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Link to all Classes     Class 1     Class 2     Class 3    Class 4     Class 5     Class 6     Class 7

Photo by hotblack on morgueFile.com
Photo by hotblack on morgueFile.com

Today we will look at:

  • Crop Tool
  • Image Adjustments:
    • Brightness/Contrast
    • Levels (Ctrl+L)
    • Curves (Ctrl+M)
    • Auto Tone (Shift+Ctrl+L)
    • Auto Contrast (Alt+Shift+Ctrl+L)
    • Auto Color (Shift+Ctrl+B
    • Vibrance
    • Hue/Saturation (Ctrl+U)
    • Photo Filter
    • Shadows/Highlights
  • Adjustment Layers
  • Tasks

Crop Tool

Follow the in-class instructions on how to use the Crop Tool or follow the tutorial below the image.

The crop tool works on two basic levels:

  • free-hand – simply select the crop tool (Shortcut C) [Visit Shortcutworld for more Photoshop Shortcuts] and drag a window over your image. You can adjust the size of the crop selection by dragging the edges and corners. You can even rotate your crop selection (with CS4 or higher).
    Hit Enter to complete the crop action and accept the new size.
  • key in dimensions – after activating the crop tool enter the width: 500 (in px for web), the height: 600 (in px) and the resolution: 150 (72 is suitable for web)- the values need to be entered in the options bar (also called properties bar). See image below as an example. Next drag the crop window and press enter to except the change.
    Note that the window is restricted in its scale.
See the dimensions of the Crop Tool: 450px x 400px with 72ppi resolution.
See the dimensions of the Crop Tool: 450px x 400px with 72ppi resolution.

Cropping and Straightening Images in Photoshop Essentials

Cropping Tool in Photoshop Essentials

Brightness/Contrast

Follow the in-class demonstration. A nice and basic function, it allows you to change the brightness and correct the contrast. Move the slider to change the values.

Image>Adjustments>Brightness/Contrast

Tick and untick the Preview box to observe the changes before accepting it.

Use the sliders. It is self explanatory.
Use the sliders. It is self explanatory.

Levels

With the Levels function you can adjust problems with tone (eg a photo that is very grey and does not show enough dark and light aspects) or colour related problems (eg too much blue).

The Short Cut: Ctrl+L (Cmd+L) or use: Image>Adjustments>Levels

Overview: follow my in-class introduction to how to use the Levels in simple steps. Use the attached photo by Matthew Bridges of the old house at a lake.

Photo by matthewbridges on morgueFile.com
Photo by matthewbridges on morgueFile.com
Image>Adjustments>Level
Image>Adjustments>Level

The easiest and most basic way to apply the Levels function is by moving the sliders for the highlight (white) and shadows (black) below the graph of the input levels inwards. Moving the highlight will brighten the image up and moving the shadow will darken the shadows.

This is a good basic function to start of with and it is useful for the majority of your photos, may they be basic shots or more sophisticated and at higher resolution.

Follow this tutorial to learn how to use the Level Adjustment more detailed and how to create an Adjustment Layer:

Fix Tone and Color with Levels in Photoshop – Photoshop Essentials

Improving Image Tone With Levels In Photoshop – Photoshop Essentials

Curves

Follow the in-class demonstration (shortcut: Ctrl+M or: Image>Adjustments>Curves). The Curves function is similar to the Level function, but the graph is a lot more visual and intuitive. You can manipulate it with your mouse.  See image:

Try the presets and see how it affects your image, and then manipulate the curve yourself.
Try the presets and see how it affects your image, and then manipulate the curve yourself.

Curves Tutorial on Photoshop Essentials

Auto Tone

The short cut is Shift+Ctrl+L (or: Image>Auto Tone). Follow the in-class demonstration. The Auto Tone function readjusts tonal settings in your image and in most cases this results in a crisper image with the click of a button. The Auto Tone option looks for the darkest and lightest points in an image and resets them to pure white and black, resulting in clearer tones.

Because  Auto Tone adjusts each color channel individually, it may remove color or introduce color casts.

Auto Contrast

Follow the in-class demonstration.

The short cut is Alt+Shift+Ctrl+L  (or: Image>Auto Contrast). Auto Contrast adjusts image contrast automatically, at the click of a button. Unlike Auto Tone it will not affect colours. It clips the shadow and highlight values in an image and then maps the remaining lightest and darkest pixels in the image to pure white and pure black . As a result the image will have lighter highlights anf darker shadows and a crisper contrast.

Auto Color

Follow the in-class demonstration.

The short cut is Shift+Ctrl+B  (or: Image>Auto Color)

Auto Color adjusts the contrast and color of an image. It is able to search images for shadows, midtones, and highlights. It then neutralizes the midtones using a target color of RGB 128 grey and clips the shadow and highlight pixels by 0.5%. Personally, and from experience it effects images less and Auto Contrast and Auto Tone bring more convincing changes in image quality.

Vibrance

Follow the in-class demonstration. Click: Image>Adjustments>Vibrance

As the name suggests this function will help you making a photo look more vibrant. Colours can be shown more intensely with higher saturation. It is easy to grasp this function, simply move the sliders to the right to increase vibrance or move them to the left to decrease vibrance.

