Photoshop CS5 Level 2
Compositing

Length
2 Days

Class Fees
1 Student	$495
2 Students	$945
3 Students	$1395
4+ Students	Call

Note:  Those using CS4 can still benefit from this course.  There is only one significant and a few minor changes on the Level 2 outline from CS4 to CS5, and those changes will be pointed out to CS4 students.  There should be no confusion when returning to work and using CS4.

Note: Maximum class size at our Atlanta classroom is two students, though in most cases if you are the only one to sign up from your organization, you will be the only student. There is no extra charge for 1-on-1 training and no classes are cancelled. Three or more students must train on-site at their place of business. For more information, please read about our class sizes.

Note on Fees:  Multiple student discounts are for multiple students from one organization.

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Class Times
Classes can be held at any time per the customer's schedule, but unless arranged otherwise, classes run from 9 AM to 5 PM each day, with an hour for lunch.

Description
Art=Visual's Photoshop Level 2 course is a two day course that picks up where Level 1 left off.  You now have to retouching skills, now it's time to start creating compositions from multiple images.  This is essential for anyone working as a graphic or web designer.  These skills are used in the creation ALL advertisements, brochures, posters, CD covers, magazines, and other print and web graphics.

Prerequisites
Must have knowledge of the Photoshop interface, and familiarity with the Photoshop Level 1 topics can't hurt.

After completing this course a student will be able to
• Create a blank canvas
• Create selections from hard edged objects such as product
• Create selections from soft edged objects such as hair and fur
• Create realistic compositions from multiple images
• Use masking techniques, the key to all Photoshop creativity
• Utilize text features
• Work non-destructively using Smart Objects and Smart Filters
• Use vector drawing tools to create custom shapes

Class materials
Steve uses his own photographs and written materials for the class.  For students who did not take the Level 1 course, Art=Visual provides them with their own copy of Deke McClelland's Photoshop One-On-One book to use as a reference manual.

Art=Visual classes have plenty of hands-on practices that allow students to create real world art and compositions.

Course Outline

Lesson 1: Creating a Blank Canvas
• Creating a new canvas
• Choosing a color mode
• Saving document characteristics as a Pre-set

Lesson 2: Layers
• Layers Panel and options
• Selecting, moving, aligning, and resizing layers
• Opacity and Fill
• Layer groups
• Affects of grouping on Adjustment Layers
• Layer styles (Enhanced for CS5)
• Layer Comps
• Getting Styles from Adobe Exchange
• Saving layered documents

Lesson 3: Selections
• Reasons for making selections
• Adding and deleting from selections
• Marquee Tools
• Magic Wand and Quick Selection Tools
• Polygonal Lasso and Magnetic Lasso Tools
• Selection touch-up with the Lasso Tool

Lesson 4: Alpha Channels and Creating Compositions
• Saving selections as Alpha Channels for future use
• Contracting and Featuring Selections for ultimate realism
• Creating compositions from multiple photos
• The Eraser Tool
• Creating layers from selections
• Vanishing Point Filter
• Puppet Warp (New to CS5)

Lesson 5: Smart Objects and Smart Filters
• Creating Smart Objects (Enhanced for CS5)
• Editing Smart Objects
• Importing Illustrator and PDFs
• Smart Filters

Lesson 6: Masking
• Layer Masks
• Adjustment Layer masks
• Using the Paint Brush to mask
• Using the Gradient Tool to mask
• Deleting and disabling masks
• Create real life compositions using advanced masking techniques

Lesson 7:  Blend Modes
• Practical uses for Blend Modes
• Effects using Blend Modes
• Creating compositions using Blend Modes

Lesson 8: Advanced Selections
• Extract subjects with hair or fur with Refine Edges (New to CS5)
• Background Eraser

Lesson 9: Adding Text
• Text Tool
• Character and Paragraph Panels
• Typography Basics and Definitions
• Text Color
• Text Effects
• Text Warp
• 3D Repoussé (New to CS5)
• Text and Clipping Masks

Lesson 10: Vector Shape Tool
• Vector vs. Bitmap
• Shape Tools
• Editing shapes
• Getting Custom Shapes from Adobe Exchange

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