PhotoShop(PS) Lab Exercises

PhotoShop(PS) Lab Exercises JTC 211 Computer-Mediated Visual Communication Lab Manual Select exercises from the lists below to complete your training in Photoshop CS5 and earn 125 points. You do not need to do all the exercises listed, except for those marked with an asterisk. Focus on the ones that help you advance your skills or fill in gaps. Files for each week s exercises are located at the class wiki Lab Resources page. Find the file(s) you need before you start each exercise and make a COPY in your lab T drive personal folder. Submission: Save screenshots or final exercise images as indicated in a single MS Word document for submission. Use your CSU server space to post completed pages when indicated. Label each exercise you complete in the document with its exercise number (e.g., 2.1) and save with your last name, e.g., smith_webexercises.doc. Make sure you keep regular backups of this document on your flash drive and on the lab T Drive in the labs. Week 1. Basics (Complete all 5 exercises) Pts 1.1. *Name that file 4 1.2. *Set up Flickr 4 1.3. * Understanding Photoshop 4 1.4. *File format/resolution 4 1.5. *Image and file size 4 TOTAL (week1) / 20 Week 2. PS Beginner Choose 5 exercises out of 8 below Pts 2.1. Creating and adjusting layers 4 2.2. Moving layers 4 2.3. Layer opacity 4 2.4. Auto Adjustments 4 2.5. Inserting text 4 2.6. Selection MagicWand, Marquee 4 2.7. Transforming selections 4 2.8. Drawing, filling, colors 4 TOTAL (week 2) / 20 Week 3. PS Intermediate Choose 5 exercises out of 13 below Pts 3.1. *Optimizing for the web 7 3.2. Advanced selections 7 3.3. Transparent backgrounds 7 3.4. Selecting and replacing colors 7 3.5. Masking and edges 7 3.6. Masking and color 7 3.7. Color adjustment layers 7 3.8. Converting to black and white 7 3.9. Correcting perspective 7 3.10. Burning Dodging enhancements 7 3.11. Drop shadow layer style 7 3.12. Text on a path 7 3.13. Text filled with an image 7 TOTAL (week 3) / 35 Week 4. PS Advanced Choose 3 exercises out of 8 below Pts 4.1. Blending images 10 4.2. Removing noise 10 4.3. Image cleanup Content Aware 10 4.4. Burning & Dodging Soft Light 10 4.5. Retouching blemishes, skin 10 4.6. Five images in a panorama 10 4.7. Full-sized and simplified logos 10 4.8. Puppet Warp 10 TOTAL (week 4) / 30 Week 5. PS - Expert Choose 1 exercise out of 5 below Pts 5.1 Effects & Opposites 20 5.2 Avatar of Self 20 5.3 Unconventional Animals 20 5.4 Old Photo Restoration 20 5.5 Visual Theory 20 TOTAL (week 5) / 20 Total Exercises Pts TOTAL NEEDED 125 TOTAL EARNED 0

Week 1. Basics Complete all five exercises 1.1. *Name that file Files: NameThatFile.docx GOAL: Follow file naming guidelines to name files consistently and make file names easy to understand and choose. Follow instructions in the PDF file. Before you start working on this exercise, be sure to read the online guides, Folder Structure Guidelines and File Naming Guidelines, at the class wiki. SUBMIT: Paste the screenshot into Lab 1.3. *Understanding Photoshop None Files: none GOAL: Become familiar with what Photoshop can do. Identify three things Photoshop can do that you want to learn during this course skills that you think are especially helpful or interesting. Then, write three ways that knowing Photoshop could benefit you in your concentration/career goals. SUBMIT: Type the 6 bullet points into your Lab Exercises document. Label with exercise number. 1.2. *Set up Flickr None Files: sampleimage.jpg GOAL: Set up an account with Flickr to store photos and images online. Create a Flickr account. Upload the sample image and then take a screenshot of your gallery. If you already have a Yahoo! e-mail account, you don t need to create a new account to use Flickr Images must be public to be added to a gallery You can only put 18 images total in a gallery SUBMIT: Paste the screenshot into your Lab 1.4. *File format/resolution None Files: PS File Formats worksheet (PDF) GOAL: Distinguish among image file formats and their uses. Complete the PS File Formats Worksheet, describing each file format by name, whether it is lossy or lossless, and what each file format is ideal for when working with images. You can fill this out on the computer. TIP: Stands for just means write out what the acronym is in full e.g. PS stands for Photoshop SUBMIT: Paste a screenshot of the completed worksheet into your Lab Exercises document. Label with exercise number. 1.5. *Image and file size PS Elements Files: rockformation.jpg GOAL: Become familiar with re-sizing images and saving them in different formats. Re-size rockformation.jpg so that it is 3 wide and maintains its relative height using Image > Image Size. Save the file in three different formats of any kind, for example, TIFF, GIF, and PNG. Make sure the Constrain Proportions box is checked in the Image Size dialog box when you change the size. When you use Save As a new copy of the image is created. Make sure you change the name of the file to something that will help you remember which file is which. SUBMIT: Paste the images into your Lab Exercises document. Label with exercise number. Below each image, include what type of file format it was saved as. 1

