LEARN THE FUNDAMENTALS OF PHOTOSHOP
I've created a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to learn the basics of Photoshop for their photography.
My guide will take you from beginner to advanced in no time.
Different people learn in different ways. For some, reading ebooks, searching online tutorials and watching training videos works well while others need a more interactive experience to learn effectively. I am passionate about photography education and truly want you to become a better photographer. For years I have taught others the art of photography and how to gain all the skills necessary to achieve the style and quality of images they desire. While my primary focus is wildlife, landscape, and nature photography, any skills we pick up through a private lesson can be applied to all types of photography.
My private photography lessons are exactly that – personal, one-on-one lessons tailored to you. You'll be able to ask me questions live on the spot and get immediate feedback on your technique and final images. To guarantee you get the best experience possible, I only teach subjects I know inside and out while making sure we focus on the areas you need assistance with the most.
If you live near or are traveling to Monterey Bay we can meet in person! Of course not everyone can travel to Monterey Bay (especially during COVID!), so we can also arrange a private online lesson through Zoom. The online lessons are perfect if you live farther away or are looking to increase your knowledge and skills with your post processing workflow using Photoshop, Adobe Camera RAW, or Lightroom. Whatever your needs may be, I can help!
intro video
Course Curriculum
Getting Started
1. Intro to Photoshop
2. Preferences, Settings, and Optimization
3. Setting up your Workspace
4. Open Images in Photoshop
5. Open Images Using Lightroom
Tools
6. Intro to Tools
7. Saving and Closing Images
8. Brush Tool
9. Crop Tool
10. Move Tool
Levels
11. Layers
12. Layer Masks
13. Using Selections with Masks
Adjustments
14. Intro to Adjustments
15. Brightness Contrast
16. Levels
17. Curves
18. Exposure
19. Vibrance
20. Hue/Saturation
21. Color Balance
22. Selective Color
23. Black and White
24. Blending Modes
25. Solid Color and Photo Filter
26. Smart Objects
Filters
27. Intro to Filters
28. Camera RAW Filter
29. Adaptive Wide Angle Filter
30. Gaussian and Motion Blur Filters
31. Lens Blur Filter
32. Sharpening Filters
33. Noise Reduction Filters
Other Actions
34. Shadows/Hightlights
35. Dodge/Burn
36. Healing and Cloning
37. Transformations, Perspective, and Warping
Workflow and Output
38. Intro to Workflow
39. RAW Workflow
40. Non-destructive Workflow
41. Workflow Example #1
42. Workflow Example #2
43. Workflow Example #3
44. Extensions
45. Creating Images for Web/Social Media
46. Creating Images for Print
47. End of Course
video slideshow of tutorial examples
Frequently asked questions
How do I use Zoom or Skype? Where do I get it?
Both Zoom and Skype are free to download and run on a variety of OS versions (both Windows and Mac). It is very easy to install the client. Do this before our meeting. A short time before our session, I will email a meeting link to you. Click on the link and you’ll join right in.
Should I do an in-person or online photography lesson?
I always like to talk with whomever wants a lesson in advance to make sure I understand everything possible about what it is you are looking to learn. During our emails or phone calls before the lesson, we will decide what is best for you!
Can I get in person coaching?
Yes, certainly, provided you (and I!) are in the Monterey Bay, California area. This is a good option if you want advice on using your camera, reading a location and choosing a composition. I recommend at least a 2-hour block of time for an in person lesson. Lessons can be given in other locations, but additional fees apply for travel. Please inquire for more details!
What can we photograph in-person around Monterey Bay?
Do I need to use my entire lesson time in a single sitting?
It depends on what you are looking to learn! Some subjects can be taught rather easily within 1-2 hours, but many students prefer to have ongoing lessons. Maybe you want to schedule 1 lesson every week or every month or maybe you want to start with an in-person lesson and then follow-up with an online lesson where to post process some of the photos we have taken. We can decide all of this as we go along as flexibility is key!
My schedule changed last minute. What do I do?
Cost
In-Person Private Lessons (1-2 students)*
Perfect for enhancing your photography skills!
First hour: $150
Second hour: $120
Third hour and beyond: $90 / hour
After the first hour, the rate is measured by 15-minute increments at a prorated amount. So rest assured if you reach over an additional hour, you will not be charged outright for that whole hour!
Example: 2.75 hour private lesson is $337.50 ($270 for first two hours plus $67.50 for additional 45 minutes)
* After 2 students, every additional student is an added $20 per person per hour. These rates apply to lessons in the Monterey Bay area. Additional rates apply for lessons in other locations.
Private Online Lessons (e.g. Zoom)
Excellent for post-processing and basic camera skills!
First hour: $100
Second hour: $80
Third hour and beyond: $70 / hour
Example: 3.5 hour private lesson: $285 ($250 for first three hours followed by prorated amount of $35 for additional 30 minutes)
Save an additional 10% on your total if you sign up for both an in-person and online lesson! Inquire for more details.