
Introduction to
Photoshop
In this section we will focus on the fundamentals of Photoshop.
FIRST LESSON
Can You Follow Instructions?
- FOLDER
Following Instructions
- LESSON FILES
- FILE NAME CONVENTION
LastnameFirstnameFollow
Introductions
The first lesson is all about FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS. I will also help you understand the format of our lessons and how to process this information.
Tutorial Videos
FIRST ASSIGNMENT
Portfolio Entry
Introductions
The first lesson is all about FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS. I will also help you understand the format of our lessons and how to process this information.
Tutorial Videos
LESSON 1-1
Introduction to Photoshop
- FOLDER
1-1 Intro to Photoshop
- LESSON FILES
- FILE NAME CONVENTION
None for this Lesson
You are going to start learning the basics of Photoshop with Dave Cross, who is a Photoshop Hall of Fame member and Adobe Certified Instructor. I want you to grab the images in the download and play around the interface with Dave!
ASSIGNMENT 1-1a – Resize
Resize Image
Introductions
In this tutorial I am going to explain Pixels and Resolution. You are also going to demonstrate that you can resize an image.
Tutorial Videos
ASSIGNMENT 1-1b – Canvas
Change Canvas Size
Introductions
For this activity we will change the canvas size of a document.
Tutorial Videos
LESSON 1-2
Nondestructive Editing & Layers
You are going to start learning the basics of Photoshop with Dave Cross, who is a Photoshop Hall of Fame member and Adobe Certified Instructor. I want you to grab the images in the download and play around the interface with Dave!
There are no images for these two videos, just watch and pay attention. It’s important!
I included a substitute image to work with Dave on these tutorials. Play around with the layers panel along with Dave.
ASSIGNMENT 1-2a Layers Practice
Bullseye and Puzzles
- ASSIGNMENT FILES
- FILE NAME CONVENTION
LastnameFirstnamePractice1 (2, 3, etc)
- EXAMPLES
NONE
Introductions
In this assignment you are going to CREATE a new document with layers AND complete two layer puzzles!
Tutorial Videos
Upload these three images to our Portfolio just like we did in the previous lesson. Don’t forget to include your LastFirstPractice1 (2, 3).
LESSON 1-3
Blend Modes
- FOLDER
1-3 Blend Modes
- LESSON FILES
NONE – just watch
Blend Modes provide us the ability to easily add/remove colors as it interacts with the layer beneath it. Working with blend modes is almost always an experimental process. Because it’s nearly impossible to predict the results, you always seem to end up experimenting with different modes and Fill Opacities until you get the results you’re looking for.
ASSIGNMENT 1-3a Blend Modes
Blend Mode & Layers Practice
Introductions
Whenever you see me use the “Grid” it is designed to give you PRACTICE. Repetitive practice in different variations. In this activity you will PRACTICE creating, naming, grouping, and moving layers as well as applying blend modes.
Tutorial Videos
I did not include a super awesome video on how to upload this to your portfolio, but we are going to use these settings (see image). ALSO – I know in the blend mode video above, I mentioned a second assignment, we are going to wait on that until you learn a few more skills in Photoshop.
LESSON 1-4
Layers and Selections
- FOLDER
1-4 Layers and Selections
- LESSON FILES
- FILE NAME CONVENTION
LastFirstBreakfast1
This lesson is VERY important for you to understand the variety of selection tool options we have in Photoshop and to know which one to use in each situation.
ASSIGNMENT 1-4a BREAKFAST
Breakfast Nook
- ASSIGNMENT FILES
- FILE NAME CONVENTION
LastnameFirstnameBreakfast2
- EXAMPLES
NONE
Introductions
Demonstrate that you understand the concepts above by setting your OWN table with the additional images that were provided in the lesson above.
- This MUST be different from the breakfast composition you made with Aaron.
- You must use at LEAST five images.
There will not be any videos for this assignment. Please refer to the videos above if you need help.
Portofolio Instructions
You will upload your portfolio using the following specifications:
- Page Title: 1-4a Breakfast
- Layout: 2 Image (upload the breakfast image you did with Aaron as well as your own)
- LastFirstBreakfast
ASSIGNMENT 1-4b Hockney Montage
David Hockney Photo Montage
- ASSIGNMENT FILES
- FILE NAME CONVENTION
LastnameFirstnameHockney1 (2, 3)
- EXAMPLES
Introductions
In this lesson, you are going to complete a total of three Hockney Montages/Joiners.
- The first one you will do along with me, using the images included in your Assignment Files.
- Complete one with a living subject: human, animals, plants.
- Complete one of an object, place, event, etc.
Tutorial Videos
READ ME!!!!
In the videos I am using Photopea – don’t use that. Use Photoshop!
Portofolio Instructions
You will upload your portfolio using the following specifications:
- Page Title: 1-4b Hockney
- Layout: 3 Image Layout (upload the JPG of each file)
- LastFirstHockney1 (2, 3)
LESSON 1-5
Repair Photos
Aaron is going to show you some of the basic tools that we can use for retouching or repairing a photograph. Follow along with the tutorials and learn about how Aaron can do some basic repairs to a damaged photo.
ASSIGNMENT 1-5a Retouch Photos
Retouch Photos
Introductions
Download the images found under the assignment files (be sure to put them in the proper folder). You will use the concepts learned in the lesson to edit the photo. However, please refer to the videos below on what you need to do with all the different photos.
