Best Photoshop Classes NJ: Find Courses & Onsite Training

Learn More About NJ Photoshop Courses

What is Photoshop?

Photoshop is a photo editing tool that is used by professionals of all kinds, in a variety of industries. Design experts, photography pros, and marketing masters alike will use Photoshop to create graphics, design websites, edit photos, or make other visual imagery. With Photoshop, you can retouch images and refine them to the highest quality. You can create new visuals from scratch and add unique special effects. Moreover, you can manipulate photos to make them look exactly how they appear in your mind. With such a versatile and useful tool, it’s possible to take your visual messaging and imagery to new levels and appear more professional and aligned with its purpose.

Back in 1987, Thomas and John Knoll were just two brothers with a plan to develop the first professional photo editing software released to the public. It was originally called Display, but when acquired by Adobe in 1988, it was renamed Photoshop. It quickly became the go-to for professional Photographers, design experts, and anyone working with digital media. Over time, Adobe has added dozens of new features and capabilities that have transformed the way users integrate Photoshop into their workspace. Today, Photoshop is an industry-standard and is one of the most widely recognized software in the world.

What Can You Do with Photoshop Training?

With Photoshop training, you can find a career in a wide variety of industries and roles. For instance, Photoshop can be used in everything from media and entertainment as well as marketing for all kinds of companies in industries like retail, finance, healthcare, education, and technology. Companies that rely on Photoshop to create everything from product mockups to special effects do so because it’s an industry-standard software that’s a pivotal part of the process.

Moreover, Photoshop enables you to complete different kinds of projects. You could edit and retouch photos, design logos, create banners and advertisements, and design websites or applications. If you’re into digital art, Photoshop can also be used for creating illustrations, drawings, and paintings that can be used in commercials or video games. Basically, Photoshop can be used for anything that involves imagery and can help you refine a photo or design something entirely from scratch.

You don’t have to be a professional to get a lot out of Photoshop either. Even if you’re a hobbyist or someone who wants to use Photoshop for personal projects, this can be a great tool and may be fun to learn. You can take and edit family photos, design invitations, and make custom art. Who knows? You could even turn your fun hobby into a side hustle by offering photo editing services or designing custom cards for purchase on an online store. Photoshop has a ton of features that let you get creative whether you want to use it personally or professionally.

What Will I Learn in a Photoshop Class?

Every Photoshop class will vary based on the level of intensity and depth the course offers. However, most will cover a few basics or at least review them. For instance, beginner courses will focus on navigating the interface and cover the design principles a little more than intermediate or advanced courses. Some will focus on things like retouching and color correction methods. In more advanced courses, you’ll cover the complexity of layers. A bootcamp or certificate course is likely to cover all these skills and more, but it’s worthwhile to find a course that suits your needs and preferences.

Basic Interface Navigation

Getting familiar with Photoshop’s interface is the first step. In a beginner class, or at the start of a bootcamp, you’ll learn where to find tools, panels, and menus so you can move around with ease. This is essential because without knowing how to navigate the workspace, it will be tough to accomplish anything. Whether you’re designing a logo, editing a photograph, or trying to perfect a social media post, understanding the basics of the interface will help streamline your editing techniques.

Design Principles

Design principles—much like balance, contrast, repetition, and proximity—are key when creating graphics in Photoshop. These design principles are essential to helping you organize the design elements of the image or increase the visual appeal of a portrait. Regardless of what you intend to edit, you will have to consider the design principles to ensure you end up with a refined, polished, and professional image or logo.

Retouching

If you want to fix imperfections in your images, like removing blemishes from portraits or adjusting bad lighting, you will want to learn retouching. Most Photoshop classes cover retouching skills where you can use tools like the Healing Brush and Content-Aware Fill to let you smooth things out and make images look perfect. Knowing how to retouch is essential if you want to create professional product photos or stunning portraits.

Color Correction

You will likely gain practice with color correction to make the picture or image look visually appealing. This may also mean adjusting the brightness, contrast, saturation, vibrancy, or skin tone. Photoshop has numerous adjustment tools like Levels and Curves to help you achieve the perfect amount of color, which is a master skill for most professional-level photo editors.

Layers

In many Photoshop classes, you will also get practice with layers. These let you keep different elements of your image separate—such as text, icons, and background images. These layers are essentially stacked, transparent sheets that can be added onto one another (or layered) to create an image. You can edit each one individually which makes it easier and prevents the original image from being destroyed. Once you get the hang of layers, your designs can become far more complex and professional.

How Hard is It to Learn Photoshop?

