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PhotoShop
Bootcamp - Clarke College
Third Quarter, January 14th
| Technical
Aspects , Student Qualifications, Logistics |
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Technical
Platform: At Clarke College we have a Macintosh
Lab equipped with networked iMacs with 300+ megahertz processors
and Iomega Zip drives (each student is required to bring
his/her own Zip cartridge on which to save one's work). We also
have a projectable system for class demonstrations. |
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| Though
one can develop excellent technique using a simple mouse with
Adobe PhotoShop, the real power of PhotoShop is best leveraged
using a stylus and pressure sensitive tablet. The Wacom Graphire
is among the better tablets the instructor recommends. if you
are s serious user, a Graphire is a must and is less than $100.
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The
Graphire tablet from Wacom is less than $100.
Epson
Scanner for under $100
Sony
P230 takes great pictures at a mixium resolution of 1.3 mexapixels
for under $250
This
is the DSCF707 for nearly $1,000, you take photos at 5.2 mexapixels
resolution with a superb Carl Zeiss Lens.
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Input
Devices:
Adobe
PhotoShop's tools (the brush) airbrush and eraser) have been
programmed to respond to the pressure sensitive tablet
This enables the user to attain not only precise control,
but a much more natural feel for spontaneous drawing and painting.
Though the instructor doesn't require students in this course
to purchase a tablet, if you are serious about PhotoShop,
and believe it will become an important part of your career,
a tablet would be an excellent investment (you can avail yourself
of a significant student discount... check with campus technology
resources or check Wacom.com, the leading manufacturer of
pressure sensitive tablets for use with PhotoShop). Pressure
sensitive tablets are made for either Mac's and PCs.
Gary will be demonstrating the Wacom Graphire Tablet from
time to time during class. It's a duo platform USB tablet
that works with both Mac and PC computer platforms. If you're
interested in learning more about pressure sensitive tablets,
talk to your instructor.
At issue
in the Macintosh Labs is that all of the iMac computers use
USB ports rather than standard serial device connections.
This is terrific if your personal computer is also equipped
with a USB port. Then you could carry your tablet with you
and plug it in wherever you happen to be.
Image
Capture- Scanners and Digital Cameras
Digital cameras and scanners are the two principal ways of
getting reference material into your PhotoShop application.
A scanner is best for flat objects like drawings, photos,
and even some flat small three-dimensional items like buttons
and things. What's nice about most scanners is they can be
operated directly from Adobe PhotoShop without opening up
a separate application. With desktop controls, it's relatively
easy to operate the scanner, capture your image, and save
it immediately in an appropriate file format and resolution.
This is enabled by software plug-ins provided by the manufacturer
of the scanner device. The company has designed its software
expressly for PhotoShop use. Most scanner and digital camera
manufacturers do this for PhotoShop users because they represent
such a large number of users. Furthermore, some scannermakers
actually include a version of PhotoShop with there product.
Three Dimensional objects and items larger than what can
fit into a scanner are best handled by a digital camera. Many
are now on the market, and each is distinguished by a number
of features and maximum resolution. There are low resolution
cameras, like the Sony P230, which are typically 1.3 megapixels
and relatively inexpensive especially when compared to the
5.2 megapixel Sony DSCF707 camera featured at left which costs
nearly a $1,000.
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| Student
Qualifications: This is a basic-level to mid-level skills
course for students with little or no previous experience with PhotoShop
5. However, even those with mid-level mastery of PhotoShop basics
could benefit from taking this course. Because PhotoShop has broad
applications and a vast tool set, users often become specialized around
a specific and limited set of capabilities. Even experienced users
often feel they are not using the program to its fullest potential.
Furthermore, many users do not fully comprehend the complex application
of such issues as pixel resolution and how it applies to commercial
printing. Those who use PhotoShop as a Web design tool need more experience
learning how to maximize print quality. Those who use PhotoShop for
printing, tend to be insecure in Web applications and leveraging color
palette reduction and file compression options to improve Web site
performance. Then there are those users who wish to use PhotoShop
for the myriad of multimedia applications, CD-ROM interactive media,
digital video editing, etc., all of which have their own image format
considerations. Consequently, all of these students will likely benefit
from this course. |
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Basic
Skill Level
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Mid-Level
Skills
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Advanced
Skill Level
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| Student
has basic computer skills and is comfortable with the mouse interface
to be able to render and retouch simple images in the application.
