Adobe Photoshop CC: The Complete Guide
Ben Willmore
Lessons
Introduction to Photoshop
56:15 2How to Use Camera RAW
1:06:19 3Making Selections in Adobe Photoshop
1:08:06 4Using Layers in Adobe Photoshop
1:28:09 5Using Layer Masks in Adobe Photoshop
1:03:14 6Tools Panel in Adobe Photoshop
1:13:27 7Adjustment Layers in Adobe Photoshop
1:04:25 8Color Adjustments in Adobe Photoshop
1:31:57Retouching Images in Adobe Photoshop
58:47 10Layer Blending Modes
1:03:19 11How to Use Filters in Adobe Photoshop
55:46 12Advanced Photoshop Masks
1:35:23 13Using Smart Objects in Adobe Photoshop
1:09:16 14Photography for Photoshop
1:00:11 15Photo Retouching in Photoshop
1:31:15 16Warp, Bend, Liquify
1:40:43 17Advanced Photoshop Layers
1:39:53 18Photoshop Tips and Tricks
1:07:39 19Photoshop Actions
1:25:48 20Troubleshooting Photoshop
1:09:07 21Photoshop Q&A
21:50Class Description
Note: For a long-form bootcamp version of this class, click here.
AFTER THIS CLASS YOU’LL BE ABLE TO:
Use layer masks to manipulate your images and edit photos
Understand how Blend Modes can help you create cool effects
Learn about the various tools and panels
Discover the secrets of smart objects
Use filters to fix problems and create eye-catching effects
Learn about color adjustments, such as hue, saturations, and lightness
ABOUT BEN’S CLASS:
Adobe® Photoshop® CC is a huge, unwieldy program with tons of features and capabilities perfect for photo editing. But with the right instruction and a little perseverance, you can master it and create next-level images that will wow your audience.
Ben Willmore is the perfect guide for your journey through Adobe Photoshop CC. His easy-going, straightforward style takes the mystery out of this powerful program and makes you feel like you can tackle anything. Ben divides this course into easy-to-manage, bite-size chunks, so you can master each skill one at a time and gradually build your confidence.
This class will show you:
How to use Camera RAW to adjust the majority of your images.
Tips to automate repetitive actions to speed up your workflow using keyboard shortcuts.
Selection essentials so you can work on small areas in an image.
Various ways to fix problem areas.
Advanced techniques when retouching images.
For students who’ve only been using Adobe Lightroom or Adobe Illustrator, this is a great way to learn about the many advantages of Photoshop Creative Cloud and its new features. Ben will instruct you in everything from retouching to compositing to masking to troubleshooting, all the while giving you helpful examples and visual aids to drive home each lesson. By the end of this intensive course, you’ll be ready to make some serious magic with Photoshop CC.
WHO THIS CLASS IS FOR:
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced users of Adobe Photoshop.
Those who want to gain confidence in Adobe Photoshop and learn new features to help edit photos.
Students who’d like to take ordinary images and make them look extraordinary with some image editing or Photoshop fixes.
SOFTWARE:
Adobe Photoshop CC (2015 and newer)
Bundle with Up to Speed with Photoshop and Bridge 2023 to save on Ben's updated course!
Summary (Generated from Transcript)
The theme of this class is Adobe Photoshop CC and its various features and tools.
Students will learn a wide range of topics in this class, including understanding the basics of Photoshop, learning about adjustments, retouching, layers, advanced techniques like masking and blending modes, using Camera Raw, making selections, using layers, adjustment layers, and layer masks, color adjustments, using blending modes, and using filters.
The benefit of learning these topics is that students will gain a comprehensive understanding of Photoshop and its capabilities. They will be able to confidently use Photoshop to edit and enhance images, create digital artwork, and apply various effects and adjustments. This knowledge can be applied to a variety of personal and professional projects, such as photography, graphic design, and digital art.
Frequently asked questions about the theme of this class may include:
What are the main topics covered in this course?
Who is this class designed for?
How is the class structured?
What are the different ways to open images in Photoshop?
What should be considered when choosing the resolution for printing?
How can different tools be accessed in the Tools panel?
How can panels be accessed and customized in Photoshop?
How can you bring a panel to the front?
How can you collapse or expand a panel?
How can you close or hide a panel?
