Digital Image Editing

Class 1

In this first class, I'd like to identify students who are beginners, and advanced. I will attempt to give students at all levels a challenging learning experience.

Course Introduction

• Definition of Digital Graphics
• Understanding RGB
• Introduction to Resources Page
• Graphics file formats, what they are, why you should care
• Portable formats and their use
• Web-friendly formats and their use
• File formats for special apps
• Native file formats
• Icon, font and universally portable formats
• Exported music, animation and video

In-Class:  Editing Simple Graphics Files

Students will review the tools, download graphics files and use pixels for indicating size then enlarge, reduce and crop images. Click to download image.

• Creating, opening, and importing images
• Read the following info on why you should care about graphics file formats, the difference between vectors and bitmaps, the common formats and software used to edit them.

Homework: Read

• Understanding color
• Design Palettes
• Color Terms
• Color adjustment commands

Class 2

Choosing Palettes, Color Strategy, Color Theory

Lecture:  Class will review color theory concepts, how modifying an image's color can be used to create different effects, bring the image to the foreground or make it a background. Students will also begin to explore the art of retouching images. Click to download color sample image.

In-Class:  Color Correcting Digital Images

Students will download graphics files and use color adjustment tools to alter an image. Click to download image.

• The Importance of Contrast
• Color combination is really the most important part of color theory and designing with colors, and also the hardest-- It always comes down to your personal judgement and how you look at colors.

MIDTERM ASSIGNMENT (Due class 5)

Students will edit 3 separate photos (500 x 500 pixels) so that they all have the same color palette and style
You can use FreeImages where you'll find a library of stock photography for use on websites, printed media, products, etc. Another website Free Photos also has links to many photo libraries

Class 3

Using Layers and retouching tools

Class will learn how to use layers, one of photoshop's most valuable feature. We will be using layers for most of our advanced image editing.

• Layer Basics and Layer panel

In-Class:  Editing Digital Images

Students will download graphics files and explore the various methods used to retouch an image. Click to download image.

• Selecting areas using Marquee select or the Magic wand tool
• Retouching and repairing image using sampled pixels
• Retouching and repairing an image using Smudge or Blur or Sharpen

Click to download photoshop layered image.

Class 4

Creating Screen Shots, Adding Comments

Lecture:  Students will learn how to create a screen shot, import it into photoshop so they can highlight areas, add comments and emphasis.

• Using Type

Click to download sample result.

Class 5

Using Layer Effects

Lecture:  Class will learn how to use layer effects to add emphasis, drama or visibility to text or an image within a photograph. Click to download layered image. The downloaded image is an ad for a magazine. note how adding outer glows and drop shadows help the readability of the text.

• Layer effects and styles

Click to download photoshop finished image.

Class 6

Using Multiple Layers, Cloning Elements, Color Editing to Edit Group Photo

Lecture:  Class will learn how to use multiple layers, editing different sections of an image using a variety of techniques to correct elements in a photograph. Click to download image.

• Layer effects and styles

Students are encouraged to edit and color correct as many sections of this photo as they wish.

Click to download photoshop layered image.

Class 7

Using Filters

Lecture: The filter gallery can transform your badly lit, blurry or crooked image into a beautiful work of art. In this class students will:

• Transform photographs into watercolors, sketches, mosaics, and more
• Use one of the filters in combination with a photo to improve the look of the image
• Use a filter to create a background or a mood.

Samples

• Photo of person with multiple filters on layers
• Using layers and filters to create abstract image.
• Using layers and filters to create Web banner with abstract background.

FINAL ASSIGNMENT (Due class 10)

Students will:

• Create a multiple-image collage banner sized 800 x 200 pixes using 3 or more images on one subject (like flowers, or sports, or cars, whatever.... Banner image must have consistent color palette.
  You can use FreeImages where you'll find a library of stock photography for use on websites, printed media, products, etc. Another website Free Photos also has links to many photo libraries
• Create 2 small thumbnail images (100 x 100 pixels) that coordinate with the banner
• All images must show use of filters, layers and color editing

Class 8

Creating A Photo Collage

Lecture: We'll take a variety of images, modify and cut out sections then assemble them into a banner that can illustrate a complex concept where just one image will not do.

Layered image

Class 9

Photoshop Review

Lecture:  We will use this class to review and practice techniques, explore ideas and deal with any problems or questions that arise.

Class 10

Present Finals