Week 3 / Video 3
Photography FRESH START
Week 3 / Project 2
Welcome to our last week of Fresh Start 2022
Links mentinoed in this video:
1. Free Course Updates if you Purchased my Lightroom and/or Photoshop System Courses (Click Here)
2. To Find out more about my Photoshop System Course which was updated and on sale this week. (Click Here)
3. Find out more about my Lightroom System Course which was updated and on sale this week as well. (Click Here)
Week #3 / Project #3 – Focus!
In our last Fresh Start video I wanted to talk to you about what to do next when it comes to your photo editing and a concept that I think will help you all year long if you really take it to heart – Focus!
Thanks Matt. Was late in watching this video, so missed the sale, but will definitely think about purchasing your Photoshop Lessons course. I picked up some good ideas.
Matt this was fantastic and timely as we are beginning to think of restarts in all aspects of our lives
Thanks, Matt, enjoyed this and learned a number of new tips.
Matt, Your Fresh Start program was just what I needed to get energized and take action. I appreciated the twice weekly videos and different focus for each; I was able to easily act on what I learned which fueled further engagement with your series and available video courses. Thank you!!
Matt – thanks so much for the three-week Fresh Start Course. I’ve done your excellent Lightroom Course, and have signed up to the new Photoshop one. I’m sure that with your informative and encouraging teaching style you will de-mystify this complex piece of software that threatens to overwhelm me! Best wishes for 2022!
Thanks, Matt. This presentation was a good motivator for more PS knowledge.
Matt you are the only educator who has been able to teach me some PS! The focus video was great because I was starting to sweat the “big picture”. Thank you for your motivation, free upgrades and a fresh start to 2022 photography.
Thanks Matt , I have enjoyed the fresh start series and have learned a lot along the way .
Great 3 week Fresh start – kick me in the behind get stated course! Just gotta say though, back in April 2020 I watched your Edit Like a Pro LR & PS video presented to a bunch of Camera clubs. Then signed up for your emails, bought a few courses. Since then I cannot even measure how much I have learned from your tutorials. My goal was to not hate Photoshop! You have given me the necessary tools in an uncomplicated way allowing me to get comfortable, experiment….and have FUN doing it! Thanks so much Matt.
Oh my! I think I need to watch this several more times. There was just so much to know. Just need to use it…or lose it! Need to make a good list and DO IT.
Thanks so much.
Matt, Thanks for the fresh start program! Lots of great ideas and suggestions to reinvigorate my photography journey.
Thank you, Matt, for all your valuable information. I am so glad I registered for Fresh Start 2022. I do want to make this the year that I learn Photoshop properly and I am looking so forward to it!
Thank you, Matt. As others have said, I bought your PS course 2 years ago and have only gotten through some of it. I have done most of my work in LR. I have procrastinated. I confess. I love your style as it feels you are in the room chatting with me and making a whole lot of anxt leave my shoulders. I am rejuvenated and will be dedicating several hours a week to learning PS. I am retired and it is cold up north so I have no more excuses!! Have a good day and thanks, again.
Thanks for an inspiring Fresh Start. I noticed an iPad in the foreground of the video and wondered if you use that for sole editing and review while traveling or just as a 2nd screen when using your Mac. Because of the weight saving I am interested in trying to use just the iPad while traveling but so far find the iPad version of Lightroom didn’t work well for me. Probably because I don’t know the software well.
Will you consider a course focused on the iPad or tablet devices for use while traveling or do you have a suggestion of someone who has such a course?
Thanks again for alll you educational efforts.
Hi Peter. I don’t use an iPad for editing at all. Not sure if you have my LR System, but I do go over using the iPad for Lightroom (and it’s limitations) in that. As for Photoshop, it’s just nowhere near Photoshop on the computer to me so I don’t use it at all. Thanks!
Thanks
My main goal is to be able to review recent images while traveling with the long term plan being to edit later on a more robust computer – although the iPad is getting there.
My organizational system is to keep image files in folders by date. I try to cull ‘selects Ito a separate subfolder for later fine tuning. Interestingly file management has been a big part of my challenge. Another is that until recently the Sony A1 hadn’t been supported on iOS (the RAW format wasn’t supported.) Not sure whether to blame Sony or Apple on that one.
Since you haven’t developed a workflow for that I understand why you have nothing focused on the iPad. I do have many of your courses including Lightroom and Photoshop. Just updated the files.
Thanks for your practical advice on photography and post processing.
Hi Peter. I don’t believe there is a good iPad workflow at this point so it’s not something I teach much. Thanks.
Hi Matt. Thanks for an excellent Fresh Start course. Gets everyone thinking and up to speed. A particular thanks for the updates for both the LR and PS courses I was thinking of doing a refresher in both this year especially PS so thank you so much for updating your original courses free of charge. Extremely generous but much appreciated
Hey Matt, Thanks for the great 3 week Fresh Start. Lots of new ideas and help with things I had questions about. I enjoyed this last video where you do a quick tutorial on a few things that are so helpful to use in Photoshop.
I enjoy your method of teaching and the support you offer. I just purchased the Lightroom Photoshop Bundle. I think I may start with the Photoshop as I have decided this IS the year I need to learn it!!! So thanks for the head start and the new courses. I can’t wait to dive in!!!
Great final video and loved the Fresh Start. I am going to stop perfecting Lightroom and focus on the 5 topics you gave us for Photoshop. Starting now. THANKS
Thanks Matt! I very much appreciate Fresh Start to get me moving on PS & LR. Trying to understand connection between Lightroom Cloud Based & Lightroom Classic so I can get proper storage and move on to learning more about PS. I have used PS Elements previously but PS has left me very confused. I will purchase your PS & LR.
Hi Matt,
In the video you demonstrated a sky reflection in a lake. It was so amazingly easy looking compared to the old way of doing it–a lot of adjusting and fine tune erasing-arrgghh! Any way you could post a short tutorial on the process? BTW, thanks so much for the free updates.
Hi Matt,
Thank you for your time and effort in the Fresh Start 2022, it was very useful and helped me to get more focussed on what is important and where to stop procrastinating.
