COURSE MODULE

CERTIFICATE COURSE ON CREATIVE PHOTO EDITING:

PHOTOSHOP FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

COURSE OVERVIEW

The Certificate Course on Creative Photo Editing: Photoshop for Photographers is designed to equip photographers with essential photo editing and post-production skills using Adobe Photoshop. This comprehensive course is structured into 22 modules, starting from the basics and progressing to advanced techniques. Each module includes practical applications, creative processes, and professional workflows, supported by a range of reference materials.

COURSE OUTLINE AND MODULE DETAILS:

MODULE 1: GETTING STARTED ON THE BASICS

• Topics Covered:

  • Exploring the Menu Bar

  • Introducing the Toolbox

  • Understanding the Options Bar

  • Using Palettes

  • Opening and Navigating Images

  • Using Adobe Bridge

  • Getting Help

  • Using the History Palette

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Lectures: Overview of Photoshop’s interface.

  • Hands-on Practice: Students navigate through Photoshop using provided images.

  • Case Studies: Analyzing different workspace setups for efficiency.

• Student Assessment:

  • Quiz (10%): Basic understanding of Photoshop's interface.

  • Practical Assignment (10%): Customize and save a workspace layout.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: Adobe Photoshop Classroom in a Book by Andrew Faulkner, Adobe Press, 2023.

  • Article: "Introduction to Photoshop’s Interface," Adobe Help Center.

  • Video: "Getting Started with Photoshop," Adobe Creative Cloud YouTube Channel.

  • Training Kit: Adobe Photoshop Essential Training Kit, available online.

    
    

MODULE 2: WORKING WITH SELECTIONS

• Topics Covered:

  • Understanding selections and their importance.

  • Creating selections using the Marquee tools.

  • The Lasso tools, Magic Wand, and Quick Selection tools.

  • Adding to or deleting from selections.

  • Saving and loading selections.

  • Cropping and rotating an image.

  • Fixing problem images.

  • Using Levels to Fix Tone Range.

  • Using Curves to fix contrast.

  • The Clone Stamp and Heal tools.

  • Shadow and highlight adjustments.

  • Fixing color with Variations.

  • Hue and saturation controls.

  • Transforming a Selection.

  • Blurring and sharpening filters.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Lectures: Detailed explanation of selection tools and their uses.

  • Practical Sessions: Hands-on selection tool exercises.

  • Case Studies: Enhancing images using advanced selection techniques.

• Student Assessment:

  • Quiz (10%): Assessment of selection tool knowledge.

  • Project (15%): Apply various selection tools to enhance provided images.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: Photoshop CC: The Missing Manual by Lesa Snider, O'Reilly Media, 2020.

  • Article: "Mastering Selections in Photoshop," Creative Bloq.

  • Video: "Photoshop Selections and Masking Techniques," LinkedIn Learning.

  • Training Kit: Photoshop Selection Techniques Kit, downloadable from Adobe’s official site.

    
    

MODULE 3: LAYER BASICS

• Topics Covered:

  • Understanding layers.

  • Using the Layers panel.

  • Rearranging layers.

  • Applying a gradient to a layer.

  • Applying a layer style.

  • Layers and selections.

  • The Transform commands.

  • Building layered compositions.

  • Merging layers.

  • Applying transparency.

  • Basic layer blending modes.

  • Adding text layers.

  • Adjustment layers.

  • Layer masks.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Lectures: Introduction to layers and their importance in Photoshop.

  • Practical Sessions: Exercises on creating and manipulating layers.

  • Case Studies: Real-world examples of layered compositions.

• Student Assessment:

  • Quiz (10%): Understanding of layer functionalities.

  • Practical Assignment (15%): Create a multi-layered composition.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: Adobe Photoshop for Photographers by Martin Evening, Focal Press, 2022.

  • Article: "Layering Techniques in Photoshop," Photoshop Essentials.

  • Video: "Photoshop Layers and Masks," Phlearn YouTube Channel.

  • Training Kit: Photoshop Layer Techniques Kit, available for download.

