners will also be announced at PhotoPlus Expo in New York City in November, 2006.

Sound like fun? Well, get cookin'!

Contest Rules

Book Review: Photoshop Digital Studio Cookbook Series