What does the "Close Tab Group" option do?
How can you change the order of tabs in the panels?
How can you separate a panel from a group?
How can you resize a panel?
How can you collapse a panel into an icon?
What are the keyboard shortcuts for zooming in and out?
How can you navigate around a zoomed-in document?
What are the temporary keyboard shortcuts for accessing the zoom and hand tools?
What is the Exposure slider in Camera Raw?
How can you adjust only the bright areas of an image without affecting the dark areas in Camera Raw?
What is the advantage of using a raw file over a jpeg file in Camera Raw?
How can you correct lens problems, such as chromatic aberration or tilted lines, in Camera Raw?
What can you do if the corrections in Camera Raw result in empty areas in the image?
What adjustments can be made in Camera Raw?
How can you remove chromatic aberrations in Camera Raw?
Why are xmp files created when adjusting raw files in Camera Raw?
What is the purpose of the Save Image button in Camera Raw?
How can selections be used in Photoshop?
What is a selection in Photoshop?
What are some reasons for making selections in Photoshop?
What is the "marching ants" in Photoshop?
How can selections be created in Photoshop?
How can selections be modified or refined in Photoshop?
How can selections be removed in Photoshop?
What is Quick Mask mode in Photoshop?
How can you add to or subtract from a selection in Photoshop?
How can you create a precise selection in Photoshop?
How can you simplify an image in Photoshop?
What is Quick Mask mode in Photoshop?
How can you remove the background from a signature in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of the Feather tool in Photoshop?
How can you save a selection in Photoshop?
What are some tips for using the Magic Wand tool in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of the styles panel?
How can you create more complex shapes using the shape tool?
How can you create custom brushes in Photoshop?
What is the difference between brush presets and tool presets?
How can you create a more realistic painting effect using the mixer brush tool?
What is the purpose of the background layer in Photoshop?
How do you merge layers in Photoshop?
What is the difference between merge layers and merge visible in Photoshop?
What does flatten image do in Photoshop?
How can you move a copy of a layer in Photoshop?
What is a layer mask?
How do you add a layer mask to a layer?
What does black and white represent in a layer mask?
Can you use filters and adjustments on a layer mask?
How can you combine multiple images using layer masks?
How can you fix or refine a layer mask?
How can you paste an image into a layer mask?
How can you adjust a layer mask?
How can you add a solid color layer to fill in the background of a layer mask?
What is the purpose of the foreground and background colors in Photoshop?
How can you switch between the foreground and background colors in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of the crop tool in Photoshop?
How can you straighten an image using the crop tool?
How can you select colors in Photoshop?
How can you save and access colors in Photoshop?
What is the libraries panel used for in Photoshop?
What are the advantages of using adjustment layers in Photoshop?
How can you change the blending mode of adjustment layers in Photoshop?
How can you adjust the settings of adjustment layers in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of the Hue/Saturation adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you adjust the hue and saturation of specific colors in Photoshop?
How can you create a sepia effect in Photoshop using adjustment layers?
What is the purpose of the Levels adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you adjust the tonal range of an image using the Levels adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Curves adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you adjust the brightness and contrast of an image using the Curves adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Vibrance adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you adjust the overall saturation of an image using the Vibrance adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Color Balance adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you adjust the color balance of an image using the Color Balance adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Photo Filter adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you apply color filters to an image using the Photo Filter adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Gradient Map adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you apply gradient maps to an image using the Gradient Map adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Selective Color adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you adjust specific colors in an image using the Selective Color adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Channel Mixer adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you adjust the color channels of an image using the Channel Mixer adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Black & White adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you convert an image to black and white using the Black & White adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Invert adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you invert the colors of an image using the Invert adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Threshold adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you convert an image to a black and white silhouette using the Threshold adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Exposure adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you adjust the exposure of an image using the Exposure adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Shadows/Highlights adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you adjust the shadows and highlights of an image using the Shadows/Highlights adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Color Lookup adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you apply color grading and color effects to an image using the Color Lookup adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Lighten adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you lighten specific areas of an image using the Lighten adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Darken adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you darken specific areas of an image using the Darken adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Overlay adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you apply a combination of blend modes to an image using the Overlay adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Soft Light adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you apply a soft, contrast-y effect to an image using the Soft Light adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Difference adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you create a high-contrast effect using the Difference adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Colorize adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you apply a single color tone to an image using the Colorize adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Posterize adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you reduce the number of colors in an image using the Posterize adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Desaturate adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you remove color from an image using the Desaturate adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Gradient adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you apply gradient overlays to an image using the Gradient adjustment layer?
