In the ever-evolving world of digital imaging, it's easy to get caught up in the latest features and AI-powered tools. However, as I discovered in a recent conversation with Photoshop Hall of Famer Dave Cross, the key to true Photoshop mastery lies in a rock-solid understanding of the fundamentals. Dave Cross, with over 34 years of experience teaching Adobe software, brings a unique perspective to the table. As an Adobe Certified Instructor, Certified Technical Trainer, and three-time Adobe MAX Master Instructor, Dave has witnessed firsthand the evolution of Photoshop from its early days to its current AI-enhanced incarnation. Dave continues to lead Photoshop education via his wildly popular Photoshop Virtual Summit, we discuss the how's and why's of this virtual conference, and the benefits of time-shifted distance learning. About Dave Cross https://youtu.be/pBs-P3gmXZk The Power of Foundational Knowledge "The fundamentals of Photoshop are like the grammar of a language," Dave explained. "You can use translation tools, but to truly communicate, you need to understand the underlying structure." This analogy perfectly encapsulates why mastering the basics remains crucial, even as Photoshop introduces more automated features. Dave emphasized that a strong foundation in areas like layers, masks, and selections not only enhances creativity but also problem-solving skills. "When you understand how Photoshop 'thinks,'" he noted, "you can approach any task with confidence, whether you're using the latest AI tool or a technique that's been around for decades." Balancing Automation and Manual Control One of the most interesting parts of our discussion centered on the balance between embracing new technologies and maintaining manual skills. Dave shared an anecdote from his teaching experience: "I once had a student who relied heavily on AI-powered selection tools. When faced with a complex image where the AI struggled, they were at a loss. But another student, who had mastered manual selection techniques, quickly solved the problem." This story illustrates a crucial point: while AI and automation can be incredibly useful, they're most powerful when complementing a solid skill set, not replacing it. The Evolving Landscape of Photoshop Education As someone who has taught at prestigious events like Photoshop World, Adobe MAX, and Imaging USA, Dave has a unique perspective on how Photoshop education has changed. He noted that while online resources have made learning more accessible, they've also created a challenge: "There's so much information out there, it can be overwhelming. The key is to focus on building a strong foundation first, then expanding from there." This philosophy is reflected in Dave's approach to the Photoshop Virtual Summits he's been running since 2020. These events offer free classes from world-class instructors, emphasizing both fundamental skills and cutting-edge techniques. Looking to the Future As our conversation drew to a close, I asked Dave about the future of Photoshop and digital imaging. His response was both exciting and grounding: "The tools will continue to evolve, and that's fantastic. But the principles of good design, effective editing, and creative problem-solving – those are timeless.