Exercise 2.3

Photoshop Editing of Images

Introduction: 

Previously, we worked with basic tools like Picasa, Photoshop Express, and Picnik.com. Today, we begin with more advanced tools in Photoshop. There are several tutorials posted online that will help you through each part of today’s exercise.

Part 1: 

• Open one image (one of your favorites) from any of the 2.1 categories. You will work with the same photo the rest of this exercise.
• Following the “Photoshop 1.1: Turning a color image to black and white,” you will create a new adjustment layer and work with the channel mixer to turn your image to black and white. Remember, you can turn off adjustments by clicking on the eye next to the layer name. You may wish to do this before the creating the next adjustment layer.
• Follow the “Photoshop 1.2: Adjusting Levels: Histograms” tutorial and create another new adjustment layer with a levels adjustment.
• Follow the “Photoshop 1.3: Working with Curves” tutorial. You will again create a new adjustment layer.
• Follow the “Photoshop 1.4: Visual Acuity: Making Images Pop” tutorial. Again you will get a new adjustment layer.
• For advanced students: Follow the “Photoshop 1.5: Dodging and Burning Images” Tutorial. (This step is optional)

Part 2:

• Save your work as a .psd if you have not already done so.
• Now, turn off all adjustment layers so that you see your original image. Following Photoshop Tutorial 1.6, save a web version of your original photo.
• Repeat once for each adjustment layer. Make sure you give each photo an explanatory name (20100902_photo_original_web.jpg, 20100902_photo_bw_web.jpg, 2010_photo_levels_web.jpg, etc.)
• You should have five (or six) images when you are complete including the original image. Following the steps outlined in Exercise 2.2, you will upload your images to a NEW gallery (On our course website) or Picasa web album (you will have to use the web interface for this: http://picasaweb.google.com). Name this new Gallery with your full name followed by the number 2, for example: “Grant Adams 2” would be the name of my gallery.
• Upload the images you created today.
• Write a new post and use the NextGEN Gallery button (the last one in the top row of editing buttons) or insert a link to your Picasa web album. Make sure your images show up (click on the view site button after you have posted). If you need help, follow the back of Exercise 2.2 for posting a new gallery.

Part 3:

• You will notice that Assignment 1 has been posted under Assignments on the course website. Please read over the assignment and begin working on it with the remaining class time. You will have additional time to work on it next Tuesday. Assignment 1 is due on Thursday 9/8 (Before the start of class)!