Best Photoshop Classes NYC: Find Courses & Onsite Training

Learn More About NYC Photoshop Courses

What is Photoshop?

Adobe Photoshop is a software application that is used for retouching photos and editing images. It is one of the most well-known applications in the Adobe suite and is one of the most popular photo editing programs in the world, often referred to as the industry-standard for photo editing. Photos are the primary format that Photoshop users work with, however, the application can also be used with videos and documents.

One thing that makes Photoshop so popular is that it gives users a wide range of different tools. It has a number of preset layers, filters, and brushes that beginners can use, however, it also has many different tools for expert users who want complete control over the editing process. According to Adobe, “Photoshop has a huge variety of customers, including both professional and hobbyists. Its primary user base, though, consists of professional designers and professional photographers, followed by video editors and special effects artists.”

Photoshop was developed in 1987 by Thomas and John Knoll, and sold to Adobe in 1988. It was first released to the public in 1990. Adobe argues that without Photoshop, the world of design would be quite different. It says, “Just imagine how things were back in the 1980s, and how limited design options were. Today design is everything, and well-designed experiences are everything—critical to business, critical to the user experience, and critical to brands—and that’s largely thanks to Photoshop. . . . Without Photoshop, people would be missing an important vehicle for expressing their creative visions.”

This application has changed significantly since its 1990 release, with many different new features and tools added over time. For instance, layers were introduced in 1994. In 2003, Camera Raw was released. Adobe has also made changes to the way that customers can access this app. When it was originally released, Photoshop was available as a one-time purchase. Now, Adobe uses a subscription model for Photoshop and its other products. Users pay a monthly fee, and they always have access to the latest version of the application.

What Can You Do with Photoshop Training?

Photoshop is a versatile program that you can use for almost any type of design. As suggested by its name, it offers a wide range of different tools for editing photos. You can do things like retouching, correcting color, and changing backgrounds. You can also use Photoshop to edit other types of images like logos or illustrations. The application’s editing capabilities also allow you to combine different types of images. In addition, it has drawing and painting tools that can be used to create your own unique digital art.

Creating and editing images like this was much more difficult--or even impossible--before the development of Photoshop and other digital design applications. Previously, designers had to work by hand, using tools like pencils and brushes. Design was often time-consuming and expensive. Photoshop was part of a revolution in the field of design, making it easier and more accessible. In a recent LinkedIn article, the author says, “Photoshop has revolutionized the way we perceive and interact with images. From basic photo editing to complex graphic compositions, the software provides an extensive array of tools that empower designers to bring their imagination to life. The ability to manipulate colors, textures, and shapes with precision has made Photoshop an essential companion for creative professionals across various industries.”

What Will I Learn in a Photoshop Class?

All Photoshop classes are different; however, most classes focus on the same fundamental skills. When you take a class, you’ll learn about composition, working with layers, adding and manipulating text, painting, and making selections.

Composition

Composition is the art of combining a number of different design elements to produce a composition. It is an important part of any type of design because it determines how your design looks and feels to viewers, and when you learn to use Photoshop you’ll learn about composition. Some examples of composition include the way that specific design elements are placed, how the photo is framed, how lines and shapes are used, and the use of elements like symmetry, balance, and repetition.

Working with Layers

Layers are an important part of Photoshop, and when you take a Photoshop class, you’ll learn how to work with them. Adobe explains the benefits of using layers. It says, “Layers are like clear sheets you can lay over background layers or images. Working in layers allows you to add and adjust different elements like portions of photos or text. If your layer is transparent or semi-transparent, you can see through it to the layers below it. You can add images, textures, colors, and text to one layer without affecting the content in the layers below it, so you can undo or adjust any moves you make that you’re not happy with.” With layers, you can edit parts of your image without permanently changing the whole image.

Working with Text

Photoshop allows you to add and manipulate text in your design. A Creative Cloud subscription gives you access to thousands of different free fonts that you can use in your Photoshop projects. When you take a Photoshop class, you’ll learn to add text where you want it, and in the correct size. You’ll also learn how to manipulate that text, for instance, warping or bending it, or changing its color or style.

