Course Description

This class is the second part of the Photoshop Elements 8 Basics class, and contains lessons 7-12. This class picks up where the first class, Photoshop Elements 8 Basics (Lessons 1-6) left off. You will learn to understand and use layers effectively, use layer blend modes, use the Preset Manager, create and save custom brushes, use type and vector shapes and much more. 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 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

You need Photoshop Elements 8 for Windows or Mac. installed on your computer, and you need to understand basic operating system commands. Homework must be reviewed by the instructor in order to earn a certificate. Students have the option of using the Student Upload Area or free web hosting made available for LVS students. Details are provided in the classroom. If you prefer to use your own web space, you must know how to upload your files to a server. Free tutorials are available: Basic HTML page WS_FTP SmartFTP Students should have working knowledge of their operating system and must understand directories and paths: Free Windows Class Here Directory Structure Tutorial Here Zip files may be necessary to complete the exercises provided each week. WinZip, PKZip, Windows Compression or similar program is required to unzip these files. Winzip Tutorial Here Windows Compression 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; on this class that may vary according to how much experimenting you choose to do with actions and the other subjects of the class.

Course Prerequisites

You need Photoshop Elements 8 installed on your Windows or Mac computer and should be familiar with basic operating system commands. You need to have taken the first part of this course, Photoshop Elements 8 Basics: Setting Sail, before taking this class.

Course Syllabus

Week 1, Lesson 7 First Class Info What is Covered in this Class? Layers Merge Down, Merge Visible, Flatten: Why and When Fill Layers Group with Previous Changing Layer Content Taking a Screenshot Week 2, Lesson 8 Vector vs. Raster: What's the Difference Using the Type Tool Setting Type Options Type Containers AKA Text Boxes Text Alignment Warped Text Shadow Text Outlined Type Are You a Fontaholic? Troubleshooting Type Problems Week 3, Lesson 9 Using the Gradient Tools Gradient Type Watermarking Your Photos Making a Copyright © Symbol Embossed Type Photos into Type Layer Blend Modes  Grunge Text Week 4, Lesson 10 Using Elements Brushes Brush Color Modes Making Custom Brushes Saving Custom Brushes Using the Preset Manager Color Replacement Tool Brush Modes Week 5, Lesson 11 Using the Crop Tool Using the Rule of Thirds Creative Cropping with the Cookie Cutter The Photo Filter Correcting with the Color Curves Filter Understanding Levels Using the Convert to Black and White Filter Adjust Color for Skin Tone Filter Basic Sharpening Using Unsharp Mask Using the Adjust Sharpness Filter Week 6, Lesson 12 The Healing Tool Spot Healing Tool Clone Tool Basics Fading an Image into Another: Layer Masks in PSE 8 Working with the Vector Shape Tool Creating a Workflow So...What's Next?

Course Excerpt

Adjustment Layers Layer Blend Modes Photoshop Elements allows for blend modes that control how the colors of the layer above react with the colors of the layer below it in the layers palette. Coupled with opacity, these blend modes give you a lot of power over the way your images blend in a collage or composite. There are two ways of using blend modes: in layers and in brush tools. First let's talk about layer blend modes, and how they work.    A Couple of Facts about Layer Blend Modes First of all, you cannot use a layer blend mode on a background layer. You CAN use a layer blend mode on a layer ABOVE the background to control how the upper layer blends with the background, but as for applying a blend mode to a background, it can't be done. In Photoshop Elements the layer blend modes can be changed in the layers palette. Changing the layer blend mode affects the entire layer, even if you have a selection. It will not affect transparent areas. One thing that stumps many new users of Elements: a background is NOT a layer and does not behave as a layer. To use a layer blend mode you must have at least two layers in the image: a bottom layer, or background, with a layer above it. (Note: if the bottom layer is a true layer you could apply a blending mode to it, but since there is nothing below it, there would be no effect.) Layer blend modes can only be applied to layers, not backgrounds. They need to be applied to upper layers so they can interact with the layers below. Blending modes are selected using the popup menu at the top of the layers palette. Simply select the layer you wish to apply the mode to, and then choose the blend mode from the popup menu. Continued... Please note: Lessons provide step-by-step instructions with detailed screen captures.

Course Goals

By the end of this course, you will know how to use layers, and you will know how to use type and understand Elements brushes. You’ll understand the clone and healing tools, and will also have the skills to correct your photos and be ready to move on to the intermediate classes.

Course Reviews

New Class March 2010