Adobe Photoshop for Beginners

Course Description

Photoshop is common to all the Adobe creative software suites because it is utilized by many creative professionals.  For this reason, this class is especially designed for creative-oriented students who have very little or no experience with Photoshop but want to learn more about its possibilities. Graphic designers, art directors, illustrators, web designers, and photographers are all ideally suited for this workshop. Photoshop is a complex program. With this intensive, one-day Photoshop class, you’ll quickly grasp the fundamentals you’ll need to  accomplish many common tasks. We supply the files, but you’re welcome to bring a few of your own to share with the class. And if you have a question or need help after the class is over, don't forget our ongoing student support.

Course Outline

Class overview.

Lesson 1: Getting Familiar with the Workspace and Bridge
Topics: Opening and saving files, review of the Tools, setting options for selected tools, zooming methods, selecting, arranging and panels, undo options,, using a selection with an adjustment, the navigation panel, into to Minibridge, using type on an image, using the swatch panel, correcting mistakes, the history panel, context menus, customizing the workspace and using the help file.

Lesson 2: Basic Photo Corrections
Topics: Image size/resolution, camera raw, cropping/straightening an image, tonal range adjustments, color cast correction, targeted saturation and brightness adjustments, clone tool magic, healing and patch tools, content aware fill, the unsharp mask filter and correcting poorly exposed images.

Lesson 3: Using Selections
Topics: Discussions of the four types of selection tools. Working with the marquee selection tools, Lasso selection tools, Quick selection tool, magic wand, updated refine edge options, saving and loading selections. Moving , duplication and resizing selections. Applying a drop shadow to a selection.

Lesson 4: Layers
Topics: Using the layer panel to hide, view, reposition, delete, name and merge layers. Discuss the background layer, adding  borders to a layer, adjusting layer opacity, duplicating a layer, blending modes, resizing and rotating a layer, dragging to add layers, adding text, applying a gradient to a layer, applying a layer style, flattening and saving files, aligning layers and an introduction to masks.
 

Course Prerequisites

This class assumes you have working knowledge of computers and operating systems. It is assumed you know how to use your mouse, the standard menu and commands and how to open and save files. If you are bringing your own computer, make sure you have the version software that is being taught in the class. In the event that you are not knowledgeable in the use of computers, the instructor will not be able to take time away from the other students to teach you. One-on-one tutoring is available for a fee.