s Kenneth Lee Gallery - Instructional Videos
Kenneth Morris Lee
Photoshop Tutorials: Editing in Action

While other applications are catching up, I find Photoshop the best choice for Fine Art photography. It's not the easiest or the cheapest, but it provides the most features and the best features. Other editing applications are not subscription-based (and thus seem more affordable at first) but new versions require a new purchase.

Layers, Layers, Layers

The most important feature of Photoshop is layers. With layers we can make corrections, change their order, specify their intensity, change them, enable and disable them. We can apply adjustments on one layer that only affects the layer beneath it. Adjustments on layers are non-destructive: they can be enabled or disabled at any time. With layers, our creative process is asynchronous: we are not locked in to the order in which we work.

Intermediate Level

These videos are at an intermediate level. Looking for introductory tutorials on Photoshop ? The free video series entitled 30 Days of Photoshop from PHLEARN is highly recommended ! Other great resources are PIXimperfect and the Photoshop Training Channel

Sharpening On Layers

Let's sharpen an image on a separate adjustment layer. This is a non-destructive approach.

3-minute video: Sharpening On Layers in Photoshop

Sky Replacement

Let's improve the sky, using Photoshop's Sky Replacement feature. Then let's convert it to a smart object and apply further non-destructive adjustments.

4-minute video: Sky Replacement in Photoshop

Smart Object Layers for a Sense of Depth

Let's enhance the sense of depth in a photograph, using layers that have been converted to smart objects.

3-minute video: Smart Object Layers for a Sense of Depth

Raw Conversion: DxO versus Adobe

Let's compare Adobe and DxO raw conversion of a photograph made at ISO 25,600. The difference becomes rather compelling as we try to lift the shadows. Photographs courtesy of DPI Review.

2-minute video: Raw Conversion Comparison at ISO 25,600

Dynamic Range Correction with Brushed Layers

Let's brush-in our corrections... exactly where they are required.

3 minute video: Dynamic Range Correction with Brushed Layers

Studio Floor: Improvised Editing Session

Let's have some fun and edit an abstract photograph, using several Photoshop tools.

10 minute video: Improvised Editing Session

Vintage Toning with Color Transfer

Here's a remarkably fast and easy way to tone monochrome images.

2 minute video: Vintage Toning with Color Transfer

Easy Spot Removal with Adobe Camera Raw

Images from digital cameras with interchangeable lenses and scanned film are prone to dust spots. Removing spots can be troublesome and time-consuming. The Adobe Camera Raw Filter makes it much easier to find and remove spots from your images. This tool can be used with images of all types, not just raw files. It's perfect for tidying up sensor dust in areas like the sky, where spots are abundant but hard to discern.

2 minute video: Adobe Camera Raw Healing Brush

Spot Removal on Layers

Here's a more aesthetic view of spotting: we remove distracting elements to make the picture look more appealing. We remove spots on layers: a non-destructive approach.

3 minute video: Spot Removal on Layers

Color Range Masking

Let's select and adjust the flower - but not the leaves - with the Photoshop Color Range tool. This method can be a vastly more effective than the usual object selection tools. We can modify areas according to their brightness range or color. Watch the video below and click here to read an illustrated article.

3 minute video: Color Range Masking in Photoshop

More Color Range Masking

Let's select and adjust the sky - but not the buildings - with the Photoshop Color Range selection tool.

2 minute video: Color Range Masking in Photoshop