Creative Processing Workshop

If you are looking for an Intensive, Inspiring, Fun and Down to Earth Workshop to bring out the most in your Photoshop Processing, this workshop is for you!

Please note: After running this workshop for over a decade, I am moving into a new educational direction. I have loved EVERY run of this course and am truly sad to see it go. Before this is removed from the shop, you can purchase the study along version at an extremely discounted rate. This will give you the materials including the videos and PDFS I offered to my students, as well as access to the forum where you can read through the last run of the workshop. This sale price will be good for the next seven days!! Scroll to the bottom of this page to purchase. 

While some of us certainly learn better in a one-on-one setting, many of us flourish being able to learn at a slower place with a group of our peers. We all come from different walks of life with varying lifestyles and sometimes it’s just hard to sit down and find a moment, let alone take an entire workshop. Here is where this is different.

My goal in teaching this workshop is to help you learn how to use Photoshop in a creative manner, to really breathe your own life and your own vision into your work. I want you to have a bit of hand holding if needed, and to have a supportive and uplifting environment to really take the weight off and allow yourself the opportunity to fully learn.  Let’s face it. There are a million ways to do the same thing. It’s overwhelming.

 This is finally a workshop about you. A workshop to help YOU reach your full potential.  This is a means to learn in a pressure free environment, with a teacher that genuinely wants to see you succeed and help you steer the way.  The focus is just as much about your journey. I truly believe that it’s important to know the “hows” and “whys” behind the images we make. This includes how we process them. Even if you currently are using actions and satisfied with your workflow, I fully believe that knowing what these tools are doing to your images should be a priority. When the trends die down, you’ll still have complete control of what your work is saying.

This Creative Photo Processing workshop is a three week, hands on workshop– providing an online “Classroom” setting. This workshop is designed to show you all my favorite tips and tricks for full on creative editing as well as how to process your images from scratch, and to finally get more bang for your buck and learn how to better use all those Processing tools you have just sitting on your hard drive.

You will learn processing your images from Raw to Finish in Photoshop.  We learn the basics of getting the most out of our pre-processing (Hello RAW files!) and how to really prepare those images for the most beautiful, polished end result possible. I also go over how to use different Layers, Blend Modes, Tools, and Features in Photoshop to bring out the most in your photography. This workshop is supported with an Intensive PDF files chalk full of information you can download and go over at your leisure well after the workshop ends, and videos to show you exactly how I personally do things if you are a visual learner. You can also download these, just please note they are a huge file size!  These will be just a couple of means to really help you reach your full potential and help you pick through and learn at your very own pace. You will also learn how to create your own photoshop action(s) so you can use your custom photoshop edit to your own work over and over again.

Workshops are held online, in a private forum I have set up for my attendees, so I will give access to the forum a couple of days before we get started! You will get an automated Thank you E-mail at purchase and further correspondence closer to before we start, so if you use a different e-mail to purchase, be sure to send me a message with an updated point of contact.

Class outline:

The First Week will be related to Basic RAW editing and Pre-Processing. This will also be our “Warm Up” Period where you really get the wheels turning and explore exactly where you want to go with your processing and discover a bit more about what you want your work to say about you as an artist. This is the time to explore your images before you even get into Photoshop. We will briefly touch on how I get the most out of my straight out of the camera images and what I am inspired by before I even get into processing. You do not need to take new images for this portion of the workshop but you can if you like! You will learn how I process my own RAW files to get the most out of my creative processing and to help achieve the tones and creaminess I do. We also delve into your “why” and what inspires you, as well as how to troubleshoot some of the problems you may be having to get you closer to your end goals.

The Second Week we will cover Creative Processing from beginning to end without the use of any Photoshop Actions.  You will learn which tools to use in Photoshop AND ACR, as well as helpful tips and tricks that will work best to aid your creative editing and over all vision. I will also share how to combine and use layers to really make your images stand out and reflect your own style and perspective. You will learn what tools are best for creative processing in Photoshop to take the stigma and intimidation out of it and WHY they work well.

We will learn about how to use blend modes and layer masks effectively, my favorite methods for converting a gorgeous and dramatic black and white image from scratch, different tools that help best suit your editing purposes and which adjustment layers work best for achieving particular styles of editing. We will discuss plug-ins and curves as well as my own workflow. I will share how I edit various kinds of images. It doesn’t matter whether you are photographing your own kids, families, weddings or still life. There is something here for everyone. We will also go over how I edit different lighting situations from flat light to dramatic back and sun flare.

We cover how I get those creamy skin tones and painterly effects in my image.