Week 2. Beginner PS Choose and complete five exercises 2.1. Creating, adjusting layers PS Elements Files: layers_03.psd GOAL: Create, name, hide, and delete layers. Create a new layer and name it. This layer can be empty. Then hide the following layers: Tulips.jpg; Lily.jpg; Dahlia.jpg. Finally, delete one of the two background layer options, Option01.psd or Option02.psd. Take a screenshot of your Photoshop workspace (the layers panel and the image itself). SUBMIT: Paste the screenshot into Lab 2.2. Moving layers PS Elements Files: layers_03.psd GOAL: Change the stacking order of layers. Change the order of the layers so that 1) Logo.psd is at the top of the stacking order; 2) Option02.jpg is at the bottom of the stacking order, behind Option01.psd; 2) The small flower images are in order from front to back as: Tulips, Lily, Mixed, Dahlia. Take a screenshot of your Photoshop workspace. Remember that the top of the Layers panel is the front layer of your document. Dragging layers downward on the Layers panel will place them behind layers above them SUBMIT: Paste the screenshot into your Lab Exercises document. Label with exercise number. 2.3. Layer opacity PS Elements GOAL: Change layer opacity to semitransparent Files: layers_04.psd Change the opacities of the following layers/layer groups: Option02 (40%) Dahlia and Tulips (50%) The ampersand (&) in the Logo group of layers (65%) TIP: Use shortcut keys if you want: When a layer is selected, use number keys to set opacity (e.g., 4 = 40%, and when 2 and 5 are typed quickly opacity is set at 25%) SUBMIT: Paste the image into your Lab 2.4. Auto adjustments PS Elements Files: crew.jpg GOAL: Use auto adjustments to correct hue, tone, and highlights. Auto Tone the image then save as a new copy. Auto Contrast the image, save as a new copy. Auto Color the image. Save as a copy into new file. Using the Save As dialog automatically makes a separate copy of the image. Name each file well so that you can easily remember which version is which. This process will result in the final image being adjusted by all three Auto Adjustments. SUBMIT: Paste the three images into your Lab Exercises document. Label with exercise number and which auto adjustment was made to each of them. 2

2.5. Inserting text PS Elements Files: text.psd GOAL: Enter simple text into a Photoshop document. Use the Text tool to enter the following phrases in appropriate places: 1) Pizza Party (size 60 pt, in Britannic Bold font); 2) Sunday night (size 24 pt, in Arial) TIP: To reposition text, select the Move tool, then click and drag text to where it is wanted SUBMIT: Paste the image into your Lab 2.6. *Selections with Magic Wand & Marquee PS Elements Files: quickselect.jpg GOAL: Select parts of an image for editing and deletion. Use the Marquee tool (oval or rectangle) to delete a selection from the ground at the bottom of the picture. Use the Magic Wand tool to delete a selection from the guy jumping (his shirt, shoes, head, etc.) TIP: Copy the image after each alteration and paste it into your Lab Exercises document SUBMIT: Paste the image into your Lab 2.7. Transforming selections PS Elements GOAL: Transform a selection using Transform Selection Files: basicselections.jpg Adjust the selections you make with the rectangular Marquee tool to select the yellow center of the flower. Then use Select > Transform Selection to adjust the selection and rotate it to a diamond shape. Take a screenshot of the PS workspace with the area selected. TIP: Drag the corners of the selection after activating Transform Selections to move your selection around. Remember, this doesn t move pixels, just your selection SUBMIT: Paste a screenshot of the workspace into your Lab Exercises document. Label with exercise number. 2.8. Drawing, filling, colors PS Elements GOAL: Draw with the Pencil and Brush tools, and fill shapes with color. Files: None Create a new blank PS file. Use the Paint Bucket tools to fill in the background layer with a dark color (black, dark blue, dark green, etc.). Set your foreground color to a light color (white, yellow, light blue, etc.). Use the Pencil and Brush tools to draw a closed shape (e.g., a square) on the image. Fill the square with the foreground color. Then, use at two different brushes to put more lines on the image. Make sure you can perform the following: Select Pencil and Brush tools Change the size and hardness of brushes Load and use brush sets other than the default set SUBMIT: Paste the image into your Lab Exercises document. Label with exercise number. TIP: Change the options under each tool by right-clicking and selecting a different option, such as the Brush tool or the Pencil tool 3

