"I can't tell you how much my own skills have improved! I know this by A.) how pleased I am with what I'm doing and seeing; B.) the comments from my friends; and C.) the requests I'm getting from models and others who want to work with me. I am using many of the steps and actions you taught me, but I don't think I've gotten the hang of them all. So, I think I'm in need of a refresher course. What would you recommend: Should I retake the same lesson, focusing on the parts I need to work on, or is there another lesson you would suggest? Thank you so much, Julia. I'm eager to take this to the next level with you!"

"I had to share with you a comment I literally just received today. I sometimes post before and after images. I posted this one (attached) and here's what one of my model friends said, and I quote: "Mark, you are such a master at retouching! Love the enhancements you made to an already gorgeous picture." Comments like these amaze me, because I'm still not as far along with my skill as I'd like. But I can't thank you enough for getting me to this point! Thank you again!"

Mark Hersch, IL
Portrait Photographer,
mark_hersch@yahoo.com

 

"The class was really awesome and the sheet you gave me, I use all the time. I can only speak from a perspective of someone who has used Photoshop before. So anyone who is new to the program. I felt very relaxed and not talked down to during the session. I felt as I could speak my mind and not feel as I was uneducated. After the class the tools really began to stick. I felt more comfortable choosing different tools I never used before and I felt very excited to get the chance to use them. The sheet you provided me with is very helpful. Every time I begin a retouching project I pull out that sheet. Even if I don't use all the suggestions, I go over the sheet to see if there may be something I may have missed.
Tyreece Smith, NE
Illustrator, Graphic Designer
ty@elephantnoir.com

 

"What I liked best about your course is the fact that you come at it from a creative perspective which is really the true key to getting a better picture at the end of the day. I think you can know some cool processes and tools in photoshop, but if you really don't have a vision of what the end goal/picture should look like, or don't have a sensibility for aesthetics/art and are not observant, then it's really not going to elevate the work all that much. The plus on top of that is your knowledge on the most efficient processes, and I like the non-destructive methods to achieve the same results.

The part of the course I enjoyed most, was when we reviewed aesthetics and lighting on the face. I never thought to look for shadows around the nose and chin until you mentioned it and I went back to the image I shot and noticed them there on this particular portrait. I learnt a lot about what makes a face look good, general aesthetics etc.... and I was impressed with the relentless attention to detail you approach your portraiture work with. You must be a neat freak at home! hehe (Note: I wouldn't mind to be! But nope... I'm only that in Photoshop :) - Julia).

Natasha Peterson, Melbourne, Australia & Los Angeles, USA
Professional Photographer, Global Events, Fashion Shows & Festivals, Australia & US Open coverage
natasha@corleve.com