100% on ZOOM (by popular request) to allow more people to be able to participate.

ALL sessions are 1-on-1 to ensure maximum learning potential

Get in contact for pricing info - HERE

This is a GREAT question and one I get asked all the time

For years people have been asking for this course and I have always declined as I have not wanted to impact my own sales (call me selfish).

However after much deliberation I have finally succumbed - my work is recognised around the world and I am finally quite comfortable with the thought that my business is safe

NO - of course not (and anyone that promises that - AVOID)

BUT ……..what it will do is give you all the information you will EVER need to break into this often secretive market - avoiding costly mistakes - from a highly regarded trainer and and one of the most successful Book Cover Photographers in the world today

This course is a 18 hour 1-on-1 marathon of information, and although I hate the phrase it REALLY is "A Business in a Box"

Each session will be 3 hours in length to ensure maximum information retention (Totalling a WHOPPING 18 hours) !!

A large portion will focus on re-training your brain to think like a book cover photographer

Book Cover Photography and it’s editing is TOTALLY different than any other area of photography)

This course will be split into TWO distinct sections.

THE CORE - Which is set Photoshop content to ensure each and every delegate has a firm grasp of what skills are required to be a sucessful Book Cover Creator.

This is to ensure you have SOLID FOUNDATIONS for your Book Cover Journey and are not being held back by poor / incorrect techniques.

MODULAR ADD ONS - This is the 2nd aspect to the course and is to tailor it to your requirements (after all not everyone photographs blood, guts and gore like myself).

With this in mind I have created a set of options that can then be chosen to suit each delegates personal goals

As many as we can squeeze into our allotted time together.

THE CORE

This section of the learning process is to ensure each and every delegate understands the fundamentals of Photoshop and what is required to succeed in this marketplace. Within this section each delegate will be taught the following (If you already "know" certain things you will asked to demonstrate / explain to ensure your understanding is correct). The more you know - The quicker we will get to your chosen modules

Included Photoshop subjects within THE CORE

Using and understanding Layers/Groups

Using and understanding Masks (This will also include basic Luminosity masking)

Using and understanding Adjustment layers to best effect

Using and understanding Blend Modes to enhance and speed up your workflow

Using and understanding Blend If - one of the most under utilizied tools in Photoshop

Once THE CORE is completed each delagate can then choose the modules that they would like to try and cover within the hours that are left. The course has been designed in this manner to suit eveyone and to ensure people can work at their own pace. The quicker delegates absorb the information from each module the more modules they will be able to complete.

Understanding of each module will be clarified at all stages to ensure MAXIMUM retention of information - there is no use rushing through things if at they end nothing has "sunk in"

MODULAR OPTIONS - Selectable Photoshop Subjects

Working with Brushes - When creating Book Cover Images the "Humble Brush" is probably THE most important tool in Photoshop. Learn how to use and abuse it, create your own custom brushes (and fine tune them) ........ Brushes ROCK - What more can i say !!

Selections Masterclass - Creating the "Perfect Selection" often requires multiple disciplines - within this module we will cover ALL the options and ALL of the tools to create "The Perfect Selection". Whether you just want to composite skies into your landscapes or cut out complex objects such as people - THIS is a "must have" module

Image Composites - Please Note - This module requires that delegates undertake the "Selections Masterclass" first to ensure accurate composites can be achieved. From here we move into adding realistic shadows, matching grain structures for each component, matching colours, and much much more !!

Create Atmosphere - If you create composites (Or just want your images to stand out from the crowd) - Then THIS module is for you!! Learn how to create Mist and Fog, Turn day into night, Add bursts of sunlight and much much more

Skin Retouching - Advanced (but easy) - If you photograph people this modules is a MUST. Within this module you will learn about Frequency Seperation (often referred to as the Holy Grail of skin retouching) - Not only will delegates learn this dark art they will get my own personal FS action set that I use personally on a daily basis with the usual "Dave Wall Twist" to ensure your work is a cut above the competition

Skin Retouching - Skin Smoothing - If you photograph people but don't want/need all the bells and whistles of the advanced module above - Then THIS is the one for you

Working with Colours - Colours can make or break an image - Learn how to saturate colours without taking them "Out of Gamut" - Start to see when "Less is More" and change colours at will (even black) - Realistically

Colour Grading - A must if you want to create your own signature style - In this module I will walk you through various ways to create professional cinematic colour grading

Working With Textures - A "defacto" when it comes to Book Cover Image Making - However many think working with textures is a simple 2 step process - add said texture and adjust opactity - TRUST ME - It isn't - Take it from man that using textures EVERY DAY ...... In this module I will walk you through my full textures workflow to add that "little something extra" to your work

Symmetry - Symmetry Sells - It is plain and simple - Learn how to in this fun and fast module.

Creating 3D Anaglyphs - A very popular look at present on Book Covers so - Why not :)

Faux Lighting - Creating fake lighting for book cover imagery is a must know. Whether that be adding a light in a window or lighting up street lamps (and all the assiciated light patterns that occur) - this module is a "must know"

Being SMART with Smart Objects - Smart Objects are often overlooked, misunderstood and misused - so this module is designed to be an eyeopener of how Smart Objects can speed up your workflow and give you FAR MORE flexibility !

Create the PERFECT Actions - It goes without saying actions are AWESOME - they help speed up repetative and complicated tasks - but creating a BULLET PROOF action that will work - no matter what is the ultimate goal (you know what I am saying - how many actions that you have purcahsed work some times but not others) - This module will blow your mind !! Once you have mastered this you will set up actions for EVERYTHING - trust me ;)

Working with LUTS - Look Up Tables are POWERFUL - and don't need to be complicated. So if you want to create your own signature style - THIS module is for you

Working with Displatment Maps - Want to know how to add patterns to clothing - realistically - a short module but seriously FUN

LIGHTROOM - HOW FAR CAN WE PUSH IT? - Many people feel you "have to" retouch images - But do you? In this module I will show you how far you can push lightroom processing - and then take it even further - Lightroom is often the perfect solution

The Autopsy - sounds painful doesn't it? I suppose it depends on which way you look at it. "The Autopsy" is a module unlike all the others - if you are fearless and REALLY want to push yourself THIS module is for you! So what is it? It is where I pick the meat from the bones of 15 of your images layer by layer, mask by mask highlighting the good the bad and the down right ugly. NOT for the feint hearted but IS for those who want to suceed!!!

YES - I did say "HOMEWORK"

After each and every session a set of homework tasks will be given to ensure information retention and to hone delegates skills

Each piece of homework will then be critiqued on the next session

Don't worry I am gentle (but I do have a VERY discerning eye and no details no matter how small will be missed)