Looking forward to 2023 when I can look back to today and see my improvement.
Hi Matt,
thanks for the great Fresh Start 2022.
Now that I’ve been on it for the third time, I haven’t had quite as much to do.
My website has been up to date since then and I have my backups on an external hard drive and at Backblaze and don’t need to worry about that anymore.
Now a little bit about my software history:
Until the second Fresh Start 2020 I used ON1 PhotoRAW to edit my photos and was very happy with it.
Then Matt had the great offer for his “Photoshop System” and I decided, since I always wanted to learn Photoshop, to give it a try.
Since then I’ve been excited about what Photoshop does for my photos and I’ve been learning something new all the time.
A few coincidences came along as well:
The first “Virtual Photoshop Summit” by Dave Cross where I learned some interesting things about PS. What all is possible and, much more crucial, what I don’t want to do!
At that Summit I got stuck with Matt’s friend Blake Rudis, who I’ve been following ever since and have since signed up at f64elite.com.
I’ve learned a lot about PS over the past two years, tried lots of courses from lots of teachers, and can now say, “Matt and Blake are by far the best on the planet!”
I can only recommend to anyone thinking about taking a course from Matt to buy it now, because the price is low, but what you learn cannot be paid for with money.
The incredibly big program PS becomes very small through Matt’s “Photoshop System”, because Matt explains in simple words piece by piece what you can do with your photos.
You will be surprised how phenomenal your photos will look.
Enjoy!
PS: I just treated myself to “The Art of Landscape Editing” course and am in chapter two.
And what can I say, “I’ve learned lots of new Photoshop stuff again!”
Matt, Thank you for the updates on Lightroom and Photoshop. Much appreciated! I am overwhelmed by photoshop as I don’t use it as much as I should (Fear!) I will take your advice and run through the updated photoshop videos and focus on the the 5 areas you highlighted. Then PRACTICE!!!!! Love the Fast start to get moving in 2022 as well..
Thank you! I actually did everything this time… And i own the courses but have never done them all the way, so I am hoping to try just a lesson or two a week- (i could say per day but don’t want to set myself up for failure!)– Looking forward to getting out some old photos that could use some new techniques on them! I have always had some basic skills in both PS and LR, but once i could do what i thought i needed i stopped learning more and I know I could do better!
Thanks of all of the good ideas Matt, gives me more of an incentive to learn more PS and LR
Thank you, Matt. You are a very generous instructor and I appreciate your patience, style, and body of knowledge, especially during these three weeks of Fresh Start.
For the coming year, though, I will need to take a step back and go back to the basics (I was shooting some white birds at dusk today and couldn’t get the right exposures for the life of me!). Do you only offer post-production courses, or do you also offer some more basic in-camera instruction as well? If so, I’d be interested in exploring some of those options.
I hope to advance in the years ahead so that I can benefit from the deeper knowledge you so easily share.
Thank you again, and happy shooting!
As always, Matt, thank you so very much for your instructive videos. You have a huge number of folks who have said everything I’d like to say about the quality of your material, your teaching style, approachability & on & on & on. Well deserved accolades.
Continued success with your business.
Matt, This was a great way to “focus” in on a New Year of photography learning and be able to look back in January 2023 and see the growth in what I have accomplished in this area. I love the way you teach, as many others have also echoed those same sentiments, and appreciate all that you give to this community! I have both your systems now( new LR and upgrade from PS) and look forward to working on the topics discussed this week. Blessing to you and your family!
Melinda
Thanks for the informative videos over the past 3 weeks, Matt. Among other things, it motivated me to review and (hopefully) improve my backup situation. Now maybe I can forget about that & focus on the photos :).
Fortunately, the basic Adobe subscription gives me both Lightroom and Photoshop, so there’s no need to choose.
Thrilled with the PS and LR updates. I got about 1/4 through the Photoshop course a couple years ago and spring came, with all the outside work an acreage and big garden demands. Last winter I did the Art of Composition to get ready for a trip to Maine instead of finishing PS and LR. The sale on your Landscape Editing course lured me in, too. While we can’t go anywhere until Covid dies down and the snow disappears, it’s a perfect opportunity to stay inside and learn something new. If I can’t travel, I can reedit old stuff.
Thank You. I just rewatched the videos, reread my comments & wrote up more complete notes with action items. All good. I got something from every one. From seeing how many not sharp photos I had when looking for the 20 “best” ones to share. To making a plan on really learning my camera and really practicing. Really, I mean it this time. 🙂 To stop worrying about software and focus on LR & PS especially the PS areas you suggested. And all the rest. So much to work on. This has been great. Thank You.
Many years ago, I started using Photoshop Elements and found it very powerful and useful. Eventually I moved to using Lightroom for about 95% of my editing needs as more and more features were added. I will still from time to time switch to PSE for some object removal or very detailed selections.
I keep telling myself I should learn to use Photoshop, but honestly every time I open it up I just feel overwhelmed. Adobe continues to update and make PSE more powerful.
I have not tried your photoshop course, maybe that would get me over the fear of that learning curve to move to photoshop.
Has anyone made the switch from PSE to PS and not looked back?
I did. It was pretty overwhelming, especially since I originally learned by just trying things. That was quite a while ago, and they keep adding things every year. There are so many things hidden in submenus and tabs you’ll never find just poking around. It was a steep learning curve, but I’m glad I switched. I’m working my way through Matt’s PS course now and it’s very helpful.
PSE didn’t have layers or compositing back then, which is why I changed. If you’re happy with it, maybe a newer version of PSE is all you need.
Thanks for the reply Chris. I just watched Matt’s video on his PS course and I have to admit, he’s a good salesman, plus I’ve always liked his style of teaching and approach. The thing is, I get photoshop for free along with my LR subscription, so I’ve now convinced myself it’s something I really should get comfortable with using. I’ve just purchased Matt’s course, so now I need to commit the time and effort to it.
Thanks Matt for your expertise and tips. It’s given me a course of action to pursue going forward.
Thank you very much for this series. My biggest take away is your advice to focus.
