Complete Post-Production Workflow in Adobe Photoshop
with Gabriel Isak
October 3 and 10, 2026
Course Description
A finished image is built, not taken. In this new online program, Gabriel Isak shares his complete post-production workflow for creating surreal fine art photographs in Adobe Photoshop. Using two different images as case studies, he demonstrates how compositing, retouching, and color grading work together to create imagery that is minimal and graphic in aesthetic, yet rich in symbolism and emotion.
Beginning with RAW file development in Adobe Lightroom and Camera Raw, Gabriel covers both the technical and artistic considerations behind successful composites, including planning for continuity in light, shadow, perspective, and depth of field during capture. Throughout the two sessions, he emphasizes organization, non-destructive workflows, and techniques that maximize image quality while supporting visual storytelling.
Session 1
- Developing RAW files in Lightroom and Camera Raw
- Planning composites in-camera for consistent light, shadow, perspective, and depth of field
- Understanding Smart Objects, layers, masks, and non-destructive workflows
- Panorama stitching and expanding the frame for larger compositions
- Selection and masking techniques for seamless composites
- Blending multiple images naturally and efficiently
Session 2
- Advanced retouching with Healing, Patch, Clone, and Liquify tools
- Matching light and shadow between composited elements
- Dodge and burn techniques to enhance depth and atmosphere
- Sky replacement workflows
- Understanding and removing banding
- Color grading techniques, including Gabriel’s signature blue tones
- Using color to strengthen mood, narrative, and visual language
- Selective color adjustments for environmental elements
Gabriel also discusses updated Photoshop workflows, including improved Smart Object integration across Camera Raw, transformations, Liquify, and non-destructive retouching, as well as enhanced color and vibrance adjustments within adjustment layers.
By the end of the program, participants gain a deeper understanding of professional compositing workflows, advanced retouching techniques, and cinematic image development in fine art photography. Each session concludes with a live Q&A.
Additional Information
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
What You Should Know:
This webinar is open to those with basic to intermediate Adobe Photoshop proficiency. All technical demonstrations will be conducted in Photoshop. It is recommended that participants download an updated version of Photoshop on their computer.
Special Notes:
Class will meet 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (Mountain Time) on Saturday, October 3 and Saturday, October 10 (two online group sessions).
Zoom Video Conferencing software (available for no charge from Zoom.com) will be used to facilitate the class sessions. Further details will be emailed to registrants.
These live online sessions take place in the Zoom webinar format. The instructor is seen and heard, and students join in a view-only format. Students do not use their microphone or camera and are not visible on screen. Questions can be submitted through the Q&A feature and chat.
Santa Fe Workshops always aims to produce a high-quality experience for our online attendees. That said, variables including regional and local internet provider speeds, traffic on Zoom's servers, and your own computing hardware can contribute to a less-than-ideal streaming event. While we do our best to minimize the impact of these variables, they are outside the control of Santa Fe Workshops.
Policies:
View Withdrawal and Transfer Policies for online programs.
Recording class sessions using personal devices or third-party tools is not permitted. Session recordings are provided by Santa Fe Workshops and are available to enrolled students for two months after the class. This policy helps protect the intellectual property and privacy of both instructors and students.
about
Gabriel Isak was born in 1990 in Sweden. In 2016, he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Photography from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California.
Gabriel has exhibited his work in solo exhibitions around the world, including See+ Gallery in Shenzhen, Galerie XII in Shanghai, Paris, and Los Angeles, Up on Walls in Hjo, Sweden, and at Falsterbo Photo Art Museum in Sweden, where his work is held in their permanent collection. His works have been included in various notable exhibitions, including “Acclimatize” at the Museum of Modern Art, Stockholm, Sweden; “Culture Pop” at M Contemporary, Sydney, Australia; “Camera Obscura” at Last Rites Gallery in New York, USA; and at “Florence Biennale 2025” in Italy.
Gabriel’s surreal photography has earned him several awards, including Presidents, Lorenzo Il Magnifico Award at the Florence Biennale, 2025, where he was invited as the guest of honor. Current Finalist in Hasselblad Masters 2026, Winner in PX3 Prix de la Photographie 2024, 1st place winner in Fine Art Photography Awards, Finalist in Hasselblad Masters 2023, and in 2018 he received PDN Emerging Photography Award.
His work has been published in many prestigious platforms such as Harpers Bazaar, Elle, Architectural Digest, VICE, and Hi Fructose magazine. Gabriel travels around the world for personal and commissioned projects. His home is in Stockholm, Sweden.
Website: gabrielisak.com
Instagram: @gabriel_isak
