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Online Photography Course
Photoshop: Creative Techniques

Have a pro at your side - online, all the time

Join 's Course: Photoshop: Creative TechniquesThrough these innovative methods, create almost anything you can imagine in your mind. Join us for Jim Zuckerman for his 8-week beyond-the-basics Photoshop course - Creative Techniques in Photoshop - open to Photoshop users of every level. Jim will show you how to make reflections, flawlessly composite photos, hand color black and white images, turn a photo into a painting, create silhouettes, use layer modes, and more.
Key Features

  1. Turning a photo into a painting using filters
  2.  How to cut and paste one image into another
  3. Adding artistry to a photo using layer modes
  4. Making a reflection
  5. Suggesting movement
  6. Hand coloring black and white images
  7. Inserting a bubble with full reflectivity into a scene
  8. Creating silhouettes

  • Open to all levels
  • Reveals tricks for creativity
  • Transform your photos

What You Get

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  Benefits:
You get direct feedback on your photos from world-acclaimed, professional photographers. You can learn photography in this way from anywhere in the world.  
 
 
  • Learn at your pace, with structure.
  • Be guided by a real pro instructor.
  • Get your photos critiqued every week.
  • Join students from around the world.
  • Go far beyond any book or DVD.
  • Make great pictures, again and again!

Instructor

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Photography Instructor: Jim  Zuckerman Jim Zuckerman
Few people are able to spend most of their time pursuing their passion in life. I'm one of them, and I feel blessed to have had a love affair with photography since I began taking pictures.

In 1970, I decided to abort my intended career as a doctor in favor of photography and have never regretted it. Photography has enriched my life more than I can tell you. My career has taken me to over 60 countries, and I've seen and photographed wondrous things.

I specialize in wildlife and nature, international travel, and digital effects. In addition, I also shoot nudes, photo- and electron microscopy, children, and other subjects that stimulate my visual or emotional sensibilities.

For 25 years, I shot a medium format camera, specifically the Mamiya RZ 67, for its superior quality. When I would lecture, I’d project the large, glass mounted transparencies, and it was really an incredible experience to see the brilliant color saturation and resolution of these slides. However, I went digital in 2004 because the technology finally equaled or surpassed medium format. I now shoot the Canon 1Ds Mark II digital camera with a variety of lenses.

I am the author of 12 books on photography. My work is sold in 30 countries around the world, and my images have appeared on scores of magazine and book covers, calendars, posters, national ads, trade ads, brochures, and corporate promotions.

For many years I've led photography tours to exotic places. These include Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Burma, Greece, The Czech Republic and Slovakia, Spain, Morocco, and Peru.

A Couple of Photos by the Instructor


© Jim Zuckerman 

© Jim Zuckerman 

A Couple of Student Photos

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View photos by previous students. You can make pictures like this too!

Jacquie  Palazzolo
© Jacquie Palazzolo
Jacquie  Palazzolo
© Jacquie Palazzolo

Course Outline

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Lesson 1: Turning Photos into Paintings
Assignment: Use the filters I explain to create your own painterly images. Feel free to experiment with others. Try the superimposition technique and see how all the layer modes affect your photo.

Lesson 2: Cut and Paste One Photo into Another
Assignment: Cut and paste two or more photos together using the two techniques I demonstrated here. Take the time to make sure your edges look natural.

Lesson 3: Artistry Using Layer Modes
Assignment: Use both techniques described in the lesson to create layered images with diffusion and gradients. Try to make the result artistic and interesting.

Lesson 4: Creating a reflection
Assignment: Create a reflection using the technique in either example one or example two, or both. Pay attention to details such as lighting and shadows in terms of making the final image look real, if that is your intention.

Lesson 5: Motion
Assignment: Create movement using any or all of the above techniques. Your subject can include pretty much anything, from sports or wildlife action to flower arrangements. Some subjects, like architecture, may look inappropriately blurred, but I'll leave the artistic decisions to you.

Lesson 6: Coloring Photos
Assignment: Submit comparison photos of before and after shots. Use either a color or black and white photo as your original, and use any type of subject. The original photo can be new or something from your files taken previously.

Lesson 7: Creating Bubbles
Assignment: Create one or more bubbles in any type of photograph. Use either the simple method as I demonstrated in example one or the more lengthy technique in example two.

Lesson 8: Creating silhouettes
Assignment: Create a silhouette against a backlit environment. Any subject can be used, but do keep in mind that the graphic shape of your subject is of paramount importance to make the final result look good.

Review: Voting on Best Work


© Jim Zuckerman 

© Jim Zuckerman 

Requirements

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  • Photoshop CS or later, or Elements
  • A Mac or Windows-based computer
  • A digital or film-based camera

FAQ

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Who is this course intended for?
This course is open to Photoshop users interested in learning how to make the most of the creative possibilities of this program.  

Do I need any experience in Photoshop to keep up with the class?
Some experience is preferred, but Jim Zuckerman's examples will take you step-by-step through each procedure. So, even if you are a novice, you can duplicate his lessons on your computer. 

Can I use either a PC or a Macintosh for the course?
Yes.  

Does it matter what version of Photoshop I have?
You should have at least Photoshop 6, but it's not imperative. The problem with earlier versions is that Adobe changes the locations of certain functions and they add new capabilities that you may not have if you're using Photoshop 2 through 5. Photoshop 7 is preferable solely because of the healing brush. You can also use Photoshop Elements, but be forewarned that a few of the functions and tools we explore may not be available in Elements.  


© Jim Zuckerman 

© Jim Zuckerman 

Do I have to be online at any specific time?
No, you do not need to be online at any specific time. The lessons are sent to your email and you are also provided the Campus Square - where you interact with your classmates and instructor. This is also where you upload your photos to be critiqued by your instructor. The instructors are very punctual and respond quickly.