MODULE 4: CORRECTING AND ENHANCING DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHS

• Topics Covered:

  • About Camera Raw.

  • Processing files in Camera Raw.

  • Merging exposures.

  • Advanced color correction.

  • Correcting digital photographs in Photoshop.

  • Correcting image distortion.

  • Adding depth of field.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Lectures: Explanation of digital photo correction techniques.

  • Hands-on Practice: Using Camera Raw and Photoshop tools to correct photos.

  • Case Studies: Before-and-after analysis of corrected images.

• Student Assessment:

  • Quiz (10%): Knowledge of Camera Raw and correction tools.

  • Project (15%): Correct and enhance a set of provided images.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: Real World Camera Raw with Adobe Photoshop by Jeff Schewe, Peachpit Press, 2019.

  • Article: "Advanced Photo Corrections in Photoshop," Adobe Blog.

  • Video: "Enhancing Photos in Photoshop," Adobe Creative Cloud YouTube Channel.

  • Training Kit: Digital Photography Correction Kit, available online.

MODULE 5: MASKS AND CHANNELS

• Topics Covered:

  • Working with masks and channels.

  • Creating and refining masks.

  • Creating a quick mask.

  • Manipulating an image with Puppet Warp.

  • Working with channels.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Lectures: Comprehensive guide to masks and channels.

  • Practical Sessions: Exercises on creating and using masks and channels.

  • Case Studies: Applying advanced masking techniques in photo editing.

• Student Assessment:

  • Quiz (10%): Masking and channel fundamentals.

  • Practical Assignment (15%): Use masks and channels in a complex image.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: Photoshop Masking & Compositing by Katrin Eismann, New Riders, 2018.

  • Article: "Mastering Photoshop’s Masks and Channels," Digital Photography School.

  • Video: "Photoshop Masks and Channels," LinkedIn Learning.

  • Training Kit: Masking and Channel Kit, available on Adobe’s official site.

MODULE 6: TYPOGRAPHIC DESIGN

• Topics Covered:

  • About type.

  • Creating a clipping mask from type.

  • Creating type on a path.

  • Warping point type.

  • Designing paragraphs of type.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Lectures: Introduction to typographic design in Photoshop.

  • Practical Sessions: Hands-on creation of typographic designs.

  • Case Studies: Analyzing effective use of typography in design projects.

• Student Assessment:

  • Quiz (10%): Basics of typography in Photoshop.

  • Design Project (15%): Create a typographic design using provided guidelines.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: Type on Screen by Ellen Lupton, Princeton Architectural Press, 2018.

  • Article: "Typography in Photoshop," Smashing Magazine.

  • Video: "Creating Stunning Typography in Photoshop," Phlearn YouTube Channel.

  • Training Kit: Typography Design Kit, downloadable online.

MODULE 7: VECTOR DRAWING TECHNIQUES

• Topics Covered:

  • About bitmap images and vector graphics.

  • Paths and the Pen tool.

  • Creating vector objects for the background.

  • Working with custom shapes.

  • Importing a Smart Object.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Lectures: Introduction to vector drawing techniques in Photoshop.

  • Practical Sessions: Exercises on creating vector objects and paths.

  • Case Studies: Utilizing vector graphics in professional design.

• Student Assessment:

  • Quiz (10%): Understanding of vector tools and their applications.

  • Project (15%): Create a vector-based design using the Pen tool.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop for Fashion Design by Robin Schneider, Pearson, 2020.

  • Article: "Vector Drawing in Photoshop," Adobe Help Center.

  • Video: "Vector Drawing Techniques in Photoshop," LinkedIn Learning.

  • Training Kit: Vector Drawing Kit, available for download.

MODULE 8: PREPARING TO PUBLISH

• Topics Covered:

  • Printing Basics.

  • Optimizing images for the web.

  • Using save for web and devices.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Lectures: Fundamentals of preparing images for print and web.

  • Hands-on Practice: Exercises on optimizing and saving images for different platforms.

  • Case Studies: Analysis of print and web projects.