Thanks Matt for these three weeks! You’re the greatest and most down to earth educator around! Your courses are motivating even if I know some of the stuff taught and you are always very giving with free advice and updates. Thanks so much!
Thank you for your time and experience! I feel refreshed and ready to get to work!
Great stuff. Thanks so much.
Thanks so much for this fresh start! Lots of food for thought that is not fattening to me but slimming for my wallet😄
Matt, thanks again for the helpful tips and suggestions in these 3 weeks. Thanks also for your generosity of providing not only this free course but also the free updates to courses previously bought.
After searching for various courses on topics I needed help with, I came across your courses. I liked your style and presentation, not too slow and not too fast and always to the point. Since I bought my first course from you, I have not looked back and was never disappointed. Also, your customer service is outstanding and I thank you for that as well.
As to LRC and PS, I found learning LRC easier than learning what I wanted to do in PS. Photoshop to me was and often still is an exercise in frustration but there is hope, I am getting better at it and PS is finally offering more support than they ever did. But your courses have helped me the most. I cannot thank you enough.
Thanks so much for this Fresh Start Matt!!!
Thanks Matt! Really enjoyed the Fresh Start sessions!
Great course thanks Matt! I feel like I’ve definitely learnt some valuable tips and am feeling inspired to move forward with my photography.
Thanks for doing these fresh start videos. I’m taking up your challenge to learn Photoshop this year and appreciate the discount you offered on your course. I’ve used Photoshop a little to do clean up/distraction removal to a small degree and to do some sky replacement but that’s about it. I am now reasonable proficient in Lightroom and am ready to tackle Photoshop.
Thanks for a very helpful set of lessons/projects outlining some very good “taking care of business” suggestions. The timing has been perfect as I have been contemplating signing up for a continuing ed course on Photoshop at the local university but I was skeptical because of the list of topics – many of which I’m sure I would never use. So I looked at your course and it fits my needs perfectly given my editing skills in LR but always knowing in the back of my mind that there were certain things that would be better done in PS. I downloaded your course and worked through the first set of videos which helped me navigate the various menus and tools and panels. The list of topics is exactly what I want to learn so I’m actually looking forward to using PS instead of avoiding it as I have for so many years. I enjoy the manner in which you distil the information. Your deep-dive course in LR Masking and the accompanying presets have also improved my workflow. Bravo!
Matt, as always it has been a rewarding pleasure to experience your masterful presentation of Photoshop and its appendages. I took your first Photoshop course years ago. It moved me from “clicking auto” and doing a bit of this and that to a point where I could begin teaching myself. Moving a person to a point where they can teach themselves is the definition of good teaching. I look forward to the next big comprehensive course. I need to see the parts put together again, especially after all that has happened to Photoshop over the years.
Thank you for the three weeks. And thank you to the participants. I have acquired refreshing insights into good practice, gotten answers to questions and gotten new questions. Thanks to all.
Hi, playing some catch-up here; it’s been a busy, busy week. The Week 3.1 link at the top links to 3.2. Is there a link for 3.1?
Thanks so much for all you do Matt. Your teaching style is a gift so many of us appreciate!
Thanks, Matt for taking the time to put these motivational/learning modules together and for your never wavering encouragement as we pursue our photographic/artistic interests. All the best.
I’ve really enjoyed the past three weeks of learning – thanks Matt. I’ve been saying for years that I need to become more proficient in PS but hesitate to buy a course because I’m not sure I have the time to follow through on it. I’ll give it some thought though because I can see great advantages in using PS for more artistic pursuits which I’d like to embark on.
Matt … Thank You for all the videos and especially your website video courses.
For me, Lr and Ps is a journey of learning my hobby of photography. It is a very fun journey. Your videos and courses challenge me to improve and learn software that sometimes feels overwhelming. I have purchased most of your courses (don’t tell my wife!) and I enjoy every one.
Again, Thank You.
Thanks Matt. This has all been very helpful. I now have my Focus for this year. To finally tackle photoshop. With your help, I know where to start and what to concentrate on. No more frustration of wanting to be able to fix or change something and not being able to figure it out. I can’t count the number of times I’ve tried to do something in PS and just given up after trying and re-trying. I’m looking forward to the first photo I successfully edit in PS.
Thank you Matt for the time and effort you put into this, very helpful. Great closing presentation as was the course in full. Greatly appreciated!!
Great info on what to focus on. I just purchased someone else’s course and now I will reconsider. I will probably take your photoshop system. I love your style.
You hooked me with that foot tilt on the Mary Poppins composite! I’m going to update my (your) Photoshop course and get back into it. I’ve been grouching about how I can’t remember how to do things in Photoshop, needing a refresher course, etc.,especially sine I seem to be moving into the “messing around “ (aka “artistic”) phase of my photography. I think you really did get me going again. What a gift! Ta Matt,
thank you Matt, this has been great and as always very insightful.
I also appreciate you updating the Photoshop system. I brought this class probably 4 or 5 years ago when I was new to photoshop and totally clueless as to what it could do. When I can’t figure something out I do go back to it. With all the changes in Photoshop, this will be very helpful. Janet
Thank you so much for this jumpstart. As a teacher myself I really appreciate your teaching style. I have SO much to do. I’ve started culling photos in order to do a reasonable backup and get most of them off of my Mac and onto backups. I’m continuing my weekly online challenge – 3rd year for me. I was starting to get a little lazy and uninspired and I think you’ve fixed that for me. I did go ahead and purchase the 2-course bundle as I love your style and feel like this will be all I need for a while to continue learning and growing in my photography. A friend just gave me a cello today so that will be competing for my time. I’m retired and continuing to laying low from this crazy virus so I am creatively set for a while. I look forward to seeing where I am a year from now…!
Matt
Thank you gave me new insights on how to go forward.
Your energy and knowledge has been a great source of help as I go forward in my photography and post production.
I’m so glad I signed up for this fresh start course. I had decided no signing up for new courses this year, I had been drowning in too much information, but this was so informative and has steered me in the right direction. I now have a starting point and goals for this year. Thank you.
Thanks Matt great course learned what I need to work on next to move ahead!!