Based on a photo by delboysafa from morgueFile.com
Based on a photo by delboysafa from morgueFile.com

Hue/Saturation

Follow the in-class demonstration.  (Ctrl+U or Image>Adjustments>Hue/Saturation)

Using Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer with a mask showing the original (yellow) below.
Using Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer with a mask showing the original (yellow) below.

Photo Filter

Photo Filter
Photo Filter

Follow the in-class demonstration. Press: Image>Adjustments>Photo Filter.

One of the best image adjustment options, you can select from a set of preset filters: use a warming filter to create a lighting sense that you would encounter indoors, in autumn (fall) or during a sunset when there are more yellow, orange and red colours around. Use a cool filter to create a typical outdoor setting or a winter atmosphere. You can tick the Color box and select your own colour or select a colour from the image itself (simply click on the part of the image).

You can also change the amount of density, more density results in a stronger impact of your filter. Find a level that you like – try to be more conservative and chose a little less density than you like for a print).

Shadows/Highlights

Follow the in-class demonstration. Click: Image>Adjustments>Shadows/Highlights.

With the shadows and highlights you can easily lighten up an underexposed, dark image. Use the functions sparsely to not overdo the changes, which can easily create an unrealistic look. The image shows the changes on a dark photo.

Based on photo by o0o0xmods0o0o from morgueFile.com
Based on photo by o0o0xmods0o0o from morgueFile.com

Use an Adjustment Layer

All the image adjustments that we have looked at above can be done directly to an image or in from of an adjustment layer. It is far better to create an adjustment layer, this allows you to create changes in form of a layer. You can always delete or hide the layer and your original image remains unaffected.

How do you create an adjustment layer?

With your original layer selected click on the Create a new fill or adjustment layer button and select what type of adjustment layer you want to create. Next do all the adjustments to it.

Alternatively you just click on the Adjustments tab and select the Adjustment Layer that you want to create.

(See image)

Create an Adjustment Layer
Create an Adjustment Layer

Task in Class

Perform these two tasks to show that you understood today’s class ( If you have missed this class you need to do this!!!)

  1. Use the image by Matthew Bridges (or select an alternative image). Use the crop tool and resize to 500px x 600px at 150ppi (resolution). Apply 6 different image adjustment layers and mask them off in strips (see examples of student work). Add titles to your strips.  E-mail the file to me as a PNG (not PSD) and keep a copy for yourself.
  2. In your second task I would like you to use Matthew Bridges’ image only. The photo is very grey and it looks foggy. I would like you to improve the image using any of the image adjustment functions that you have learnt about. When you are happy with the improved image e-mail me a PNG version of it (no need to crop the image).
    Create a before and after version of the image.

Student Submissions:

Work by Benan Ü
Work by Benan Ü
Work by Michael T
Work by Michael T
Work by Tristan S
Work by Tristan S
Work by Vlad K
Work by Vlad K
Work by Jo W
Work by Jo W
Work by Justin A
Work by Justin A

by on

 

This is a Basic Photoshop Tutorial

  • I used CS5, but this tutorial will work on all recent versions
  • The tutorial is written for IBM PCs, if you are using a Mac convert the short cuts:
    • Ctrl becomes command
    • Alt becomes option
Based on photo by kconnors from morgueFile.com
Final product! Based on photo by kconnors from morgueFile.com

In this tutorial you will learn to

  • create a file for the Web,
  • place an image,
  • place a semi-transparent layer on top,
  • adjust the size of an object,
  • add text,
  • group layers,
  • make text ‘punch through’ a background
  • save a file for web purpose

Step 1 – New Document

Create a new document (Ctrl+N or File>New…) and use these settings:

  • Preset: Web
  • Size: 620 (w) x 411 px (h)
  • Resolution: 72 ppi

This is a fairly small size and you can go for a larger size if you wish (eg 800 x 530px). I chose a small size to keep the file size small.

Insider joke: do not use Ctrl+End, but Ctrl+N (Feray and Cliff will understand)…

Step 2 – Save Image

Click the image of Sydney Harbour Bridge (by kconnors and found on morgueFile.com) for this tutorial and save it to your computer or USB. Preferably you want to get a large enough file to work with. So, click on the image and follow the link, select Download Image on morgueFile.com.

Photo by kconnors on morgueFile.com
Photo by kconnors on morgueFile.com

Step 3 – Place Image

Place the photo in your document (File>Place and find the file).

After placing adjust the size to fit in your image window. Make sure to hold Shift while adjusting the size (by shifting the corner points). Hit Enter to except.

Drag from corner points and hold shift to maintain same ratio.
Step 3 – Drag from corner points and hold shift to maintain same ratio.

Step 4 – Create a New Layer and Fill With White

Create a New Layer

  • Press Ctrl+Shift+Alt+N (yes this is a looooooooooong shortcut) or click on the icon for New Layer in the Layers panel.

Fill the layer with white

  • Press Shift+F5
  • Select White at 70% Opacity

You can change the opacity in the Layers panel later.

