Adobe Photoshop CS4digital image editing beyond the basics

your instructor: matteo wyllyamzmouselink@gmail.com

http://mouselink.info

Adobe Photoshop CS4 2

Getting started today

Quick introductionsQuick introductions» customizing this coursecustomizing this course

AdministriviaAdministrivia

How to have a great classHow to have a great class

Menu of possible topicsMenu of possible topics

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Quick introductions» customizing this course» customizing this course

Who are you and what do you do?Who are you and what do you do?

What is your experience with …What is your experience with …

» Digital images/photographyDigital images/photography» Raster-based image editingRaster-based image editing» Adobe PhotoshopAdobe Photoshop

What is something interesting about you?What is something interesting about you?

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» matteo wyllyamzSoftware instructor since 1993, with an emphasis on multimedia,

graphic design, and Internet development. Have created courses for Jefferson County Adult Ed,

Colorado Christian University, Productivity Point,Colorado Free University, and the Department of Defense.

Taught Apple Macintosh classes exclusively for five years,and have been active on the Internet since 1994.

Corporate graphic designer / webmaster for two years ('97-'99), Have been using Adobe Photoshop for digital art & photography

since 1993. Produced a Photoshop art blog for seven years. ('99-'05)TODAY: Managing Partner of Mouselink Media Group, technical and

creative instructor and consultant, designer, project manager, artist, amateur photographer, and author. BA in English writing, and have sold three books.

» http://mouselink.me

Adobe Photoshop CS4 5Administrivia

Workshop scheduleWorkshop schedule» Six workshopsSix workshops» 1pm – 4pm1pm – 4pm» Two sessions per afternoon Two sessions per afternoon » Short break (15 mins)Short break (15 mins)

around 2:30pmaround 2:30pm

Facilities …Facilities …» Bathrooms, vending, Bathrooms, vending,

Starbucks …Starbucks …

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Please set cell phones to silent or turn off.Please set cell phones to silent or turn off.

Understand Understand concentrated computer training:concentrated computer training:

» Please sit at the front of the classroom and don’t sit alone.» Class is part discussion, part lecture, part hands-on.» PARTICIPATE! Ask questions. Answer questions. Take notes.» Watch the screen, then try it yourself.» Be mindful of others’ ability levels.» This is a cooperative learning environment:

We are here to learn from each other.

Keep in mind that this class was designed for aKeep in mind that this class was designed for aspecific level of student:specific level of student:

How to have a great workshop

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Keep in mind that this course was designed for a Keep in mind that this course was designed for a specific level of student:specific level of student:

Created for» A semi-experienced computer user with a comfortable

working knowledge of the Windows environment.» The intermediate Adobe Photoshop user who has

mastered basic concepts and has some knowledge of more advanced topics.

NOT created for» The beginning computer user.» The beginning or advanced Photoshop user.

most importantly …most importantly …

How to have a great workshop

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Make it fun! Make it fun!

most importantly …most importantly …

How to have a great class

Adobe Photoshop CS4 9Menu of possible topics

Warp and LiquifySmart ObjectsSmart FiltersRecording Actions

… and a word about your materials

Type managementThe Filter GalleryMastering masks Vector-based “Drawing”Content-aware scalingVanishing PointPanoramic “Stitching” with Adobe Photomerge

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Moving on …Moving on …

DAY1

Adobe Photoshop CS4Level II workshop emphases & objectives

Adding another layer of knowledge toAdding another layer of knowledge towhat you’ve already learned:what you’ve already learned:

Gaining confidence throughGaining confidence throughcontinued immersioncontinued immersion

Mastering basic & intermediate conceptsMastering basic & intermediate concepts

Core skills becoming more automaticCore skills becoming more automatic

““Speaking the Language,” becoming fluentSpeaking the Language,” becoming fluent

Understanding more advanced techniquesUnderstanding more advanced techniques

Ever-increasing speed & efficiencyEver-increasing speed & efficiency

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Working with typeType tools

Bounding boxes

Point text vs. Area text

Type as a layer

Character and Paragraph panels

Leading, tracking, and kerning

Editable type vs. rasterized pixels

How not to go crazy …

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Understanding filters

“Destruction”

Undo and redo filter results

The Filter Gallery

Filters on selections

Filters on layers

Methods to combine filters

Smart Filters

http://tracymar.smugmug.com/gallery/869423#39246024

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Moving on …Moving on …

DAY2

HOMEWORK DUE

ILT workbook Unit 1: “Fills and Gradients”Time: 70 minutes.

Adobe Photoshop CS4 15Masks

What are they and why use them?» A non-destructive method of hiding

(instead of erasing) image content» The preferred method of blending images together

Are masks any different than selections?» Easier to paint in, than to draw marching ants?» The image can select itself.» Unlike selections, masks do not have to be

saved & loaded.» Easily turned on and off» Only maskes can utilize levels of transparency.

http://www.webreference.com/graphics/column23/

Adobe Photoshop CS4 16What does a mask do?