Sadly, the generous offer of a free update to Matt’s LR course doesn’t apply if you purchased it through OnOne (which I did in 2015). Still, Matt’s course was hugely helpful. It set me on course to use LR ever since. (I was migrating from Nikons Capture NX2).
Thanks for a great learning experience. Look forward to continue with your course.
Thank you, Matt, for this Fresh Start class. It’s been helpful.
Thank you, Matt!
Thanks for the three week course Matt, it has been extremely helpful especially as it has sorted out what to get my husband for his birthday as we have been watching the videos together and after watching this last one he decided he’d like the Photoshop course as his present! Ideal! And once he’s finished with it, it can be my turn. Thanks again.
Matt,
I appreciate your commitment to helping folks move forward. This is the year I concentrate on Photoshop! Thanks for your work, teaching and that little push in the right direction!
Thank you so much Matt for this 3 week series. You helped us focus, gave us a ton to think about and organize our edit/processing skills as well as looking at the year ahead to narrow our scope of what to learn and master. I enjoyed my 3 weeks and learned some very important tip/skills along the way.
I started with Photoshop Elements and then moved in to Photoshop. I have never used Lightroom and this video has led me to believe I made the right choice upfront. I have only added the Nik collection and Topaz sharpen and denoise. I have lots to learn but it is fun experimenting with it and eventually it clicks! Thank you for the fresh start.
Great job Matt.
I really like your style of teaching and may look into more of your courses.
Thanks for this awesome start to 2022
Thanks, Matt, for a great Fresh Start to 2022!
Thanks, Matt, I needed that!
Loved the short course. Wonderful and helpful suggestions.
You always know how to get right to the heart of the matter. Having a list of things to focus on in PS makes a lot of sense. Now I can actually dive into the PS System course with a purpose. Thanks so much for putting together this Fast Start course.
Thank you so much for doing this series. Looking forward to being more organized with my photography.
Thank you Matt K
Thank you so much for this very informative fresh start series. Definitely have some work cut out in 2022, and I’m certainly going to try and follow your recommendations and advice.
Thank you for an excellent series of projects. I am an enthusiastic amateur, having been taking photos – sometimes good but mostly bad – for a couple of years, tickling around the edges of editing, so really appreciate these tips and advice for seriously helping to improve my photographic approach. Thank you.
YAY! Great conclusion to great Fresh Start! Happy 2022!!
Thanks for spending your time to help us get better!
Matt, obviously you are a great businessman – NO – what you are is a great TEACHER – who has a business. I am constantly amazed, impressed and thankful for you. You give us all so much because you want us to succeed and enjoy our own accomplishments. I spend a great deal of my free time watching your videos, taking your courses, etc. I cannot begin to tell you how much I have learned and how thankful I am to you. Blessings
Thanks Geoffrey. I really appreciate it. Balancing the need to run a business and make an income, with teaching, doing videos and trying to give away as much as possible is always interesting. I’m thankful I have a community that I can help – and while a successful business is wonderful… I can tell you 100% that reading comments from people who I’ve helped is just as rewarding. Take care!
Thank you. You are a gifted teacher.
Thanks Matt for this quick course!
I’ve been stuck trying to perfect my edits. My goal for this year is to move one and learn the basics of the 5 areas you identified. I’ll be using ON1, but I’m sure it can easily handle the basics.
Thanks for the last few weeks Matt. Very interesting and thought provoking. Having used Lightroom since version 1 or 2 it’s time for me to move onto Photoshop.
Always enjoy your hints and techniques. Thanks.
Thanks, Matt.
Thank yo uMatt for this series.
While there are many admirable experts in LP /Ps ,you have a unique ability to communicate ideas and processes that many others haven’t mastered .That makes so much difference in absorbing and retaining processes.
Thank you very much for this course. Interesting and thought provoking.
A great final session to an interesting, thought provoking course. I have taken a lot away from it.
Thank you.
Thanks Matt,
Really enjoyed your approach to these topics and your suggestions.
I so enjoyed these Fresh Start videos. I am a lightroom user and have only been into photography for a short while. I always wonder when I see unbelievable photos how much of the photo is edited. I understand that it is artistic to change skies, etc and the artistic side interests me, but I cant help but feel that I should be taking wonderful beautiful excellent shots with my
camera and not depend on editing. A bit confused!
An excellent way to focus learning for the upcoming year. I look forward to the update to the Systems. For me, the my key project for the upcoming year is to present the ebb and flow of a city from just prior to the pandemic, and then living through, and sort of emerging from hibernation over the past two years. There are a lot of photos to select from and to build a compelling story. For me, Lightroom is a more important tool to select and organize the photos to tell the story. However, the details of each of photo will need Photoshop to provide the details of the story.
Thanks! I’m one of those who love the simplicity of lists. They give you direction and keep my mind on task.
Great advice, I’ll do my best!
Thanks, Matt. I’ve been following your previous videos’ advice, especially concerning culling pictures and photo file management, e.g. backup, cloning, etc.
Following this one will be harder for me. For too many years, I purchased the latest and greatest photo editing programs. Many new ones use AI and those are hard to give up as they make things easy. One-click equals “Good enough.” But too many options slow me down trying to figure out which magic program to use that day. I need to give up a lot of what I have.
I like your idea of focussing on Photoshop for a year, but I’ve found PS training to be too hard. Many trainers take one image, and then do 15 things to it, e.g. multiple layers, multiple blends, masking this and that, and voila! you have a masterpiece. Then I try to repeat that on one of my images, and I end up hung up on managing layers and get too frustrated to try to repeat the 14 other steps done so easily by the trainer.
I think I purchased your LR class years ago. Maybe I should purchase your Photoshop class to see if focuses on one skill set at a time rather than showing 20 ways to improve 20 image files in each chapter. I’ve seen that done in other Photoshop videos and it is, for me, like drinking from a firehose. I need paced skill learning rather than having everything dumped on each file.
Mike Davis – exactly! This has been my downfall. One image and fifteen adjustments done too quickly ,the dialog hurried.