Painting

Many people think that Photoshop is only used for editing photos, but this application can also be used to create digital art. Photoshop also allows you to use its Brush tool and paint freehand. You can customize your brush in many different ways such as adjusting the size, the color, and how fast the paint flows. When you take a Photoshop class, you’ll learn about the many different ways to paint within this application.

Selections

Making selections is another fundamental Photoshop skill. Adobe explains, “A selection is an area of a photo that you define. When you create a selection, the area is editable (for example, you can lighten one part of a photo without affecting the rest). You can make a selection with either a selection tool or a selection command.” Adobe gives users a number of different ways to make selections, and learning this skill is more complex than it sounds. You’ll learn about selections when you take a Photoshop class.

How Hard Is It to Learn Photoshop?

Photoshop has many different features, so how hard it is to learn will depend on how many of these features you want to master. Most people say that learning the fundamentals of this application is relatively easy. For instance, you might be able to learn basic photo retouching in a matter of days. This is one of the reasons that the application has become so popular; you can pick up the basics relatively quickly. However, Photoshop also offers many different advanced features, and it can take months or even years to learn all of them.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Photoshop?

Many people say that one of the most challenging things about learning Photoshop is the sheer number of skills and tools that must be mastered to fully utilize this complex application. It is relatively easy to pick up some basic Photoshop skills, however, once you start digging deeper into the application, you’ll discover that there are many things to be learned. In a recent article in PC Magazine, the author explains, “Photoshop is one of the most complex programs that's commonly used today. Getting a handle on Photoshop teaches you not one skill, but many: photo editing, image design with layers, web image optimization, 3D imagery, typography, and drawing. In every one of these areas, Photoshop offers a deep, rich set of tools, each of which can be further modified with options and adjustments.” Overall though, while it might take some time and effort, Photoshop is something that can be learned by almost everyone.

How Long Does it Take to Learn Photoshop?

The length of time it takes to learn Photoshop is different from person to person and depends on many factors including your level of design knowledge, whether you know how to use any other Adobe programs, and how much time you spend practicing. In general, most people say that you can learn the basics within a matter of days. However, if you want to use Photoshop at a professional level, it’s likely to take you months or even years to master all of its features. Taking a paid class can help speed up the learning process. You’ll also master this application more quickly if you devote a lot of time to practice.

Should I Learn Photoshop In Person or Online?

There are a number of different options when it comes to learning Photoshop. Some students choose to learn by enrolling in an in-person Photoshop class. This type of class takes place in a classroom environment, with a live instructor and face-to-face interaction between the instructor and students. Many people find this to be the most engaging format. Students also like that they can ask questions and get immediate feedback. In addition, instructors say that when they teach in this format it can be easier to assess student progress and understand when additional help is needed. A downside of in-person learning is that students need to commute to the training center, and this is expensive and time-consuming for some people. In addition, students who don’t live near a major city with a lot of schools may have limited in-person training options.

Because of these limitations, live online learning has become more popular in recent years. This type of instruction is also live, but students attend virtually by logging in and attending virtually via computer. Like in-person instruction, there is still the opportunity to ask questions and get immediate feedback. In fact, some students feel more comfortable interacting in this virtual format than they do in person. One benefit of live online instruction is that students are not limited to classes in their geographical area. In addition, these classes offer more flexibility because there is no commute. A downside is that students need to provide their own software and equipment. Another downside is that since they are not in a classroom environment that is specifically designed for learning, distractions can be more likely.

For students who want flexibility, on-demand classes are the most flexible learning option. These are not live, but instead run asynchronously, meaning that material is prerecorded and students can work through it at their own pace. This means that they can stop and start whenever they want to, rewinding material that they need more time with, and fast-forwarding through sections that they have already mastered. This level of flexibility can be great for students with busy schedules, however, it does often require a higher level of focus and self-motivation. It may not be the best choice for students who become easily distracted.

Can I Learn Photoshop Free Online?

There are many free educational Photoshop resources online. For example, there are many short tutorials on the Adobe website. YouTube also contains a wealth of free information on many different topics, including Photoshop. The Adobe website also contains many different short, free Photoshop tutorials. These resources can be a great way to pick up a new Photoshop skill or troubleshoot a problem that you’re having. However, if you’re serious about learning Photoshop, you’ll probably want to invest in a paid Photoshop class. With a paid class you’ll get comprehensive instruction from an expert who can guide you through the learning process and answer any questions that you have. Instructors can also share tips and tricks that it might take you years to learn otherwise. Another benefit of a formal class is that you’ll know you’re getting accurate and up-to-date information, and you won’t have to spend time verifying the veracity of your sources.

What Should I Learn Alongside Photoshop?

If you’re using Photoshop to work with photos and other types of images, it may be beneficial to learn about design. There are a number of principles--such as balance and contrast--that designers consider when they create designs. They do this so that their work is visually pleasing and achieves its intended purpose. A Getty Center publication explains some of these principles. It says, “Movement is the path the viewer’s eye takes through the work of art, often to focal areas. Such movement can be directed along lines, edges, shape, and color within the work of art,” and, “Variety is the use of several elements of design to hold the viewer’s attention and to guide the viewer’s eye through and around the work of art.” By learning about design, you’ll be able to create work that is purposeful and effective.

Video editing is another complementary skill. In recent years it has become increasingly common for digital content to include some kind of video, so if you’re planning to create content for digital media, it can be beneficial to have some video editing skills. Premiere Pro is an Adobe video editing program that is often used in conjunction with Photoshop because the two integrate easily with one another.

Illustrator is another Adobe application that integrates with Photoshop. While Photoshop is for editing raster images, which are images made of pixels, Illustrator is an application designed for creating and editing vector graphics. It is a popular design tool, and you can use it to resize vector graphics without losing image quality. Like Photoshop, Illustrator has become an industry-standard application. If you know how to use Illustrator as well as Photoshop, you can use the two applications to create and edit images that combine photos and graphics.

If you’re learning Photoshop and you plan to work in the design industry, it's also a good idea to start working on a portfolio. Adobe says, “Your portfolio is your chance to showcase your professional expertise, personal work, and individual brand — all things that your resume can’t convey. If you’re in a creative industry like writing or design, a compelling portfolio or professional website will help you stick out in the minds of hiring managers.” If you take a Photoshop class, you may be able to use some of your projects in your portfolio.

Industries that Use Photoshop

Photoshop is used in many different creative industries. According to Adobe, “It’s used most extensively in the design world: advertising, graphic design, traditional press designers, web design, product design, video game design, user-experience design, and so on. It’s also used heavily by photographers for photo retouching, and in the film industry for various things like concept art, matte paintings, storyboarding, or color manipulations—anything that’s not moving and used in a film’s special effects or design.”

New York City is one of the country’s biggest creative hubs. According to a government report, New York City has a high concentration of creative industries. The report says, “New York City is the artistic and creative epicenter of the country and, in many respects, the world.” It finds that the city’s creative sector accounts for 13 percent of its total economic output, and also reports that 12 percent of all creative industry jobs in the country are located there. Creative industries where Photoshop is used include graphic design, marketing, tech, and photography.

Design

New York City is well known for its design scene. One magazine article refers to it as “the design capital of the world.” The author insists, “There are plenty of doors in New York, especially in the New York graphic design world, and if you play your cards right, you can get into them, networking your way into one after another.” Designers often use Photoshop to create and edit many different elements in their designs.

Marketing

The marketing industry also utilizes Photoshop. This application is used to create logos and other types of branding elements, and to design graphics for marketing material. According to NYCEDC, marketing is an important part of New York City’s business landscape. It argues that creative industries like this are part of what defines New York City, insisting, “Our city runs on this spirit of creativity.” It says, “New York City has long been known for its global prominence in publishing, fashion, and advertising. And with an impressive workforce of creative minds, these industries are growing rapidly and redefining the media landscape.”

Tech

Photoshop is often used to create and manipulate content that is used in the tech industry. According to NYC International Business, “New York City is the fastest-growing tech hub in the United States.” It reports that the tech industry in this city accounts for over 291,000 jobs and more than $124.7 billion in economic output. In addition, it finds that over the past ten years, there has been an 18 percent growth rate in this sector.