I will be there throughout the entire process to answer your questions, give kind but valuable feedback and support your vision. There will absolutely be video to supplement everything you are learning and a creative exercise to practice with. I will share my workflow from start to end and show you how I transform my own images, (including how I get that gorgeous creamy skin and tones in my work and much more.)

Last but not least, in your weekly assignment submission, I pull your images into MY Photoshop to share what adjustment layers or tools you can be using to help you individually. This way we can get you to your end goal.

The Third week we will delve into how to really get the most out of creative processing resources such as Photoshop Actions.

I get a ton of inquiries regarding this especially. This portion will help debunk action myths, tell you how to tweak and personalize them correctly and show just how you can truly use them as a tool to save your time and sanity.  We will cover how best to personalize your editing using any actions you own, so that your images are completely your own and lend to your own personal processing taste and desired style. You have spent your hard earned money and time, don’t just throw them away. I provide a generous gift certificate to my shop so you do not need to purchase anything additional for this portion of the workshop during this week along with MORE great videos. I will also share how you create your own actions so that you can use all those tools you acquired the previous week in processing from scratch to make your own workflow.

There is a fourth  bonus week where even though we won’t be actively working on anything specific, but you will have the ability to still hang out in the forum and ask questions so you have time to really take everything in. I like to think of this as a cool down period or a practice week. I check in once or twice to help you along.

What is included FULL VERSION:

-A Private Forum with a Classroom of your Peers. You will be able to log in and ask questions related to the workshop whenever you need to, (or you can simply email me if you are a bit shy.) The invite to this forum will be sent usually within 48 hours of our start time if not the week before we begin. You will ALWAYS have access to this forum even after our time ends together. You will be able to silently follow along future courses. Once you are in, you are in.

-A PDF workbook that contains three weeks of material, separated into sections, that you can download and refer back to. It is chalk full of information pertaining to each week’s subject. These also include a special homework assignment you can opt to do and get critique back on. These have been revamped and updated and share even more of my favorite tricks and helpful information.

-Video Tutorials that Supplement the PDF workbook and the lesson plans for every week. I occasionally add new videos to future runs and you will have access to log in and see those as well. Included are videos of me editing images from multiple lighting situations. I do add new videos on occasion as well, and you will have access to those in the forum at any time.

-I will be there to not only instruct but handhold and answer questions. I also provide feedback and critique and may edit an image or two of yours along the way if you so choose. I love to be helpful, and most of all I love to be helpful in a supportive way by not only helping you along your journey, but being positive yet honest and thorough in my feedback.

-A Bonus Week to just hang around and absorb all the information you just learned in addition to the three weeks of materials. I check in once at the end of this week to give feedback.

-A $40.00 Gift Code to my shop for Photoshop Actions of your choosing for when we get to the Photoshop Action editing portion of our workshop. This is shared in our private forum with the assignment pertaining to Processing with tools during that particular week.

-A whole lot of fun and a whole lot of inspiration!

I am an open book kinda gal by nature, but I absolutely love to help and answer questions. Most of all I love fostering relationships with other photographers as well as creating a special little community.  This Workshop will provide you with not only a wonderful set of tools to come away with in reference to your Photoshop Processing and finding your own style, I also strive to make it user friendly and an incredible experience all around.

What you will Need:

(Prerequisites)

– A Calibrated Monitor or assurance that your color is correct (usually test prints from a lab of choice can confirm this.)

-Basic knowledge of Photoshop and how it works. If you have little or no experience with Photoshop I might hold off until you are just a little more comfortable as this isn’t tailor suited to beginners. If you would like to learn more about Photoshop and the basics a good jumping off point would most likely be the One-on-One basic mentorship package when that comes available.  Some things you will need to grasp are how Layers work in general, where to find some of the more basic tools such as Brushes, Saving images, and the more basic adjustment layers.

-Full knowledge and grasp on how to shoot in manual, proper exposure, white balance and how the exposure triangle works.

-Photoshop. I personally recommend CC  because I will be getting into and delving into tools that are not in Elements or Photoshop CS due to the programs limitations.

-Note this workshop does not cover Lightroom but it does cover ACR (Adobe Camera Raw) which has similar principles as Lightroom.

 

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Please Note the workshop information and forum log in info will NOT be e-mailed until a day or two before we begin unless you purchase a study along spot for the materials.

We start on the day provided above for full participation (and not before then), so you will not need to log in before then but you will need to register upon receiving this e-mail so I can get your permissions set up. I send multiple e-mails at the same time to everyone whom purchased a seat so I do this as close to the workshop as possible so it also serves as a gentle reminder but I can not remind you after we begin due lack of time so please be prompt. This is also why I chose to send the info so close to the actual workshop date. If you purchase a seat PLEASE note this on your personal calendar and check with me if you don’t get an e-mail right away! The workshop does end on the date noted so if you do desire feedback, you will want to check in at least once a week. What day that is, is totally up to you.

