Adobe Photoshop 101

Before each live online session, Tech Training will provide a Zoom link for live online classes, along with any required class materials.

Adobe Photoshop is the industry-standard image editing software and is used worldwide by photographers and graphic designers to perfect their digital images. If you work with photos and graphics, learning Adobe Photoshop is a must. Adobe Photoshop lets you enhance, retouch, and manipulate photographs and other images. Photoshop allows you to transform your images to the workings of your imagination and showcase them for the world to see.

Whether you are new to Photoshop or a seasoned user, this course will provide you with valuable knowledge, skills, tips, and tricks to improve efficiency and make your work come to life.

In this class, you will have an opportunity to learn how to properly use Photoshop's tools, discover how to retouch and color correct photographic images, create images for web and print, as well as receive an introduction to professional imaging workflows.

Erika Cespedes

Erika Cespedes is a Costarican-born commercial and fine art photographer. Her fine artwork focuses on daily narrative life events in natural settings, while her commercial work focuses on food photography and advertising.

Topic Outline

Course topics will focus on:

Tools and Workspace
Production tips and tricks
Image editing
Selection techniques
Retouching Images
Color Correction
Layers and Masking

Module 1: Navigating Photoshop (~.10)

Workspace, Tools, and Panels
Using panels
Customizing your panels
Accessing tools and their options
Hidden Tools
Navigating the image area
Using zoom features
(lecture and follow along files)

Module 2: Working With Layers (~.10)

Selecting layers
Duplicating layers
Using layer transparency
Using layer blend modes
(lecture and follow along files)

Module 3: Color Correcting an Image (~.15)

Using Auto Contrast, Color, and Tone
Making a Curves Adjustment
Using Shadows and Highlights to brighten a dark image
Using Adjustment Layers to refine color, tone, and contrast
(lecture and follow along with files)

Module 4: Retouching Images (~ 1)

Using the crop and straighten tools
Applying the Dust and Scratches filter
Using the Clone Stamp tool
Using the Healing Brush tool
Using the Spot Healing Brush tool
Applying a sharpen filter
Exporting images from Photoshop
(Activity 1)

Module 5: Creating Images for Print - Flyer (~1.5)

Applying document settings for print
Working with multiple files
Use the Swatches Panel
Importing a Swatch Library
Selecting Color
Working with Text Fill boxes
Using the Character and Paragraph Panel
Applying layer styles
Using a Hue Saturation Adjustment Layer
Creating Groups
Selecting and Transforming Groups
Using the Content-Aware Fill tool
Creating shapes
Using Layer Effects
Exporting images for print
(Activity 2)

Module 6: Creating Images for the Web - Ad Banner (~1.5)

Applying document settings for the web
Creating text
Editing text
Using the Magic Wand Tool
Using the Layers Panel
Using Smart Objects
Merging Layers
Using the Warp Transform Tool
Discovering color themes with Adobe Kulur
Applying layer masks
Using Color Blend Modes
Creating Custom Shapes
Exporting images for the web
(Activity 3)

Note: This class will be taught on Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud

Custom training workshops are available for this program

Technology training sessions structured around individual or group learning objectives. Learn more about custom training

University IT Technology Training sessions are available to a wide range of participants, including Stanford University staff, faculty, students, and employees of Stanford Hospitals & Clinics, such as Stanford Health Care, Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley, Stanford Medicine Partners, and Stanford Medicine Children's Health.

Additionally, some of these programs are open to interested individuals not affiliated with Stanford, allowing for broader community engagement and learning opportunities.