Week 3. Intermediate PS Choose and complete five exercises 3.1. *Optimizing for the web PS Elements GOAL: Identify and select the correct resolution and file size for web images. Files: fish_drawing.jpg Create 3 versions of the image with different resolutions and file sizes using the File>Save for Web & Devices dialog box, seeking the best quality with the lowest image file size. Starting with the original each time, create and save a version for each of the following: a) Create a PNG 24 that is 400 px wide b) Create a JPG that is 600 px wide High Quality c) Create a JPG that is 600 px wide and Low Quality Label each image with the following: 1) Image file size and 2) Image quality at 100% zoom in PS (Is the image clear, sharp, and in focus?). You must begin with the original image each time you create a new version Use File > Save for Web & Devices menu options to change image dimensions Use the 2-up tab in the Save for Web & Devices dialogue box to see the original vs. the optimized version and zoom in closely. Work in 100% view in Photoshop when you can to help see the differences in image quality SUBMIT: Paste the three images into your Lab Exercises document. Label with exercise number and provide a description of each image. 3.2. Advanced selections PS CS5 required Files: leaf.jpg; tent.psd GOAL: Use Quick Select and Magnetic Lasso to make complex selections with Refined Edges. Use the Quick Select tool to select the leaf in the leaf image and refine using Refine Edges. Then use the Magnetic Lasso tool to select the tent in the tent image and change its color. Finally, insert the leaf only into the image of the tent by reducing its size and pasting it into a new layer. Zoom in to see how much you need to refine the edges of selections Use the tools to select the foreground of the image and then choose Inverse to select the background only Hold down the Shift key to add to a selection; hold the Ctrl key to remove from it Change the size and position of selections by clicking and dragging the handles at the edges SUBMIT: Paste the image into your Lab 4

3.3. Transparent backgrounds PS Elements GOAL: Make an image with a transparent background Convert the JPG to a GIF and delete the white background to give it a transparent background. Files: pitcher.jpg Use smart selection tools such as the Quick Select or Magnetic Lasso to make a clean selection Don t worry about optimizing with a colored background for this exercise Increase the image resolution (and decrease image size) if it looks jagged on the screen outside PS Test and preview your image by pasting it into a PowerPoint document with a colored background SUBMIT: Take a screenshot of the image with a transparent background in PS and paste into Lab Exercises. Label with exercise #. 3.4. Selecting & replacing colors PS CS5 required GOAL: Use Color Range selection and apply Refined Edges to change the colors of image elements Files: ironman.tif Use the Color Range selection dialog box and Refined Edges to create a careful selection of the man s shirt and place into a new layer. Change the color of the shirt, and make everything except the shirt black and white. Play with the sliders and options in Refined Edges to improve your selections Ctrl-D will deselect and let you start over Hold down the Shift key to add to a selection; hold the Ctrl key to remove from it Change Hue/Saturation slides from the Adjustments menu to change a layer to black and white SUBMIT: Paste the image into your Lab 5