Photography

Photoshop is an industry-standard tool for photography. Almost all professional photographers edit their images, and many rely on Photoshop for the editing process. One photographer explains that in professional photography, Photographers rarely capture an image exactly as they want, and often need to edit something afterward, and Photoshop allows that. He says, “When you’re focused on the moment and on capturing that thing that might not ever happen again in the history of the world, getting the horizon right and getting the light — all that stuff — perfect doesn’t always happen. And in that case, Photoshop serves as a sort of safety net and really helps me in my job.”

Photoshop Job Titles and Salaries

Photoshop is an industry-standard application that is used in many different types of design jobs. Adobe insists that Photoshop and other Adobe applications are some of the most-used tools in digital design, and argues that designers who know how to work with Adobe have an advantage over designers who don’t. It says, “According to LinkedIn’s 2021 job listings search, 230,000 jobs in the US require Adobe skills, while only 3,982 jobs require knowledge of other digital platforms. And, when users search job boards for terms such as ‘Creative Cloud,’ ‘Photoshop, ‘Illustrator,’ ‘XD,’ ‘InDesign,’ ‘Premiere Pro,’ and ‘Acrobat’ versus ‘Canva,’ results show 5,693% more jobs requiring Adobe skills than competing platforms. 84% of professionals feel that, in large part, they’ve been hired into their current position thanks to their familiarity with Adobe products.”

Photographer

As its name suggests, Photoshop is a very popular tool among Photographers. They use it to edit photos in many different ways, from more simple edits like adjusting color and contrast and removing blemishes, to more advanced techniques such as replacing backgrounds, integrating new figures, and photo compositing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS), a federal agency that compiles labor market statistics, predicts that the field of photography will remain relatively stable over the next ten years, with job growth of 4 percent, which is slightly higher than average. It says, “Employment of self-employed photographers is projected to grow over the projections decade as the number of amateur photographers and hobbyists entering the occupation increases. Demand for portrait photographers will remain as people continue to want new portraits. Corporations also will continue to require commercial photographers’ services to develop compelling advertisements to sell products.” the BLS reports that the New York City metropolitan area has the highest employment level for Photographers, with almost 4,000 people there working in this profession. According to Payscale, a website that provides salary estimates for many different jobs, a Photographer in New York City earns about $55,000 per year.

Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers often rely on Photoshop too. This profession involves using a variety of different visual elements in order to communicate ideas. According to the BLS, a career in graphic design is also likely to be relatively stable over the next ten years. It predicts that jobs in this field will grow by 3 percent between 2022 and 2032, which is about as fast as average. It finds that while print jobs for Graphic Designers may decline in the future, digital design jobs are likely to increase. It explains, “As companies continue to increase their digital presence, graphic designers may be needed to help create visually appealing and effective layouts of websites and social media sites.” the BLS finds that New York City is the top employer of Graphic Designers among U.S. metropolitan areas, employing more than 19,000 people. According to Payscale, a New York City Graphic Designer earns about $62,000 per year.

Digital Designer

A Digital Designer creates digital designs like graphics and animations that are used for apps, websites, and other types of digital media, and these professionals often use Photoshop. the BLS groups Digital Designers and Web Developers together on its website, and predicts strong future growth for these professions. Between 2023 and 2032, it anticipates 16 percent job growth in this field, which is well above average. It reports that about 13 percent of people working in this profession are self-employed. Payscale finds that a New York City Digital Designer earns $65,000 annually.

Web Designer

A Web Designer designs websites, and may use Photoshop to create visual elements. the BLS finds that the growing use of mobile devices is one factor driving job growth for Web Designers. It explains, “The continued use of mobile devices to search the web is expected to generate demand for web developers and digital designers to create websites and interfaces that work on mobile devices with many different screen sizes.” It also finds that ecommerce is driving job growth, stating, “Employment of web developers and digital designers is projected to grow as ecommerce continues to expand. As retail firms keep increasing their online offerings, demand for these workers is expected to grow.” the BLS finds that New York City employs the most Web and Digital Interface Designers in the country. According to Payscale, a Web Designer in New York City earns about $66,000 yearly.

