Advanced Photoshop course

I recently wrote about how I had enrolled on a Photoshop course at City Lit.  The course covers advanced skills in Photoshop for photographers.

The course is run using the latest version of Photoshop CS6 Mac version.  I don't own a Mac so it will be interesting to work on one.  I don't think the learning curve will be that steep on warrant me to go on their short course for using Apple Macs.

The course aims to introduce me to the following tools and techniques:

• layer masks, paths and alpha channels ( I know a little about layer masks)
• clipping and stroking paths
• adjustment layers
• blending modes
• layer styles
• layer groups and layer comps
• actions
• batch action and droplets
• colour management
• processing raw files 
• high dynamic range
• Adobe Bridge

Most of the above will be new to me but I have what I would think is a good grasp on using layers and blending modes and HDR.  I am also pretty competent when it comes to processing raw files.  

I think for me Lightroom replaces Bridge.  

I do feel that I need some help with colour management.  Although I have a good understanding on it I just feel that I need a little guidance on some areas and perhaps the verification that what I know is correct.  

I will post relevant findings/learning/outcomes on my blog.

Learning outcomes
I have now completed the course and I feel that I have gained a lot of confidence in my ability to use Photoshop.  Overall I am pleased that I went on the course and I found it very useful.  It also gave me the opportunity to network with other photographers - professional and amateur - which was enlightening.

• Knowledge of actions and how they can be used to improve my workflow
• Clarification (at last) on layers, layer masks and the best practice for applying them
• Improved knowledge on colour management.  I feel it is finally making sense for me and the pieces of the puzzle fit together
• New ways of converting images to black and white.  
• Duotones are a bit dated 
• Blending modes and when to use them.  This was especially useful when I looked at assignment 4 again.  
• Better knowledge of clone stamp tool 
• The pen tool.  I feel though that I would need to practice a lot more with this tool to improve.  
• Knowledge of other ways of making selections other than using the magic wand or lasso tool. 
• Using channels
• HDR and ways to use it.  I have played around with HDR during this course but I'm not sure how I would use it in my day to day working.  I can see the benefits of it but I'm not sure if I really like the HDR effect we see in currently trending in landscapes