 

PLEASE READ: You can use the button below to purchase. Please note that NO discount codes can be used for this workshop. Gift Codes and Sale Code promotions are solely for the processing tools such as Photoshop Actions. If a discount code is  used without special consent you will be invoiced for the remainder of the balance. Once the workshop begins only study along access will be allowed for purchase.

 


INVESTMENT & Workshop Dates:

Full participation

$525

STUDY ALONG ONLY AVAILABLE CURRENTLY

You will get access to all the course material including the giant PDF, Videos and full study long access to the forum for future runs after your full participation run ends, as well as our exclusive FB group. You will be able to ask questions, submit assignments and take part in our active seat with the Full participation option. Full participation closes once our workshop begins and you will receive study along access.

We are only accepting 30 students, so once that is full only study along will be permitted even if the workshop has not begun.

If you have purchased the study along version within the last thirty days you can absolutely upgrade to the full version and take this next run.

(Discount codes are not permitted with the purchase of this workshop.)

Study Along Purchases HERE

Silent Study along option is at discounted rate. You still get access to the materials and PDF in the forum, but can not participate in the active workshop and ask questions, receive feedback etc.  You can however follow and read all of the feedback provided in the forum to the active students.

$275 Study along rate

$99

The study along portion is on sale as this workshop will be retiring and there is no longer a live option. By Purchasing this you will receive ALL of the workshop videos and the PDF as well as access to the forum to read along with the last run we hosted in a study along fashion. While this isn’t an open workshop where you can ask questions, this is a wonderful way to learn my processing at a HUGELY discounted rate.

 

**If purchasing a study along spot at the reduced rate after an active workshop has ended, you will receive sign up for the forum within 24 hours of purchase. You will be able to log in, see the past run of the workshop and download all materials including the videos and PDF. This run does not come with any hand holding, or the ability to ask questions but everything is incredibly thorough. If you want to learn all my processing tips, tricks and secrets without the participation aspect of the workshop, this is perfect for you.

Once you sign up for this workshop, you will get an automated “Thank You” and welcome e-mail from the shopping cart system as confirmation to the e-mail address you used to purchase.  Roughly 48 hours before beginning the full run of the workshop, you will get another e-mail with all you need to get started.  This will include a link to the private forum so you can get registered. The discount code for the actions will be a ONE time use code and shared in the forum DURING the week we cover processing with Photoshop Actions. Please note this gift code should be used for Photoshop Actions only since we do not cover Lightroom. The code can only be used the duration of the workshop unless otherwise noted or discussed. The code also can also not be combined with any other promotions/discount codes. You are responsible for being prompt and making sure to be punctual during the dates of the workshop.  You will absolutely be able to study along in lieu of participating but if you purchases a full participation spot and then do not participate, you will not be refunded the difference.  You will not be able to retake this workshop, but are welcome to follow along on upcoming runs silently after. If you would like to retake the workshop in as full participation student again in the future, there is a $50.00 discount for alumni.  You do need to contact me for this discount ahead of time. No refunds will be provided so please be sure you have availability for the workshop dates before purchasing and signing up.

I share my complete editing process for:

 

Outdoor Family Images.

 

 

Portraits.

Moody Black and White Images

Environmental Outdoor Images.

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Gorgeous Creamy Skin and Tones.

And much, much more.

A few before and afters:

 What people are saying:

 

Some love notes for the Online Creative Processing Workshop:

Amy Salessi-

I absolutely would recommend Sarah’s creative processing workshop to any photographer that wants to take their edits from good to dreamy! I have been in the business for 10 years, and I have taken so many editing courses over the years. Not one of them compares to the amount of information Sarah covers. She walks you through her process from start to finish, and then breaks it all down again and again so you really come away with the knowledge to be able to do it all on your own. Her videos are seriously packed full! I love being able to go back and rewatch parts that I can’t quite master. It is like having her sit next to you and help. She is honest with her feedback, and I appreciated that part so much. I learned how to make little tweeks to my own process that overall made such a huge difference to my images. When I was stuck, Sarah was able to point out what it was that wasn’t quite working and how to fix it. Sarah is SO supportive, she truly has a heart for wanting you to learn and grow, and she is the sweetest person you will ever meet. I promise, you will NOT regret signing up for this course! 