Photoshop Classes Near Me

If you’re based in the New York City area, you’ll find many different Photoshop class options. Some students like to learn this application through an in-person class, and New York City has a number of in-person options. Noble Desktop is a coding and design school based in New York City, which offers a number of different Photoshop classes at its Manhattan facility, in addition to a live online format. Noble Desktop was founded in 1990 and is licensed by the New York State Education Department. It runs a Photoshop Bootcamp, which is a multi-day class that covers basic and intermediate Photoshop features. Students learn how to edit their photos and create graphics. Covered skills include adjusting color and contrast, removing unwanted elements, making selections to work with specific parts of an image, and saving images in proper formats. Students also learn about masks, layers, filters, and type. They earn a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

Another Noble Desktop option is the Photoshop Masterclass. This is a comprehensive course that covers beginner through advanced skills. It has two units. In the first, students learn Photoshop basics like working with selection tools, layers, filters, and blend modes. They also learn about color correction, masking, and creating composites. In the second unit, instructors cover more advanced skills such as blending modes, the Pen tool, and generative AI features. The class is designed to give students the skills they need to work on many different types of Photoshop projects.

Noble Desktop also offers a Photoshop Certification Program. This class is designed for students who want to become a certified Adobe Photoshop expert. It starts with two Photoshop classes, where instructors cover basic through advanced Photoshop skills. After that, students receive six hours of private tutoring to help them get ready for the exam. Finally, they take the Adobe Certified Professional exam for Photoshop. The class fee includes a free exam retake.

The Manhattan Edit Workshop also runs Photoshop classes in New York City. This school was founded in 2002 and runs a variety of software classes in both an in-person and live online format. Adobe Photoshop Level I is designed for Producers, Editors, Assistant Editors, and Motion Graphic Artists who want to master Photoshop basics. It starts with a discussion of digital images and introduces students to the workspace. After that, students learn about basic photo corrections, working with selections, layer basics, and quick fixes. Instructors also cover typographic design and vector drawing techniques. They also learn how to save files correctly.

The school also has a Photoshop Level II class, which is focused on more advanced Photoshop skills. Students learn how to work with Adobe Bridge. They also learn about Camera RAW, advanced compositing, smart objects, vanishing points, and adjustment layers and filters. Other covered skills are layer comps, actions and scripts, painting with the mixer brush, and producing and printing consistent color.

Plexus Creative is another New York City provider that offers in-person Photoshop classes. This training and technology school offers classes in web design, graphic design, video editing, motion graphics, creative coding, and 3D modeling. Introduction to Adobe Photoshop is a short hands-on workshop that covers the key tools and features of Photoshop. Students learn how to work with documents, customize the interface, edit photos, crop and transform images, make detailed selections, retouch photos, and work with layers and masks. They also learn to use smart objects and adjustment layers, and to work with types and apply layer effects. In addition, instructors cover exporting.

Plexus Creative also runs an Intermediate Adobe Photoshop class, where students can learn more complex Photoshop techniques. Covered skills include placing linked and embedded files, using clipping masks, creating vector shapes and masks, and adjusting images with curves. Students also learn about creative and corrective filters, adjusting camera raw images, customizing layer effects, understanding color profiles, and customizing guides and grids. Students who want to take this class should have proficiency in introductory Photoshop skills.

You can also learn to use Photoshop by taking a live online Photoshop class. Computer Training Source, Inc. is based in the Chicago area, but also offers live online classes. Photoshop Part I is a short class designed for beginners. Students learn to customize and organize their workspace and to use Adobe Bridge. They also learn how to work with basic images, and how to work with layers and selections. After that, they learn to adjust and refine images and how to manage their Photoshop files.

Another place to learn Photoshop in a live online format is Training Connection, which is a computer and business training school based in Los Angeles that also runs classes live online. Photoshop Fundamentals is a multi-day class where students learn to use Photoshop while working on real-world projects. The curriculum covers fixing images, removing things, simple text and effects, basic creative social media design, and designing a creative print cover. Students also learn about adjustment layers and FX, more advanced selection techniques, Pen tool fundamentals, and working with presets. Additional covered skills include working with brushes, filter effects, working with generative art, and digital marketing media design. Students receive a training manual and a certificate of course completion. They also have the option of a free class repeat.

