Course Outline

Module I: Getting Started with Adobe Photoshop

Introduction to Photoshop

• Understanding the Photoshop workspace: Panels, tools, and menu bar.
• Customizing the workspace for efficiency.
• Opening and saving files: PSD, JPEG, TIFF, PNG.
• Understanding image resolution, size, and file formats.

Basic Navigation & Viewing

• Zooming and panning.
• Using the Hand tool and Navigator panel.
• Screen modes.

Understanding Layers

• Introduction to layers: The foundation of non-destructive editing.
• Creating, duplicating, and deleting layers.
• Layer visibility, opacity, and blending modes.
• Layer groups for organization.

Module II: Essential Image Adjustments Using Adobe Photoshop

Cropping and Resizing

• Using the Crop tool for composition.
• Straightening and perspective correction.
• Image resizing and canvas size adjustments.

Basic Tonal Adjustments

• Brightness/Contrast.
• Levels: Correcting exposure and contrast.
• Curves: Advanced tonal control.
• Exposure and Vibrance/Saturation.

Color Correction

• Color Balance and Hue/Saturation.
• Selective Color and Black & White conversions.
• Removing color casts.

Sharpening and Noise Reduction

• Unsharp Mask and Smart Sharpen.
• Reducing digital noise.

Module III: Selections and Masks

• Marquee tools (Rectangular, Elliptical).
• Lasso tools (Lasso, Polygonal, Magnetic).
• Quick Selection tool and Magic Wand tool.
• Object Selection tool and Select Subject.
• Refining selections for intricate details (hair, fur).
• Feathering and anti-aliasing.
• Understanding layer masks for non-destructive hiding/revealing.
• Creating and editing layer masks.
• Applying gradients and brushes to masks.
• Using clipping masks for precise control over layers.

Module IV: Advanced Retouching & Compositing Using Adobe Photoshop

Object Removal

• Content-Aware Fill revisited.
• Clone Stamp tool for precise duplication and removal.
• Healing Brush and Patch tool for complex areas.

Compositing Basics

• Combining multiple images seamlessly.
• Matching color and lighting between elements.
• Creating realistic shadows.

Smart Objects

• Understanding the benefits of Smart Objects for non-destructive scaling and transformations.
• Applying Smart Filters.

Distortion and Perspective

• Free Transform, Warp, and Perspective tools.

Module V: Creative Effects and Output

Working with Text

• Creating and formatting text layers.
• Applying layer styles to text.
• Path text and text warping.

Shapes and Vector Tools

• Creating custom shapes.
• Understanding vector masks.

Filters and Effects

• Exploring Photoshop's filter gallery.
• Applying artistic and stylistic effects.

Saving and Exporting

• Saving for web (File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy)).
• Exporting for print (CMYK vs. RGB).
• Batch processing images with Actions.

Workflow and Best Practices

• Developing an efficient retouching workflow.
• Organizing your files and layers.
• Tips for maintaining image quality.

Module VI: Creating Reusable Assets & Templates

• Essential tools for creating and managing design elements.
• Creating and organizing digital assets like watermarks, borders, and effects that can be easily applied to multiple photos.
• Using Smart Objects to create reusable assets that can be scaled, transformed, and edited without losing quality.
• Using Photoshop Actions to record and replay sequences of edits and asset placements to improve productivity.