Step 5 – Change Size of White Layer to Small Banner

Use the Free Transform function (Ctrl+T or Edit>Free Transform). Follow the instructions in step 3 in regards to changing the size. Reduce the opaque white background to the size of a banner and press Enter. (See image)

Drag the centre points down and up to be left with a banner, next press Enter.
Step 5 – Drag the centre points down and up to be left with a banner, next press Enter.
The underlined text and insertion point at end of the word indicates that you are still in the type mode.
Step 6  – The underlined text and insertion point at end of the word indicates that you are still in the type mode.

Step 6 – Type the Title

Use the Type Tool (T) and using capitals, type ‘SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE’.

  • Font: Pick a Sans Serif, eg Century Gothic
  • Dimensions: something that fills the page, eg 46 pt.
  • Click on the tick on the top right hand side of the page or click on the move tool to exit the type mode.
  • Now you can use the , or use the Free Transform (Ctrl+T) to adjust the size.

Step 7 – Group the Layers

  • Click on your Type layer to select it
  • While holding Shift click on the layer with the banner (most likely Layer 2) – this should select both layers.
  • Press Ctrl+G to group the selected layers.

Step 8 – Blending Options

  • Access the Blending Options by double clicking on the Type layer. Click on the blue, high lighted area around the title. It should open the Blending Options/Layer Style window.
  • Change the Fill to 0% and the Knockout to Shallow.
  • Press OK.
Change the Fill to 0% and the Knockout to Shallow.
Step 8 – Blending Options – Change the Fill to 0% and the Knockout to Shallow.

Step 9 – Save the File

Save it as a PNG and select interlaced. Finito! Benissimo!

by on

 

Photo by photojock on morgueFile.com
Photo by photojock on morgueFile.com

Content for Today’s Tutorial

  • Create Metal Texture
Example in Century Gothic The second one with a Photo Filter in 25% blue
Example in Century Gothic
The second one with a Photo Filter in 25% blue

Metal Texture

This tutorial is about creating a stainless steel texture with a brushed surface (similar to the image above) and apply it to a line of text.

Step 1:

Create a new document (Ctrl+N) and use these settings:

  • Preset: Web
  • Size: 1280 (w) x 1024 px (h)
  • Resolution: 72 ppi

Step 2:

Use the Type Tool (T) and using capitals, type a word that relates to metal (the material) or signifies strength. You could even choose the name of a Metal band. I choose the word: ROYAL.

  • Font: Pick a Sans Serif, eg Century Gothic
  • Dimensions: something that fills the page, eg 280 pt, or use the Free Transform (Ctrl+T) to adjust the size.

Step 3:

Select the shape of your word, create a new layer and fill the selection with 50% Grey, then with Noise.

  • Hold Ctrl and click on the thumbnail of the Text layer (in the layer panel) to select the shape of the text
  • Create a new layer (Ctrl+Shift+Alt+N)
  • Fill the selection with 50% Grey – Press Shift+F5, Select Grey at 50%
  • Fill the selection with Noise: Filter>Noise>Add Noise
    Amount: 100%, Distribution: Gaussian, tick Monochromatic

Step 4:

Apply Motion Blur

  • Apply Motion Blur Filter>Blur>Motion Blur
  • pick an angle that appeals to you (eg horizontal = angle:0)
  • Distance: pick a distance that creates long lines (I used 48 px)

Step 5:

Fill the text with 50% Grey. The edge of the text has become a bit see through.

  • Press Shift+F5
  • Select Grey at 50%
  • Select Behind for the Blending Mode

Step 6:

Use Curves to lighten the image up a bit.

  • Ctrl+M or Image>Adjustments>Curves
  • Manually adjust the curve

Step 7:

Use Bevel&Emboss to add depth to the text.

  • Double-click on you Type layer (around the title, not on the title – this should open the Layer Style/Blending Options.
  • Select Bevel/Emboss and change the settings
Bevel & Emboss - just an example
Bevel & Emboss – just an example

Step 8:

Save it as a PNG and try the same with a variety of (=5) different fonts.

When complete combine all the fonts on a page for presentation.

by on

Link to Class 6     Class 5     Class 4     …      Class 1

Photo by Seemann on morgueFile.com
Photo by Seemann on morgueFile.com

Content for Today’s Class

  • Create a PDF form (upload the example on MyKangan)
  • Assessment – Portfolio of in-class work

PDF Form

Upload the file below and create form fields using Adobe Acrobat Pro. Make all blue text fields, the name and date active.

Next fill all the data in and save and upload the file to MyKangan.

Due Date: 3/5

Sample Task

Assessment – Portfolio

STEP 1: In Photoshop or Illustrator create a PDF portfolio page like the sample. Dim: 1024 px x 1645px x 150 ppi (resolution). (These dimensions are more a guideline and you can vary it if you have a different idea for your layout)

Include:

  • 1 image from Class 6 (Task 2 – applying image adjustment functions the image of Matthew Bridges is below)
  • 2 images from Class 5 (Tasks 1 and 2 – combine image of monkeys with image of window and put new screen onto the computer of the girl)
  • 2 images from Class 4 (Create a banner and create a clipping mask with your initials in front of image of birds)
  • place a banner of your own work on top or use an image from morgueFile (please state the name of the photographer)
  • a title (Portfolio of Work)
  • your name
  • save the file as a Photoshop PDF or Illustrator PDF

STEP 2: Create text fields in Adobe Acrobat Pro and add descriptions to your work. The descriptions need to state what tools and functions you used.