Tutorial Videos
PORTFOLIO ENTRY

LESSON 1-6
Adjustment Layers
- FOLDER
1-6 Adjustment Layers
- LESSON FILES
- FILE NAME CONVENTION
LastnameFirstnameBrightnessContrast
LasnameFirstnameExposure
LastnameFirstnameBlackWhite
LastnameFirstnameLevels
LastnameFirstnameHueSat
LastnameFirstnameColorBalance
Up to this point you have been working DESTRUCTIVELY, which really isn’t the best way to work. With adjustment layers we will show you the power of Photoshop in being able to ADJUST your ADJUSTMENTS later on in your workflow.
Lesson ideas
-Color Splash
-Recolor
LESSON 1-7
Layers Masks
- FOLDER
1-7 Layer Masks
- LESSON FILES
- FILE NAME CONVENTION
LastnameFirstnameClone1 (2, 3)
Finally – layer masks is where things really start to open up for us in Photoshop. This is a VERY important concept to understand and I think you will find it to be pretty darn cool!
ASSIGNMENT 1-7a
Clone Images
Introductions
This assignment has three parts!
- In Google Classroom turn in the layer mask work you did in the lessons. So that means you will turn in Clone1, 2, 3, and 4!
- In your assignment files, you will complete the clone/merge the dirt bike kid into ONE photo!
- Finally, you will refer to the tutorial videos below and do your own clone with three images from the same scene. You will not use the images or scenes in the YouTube videos below. BONUS: For the third assignment, if you include take a custom photo of yourself for this project and complete it well, you will get 10 bonus points!
Tutorial Videos
ASSIGNMENT 1-7b
Refine Edge
Introductions
As good as the layer mask is, sometimes we have to raise our game to make GREAT selections in difficult areas, for example, hair!
Tutorial Videos
***note: I didn’t include the practice file with these tutorial, just use one of the models found in the Assignment 1-7b files.
ASSIGNMENT 1-7c
Pumpkin Head
Introductions
In the assignment files, you will find a pumpkin on a porch. Using the tutorial video below you will put impose a set of eyes and mouth on the pumpkin. It will be your responsibility to find a HUMAN face to put for the eyes and mouth.
BONUS: Use your own image and earn 5 bonus points.
Submission: For this assignment, I want to see your originals so you will need to upload two images to you portfolio: Headshot and Pumpkin head. The headshot is the portrait of the human face you used. You can see an example on Google Classroom.
Tutorial Videos
ASSIGNMENT 1-7d
Mutant Animal
- ASSIGNMENT FILES
None
- FILE NAME CONVENTION
LastnameFirstnameMutant1 (2, 3)
- EXAMPLES
NONE
Introductions
This one is ALL you! I am not going to include any assignment files. I want you to create THREE mutant animals where you combine at least two animals together. You will have a total of three different mutant combinations.
I want you to strive for realism and not comical, I am not looking to be amused but looking to be impressed.
If you use a Google image search make sure you check out this video.
Tutorial Videos
LESSON 1-8
Intro to Type
- FOLDER
1-8 Intro to Type
- LESSON FILES
None
- FILE NAME CONVENTION
LastFirstType
The videos will tell you all you need to know. Be sure to get good practice!
ASSIGNMENT 1-8b
Type Mask
- ASSIGNMENT FILES
- FILE NAME CONVENTION
LastnameFirstnameMask1
LastnameFirstnameMask2
- EXAMPLES
NONE
Introductions
Watch the opening video for this assignment, it’s imperative that you follow the instructions.
Tutorial Videos
Watch the opening video for this assignment, it’s imperative that you follow the instructions.
DOCUMENT SIZE
8″ x 10″ (be sure it is set to INCHES)
IMAGE RULES
- Must be a HQ image
- If using a Google image search, be sure to go to tools and set the size to LARGE
- I will award 10 BONUS for using an IMAGE of yourself but it must be a good photo.
- Image cannot have abrupt/cutoff ends, or you will need to hide those.
TYPE RULES
- If you are using an image of yourself, use the first letter of your first or last name OR you can use an adjective, verb, or adverb that describes you or what you are doing.
- Avoid thin fonts
- Include a drop shadow
Must include a color, gradient, or textured background. Background cannot be solid black
NEGATIVE SPACE
Fill out the page but don’t leave some space around the margins OR you can use some creative alignment if it fits your design.
ASSIGNMENT 1-9a
Using Brushes
Introductions
Now we are going to work with brushes, which will lead to creating some really cool effects!
Tutorial Videos
ASSIGNMENT 1-9b
Brush Portrait
- ASSIGNMENT FILES
- FILE NAME CONVENTION
LastnameFirstnameBrushPortrait1 (2,3,4)
- EXAMPLES
Introductions
Now we are going to work with brushes, which will lead to creating some really cool effects!
Tutorial Videos
ASSIGNMENT 1-10
Clipping Masks
- ASSIGNMENT FILES
- FILE NAME CONVENTION
LastnameFirstnameClip
- EXAMPLES
NONE
Introductions
In this lesson you will learn how to clip and image INSIDE of another image, text, or brush. You can create some really cool effects with this tool.