Next-Level Photoshop: From Good to Great with Natasha Calzatti - Pasadena

This course is perfect for photographers who have a basic understanding of Photoshop and want to take their editing skills to the next level. If you enjoy working with layers, masks, and basic adjustments but feel like there’s more to learn, this class will help you edit with more confidence and creativity.

We’ll explore AI-powered tools like Generative Fill and Neural Filters to make editing easier and more fun—whether you’re removing distractions, enhancing colors, or adding unique effects. If you love capturing street scenes, travel memories, or everyday moments, you’ll learn how to refine your photos with advanced retouching and color grading techniques.

You’ll also discover how to use smart objects, blending modes, and non-destructive editing to experiment freely without worrying about making mistakes. Plus, we’ll cover the best ways to save and share your images for print, social media, or personal projects.

By the end of this course, you’ll have new editing techniques, a faster workflow, and the skills to bring your photos to life in exciting new ways!

Here is what you will learn:

Advanced Editing & AI Selections

Focus on: Non-Destructive Editing, AI-Powered Selection, and Masking

Smart Objects & Smart Filters – Flexible, non-destructive editing
Layer Masks vs. Clipping Masks – Best practices for composite work
Blend If & Blending Modes – Enhancing images with contrast and light
AI-Powered Selection Tools

• Select Subject & Remove Background – Faster, more precise selections
• Object Selection & Refine Edge AI – Handling complex elements (buildings, street details, etc.)
• Generative Fill (AI) – Removing distractions, extending backgrounds, and creative transformations

AI-Powered Retouching, Creative Effects & Exporting

Focus on: AI Retouching, Color Grading, Creative Enhancements & Output Preparation

AI-Powered Retouching

• Neural Filters – AI-driven enhancements for lighting, atmosphere, and style transfer
• Content-Aware Fill & Healing Tools – Cleaning up distractions in urban scenes
• Dodge & Burn Techniques – Enhancing depth and contrast

Creative Enhancements

• Color Grading with Adjustment Layers & LUTs – Cinematic and dramatic looks
• Gradient Maps for Toning – Creating warm or moody atmospheres
• Typography & AI-Generated Text Effects – Adding text overlays for travel photo storytelling

Sharpening & Exporting

• Best practices for print, web, and social media output

Wrap-Up & Q&A

• Recap of key techniques
• Student questions

*Note: Photoshop software basic beginner knowledge is required. This is an intermediate level workshop.

Cancellation Policy: Refund requests must be made in writing at least 30 days prior to the event. No refunds or credits will be given with less than 30 days' notice.

Instructor Bio:

Natasha Calzatti is a photographer, educator and a consultant based in Los Angeles. She has shot award-winning work for THE NEW YORK TIMES, NEWSWEEK, PEOPLE and VIBE, and has been syndicated internationally.

Presently, she was a speaker at AdobeMax conference, she is an adjunct professor at Santa Monica College teaching both Photoshop and Lightroom, instructor at Samy’s Photo School and has been a guest lecturer at the International School of Film and TV (EICTV) Cuba and Brooks Institute. Natasha has been featured in DIGITAL PHOTO PRO magazine and invited to The Getty Center to share her behind the camera experiences of Cuba as she presented an in-gallery exploration of A Revolutionary Project: Cuba from Walker Evans to Now. Natasha divides her time between shooting assignments and lecturing on digital imaging both in the U.S and abroad. You can see her current work at www.calzattifoto.com.

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Host or Publisher Samys Photo School Pasadena