Hi Mike and Fred. I think a lot of where this stems from is from the tutorials you watch. Every instructor can’t make a video that walks through every single step explaining along the way… “Go to File > Open to open a photo… then click here… etc…”. It would be painful for some one who knows the program. So we do videos that try to shoot right in the middle. Some leave because it’s too basic… some because it’s too advanced. But any channel you watch that has been around for a while has figure out that segment they’re speaking to and that’s who they make videos for.
One thing to consider is to not just watch any photoshop video that comes across your feed. They don’t know your skill level – it’s up to you to search out videos that are meant for your skill level. So every search you do should have the word “beginner” in it if you need them to slow down and show every step. Main point… rather than being reactive to watch a video that didn’t work for you – try being proactive and finding videos that do work for you. Hope that helps 🙂
Thanks so much for doing this Fresh Start Matt. It has been great and helps me keep “focused” 🙂
Photoshop is overwhelming because there IS so much to it. I’ve tried following step-by-step instructions numerous times but what is suppose to happen just doesn’t and discouragement sets in. Not knowing PS, I miss out on the joys of my own creative ideas.
Thanks Matt, I have had a love hate relationship with Photoshop for years, do you think you can make me love it. Also thanks for your fresh start videos, I learned some very useful things along the way.
Very helpful and motivating. Thanks!
Thank you for the “Fresh Start”.
Sold Matt. Been meaning to make use of this programme for years now, and I feel that I can understand and follow your tuition. I am going for it.
Thanks Matt. These were a great set of videos. Very helpful and challenging. It will take me time to work my way through them but it looks like good fun.
Thanks for all your information, this has been a great way to start 2022.
Thanks, Matt. I have taken in-person Photoshop courses before but was discouraged that other students in the class were way ahead of me, I didn’t have time to practice, and I couldn’t review the session so I could grasp what was taught. I take good notes usually but often find they are missing some little step so the project doesn’t come out right. Perhaps your course will finally give me the knowledge and experience I need.
Another key advantage with Matt’s Photoshop System course (viewing either download or online) is the ability to rewatch a topic or segment. You watch at your own pace, letting you try out the examples on your own photos.
Thanks Matt, A great way to start the New Year. You make it look so easy. I have watched your L/R and P/S, Topaz and Masking videos several times but, I still have issues doing it. I guess practice makes perfect, I don’t need to be perfect just better.
Matt, thanks a lot for all this very useful information!
Matt, again a great session just leaves wanting to move on and learn more.
I have really enjoyed the whole Fresh Start sessions great lesson and an amazing presenter you make it look so easy
Many thanks
Ron
Excellent information!! Thank you.
Thanks Matt
Brilliant as always and very much appreciated.
Thank you, Matt, for this video: I am now quite sure that I do not need Lightroom for my issues. I can really do everything in Photoshop. I also use Excire for image management.
However, I still lack some know-how regarding PS and I will learn that because of your updated PS course. You explain everything in a super and comprehensible way. I am sure my photos will shine brighter in the future. 🙂
Thanks Matt. Great content and very helpful!
TX Matt very informative.
Thank you Matt, for a great opportunity to focus and be more intentional with my photography. You are very inspiring and very down to earth… I like that!
You will hear more from me in the future.
Stay in focus,
Sue
Thanks for motivating me for 2022!
Matt, you are an inspirational speaker as well as a teacher and a downright great guy thanks so much for guiding me back to my photographic focus!
Thanks for the inspirational video! I’m looking forward to learning from the updated courses 😊
Thank you, Matt, for this series. I am considering the web site, but am not quite sure of the dimensions and file size to use to migrate to it. I have notes to work with, and am happy I’ve learned things I can use to learn more.
Alice (concerned about folks stealing images, but realize they do. Just want to put images up in a way the if they are taken, they won’t do anyone much good (say for printing).
Thanks for the offer!
This was such a wonderful quick start for the year. Thank you so much! Always learn something and you do get me thinking. I have enjoyed this and will be working to improve.
Thank you very much for this Photoshop info. This might be the year for me to learn Photoshop ! LR user for years and mostly fill all the needs, but sometimes need something more, only thing if you take part in nature photo contest you cannot take any thing away from your photo and change your photo.
Matt,
Thank you so much for three rewarding weeks. Today’s video was crammed with information.
I purchased your Photoshop Course and have completed it once-but have to start again because there is
so much to learn. I also have the Lightroom Course but I have the Cloud Lightroom so I’m not sure if it will be
useful to me.
What do you think?
Hey Matt, thanks for the Fresh Start. This is a great course to get me focused for a year of photography. A couple of action items (hard drives, cloud backup and color space) that I should have sorted by the end of the month so I am good to go shooting!
It was like I was receiving a personal message. I have gotten competent in LrC, but hesitate to move into PS. I purchased your LR/PS suite this fall, but haven’t made time to dive into PS. You’ve given me great encouragement to move to the next step. Thanks for telling us what we need to hear in clear and plain language!
Matt, Excellent Fresh Start Series. Thank you for your time. Will be checking out your courses for sure.
OK .. I said this was the year I learn PS … so here we go … I will give it my best by taking your course … thanks for all the New Start videos … I have a new energy for photography and printing in general …
As always great information, thank you Matt.
I’ve been a Ps & Lr user for many years – have you ever considered creating a course for advanced Ps users? I am sure there are more people like me who listen to tutorials for a nugget or two because we know selections and masking and on and on but then we are listening to someone’s process and they use a tool tucked away in a hidden corner of Ps and we say OMG! How come I’ve never heard of this thing? You could call it “Hidden Nuggets in Ps”.
Whatever you come up with I’m sure it will be well worth anyone’s $$ to learn from you.
Matt, you nailed it!
I have been a Lightroom user for years and I consider myself pretty good at it.
Perfection leads to procrastination!!! This is the year I will master the five segments of PS.
Thanks for the great courses and the Fresh Start.
Art
Great video! I’m looking forward to both your Lightroom and Photoshop Courses. Thanks for all you suggestions!
Thank you very much for the 3 weeks, I thoroughly enjoyed it and also thank you very much for the PS and LR updates. It is appreciated. Your courses are my go to courses and every time I buy and follow it, my images improve. The latest bird photography put my bird photography in a new class! Looking forward to your new courses this year!