STEP 3: Save the final PDF and upload to MyKangan.

See example of Portfolio:

Photoshop Portfolio

Photo by matthewbridges on morgueFile.com
Photo by matthewbridges on morgueFile.com
 

by on

Link to Class 5     Class 4     …      Class 1

Photo by hotblack on morgueFile.com
Photo by hotblack on morgueFile.com

Content for Today’s Class

  • Crop Tool
  • Image Adjustments:
    • Brightness/Contrast
    • Levels (Ctrl+L)
    • Curves (Ctrl+M)
    • Auto Tone (Shift+Ctrl+L)
    • Auto Contrast (Alt+Shift+Ctrl+L)
    • Auto Color (Shift+Ctrl+B
    • Vibrance
    • Hue/Saturation (Ctrl+U)
    • Photo Filter
    • Shadows/Highlights
  • Adjustment Layers
  • Tasks

Crop Tool

Follow the in-class instructions on how to use the Crop Tool or follow the tutorial below the image.

The crop tool works on two basic levels:

  • free-hand – simply select the crop tool (Shortcut C) [Visit Shortcutworld for more Photoshop Shortcuts] and drag a window over your image. You can adjust the size of the crop selection by dragging the edges and corners. You can even rotate your crop selection (with CS4 or higher).
    Hit Enter to complete the crop action and accept the new size.
  • key in dimensions – after activating the crop tool enter the width (in px for web), the height (in px) and the resolution (72 is suitable for web)- the values need to be entered in the options bar (also called properties bar). See image below as an example. Next drag the crop window and press enter to except the change.
    Note that the window is restricted in its scale.
See the dimensions of the Crop Tool: 450px x 400px with 72ppi resolution.
See the dimensions of the Crop Tool: 450px x 400px with 72ppi resolution.

Cropping and Straightening Images in Photoshop Essentials

Cropping Tool in Photoshop Essentials

Brightness/Contrast

Follow the in-class demonstration. A nice and basic function, it allows you to change the brightness and correct the contrast. Move the slider to change the values.

Tick and untick the Preview box to observe the changes before accepting it.

Use the sliders. It is self explanatory.
Use the sliders. It is self explanatory.

Levels

With the Levels function you can adjust problems with tone (eg a photo that is very grey and does not show enough dark and light aspects) or colour related problems (eg too much blue).

The Short Cut: Ctrl+L (Cmd+L)

Overview: follow my in-class introduction to how to use the Levels in simple steps. Use the attached photo by Matthew Bridges of the old house at a lake.

Photo by matthewbridges on morgueFile.com
Photo by matthewbridges on morgueFile.com
Image>Adjustments>Level
Image>Adjustments>Level

The easiest and most basic way to apply the Levels function is by moving the sliders for the highlight (white) and shadows (black) below the graph of the input levels inwards. Moving the highlight will brighten the image up and moving the shadow will darken the shadows.

This is a good basic function to start of with and it is useful for the majority of your photos, may they be basic shots or more sophisticated and at higher resolution.

Follow this tutorial to learn how to use the Level Adjustment more detailed and how to create an Adjustment Layer:

Fix Tone and Color with Levels in Photoshop – Photoshop Essentials

Improving Image Tone With Levels In Photoshop – Photoshop Essentials

Curves

Follow the in-class demonstration (shortcut: Ctrl+M). The Curves function is similar to the Level function, but the graph is a lot more visual and intuitive. You can manipulate it with your mouse.  See image:

Try the presets and see how it affects your image, and then manipulate the curve yourself.
Try the presets and see how it affects your image, and then manipulate the curve yourself.

Curves Tutorial on Photoshop Essentials

Auto Tone

The short cut is Shift+Ctrl+L. Follow the in-class demonstration. The Auto Tone function readjusts tonal settings in your image and in most cases this results in a crisper image with the click of a button. The Auto Tone option looks for the darkest and lightest points in an image and resets them to pure white and black, resulting in clearer tones.

Because  Auto Tone adjusts each color channel individually, it may remove color or introduce color casts.

Auto Contrast

Follow the in-class demonstration.

The short cut is Alt+Shift+Ctrl+L (maybe not that short after all). Auto Contrast adjusts image contrast automatically, at the click of a button. Unlike Auto Tone it will not affect colours. It clips the shadow and highlight values in an image and then maps the remaining lightest and darkest pixels in the image to pure white and pure black . As a result the image will have lighter highlights anf darker shadows and a crisper contrast.

Auto Color

Follow the in-class demonstration.

The short cut is Shift+Ctrl+B.