3.5. Masking and edges PS CS5 required Files: timmy_curran.tif GOAL: Create a mask with refined edges. Remove the train trestle in the background of the image using masking. Take a screen shot of your Photoshop workspace (layers panel and the image itself). TIP: Remember that with masks: black conceals while white reveals SUBMIT: Paste the screenshot into your Lab 3.6. Masking and color PS CS5 required Files: chris_lieto.psd GOAL: Create a mask based on color and change that color.. Create a mask for the jacket in the image chris_lieto.psd. Change the color of the jacket to the color of your choice. Take a screenshot of your PS workspace (layers panel and the image itself). TIP: Use selection tools to conceal unwanted areas when masking SUBMIT: Paste the screenshot into your Lab 3.8. Converting to black and white PS Elements Files: blackwhite.jpg GOAL: Use Black and White conversion to change the look of an image. 3.7. Color adjustment layers PS Elements Files: sitka.jpg GOAL: Change color cast with adjustment layers. Make the following adjustments to tone, color, and contrast to the image using adjustment layers: 1) Set the hue in the dark blues/purples; 2) Set the saturation very low, so the only noticeable colors are purples/greens; 3) Play with the brightness of the image so that it doesn t seem so overcast Auto Adjustments won t cut it here use Adjustment Layers from the Layer menu Play with the different settings and sliders to see what effects color casts have on an image SUBMIT: Paste the image into your Lab Exercises document. Label with exercise #. Use the Black & White adjustment layer and the individual color sliders to create three different looks in black and white for the image blackwhite.jpg. SUBMIT: Paste the three images into Lab Exercises document. Label with exercise #. 6

3.9. Correcting perspective PS CS5 required Files: perspective.jpg GOAL: Adjust the perspective of an image using the Crop tool. Use the Crop tool and its Perspective function to crop, straighten, and correct the image s perspective. Alter the mat (the white border around the picture) so it is all the same color. Get the Perspective tool as close to the corners as possible for the best results When changing the mat color, use selection tools (especially Marquee and the Inverse command) SUBMIT: Paste the image into your Lab Exercises document. Label with exercise number. 3.10. Burning and Dodging enhancements GOAL: Use Burn and Dodge tools. PS Elements Files: walkway.bmp Use Burn tool to darken one of the curved posts. Use Dodge tool to lighten one of the curved posts. Use selection tools to specify areas to edit with Burn and Dodge tools The Exposure setting on the Options bar will control how quickly or how slowly an image is altered SUBMIT: Paste the image into your Lab 3.11. Drop shadow layer PS Elements Files: layerstyles_01.psd GOAL: Create a drop shadow and scale its effects on a layer. Create four different drop shadows on each of the four smaller flower layers. Use the Layer Style dialog box to alter color, blend modes, and other drop shadow properties Access the Layer Style dialog box by double-clicking the individual layer in the Layer panel or by right-clicking and selecting Layer Properties SUBMIT: Paste the image into your Lab Exercises document. Label with exercise. 7

3.12. Text on a path PS CS5 required GOAL: Use a curvy typing path to type. Files: type.psd Draw a curvy path using the Path tool. Type following using the Text tool: Daisies are white and yellow flowers To reposition text, select the Move tool, click and drag text to where it is wanted To reposition the path, use the Path Selection tool SUBMIT: Paste the image into your Lab 3.13. Text filled with an image PS CS5 required GOAL: Fill text in with an image. Files: flower.psd Using the Text tool, place the word Flower on the image. Then fill in the word with the image of the daisy. Add a layer and fill it with white. Add a drop shadow to the word Flower. To use the background layer, convert it to a regular layer Move the image inside the text around to find the best look SUBMIT: Paste the image into your Lab 8

