Image Manipulation Course

Lesson 1 • Common Image File Formats

Surveys JPEG, PNG, TIFF, GIF, WebP, and RAW formats with their trade-offs. Enables informed format selection for different workflows.

Lesson 2 • Resolution and Image Dimensions

Defines PPI, DPI, and pixel dimensions and their effect on quality. Prepares students to set correct resolution before any editing begins.

Lesson 3 • Color Models and Color Spaces

Explains RGB, CMYK, HSL, and LAB color models and their practical uses. Connects color theory to output decisions for screen and print.

Lesson 1 • Customizing Preferences and Settings

Covers performance settings, scratch disks, color management, and units. Proper configuration prevents common errors and slowdowns.

Lesson 2 • Navigating the Editing Interface

Introduces the main workspace areas: toolbox, panels, canvas, and menus. Reduces navigation friction so students focus on editing tasks.

Lesson 3 • Keyboard Shortcuts and Efficiency

Teaches default shortcuts and how to create custom ones for repetitive tasks. Efficiency gains compound across every subsequent editing session.

Lesson 1 • Refining Edges and Selections

Teaches feathering, smoothing, and the Select and Mask workspace. Produces clean edges on hair, fur, and transparent objects.

Lesson 2 • Advanced Selection Methods

Introduces quick selection, object selection, and color range tools. Handles complex subjects that basic tools cannot isolate cleanly.

Lesson 3 • Channels as Selection Tools

Uses luminosity and color channels to build precise selections. Unlocks advanced compositing and tonal control not possible with standard tools.

Lesson 4 • Basic Selection Tools

Covers marquee, lasso, and magic wand tools for simple selections. Forms the baseline before more complex selection methods are introduced.

Lesson 1 • Layer Groups and Organization

Teaches grouping, nesting, and labeling layers for complex documents. Organized layer stacks reduce errors and speed up collaboration.

Lesson 2 • Blend Modes Explained

Explains how blend modes control pixel interaction between layers. Enables creative compositing and tonal effects without destructive changes.

Lesson 3 • Understanding the Layer System

Covers layer types, stacking order, and visibility controls. Provides the structural foundation for all subsequent editing workflows.

Lesson 4 • Adjustment Layers and Smart Objects

Introduces adjustment layers for non-destructive tonal and color changes. Smart Objects preserve original data and enable re-editable filters.

Lesson 1 • Shadows, Highlights, and Midtones

Uses Shadow/Highlight and targeted curve adjustments to recover detail. Addresses common exposure problems from mixed-light shooting conditions.

Lesson 2 • Reading and Using Histograms

Explains histogram shape, clipping indicators, and tonal distribution. Accurate histogram reading drives every exposure correction decision.

Lesson 3 • Levels and Curves Adjustments

Covers Levels for setting black and white points and Curves for precise tonal control. These two tools handle the majority of professional tonal corrections.

Lesson 1 • Color Management for Output

Covers soft proofing, gamut warnings, and profile conversion for print and screen. Ensures color accuracy survives the transition from editing to final output.

Lesson 2 • Hue, Saturation, and Vibrance

Controls global and per-channel hue, saturation, and luminance values. Enables targeted color shifts without affecting unrelated tones.

Lesson 3 • Creative Color Grading

Applies split toning, color lookup tables, and gradient maps for stylized looks. Bridges technical correction and artistic expression in a single workflow.

Lesson 4 • Color Matching Across Images

Teaches sampling, matching, and harmonizing colors between multiple images. Essential for product series, editorial spreads, and composite work.

Lesson 1 • Photo Restoration Techniques

Repairs scratches, tears, dust, and fading in damaged archival photographs. Combines multiple retouching tools in a structured restoration workflow.

Lesson 2 • Healing and Cloning Tools

Covers the Clone Stamp, Healing Brush, and Spot Healing Brush for seamless repairs. Establishes the core retouching toolkit used in every subsequent technique.

Lesson 3 • Portrait Retouching Workflow

Applies frequency separation, skin smoothing, and eye enhancement techniques. Produces natural-looking portrait retouches that preserve skin texture.

Lesson 1 • Text and Graphic Integration

Integrates type layers, vector shapes, and graphic elements into image composites. Prepares students for advertising, social media, and editorial design outputs.

Lesson 2 • Filters and Stylized Effects

Uses blur, distortion, and stylize filters to create motion, depth, and artistic effects. Filters applied as Smart Filters remain fully editable and non-destructive.

Lesson 3 • Advanced Masking for Composites

Applies hair masking, motion blur masking, and luminosity masks to complex subjects. Extends masking skills from Chapter 3 to demanding composite scenarios.

Lesson 4 • Compositing Fundamentals

Covers perspective matching, scale consistency, and edge integration for believable composites. Establishes the rules that govern every multi-image combination.