Today I’m going to show you how to NOT be intimidated by Photoshop! I’ve been using Adobe Photoshop exclusively for a few years now to edit my photos, switching from Lightroom. In this beginner’s guide to Photoshop you will learn how to enable a ‘mini lightroom’ application within Photoshop so you can edit your photos quickly and professionally.
Just last week I returned from Atlanta where I attended and taught at Haven Conference, a DIY and Home Decor blogger’s conference. I co-taught a Photoshop Design class with Layla from The Lettered Cottage and both days the room was packed! Despite having some major anxiety flare up before our first day teaching, everything went smoothly and I was so happy to hear from several people how helpful the class was.
So here is a little video I created showing some of what I taught in the class. My portion of the class lasted 30 minutes, and this video is only 7, so obviously there are some parts I had to cut out, but this is a great introduction on how to edit photos in a professional way if you know nothing about Photoshop.
In this video I cover how to:
-Straighten and fix lens distortions
-How to edit white balance
-Boost sharpness and clarity in several different ways
-How to quickly adjust basic photo edits including exposure, contrast, shadows, clarity, and vibrance (what I always use)
-How to easily edit smaller areas of photos using a highly customizable brush tool
-Remove objects, cords, dirt, or blemishes
-How to export photos the proper way to be used online in the best format possible
If you are interested in a printable version of what I covered in the video, you can download and print it HERE.
Like I mentioned above, my good friend, Layla from The Lettered Cottage, taught with me and she taught a more technical side of Photoshop where you can create amazing room makeovers digitally (great if you want to see what a new paint color or furniture would look like before you take the plunge).
She is offering her full class (with a lot more than she even taught at Haven) for $57 and you can see more about it HERE.
Layla and I have been chatting almost daily for several months, but this was the first time we met in person and it felt like we had known each other for years. She is exactly what I expected her to be (except shorter haha) and it was so much fun! Here is a pic of my besties Lucy, Danielle, Layla and I while I was a bit of a nervous wreck, prepping for the class in my room.
One of my favorite displays at Haven was the Home Depot area which was designed by the incredible Brian Patrick Flynn (who is also the designer for HGTV’s dream home)…. but can you spot the difference between the two?
Photoshop for the win!;)
Here is a bit more of the display:
The days were a bit of a blur and I only got a chance to attend one class – about Pinterest taught by Alex from AveStyles. It was so good and I’m going to be overhauling my Pinterest account to be easier to follow, find, and with more activity.
Friday night I spent some time with my favorite Home Depot people (they treat us influencers that partner with them often to a dinner to show appreciation), and got to chat it up with some of my absolute FAVORITE girls, Jen Woodhouse and Katie Bower. They both make me laugh so much. Also can we talk about how the sunlight is hitting Katie’s amazing hair? Like wowza! That girl has got some good locks.
I also spent some time with Haneen. That girl is quite the package– beautiful, dresses well, and is hilarious.
The rest of the evening I spent back at the conference attending the Girl’s Night In, where my girl Lucy taught a watercolor class. They had a macrame station, and lots of snacks and drinks.
I also got to know Sarah from Our Vintage Farmhouse better (she taught the Instagram class) and that girl makes me laugh till I cry ALL.THE.TIME. She is the best. And a firecracker– which even though she is hot blonde here, she is a true red head and I love that about her. (My mom is a redhead).
On Saturday I had a fun opportunity to be interviewed by Ryobi!
It was a short but sweet interview and I felt so official haha! The interviews they had with bloggers will be on their YouTube channel and Facebook page in a couple weeks.
The last night I went to dinner with these gals: (Sarah, Jen Rizzo, Lucy, and Danielle)
…and then stayed up too late chatting it up with this crew! Too much talent in one room!
I’ll tell you what… as fun as the weekend was, it was great to arrive home on Sunday morning and cuddle with these cuties.
If you are interested in attending Haven, next year they are changing the location to Charleston, South Carolina! I am so excited for this new beach location, and I won’t miss it!
Rose Lefebvre says
Gotta say I LOVE the pink dress with white insets. So adorable! Sounds like you all had a wodnerfu bonding time together.
Chelsea @ Making Manzanita says
Thank you, thank you, thank you! This video was just what I needed. I’ve been using PS for years to edit, but not really knowing how to! I can’t wait to try this out. I just got a new DSLR camera yesterday too 🙂
Barbara C Olive says
Great article. Green vase is missing in second photo.
Jules says
Thanks for the video! Green Yeti cup has been removed.
Kelly says
It looks like you had so much fun! Love the new location and I’m hoping to make it next year 🙂
Best,
Kelly
Papri says
Goood post!