Photoshop for Beginners Course Notes

Jul 18, 2024

Photoshop for Beginners Course Notes

Instructor Introduction

  • Instructor: Dan Scott, Adobe certified instructor at Envato TutsPlus
  • Course designed for absolute beginners
  • No prior knowledge needed in Photoshop, photography, or design
  • Focus on practical, real-world examples, not every single tool

Course Outline

  1. Photograph Basics
    • Correcting lights and colors
    • Changing colors
  2. Text Manipulation
    • Distorting text
    • Adding effects
    • Cropping and resizing
  3. Image Transformation
    • Transforming and distorting images
    • Creating mock-ups
  4. Retouching Techniques
    • Cleaning imperfections
    • Removing parts from images
  5. Masking
    • Simple masks
    • Tricky masks (e.g., out-of-focus hair)
  6. Layer Mastery
    • Best practices for exporting and sharing

Practical Sessions

Source Files & Exercises

  • Download source files to follow along
  • Exercises during coursework
  • Share projects through forums or social media (Twitter: Tuts+ Design, Dan Loves Adobe; Instagram: bringyourownlaptop)

Workspace Setup

  1. Standardize the Workspace
    • Go to Window > Workspaces > Essentials
    • Reset Essentials for uniformity

Layers in Photoshop

Introduction to Layers

  • File > Open and choose an image
  • Ensure layers panel visibility (Window > Layers)
  • Manage screen real estate (collapse unnecessary panels)
  • Duplicate layer: Right-click Background > Duplicate Layer
  • Use 'Auto Tone', 'Auto Contrast', 'Auto Color' on duplicates (Image menu)
  • Comparing layers: Toggle 'visibility' using the eye icon
  • Understanding layer hierarchy (top-down view)
  • Layer manipulation (move, rename, delete by dragging to the trash can)

Basic Navigation in Photoshop

Combining Images

  1. Open Multiple Images
    • File > Open > Select multiple images
    • Consolidate tabs (Window > Arrange > Consolidate All Tabs)
  2. Move Tool
    • Click and drag to move images between tabs
    • Use Smart Guides for alignment (View > Show > Smart Guides)
  3. Scaling & Transforming Images
    • Edit > Transform > Scale/Rotate
    • Use shortkey Cmd+[Plus/Minus] to zoom in/out
    • Spacebar to move around the canvas
    • Hold Shift for proportional scaling; hold Spacebar for quick pan
    • Commit changes with the Enter/Return key

Color Adjustments in Photoshop

Levels Adjustment

  • Adjustment Panel > Levels
  • Adjust blacks, whites, and midtones using the histogram
  • Turn on/off levels layer to compare before/after
  • Non-destructive editing: Adjustment layers instead of direct image adjustment

Vibrance Adjustment

  • Adjustment Panel > Vibrance
  • Compare Vibrance vs Saturation
  • Adjust until colors are vibrant but natural
  • Save and practice vibrance with multiple images

Hue & Saturation Adjustment

  • Adjustment Panel > Hue/Saturation
  • Select specific colors to adjust (Reds, Greens, etc.)
  • Practical use: Subtle nature adjustments, selective color shifts, colorizing

Text in Photoshop

Basic Text Usage

  • Use When creating documents: File > New > Choose dimensions
  • Text Tool (T) for adding text: Click once for one-line, Click and drag for blocks
  • Basic styling: Font size, color, effects (Windows > Character)

Advanced Text Effects

  • Type on a Path: Pen Tool > Create Path > Click with Text Tool to add text
  • Type on Shapes: Ellipse Tool for circular text paths
  • Adjust start and end points of text path
  • Creating badges and mock-ups with text on paths

Drop Shadows & Effects

  • Apply effects: Layer Styles (fx button)
  • Drop shadows, bevel & emboss, color overlays
  • Combine effects to improve text visibility and design

Clipping Masks

  • Place image > Text Tool to create a large letter
  • Drag image layer above text layer
  • Go to Layer > Create Clipping Mask
  • Adjust image inside the text mask

Selection Tools in Photoshop

Marquee Tools

  • Rectangle and Elliptical Marquee for basic selections
  • Use Shift for perfect squares/circles
  • Practice combining images within shapes for creative compositions

Quick Selection Tool

  • Use for selecting objects quickly based on color and texture
  • Tidy selections with Add/Subtract options
  • Layer mask application for non-destructive selection

Layer Masks

  • Masking vs direct cutting: Use masks for non-destructive editing
  • Refine edges with Select and Mask
  • Feathering, edge shifting, and decontaminating colors for better masks
  • Break link between image/mask for separate adjustments

Transform Tools in Photoshop

Basic & Advanced Transforms

  • Edit > Free Transform for scaling, rotating
  • Edit > Transform > Distort/Warp for mock-up creation
  • Applying text and graphics realistically on objects

Retouching Techniques

Spot Healing Brush

  • Great for removing blemishes and unwanted elements
  • Create a new layer and sample all layers for non-destructive editing
  • Work on nature textures and details for realism

Exporting in Photoshop

Export for Different Uses

  • Save as PSD for other Adobe apps (InDesign, Illustrator, etc.)
  • Export for print: Save As PDF (vector and text preserved) or JPEG (high quality)
  • Export for web/social media: File > Export As JPEG or PNG
  • Use correct quality settings for professional output and performance

Exercises and Sharing

  • Complete exercises to solidify learning
  • Share projects on forums or social media for feedback and community engagement
  • Tag projects with course-related hashtags and handles