Learning Photoshop can be somewhat challenging depending on what you want to do with it. If you’re just getting started and want to learn the basics, like cropping, adjusting the balance, or adding sharpness, this will be easy to pick up. However, if you want to become a pro—such as working with advanced tools for retouching, design, or digital art—then it’s going to be a tad bit more difficult. It’s going to take more time and effort since Photoshop has so many features, it can be a little overwhelming. With enough practice and patience, you can accomplish your goals and get the hang of all the different tools.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Photoshop?

Some of the toughest aspects of learning Photoshop typically deal with layers. Understanding how layers work and how to use them is tricky because you inevitably want the original image to remain unchanged. In connection with that, some claim the Blending Modes are difficult because they control how different layers interact with one another. Further, many report that the most difficult tools are the Clone Stamp tool and Brush tool. The Clone Stamp tool will copy content and paint it onto the selected space whereas the Brush tool will allow you to paint images. Although some tools and techniques can be tricky, they’re worth learning if you want to become a professional, and inevitably, the learning curve will lessen each time you practice.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Photoshop?

If you just want to learn the basics of Photoshop, you may be able to do so within a few days to a few weeks. This means you’ll know how to crop images, use the healing brush, and hide objects with masking, but may not be able to use the more difficult and refined tools and techniques. To gain a professional mastery over Photoshop, you’ll likely need to spend far more time in class. This could take anywhere from a few months to a year but will largely depend on numerous factors such as relevant experience with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications or your technical aptitudes.

Should I Learn Photoshop in Person or Online?

When it comes to learning Photoshop, you can do so in-person or online. It all depends on your needs and preferences. For instance, if you want a traditional learning experience, an in-person class will be the one to turn to. This gives you a neutral environment to learn and an instructor to help you with the entire process. Plus, it’s an incredibly interactive experience which can help with learning retention. However, you need to have an open schedule and adequate transportation, which may be challenging for some but a non-issue for others.

On the other hand, live online classes give you the best parts of in-person learning with more flexibility. You can learn in real-time but from the comfort of your home, your office, the library, or even a coffee shop. This means you’ll interact with the material but without a commute. The instructor will still give feedback and offer assistance when necessary, although it may feel a little less interactive due to the virtual nature of the course. Still, this is a great option as long as you have a strong internet connection since technical issues can emerge.

The last option is finding an asynchronous course, which essentially means you will teach yourself the material. There is no instructor, which means zero guidance or assistance. Although this is flexible and perhaps ideal for a current professional or hobbyist, this wouldn’t be the best route to learn Photoshop if you want to gain a professional level of expertise.

Can I Learn Photoshop Free Online?

It’s possible to learn a little more about Photoshop for free online since there are so many different resources available. A good course of action is checking out training center websites, like Noble Desktop’s. Here, you can read blogs, find Free Seminars, and explore class options. In addition, social media platforms like YouTube have tons of tutorials, including Noble Desktop’s YouTube channel which has playlists of all kinds that give more insight into Photoshop and fields where Photoshop is used. You could also check out different forums, chatrooms, and discussion boards to learn a little more. While free tutorials are useful to get you started, they lack the necessary depth and hands-on experience to help you become a master of the application. Investing in a paid course is the best option if you want to gain professional-level Photoshop skills.

What Should I Learn Alongside Photoshop?

Depending on the career path you’re aiming for, you might want to learn additional skills beyond Photoshop. For instance, it may benefit you to learn other applications within Adobe Creative Cloud such as Premiere Pro, InDesign, After Effects, or Illustrator. You could combine your photo editing skills with video editing to create social media posts and commercials. Likewise, you could use InDesign to create layouts for other marketing materials, like brochures or digital magazines.

It also depends on the specific job you’re focused on earning. You may want to study graphic design and learn everything there is to know about design principles. Knowing things like color theory, layout, contrast, and visual hierarchy will make your images even more effective and ensure they resonate with viewers. However, you may want to learn digital marketing, where Photoshop will surely be used to edit promotional materials. Beyond any particular role, it can be useful to learn project management skills like scheduling, budgeting, and organization. Since many jobs require handling different projects at once, this can be worthwhile.

Industries That Use Photoshop

Photoshop is a powerful tool that is used in many industries, for a variety of reasons. Professionals in different departments use the software to create, edit, and enhance visual content such as those who work in photography or graphic design. This application can be used in industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, and media and entertainment, which are all incredibly prominent in New Jersey. Each industry uses this application in different ways so it’s worth learning about if you want to turn your Photoshop skills into a career.

Technology

New Jersey has a considerable tech space that can expect growth every year. With many startups, established tech companies, software departments, and other forms of digital innovation calling the state home, it’s no surprise this industry is sizable. It’s worth mentioning that the state’s proximity to New York City makes it a hub for tech talent. Plus, the need for digital marketing, branding, and user interface design is undeniable, not only in the tech industry but in virtually every industry imaginable. Between big-name companies like Amazon and IBM or startups such as CoreWeave and Scale Microgrids, there are many opportunities in the Garden State.

In the tech industry, Photoshop is primarily used for designing user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX). This is done for websites and applications in particular so that consumers feel more compelled to keep interacting with the brand. For example, many UX/UI Designers use Photoshop to create mockups, wireframes, icons, and other design elements that define how users interact and digital products. The software’s tools for photo editing, typography, and vector design make it a solid choice for any tech team hoping to create polished, functional designs or marketing content that aligns with the brand.

Media and Entertainment

The media and entertainment industry in New Jersey is thriving, thanks in part to the state’s proximity to New York City which is well known for its media, film, television, and publishing sectors. Numerous media and film production companies reside in New Jersey such as ABC, NBCUniversal, and the Walt Disney Company, which brings in a large number of talented entertainment professionals. The industry spans a wide range of activities from film and television production to advertising, publishing, news, video games, and social media.

In this industry, Photoshop is widely used for photo editing, poster design, magazine covers, and other promotional material. Many professionals from graphic design and marketing teams will spend countless hours on these projects and will likely use Photoshop to ensure they are professional and visually engaging. Most of all, these projects entice new fans to come and see the movie, purchase the video game, or engage with the company in other ways. It’s also used heavily in the creation of other digital platforms such as websites, social media campaigns, and general online advertisements.

Finance

One of New Jersey’s main industries is the finance industry. Any bank, investment firm, or insurance company in New Jersey falls under the finance industry category, and with many major companies headquartered in the state, it’s no surprise many turn to this state for employment. Further, the state’s proximity to New York City means that those who want to make it big on Wall Street will often move to the region. From wealth management and corporate banking, companies in finance have a wide variety of professionals who help keep the industry running smoothly.

While Photoshop may not be the first skill that comes to mind when you think about the finance industry, it is used extensively for creating marketing materials, informational brochures, and presentations. Financial companies will hire creative teams that use Photoshop to create, design, and refine engaging visuals for reports, brochures, advertisements, websites, and social media content. Since financial information is often complex and goes far above the average person’s understanding, it’s often necessary for these institutions to create infographics to present challenging concepts in a more digestible way. Photoshop’s ability to work with charts, graphs, and other high-quality images makes it perfect for this industry.

Healthcare

Many major healthcare startups, hospitals, medical centers, pharmaceutical companies, and wellness clinics call New Jersey home. With a strong focus on medical research, patient care, and healthtech, this industry plays a huge role in the state’s overall economy. The healthcare industry relies on effective communication to make connections with patience, which can be done through different digital and online platforms. Moreover, design practices can help improve patient outcomes and support the business side of healthcare services.

Photoshop is used in healthcare companies for a variety of reasons, which may surprise people. Most of the time, Photoshop helps graphic design, marketing, and UX professionals create different projects such as brochures, posters, websites, mobile applications, social media content, and other digital spaces. Furthermore, Photoshop could be used in medical imaging to enhance or manipulate scans such as MRIs and X-rays. This is not meant to alter the photo but to ensure that others outside of the medical field can understand the scans as needed. This application could also be used to create detailed, visual, educational representations whether it’s a medical concept, a procedure, or an anatomically correct figure.

Photoshop Job Titles and Salaries

Photoshop is used in various industries and numerous ways. In fact, many jobs in New Jersey require Photoshop knowledge, from design professions to marketing and beyond. If you’re considering learning Photoshop for a career, check out some of these job titles and their expected salaries to figure out what type of path you’d prefer to take.

Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers are tasked with creating visual branding content such as logos, brochures, flyers, and advertisements. They often use Photoshop to enhance their designs and ensure that the intended message gets across. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS) shares that New Jersey and others in the metropolitan area have the highest employment level for this role and are part of one of the top-paying metropolitan areas for Graphic Designers. The the BLS suggests the mean annual wage is around $82,000 but Indeed states it may be closer to $63,000. However, the range is between $42,000 and $97,000.

Digital Designer

Digital Designers focus on designing user-friendly web and mobile interfaces. These professionals often use Photoshop to build UI elements, create wireframes, and add visual components like buttons. They do this to ensure a seamless digital experience. The the BLS shares that Digital Designers in cities like New York City, Newark, and Jersey City could earn an annual mean wage of nearly $129,000, which is relatively higher than the national average. On the other hand, Indeed shares that the average in New Jersey alone is closer to $70,000 but could go as high as $133,000

Social Media Strategist

Social Media Strategists create content for social media platforms like Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Facebook. They’ll use Photoshop to create the most refined images possible, particularly those with products or models. They design graphics and advertisements for their posts that align with the brand but also maintain consumer interest. Glassdoor indicates that the average Social Media Strategist in New Jersey could take home roughly $74,000 every year, or a general range of anywhere between $55,000 and $103,000.