What is the purpose of the Equalize adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you equalize the histogram of an image using the Equalize adjustment layer?
Are adjustment layers non-destructive in Photoshop?
Can adjustment layers be edited or removed at any time in Photoshop?
How can adjustment layers be applied to specific parts of an image in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of layer masks in Photoshop?
How can you use layer masks to hide or reveal parts of an image in Photoshop?
What is the difference between a layer mask and an adjustment layer in Photoshop?
How can you create a layer mask in Photoshop?
Can layer masks be edited or modified after they are created in Photoshop?
How can you refine the edges of a layer mask in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of the refine edge feature in Photoshop?
How can you use the refine edge feature to improve the selection of hair or fur in an image?
Can layer masks be applied to multiple layers in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of blending modes in Photoshop?
How can blending modes be used to combine layers in Photoshop?
What is the difference between normal blending mode and blending modes that affect transparency in Photoshop?
What is the difference between blending modes that affect brightness and blending modes that affect contrast in Photoshop?
How can you change the blending mode of a layer in Photoshop?
Can blending modes be applied to adjustment layers in Photoshop?
How can you use blending modes to create special effects in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of filters in Photoshop?
How can filters be used to apply effects to images in Photoshop?
What is the difference between smart filters and regular filters in Photoshop?
How can you apply filters to smart objects in Photoshop?
What is the advantage of using smart filters in Photoshop?
Can filters be adjusted or removed after they are applied in Photoshop?
How can you stack multiple filters to achieve a desired effect in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of the camera raw filter in Photoshop?
How can you use the camera raw filter to make adjustments to an image in Photoshop?
Can the camera raw filter be applied to non-raw files in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of the liquify filter in Photoshop?
How can you use the liquify filter to distort or manipulate an image in Photoshop?
Can the liquify filter be used to make precise adjustments in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of the noise filter in Photoshop?
How can you use the noise filter to add or reduce noise in an image in Photoshop?
Can the noise filter be used to create texture or grain effects in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of the blur filter in Photoshop?
How can you use the blur filter to create soft or blurred effects in an image in Photoshop?
Can the blur filter be applied selectively to specific areas in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of the sharpen filter in Photoshop?
How can you use the sharpen filter to enhance the details and sharpness of an image in Photoshop?
Can the sharpen filter be applied selectively to specific areas in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of the distort filter in Photoshop?
How can you use the distort filter to warp or transform an image in Photoshop?
Can the distort filter be applied selectively to specific areas in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of the stylize filter in Photoshop?
How can you use the stylize filter to add artistic or stylized effects to an image in Photoshop?
Can the stylize filter be applied selectively to specific areas in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of the render filter in Photoshop?
How can you use the render filter to create 3D or lighting effects in an image in Photoshop?
Can the render filter be applied selectively to specific areas in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of the other category in the filter menu in Photoshop?
How can you use filters to apply effects to text, shapes, or other elements in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of using smart objects with filters in Photoshop?
How can smart objects be used to apply filters non-destructively in Photoshop?
Can filters be adjusted or removed after being applied to a smart object in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of using blending modes with smart objects in Photoshop?
How can blending modes be used to blend the effects of filters with the underlying image in Photoshop?
Can blending modes be adjusted or changed after being applied to a smart object in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of using layer masks with smart objects in Photoshop?
How can layer masks be used to selectively apply or hide the effects of filters on a smart object in Photoshop?
Can layer masks be adjusted or modified after being applied to a smart object in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of using adjustment layers with smart objects in Photoshop?
How can adjustment layers be used to further enhance or modify the effects of filters on a smart object in Photoshop?
Can adjustment layers be adjusted or modified after being applied to a smart object in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of using blending modes, layer masks, and adjustment layers together in Photoshop?
How can blending modes, layer masks, and adjustment layers be combined to create complex and customized effects in Photoshop?
