Hey everyone! Today, I’m diving into the “Adobe Photoshop CC Essentials | Photoshop Retouching” course by Chris Parker, a seasoned photographer and graphic designer with over 30 years of professional experience. This promises to turn even the most novice users into proficient photo editors and retouchers. If you’re looking to level up your photo editing and retouching skills, you might want to stick around for this review.
Instructor Reputation
Chris Parker isn’t just any instructor on Udemy—he’s a veritable giant in the world of photography and graphic design education. With over 30 years of professional experience, Chris has been at the forefront of teaching not just the technical skills of using software like Photoshop and Lightroom, but also imparting the artistic vision necessary to excel in these fields. His robust rating of 4.5 stars is supported by a staggering 15,566 reviews, showcasing the trust and respect he has earned from a vast body of students.
What sets Chris apart is his deep engagement with his students. His approach is hands-on and responsive, as evidenced by his quick and thoughtful replies to student inquiries and discussions in the course forums. This accessibility and dedication make him not just a lecturer, but a mentor. Students often highlight his ability to break down complex concepts into manageable, understandable chunks, which is crucial for mastering a multifaceted tool like Photoshop.
Moreover, Chris’s professional background as a photographer and graphic designer enriches his teachings. Having used Photoshop since its early days in 1991, he brings a historical perspective to his lessons, offering insights into the evolution of digital editing tools alongside cutting-edge techniques. This blend of old-school wisdom and modern expertise appeals to a broad range of learners, from complete novices to seasoned professionals looking to update their skills.
Course Structure
The structure of the “Adobe Photoshop CC Essentials | Photoshop Retouching” course is a testament to Chris Parker’s thorough and methodical approach to education. The course is ambitiously designed to cater to a wide array of learning needs, encapsulating 7 distinct Photoshop courses into one comprehensive package. This all-in-one approach not only makes it a cost-effective option for learners but also ensures a seamless learning curve, from the basics to the more advanced aspects of Photoshop.
The course kicks off with a “Photoshop Crash Course for Beginners,” which is perfect for those who have never opened Photoshop before or have little to no familiarity with digital editing. Here, Chris covers the fundamental concepts and tools that form the foundation of Photoshop work. The inclusion of downloadable resources like photo files and a Photoshop Essentials Guide helps students practice on their own, reinforcing the lessons taught.
As students progress through the sections, the complexity of the content increases. Each new section builds on the previous one, ensuring that learners are not overwhelmed but are steadily challenged. For instance, after covering the basics, the course moves into more specialized topics such as layer management, color correction, and photo retouching. This structured escalation allows learners to develop confidence as they master each level of skill.
In the later sections, Chris delves into sophisticated techniques and applications of Photoshop, such as vector creation, advanced photo editing, and even graphic design principles. These segments are particularly valuable for those looking to use Photoshop professionally, as they touch on industry-standard practices and workflows.
Additionally, the course’s structure is designed to accommodate the learner’s schedule. With on-demand video tutorials and lifetime access, students can learn at their own pace, revisiting complex topics as needed. This flexibility, combined with the course’s comprehensive nature, ensures that learners not only receive instruction but truly integrate their knowledge into practical skills.
Content Quality
The content quality of Chris Parker’s Adobe Photoshop CC Essentials course is exceptional, reflecting his decades of professional experience and pedagogical expertise. Each module is meticulously designed to provide not only the theoretical underpinnings of the tools and techniques but also practical, real-world applications that students can immediately put to use. The course boasts over 37 hours of high-definition video tutorials that cover a vast spectrum of Photoshop capabilities from basic to advanced levels.
One of the standout features of the course content is its clarity and precision. Chris has a knack for explaining complex Photoshop functions in a way that is digestible and easy to understand, which is particularly beneficial for those who might feel overwhelmed by the software’s vast array of features. His tutorials are well-paced, and he often uses zoom-ins and screen highlights to ensure that viewers can clearly see the actions being performed. This attention to detail helps in reducing the learning curve associated with such a sophisticated tool.
Furthermore, the course is replete with practical examples and hands-on projects that reinforce the lessons. Chris does an excellent job of contextualizing the tools and techniques within typical workflows of photographers and graphic designers, thereby helping students understand not just how to use a feature, but why and when it might be employed. This practical application of knowledge is crucial for learning to occur and for skills to be internalized.
Additionally, the content is updated regularly, which is vital in the ever-evolving field of digital graphics and photography. Chris ensures that the course stays relevant by incorporating new features and techniques as Adobe updates Photoshop, thus providing his students with up-to-date knowledge that can stand up in a professional environment.
Overall Course Rating – 9.5/10
After a detailed review of the “Adobe Photoshop CC Essentials | Photoshop Retouching” course by Chris Parker, I would confidently give it a rating of 9.5 out of 10. This high rating is well-deserved for several reasons:
- Comprehensiveness: The course covers an impressive range of topics that are crucial for anyone looking to become proficient in Photoshop. From the absolute basics to more advanced and specialized techniques, the course is structured to cater to learners at different stages of their Photoshop journey.
- Teaching Quality: Chris Parker’s ability to convey complex information in an understandable and engaging way sets this course apart. His professional background and long-standing experience provide a rich context to his teachings, making the lessons not only informative but also deeply insightful.
- Interactive Learning: The inclusion of practical projects and the provision for feedback make this course interactive. Students aren’t just passive recipients of information; they are encouraged to engage actively with the content, apply their learning, and improve through constructive critiques.
- Accessibility and Support: With lifetime access to the course materials and a responsive instructor who is keen on answering questions and aiding students, learners have continuous support in their educational journey. This level of accessibility enhances the learning experience and provides students with a safety net as they navigate through the complexities of Photoshop.
- Value for Money: Considering the depth and breadth of the material covered, the course offers exceptional value for money. It’s an investment that provides comprehensive knowledge and skills, equipping students with the tools they need to excel in various professional settings involving digital editing and design.
In conclusion, Chris Parker’s Adobe Photoshop CC Essentials course is an excellent resource for anyone serious about mastering Photoshop. Whether you are a complete beginner or someone looking to refine and expand your editing skills, this course offers substantial learning that is sure to pay dividends in both personal and professional contexts.
