Common Questions About My Work

As a Product Manager at Adobe, I work closely with the creative community, photographers, and designers to help them craft more efficient imaging workflows. I focus primarily on Adobe Photoshop, and Lightroom, providing support, creating educational content, and gathering feedback to help improve these products.

My role involves understanding user needs, working with engineering teams to prioritize features, and ensuring that Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom continue to meet the evolving needs of creative professionals. I also speak at events, create tutorials, and engage with the community through various channels to stay connected with how people are using these tools in their daily work.

Getting started with Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom can seem overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes all the difference. I recommend beginning with understanding the fundamental concepts:

• Layers and Masks: These are the foundation of non-destructive editing in Photoshop
• Basic Tools: Familiarize yourself with selection tools, brushes, and adjustment layers
• Lightroom Workflow: Learn the Library and Develop modules for organizing and editing photos
• Practice Regularly: The best way to learn is by doing - experiment with your own photos

Check out my getting started guide on the blog, or explore the Adobe XD tutorials I've created. You can also find many resources on Adobe.com and the Adobe Help Center.

I work with a variety of camera equipment depending on the project and location. For my landscape and travel photography, I focus on capturing the moment with whatever tools are available - whether that's a full-frame DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even a smartphone.

The most important aspect isn't the equipment itself, but rather understanding light, composition, and post-processing techniques. I believe that great photography comes from the photographer's vision and technique, not just the gear. That said, I do rely heavily on Adobe Lightroom for organizing and editing my images.

Check out my Lightroom workflow tips to see how I process my images, and visit my gallery to see examples of my photography work.

Absolutely! I regularly speak at design conferences, workshops, and events about Adobe products, design workflows, and creative processes. I'm available for speaking engagements on topics including:

• Product Management in Creative Software
• Design Workflows and Efficiency
• Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom Best Practices
• Photography and Post-Processing Techniques
• AI Agents & Assistants in Creative Work
• Building Creative Communities

I'm available for conferences, workshops, and events throughout Canada, the United States, and internationally. You can view my speaker profile for more details, or contact me directly to discuss speaking opportunities. I've presented at events like DesignThinkers Conference, UX Writer Conference, General Assembly, Calgary UX, Terminal, and various design communities.

I create tutorials and guides on various platforms to help you learn and improve your design and photography skills:

• Website Tutorials: Check out the articles page on my homepage for Adobe XD and design workflow tutorials
• Blog: Read in-depth articles on my blog covering Photoshop, Lightroom, and design techniques
• YouTube: Watch my design talks and tutorial videos on YouTube
• Social Media: Follow me on social media for quick tips, workflow insights, and behind-the-scenes content

I regularly share tips, workflows, and educational content across these platforms to help the creative community grow and improve their skills.

The best way to reach me is via email at matt@mattrae.ca. I'm always happy to answer questions about Adobe products, design workflows, or photography!

You can also connect with me on:

• Twitter - For quick updates and conversations
• LinkedIn - For professional connections
• Social Links - View all my social media profiles and contact methods

For speaking engagement inquiries, please visit my speaker profile page for more information.