Auto Color adjusts the contrast and color of an image. It is able to search images for shadows, midtones, and highlights. It then neutralizes the midtones using a target color of RGB 128 grey and clips the shadowand highlight pixels by 0.5%. Personally, and from experience it effects images less and Auto Contrast and Auto Tone bring more convincing changes in image quality.

Vibrance

Follow the in-class demonstration.

As the name suggests this function will help you making a photo look more vibrant. Colours can be shown more intensely with higher saturation. It is easy to grasp this function, simply move the sliders to the right to increase vibrance or move them to the left to decrease vibrance.

Based on a photo by delboysafa from morgueFile.com
Based on a photo by delboysafa from morgueFile.com

Hue/Saturation

Follow the in-class demonstration.  (Ctrl+U)

Using Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer with a mask showing the original (yellow) below.
Using Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer with a mask showing the original (yellow) below.

Photo Filter

Photo Filter
Photo Filter

Follow the in-class demonstration. One of the best image adjustment options, you can select from a set of preset filters: use a warming filter to create a lighting sense that you would encounter indoors, in autumn (fall) or during a sunset when there are more yellow, orange and red colours around.

Use a cool filter to create a typical outdoor setting or a winter atmosphere. You can tick the Color box and select your own colour or select a colour from the image itself (simply click on the part of the image).

You can also change the amount of density, more density results in a stronger impact of your filter. Find a level that you like – try to be more conservative and chose a little less density than you like for a print).

Shadows/Highlights

Follow the in-class demonstration. With the shadows and highlights you can easily lighten up an underexposed, dark image. Use the functions sparsely to not overdo the changes, which can easily create an unrealistic look. The image shows the changes on a dark photo.

Based on photo by o0o0xmods0o0o from morgueFile.com
Based on photo by o0o0xmods0o0o from morgueFile.com

Use an Adjustment Layer

All the image adjustments that we have looked at above can be done directly to an image or in from of an adjustment layer. It is far better to create an adjustment layer, this allows you to create changes in form of a layer. You can always delete or hide the layer and your original image remains unaffected.

How do you create an adjustment layer?

With your original layer selected click on the Create a new fill or adjustment layer button and select what type of adjustment layer you want to create. Next do all the adjustments to it.

Alternatively you just click on the Adjustments tab and select the Adjustment Layer that you want to create.

(See image)

Create an Adjustment Layer
Create an Adjustment Layer

Task in Class

Perform these two tasks to show that you understood today’s class ( If you have missed this class you need to do this!!!)

  1. Use the image by Matthew Bridges (or select an alternative image). Use the crop tool and resize to 450px x 400px at 72ppi (resolution). Apply 6 different image adjustment layers and mask them off in strips (see examples of student work). Add titles to your strips.  E-mail the file to me as a PNG (not PSD).
  2. In your second task I would like you to use Matthew Bridges’ image only. The photo is very grey and it looks foggy. I would like you to improve the image using any of the image adjustment functions that you have learnt about. When you are happy with the improved image e-mail me a PNG version of it (no need to crop the image).

Student Submissions:

Work by Benan Ü
Work by Benan Ü
Work by Michael T
Work by Michael T
Work by Naşide S
Work by Naşide S
Work by Tristan S
Work by Tristan S
Work by Berna K
Work by Berna K
Work by Vlad K
Work by Vlad K
Work by Jo W
Work by Jo W
Work by Justin A
Work by Justin A

by on

Link to Class 4         Link to Class 3     Link to Class 1

Photo by taliesin on morgueFile
Photo by taliesin on morgueFile

Today’s content:

  • Word Meanings: Look at tasks from last class and homework
  • Read the attached file About Type  from Designing with Type, C.Foster, I.K.Scala, 2010:
  •  revisit:
    • Type Tool (T),
    • Character Panel (Ctrl+T),
    • Outline Text (Shift+Ctrl+O),
    • Alignment and Distribution (Shift+F7) and
    • Pathfinder (Shift +Ctrl + F9)
  • Practice the tools above

Word Meanings

We will commence by looking at the homework from last class. Please open it up on your computers and be ready to speak about it for 2-5mins.

I am very interested in looking at your word creations, particularly your own word and meaning.

About Type

Read the attached document ‘About Type’ from Designing with Type, C.Foster, I.K.Scala, 2010:g 

About Type

Think about a typeface suitable for a Ladies’ Cosmetics brand, in the higher price bracket and prestigious. What typeface/fonts can you think of?

Find a typeface that suits:

  • Ladies’ Cosmetics brand, in the higher price bracket and prestigious
  • Sport clothing brand for ball sports, to be used on shirts, pants, socks and shoes
  • Brand of healthy food products from sustainable ethical plantations with a fair trade commitment

Revisiting Tools and Functions:

Open Illustrator at A4 with a landscape orientation and 4 art boards. Copy the words that your teacher writes and play with them as suggested.

