Image and Video Editing Course

Lesson 1 • Understanding Digital Image Basics

Covers pixels, video resolution, and aspect ratios as the building blocks of all digital images. Establishes vocabulary used throughout every subsequent chapter.

Lesson 2 • File Formats and Compression

Distinguishes lossless from lossy compression and maps formats to use cases. Students select the correct format for any delivery requirement.

Lesson 3 • Colour Models and Colour Spaces

Explains RGB, CMYK, and HSL models and when each applies. Connects colour theory to practical output decisions for screen and print.

Lesson 4 • Video File Formats and Codecs

Introduces containers, codecs, and bitrate as the three pillars of video file structure. Prepares students to make informed export decisions.

Lesson 1 • Layers and Non-Destructive Editing

Introduces the layer stack, blending modes, and adjustment layers as the foundation of non-destructive workflows. Students edit images without permanently altering source pixels.

Lesson 2 • Retouching and Healing Tools

Demonstrates clone stamp, healing brush, patch tool, and content-aware fill for seamless retouching. Students remove distractions while preserving natural texture.

Lesson 3 • Cropping, Transforming, and Resizing

Covers crop, straighten, warp, and perspective correction tools for compositional refinement. Students resize images for multiple output destinations without quality loss.

Lesson 4 • Tonal and Colour Corrections

Applies curves, levels, hue/saturation, and colour balance to fix exposure and colour casts. Students read histograms to make data-driven correction decisions.

Lesson 5 • Navigating the Editing Interface

Orients students to panels, toolbars, and workspace layouts in professional image editors. Efficient navigation accelerates every video editing task covered later.

Lesson 1 • Tone Curve and HSL Mastery

Applies parametric and point curves alongside HSL panels for precise tonal and colour control. Students sculpt mood and atmosphere through targeted adjustments.

Lesson 2 • Local Adjustments and Masking

Uses radial filters, graduated filters, and AI masking to apply adjustments to specific image regions. Students direct viewer attention through selective tonal control.

Lesson 3 • Colour Grading with Split Toning

Applies split toning and colour wheels to shadows, midtones, and highlights for stylised grades. Students create and save reusable grade presets.

Lesson 4 • Calibration and Output Sharpening

Covers camera calibration sliders, output sharpening, and soft proofing for accurate final delivery. Students match on-screen appearance to printed or published output.

Lesson 1 • Advanced Layer Masking

Extends basic masking to vector masks, clipping masks, and mask refinement workflows. Precise masking enables complex cutouts and seamless layer integration.

Lesson 2 • Compositing Multiple Images

Teaches blending multiple exposures and source images into a seamless composite. Students apply luminosity masks and blend-if sliders for realistic integration.

Lesson 3 • Creative Filters and Effects

Explores blur gallery, liquify, neural filters, and texture overlays for stylised results. Students apply effects non-destructively using smart filters.

Lesson 4 • Batch Processing and Automation

Uses actions, droplets, and scripts to automate repetitive video editing tasks across large image sets. Students reduce manual effort while maintaining consistent output quality.

Lesson 1 • Transitions and Motion Effects

Applies cut, dissolve, wipe, and motion-based transitions with intentional editorial purpose. Students avoid overuse by linking each transition to narrative function.

Lesson 2 • Audio Editing and Mixing

Adjusts audio levels, applies EQ and compression, and syncs dialogue to picture. Clean audio is treated as equally important as visual quality.

Lesson 3 • Exporting and Delivery Formats

Configures export presets for web, video broadcast, and archival delivery using appropriate codecs and bitrates. Students match export settings to platform specifications.

Lesson 4 • Timeline Editing Essentials

Covers insert, overwrite, ripple, roll, slip, and slide edits on the editing timeline. Students execute precise cuts that maintain narrative continuity.

Lesson 5 • Titles, Captions, and Graphics

Creates lower thirds, full-screen titles, and animated captions using the built-in title editor. Students match typography style to the visual tone of the project.

Lesson 1 • Cinematic Colour Grading

Applies LUTs, secondary corrections, and power windows to create stylised cinematic grades. Students build a colour grade that reinforces the emotional tone of the story.

Lesson 2 • Speed Ramping and Time Effects

Creates slow motion, time-lapse, and speed ramps using frame rate manipulation and optical flow. Students use time effects to heighten dramatic impact.

Lesson 3 • Multi-Camera Editing Workflows

Syncs and cuts between multiple camera angles using multi-cam sequences and angle monitors. Students replicate live-switching efficiency in post-production.

Lesson 4 • Motion Graphics and Keyframing

Animates position, scale, rotation, and opacity using keyframes and easing curves. Students create smooth, professional motion that enhances rather than distracts.

Lesson 1 • Node-Based Compositing Concepts

Introduces node graphs as an alternative to layer-based compositing for complex VFX pipelines. Students build merge, colour grade, and key nodes into a functional composite.

Lesson 2 • Green Screen and Chroma Keying

Pulls a clean key from green and blue screen footage using spill suppression and edge refinement. Students replace backgrounds convincingly in varied lighting conditions.

Lesson 3 • Rotoscoping and Manual Masking

Draws and animates masks frame by frame to isolate subjects without a clean key. Students apply rotoscoping to achieve effects impossible with chroma keying alone.

Lesson 4 • Particle Systems and Generated Effects

Creates fire, smoke, rain, and light effects using particle generators and built-in plugins. Students composite generated elements with live footage for believable results.

Lesson 1 • Project Planning and Asset Management

Establishes pre-production planning, shot list, and asset libraries to prevent workflow bottlenecks. Structured planning directly reduces revision cycles and missed deadlines.

Lesson 2 • Portfolio Development and Presentation

Curates and presents a professional portfolio of image and video work for client and employer audiences. Students articulate creative decisions and technical choices with clarity.

Lesson 3 • Quality Control and Technical Review

Applies QC checklists covering audio levels, colour legality, frame rate consistency, and metadata. Students catch technical errors before delivery rather than after client review.

Lesson 4 • Multi-Platform Delivery Strategies

Configures deliverables for social media, video streaming/streaming platforms, video broadcast, and print simultaneously. Students create master files and derive platform-specific versions efficiently.