Product Designer

Product Designers work on both physical and digital products, refining everything from packaging to app interfaces. They collaborate with other designers and developers to make sure everyone is in sync during the process, putting the consumer experience first while maintaining the brand’s vision. The average Product Designer living in New Jersey could earn a yearly salary of roughly $87,000, according to data from Glassdoor. However, the range could realistically be anywhere from $70,000 to $108,000.

Photoshop Classes Near Me

In Noble Desktop’s Graphic Design Certificate, you’ll learn how to use Adobe Creative Cloud applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign at a professional level. Specifically, you’ll learn how to adjust the saturation, sharpness, and brightness of photos. You’ll also create graphics and gain practice with other important design principles. You’ll learn InDesign for layout design for websites and mobile applications and Illustrator for creating vector graphics and other marketing materials. You’ll gain a solid understanding of graphic design, a diverse and well-developed portfolio on Adobe Portfolio, and a certificate of completion. All this and more will take you into your job search feeling prepared, confident, and excited.

If you want to learn a broader range of digital design skills, consider the Digital Design Certificate from Noble Desktop. You’ll explore Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign but also learn how to use Figma for website and mobile application prototyping. Further, you’ll gain a solid foundation in UI and web design. With hands-on experience in creating different design projects such as user interfaces, album art, and book covers, you’ll feel more confident with photo editing projects in the future. After completing the course, you’ll have a professional portfolio and a certificate to prove your design expertise.

You may want to focus solely on Photoshop. In that case, Noble Desktop’s Adobe Photoshop Bootcamp will be the right choice. You will practice through hands-on projects that refine your skills, working on everything from retouching nature pictures, removing backgrounds, and designing social media graphics, and will improve photos by adjusting the brightness, contrast, and color. You will also get the hang of using tools and techniques such as adjustment layers, filters, and Camera Raw. With these skills and more, you’ll be able to approach any photo editing project.

Perhaps you need a shorter course before you dive in head first. In that case, consider the two-day New Horizons Adobe Photoshop CC: Part I course in Iselin, New Jersey. Students in this course become familiar with the interface and will learn how to create, modify, and edit simple imagery. In addition, students will learn how to use Camera Raw, layers, and different image refinement techniques. Moreover, students will learn how to organize their work with Adobe Bridge.

After completing Part I, students can enroll in New Horizons’ corresponding Part II course. Students will take their skills to the next level by learning to create raster images, apply vector tools, and complete advanced layering techniques. The instructor will also cover the importance of project management and offer guidance on considering the overall rhetorical situation such as defining the subject, purpose, and audience.

In Bridgewater Township, Certstaffix Training offers a three-day Adobe Photoshop CC (2020) course that teaches basic Photoshop use and techniques for compositing video, editing photos, printing 3D files, and painting with different brushes. In addition, students will learn how to use the newest features of the application, like Frame and Content-Aware Fill.

Photoshop Corporate Training

Corporate training is one of the best ways to level up your team’s skills and overall productivity. Whether you want to help your graphic design team, marketing team, or digital design team, there are numerous ways Photoshop training can make a difference. Corporate training can make your team more communicative, work at the same pace, and feel more creative on a daily basis. At Noble Desktop, your group can personalize the lessons to meet any specific needs, whether that’s learning the software altogether or discovering new features. Plus, there are in-person and live online options that help make the learning process more accessible.

If that’s not enough, Noble Desktop also invites your organization to purchase bulk vouchers for regular classes at a discounted rate, which means everyone can keep learning without breaking the bank. This is a fantastic way to give your employees ongoing education while keeping costs relatively low. If you want to take the plunge, get in touch with Noble Desktop at corporate@nobledesktop.com to learn a little more about pricing, scheduling, and training availability.

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Key Insights

Learn More About NJ Photoshop Courses

What is Photoshop?

What Can You Do with Photoshop Training?

What Will I Learn in a Photoshop Class?

Basic Interface Navigation

Design Principles

Retouching

Color Correction

Layers

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

Technology

Media and Entertainment

Finance

Healthcare

Photoshop Job Titles and Salaries

Graphic Designer

Digital Designer

Social Media Strategist

Product Designer

Photoshop Classes Near Me

Photoshop Corporate Training

Top Bootcamp Programs That Include Photoshop

NJ Photoshop Courses by School

Adobe Photoshop CC - Part 1

Adobe Photoshop CC - Part 2

Adobe Photoshop CC (2020)

NJ Photoshop Corporate & Onsite Training Noble Desktop

Photoshop Training Locations in or Near NJ

NJ Careers & Salaries Related to Photoshop

Related Classes

NJ Photoshop
Corporate & Onsite Training