Will I have access to the instructor to ask questions during the photo course?
Absolutely! Students can ask questions in the special Q&A forum set up in the course's Campus Square, or can ask the instructor via email.

Do you offer a money back guarantee?
Yes. We are confident that you will fully enjoy our courses. All the same, for our 8-week classes, we offer a 100% money-back guarantee before the Wednesday that Lesson #3 is sent out. If for any reason, you are not satisfied and let us know that you would like to withdraw before the Wednesday that Lesson #3 is sent, you will be promptly refunded.

For our 4-week courses, we offer a 100% money back guarantee before the Wednesday that Lesson #2 is sent out from BetterPhoto. If for any reason you are not satisfied and you let the ordering department know that you would like to withdraw before the Wednesday that Lesson #2 is sent, you will be refunded within 7 days. After the second lesson has been sent out, no refunds will be given.


If you have further questions about this course, feel free to contact us via the Contact link below.

Only $348.00 USD






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In a Nutshell
8-Week Software Course
Skill Level: 2 - Serious Hobbyist
Category: Photoshop Courses
$348.00 USD

First Assignment Sent:
Jan 6, 2010

Average Customer Rating: 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5
Read all 27 reviews


Course Reviews:

5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5
By
Sarah A. Christian
member since: 8/31/2008
This class was one of the very best I have yet taken and Jim has made it so. His own love of and passion for photography is contagious. The class outline and his willingness to work with each of us on any challenge or question makes the learning process so much easier to come by. Alot of things came together in this course for me and my photos. The digital darkroom is a very exciting place, and the new techniques I have learned I am already using repeatedly. I also miss the class already and the challenges we had each week. Outstanding altogether, and I come away with so much more than I had when I started! Thank you, Jim, and BP!
Sarah Christian

- 6/11/2009 5:12:59 AM


5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5
By
Bunny  . Snow
member since: 11/16/2004
While I found this course a major challenge because my brain missed important information. I later realized this information was in the lessons. Jim Zuckerman assisted students with repeated walk throughs (telephone calls and a just released DVD) which helped me personally in conquering my missing data. Now, I can enjoy the wonderfully Creative Techniques of his instruction. Jim is extremely helpful in providing efficient, yet helpful critiques, and patiently repeated gentle guidance. I am grateful to him for teaching us techniques outside the box.

- 4/4/2009 9:30:58 AM


5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5
By
Bunny  . Snow
member since: 11/16/2004
I don't know what I'm going to do with myself now that Creative Techniques is over. I'm going to miss Jim Zuckerman and my classmates. I've learned so much, more than any other instruction taken anywhere, all the way back to the fall of 1960 when I began studying photography in college.

Never thought I'd enjoy digital darkroom as much as I do now, thanks to Jim. However, my education is not over. I've only just begun.

We are spending what's left of our retirement money on education, and my education with photography is continuous. I've become addicted to instruction through BetterPhoto.com as all my instructors to date have been patient and helpful, offering good critiques.

So does Jim, but he does more.. When a student, such as myself, just doesn't understand or cannot get action to take place, Jim telephoned twice and walked me through my problem areas. On the telephone, he asked questions and diagnosed the reason I was having so much trouble and came up with a solution that worked! No other instructor has done this in this way for me and I'm extremely indebted.

This helped with my learning experience. But, I wish there was a way to share problems we have each had because I learn from the mistakes of others, as well as my own. I like the personal telephone calls but, they are one on one and not shared with the group at large. This means that others cannot learn from my mistakes, if they wish to avoid pitfalls. On the other hand, Jim may be putting problems that others have had into his lesson, for he lets us know precise ways to attain desired effects. Deviation from those directions can be disastrous as far as achievement is concerned.

Jim Zuckerman is a superior instructor and I'm so thankful I was able to take Creative Techniques under his guidance.

- 3/7/2009 6:14:48 PM


5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5
By
Ada K. Chan
member since: 12/16/2008
This is my first course at BP. In fact, it's my first online photography course, EVER! Prior to this course, I have very limited knowledge in photoshop. In 8 weeks, I have learned a lot of creative techniques in Photoshop from Jim Zuckerman. His class instructions are very clear and concise. The step by step demos made it very easy to understand the lessons. The critiques from Zuckerman and other students are just invaluable. I will definitely take another class from Zuckerman and BP! Thanks so much!!! I love this site and the format of the courses.

- 2/28/2009 6:07:03 PM


5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5 5 out of 5
BetterPhoto Member Linda Vreatt
Linda Vreatt
member since: 6/1/2008
Great course and great instructor! Jim gives great detailed critiques and suggestions on improvements. His class is creative and challenging. I enjoyed learning new photoshop techniques and experimenting with Jim's suggested artistic methods.

- 1/8/2009 1:37:09 PM


Read all 27 course reviews...





Better Than Money Back Guarantee
Better Than Money Back Guarantee
We're confident you'll be delighted.






More Delighted Customers:

"Jim's feedback was always positive and his suggestions were eye opening. I learned so, so, so much more than just creative techniques for PS. Jim helped to develop my creative eye. I CAN'T wait to take another course from Jim." -Nancy Sharoff  

"Thank you so much for a very interesting class and very helpful and kind comments! I enjoyed the class very much and I feel that as a result of me taking this class my PS skills improved a lot  -I learned so much from you during this semester. I knew close to nothing in PS when the class started (when you mentioned layers in lesson 1 that was when I first heard that layers exist :) ) and now I can do a lot!"  -Maria Mosolova 

"Before I started Jim's class, I knew nothing about Photoshop... Whenever I had a question, Jim's response was very fast. I can't believe how much I've learned in 8 weeks. I will definitely take another one of Jim's classes in the future!" -Maria Pappano  

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