Amy Naughton-

When I originally signed up for the class, I was seeking a better understanding of photoshop and creative editing techniques. The class fulfilled all of my expectations – not only were the materials extraordinarily helpful and generous in the knowledge and guidance you shared, but your extremely detailed comments made understanding the different options easy to understand. In addition to all that, your good cheer was always appreciated.

Thank you for a wonderful experience!

Best, Amy

Ashley Wendt | Blushing Fawn Photography-
blushingfawnphotography.com

Hi Sarah!

Just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed your Creative Processing Workshop. I’d been struggling to really find my own style…something that made my heart sing and really put that sparkle and shine on my photography. Your workshop helped me find that and then some. I’ve gained back some of the confidence I had lost over the past few months. You really have a special way of teaching others in such a kind and gentle fashion…it makes learning so easy and comfortable. I can’t say enough about the positive and encourage environment you create. It was such a bonus to be able to learn alongside some really amazing, kind, and inspirational women. Thank you, Sarah, for one of the best experiences I’ve had as a photographer who is always growing, learning, and craving more knowledge.

Sabrina from SGW Photography-
http://www.sgwphotography.com/

I just wanted to thank you so much for your workshop. Ever since I decided to take up photography as a profession and leave behind the hobbyist side of it, I knew that I wanted to take at least one workshop during the journey. With so many mentorships, workshops, and classes to choose from, I knew that whatever money I invested needed to go towards someone I would love to learn from. Not just anybody but someone who sees the world in the same manner I do and creates with a love to product art and not just technically correct images.

So when I noticed back in December that you were offering a Workshop, I jumped at the chance. I’ve been such a long time fan of your work and could not pass up a chance to learn from you. And what would you know it was the very last spot! You made the comment of having one more spot available and by some STRANGE luck I happened to see it! Had I not clicked to browse your Facebook Business page for the umpteenth time, I would have missed the opportunity and be waiting until March! I sent you a notice to let you know I need just a bit more time to convince my husband of the importance of this and you happily obliged. You could have easily just told me that first come, first serve. Instead, you gave me the chance to claim the spot and claim the spot I did.

The decision to book your workshop out of so many out there was the best one I ever made. This workshop has been perfect given my present situation. On top of trying to start a business I am also a new mom. With my husband constantly traveling, my number one job is keeping my little one entertained. This means that I don’t have time for the demands that some classes need. With this Workshop we learned at our own pace. It was literally an online classroom complete with books, videos, and lessons. I hated being the student who turned in her homework late, but it didn’t matter. You graded everyone regardless of the time they submitted it. It was casual, comfortable and not at all fast-paced and stressful like I was worried about.

I’ve never been particularly fond of editing by hand since it usually leads to me creating images drastically different from others. Your workshop allowed me to learn how to keep my edits cohesive while still doing it by hand. I also have a better appreciation for actions whether they are my own or others. Now that I KNOW what I can do to adjust them to my taste, I can go into this business with confidence that any and all work I produce will be of my OWN signature style. I can now create black and whites that have drama and flair, hand edits are slowly starting to have more cohesion to them ( getting better! better than I did before ), and now I’m confident about my workflow and that whether I do it by hand or an action — my workflow is my own.

I go into this new year EXCITED to try out everything I learned on hopeful, potential clients and my own personal at-home photography of my son. I wish there was more to learn from you but I’m sure that will come with time. I will definitely be on the look out for any advance classes or whatever else you have to offer in the future. I’ve always been a fan of your work and fresh, fun flair … but now I’m an even bigger fan than ever before. Thank you for giving me the confidence I needed to know I can do this. In an industry where so many are tearing others down and telling them no, it feels good that there are successful professionals encouraging and pushing us to keep going. Never change, Sarah. ❤

You’re amazing.

Regards,

Sabrina from SGW Photography

Kate Smethurst Photography-
http://katesmethurstphotography.com/

Hi Sarah,

I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for hosting such an amazing and confidence inspiring workshop. As someone who has followed your work for years now, it was such a pleasure to be able to be part of this workshop and learn from you. This was such a positive space to learn in and the feedback from you and the rest of the participants was extremely helpful and encouraging. The tutorials are jam packed with information and I look forward to going through them again and again over time to practice and work on techniques that you have taught us. I loved seeing the transformation in my work and workflow and can’t wait to experiment more and continue to grow as a photographer with the help from what we have learned here. It has been so nice to be able to reach out, work with and learn from so many other lovely photographers participating in the workshop as well. You have such a special way in dealing with all of us that is kind and encouraging and motivational so thank you for such a positive experience. I hope to learn more from you in the future and am just so glad I was able to take part in this creative processing workshop. Thank you for hosting such a great and positive experience! It really has been so much fun!

All the best and thanks again for everything!
Cheers
Kate

 

 

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