The Ultimate Guide to Glows by Kevin Carden: is it worth buying?
Here’s the tension the market is leaning into: this is a follow up to my last tutorial, which focused on blending in Photoshop. The question is whether The Ultimate Guide to Glows actually ships enough structure to match that promise.
The Ultimate Guide to Glows from Kevin Carden is a $20 option if you want structure instead of another half-finished plan. Here’s what stands out, who it fits, and what to confirm on The Ultimate Guide to Glows before you pay.
Quick answer
| Best for | Photographers looking for a structured, hands-on guide to creating glows in Photoshop, especially those who want to build from fundamentals to full projects. |
| Skip if | You already have a complete Photoshop glow workflow or prefer free tutorials over a curated, paid course. |
| Price | $20 |
| Format | Video course (5.5 hours total), including 10 detailed projects and downloadable assets like PNGs and PSDs. |
| One-line take | A solid, well-structured $20 course with hands-on projects and assets for photographers aiming to master glow effects in Photoshop. |
What you’re actually buying
This course goes beyond theory by walking you through 10 distinct glow projects, from a glowing lion to a streetlight in the desert, each with specific techniques and assets. You’ll get access to 5.5 hours of video content split into three main sections: fundamentals, and then five projects each in two parts. The first video alone breaks down what glows are, their anatomy, and how to make them look realistic — a great starting point for beginners or those looking to refine their technique.
The second and third videos dive into the practical side, with projects that range from a dog and hummingbird to a glowing guitar. Each project comes with downloadable assets, including PNGs for cutouts and full PSD files of each project, which is a major plus for anyone wanting to follow along and experiment with the techniques. This is especially useful for photographers who want to apply these effects to their own work, as the files are ready to use and modify.
What makes this course stand out is the balance between structured learning and hands-on practice. The instructor, Kevin Carden, emphasizes the importance of realism in glows and walks you through the process of creating them step by step, making it easier to apply these techniques to your own photos. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate Photoshop user, this guide aims to take your skills to the next level with clear, actionable lessons and a wealth of practical examples.
The course also includes a variety of downloadable files, such as PNGs and PSDs, which are essential for anyone looking to follow along and adapt the projects to their own work. With 10 complete projects and 5.5 hours of video content, this guide offers a comprehensive learning experience that covers both the fundamentals and advanced techniques of creating glows in Photoshop.
Why it’s on our radar
This course is worth considering if you’re a photographer or designer looking to build a reliable glow workflow in Photoshop. It’s not just a collection of tips — it’s a structured, hands-on guide with 10 full projects and downloadable assets, which is rare at this price point. The inclusion of PNGs and PSD files for each project means you can jump right in and experiment without starting from scratch. Kevin Carden’s approach is practical and focused on realism, which is a big plus for anyone aiming to elevate their image editing skills.
What actually matters
- Structured learning with 10 hands-on projects, from glowing animals to streetlights, each with downloadable assets.
- Real-world applications — the course isn’t just theory; it walks you through creating complete images, which is great for photographers who want to apply these effects to their own work.
- Downloadable files like PNGs and PSDs make it easy to follow along and modify the projects as needed.
- Clear, actionable lessons that break down the anatomy of glows and how to make them look realistic — ideal for both beginners and those looking to refine their technique.
Mid-check
FAQ
What kind of projects are included in the course?
The course includes 10 distinct glow projects, such as a glowing lion, a streetlight in the desert, a dog, a hummingbird, and a glowing guitar — each with downloadable assets.
Are the downloadable files included with the course?
Yes, the course provides downloadable assets such as PNGs for cutouts and full PSD files for each project, allowing you to follow along and customize the work.
Is this course suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The course starts with the fundamentals of glows and builds up to full projects, making it accessible for beginners while still offering value for more experienced users.
Bottom line
If you’re a photographer or designer looking to master glow effects in Photoshop with a structured, hands-on approach, The Ultimate Guide to Glows is a solid $20 investment. It delivers what it promises — clear lessons, downloadable assets, and real-world projects — and is a good fit for anyone aiming to take their image editing to the next level.