MASKS (BLACK)CONCEAL

NON-MASKS(WHITE) REVEAL

“Never fear, old chum. All will become clear soon.”

When pixels on a layer are concealed,they reveal the pixels on the layers beneath.

When pixels on a layer are revealed,they conceal the pixels on the layers beneath.

Adobe Photoshop CS4 17Masks

Don’t worry, masks can be confusing!

White vs. Black vs. Grey

Simple Layer Masks

Instant layer mask from a selection

Alt-click to reveal a mask

Editing a layer vs. editing a mask

How to create a gradient-based transparency mask

Clipping masks

Quick masks

Adobe Photoshop CS4 18Different types of masks

Layer masks

Clipping masks

Vector masks

“Quick Masks”

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Using masks with more advanced selections

Using the image to mask itself

The Color Range command

The Refine Edge command

Making adjustments by utilizing Quick Mask mode

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Layer Masks

Layer Masks are the most typical type of masking. They are pixel-based grayscale layers that conceala portion of a layer from all visibility.

Layer Masks are entirely based in theblack/conceal white/reveal model.

Each layer mask applies to a specific layerand that layer only.

Examples of adjustments and special effects

Brightness & Contrast, Hue & Saturation,

Burning & Dodging, Sharpening, Vignettes,

Working with filters

Adobe Photoshop CS4 21The benefits (and limitations) of

Clipping MasksUse Clipping Masks to mask awaymultiple layers with one easily editable mask.

Limitations and odd behaviors:Clipping Masks, may not be applied

beyond a layer group.IE: You may only mask the layers inside

one layer group at a time.Clipping Masks do not rely upon the

black/conceal white/reveal modelwe’ve learned.

Instead, they apply all pixels of a layer to the mask.

The Clipping Mask itself resides beneath the layers it is clipping, but you select the layers above to apply the masks.

Adobe Photoshop CS4 22

Masking with Live Text?

Just use a clipping mask.

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Moving on …Moving on …

DAY3

HOMEWORK DUE

ILT workbook Unit 2: “Masks” Time: 50 minutes.

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Vector Masks

Benefits include the fine-tuned adjustability of all object-based shapes and paths.

Adobe Photoshop CS4 25What are “Quick Masks”?

Not really a mask?

Completely temporary

An “advanced” selection technique similar in form to the Quick Selection Tool

Uses the model of black/conceal white/reveal

An advantage of Quick Masks is that they provide the gradients (levels of grayscale) provided by Layer Masks.

Other selection techniques are pixel-on pixel-off. IE: no levels of transparency supported.

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Introduction to Vector-based “Drawing” PathsWhat’s the difference between painting and drawing?

What is a path?Different drawing modesLine, Polygon, and

Custom Shape toolsThe mysterious pen toolModifying and transformingConverting paths to selections

and selections to paths Clipping paths Text along a path

http://youtube.com/watch?v=cbGzWOtwSSE

Adobe Photoshop CS4 27Raster or pixel-based graphics vs.Vector or object-oriented graphics

http://www.photoshopsupport.com/shoptalk/vectors-and-bitmaps.html

Adobe Photoshop CS4 28Understanding the infamous Pen Tool

Pen clicks & drags plot the anchor points of a path.

Clicking vs. clicking-and-dragging (and combinations)

Watch carefully for visual clues!

Anchor Points» The difference between Corner Points, Smooth Points,

and Cusp Points

Manipulating anchor points» Moving, adding, deleting, converting» Adjusting control handles

Viewing a more precise pen tool (Caps Lock)

Pen tool keyboard shortcut P

Adobe Photoshop CS4 29How curved paths align to tangents

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangent

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Moving on …Moving on …

DAY4

HOMEWORK DUE

ILT workbook Unit 4: “Vector Objects” Time: 70 minutes.

Adobe Photoshop CS4 31Skills Review

Average time to complete: 20-40 minutes.

Utilizes essential skills sets: Pen tool, vector path management, path selection and modification, layer masking, fill layers, layer effects, image export and optimization.

FILE NEEDED: Ducky.tif

1) Your client wants to use the above image in a web image gallery for an online sales system, but she does not want the yellow paisley background included in the final image.

2) Mask away everything but the rubber ducky.

3) Include a plain white background.

4) Place a subtle drop shadow underneath the bottom of the image so it appears to be sitting on a physical surface.

5) Export the image for the web so that the resulting file is 35k or less.

6) Show the final image and file to your instructor!

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Content-Aware Scaling  http://adobe.com/go/lrvid4120_ps

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Vanishing Point 2.0 http://adobe.com/go/vid0019

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Moving on …Moving on …

DAY5

HOMEWORK DUE

ILT workbook Unit 4: “Image Effects” Time: 80 minutes.

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Panoramic “Stitch” Photographywith Adobe PhotoMerge

Tutorials: Creating panoramic stitches with Photomergehttp://tr.im/mt1Z [text] http://tr.im/mt25 [vid]

Mouselink’s panoramic stitch experiments http://tr.im/msYh

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Moving on …Moving on …

DAY6

HOMEWORK DUE

ILT workbook Unit 5: “Automating Tasks” Time: 55 minutes.

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An Introduction to recording ActionsVIDEO TUTORIALS: http://tr.im/mtdR http://tr.im/mte5

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Conclusions …Sincere thanks!

You cannot learn the violin in a day or two.

Digital image manipulation is a skill – like any other – that requires gradual & continual practice & improvement.

Approach everything on a need-to-know basis, and don't worry about that which you do not yet understand.

Stay upbeat!… but if you get frustrated, remember:

You can always turn off the machine and walk away. :)

Good luck. Best wishes.And get in touch if you need more help!

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© 2010 by © 2010 by m.wyllyamz

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Adobe Photoshop CS4Emerging Technologies …

Pressure-sensitive graphics tablet SCREENSPressure-sensitive graphics tablet SCREENS

The Wacom Cintiqhttp://youtube.com/watch?v=jEI97_Ka-n4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oE2APo_EORQ&feature=related

http://youtube.com/watch?v=58_GruOfYo4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLEubvE5ZQ4

Adobe Photoshop CS4 41Adobe Photoshop CS4

Emerging Technologies …

The MULTI-TOUCH InterfaceThe MULTI-TOUCH Interface

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP5y7yp06n0&feature=related http://youtube.com/watch?v=PLhMVNdplJc&feature=related

http://youtube.com/watch?v=RPwaUp4gepU http://youtube.com/watch?v=rKgU6ubBgJA&feature=related

Adobe Photoshop CS4 42Adobe Photoshop CS4

Exploring the Photoshop Community …

National Association of Photoshop Professionalshttp://www.photoshopuser.com

Photoshop tutorials and other resourceshttp://www.photoshopsupport.com

Free Photoshop forum and downloadshttp://www.photoshopgurus.com

Adobe certificationhttp://www.adobe.com/support/certification/ace.html

Blog of Photoshop rock star Corey Barkerhttp://www.planetphotoshop.com

Blog of Photoshop rock star Colin Smithhttp://www.photoshopcafe.com

Adobe Photoshop CS4 43Adobe Photoshop CS4

Exploring the Photoshop Community …

smugmug.com fotki.comzenfolio.comflickr.com dotphoto.comphotobucket.com tabblo.comphanfare.comwebshots.comfuntigo.comphanfare.com

dazzle.com cafepress.com printfection.comvistaprint.com

Sharing, organizing, and printing your work onlinehttp://photo-sharing-services-review.toptenreviews.com/

Adobe Photoshop CS4 44What’s new in

Adobe Photoshop CS4?Adjustments panel & Masks panelAdvanced compositing360-degree panoramasNondestructive canvas rotationSmoother panning and zoomingBetter raw processing in Camera RawImproved Lightroom workflowEfficient file management with Adobe® Bridge CS43D accelerationComprehesive 3D toolsHigher performance on very large images (Windows only)

What's new in Adobe Photoshop CS4 video tutorials at http://tr.im/msRJ

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Setting Photoshop preferenceshttp://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=174335

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Getting help in Photoshop CS4http://www.photoshopessentials.com/basics/interface/menubar/help.php

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Understanding Color Modes or “Spaces”

Additive Subtractive

Adobe Photoshop CS4 48Understanding Color Modes or “Spaces”

C R

G Y

MB

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Using Adobe BridgeREVIEW+

Why use it?

Basic interface

Rotation realityKeywords, labels, and rankingMetadataBridge CenterAdobe Stock Photos?

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Switching between documents» Through the menus» With the keyboard

Stacking, cascading, tiling …

Matching zoom and location

Rulers, guides, and grid

Snap To

Working with (multiple) windowsREVIEW+

Adobe Photoshop CS4 51Making and modifying selections

REVIEW+

You may only modify what’s inside the selection

Move selection vs. moving what’s selectedMarqueesLassos & Magic WandsHiding vs. DeselectInverseSelect AllFeatheringSaving & loading selectionsAdd to, subtract from, and intersectGrow, Similar, and Modify

Adobe Photoshop CS4 52Image adjustments

REVIEW+Brightness / Contrast

Hue / Saturation

Replace Color

“Variations”Shadow / HighlightExposureAuto Contrast / Auto LevelsLevels and Curves

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Working with layersREVIEW+

Always pay attention to the active layer(s)

Add, delete, lock, show, hide, move, link

Naming and organizing

Opacity adjustments

Blending Options

Shift-click or Ctrl-click to make selectionsacross multiple layers

Layer Comps (4-25)

Non-destructive Adjustment LayersNon-destructive Layer StylesLayer: Matting: Defringe

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History …REVIEW+

Undo vs. Steps

Undo keyboard shortcuts

History palette and step slider

Revert

Snapshots and Current State documentsHistory Brush and Art History BrushMemory and scratch disk concerns

» Setting the number of history states» Purging the memory

Adobe Photoshop CS4 55Ethical concerns of “Photoshopping”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photomanipulation