Digital photography and digital programs such as Adobe Photoshop Elements can strike fear into the hearts of beginning photographers. This workshop provides even the most digitally timid and/or Photoshop-challenged with the knowledge and confidence needed to go beyond all that.

Our week together starts with a through review of the “nuts-and-bolts” of our digital cameras, to insure that proper camera controls are set to allow for a seamless transfer of images from camera to computer. Dottie reviews the basics of light and composition, then guides everyone through a photographic assignment in and around picturesque Santa Fe. Back in The Workshops state-of-the-art digital lab, we review and critique images from our day of photographing.

Then, using Photoshop Elements, we learn and practice techniques for downloading, importing, organizing, editing, processing, and printing images. We explore Raw and JPEG files, create panoramas, use the Text tool, and learn how to prepare our images for the web and email. In addition to basic image adjustments, we learn to work with selections, layers, color enhancement, and retouching tools.

Fear replaced by fearless creativity, by the end of the week you have the tools to make your camera work for you, and the working knowledge of Photoshop Elements that allows you to enhance your images with skill and ease.