Is Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle worth it if you’re shopping in Photography?
The 100-minute Photoshop breakdown that actually ships the source files
Most digital art tutorials leave you stranded at the “magic” step. You watch the artist blend a sky into a portrait, then hit the end of the video and realize you don’t have the exact stock photos, the specific brush set, or the raw sketch layer to replicate the look. You’re left with a nice-looking result you can’t actually build. (Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle)
Kevin Carden’s Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle takes a different approach. Instead of just showing the final render, this $10 course walks you through the entire construction of a complex composite image, from the initial sketch to the final color grade. It’s a deep dive into how a pro assembles a piece using photo manipulation, digital painting, and blending techniques, all within a single, cohesive project.
If you’ve been stuck in a loop of watching YouTube videos that don’t provide the source assets, or you’re tired of generic “10 tips” guides that don’t teach you how to actually build an image, this is a focused, high-value way to learn the workflow. It’s not a massive course library; it’s a single, detailed masterclass on one specific style. (Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle)
Quick answer
| Best for | Intermediate Photoshop users who want to learn composite workflows and have access to the exact source files used in the project. |
| Skip if | You are a total beginner who doesn’t know what a layer mask is, or if you’re looking for a broad curriculum covering many different art styles. |
| Price | $10 |
| Format | ~100-minute video tutorial + stock images + brush pack |
| One-line take | A rare $10 tutorial that includes the actual assets you need to follow along without hunting for them. |
What you’re actually buying
At $10, the value here isn’t just the video; it’s the asset bundle that comes with it. Most online courses force you to find your own stock photos, which breaks the flow of learning because you’re never working with the exact same source material as the instructor. With Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle, you get all the stock images used in the project. This means when Kevin says, “Now I’m going to cut out this figure and blend it into the background,” you have that exact figure ready to go. You’re not spending 20 minutes searching for a similar-looking photo that won’t quite match the lighting or perspective.
The tutorial itself runs about 100 minutes, which is substantial enough to cover the entire creative process without fluff. You’ll see how Kevin comes up with the initial sketch, how he integrates photography with digital painting, and how he uses specific blending modes to make disparate elements look like they belong in the same world. It’s a full pipeline: from a rough concept to a polished, color-graded final image. (Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle)
One of the most useful inclusions is the brush pack used in the project. If you’ve ever tried to replicate a digital painting style and failed because you didn’t have the right texture or edge behavior, this solves that problem instantly. You get the exact tools Kevin used to create the look, so you can focus on how he applies them rather than trying to guess which settings create the effect. (Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle)
This is a “follow-along” style course, not a “watch-and-wonder” one. The structure is designed so you can pause, replicate the step, and then move forward. It’s particularly effective for learning how to handle complex composites where you need to manage multiple layers, masks, and adjustment layers simultaneously. (Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle)
Why it’s on our radar
This tutorial stands out because it bridges the gap between “I want to make art like this” and “I don’t have the materials to start.” The inclusion of the stock images and brush pack is a significant differentiator in the $10 price bracket. Most creators at this price point offer just the video, assuming you’ll figure out the assets yourself. Kevin Carden removes that friction entirely. (Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle)
The project itself—“In the Middle”—is a great case study for blending photography and digital painting. It’s not just a simple cut-and-paste composite; it involves a lot of digital painting to unify the elements. That makes it a more challenging and rewarding lesson than a simple “how to remove backgrounds” tutorial. If you’re interested in the craft of digital art, not just the technical shortcuts, this is a focused way to learn a specific, high-level skill set. (Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle)
What actually matters
Before you buy, make sure you have a solid grasp of basic Photoshop tools. This tutorial assumes you know how to use layers, masks, and basic selection tools. If you’re still struggling with the interface, you might find the pace too fast. (Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle)
Check that your version of Photoshop supports the features being used. While the techniques are largely universal, some newer features might not be available in older versions. The Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle listing doesn’t specify a minimum version, so if you’re on a very old version of Photoshop, you might need to adapt some steps.
The 100-minute runtime is a good sign that you’re getting a comprehensive look at the process. It’s not a 10-minute highlight reel. You’ll see the mistakes, the adjustments, and the reasoning behind each decision. That’s where the real learning happens. (Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle)
Finally, consider what you want to take away from this. Are you looking to learn a specific style of blending? Do you want to improve your digital painting skills? This tutorial is best if you’re interested in the workflow of creating a complex composite image, not just the final result. (Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle)
Mid-check
If you’re still on the fence, open Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle, skim two reviews (if any), and ask: would I use this this week?
FAQ
Do I need to buy the stock images separately?
No, all the stock images used in the tutorial are included in the download. You’ll have everything you need to follow along step-by-step without having to source your own assets. (Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle)
Is this suitable for beginners?
It’s best for intermediate users. If you’re new to Photoshop, you might want to brush up on basics like layers, masks, and blending modes before starting this tutorial. The pace is steady, but it assumes you’re comfortable with the interface. (Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle)
How long is the tutorial?
The total runtime is about 100 minutes. This covers the entire process from sketch to final color grade, so you’ll get a complete look at the workflow. (Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle)
What software do I need?
You’ll need Adobe Photoshop. The tutorial uses standard Photoshop tools and features, so any recent version should work. (Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle)
Do I get the brush pack?
Yes, the brush pack used in the project is included. This is a big plus, as it lets you replicate the exact look and feel of the digital painting elements. (Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle)
Bottom line
If you’re looking for a deep dive into how a pro creates a complex digital composite, Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle is a fantastic value at $10. The inclusion of the stock images and brush pack makes it a true follow-along experience, not just a video to watch. It’s a focused, high-quality lesson that will teach you a lot about blending, digital painting, and color grading.
If you’re ready to level up your Photoshop skills and want to see the full workflow behind a polished digital art piece, this is a no-brainer. Grab it, open Photoshop, and start building. (Photoshop Tutorial - In the Middle)