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Student
has experience scanning images into a computer, and can manipulate,
resize, retouch images in PhotoShop. Has understanding of resolution
for print applications. Can use mouse as a drawing and painting instrument.
Knows most everyday graphic file formats and their applications. |
Student
has ability to digitize analog images, optimize resolution for print
or multimedia, can retouch, combine and recolor images. Is facile
with mouse or pressure sensitive tablet to create original images.
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Is this
class for me? Past classes have invited students with limited
computer experience and absolutely no experience with PhotoShop
or any image editing program whatsoever. And we've had students
with advanced skill levels. The class is small and structured in
a way that provides basic instructional opportunity for amateurs
while providing advanced students with new challenges, productivity
tips, and exciting discoveries about PhotoShop that can only come
from mentoring from a true PhotoShop and graphic design professional.
The instructor promises advanced students this: Every class you
will learn something you've never known before about PhotoShop that
will likely change the way your work and enhance your talents and
abilities.
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Course
Logistics: This course is based on a hands-on workshop
learning model. Student assignments as well as class lessons can
be executed on the Library's Mac Lab or on Communication Department
Lab Computers which have PhotoShop 5 onboard.
Student
Materials: Though it is not absolutely necessary, it is
advisable students own a personal copy of PhotoShop 5, and a personal
computer on which to run it. Undoubtedly, there will be the need
to complete class assignments on one’s own, and a lab computer
might not be convenient or available on demand. The software is
available to students at a significant discount in the Clarke Bookstore.
Course
Objectives: This course is designed to provide students
with a functional knowledge of how to use PhotoShop 5 to edit digital
media and learn how PhotoShop is used in design and production phases
in publishing, Web design and multimedia applications.
Student
Requirements: The student is required to complete the 5 assignments
which include:
- The
Composite Image: Students will take graphic objects that
have been prepared for class, and using vector tools, create
a mask to isolate various aspects of an image and create a layered
image. By controlling opacity and layer order, the students
will create a logo design from the various objects provided.
- The
Postcard This lesson illustrates the application of layers
and the powerful type manipulation tool contained in PhotoShop.
Students will learn how to manipulate contrast and color combination
to create a dynamic and effective graphic design We begin the
process of learning the production capabilities of PhotoShop
in anticipation of the target application. This poster project
is for publishing, so resolution (dots per inch), overall image
dimensions, and color mode specifications must be considered
from the very beginning of the assignment through its conclusion.
- An Original
Image (the Caricature Project): This assignment serves to
provide experience in working with PhotoShop’s array of
image creation tools. Layer functions are particularly emphasized
in this lesson.
- Layered
Illustration with Background Texture and Compositional Elements
Gathered or Created by the Student. This assignments makes
use of digital photography as well as original image production
tool in PhotoShop. This will be a published piece, so we will
be working with high resolution images. We will also examine
various means of reproduction including large-format inkjet
printing through a local vendor.
Back
to Table of Contents
Learning
Objectives: Students who successfully
complete this course will know the following skills, techniques
and tools that apply to PhotoShop 5
A. Getting
images into PhotoShop
- Scanning
Techniques
- Digital
Photography
B. Working
with Resolutions
- Determining
optimal scan resolution for print
- Determining
optimal scan resolution for multimedia and the Web
C. Anti-aliasing:
Understanding and utilizing one of PhotoShop’s most powerful
features which interpolates contrasting pixel colors to render smoother
gradations in color and better rendering of type elements. This
feature contributes to more pleasing results when re-sizing graphics
and changing resolution.
D. Choosing
the most appropriate graphic file format for your project and how
these formats relate to platform dependence, color management, color
depth and file size
- PICT
- EPS
- TIF
- JPEG
- Gif
- BMP
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Course
Syllabus for PhotoShop Bootcamp
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The course is
held over an 8-week schedule. There are two classes per week.