Lumenbrite Digital Design Training offers beginner and advanced Photoshop classes in a live online format. This school is based in Austin, Texas, and offers a variety of digital design classes. Its Photoshop Training: Bootcamp is a multi-day class that combines Lumenbrite’s two essential Photoshop skills classes. Students who complete this bootcamp will progress to an intermediate level of Photoshop mastery. Covered skills include retouching, working with layers, repairing, masks, color management, typography, and advanced image manipulation. Students also learn to work with Camera Raw and learn about the program’s animation and video features.

Ledet Training also runs Photoshop classes. This school is an Adobe Authorized Training Center. Adobe Photoshop 101 covers the fundamentals of this program. Students start by learning about the Photoshop interface and how to set up a professional image editing system. In addition, they learn repair and publishing, photo retouching, layers, working with masks, channels, and typography. Ledet Training also offers an advanced Photoshop class.

Ledet Training offers a Photoshop class that is specifically designed for Photographers. Photoshop Training for Photographers is a multi-day class where students learn Photoshop skills that are used by photographers. These include managing and correcting color, making selections and adjustments, sharpening, retouching, and printing. Instructors also cover tips and tricks for achieving professional-quality photos.

headTrix is a Los Angeles-based school that runs live online classes as well, and it offers a Photoshop course called Photoshop in a Day. Students who take this short class will learn a wide range of Photoshop skills including creating a new file, cropping and resizing photos, working with layers, manipulating images, and adding text to images. Other covered skills include creating effects with layer styles, using filters, and optimizing images for the web. The class is taught by an Adobe Certified Instructor.

CTS Computer Training Source, Inc. is located in Chicago and also offers live online classes. Photoshop Part 1 is designed for beginners. Students learn how to organize and customize the Photoshop workspace, and they learn some basic design principles. The instructor also covers adjusting images, refining images, and working with selections and layers. Students also learn how to manage files, which includes formatting, saving, and exporting.

Photoshop Corporate Training

If you have any kind of creative business, it can be beneficial to have employees who know how to use Photoshop. If you’re looking for a way to train your employees in this application, Noble Desktop offers onsite and virtual Photoshop training classes. An experienced instructor can conduct training onsite or live online through a platform like Zoom. Scheduling is flexible, and content can be customized to meet your needs. Employees will also receive support materials like handouts and access to premium training videos, to support their learning after the training is over.

You can also train your employees by purchasing vouchers for Noble’s regular group Photoshop classes. With this option, each employee can enroll individually in a class that fits their schedule. Nobel Desktop offers a discount with bulk voucher purchases. To receive more information about corporate training options or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Noble Desktop.

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Key Insights

Learn More About NYC Photoshop Courses

What is Photoshop?

What Can You Do with Photoshop Training?

What Will I Learn in a Photoshop Class?

Composition

Working with Layers

Working with Text

Painting

Selections

How Hard Is It to Learn Photoshop?

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Photoshop?

How Long Does it Take to Learn Photoshop?

Should I Learn Photoshop In Person or Online?

Can I Learn Photoshop Free Online?

What Should I Learn Alongside Photoshop?

Industries that Use Photoshop

Design

Marketing

Tech

Photography

Photoshop Job Titles and Salaries

Photographer

Graphic Designer

Digital Designer

Web Designer

Photoshop Classes Near Me

Photoshop Corporate Training

Top Bootcamp Programs That Include Photoshop

NYC Photoshop Courses by School

Adobe Photoshop CC - Part 1

Adobe Photoshop CC - Part 2

Adobe Photoshop CC (2020)

Manhattan Edit Workshop

Adobe Photoshop Level I

Adobe Photoshop II

NYC Photoshop Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Photoshop Training Locations in or Near NYC

NYC Careers & Salaries Related to Photoshop

Related Classes

NYC Photoshop
Corporate & Onsite Training