Week 4. Advanced PS Choose and complete three exercises 4.1. Blending images PS CS5 required GOAL: Blend two images together. Files: blending.psd Find a blend mode that makes the plane layer look natural when combined with the mountain panorama. If needed, use brushes and the Sponge tool to finish the blend. The Sponge tool can restore color to areas where blending removes some of it Sometimes, it takes more than one blend mode layer to achieve the desired effect SUBMIT: Paste the screenshot into Lab Exercises document. Label with the exercise number and describe briefly (1-2 sentences) what you did to achieve the resulting image. 4.2. Removing noise PS Elements Images: motorcycle.psd GOAL: Remove background noise from a photograph. Reduce the noise of the background in the image through one of three options: Surface Blur, Noise Reduction filter, or Channels Zooming in and out can help you gauge the effectiveness of noise reduction Be sure the resulting image is clear and sharp SUBMIT: Paste the image into your Lab Exercises document. Label with the exercise number and describe briefly (1-2 sentences) what you did to clean the image. 4.3. Image cleanup with Content Aware PS CS5 required Images: portrait.tif GOAL: Use Content Aware Fill to clean up images. Use Content Aware Fill to do the following: 1) Remove the car from the image (to the right); 2) Remove the faucet (to the left); 3) Clean up the wall. If needed, use brushes (including Healing Brush) to finish the image. TIP: Multiple selections will be useful when using Content Aware Fill SUBMIT: Paste the image into your Lab Exercises document. Label with the exercise number. 4.4. Burning and Dodging with Soft Light PS CS5 required Images: mom_daughter.tif GOAL: Use Dodge and Burn tools to create special effects. Use the Soft Light blend mode to create dodge and burn effects on this image. Take away light from the bride s face, hair, and other areas that draw attention away from the image s focal point the mother and daughter. Take a screenshot of your Photoshop workspace (layers panel and the image itself). TIP: Multiple layers will be very helpful for this exercise Remember that you can blur brushstrokes to ease the transition between edited and original layers SUBMIT: Paste the screenshot into Lab 9

4.5. Retouching blemishes, skin PS Elements Images: skin.jpg GOAL: Make believable cosmetic changes to blemishes and skin. Use sharpening tools to soften skin. Use masks to retain sharpness of eyes, hair, and other important facial details. Use Healing brushes to remove blemishes from skin. Take a screenshot of your Photoshop workspace (layers panel and the image itself). Multiple layers will be helpful for this exercise Remember to tailor your brush size to the precision required for the area being edited SUBMIT: Paste the screenshot into Lab 4.6. Five images in a panorama PS CS5 required Images: Your own GOAL: Use Photomerge to combine multiple photographs into one panoramic image. Take at least 5 photographs of an area, trying to get the full scope (e.g., mountain range, a large building, fields, etc.) and merge them together to form one large image using Photomerge. Where needed, use tools to finish the merge so that it is not obvious that the image was once many photographs. TIP: Use a tripod when taking shots to avoid camera shake and to allow all photographs to have the same horizon. SUBMIT: Paste the originals and the composite images into your Lab Exercises document and label with the exercise #. 4.7. Full-sized and simplified logos PS Elements 4.8. Puppet Warp PS CS5 required Videos: YouTube > Basics of Good Logo Design Files: Principles of Good Logo Design Files: puppetwarp.psd GOAL: Use Photoshop to create a logo. Create a logo for yourself or for a company that you are affiliated with, using Photoshop. Make several versions of your logo to demonstrate the principles of good logo design. Demonstrate your logo s versatility by changing it to black and white, and showing it in a variety of sizes TIP: The Principles of Good Logo Design written resource goes through what makes a good logo GOAL: Warp the person and text in an image. Use Puppet Warp to stretch the man and warp the text in the image. TIP: Select the man and then refine the edge out for a cleaner effect SUBMIT: Paste the image into your Lab SUBMIT: Paste the versions of your logo into your Lab Exercises document labeled with the exercise #. 10