Using Effect>Warp>Bulge on the word Expansion
Using Effect>Warp>Bulge on the word Expansion
Using the Reflect tool (o) to reflect the i downwards as if it has collapsed in front.
Using the Reflect tool (o) to reflect the i downwards as if it has collapsed in front.
Outlined text changed in size and colours dropped into the individual letters with Eyedropper tool using LMB + Alt
Outlined text changed in size and colours dropped into the individual letters with Eyedropper tool using LMB + Alt

by on

Link to Class 5     Link to  Class 3     Link to Class 2     Link to Class 1

Today we will look at a lolly bag that Photoshop comes with: (tataaaaaaaaaaa) the Layer Blending Modes! Exciting, I know…

I hope to see Benan, Lucine, Michael, Vlad, Adam and all the other happy faces in front of me for class. What? I did not forget about (what’s his name) Rabeeh…

Photo by hotblack on morgueFile.com
Photo by hotblack on morgueFile.com

This is what we will cover today:

  • Creative Commons
  • Examples of CC: Photo Pin, FlickR, Google
  • Layer Blending Modes
  • Layer Masks
  • Gradient Tool and Layer Mask
  • Today’s Task

We will focus the majority of today’s time on you practicing Photoshop. After the completion of your tasks I will expect you to stay and practice more. Class time is the time when I will be able to assist and the time for you to experiment with the software.

So, today we will have fun and afterwards will have some more fun until the imaginary bell rings to announce the end of class.

Creative Commons

Creative Commons or the Creative Commons License relates to a way to distribute content, such as photos and other images for free.

Source: Flickr - photographer: Frans Schouwenburg
Source: Flickr – photographer: Frans Schouwenburg

Creative Commons are generally used for non-commercial and educational purpose. If someone makes a profit with a product they should pay for the image they use.

Generally, the author, creator or owner of the content needs to be mentioned. So, in short, when using images from Creative Commons sources ensure that you mention the source of your image.

This can be done in various ways. One would be to place a tag underneath the image with the source as you see it done in this blog.

This photo was used in last week’s Photoshop Class 3.

CConFlickR
Creative Commons on FlickR

There are different forms of Creative Commons and it pays to read the details beforehand. To the right is another example from FlickR:

Examples of Creative Commons Resources

Les us have a look at FlickR, Photo Pin and let us do a Google search on Creative Commons.

FlickR  – Photo Pin  –  Google Search

Your task find a photo to suit the themes Urban environment and blue skies with each search and download the image. Include the meta data of the photographer and source of website with the photo.

Try this link for more Creative Commons information.

Layer Blending Mode

First start a new Photoshop document. Place one of your new photos into it. Place your second photo as well.

The Layer Blending Mode can be accessed through the Layers panel. A small button (Mac) or Text box (Win) with the word Normal indicate the Layer Blending Mode box.

Look at your layer blending mode with the top layer active. Try the layer blending modes below and see how amazingly easy Photoshop lets you change the appearance by creating a blend between two images.

Now click on this link and access the tutorial on Layers TV Episode 105 about how to use the Layer Blending Mode.

Layer Mask

If you completely watched the tutorial in the link above, you will already know how to create a layer mask and can proceed to the task for today.

Last week we looked at clipping masks and today we look at a layer mask. The process is very similar. Make a selection on your active layer and click on the Layer Mask button (add a layer mask) beneath the Layers panel. Your selection is still visible and the rest has disappeared.

You can also create a layer mask from a selection by going to the main menu: Layer>Layer Mask>Reveal Selection. (see image)

Layer_Mask

Alternatively (press Ctrl+Z or Cmd+Z) you can hide what you have selected: if you use the Layer Mask button press Alt at the same time to hide your selection with the Mask. You can do the same from the main menu: Layer>Layer Mask>Hide Selection.

While the layer mask is selected you will be in the mask mode. You can use the brush to add or take away from your layer mask. If you use the brush (while in mask mode) you can  make parts disappear by drawing with black as foreground colour. You can equally make things reappear by drawing with white as foreground colour.

Using Gradient Tool with Layer Mask

A good tool to use is the gradient tool with the layer mask. You can create a gradient mask that way, which means the image will gradually become invisible. See image below.

French Ancient City Banner
French Ancient City Banner – Source: Image Base – Free Stock Photography Click the image as a link.

You can see the gradient used on the right part of the image. This is how you do it:

  1. Create a new document (use dimensions below)
  2. Place an image and change size as you see fit (press Enter)
  3. Create a layer mask (click the layer mask button)
  4. Activate the gradient and drag from one part to another within the imageIf white is your foreground colour the image will become invisible in the direction of your dragging.
    If black was your foreground colour the image will be invisible on your first point and become visible in your dragging direction.

For a more detailed tutorial on how to use the Layer Mask in Photoshop go to: PhotoshopEssentials.com

Today’s Task

Create a banner for a website using two images that blend into each other (use Layer Blending Modes and Layer masks).

The images must suit the themes:

  • Urban environment
  • Blue Skies

Dimensions of banner: 980px(width) x 174px (height) 72ppi (resolution)

Task_New Document

Add a title to the banner, that preferably also blends with the background images. Save the file as a PNG file. Keep a copy of this file and the 2 images that you have used. Upload your work onto MyKangan.

