Intro to Photoshop

We will start with some simple activities to master the basics of the program before moving on to projects where we can use the tools we learned.

Intro to Photoshop Assignments

You will be working through a variety of assignments to help you learn and understand the basic workings of Photoshop. Before you start, make sure that you create a folder titled Lastname + Intro to Photoshop.

Use the checklist to ensure that you have all the files you are suppose to have. As you complete an assignment, make sure you are checking it off your list. This checklist needs to be included in your folder and printed to submit into the assignment basket.

The Tools

You will need to complete this sheet before moving on to the activities below. It is always a good idea to become familiar with where various tools are located and what they can used for. You will be turning this into the assignment basket for a grade. Keep this sheet as a reference for later on.

  1. Download and save to your folder.
  2. Right click and open with Adobe Acrobat.
  3. Use the Internet and/or Photoshop to research definitions. (Make sure you are defining Photoshop CC tools not older versions)
  4. Open Photoshop and use the Snipping Tool (search your start menu) to take pictures of each tool. HINT-I would make a folder to save all your snips.
  5. In the worksheet, click the image box to upload the snipped tool image. This only works in if you are in Adobe Acrobat.

Type Tool, Styles, and Pattern Stamp Tool

During this section, you will be focusing on the Type Tool, Styles Panel, Character Panel and the Pattern Stamp Tool. Use the the instructions provided to complete House, Snow and Fishing. In the House project, you will be learning how to resize your canvas and add text to a picture to simulate a caption. In the Snow project, you will focus on adding styles to text using the Styles Panel and creating JPG files to flatten your image and reduce file size. In the Fishing project, you will explore the Character Panel settings along with the Type Tools warping options. You'll use the Style panel again, but this time you'll apply a Layer Style instead of an Effect. Layer Styles don’t require simplified text. You will also be using the Pattern Stamp Tool to color text.

When you are finished save the files (as a .psd file) to your Photoshop Basics folder.

Adjustment Layers & Selections

Replace Color Adjustment Layer is faster and more automatic than using the Color Replacement tool, but it doesn’t work well for all types of images. This method is easiest when the color of the object you want to change is not found in other areas of the image. This color photograph of a bright yellow truck has very little yellow elsewhere in the image, making it a perfect opportunity for this approach.

When you are finished save the file (as a .psd file) to your Photoshop Basics folder. Save the file as Lastname+Truck.psd (ex. Lewis Truck.psd).

Photos from Other Formats

You will be importing a video in order to create still images. This is helpful for when you have videos that you can view on your computer, but you want to capture capture an individual frame to use as still images.

​When you are finished save the file (as a .jpg file) to your Photoshop Basics folder. Save the file as Lastname+Surfer.jpg (ex. Lewis Surfer.jpg).

When you are finished save the files (as a .psd file) to your Photoshop Basics folder.

Clipping Masks

Digital-graphics work consistently challenges you to strike a balance between flexibility and file size. Flexibility means the ability to go back and revise your work. In this project, you’ll give priority to flexibility. You’ll apply a clipping mask layer to combine one image with another. Your final work file will contain all the original pixel information, so that you can go back later and make adjustments whenever needed.

A clipping mask is a layer that serves as a kind of cutting template for another layer. For example, text can be a clipping mask, as if you glued an image onto the text and then dissolved all the areas of the image that weren’t attached to the text characters. Whatever is transparent on the clipping mask layer produces transparency on the image layer.

In this project, you’re going to combine two views of a monument so that one forms the context for the other. You’ll make the photograph of the statue gradually fade into the picture of the plaza, which will serve as a kind of frame for the image. How do you create such a transition? By using a clipping mask that gradually flows from fully opaque to fully transparent pixels.

Who am I?

Using the layer mask technique in Photoshop is often for placing part of an image inside a particular selection on your canvas. A good example of this is fitting pictures inside letters of a word or phrase.

In this project, you will get a collection of pictures from the internet that represent who you are. We will practice using the layer mask technique by placing each of your images inside each letter of your first name.

Start by creating a new document in Photoshop that is 1000 pixels wide and 250 pixels tall. Use the text tool to write your name, then place a new image inside each letter. Be sure to maneuver the layer mask and picture so that the image is easily distinguishable and interesting.

  • DaFont.com or 1001fonts are great resources for downloading fonts. You do not have to download a font, but you are more than welcome to!

When you have finished your picture letters project, save it as Lastname+WhoAmI.psd. Save a version as a JPEG with the same name (ex : lewisWhoAmI.JPEG).

You will have two formats when submitting this file.

EXTRA CREDIT

Review the rubric for this project to make sure you aren't going to lose any points!

Layer & Mask Selections

The objective of this project is to obtain a better understanding of Photoshop Layers by creating the layers of a sandwich on a plate. Utilizing layers effectively is a key skill to have in order to create efficient and fully editable graphics. If layers are not used effectively, it can be detrimental to the success of your project.

You have been challenged to create an image of a BLT sandwich for a client that looks like the real thing. You have been supplied with a graphic of a plate, as well as images of the ingredients for the sandwich.

You are to follow the directions given by the project manager for the target audience to complete the project.

Download the files linked to the right which are needed to complete the project. Save them in your Photoshop Basics folder. Use my instructions, watch the demonstrations, and use your time in class to assemble your sandwich and add your sides. Make sure to label all of your layers in the Layers Panel.

​When you are finished save the file (as a .psd file) to your Photoshop Basics folder. Save the file as Lastname+Sandwich.psd (ex. Lewis sandwich.psd).

YAY!! You finished!! So why haven't you turned in your folder yet??

Photoshop Assignment Checklist

Complete, print and submit to assignment basket

Make sure your folder contains the following before you drop it into the DropBox:

  • Tools Worksheet
  • House
  • Snow
  • Fishing
  • Truck
  • Surfer
  • Gradient Clipping Mask
  • Brush Clipping Mask
  • Who Am I?
  • Extra Credit Option--Sandwich

Done Early? Start Photo Editing Assignments!