• Student Assessment:

  • Quiz (10%): Knowledge of image optimization and publishing.

  • Practical Assignment (15%): Prepare and optimize images for print and web publication.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: The Non-Designer’s Photoshop Book by Robin Williams, Peachpit Press, 2019.

  • Article: "Preparing Images for Print and Web," Adobe Blog.

  • Video: "Photoshop for Print and Web," Adobe Creative Cloud YouTube Channel.

  • Training Kit: Publishing Preparation Kit, available online.

MODULE 9: MIDTERM ASSESSMENT AND EXAMINATION

• Topics Covered:

  • Comprehensive application of all techniques learned.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Review Sessions: Recap of key topics from previous modules.

  • Project Guidance: In-depth assistance with the capstone project.

  • Case Studies: Review of successful projects for inspiration.

• Student Assessment:

  • Final Exam (20%): Comprehensive exam covering all course topics.

  • Capstone Project (20%): Create a portfolio-worthy project showcasing all learned skills.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: Adobe Photoshop Master Class by Bret Malley, Adobe Press, 2023.

  • Article: "Mastering Photoshop for Professional Use," Creative Bloq.

  • Video: "Photoshop Masterclass - Final Review," LinkedIn Learning.

  • Training Kit: Comprehensive Review Kit, available on Adobe’s official site.

MODULE 10: PROBLEM SOLVING & Q/A

• Topics Covered:

  • An interactive session to solve common problems and answer questions.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Q&A Sessions: Direct interaction with students to address doubts.

  • Collaborative Problem Solving: Group activities to resolve complex editing challenges.

  • Case Studies: Real-life scenarios for problem-solving discussions.

• Student Assessment:

  • Participation (10%): Active involvement in solving issues and peer collaboration.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: Photoshop for Dummies by Peter Bauer, For Dummies, 2021.

  • Article: "Common Photoshop Problems and Solutions," Adobe Blog.

  • Video: "Photoshop Q&A Session," Adobe Creative Cloud YouTube Channel.

  • Training Kit: Photoshop Problem Solving Kit, available online.

MODULE 11: PHOTO COMPOSITING AND MANIPULATION

• Topics Covered:

  • Combining multiple images.

  • Seamless blending techniques.

  • Advanced masking and layer effects.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Lectures: Advanced techniques for photo compositing.

  • Practical Sessions: Hands-on creation of complex composites.

  • Case Studies: Analyzing professional photo composites.

• Student Assessment:

  • Quiz (10%): Understanding of compositing techniques.

  • Project (20%): Create a photo composite using multiple images.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: Photoshop Compositing Secrets by Matt Kloskowski, Peachpit Press, 2017.

  • Article: "Advanced Photo Compositing Techniques," Photoshop Tutorials.

  • Video: "Compositing Techniques in Photoshop," Phlearn YouTube Channel.

  • Training Kit: Photo Compositing Kit, available online.

MODULE 12: ADVANCED RETOUCHING TECHNIQUES

• Topics Covered:

  • Skin retouching.

  • Frequency separation.

  • Dodging and burning.

  • Removing imperfections.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Lectures: Detailed explanation of advanced retouching techniques.

  • Practical Sessions: Exercises on retouching portraits.

  • Case Studies: Retouching analysis in fashion photography.

• Student Assessment:

  • Practical Assignment (20%): Retouch an image using advanced techniques.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: Professional Photoshop Retouching Techniques by Scott Kelby, New Riders, 2019.

  • Article: "Advanced Retouching Techniques," Creative Bloq.

  • Video: "Professional Retouching in Photoshop," LinkedIn Learning.

  • Training Kit: Retouching Techniques Kit, available online.

MODULE 13: USING PHOTOSHOP FOR PRINT DESIGN

• Topics Covered:

  • Print resolution and color settings.

  • Preparing files for print.

  • Working with CMYK and spot colors.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Lectures: Essentials of print design using Photoshop.

  • Practical Sessions: Exercises on preparing files for print.

  • Case Studies: Analysis of print projects in various industries.