Examples of Student Submissions:

Layer Blending Masks Banner
Banner by Vlad K
Banner by Yong Wu
Banner by Yong W
Banner by Mike T
Banner by Mike T
Banner by Fatma Y
Banner by Fatma Y

by on

Link to Class 5     Link to Class 4     Link to Class 2     Link to Class 1

Welcome to your third Photoshop class. Be honest: did you practice what you have learnt last week? Make sure to practice Photoshop as much as you can, preferably daily. If you create a habit and make it fun your learning curve will be steep. If you are to busy to practice every day, try more than once a week.

Only practice will help you learn!Photo by BreonWarwick on morgueFile
Only practice will help you learn!
Photo by BreonWarwick on morgueFile

In today’s class we will look at:

  • the Layer panel
  • how to create a new layer
  • how to move layers
  • how to make a layer active
  • how to hide and show a layer
  • how to link layers
  • how to group layers
  • how to delete layers
  • how to draw shapes
  • how to create a clipping mask
  • how to use the Gaussian Blur
  • how to rasterize a layer
  • how to merge two layers and
  • how to flatten an image

You can see that we will be rather busy. You will also need to provide me with an image as a result.

If you already now all of the tasks above you can do this straight away –

Your Tasks for this class:

Task 1 – Start a new document – 700x500px at 150ppi (pixels/inch) resolution and background contents set to transparent. Create a clipping mask with a rounded rectangle (fill most of the document space and with a 40px radius) of a photo of geese in Ameland, inthe Netherlands by Frans Schouwenburg. The photo is available under Creative Commons agreement and can be found on Flickr.com. Create a Gaussian blur (7.4px) of the clipping mask and flatten the image. Save as a JPEG with this title: Class3_T1_Your_full_name.jpg (example: Class3_T1_Toni_Varsetti.jpg). Upload the file to MyKangan and keep a copy of the JPEG.

Task 2 – Use the same document from task 1 or start a new document – 700x500px at 150ppi (pixels/inch) resolution and background contents set to transparent. Type the initials of your name in Impact Regular 200pt. If you have not done so in task 1, download the image of the geese in Ameland (see Task 1 for link). Place the file in your document (File>Place). When excepting the size make sure that the image is larger than the initials.
Finally create a clipping mask (the photos should only appear inside the text now). Save the file as a PNG with this title: Class3_T2_Your_full_name.png (example: Class3_T2_Toni_Varsetti.png). Upload the file to MyKangan and keep a copy of the PNG.

If you are in doubt about Toni Varsetti ask Lucine… 😉

The Layer Panel

The ability to create layers is a central aspect of Photoshop. It works like a collage, you place one photo on top of another and the one on top covers up the photos below it.

Layers Panel - Source: The Graphic Designer's Digital Toolkit, Alan Wood, 5th Edition, 2011
Layers Panel – Source: The Graphic Designer’s Digital Toolkit, Alan Wood, 5th Edition, 2011
layer_drop_menu
Layer Drop Menu
Click image to see larger version

The Layer palette is located in the bottom right-hand corner with a tab called LAYERS. There are two menu items you should be aware of in the drop down main menu: Layers and Window.

Click on Layers to see a lot of actions that you can perform with layers. (See image) You can perform these functions directly from the layers palette as well, by clicking on the Layer Options Tab (small icon in the top right of the layers palette).

Click on Window in the main menu and see Layers ticked. This is were you can activate the Layer palette if you cannot see it on your screen. (If you are using a Windows PC notice the shortcut F7? This allows you to activate or deactivate the layers palette.)

Please read all the options of the image of the Layers panel (above) before advancing.

How to create a new Layer

  • You can simply click on the small icon in the Layers panel that looks like a sheet of paper (too slow)
  • You click on the Layer tab in the menu bar: Layer>New>Layer (too slow) or
  • You use the short cut: Ctrl+Shift+Alt+N (Mac: command+shift+option+N) – Nice! This will immediately create a new layer on top of your active layer.
  • You can use this short cut: Ctrl+Shift+N. This will open a options panel before the layer is created.
Layers in Photoshop are like a Collage of images stuck on top of each other...
Layers in Photoshop are like a Collage of images stuck on top of each other…
Monkey photo by deanjenkins and Green photo by omdur, both on morgueFile

How to move a Layer

  • Drag the layer in the layer panel into the new position. You can move it up (=on top of other layers in the workspace) or down (it will be partly hidden by layers above.
    This is an easy and intuitive way. You will need to sometimes move it right between two layers and wait for a dark line to appear before releasing the layer.
  • You can also use the shortcuts: Ctrl+[ (or Cmd+[ on Mac) to move the layer up and Ctrl+] (or Cmd+] on Mac) to move the layer down.
  • You can use the Menu bar:  Layer>Arrange>Bring Forward (or Backward)

How to make a Layer active or inactive

A layer needs to be active for you to be able to work with the artwork on the layer. Photoshop allows you to work on one layer at the time.

  • The active layer is high-lighted or shaded (generally it is the layer with the blue background and white text in the layers panel.)
  • To activate a layer simply click on the layer in the layer panel

If you want to select numerous layers hold the Ctrl button (Mac: Cmd) while selecting more layers.

