30 Photoshop and Photography Tutorials to Get You Ready for Back-to-School

How, When, and Why to Use a Polarizing Filter

Polarization filters are specially adapted glass that, when turned at an angle to a light source, will reduce glare from reflected surfaces. The most popular type of polarizing filter is circular to fit easily on the end of almost any lens, containing a free spinning element for quick adjustment. In this article well take a look at how a polarizing filter can improve a number of photographic scenes, along with a few unexpected results it can have. While these filters will darken images by about one stop, the effect rendered in ideal conditions is dramatic. Costing anywhere from $30 to $200 the filters are more effective at producing sharp contrast between clouds and sky, or removing reflection from water and glass, than the time spent in post-production software.

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Your First Rendezvous With Photoshop

In this tutorial, we will teach you about Photoshop’s user interface, and the customization of keyboard shortcuts and workspace.

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Pixels, Image Size and Resolution

In this tutorial, we will explain the theory behind how pixel images work. We will also explain a bit about the crop tool, image size and resolution.

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Layers, Got to Love Them

In this tutorial, we will explain how to work with layers, opacity, free transform, groups, and layer styles.

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The Lifesaver Adjustment Layers

In this tutorial, we will explain how to apply non-destructive tonal and colour changes to images.

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Start Using the Brush Tool

In this tutorial, we will explain a little about brush diameter, hardness, opacity, the brush panel, how to save a custom brush, and work with a tablet.

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How to Make the Most of the Info Panel

The Info Panel in Photoshop has been around for many years but not all users know how to use it or what to you use it for. In this tutorial, we will explain everything you need to know about the Info Panel including how to manually color correct photos with the Color Sampler tool, how to change the increments of the rulers, how to check color values before and after applying adjustments, and so much more.

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What is a Clipping Mask Then?

In this tutorial, we will explain clipping masks, the advantages of clipped adjustments, and how they compare to layer masks.

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Taming of the Pen Tool

In this tutorial, we will explain shape layers, making selections, and stroking a path with the pen tool.

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Saving and Presenting Your Work

In this tutorial, we will explain a bit about PSD, JPEG, PNG files, the web gallery, and contact sheet within Adobe Bridge.

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The Brush Panel and Using a Tablet

In this tutorial, we will explain the most important options in the brush palette, explain the differences between a mouse and tablet for digital art, and we will also explain the differences between the Wacom line of tablets, and which one is right for you.

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How to Work With Perspective in Photoshop

In this tutorial, we will explain a bit about the theory behind perspective and will focus on how to set up construction lines, vanishing points and a horizon. We will also show different ways to create a perspective grid and then use it for drawing three-dimensional objects. These techniques are useful for retouching photographs, but crucial for digital art.

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The Super Beginners Guide to Apples Aperture

When it comes to editing photographs in OS X, Im sure youll agree with me in saying that Mac users are quite spoiled for choice. Not only do we have iPhoto, an excellent (and completely free) photo editor, but theres also the Adobe Suite offering Lightroom and Photoshop. In this tutorial, were going to be focusing on Aperture, Apples own photo editor designed for the more professional user. Or is it? Yes, its priced towards the professional end of the market. Amateurs will certainly not want to spend $80 on some software simply to touch up their holiday snaps. On the other hand, Aperture doesnt have to be complicated, and even absolute beginners can use it with ease.

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Understanding Light, Shading, and Shadow in Photoshop

In this tutorial, we will explain how to use different types of lighting to help you define three dimensional objects. We will also discuss how to create an appropriate shadow given a light source and how that light will affect objects in your scene.

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Explore Your History Panel

In this tutorial, we will discuss some time-saving and hidden features of the History Panel and Brush in Photoshop.

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Knowing Photoshops Interface

There are plenty of features that can help you save time under the Preferences dialogue. In this tutorial, we will share some useful shortcuts and features that you may not know about.

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Crop Until You Drop

In this tutorial, we will share some great tips explaining how to use the new Crop Tool in Photoshop CS6. You will learn how to extend the canvas, straighten a photograph, and so much more.

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Five Old School Photo Accessories That Are Still Awesome

If youre a modern photographer, youre probably shooting digital and have left behind some of the coolest photo accessories ever made. Theres no need to carry a film canister bandolier. Theres no need for dangerous, exploding flash bulbs. But fear not! Some old school photography accessories are still very relevant, and pretty awesome!