Frequently asked questions

What is the recommended order to take the classes?

It makes most sense to follow the logical order of the editing workflow. Therefore, I recommend taking them in the order they’re listed – Bridge, then Raw, then Layers & Masks, then Levels, then Skin.

However, many people like to take the Layers & Masks one first, and I’m completely ok with that. It’s a good one to cement some important basics, and it’s a nice cheap way to see if you like my teaching style, before committing to the bigger classes.

But of course not everybody needs every class. Many of you will already have a working knowledge of layers and masks, so you will be able to skip that one. And some of you will be sufficiently confident in your raw processing skills too, so you might leap straight to the Levels Class. And you can always come back and take the ones you skipped later on, if you like.

The Print Sharpening Class and The Channel Mixer Class are fairly independent of the other classes, so can be taken at any time, as long as you think you’re ready for them.

The CMYK Class is completely independent of all the other classes, so can be taken whenever you wish.

When is the date of your next class?

There is no "next class". My classes are available all the time. You can apply to join whenever you wish.

How much do the classes cost?

The prices are listed on each class description page. If you’re in Australia, the prices are AUD; if you’re anywhere else in the world, they’re USD.

Is there a discount for taking multiple classes?

Yes, you can claim a $5 discount when signing up for The Levels Class if you’re already in (or have been in) The Raw Class; and vice versa.

Likewise, there is a $5 discount for the Advanced Levels Class for existing or previous members of the Channel Mixer Class, or vice versa.

Can I sign up for all the classes at once?

I haven’t created a single sign-up page for all the classes together, because I prefer you don’t take them that way. It’s better if you allow yourself a period of time (even if it’s only as short as a couple of weeks) to devote to absorbing each class, before moving on to the next one.

Are your classes videos, or text?

They’re both. The information is presented as a series of brief slides, with brief videos interspersed throughout to demonstrate what you’re learning. It’s the most thorough learning experience available.

Would you like to see how the written information is presented? The first module of the Raw Class is available for you here. I encourage you to check it out.

How long does it take to go through the classes?

They’re entirely self-paced, so it’s up to you. The Bridge and Layers & Masks classes are easy – you’ll get through them in one easy sitting of an hour or two each. The Raw and Levels Classes are much longer. I believe some people have taken one or the other in one butt-numbing session of 4-6 hours, but most people sensibly break them up over a few days or a couple of weeks.

The Print Sharpening Class requires you to pause and wait for your test prints to arrive, so allow a week or so in total. The Channel Mixer Class is best if you pause for plenty of playing around as you read it, so allow a few days for that one too.

The CMYK Class may require some research into, and communication with, various printing establishments, which might take a few days. The class material is broad and complex, so allow plenty of time.

Can I come back to the material later if I need to?

Of course. In fact, I strongly encourage it. You get 24/7 access for a whole year from your date of payment. Come back to read, watch and ask questions as often as you like.

I’ve been shooting raw for quite a while now. Do I need The Raw Class?

That’s a hard one for me to answer, but I can tell you that a LOT of people have said to me “Wow, I thought I knew what I was doing before, but I was wrong!”

If you feel uncertain about the quality of your raw editing, or wish you could work faster, or can’t confidently describe the role of all the sliders in the Basic panel of your raw software, then you will definitely get your money’s worth from The Raw Class. However, don’t hesitate to take The Levels Class first, if you feel you’ll get more benefit from that one. You can easily take The Raw Class later, if desired.

I’ve been using Photoshop (or Elements) for quite a while now. Do I need your Levels Class?

This one is easy for me to answer. I can assure you with 100% confidence that you’ve never edited like this. My methods will add so much speed and quality to your workflow, you’ll be astonished.

I don’t have a very good internet connection. Will I have any trouble viewing your class?

The classes consist of text and short videos. If your internet connection is sufficient for regular web browsing, you’ll have absolutely no trouble accessing the class

I’m also interested in improving my photography skills. What can you recommend?

Kim Howells Photography Training has a fabulous online class.