How to hide and show a Layer

You can make the content of a layer invisible by clicking on the eye icon in the Layers panel. Clicking it again will make the content visible.

How to link Layers

Linking layers can be done by selecting numerous layers (with Ctrl) and then clicking on the chain symbol in the Layers panel.

How to group Layers

Group layers by selecting numerous layers and then either pressing Ctrl+G (Mac Cmd+G) or create a new group by clicking the Create a new group icon in the Layers panel (it looks like a folder) and drag any layer you want into it.

How to delete Layers

The easiest way is to select the layer and hit Backspace; this happens immediately.

If you are the old school type you might to simply drag the layer into the bin icon or click the bin icon and press enter to delete the layer.

How to draw Shapes

Using the Custom Shape Tool to draw a Rabbit - The rabbit is below the grass
Using the Custom Shape Tool to draw a Rabbit – The rabbit is below the grass

Before you draw a shape place an image in the document (File>Place). In the example I have placed a photo of grass (found on http://www.morguefile.com > Petersphoto)

There are several tools that allow you to draw shapes. They basically draw vector graphic shapes that are linked to a layer. Try the Rounded Rectangle Tool tool. (If the tool is not visible, hold down the Rectangle tool near the bottom of the toolbox.) The shortcut is U – and Shift+U allows you to scroll through the tools options (it should be the second.)

Draw a rounded rectangle with a 25px radius (drag to draw). You will notice that drawing a shape will create a new layer as a default!

Try the other drawing tools as well.

I chose the rabbit custom shape. To find it choose the custom shape tool, it looks like a blob, see the sample images! Then go into the options menu bar and select the down arrow next to the custom shape (most likely a black arrow). This will open all the different custom shapes. Next click on the small outward arrow head in the top right of the box you have just opened. Select all and Ok. This will open all the custom shapes that Photoshop comes with. The rabbit should be in the selection.

How to create a Clipping Mask

The grass layer has been turned into a clipping mask with the shape of the rabbit below.
The grass layer has been turned into a clipping mask with the shape of the rabbit below.

Keep only one shape layer and delete all the others.

Place an image in the workspace: File>Place. Make sure the image is larger in size than the shape on the layer below. Right-click on your image layer and select Create Clipping Mask.

Male sure that you do this to your image layer and that the image layer is on top!!!

Your image layer has been reduced to the shape of the shape layer below. 🙂

  • Try to move just the image by selecting the image layer.
  • Try to move just the shape layer.

What is the difference?

How to use the Gaussian Blur

Make sure your shape thumbnail on your shape layer is selected. Go to the menu bar: Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur and enter 7.4px for the Radius.

You should be prompted if you want to rasterize the layer. Click yes.

How to merge two Layers

Select two layers (left click + Ctrl) then right click and select Merge Layers.

How to flatten an Image

Right click on any layer and select Flatten Image or press Ctrl+Shift+E (Cmd+Shft+E on Mac)

Tasks

This completes today’s tutorials, please perform the below tasks:

Task 1 – Start a new document – 700x500px at 150ppi (pixels/inch) resolution and background contents set to transparent. Create a clipping mask with a rounded rectangle (fill most of the document space and with a 40px radius) of a photo of geese in Ameland, inthe Netherlands by Frans Schouwenburg. The photo is available under Creative Commons agreement and can be found on Flickr.com. Create a Gaussian blur (7.4px) of the clipping mask and flatten the image. Save as a JPEG with this title: Class3_T1_Your_full_name.jpg (example: Class3_T1_Toni_Varsetti.jpg). Upload the file to MyKangan and keep a copy of the JPEG.

Task 2 – Use the same document from task 1 or start a new document – 700x500px at 150ppi (pixels/inch) resolution and background contents set to transparent. Type the initials of your name in Impact Regular 200pt. If you have not done so in task 1, download the image of the geese in Ameland (see Task 1 for link). Place the file in your document (File>Place). When excepting the size make sure that the image is larger than the initials.
Finally create a clipping mask (the photos should only appear inside the text now). Save the file as a PNG with this title: Class3_T2_Your_full_name.png (example: Class3_T2_Toni_Varsetti.png). Upload the file to MyKangan and keep a copy of the PNG.

—–

Here is a link to a Clipping Mask tutorial on SalinStudio.com

Student Submissions:

Yong - Clipping Mask
Yong – Clipping Mask
Justin Clipping Mask
Justin Clipping Mask
Naşide Clipping Mask 1
Naşide Clipping Mask 1

 

Naşide Clipping Mask
Naşide Clipping Mask
Clipping Mask by Lachy Carter
Clipping Mask by Lachy C
Clipping Mask by Brandon M and Anthony W
Clipping Mask by Brandon M and Anthony W
Clipping Mask Amelia B
Clipping Mask Amelia B
Clipping Mask Dom U
Clipping Mask Dom U
Clipping Mask Dejanah P
Clipping Mask Dejanah P
Clipping Mask Dylan C
Clipping Mask Dylan C
Selection by TerranceMcG
Selection by TerranceMcG
Clipping Mask by Surour D
Clipping Mask by Surour D