Photoshop Professor Notes - Photoshop for Photographers

Photoshop Professor Notes - Complete Beginners to Intermediate Series

Adobe Camera Raw, Bridge & Photoshop Volumes 1-5

Understanding the Raw Workflow

Section 1: Adobe Camera Raw

• Lecture 1: Adobe Camera Raw: A Brief Overview

  • What is Adobe Camera Raw? Understand the difference between Raw and JPEG files. Raw files retain all image quality, unlike JPEGs which are compressed and lose quality during capture.
  • Benefits of shooting Raw:
    • Flexibility: Raw files can be re-processed multiple times without quality loss.
    • Exposure Recovery: Recover details in overexposed images (up to 2 f-stops).
    • Color Correction: Correct underexposed images.
  • Why Raw is essential for serious photographers.

• Lecture 2: Understanding the Difference Between 8-bit Images and 16-bit Images

  • Raw files from cameras are typically 12 or 14-bit.
  • Photoshop can process these in 16-bit mode, offering significantly more detail.
  • Benefits of 16-bit:
    • Improved exposure recovery.
    • Better results in low-light situations.

• Lecture 3: The Camera Raw Interface

  • Navigating the Camera Raw interface can seem daunting initially.
  • Understanding the layout and function of sliders is key to efficient editing.
  • Not all sliders are necessary for every image.

• Lecture 4: Adobe Camera Raw: The Camera Calibration Tab

  • The Camera Calibration tab is crucial for setting the correct color balance.
  • It significantly impacts subsequent adjustments.

• Lecture 5: Adobe Camera Raw: Explaining the Differences Between Process version 2012, 2010 & 2003

  • Evolution of processing techniques in Adobe Camera Raw.
  • Future-proof your images by understanding how software improvements can enhance older files.

• Lecture 6: Adobe Camera Raw: Setting Your White Balance

  • Understanding and correcting white balance is essential for accurate colors.
  • The "As Shot" setting is a starting point, but adjustments are often needed.

• Lecture 7: Adobe Camera Raw: The Basics - Part 1 of 2

  • Correcting exposure issues in the Basics tab.
  • Adjusting contrast in the Basics tab.

• Lecture 8: Adobe Camera Raw: The Basics - Part 2 of 2

  • Enhancing color vibrancy using Vibrance and Saturation.

• Lecture 9: Adobe Camera Raw: The Tone Curve Tab

  • Fine-tuning contrast with the Tone Curve tab for precise adjustments.

• Lecture 10: Adobe Camera Raw: The Details Tab - Part 1 of 3

  • Reducing digital noise in images.
  • Sharpening details for a clearer image.

• Lecture 11: Adobe Camera Raw: The Details Tab - Part 2 of 3

  • Advanced techniques for sharpening and noise reduction.

• Lecture 12: Adobe Camera Raw: The Details Tab - Part 3 of 3

  • Mastering the Details tab for optimal image quality.

• Lecture 13: Adobe Camera Raw: The HSL/Greyscale Tab

  • Selective color adjustments for creative effects.
  • Creating black and white images with color control.

• Lecture 14: Adobe Camera Raw: The Split Toning Tab

  • Adding tonal color to shadows and highlights for a unique look.

• Lecture 15: Adobe Camera Raw: The Lens Correction Tab

  • Correcting lens distortion and chromatic aberration.

• Lecture 16: Adobe Camera Raw: The Effects Tab

  • Adding vignettes and grain for stylistic effects.

• Lecture 17: Adobe Camera Raw: The Presets Tab

  • Creating and using custom presets for quick and consistent edits.

• Lecture 18: Adobe Camera Raw: The Snapshots Tab

  • Comparing different editing iterations.

Section 2: Adobe Bridge

• Lecture 1: Importing Your Images

  • Efficient methods for importing images from cameras and memory cards.

• Lecture 2-6: Adobe Camera Raw: The Editing Tools - Part 1-5

  • Non-destructive editing with adjustment layers.
  • Using various selection tools for targeted edits.