Matt
This has been an educational and inspiring three week course. Thank you
Johnny
Thanks for a great course. I have been putting off learning local adjustments in PS and OnONe. May move from OnOne back to PS. Still don’t do anything in LR. These three weeks have put a new focus on where I am in my photography journey. I am comfortable in the field but need to improve my post processing skills. Thanks again.
Great series! Question on Photoshop Course. I bought mine more than a year ago. Will the updates still be available? Thanks again!
Hi. Yes, just click the link in this post for more info for you Thanks
Thank you Matt! Another great Fresh Start! You are so motivating and honest. I truly appreciate you!
Matt,
Fresh Start was a super series. Thanks so much for doing this. You have given me some goals to “focus” on to bring me forward. Thanks also for updating the PS and LR courses. Being old, I have to go back to the course on occasion for refresh. You are the Master. Aloha and Mahalo.
Thanks Matt for these great informative sessions! I really enjoyed them! I am pumped up to focus on my photography again and learn more in Photoshop!
Matt, thank you very much for this course. It has made me aware of what I need to do for goals for the next year etc.
Thanks Matt for the videos and projects over the past three weeks. I’ve enjoyed them all and they have made me think about my organization and also about moving on in my photography. I’ll be looking into your Photoshop course.
lol….ok…I’m motivated!!
Thank you for another great Fresh Start. I always learn something from you. Working on cleaning up and organizing at the moment. The year of FOCUS!
Thanks for the inspiration!
Great course.
Matt, great Fresh Start sessions this year … I’m already looking forward to next year’s. You did/do a great job … so clear, concise , focused on what’s important and so instructive. Always learn a lot from you. AND thanx for the update … very kind of you and thanx for keeping your commitment to those of us that bought into your systems a while ago.
Great session tonight, you’ve convinced me to expand my Photoshop skills, I will purchase the Photoshop package.
Matt, I am a big fan and enjoy all your presentations. But I am a little disappointed with this presentation. I thought all of Fresh Start presentations would be somewhat generic as to hardware and software. I am not a fan of the Adobe products and don’t use them so most of this presentation was of no use. My editing needs are met for the most part with ON1 Raw. So just thought I would let you know my feelings, but please keep up the good work. Thank you.
Great video, thanks so much for all the great ideas and information. I’m anxious to get started again.
Thank you Matt! I am SOOOO glad I signed up for the Fresh Start Program. After getting a new camera almost a year ago and several great trips that let me realize some things I needed to learn with my updated equipment, I planned to learn LR and PS in 2022. Along came Fresh Start and I am even more motivated now. This is just what I needed. I will certainly look at your LR and PS systems. Again, thank you so much!
Matt, Thank You for getting us off to a Fresh Start. You are a fantastic and inspiring teacher.
Awesome! It is said, “ you don’t know, what you don’t know”. I feel this session targeted where I need to go! Thank you for these sessions.
Thanks much for the Fresh Start program, kind of a kick to get moving, I needed that! It’s a lot to do but I am now started with the housekeeping!
Step one – commit to finally learning PS
Step two – enter details in my new spreadsheet of courses
Thank you, Matt!
Thanks, Matt! This was such a great session, and thanks for the updates to PS and LR courses which I already have. You nailed me when you said, stop trying to perfect the LR system which I already know mostly. Now I need to concentrate on learning PS in detail and moving on from there. It’s been a great 3 weeks and I look forward to growing in my photography and editing skills.
Thanks Matt, for all you do and share for FREE. You do this more than a lot of educators out there. I still have a number of courses to work through but always appreciate and value your input.
I just bought both LR and PS systems courses last week, so I’m excited to go back over what I’ve done so far to see the updates. This video, however, lets me think it will be okay to do some of the PS course before completing all of LR. i’ve used both for about 3 years, but I haven’t had a sequenced course on either, just random videos or books to do certain things. The LR organizing and cloud syncing component is complicating my clean up and I’m still working to fully understand the interdependence between Classic and the Cloud version, etc. This three week series and your courses will help me to make connections and fill in the gaps. Being newly retired also helps by making the time available to invest in learning my hobby. You’re a great teacher, Matt!
Very helpful, I have always struggled with PS. I think I will purchase your PS class.
Excellent review of the key attributes of Photoshop. When the pandemic hit I figured I wasn’t going out of the house much and vowed to finally learn Photoshop. I used your courses and it really made a difference. I’d been using PS to take distractions out of automatic photos but now I’m doing all kinds of neat things thanks to your courses. At least one good thing came out of the pandemic for me. Hope you, everyone helping you and all your clients stay well.
Thank you so much Matt.
Thanks Matt for your ability to teach.
The texture stuff is way cool. I want to learn that a bit more. I see you have some training on just that … Thanks for the program. Now I want to play! 🙂
Thanks for the Fresh Start jumpstart! Great way to get going for 2022.
Wow! I have been impressed and influenced by this Fresh Start session. I feel pretty good about LRC and have tiptoeing into PS. I have your PS course but one time though is not enough, at least for me. I’m really looking forward to retaking the updated course. Thank you for being you.
Thanks Matt;
As always you gave me a lot to consider.
Thank you Matt – once again you have inspired me and I thank you for the updates to the to the LrC, Ps, Wildlife, Topaz Deep Dive and Brush/Masking videos I’ve already purchased. As a ‘beginner’ I’ve been using LrC and Ps but in 2022 my goal is to master these programs to take my photography to a new level.
Very effective way to start out the year photographically. I will get in to those course updates right away as well. Thanks!
Very helpful. Good straight talk with a smile.
Thank you, Matt, you are one of the best instructors around and it is always informative to see your videos. I learned some new things these past 3 weeks and for one, I now am using Adobe Portfolio that I had no idea was available to me. Thank you so much for that.
Looking forward to watching more of your videos and increase my knowledge of LR and Photoshop.
Thanks Matt. Your Fresh Start for 2022 was a great idea, and (as always) a subtle and smart piece of marketing.