Can blending modes, layer masks, and adjustment layers be adjusted or modified after being applied in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of using smart objects with other file types, such as Raw files and Illustrator files, in Photoshop?
How can smart objects be used to preserve the original content of Raw files and Illustrator files in Photoshop?
Can Raw files and Illustrator files be modified or updated after being converted to smart objects in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of nesting and duplicating smart objects in Photoshop?
How can nested and duplicated smart objects be used to create complex compositions or templates in Photoshop?
Can nested and duplicated smart objects be adjusted or modified individually in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of using Smart Objects in Photoshop libraries?
How can Smart Objects in Photoshop libraries be used to share and reuse assets across different projects?
Can Smart Objects in Photoshop libraries be updated or modified after being added to a project?
What are some limitations or considerations when working with Smart Objects in Photoshop?
What is the purpose of using Smart Objects in Photoshop?
How can I create a panorama or HDR photograph using multiple exposures?
What are the benefits of using advanced retouching techniques in Photoshop?
How can I use warping and bending to distort and manipulate objects in Photoshop?
What are the advantages of using advanced layers in Photoshop?
How can I automate tasks and create actions in Photoshop to save time?
What are some common issues and troubleshooting tips in Photoshop?
Can you provide specific guidance on a particular feature or technique in Photoshop?
Class Materials
Bonus Materials with Purchase
Ratings and Reviews
Mary
Ben Willmore is exceptionally and intimately knowledgeable about Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, including Bridge and Camera Raw, and how they work together. He's also a wonderful photographer. That's great, but what's even better for us is that he's an incredible and generous teacher. He shares his knowledge and experience in an organized, thorough, thoughtful and relatable way. I envy his efficiency with words and ideas! He isolates hard-to-understand concepts - things we'd be unlikely to figure out on our own - and explains them in simple terms and with on point and memorable examples. I completely enjoy Ben's teaching methods and his personality. His admiration and appreciation of his wife, Karen, are telling of what a good guy he must be, and he's got just an overall pleasant personality. I love his amusement when something "ridiculous" happens during an edit! This bootcamp is fantastic and just what I need. It's only one of Ben's many CL classes that I've watched and learned from - they are all excellent. Thank you, Ben Willmore. (And Karen!)
Lynn Buente
I purchased this course ---SMART MOVE!--because, at 74, I learn more slowly and need more practice. While I've had some "novice" experience with PS, this course is moving me along in a totally different way. Most tutorials just tell you what to do. Ben tells you not only WHAT to do, but WHY (--or why not) and HOW. Understanding better can lead to using the practices in PS more fluently AND to greater freedom to be creative. I find Ben's approach to be kind of a "come as you are" session. No matter where you are on the learning spectrum, there is something to review, something new, or a brand new challenge. The relaxed manner of presentation is great, but doesn't minimize the content of the class. I appreciate the additional explanations and theory. These help to make total sense of the tools and practices of good editing. I would really recommend that, if possible, you purchase the course. The practice images, the homework, and the evolving workbook are great review and reference points. Personally, I have downloaded the classes by week so I can view, re-view, and stop, start, and repeat segments as often as I need to --which is often! Also, sometimes I like to view and work on one segment of the class at a time. My study of this course will be a LOT LONGER than four weeks, and I know I'll be referring to it as long as I'm a Photoshop user. Thanks, Ben! (And thanks to your wife for her contribution as well.)
Carol Senske
I've used PS for about five years in many of it's various versions. Learning on your won is a tough proposition, and I've struggled the whole time. Seeing work I admired and that inspired me to strive for great er things then not being ablr to figure out how to do them was a major frustration. The jargon was sometimes foreign, the complexity of the program overwhelming but I soldiered on and learned bits and pieces. A friend recommended Ben's course and I immediately came to CL to see what she was so thrilled about - I was amazed! Ben is down-to-earth, explains each step, gives shortcuts, defines terms, and shows how to accomplish what he's teaching. After two weeks I bought the class. I not only bought the Photoshop course but I added the Lightroom course as well. I'll do that, on my own, when things slow down a bit, and I have no doubt that course will help me even more than the PS course. I'm totally at sea with LR. I like Ben's teaching style, appreciate all the homework and extras included, and greatly appreciate the magnificent, easy to use, workbook by Ben's wife. I give my wholehearted endorsement for this course!