Photoshop Fundamentals: Aaron’s Top 10 Essential Tools & Techniques

Description

Learn Aaron’s top 10 essential Photoshop tools and techniques! Master blending, clipping masks, and non-destructive editing. Discover mind-blowing tricks for selecting, removing, and retouching images. Plus, learn how to work efficiently to save time and create stunning visuals that will blow you away.

Note:
Included in your class assets is a PDF containing a free download link for the Adobe Stock image used in this tutorial.

THIS COURSE INCLUDES

  • 21 Sample PSDs
  • 36 Sample Images (JPEG)
  • 1 Sample Image (RAW)

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Table of Contents

1 | Course Preview
  • 01 - What You’ll Learn
    3:05m
2 | Essential Tools & Techniques
  • 01 - Adobe Camera Raw
    16:37m
  • 02 - Blend If
    24:02m
  • 03 - Clipping Masks
    20:05m
  • 04 - Selection Tools
    42:05m
  • 05 - Smart Objects
    16:38m
3 | Creative & Refinement Tools
  • 01 - AI Tools
    17:00m
  • 02 - Blending Modes
    22:18m
  • 03 - Layer Masks
    32:12m
  • 04 - Adjustment Layers
    33:00m
  • 05 - Color Grading
    18:28m

Master Aaron’s Secrets

AFTER

BEFORE

Your Journey Starts Here

If you’re new to Photoshop, chances are you’re feeling pretty overwhelmed. This tutorial is designed to help you build a solid foundation and gain the confidence to explore further! Aaron’s insights into key tools and techniques will make your Photoshop journey more manageable and enjoyable.

Explore The Latest Updates

The basics are your foundation. Once you’ve built it, our PRO tutorial Photoshop 2025: Explore All New Tools And Features will guide you through all the exciting new features in both the full release and Beta versions, expanding your creative potential.

Adobe Camera RAW

Your first stop when importing an image into Photoshop is Adobe Camera Raw. Often underestimated, ACR is a powerhouse! It allows you to dramatically improve your photos before they even enter Photoshop. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to adjust colors, fix lighting, and even do some basic touch-ups without fear of damaging your original image.

AFTER

BEFORE

The Power of Blend If

Blend If is one of the most useful tools in Photoshop, but one that not many people know about. We’ll show you how to seamlessly merge images, control brightness interactions, and create stunning effects like adding clouds or graphics.

Using Clipping Masks

Clipping masks are a fundamental technique in Photoshop. They control which parts of one layer are visible by using the shape of another layer as a guide. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how you can apply clipping masks to create realistic composites that look natural and professional.

Working With Selection Tools

Selections give you the power to target specific areas, adjusting colors, brightness, and more without touching a single pixel beyond your chosen zone. In this tutorial we’ll show you how to use tools like the Marquee, Lasso, and Color Range to precisely select and manipulate your images.

Sharpen Your Skills

Streamline Your Workflow


AI tools allow you to streamline your workflow by automating tasks like removing unwanted elements or integrating new content, freeing you to dedicate more time to what truly matters: bringing your creative ideas to life.

AFTER

BEFORE

Using AI Tools

We value the importance of mastering traditional Photoshop techniques, but we also recognize the incredible potential of Artificial Intelligence. We’ll show you how to utilize AI tools to simplify tasks and maximize the impact of every image you create.

Non-Destructive Edits

Smart Objects can drastically improve the way you work in Photoshop, providing a non-destructive way to transform layers and apply effects that can be changed or removed at any time. This tutorial will guide you in creating and effectively utilizing Smart Objects to make your edits easier than ever!

Blending Modes

Discover the world of Blending Modes in Photoshop! This tutorial will guide you through key techniques like Screen, Multiply, and Soft Light, to create stunning visual effects.

AFTER

BEFORE

The Power of Layer Masks

Layer Masks are a cornerstone of Photoshop, offering incredible control over your images. They let you selectively reveal or hide parts of a layer, all while maintaining the original data. This means you can experiment freely, knowing any changes are reversible. Join us as we explore essential tips and techniques for mastering Layer Masks.

Creating Adjustment Layers

Adjustment Layers give you the most control when editing your images. We’ll show you how to work with them to transform your photos in incredible ways without ever altering the original image.

Easy Color Grading

Get ready to transform your photos with the power of color grading! This tutorial will guide you through the exciting world of color manipulation. You’ll learn to use tools like Hue/Saturation and explore techniques like color matching and creating unique color palettes to give your images a professional and eye-catching look.

Aaron Nace

PHLEARN Founder – Class Instructor

Aaron Nace is a photographer, Photoshop artist and founder of PHLEARN. He is the #1 Photoshop instructor in the world with millions of YouTube subscribers.

View More Classes by Aaron Nace

Art We There Yet?

Interdisciplinary Artists

A big thanks to Cora Rose and Jose Vilchez for providing us with the RAW image to use in this tutorial! Cora and Jose are artists who travel the world in a converted school bus, creating art and music inspired by their journeys. Their project, Art We There Yet, celebrates our shared humanity and gives back to the communities they visit.

View Art We There Yet?’s work.

Additional images for this PRO course were sourced from Pexels,Unsplash, Adobe Stock .

Reviews

  1. Aaron is phenomenal teacher and his tutorials are incredibly informative and beyond helpful.

  2. Well done. I did not use Photoshop for a while and I was looking for a refresher tutorial. This one is perfect, just going back to some basics mixed with new features. Well done Aaron … and I love your way to present your tutorials … never bored with you !

  3. even if you have been working in photoshop for years, Aaron has new tips and tricks! highly recommended

  4. Thank you for another excellent tutorial!

  5. Absolutely fabulous as always. Detailed, and full of inspiration as well as a bit of fun here and there. I’d also love to see a similar course, but using still life and products etc as the subjects (non people). Great stuff 👌🏻

  6. Great learning! Aaron is a true master., his skill level is awesome.

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