Course Description

When Adobe released Photoshop CS3's Extended version that allowed you to work with 3D models, it turned out to be a less than stellar addition to this program. It was difficult to access the tools and nothing about it was intuitive. When they released the CS4 Extended version , they totally reworked the 3D portion of the program. As unusable and confusing as the CS3 version was, that's how totally different the new CS4 version is. You can do so many things, including creating basic models, painting them, adding textures, adding and manipulating lights and cameras...and the list goes on. Why did Adobe add this feature? Photoshop has always been the leader in implementing tools that fueled an artist's creativity. Many folks believe that this addition is the next logical step in the evolution of digital design tools. Doesn't it make sense then, thinking of it in those terms, to expand Photoshop to include this art form, since more and more people are getting involved in the 3D world? It sure does. Per Corey Barker, National Association of Photoshop Professionals, Photoshop User CS4 Bonus Issue: Will mastering these new 3D features make you an expert in 3D? No, but what it will do is make you more familiar with 3D in general and perhaps make learning a dedicated 3D application a little less frustrating. But what you will have is a new weapon in your design arsenal. With these few but robust 3D tools, you can create really compelling 3D art with just a little bit of practice. This online class is geared for anyone interested in 3D and who wants to learn how to use the 3D tools in Photoshop. This course will introduce you to the basics of 3D and how to use the tools that Photoshop CS4 Extended offers. This is a 5 week, self-paced, online course. If you need additional help understanding the material presented, you can communicate with the instructor and fellow classmates. The instructor will monitor and track your progress throughout the class. LVS Online offers many wonderful learning tools to help you get the most out of your online course, including an online portfolio service that manages all your course registrations, certificate of completion option, a class discussion board to interact with your instructor and fellow classmates, free hosting account, and a student upload area. LVS is a Corel Training Partner. LVS students may purchase Corel products at a significant savings. Follow this link for details. LVS students are eligible to receive software and hardware at a discount. Follow this link for details. Students are also eligible take advantage of special offers made available specifically for LVS by famous software developers such as Andromeda, AV Bros, Extensis, Harry Heim, namesuppressed, Nik Multimedia, and Ulead. Details are provided in the classinfo link found in the confirmation of registration. Show off your LVS Online spirit with an item from the LVS Store Visit the LVS Blog for updates. If you would like to receive more information regarding this course, click on the "Contact Us" link in the Information section and we'll try to answer any of your questions within the day.

Course Requirements

Photoshop CS4 Extended or higher version All lessons are available in PDF format. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view/print the lessons. Plan to devote 3 - 4 hours per week on the lesson and assignment.

Course Prerequisites

Photoshop classes at LVS or a good understanding and knowledge of Photoshop, its tools and terminology.

Course Syllabus

Lesson 1 3D Basics Axis Meshes Workspace and 3D Tools 3D Postcards Lesson 2 3D Models Bringing 3D Models Directly into Photoshop Dealing with Downloaded Files Create a 3D Mesh Lesson 3 Basic 3D Objects Spherical Panoramas Transforming 3D Objects Useful Tips for Easier Workflow Modifying Meshes Cross Sections Lesson 4 Aligning Objects Merge 3D Layers Painting Cloning Using Selections to Paint on 3D Objects Hiding Areas of a Model to Allow Painting Painting Bump Painting Glossiness Lesson 5 Painting Continued Painting Opacity Paint with Shininess and Adjust Specular Highlight Color Painting a Spherical Depth Map Importing Maps for use as Materials Lesson 6 Lights Cameras

Course Excerpt

LESSON 1 Those of you that have spent any time with Photoshop know the amazing things you can do with this program. With the introduction of the CS3 Extended version, the ability to open 3D objects, paint them and do other rudimentary things within the program became a reality. When CS4 was released, the 3D portion of the program was totally rebuilt and the ability to do so much more has been given life. Over the next 5 weeks, we’ll explore those new avenues and take your Photoshop experience to a whole new level. Before we jump into Photoshop and learn what all these new capabilities are, a brief discussion of the 3D world seems in order; just to be sure we’re playing on the same sheet of music. Continued... Please note: Lessons provide step-by-step instructions with detailed screen captures.

Course Goals

To acquire a good basic knowledge of 3D and how to use the 3D tools within Photoshop.

Course Reviews

Welles Goodrich: "The class met my expectations. Donna provides a comprehensive introduction to the palette of tools available in Photoshop CS4. With that starting point I was able to investigate further on my own and discover how to use those tools in my 3D workflow. Although I wasn't a beginner to 3D I was to Photoshop's 3D tools and found that this beginning course was an ideal starting point. It would be very good for students with little or no 3D experience as well, I believe." More...