Thanks so much Matt. You’ve made me feel like it’s all possible. Your Photoshop System has been a life saver for me moving forward in my photography. I can’t wait to do the class again with all the new updates. This has been a great start to the year.
So timely Matt; digging into PS was on my list this year! I have spent enough time learning and playing around with LRC that I feel somewhat confident there so was moving in this direction. As always your explanations and clarity are great.
Thanks so much for these videos. I’ve learned a lot and have been inspired to do some of your suggestions. I’ve already acted on a few.
You are an amazing teacher because you share your knowledge and explain everything so well. I haven’t finished your Bird Photography course but I’m going to get back to it right away. It is so comprehensive that I know I’ll be watching some of the videos over and over.
I don’t use Photoshop but I use a program very similar to it, and I agree with you that I would give up LR before I gave it up. There is no limit to the creative possibilities with that type of program.
Fantastic video! I know I need to learn PS, but something inside me says I need to master LrC first, and I’m 60% there (the version 11 update set me back a bit), but this video reinforces WHY I need to migrate over: There are so many new opportunities it would open up…the whole point of your video.
And, one last plea for you to please add closed captioning. Thank you!
Thanks Matt for all of the tutorials and tips these past three weeks. Just what I needed to get more motivated and to step up my photography!
Thanks great videos in Fresh Start 2022. This year should be a big learning curve for me but with some basic 5 points of focus in PS.
Thank you Matt for ‘Fresh Start’ I picked up so many suggestions to get myself organized. I have been poking around in PS for the last year – and without some guidance, I have struggled. I am excited about this last section of Fresh Start. You were talking to me! I am ready to delve into PS and really understand it. Thanks, CarolAnne
Thanks Matt for taking the time to put the ‘Fresh Start’ projects together over the past three weeks. Plenty here to keep me busy and motivated over the remaining weeks of winter.
Thank you for the last 3 weeks….I learned a lot, and actually pushed me to do some housecleaning ( Lightroom and computer) that I knew needed to be done. Taking pictures and editing is way more fun. Today seemed the most significant for me. I like how you broke down PS into 5 sections, and learn one section at a time. I bought your PS System a couple years ago, and watched it all at once. It was helpful but seemed very overwhelming. Your textures course was great because it helped understand selections and masks. Looking forward to what further education you’ll bring in this next year.
Well Matt, I think you are correct. I have been procrastinating long enough, and this is the year I need to learn PS and LR
Thanks for the quick tip on channels and luminance masks.
Thank you so much – another great fresh start. For this one session it makes me feel that I have been concentrating on the right things – I actually understood what you were talking about and have been practicing this, but two years ago I would have been lost.
I’m still working through Monday’s video as there are quite a few things in lightroom for me to tidy up – thank you!
This was great! I’ve been trying to “master” Lightroom and haven’t wanted to learn Photoshop until I knew everything I needed to know about LR. Now I know it’s okay to move on to photoshop. Can hardly wait.
Thanks for reminding me how to efficiently make some relatively easy changes. Now to put it to practice!
Thanks Matt, I always learn something new when I watch your videos. You are a very inspiriting teacher.
I started using PS for several years ago following Matt’s PS videos for basic things like removing distractions, but I still didn’t understand a lot about layers, selections, etc. I made 2021 the year I really focused on learning PS and it has really been well worth the effort. Once I got a handle on how to create using layers, blend modes and selections in PS, it opened up a whole new world of creativity. And yes… I could now live without LR!
Hi Matt. Adobe has given me lr and lrc. Which one should I use?
The one most people use and most training covers is Lightroom Classic.
When I saw the poll question in the email my immediate answer was give up LR and for the exact same reasons you gave. You give up organization but everything that I do in LR I can do in PS (and do it better). I didn’t even thinking about still having ACR and it’s controls. I do RAW conversion in LR and forgot about ACR.
If we are keeping ACR do we also get to keep Bridge too? Bridge + ACR is pretty much 90% of LR so it’s not giving up much of anything.
I’ve learned PS slowly over the years from Google and Youtube and what worked for me (maybe not for everyone) is don’t try and learn all of PS at once. PS is too big and too powerful and often with multiple ways to do the same thing. I’ve learned it when I wanted to do a specific edit to an image and then looked for how to do it. Slowly building my tool box. If I sat down and tried to learn it all I’d be overwhelmed. So that’s my advice to people when they ask about PS. What do you want to do? Learn that. Then move on and learn something new.
Great suggestions. I’m ready to move on to the things I don’t know!!!
Great course Matt! Thank you for all the great information.
Thank you Matt! It’s time for me to move forward with learning Photoshop, thanks for the suggestions on how to do that.
Thank you Matt. As a new user of Lightroom and Photoshop, you have made me feel like, “I can do this”.
These past few weeks have been informative and helped me not dwell on certain things.
Thanks again.
As always your way of teaching is the best. I’ve followed you since I started to need more help in my photography. You’ve never let me down. You always challenge me and in your informing way gave the plus, minus & other ways of doing things in whatever topic that’s in front of us. Again thanks for all the “behind the scenes” information to make the next shoot better.
Hi Matt, Thank you as always much appreciate your time and easy going teaching style. 3 weeks has flown past but each and every video was well worth the watch. I am sold on this is the year to learn Lightroom/Photoshop think this is holding me back at the moment and will not only improve my photos but get me out and about creating a new look on photography. Cheers!
Didn’t know how I was going to get back on the horse, but this is helping me do it. I really appreciate it. I really enjoy your teaching style. IN FACT, I was on a Death Valley workshop a couple years ago (with 2 great leaders) and on the last day at dinner we were all sitting around the table chatting. I said this very thing “I really appreciate Matt’s teaching style” and several people agreed! You are very much liked and appreciated. Thanks for doing this!
As a Graphic Designer who has used Photoshop weekly since the 80s, I could not figure out why the pieces of the program that I knew so well for design were confusing or worse when it came to my photos.
Thanks so much for clearing that up! I just bought your Ps System course.
I have focused on improving my landscapes and your course has been very helpful. I also have the editing wildlife shots and that is my focus for this year.
