In Aperture 3 Essential Training, author Derrick Story covers the entire photographic workflow in Aperture, from import to enhancement to output. The course covers organizing image collections using star ratings, labels, and Smart Albums, and using the image editing tools to correct exposure, retouch flaws, and correct color balance issues. One of the most noteworthy enhancements in Aperture 3 is explored in detail: its ability to store video clips alongside the stills from digital cameras, then combine them to create stunning multimedia slideshows. Exercise files are included with the course.

Derrick Story is a professional photographer, writer, and teacher. He has poured his passion for photography into authoring several books, including The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers and The Digital Photography Companion (both O'Reilly Media). He is also a senior contributor for Macworld magazine, where he writes a digital photography column. Derrick is a member of the conference faculty for Macworld, and he speaks regularly at technology events. He has formed a virtual camera club called The Digital Story, thedigitalstory.com that's open to all photography enthusiasts and features a weekly podcast.