Picture Perfect Start: Basic Lightroom & Photoshop Skills for Photographers by Brenda Kieso

A workshop review by Kathy Kinser

I recently attended a photography workshop at the Professional Photographers Guild of Houston presented by Brenda Kieso that focused on the essentials of Lightroom and Photoshop for beginners, and it was a fantastic experience. The workshop was expertly structured, making it accessible and valuable for those new to these powerful tools.

The Lightroom portion of the workshop was particularly well-organized. We started with the basics of importing images, which was great for building a solid foundation. The instructor walked us through the import process, including how to organize files and set up a workflow that minimizes clutter and maximizes efficiency.

Sorting images was another key topic, and I appreciated the detailed explanation of using ratings, to manage photos effectively.  The “Develop” module in Lightroom was covered in depth and the instructor did a great job explaining how to enhance photos with adjustments.   The session on tools covered essential features like cropping, straightening, and adjusting exposure. The mask and masking tools were highlighted as well, which was incredibly useful for targeting specific areas of an image without affecting the whole picture.

Moving on to Photoshop, we dove into some exciting techniques starting with an explanation of the photoshop tools.  The head-swapping exercise was a standout for me. The instructor provided clear, step-by-step guidance on selecting and blending different elements, which made a complex task much more manageable. Similarly, the sky replacement tutorial was fascinating. We learned how to replace dull or overcast skies with more dramatic ones, enhancing the overall look of our images.

One of the most impressive aspects of the workshop was the personal attention given to each participant. The instructor made sure that everyone’s questions were addressed and provided individual support as needed. This hands-on approach ensured that no one was left behind and allowed us to tailor our learning experience to our specific needs.

Overall, this workshop was an excellent introduction to Lightroom and Photoshop. The combination of clear instruction, practical exercises, and personalized support made it a highly effective and enjoyable learning experience. Whether you're looking to improve your photo editing skills or just getting started, this workshop is a great investment in your photography journey.