Matt, thanks for your perspective. Personally, I would give up Photoshop way before I would give up Lightroom. From my point of view, being organized in my photography is the most important thing. Nothing does that better than Lightroom. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; Photoshop tries to be everything to everybody which often makes it a too complicated program. For my advanced editing outside of Lightroom, I use ON1 Photo 10 and ON1 Photo Raw 2022. They are simpler than Photoshop and seem to be geared more specifically toward photographers. For example in ON1 Photo Raw 2022 you can do a sky replacement and reflection with just a few clicks rather than having to go through all the gyrations that you demonstrated in Photoshop. I like your approach of focusing your Photoshop efforts on doing a few things well. I’m trying to learn Photoshop a feature at a time and maybe your course would help out with that.
Thank you so very much for this informative session. I agree, narrowing down what I need to learn is very important rather than be overwhelmed with two gigantic programs to learn. So, for me, PS it is 1st to get more under my belt and then I will move on to LR . Your course has definitely encouraged me to jump in and not be afraid.
great stuff. I feel inspired
Thankyou Matt! These three weeks have been just what I needed to start shifting me out of COVID funk
Thanks Matt. well done, great food for thought for post editing your photos.
A very useful video, but I disagree on two points. I want my photos to look like what I saw when I took them. Not everyone wants to create art work. Secondly, When Matt says he would give up LR and get what he needs out of PS, he is downplaying that he must find a LR replacement if he is going to continue to take a significant number of photos. I am sure that he would agree that organization and editing are equally important.
Hi Lawrence. I would never agree that organization and editing are equally as important. We can figure organization out if we needed to with bridge or another program.
If you don’t organize, your chances of misplacing an important photograph are great. And yes LR is not the only tool for organizing, but could you really continue your photographic career without some software organizing tool that went beyond a basic computer operating system?
I totally agree with Lawrence. Mastering Lightroom is the most important thing for getting organized and for basic editing. Advanced editing with Photoshop or ON1 comes later when you find a need.
I’m not sure I ever said anything different though. I believe I even said the same thing in this video?
I could… and since most people don’t have “careers” in photography, I think they could too. I do think you may be reading a bit too much in to what I said. The video is fun… and the question is rhetorical right? Nobody would make anyone give up either considering you get both for your subscription. I even said I wouldn’t want to give up LR. But if you forced me to pick between the two, my choice still stands because I value good creative editing above organization. You may differ and that’s okay. I’m speaking from my experience for me and the thousands of people who I see struggle throughout the year. But as always, you should always do what’s best for you.
I started with PS long before LR, and I have considered moving into LR several times. I use Bridge as I did way back when. I am well organized. Using Bridge, and folders I can find anything I need. I have no duplicate images unless I want them that way. Everyone is a little different in their personal needs. I can see Matt’s use of the library for quick access to things used commonly but I often don’t have the ability to use the Cloud. So my flow of work needs to be based on knowledge of what is out there and on what I need or don’t need.
I agree wholeheartedly, Laurie. I’ve used PS for many years and have tried LR numerous times. I always wind up asking myself why. My organization system works for me and I only need one program.
I am with them. I have used PS for many years and have never really used LR. I did use LR to post my best of 2021 pics but that is it. I have my photos organized in a manner that works for me. That is all I need.
Thanks, Matt. Good stuff, and a good 3 weeks. Loved the Luminosity mask demo on the landscape. Learned a new little thing there (Cmnd-Op-Shift Click!). Looking forward to trying it on some recent shots.
Another excellent video from a great instructor. Thanks for all the great instructions and ideas.
Perfect! I’m excited to learn/relearn….or at least refine my skills!
Thanks Matt, just what I needed, focus on some specific things I’d like to do with the software I have rather than trying to learn everything. These five hit home to me and I believe will take my photography to the next level. Thanks for these three weeks. I’ve already reaped some rewards and as the year progresses they will be multiplied.
Thank you so much for everything, Matt! The Photoshop free update was timely, as today I started taking that class again for my third time. It’s a chilly 12F degrees outdoors, so it’s great to have something to do indoors!
Thanks Matt. I learned a lot and am anxious to dive into the new Photoshop Tutorial!
Many thanks for the Fresh Start and my time and effort in following each week was well worth my time-investment. You are a great motivator and your encouragement has me excited to get back to where I left off in the Photosystem lessons.
This has been an awesome series. Thank you so much!!!!
Thank you, Matt, for this fresh start project. It is the first time I have done it. It gave me some points to focus on and directions to explore this year.
Thank you for reminding me of a few of the fun approaches to making a good pic into an exceptional pic. And, thank you for the free updates!!!
Thanks Matt, for all info in your videos. It helps me a lot to get back on the right track
Matt you are a true gentleman and a great educator. Thanks for your time to help us grow in our photography.
Thank you very much for the discussions over the three weeks. Very stimulating. We met in person at a Lightroom seminar in Lansing Michigan 10+ years ago. It was terrific.
I learned so much from this and all of the videos you’ve presented. Thank you for taking your time to share your knowledge in a way that is so easy to understand.
Thanks so much Matt. These projects and videos have been great. I think I can safely say the last two years have been quite challenging for probably most and for me personally, 2021 was pretty awful. My goal for 2022 was to shoot more and to task myself with doing something creative everyday. This 3 week coarse has been very helpful and has inspired me to keep moving forward. I even bought your printing coarse and I’m half way thru that. I’m going to take your suggestion and print, print, print. So once again, thanks for your time and expertise.
This list is wonderful regardless of the post processing software one uses. Thank you!
Thanks for this 3 week presentation. You made my photographic life so much easier. You are my favorite computer instructor out of all I have sampled and tried to learn from. Backblaze is backing me up now, I am happy with my way of cataloging my photos, and am inspired to continue my Photoshop course with you.
Great video today. Make so much sense to narrow the playing field. Thanks for all you do Matt!
thanks, for these great 3 weeks with a fantastic conclusion today and the right direction you have been pointing out
Thanks Matt. Very informative.
Thank you so much for all the information. I cannot wait to learn more.
Matt, Thanks for the great introduction to your program and the helpful suggestions.