Photoshop Tutorials

After years of teaching and using Photoshop, I have begun to compile lessons I created and talks I have given into a book. With a little luck a few good contacts I hope to have this out in early 2001. In the meen time, here are several lessons.

Lesson 1: Mixing Effects

One of the first great discoveries for new Photoshop users is the power of filters. With just a quick menu selection it is possible to transform a marginal scanned photo into a work of art. I've gone one step further in this lesson by applying different effects to separate layers and then blending them.

Lesson 2: Clipping Group

This is a technique that is impossible to find

with study. There is no menu or palette command. If one doesn't study the manual or get a lesson you'll never get it. The technique allows the user to put use a layer as a mask with multiple, flexible objects inside. Many technique superficially create this effect. None allow for the later editing.

Lesson 3: The Pen Tool

Few tools are as difficult or as important to master. Photoshop's vector drawing tool allows for special effects and defined shapes whether masking, deleting or filling. Though version 5 and 5.5 initially make creating Paths easier than ever, fine tuning and editing require skills that start here.

Resolution & File Formats

In March of 2000 I spoke at the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Conference in

New York City. The subject was resolution and file formats. If you create for the Web, this article will save space. If you have ever been disappointed by a poor printed image that looked great on the screen, this article will explain what happened.

Digital Cameras 101

This last of my current offerings is borrowed from a presentation I attended on digital cameras. I am frequently asked about this latest toy. I really like the convenience but always warn students and customers to be careful. Digital cameras do not see and respond to light the way conventional cameras do. This pdf explains resolution and output potentials.

NOTE: These lessons are in pdf format. Download them and then open so you'll have them for reference and practice.