• Student Assessment:

  • Quiz (10%): Print design essentials.

  • Project (20%): Create a print-ready design.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: The Print Handbook by Ben Jones, Self-Published, 2018.

  • Article: "Preparing Files for Print," Adobe Help Center.

  • Video: "Photoshop for Print Designers," Adobe Creative Cloud YouTube Channel.

  • Training Kit: Print Design Kit, available online.

MODULE 14: ADVANCED SELECTIONS AND MASKING

• Topics Covered:

  • Refining complex selections.

  • Advanced masking techniques.

  • Working with hair and intricate details.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Lectures: In-depth explanation of advanced selection and masking techniques.

  • Practical Sessions: Hands-on exercises with complex selections and masks.

  • Case Studies: Real-world applications of intricate masking techniques.

• Student Assessment:

  • Practical Assignment (20%): Refine selections and masks in a complex image.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: Photoshop Advanced Masking and Compositing by Jason Hoppe, Adobe Press, 2019.

  • Article: "Mastering Advanced Masking Techniques," Photoshop Essentials.

  • Video: "Advanced Masking in Photoshop," LinkedIn Learning.

  • Training Kit: Advanced Masking Kit, downloadable online.

MODULE 15: ADVANCED COLOR CORRECTION

• Topics Covered:

  • Color correction techniques for different environments.

  • Using Curves, Levels, and Color Balance.

  • Selective color adjustments.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Lectures: Techniques for advanced color correction in various scenarios.

  • Practical Sessions: Exercises on using advanced color correction tools.

  • Case Studies: Analyzing before-and-after color correction in professional projects.

• Student Assessment:

  • Project (20%): Apply advanced color corrections to a provided image set.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: Color Correction Handbook by Alexis Van Hurkman, Peachpit Press, 2020.

  • Article: "Advanced Techniques for Color Correction," Adobe Blog.

  • Video: "Photoshop Color Correction Techniques," Phlearn YouTube Channel.

  • Training Kit: Color Correction Kit, available online.

MODULE 16: SPECIAL EFFECTS AND FILTERS

• Topics Covered:

  • Applying creative filters.

  • Working with Smart Filters.

  • Adding special effects like lighting and textures.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Lectures: Exploring creative effects and filters in Photoshop.

  • Practical Sessions: Exercises on applying various special effects and filters.

  • Case Studies: Analysis of special effects used in commercial projects.

• Student Assessment:

  • Practical Assignment (20%): Create an image using special effects and filters.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: Photoshop Filter Effects Encyclopedia by Roger Pring, Focal Press, 2017.

  • Article: "Creating Special Effects in Photoshop," Creative Bloq.

  • Video: "Special Effects in Photoshop," LinkedIn Learning.

  • Training Kit: Special Effects Kit, available online.

MODULE 17: WORKING WITH 3D IN PHOTOSHOP

• Topics Covered:

  • Introduction to 3D in Photoshop.

  • Creating and manipulating 3D objects.

  • Texturing and lighting 3D models.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Lectures: Basics of 3D creation and manipulation in Photoshop.

  • Practical Sessions: Exercises on creating and integrating 3D objects.

  • Case Studies: Real-world applications of 3D in advertising and design.

• Student Assessment:

  • Project (20%): Create a 3D object and integrate it into a composite.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: 3D in Photoshop: The Ultimate Guide for Creative Professionals by Zorana Gee, Focal Press, 2018.

  • Article: "Working with 3D in Photoshop," Adobe Help Center.

  • Video: "3D Modeling and Texturing in Photoshop," LinkedIn Learning.

  • Training Kit: 3D Photoshop Techniques Kit, available online.

MODULE 18: AUTOMATION AND WORKFLOW ENHANCEMENT

• Topics Covered:

  • Creating Actions.

  • Batch processing images.

  • Using Scripts to enhance workflow.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Lectures: Introduction to automation techniques in Photoshop.

  • Practical Sessions: Exercises on creating and using actions and scripts.

  • Case Studies: Analysis of workflow enhancement in large projects.

