Photoshop is such a robust package that it’s almost impossible to understand everything it can do. Most photographers understand the basics, and others take things further, but there’s still a lot going on under the hood that’s unfamiliar to us all.

The quick tutorial below from the Photoshop Training Channel reveals 10 lesser-known “genius” features that will forever change how you use Photoshop. You’ll learn helpful tricks for using the Fade command, tracking actions with the History Log, reconstructing with Liquify, and much more. The lesson covers a lot of ground in less than nine minutes, so we suggesting taking a few notes.

Instructor Jesus Ramirez has over two million subscribers to his channel that provides simple, concise videos on photo manipulation, compositing, retouching, and other techniques. He kicks off today’s eye-opening episode with this claim: “Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these Photoshop features will supercharge your editing skills and enhance your creative potential.”

Pretty much everyone understands how to use the Eyedropper tool to select colors within a photo. But did you know that by minimizing the Photoshop frame you can select colors from any other app or website? Yep, this is pretty cool and can be very useful, and you’ll see how it’s done with a few simple clicks.

Photoshop’s Fade command also includes a few tricks. As Ramirez explains, immediately after using most tools to apply filters and adjustments you can fade the changes you applied by going into Edit and selecting the Fade Burn Tool option from the dropdown menu (or by pressing Ctl. Shift F). Then you can reduce opacity and change the Blending mode of the last adjustment you made.

Ramirez provides examples of how helpful this trick can be. But keep in mind that the Fade command is only available immediately after you apply your changes. As he says, “if you do anything else in between, including saving the image, you won’t be able to use it.”

The foregoing is just a brief taste of what you’ll learn in this episode, and there’s eight more unknown features that may turn you into a genius. After watching the video take a look at Ramirez’ instructional YouTube channel that offers a variety of editing tips and tricks that will make you even smarter.

We also suggest watching a tutorial we posted recently from another image-editing expert, with six keyboard shortcuts for a faster, more efficient masking workflow in Lightroom.

The new Leica SOFORT 2 is a digital camera that can print. And it’s an instant camera that saves digital images. It can even connect to Leica’s FOTOS app and print images shot with a different Leica camera. Plus it comes in three colors, including a drop-dead gorgeous red. What more could one ask for?

Leica Camera AG has introduced the second generation of their instant SOFORT instant camera. The big news is that users have the option to permanently save captured images on internal memory or to a microSD card. You can save about 45 images without a card, and approximately 850 images on a 1GB microSD. It’s a 5-megapixel digital camera and an instant camera all in one. And it’s jampacked with creative options.

Print your captured image immediately, as with any other instant camera, but only if you want to, or print it later. And you can print images from other Leica cameras via their FOTOS app. The app also provides remote control of the SOFORT 2. Printed images are 1600 x 600 pixels when output via the Leica FOTOS app and 800 x 600 pixels otherwise.

The SOFORT 2 features a Leica Summar f/2 prime lens that’s said to be roughly equivalent to a 28mm full-frame camera lens in terms of field-of-view. Minimum aperture is f/16. It also has a 3-inch TFT LCD (about 460,000 dots) and an auto-only shutter that ranges from 1⁄4 – 1⁄8000 seconds.

The latest Leica is outfitted with a 1/5-inch CMOS sensor that delivers resolution of 4.9 megapixels (2560 x 1920). File sizes average 1.2MB. Images are saved as JPEGs compliant with DCF 2.0 and EXIF 2.31.

The Leica SOFORT 2 offers many creative features, like dual shutter releases to facilitate selfies, a macro mode that focuses as close as 3.95 inches, and 10 Lens Effects: Normal, Vignette, Soft Focus, Blur, Fisheye, Color Shift, Light Leak, Mirror, Double Exposure and Half-Frame.

Furthermore, the SOFORT 2 features 10 Film Styles: Normal, Vivid, Pale, Canvas, Monochrome, Sepia, Yellow, Red, Blue, Retro. Finally, Leica offers exclusive printing paper with a warm white or golden frame for more complete creative expression.

Leica simultaneously announced a plethora of new accessories for the SOFORT 2.

The Leica SOFORT 2 will be available worldwide in three colors (red, white and black) at all Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store and Authorized Leica Dealers starting on November 9th, 2023. The US retail price is expected to be $389.00. A Leica digital camera with big-camera creative features for under $400? Sign us up!

—Jon Sienkiewicz

What do you mean you’ve never cleaned your lenses and the dirty sensor in your camera? After all, some of us spend a small fortune on cameras, lenses, and important photo accessories, and regular maintenance is part of the game. As one pro says, “It definitely behooves us to do everything in our power to try to extend the life of our gear as much as possible.”

It’s true that some photographers avoid sensor cleaning because they’re afraid of screwing things up. But with some affordable supplies and the knowledge you’ll learn today, this task is both safe and a no-brainer. The same goes for lenses, tripods and other accessories that you rely upon every day.

In less than 16 minutes you see how landscape photographer Mark Denney goes about the spring cleaning that he repeats in summer, autumn, and winter, and often more frequently as needed—especially before an important trip. He walks you through the satisfying step-by-step process so you can set your fears aside.

It’s virtually impossible to capture great quality images with a grimy lenses, and that’s where this important tutorial begins. Denney recommends that you carefully examining the lens barrel to make sure it’s free of dust and debris before turning your attention to the front and rear glass elements. Doing this is quick and easy with the help of a rocket blower or a soft brush.

It’s also easy to clean the lens elements, and experienced photographers often do this several time during a shoot, especially when in the field where dust, rain, fingerprints, and other contaminants are a constant concern. Denney explains the importance of blowing off elements before taking subsequent steps, otherwise you may rub dirt into the glass and cause irreparable damage.

Spiffing up the camera’s sensor is a bit more involved, and it’s a task you should do at home in a clean environment. The first thing to determine is whether or not the sensor actually requires cleaning, and Denney explains how to do that. If you decide to proceed, hold the camera face down, so any dust and debris doesn’t push further into the body as you follow his advice.

It’s important to keep the camera body pristine too, making sure there’s no dirt on or beneath all the buttons and dials. LCD panels are also deserving of attention using the proper materials and procedures to avoid scuffs and scratches to the surface.

Denney also discusses how to care for tripods and other accessories so that they operate smoothly and efficiently and live a long life. Once your gear is bright and clean, be sure to follow Denney’s advice for taking regular preventative measures. That way your next round of cleaning will be even easier.

You can find more great tips on editing, shooting, and gear by visiting Denney’s popular YouTube channel. And be sure to watch an earlier tutorial we posted, explaining how sensor size affects image noise. Hint: prepare to be surprised.