Wed, Sep 15

Imaging Basics

Today's objectives

  • Review basic computers handout
  • Understand resolution and bit depth
  • Learn basic Photoshop operations
  • Introduce Basic Photoshop tools

Preparation

  • Download Photoshop sample files before class (linked below)
  • Download and review handouts

Samples

Download sample images for in-class use.

Download a large image to see how to deal with it.

Handouts

Download Storage Units handout in Acrobat PDF format PDF

Download File Formats handout in Acrobat PDF format PDF

Download Resolution handout in Acrobat PDF format PDF

Presentations

Vector and Bitmap

Tutorials

Video: Basic Tools

Video: Brushes

Video: Using the Clone Stamp Tool

Old video - sorry for the bad sound.

Decreasing resolution

Assignment

Assignment 2: Make a version

Start with a photograph. (Not a picture from a book or other commercially printed source.) The photograph needs be be your own work. You can scan it, or create an image with digital camera or phone. Then, create a new version of the original. Make sure to save your original file and your altered file.

Remember: Images you use in this class need to be your own creation. Any exceptions to this will be noted in the assignment details I post for each assignment.

The unaltered image needs to be an image you created. You many not use any other images as part of the assignment.

The version should be based on one of the following themes:

  1. More and less: Divide the photo into two equal sections. On one side, make more of what is in the photo. Fill it up. On the other side, make less. Empty it out. Make the dividing line sharp and obvious.
  2. Weather: Change the weather. Show the effect on the sky, the ground, people, everything.
  3. Time: Turn night into day, or day into night. Don't just make the images brighter or darker, think about how everything changes: how busy it is, what people are doing, differences in lighting, etc.

Read all instructions carefully.
Failing to follow assigned instructions may result in lost points.

Technical requirements:

You must demonstrate use of most of the following tools as a minimum:

  • Clone stamp
  • Dodge and burn
  • Paintbrush
  • Selection tools, including marquee and quick select tools
General requirements:
  • You may not use filters for this assignment.
  • Don't be afraid to change the image radically from the original.
  • Don't include parts of other images; that will be the next assignment.
  • For this assignment, use a resolution 240 pixels/inch. Both your original and altered image should be set to 240 ppi. Your image should be set up to fit on a 8.5 x 11 inch page.
Submission

Format: Save as Photoshop file. Filename: YOURLASTNAME_Assignment2a.psd for your original and YOURLASTNAME_Assignment2b.psd for your altered version.

Upload the two files to Brightspace by 6 pm, Tue, Sep 21

Checklist:
  • Make sure to name the file correctly.
  • Check the resolution of your image before you modify it.
  • Check the resolution (and change it if necessary) to match the assignment requirements.
  • Make sure the image is one you have created yourself.
Marking guidance

This is meant to be a general guide. Your mark will be governed by the overall quality of the assignment.

Resolution low: -2 points.

Resolution much too low: -4 points.

Missing information/wrong file name: -1 point per item

Range of tools: 0-4 points

Quality of work: 0-4 points

Technical correctness: 0-2 points

Professional practice

Bitmap images are the foundation of many design activities.

Critical professional practice points include:

  • Showing attention to detail in your work - if it looks wrong, it probably is wrong.
  • Understanding the resolution and file format requirements for the media you are working in.
  • Using techniques that allow you to easily modify an image.
  • Being aware of intellectual property aspects - do you have right to use an image for a particular purpose?
Make sure you understand the basic concepts of pixel dimensions, resolution and bit depth. This web page has more detailed information.
  • Practice with the clone stamp tool until you can get good results without effort.
  • Open images from different sources - your camera, phone, etc. Make sure you are clear as to why the resolution is shown in the way it is.