Photoshop 101

An introductory course for beginners wanting to learn how to use Adobe Photoshop to create original phtographic art.

Created byScott Wittenburg

Last updated 3/2022

English

What you'll learn

To become proficient with the use of Adobe Photoshop to create original artwork.

Course content

9 sections • 14 lectures • 1h 40m total length

Promo Video2:05
INTRODUCTION: Learn how Photoshop 101 can make you a proficient Photoshop user in a short time in this introductory video.
Create Your First Composite14:50
In this first assignment, you will learn how to create a composite image using the supplied images. You will also familiarize yourself with several Photoshop tools and keyboard shortcuts using the supplied handout. After downloading the images and opening them in Photoshop, you will learn how to make selections, resize images, copy and paste images, use the clone stamp tool, clean up image flaws, and much more. PHOTOSHOP TOOLS USED IN THIS ASSIGNMENT: magic wand, quick selection tool, lasso tool, marquee tool, brush, clone stamp tool, move tool, zoom, eyedropper.

Image Transformation Tutorial6:25
In this lesson, learn how to make extensive selections with the lasso tool, add and subtract selections, save selections, how to make new documents and how to perform several different image transformations. PHOTOSHOP TOOLS USED IN THIS ASSIGNMENT: lasso, polygonal lasso, magnetic lasso, magic wand, perspective, skew, flip horizontal, rotate, scale.
The Watercolor Palette Project6:41
This project is designed to sharpen your selection skills, enhance your image manipulation techniques and encourage creative use of imagery. You will also become more familiar with Photoshop tools and filters in the process of problem solving and making critical design decisions. The included PDF file contains the specific criteria for completing this project and should be read before beginning. PHOTOSHOP TOOLS USED IN THIS ASSIGNMENT: elliptical marquee, magic wand, gradient, filters, clone stamp tool.

The Retouching Assignment2:22
In this assignment, you are given an image that has been seriously "defaced" with random markings in all kinds of shapes, sizes and colors. Your task is to clean up the entire image until it looks like new using the tools suggested in the video. By the time you have successfully completed this assignment, you will have become an ace at retouching photos! PHOTOSHOP TOOLS USED IN THIS ASSIGNMENT: spot healing brush, clone stamp tool.

The Image Correction Assignment6:33
Because images are rarely perfect with regard to exposure, contrast and color balance, you can use the powerful tools in Photoshop to fix them. In this assignment, you will use the ten included images to learn how to use some of these tools to improve less than perfect images. The accompanying handout will come in handy while working on the images. PHOTOSHOP TOOLS USED IN THIS ASSIGNMENT: Curves, burn tool, dodge tool, color balance, brightness/contrast, photo filter.

The Real/Unreal Composite Assignment5:13
In this project you will create your first two truly original composites using your own images. Follow the directions for shooting your images in the video and then get to work creating your masterpieces. This assignment focuses on proportions, perspective, composition and craftsmanship. PHOTOSHOP TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES USED IN THIS ASSIGNMENT: refine edges, feather edges, lasso, magic wand, various exposure tools.
The Texture Composite Assignment3:01
This assignment will enable you to create striking composite images by blending textures with headshot portraits. In the process, you will become more familiar with layering applications such as opacity adjustment and blending options. You will also learn how to convert a color image to grayscale. Refer to the supplied handout before beginning. PHOTOSHOP TECHNIQUES USED IN THIS ASSIGNMENT: image mode, converting to grayscale, converting to RGB color, layer blending options, opacity.

The Lyric/Poem Project5:03
This assignment introduces you to the text tool and some of the ways of changing the appearance of text. It will also challenge your imagination and compositonal design as you create an image symbolizing one of your favorite songs or poems. Before beginning, study the criteria handout carefully. PHOTOSHOP TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES USED IN THIS ASSIGNMENT: text tool, pen tool, typing along a path, rasterizing text, perspective command, layer blending options and opacity.
The Caricature Project17:45
The purpose of this assignment is to continue your work with text, layers and composition while having some fun at the same time. The importance of resolution and how to print photo quality images from Photoshop is also covered. You will create a "before and after" composite image showing a portrait of somebody along with a caricature of that person using the liquify filter tool in Photoshop. PHOTOSHOP TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES USED IN THIS LESSON: text tool, text warp tool, crop tool, clone stamp tool, liquify filter tool, retouching, resizing, resolution, print settings.

Creating Toned and Colorized Grayscale Images8:53
Adding color to black and white images can result in dramatic photos and is the focus of this lesson. You will learn how to make black and white images monochromatic in any color you choose and selectively color portions of a grayscale photo. PHOTOSHOP TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES USED IN THIS ASSIGNMENT: lasso tool, layering, blending options.
Colorizing Black and White Project/Quick Mask Mode6:40
This assignment involves using the quick mask mode to select portions of an image. You will also learn how to colorize a full color portion of a grayscale print, allowing it to retain its full color properties. You are to colorize the included image and/or choose an image of your own to complete this assignment. PHOTOSHOP TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES USED IN THIS ASSIGNMENT: quick mask mode, lasso tool, dodge tool, brush tool, layering.

Requirements

Adobe Photoshop CS3 or higher, a digital camera.

Description

Taught by photographer/visual arts teacher Scott Wittenburg, Photoshop 101 is a course specifically designed for those students with little or no experience in Adobe Photoshop who wish to become proficient in the program in a relatively short time. Beginning with simple, easy to follow video tutorials and supplied images, students immediately find themselves engaged in the course, creating composite images while becoming familiar with the tools. Through continued practice and usage, students eventually move on to creating their own original artworks by utilizing their new skills with their own images. By the end of the course, students will be able to tackle the following digital imaging situations with confidence, efficiency, and creativity.

Retouching Images
Working With Layers
Working With Masks
Color Correction
Exposure Correction

Working With Text
Working With Filters
Colorizing Grayscale Images
Creating Muliple Image Composites
Refining Edges, Feathering Images

Who this course is for:

Persons with little or no experience using Adobe Photoshop.

Photoshop 101

What you'll learn

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Course content

Getting Started2 lectures • 17min

Making Selections and Image Transformation2 lectures • 13min

Retouching Images1 lecture • 2min

Color Correction, Contrast, and Curves1 lecture • 7min

Photo Shoot Assignment, Creating Your Own Composites2 lectures • 8min

Working with Text, Layers, Cropping and Composition2 lectures • 23min

Working with Masks and Colorizing Grayscale Images2 lectures • 16min

Course Review1 lecture • 10min

Bonus Content1 lecture • 6min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: