Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0: First Steps (Mac)

IMPORTANT! This class is only for the Macintosh version of Elements 4. The class for Windows users can be found here.

IMPORTANT: This is a BEGINNING class. If you are upgrading to Elements 4 and have taken previous classes for Elements 3, you will find much repetition in the basics of using Elements. The new features are included in the class, but overall, it is a basic introductory class for Elements 4. Tools and features change from version to version, but the basic facts do not, and if you have taken previous classes for Elements 2 and 3 and expect all new information, you will be disappointed. Much of this class will be review for people who have been using Elements for a while. I have to keep the course content consistent with a level 1 class.

PSE 3.0

For Macintosh

The class is the beginning class for Photoshop Elements 4.0 for the Macintosh, and because this is an Overview course, it covers the interface, basic photo editing, some special effects, and the new features of the software. It also can serve as a upgrade class for users of previous versions so they can see what's new.

We will also cover using the File Browser to manage your photos. Each week there will be a section called Picture Perfect that deals with editing and improving your photos, and a section called Creative Corner that deals with the more artistic effects Elements is so good at, so whatever your intended use for Photoshop Elements 4, there’s something for everyone. For more information on Elements 4 and its features, see Sara’s Elements 4 Answers page.

Prerequisites:

You must have Photoshop Elements 4.0 installed. This class is written for PSE 4 as part of the Elements 4 series of classes.

An understanding of your computer and operating system is required. You must know how to unzip a file and locate it and open it in Elements once you have unzipped it. You must understand the use of menus (File > Open, or any other command) and keyboard shortcuts. This means knowing how to use commands for your operating system, such as command + V means paste on the Mac and control + V means paste on the PC.

To post homework, you will have to be able to either build a simple webpage, use one of the free web hosts or photo gallery sites. Ideas for free or low cost web space can be found here: http://www.northlite.net/homework.htm If you are really new to web pages then I suggest one of the gallery sites like Yahoo Photos which is free or pbase which is very reasonable. Neither of those options require you to know any html.

Links:

Where to post homework if you need space: http://www.northlite.net/homework.htm

Sara's Elements 4 Answers: http://www.northlite.net/elements4.htm

Photoshop Elements User Learning Center for PSE 4

Enrollment:

Classes are $30 for a six week session. This class is enrolling now.

Syllabus

This course is currently under development; therefore, this syllabus is preliminary and is subject to change.

Lesson 1: Finding your Way Around PSE 4

Interface and Work Areas
Opening, Closing, Saving, and Navigating Images
Setting Preferences
Getting Help: Using the Adobe Help Center and the Hints Palette
Save for Web
What's New? PSE 4 Upgrade Guide for previous version users
Creative Corner: Adding a Sepia Tone to Photos
Picture Perfect: Using the Auto Correct Tools

Lesson 2: Using Adobe Bridge

This lesson is under development
Creative Corner: Photo Vignettes
Picture Perfect: Using Shadows/Highlights to Correct Exposure

Lesson 3: Working with Color in PSE 4

Working With Color
Color Basics
Color Picker
Swatches and Color Palettes
Undo History Palette
Layers
Layer Blend Modes
Resizing and Resampling Images
Creative Corner: Colorizing a Photo Using Hue/Saturation
Picture Perfect: Photo Filter

Lesson 4: Correcting Photos

Selections: Using the Marquee tools, Magic Wand, Lassos
Magic Selection Brush and the Selection Brush
Magic Extractor
Modifying Selections
Using the Selection Menu
Saving and Loading Selections
Defringe Command
Adjustment Layers
Hue/Saturation Dialog
Creative Corner: Creating a Snaphot
Picture Perfect: Removing Chromatic Aberrations

Lesson 5: Styles, Filters, and Text

Filter Gallery
Styles
Effects
Filters
Vector vs. Bitmap: What's the Difference?
Working with the Text Tool
Creative Corner: Cookie Cutters
Picture Perfect: Cropping Basics and the Rule of Thirds

Lesson 6: Cropping and Styling

Printing Your Photos
Resolution and Resizing Revisited: Resizing Photos for Printing
Contact Sheets
Photo Packages and Custom Layouts
Slideshows
Web Galleries
Working with the Vector Shape Tool
Creative Corner: Fading an Image into Another Image: Layer Masks in Elements 4
Picture Perfect:Batch Processing with Process Multiple Files

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All designs and images on these pages are copyrighted to me, Sara Froehlich and Northlite Designs, or in the cases of software boxes and logos, their respective copyright holders. If you want to use something of mine you see, please contact me for permission. Thank you!