Special Effects

Emphasis is on understanding the process and how to use a combination of functions to generate the effect. The following is a brief description of the types of effects that will be covered:

• Creating editable type that appears collated through the use of Clipping Masks
• Fade two or more images together smoothly, and combine colour and b/w into the same image using Layer Masks
• Explore the use of filters and using other images in a Layer Mask
• Combining vector shapes with raster images to create interesting covers and designs
• Embossing editable text out of a textured scan, or carving a logo into a scan using Layer Styles. Then automating this process.

Functions used

The emphasis will be on exploring various approaches to creating special effects and many of the special features of the program will be used. Such as the use of Layers, Layer Masks, Layer Styles, Adjustment Layers, Vector Shapes, Blending Modes and Clipping Masks. Creating Animated Gifs. Creating, manipulating, saving, applying and feathering selections. Using Styles, History and keyboard shortcuts to simplify processes and applying several key filters – Gaussian Blur, Wave, Ripple, etc. There is an emphasis on using shortcuts and automation within Adobe Photoshop and setting the right Application preferences.

Combining Bridge with Photoshop

• Benefits in Workflow
• Batch Processing Files
• Colour Management

Advanced Tools & the Options Bar

• Using Common Tools (Review & Shortcuts)
• Selections using Quick Selection Tool and Refine Edge
• Background and Magic Eraser tools
• History Brush tool
• Ruler & Measurement tools

Sharpening & Blurring

• Smart sharpen & unsharp mask
• Lens, Motion blurs
• Smart sharpen filter

Advanced Layers

• Review layer blending modes
• Benefits of adjustment layers in imaging
• Adjustment layers for tonal correction
• Adjustment layers & black/white for contrast
• Adjustment layers and curves
• Setting up Smart Filters
• Turning on and filter layer order
• Filters and effects
• exploring filters
• Working with complex filters
• Sharpen filters – as edge detection

Layer Styles and Effects

• Using layer effects
• Shadows and glows
• Creating patterns and overlays
• Bevel and embossing
• Making a Style, Preset Styles

Actions & Automation

• Using Actions – loading and saving
• Automation of actions
• Building a digital portfolio as an image gallery
• Improved Photomerge
• Painting with History States
•  Snapshots

Retouching Tips

• Removing Blemishes
• Fixing Red Eye
• Managing Wrinkles & Smoothing Skin
• Enhancing Teeth and Eyes
• Adjusting Skin tone

Using Layer Masks

• Understanding use of layer masks
• Creating and editing masking layers
• Gradient & Vector masking layers

Improving Workflow

• Time saving shortcuts
• Loading and saving styles, presets and brushes
• Working tool presets
• Using layer comps for InDesign & Illustrator
• Using the preset manager

Camera Raw

• Benefits of Raw
• Tonal curves
• Hue/Saturation/Luminance (HSL)
• Grey scale adjustments

Using Vectors & Paths

• Channels (colour & selections) as storage
• The paths panel
• Loading and saving selections in channels
• Alpha channels
• Grey scale channels (all colour channels)
• The work path
• Loading and saving selections as paths
• Stroking and filling paths
• The pen tool to create vectors

Understanding Colour Management

• Understanding colour-managed workflow
• Calibrating/Profiling your monitor
• Profiling your digital printer
• Getting consistent colour
• Profiles & soft proofing
• Creating and applying profiles
• Synchronising in Bridge