This intensive two-day advanced course will help you move beyond the fundamental concepts covered in our Photoshop Level 1 course and develop expertise in professional image editing and design.
This program covers professional photographic editing, advanced typography and design principles, vector illustration tools and techniques, sophisticated layer management, digital compositing methods, image optimization, and comprehensive color management strategies.
Course Prerequisites
- Photoshop Level I completion or equivalent professional experience with the software
Intended Audience
- Photography producers and production professionals
- Video and photo editors
- Assistant editors and post-production specialists
- Motion graphic artists seeking to expand their Photoshop expertise beyond the introductory level
Note: Each student will have access to a dedicated workstation for hands-on practice and projects.
Adobe Photoshop II: Advanced Techniques with Photoshop Course Outline (2 Days)
Understanding Digital Image Technology and Workflows
- Comprehensive explanation of RGB and CMYK color models, additive and subtractive color theory
- Understanding the relationship between image dimensions and resolution, key differences, and considerations
- Pixel aspect ratio in digital imaging: determining when pixels are non-square
- Bit depth and bits per channel: implications for image quality and file size
- Alpha channels and their importance in professional image editing
Adobe Bridge Asset Management
- Using Adobe Bridge for efficient workflow and asset management
- Customizing your workspace for optimal productivity
- Viewing, organizing, and managing your image files and assets
- Running batch operations and automated tasks
- Working with metadata and applying organizational keywords
- Using Mini Bridge for quick access and navigation
Camera RAW Processing
- Understanding the advantages and characteristics of camera RAW file formats
- Applying professional color correction and tonal adjustments
- Working with the Camera RAW interface and controls
- Processing RAW files for optimal quality and flexibility
- Cropping, straightening, and white balance correction techniques
- Exposure management and advanced color correction strategies
- Converting RAW files to Smart Objects for non-destructive editing
- Synchronizing adjustments across multiple images
- Exporting in DNG format for archival and portability
- Opening processed RAW files directly in Photoshop
Advanced Digital Compositing Techniques
- Organizing and arranging layers effectively in complex compositions
- Applying Smart Filters for flexible, non-destructive editing
- Advanced painting and blending techniques on layers
- Creating and refining backgrounds and compositional elements
- Using the History Panel to review, undo, and revisit previous editing steps
- Upscaling low-resolution images while maintaining quality
- Working with 16-bit and 32-bit color space for enhanced editing capability
- Creating and processing High Dynamic Range (HDR) images
Correcting and Enhancing Images
- Correcting and optimizing digital photographs and images in Photoshop
- Correcting perspective distortion and lens aberrations
- Adding or modifying depth of field effects
- Using auto-align tools for perfect layer alignment
- Content-aware scaling to resize images intelligently
- Content-aware fill for removing unwanted elements
Smart Objects and Non-Destructive Workflows
- Understanding Smart Objects and their advantages in professional workflows
- Distinguishing between copying and placing files as Smart Objects
- Leveraging Smart Objects for flexibility and editability
- Converting layers to Smart Objects for protected editing
- Creating new Smart Objects through the copy and paste methods
- Editing embedded Smart Objects and updating linked files
- Exporting and replacing Smart Object contents
- Managing and organizing multiple Smart Objects through stacking
- Introduction to Smart Filters and their non-destructive benefits
- Rasterizing Smart Objects when necessary for final output
Vanishing Point and Perspective Editing
- Setting up perspective grids using the Vanishing Point tool
- Placing and positioning imported artwork in perspective
- Healing and retouching tools that respect perspective relationships
- Copying elements while maintaining correct perspective
- Adding new artwork elements that align with perspective
- Placing complex side panel artwork with accurate perspective
Adjustment Layers and Filter Applications
- Using Adjustment Layers for flexible, editable color and tonal adjustments
- Applying filters and effects with various filter types and categories
- Using the Filter Gallery for previewing and combining effects
- Applying Smart Filters to maintain non-destructive editing capability
- Creating and configuring adjustment layers for different image needs
- Working with Layer Compositions to manage multiple design variations
- Setting blending modes for groups and layer collections
- Using layer masks and vector masks to control group visibility and effects
Layer Compositions and Variations
- Understanding Layer Compositions for managing design variations
- Creating and saving multiple layer compositions
- Exporting layer compositions as separate files or presentations
Actions, Scripts, and Batch Processing
- Understanding Actions and their role in automation and efficiency
- Using pre-built Actions for common tasks
- Recording and creating custom Actions for your workflow
- Running batch processes on multiple files automatically
- Using Adobe Bridge to generate web galleries and PDF presentations
- Using Scripts to extend Photoshop functionality
- Coordinating Actions and Scripts with the Script Event Manager
- Exporting layered files to desktop publishing applications
Advanced Painting and Color Mixing
- Selecting and customizing brush settings for different painting effects
- Mixing colors and creating natural color transitions
- Creating and saving custom brush presets for future use
- Painting and mixing colors directly over photographic references
Color Management and Professional Output
- Implementing comprehensive color management in your workflow
- Understanding CMYK, RGB, and LAB color spaces and their applications
- Preparing files for professional printing and various output methods
- Setting up your color management environment
- Performing test prints to verify color accuracy
- Identifying and addressing out-of-gamut colors
- Adjusting images for specific output requirements
- Converting images to CMYK for professional printing
- Implementing color management settings across applications
- Proofing images to predict output appearance
- Saving images in CMYK EPS format for print workflows
- Printing CMYK images directly from Photoshop with accuracy
Note: The curriculum outlined above represents activities typically covered in advanced-level instruction. The instructor may modify the lesson plan as needed to meet the specific needs and goals of the class.