Classes
1 through 3
Objective: Convey
to students what the instructor’s expectations are to successfully
complete this course.
- Introductions
among Classmembers
- Distribute
Course Syllabus and Explain Course Requirements, Materials and
all Pertinent Information Students will need to Successfully Participate
in this Course
- Premier and
Describe the Official Course Web Site, and explain how students
will use it in conjunction with class activities
- Portfolio
Review of Instructor’s Works which represent the varied projects
assigned to students
- Assignment:
Bring a photograph to the next class for scanning
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 Introductory
Assignment:
Please copy an image supplied by the instructor to your hard drive
for our introduction to basic PhotoShop tools.
Click
here to get photo
 Introductory
Assignment Instructions:
Download the Introductory Assignment Image of the two men in a vintage
car.
Please copy an image supplied by the instructor to your hard
drive for our introduction to basic PhotoShop tools.
This assignment is all about getting comfortable with the basic
tools in PhotoShop which allow you to manipulate and retouch photographs.
In this assignment, you will create a mask image of an object which
will enable you to remove the background of the photo..
In this first assignment we will use the following tools, working
on this image right along with the instructor.
In this first
assignment we will use the following tools, working on this image
right along with the instructor.
- Retouching
tools
- Masking Tools
- Clipping
Paths
- Image contrast
and color tools
- Working with
Layers and Layer Properties such as transparency and opacity
Special
Notice:
Save your practice file that you downloaded to your disk.
We will be revisiting this for class lectures and demonstrations.
Back
to Table of Contents
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 Bonus
Lesson: Coloring and Assembling a Layered Image.
Click on
the images here and follow the instructor:
Click
here for the lesson parts
The
objective of this lesson is to work with graduated fills, layered
objects, and working with filters and layer style commands.
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Classes
4 through 6: Assignment: Creating the Photographic Postcard
Objective:
The
student learns the following steps in the process of digitizing
an image which include The Scan, Color Balancing, Retouching, and
Optimizing Resolution for Target Application
- The Scan
- Determining
Target Resolution
- Color Balancing:
Working with RGB and CMYK color models
- Color Manipulation:
Working with Hue, Saturation and Lightness to manipulate color
- Brightness
and Contrast: Working with Histograms
- Manipulating
Resolution for Target Application
Requirements:
Students must have two or more photographs they wish to scan and
manipulate and a portable disk on which to store the file. Elements
of both photographs will be combined into one photograph.
Special
Notice: In the previous class we didn't get a chance to talk
about masking or clipping tools. We will endeavor to cover these
capabilities of PhotoShop in this or the next class.
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Supplemental
Lesson 1: Demonstration: Optimizing a Photographic image
Objective:
Supervise students’ progress on their photographs and provide
individualized guidance and remedial help for those in need. In
this session we are going to learn how PhotoShop’s anti-aliasing
feature works to improve image quality.
- Anti-aliasing:
Understanding and utilizing one of PhotoShop’s most powerful
features which interpolates contrasting pixel colors to render
smoother gradations in color and better rendering of type elements.
This feature contributes to more pleasing results when re-sizing
graphics and changing resolution. Also explained: how anti-aliasing
is effected by resolution.
- Sharpening
Techniques: Sharpening tools and the Unsharp Mask tool.
- Blurring
Techniques using the blur, smart blur and Gaussian blur tools
- Noise Filters:
Removing dust, speckles using the smudge and rubber stamp tools.
- Successfully
blending the natural with the retouched areas of the image: Using
the Noise Filters
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Supplemental
Lesson 2: Working in Layers and Combining Image Elements from Different
Sources
Objective:
In
this lesson we begin by scanning our second image so we can combines
elements of both image sources to create a single compelling image.
Extensive use of PhotoShop’s layering is covered in this class.
- Scanning
the Second Image and importing it as a layer in your target image
file.
- Eliminating
unwanted elements through the use of vector paths and selection
tools.
- Leveraging
PhotoShop’s anti-aliasing feature to seamlessly blend images
and softening edges (Feather and Modify/Border feature
- Using the
Selection Tools: lasso, marquis boxes, and vector path tool
- Eraser Tool
Variations and Controls
Click
here to retrieve pieces for a lesson which will help
you learn the principles of this portion of the class. Download
the pieces to your hard drive on your workstation.
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Back
to Table of Contents
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Supplemental
Lesson 3: Working with Type Elements in PhotoShop
Objective
: The student
learn to use type elements in layers, and the tools used to manipulate
those type elements including the following effects:
- Drop Shadow
- Inner Shadow
- Outer Shadow
- Inner Glow
- Outer Glow
- Embossing
tools
Outer Bevel
Inner Bevel
Pillow Emboss
 Requirement
in this Class: Students will add type element to their composition
and an appropriate effect that will contribute to the effectiveness
of the image. This will complete the first class project.
See the Gallery to view
the students' Postcard Design Project!
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Supplemental
Lesson 4: Choosing the Correct File Format for your Image
Objective:
In this pivotal
class, students will learn the most appropriate file format for
their image file and understand the correlation of resolution to
file format. Also, we will discuss the cross platform implications
of certain file formats and their appropriateness for one operating
system over another.
- We determine
the most appropriate graphic file format for your project and
how these formats relate to platform dependence, color management,
color depth and file size
- PICT: Picture
format that supports grayscale and anti-alias full-color imaging
- EPS: Originally
developed by Adobe Systems, it stands for Encapsulated PostScript.
CMYK color formatting which contains both high-resolution imaging
data and a low-resolution image for placement in page layout
software such as Quark Xpress, PageMaker, FreeHand, Illustrator,
Corel, et. al. The Eps file must accompany the page layout document
wherever it goes so the raster image processor or print imaging
system renders the high-resolution data.
- TIFF: Tag
Image File Format. Featuring virtually the same image and color
management characteristics as an EPS, this format was developed
by Aldus Corporation (now Adobe), to allow smaller, more manageable
page layout file sizes once high resolutions images are placed
in the document. As with EPS, these files must accompany the
page layout document. The printer/image processor gets its high-resolution
data from the Tiff image, not the page layout. Some applications
allow you to imbed the image files into their documents thereby
relieving you of managing multiple files.
- JPEG: Stands
for Joint Photographers’ Engineering Group, a consortium
of companies involved in computer imaging software and hardware
development. JPEG is a file compression scheme that allows smaller
file sizes while maintaining full-color bit depth. JPEGs display
using your computer’s full-color reproduction capabilities
and system palette.
- GIF: Developed
by CompuServe, one of the early adopters of graphical interfaces
developed for on-line communication. This format uses a palette
limiting compression scheme which simply reduces the number
of colors required to render a graphic. Because GIFs don’t
utilized antialiasing, color gradations are re-rendered using
a dithering scheme of image pixels.
- BMP: A
Microsoft image format utilizing RGB color palette. Because
Microsoft focuses on the business productivity marketplace,
which outputs to color output devices such as inkjet and laser
printers, Microsoft determined there was no need to confuse
users with CMYK color management tools found in professional
graphic software packages. BMP images are automatically converted
into CMYK when you print a Microsoft document. The conversion
occurs in the background and utilizes device data in a process
invisible to the user.
Expectations:
Students will save their image in two different formats for
the following target application: high-resolution printing
and the Web.
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Back
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Classes
7 through 9: Working With Color and Image Creation Tools in PhotoShop
Assignment
and Class Project: The caricature (Original Image Development in
PhotoShop)
Assignment:
Students will be required to create an original image from photographic
and originally rendered imagery created within PhotoShop.
Requirements:
Students will be photographed, and their pictures made available
for the class via this Website.
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Class
8: The Caricature Project (continued)
Objective:
Students must make some progress on their individual assignments
and present them for review by the instructor and fellow classmates.
This will be a lab day in which the assignment can be advanced during
class time.