• Student Assessment:

  • Quiz (10%): Understanding of automation tools in Photoshop.

  • Practical Assignment (20%): Create and use an action for batch processing.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: Adobe Photoshop Scripting Guide by Adobe, 2019.

  • Article: "Automating Photoshop Workflow," Photoshop Tutorials.

  • Video: "Using Actions and Scripts in Photoshop," Adobe Creative Cloud YouTube Channel.

  • Training Kit: Automation and Workflow Kit, available online.

MODULE 19: PHOTOSHOP FOR WEB DESIGN

• Topics Covered:

  • Creating web graphics.

  • Working with slices and optimizing images.

  • Creating and exporting web assets.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Lectures: Essentials of using Photoshop for web design.

  • Practical Sessions: Exercises on creating and exporting web assets.

  • Case Studies: Review of effective web design projects.

• Student Assessment:

  • Project (20%): Design and export a set of web graphics.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: Photoshop for Web Designers by Jessica Minnick, Cengage Learning, 2020.

  • Article: "Photoshop Techniques for Web Design," Smashing Magazine.

  • Video: "Photoshop for Web Designers," LinkedIn Learning.

  • Training Kit: Web Design Kit, available online.

MODULE 20: ADVANCED TYPOGRAPHY AND TEXT EFFECTS

• Topics Covered:

  • Creating intricate text effects.

  • Working with text styles and layer effects.

  • Creating custom text paths.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Lectures: Techniques for creating advanced text effects in Photoshop.

  • Practical Sessions: Hands-on creation of text effects and custom text paths.

  • Case Studies: Analysis of typographic designs in advertising.

• Student Assessment:

  • Project (20%): Create a typographic design with advanced text effects.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: Photoshop Type Effects Gone Wild by Al Ward, Wiley Publishing, 2019.

  • Article: "Creating Advanced Text Effects in Photoshop," Creative Bloq.

  • Video: "Advanced Typography Techniques," Phlearn YouTube Channel.

  • Training Kit: Advanced Typography Kit, available online.

MODULE 21: BUILDING A PROFESSIONAL PORTFOLIO

• Topics Covered:

  • Selecting and curating your best work.

  • Designing a portfolio layout.

  • Preparing files for print and web.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Lectures: Essentials of building a professional portfolio.

  • Practical Sessions: Hands-on creation of a portfolio.

  • Case Studies: Analysis of successful portfolios in photography and design.

• Student Assessment:

  • Final Project (30%): Create a comprehensive portfolio showcasing all skills learned in the course.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: Building Design Portfolios by Sara Eisenman, Rockport Publishers, 2020.

  • Article: "Creating a Professional Photography Portfolio," Adobe Blog.

  • Video: "Portfolio Design Techniques," LinkedIn Learning.

  • Training Kit: Portfolio Building Kit, available online.

MODULE 22: PROJECT AND PRESENTATION

• Topics Covered:

  • Final project presentation.

  • Peer and instructor feedback.

  • Course review and reflections.

• Teaching Methodology:

  • Presentation: Students present their final projects.

  • Feedback Sessions: Peer and instructor feedback on final projects.

  • Review: Reflection on the course and individual growth.

• Student Assessment:

  • Final Presentation (20%): Presentation of the final project and portfolio.

• Reference Materials:

  • Book: Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon, Workman Publishing, 2017.

  • Article: "Preparing for Your Final Project Presentation," Creative Bloq.

  • Video: "How to Present Your Work," LinkedIn Learning.

  • Training Kit: Final Project Presentation Kit, available online.

FINAL STUDENT ASSESSMENT METHODS AND MARKING SYSTEM

• Quizzes: 10% per module.

• Practical Assignments: 15%-20% per module.

• Projects: 20%-30% per module.

• Final Exam: 20% in the final module.

• Final Project: 30% in the final module.

• Final Presentation: 20% in the final module.

  
  

This course will guide you through every aspect of photo editing, from the basics to advanced techniques, ensuring you have the skills to create professional-quality images and build a comprehensive portfolio.