Entry requirementsBe proficient with computers. Some homework will be set and it is advisable to have access to Photoshop outside of the course.
Course descriptionDuration: 12 evenings over 12 weeks
What does it include?
This is a 12-week course of 1 evening per week, taking you from absolute beginners to using advanced techniques. You will be using Photoshop CS2 software. Being fairly computer literate and familiar with some software applications (e.g. Word) is the only entry-level requirement. Teaching strategies are a mixture of demonstrations, presentations and discussions to the class, along with exercises and experimentation carried out individually with the help and support of the tutor. Techniques covered include:
* Introduce you to the basic layout and workings of Photoshop which covers: colour balance, brightness and contrast adjustments to whole image, cropping and rotating images, using selection tools for basic local manipulations, use of brushes and manipulation of localised areas using various tools.
* You will carry out further work using layers, multiple images and perspective control. Use cloning tools and retouching techniques. You will also be introduced to scanning. Use basic masking techniques and experiment with the more useful filters. Resizing of images whilst retaining integrity and quality along with understanding the importance of using correct resolutions.
* You will be shown printing techniques and shown the importance of workflow and basic overview of colour management. Use unsharp masking techniques to good effect. Be shown how to setup Photoshop for best operation and how to best setup your Mac/PC. Additional layer techniques including adjustment layers and using levels/curves to obtain minimum degradation to image.
* 2 evenings will be spent on how to best handle and manipulate RAW files from quality digital cameras – these 2 evenings can be taken up as a separate course – see Camera RAW course information.
Where does it lead?
Successful completion of this course will gain a College certificate. This could be useful for progression onto a fulltime or part-time course like Btec National Diploma, HNC or Foundation