Week 5. Expert PS Choose and complete one exercise 5.1. Effects & Opposites Images: Your own GOAL: Use Photoshop tools to reverse the meaning of an image. Take 3 original images that each expresses a different, specific emotion. Use special effects and photo editing tools to reverse the sentiment expressed in each image. For example, if you take a photograph that demonstrates power, change it to demonstrate powerlessness. Write a paragraph or two about how the image you have created demonstrates the new, reversed idea. Explain what you did to change the message of the image, and how it affects what the viewer sees in it. Include in your write up: The message (emotion) the original image expressed. Why the old image expressed that message The new message that the image now expresses Why the new image expresses that new message TIP: Images that specifically express certain attitudes or ideas will be easier to work with (i.e. strength, weakness, joy, anger, power, etc.) SUBMIT: Paste both images (original and altered) to a gallery on Flickr. Paste link to gallery into your Lab Exercises document and label with the exercise number. Don t forget your write-up! Also submit the original Photoshop document on the T drive. You will be assessed on: 5 pts Clarity of meaning in original/altered photographs 10 pts Skill in use of Photoshop tools (good quality, skillfully changed) 5 pts Mini write-up (thoughtfully addresses each point above) 5.2. Avatar of Self Images: Your own GOAL: Use Photoshop tools to change a selfportrait into a character from the movie, Avatar. Take a picture of yourself and then transform yourself into an avatar from the movie Avatar. Write a paragraph or two that explains how you made these alterations. Address what aspect of the process was most challenging and why. You will need to do the following: a. Liquefy the image b. Add layer masks c. Load alpha channels d. Select using Color Range e. Make a Hue/Saturation layer f. Blend according to luminance g. Mask using density h. Make a knockout layer i. Effectively shape and color eyes (as in Pt. 2) TIP: You might need to explore online videos in order to effectively alter your photograph if you do not possess all of these particular skills SUBMIT: Paste both images (original and altered) to a gallery on Flickr. Paste link to gallery into your Lab Exercises document and label with the exercise number. Also submit the original Photoshop document on the T drive. You will be assessed on: 15 pts Skill in use of Photoshop tools (final image is of good quality, skillfully changed) 5 pts Successful (convincing) transformation of self-portrait into an avatar 11

5.3. Unconventional Animals Resource: Photo Manipulation at http://photoshopcontest.com/tutorials /25/the-liquify-filter.html Images: Any GOAL: Use Photoshop tools to create two animal merges. Create two different combination animals by merging photographs of different animals together into one animal. Write a paragraph or two that explain how you did what you did to make these changes, and what ideas, emotions, or messages your changes express for each of the two hybrid animals. Your finished product should be skillfully executed and, therefore, convincing. You will need to use layering, masking, and pay close attention to the details of your image (especially color and light levels). Some examples at www.worth1000.com Use high-resolution (large) photographs Any two animals should work but some are easier than others to combine SUBMIT: Paste images (original and altered) to a gallery on Flickr. Paste link to gallery into your Lab Exercises document and label with exercise #. Submit the original Photoshop document on the T drive. You will be assessed on: 5 pts Clarity/resolution of original photographs 10 pts Skill in use of Photoshop tools (final image is of good quality, skillfully changed) 5 pts Successful (convincing) transformation of two animals into a new one 5.4. Old Photo Restoration Videos: YouTube > Photo Restoration Tutorials Images: restore.jpg GOAL: Use Photoshop tools to restore an old photograph. Restore this old, damaged photo to a pristine state. The ideal result is an untouched looking image; it should look like a brand new snapshot when you are done. Your finished product should be skillfully executed. Repair the photo without embellishing in any way. Do not attempt to colorize this photograph the original image was black and white/sepia toned, and you are merely trying to restore it to its original condition. You will need to do the following: a. Correct tears b. Correct faded areas c. Fix any discolorations d. Remove noise and artifacts SUBMIT: Paste the final image to a gallery on Flickr. Paste link to gallery into your Lab Exercises document and label with exercise #. Submit the original Photoshop document on the T drive. You will be assessed on: 5 pts Clarity/resolution of final image 15 pts Skill in use of Photoshop tools (final image is of good quality, skillfully changed) 12

5.5. Visual Theory GOAL: Use Photoshop tools and photographs to display visual theory concepts. Images: Use your own photographs Take original photographs and alter them using Photoshop to represent each of the following visual theories or concepts we've covered in class: A photograph where basic shape(s) create the meaning Two different Gestalt principles (similarity, proximity, continuity, closure, or common fate) Something iconic, something indexical, something symbolic Two cognitive theories (memory, projection, expectation, selectivity, habituation, salience, dissonance, or culture) Write a paragraph or two for the exercise that identifies the theory each image illustrates. Explain what changes you made to the image. Include why those changes helped the image communicate the theory better. Keep things simple, and keep your focus on the concepts and theories When submitting altered images, include the originals as well SUBMIT: Upload all images (original and altered) to a gallery on Flickr. Paste link to gallery into your Lab Exercises document and label with the exercise number. Don t forget your writeup! You will also need to submit the original Photoshop document so your work can be verified to the Expert Turn-in Folder on the drive, labeled lastname_visualtheory.psd. You will be assessed on: 10 pts Accurate illustration of concept (1 pt per image) 10 pts Effective/quality illustration of concept (1 pt per image) 13