Class
9: Working with Filters in PhotoShop
Objective:
Students will learn the practicalities and applications of PhotoShop’s
filters, among them:
- Artistic
Filters
- Rendering
Filters including
- Render
Clouds
- Render
Lighting Effects
- Render
Lens Flare
- Sketch
Filters
- Stylize
Filters
- Texture
Filters
Assignment:
An Original Image (Caricature): This assignment serves to provide
experience in working with PhotoShop’s array of image manipulation
filters.
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Lesson 6: Working with layers and layer styles: |
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When you
click on the button at left or the logo on the right, you
will be transported to a lesson which will have all of the
necessary parts for you to move step-by-step through this
lesson which will teach you:
1. How
to work with layers and layer styles to create depth and dimension
in your graphic which will endeavor to enhance your project.
2. How
to copy and paste layer style characteristics from one layer
to another which will save you time in the design process.
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Classes
10 and 11: The Memory of a Lifetime Project
Preparing
for the Final Assignment
Objective:
Students will begin working on their Final Assignment which
is a complex, layered composition which will utilize several of
PhotoShop’s effects filters.
See
Memories of a Lifetime for samples
which illustrate the basic concept of this assignment.
Lesson:
- Collecting
objects and images found and created for our layered composition.
- Scanning
3D objects using a conventional scanner
- Using digital
photography
- Creating
a background texture
- Using drop
shadows and embossing filters on objectives to enhance their
appearance and create dramatic effects
- Using lighting
techniques with the Render Command
- Using Lens
Flare
- Using levels
of transparency to create depth
Assignment:
The Layered Illustration with Background Texture and
Compositional Elements Gathered or Created by the Student. The student
must plan, collect and execute a layered composition using a background
texture, photographic elements, 3D objects), and possibly some uniquely
created elements, either drawn or painted.
The Theme:
This will be a personal, visual, biographic depiction
of your entire life up to now. It must contain images and objects
that symbolize important memories or milestones in your life. It
can contain images of your parents, significant people in your life
present and past, found objects such as buttons, badges, athletic
equipment (baseball, perhaps), old shoes, a piece of sheet music,
images from a movie that was important to you, the lyrics to a song,
a photo of a pet, a childhood sketch, a favorite book. Use your
imagination.
Class
12-13: Preparing your Composition
Objective:
This is a hands-on opportunity in the lab to discover opportunities
and determine remedial help among the students.
Lesson:
The lesson for this class will be determined by the level of sophistication
in the students’ works and their desire for more creative opportunities
and variations.
Student Requirement:
Students must make significant progress on his assignment during
the class.
Class
14: Lab and Catch-up
Objective:
Students must be prepared to show their work in either digital
or hard copy form.
Class
15: Portfolio Review
Objective:
Students will learn techniques of portfolio creation and maintenance
from an expert, both traditional and Web-based. The
Lesson: The
instructor provides insight into portfolio presentation, both traditional
and Web-based.
Class
16: Lab and Catch-up
Objective:
Students bring their portfolios to class for evaluation by the
instructor
Lesson:
An original video is planned for the class which features a local
design studio with interviews of how these professionals use PhotoShop
5 to pursue their livelihoods.
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Supplimental
Lesson 7: Working with Black and White Images
Lesson and
Objectives: We will cover the art of grayscale and bitmap image
creation using PhotoShop 5. Students will learn how to:
- Scan a
black-and-white image and/or color image for grayscale manipulation
- Optimizing
the grayscale image through the use of contrast and brightness
controls.
- Sizing
and cropping the image
- Manipulating
the sharpness of the image through the use of sharpen and blur
filters
- Using PhotoShop’s
layers feature to change depth of field or to add emphasis and
drama to an image.
- Duo-tone,
tri-tone and quad-tone options
- Stochastic
screening a black-and-white image (bitmap conversion using dithered
halftone feature), re-importing the image into a layered RGB
file, changing layer from normal to multiply, and colorizing
a layer underneath the image layer
- Choosing
the best file format for its target application, including TIF,
GIF, and EPS.
Assignment:
The Black and White Image (halftone): Scan, optimize and convert
an image to Grayscale and then to a Bitmap image.
Student
Requirement: Students must have an appropriate image with which
to work. Students will scan the images in class, manipulate them
according to the lesson and choose the best file format with which
to save the image on disk.
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