Table of Contents

foundation module

Introduction xiv

A structured learning approach xv

Supporting DVD xv

Research and resources xv

Essential information xvi

1 What's new for CS6 1

A new look and a new direction 2

2 Bridge 23

Introduction 24

The CS6 version of Bridge 25

Setting up Bridge 26

Using Bridge 32

Using Bridge to access the project resources 45

3 Workflow 47

Introduction 48

A few key concepts before we start… 50

Foundation Project 1 55

Image capture - Step 1 55

Downloading files - Step 2 60

Image management - Step 3 62

Image processing steps 63

Rotating and cropping an image - Step 4 63

Color adjustments - Step 5 65

Tonal adjustments - Step 6 67

Cleaning an image - Step 7 75

Sharpening an image - Step 8 77

Setting "workflow Options - Step 9 78

Applying changes to multiple files - Step 10 79

Outputting processed files - Step 11 81

Saving, duplicating and resizing for web - Step 12 83

4 Raw Processing 87

Introduction 88

Processing Raw data 89

Foundation Project 2 90

Lens corrections - Step 1 90

Straighten, crop and size - Step 2 92

Color space - Step 3 93

Choosing a bit depth - Step 4 94

White balance - Step 5 95

Global tonal adjustments - Step 6 99

Controlling saturation and vibrance - Step 7 100

Localized correction - Step 8 101

Grayscale conversion and toning - Step 9 106

Adding special effects - Step 10 111

Noise reduction and sharpening - Step 11 113

Output options - Step 12 116

Foundation Project 3 118

Preliminary enhancements - Step 1 118

Add Graduated Filter effect - Step 2 119

Adjust the Graduated Filter effect - Step 3 119

Reclaim some of the filtered detail - Step 4 120

Add a film-like grain effect - Step 5 120

Digital exposure 121

Adjusting exposure in ACR 122

Foundation Project 4 122

Dust on the sensor - batch removal 126

Archiving Raw files as digital negatives 127

5 Fine Print 129

Introduction 130

The problem and the solution 131

Prepare your print workshop 132

Prepare your monitor 133

Prepare your inkjet printer 134

Select appropriate color setting 135

Obtain a profile target 136

Print the target using Adobe® Color Print Utility 136

Alternative: Printing a target from Photoshop 137

Adjust the printer settings 138

Create and install custom profile 139

Tag images with the Adobe RGB profile 139

Test your color managed workflow 140

Make printer presets 140

Assessing the test print for accuracy 141

Preserving shadow detail 142

Soft Proofing 143

Printing using a professional lab 144

Digital Basics - DVD Chapter 1 DVD1

Introduction DVD3

Channels and modes DVD4

Levels DVD5

Hue, Saturation and Brightness DVD6

Color and light overview DVD8

Bit depth DVD10

File size DVD11

File formats DVD12

Image compression DVD15

Resolution DVD17

Image size DVD21

Interpolation DVD24

Digital Darkroom - DVD Chapter 2 DVD27

Digital setup DVD28

Monitor settings DVD29

Choosing a workspace DVD30

Getting started with Photoshop DVD30

Settings and preferences DVD33

Navigation and viewing modes DVD35

Rulers and guides DVD38

Advanced skills module

6 Layers and Channels 147

Introduction 148

Layers overview 149

Layer types 152

Channels 156

Adjustment and filter layers and editing quality 158

Layer masks and editing adjustments 159

7 Selections 161

Introduction 162

Selection tools overview 162

Shape-based selections with the Marquee tools 162

Drawn selections using the Lasso tools 163

Customizing your selections 165

Refining selections 167

Refine Edge in action 168

Saving and loading selections 170

Feather and anti-alias 171

Defringe and Matting 172

Quick Mask or Refine Edge 173

'Color Range' 174

Channel masking 175

Tone-based selections and masks 177

Selections from paths 181

8 Filters 187

Introduction 188

The 'Smart' way to filter 189

The Filter Gallery 191

Fade Filter command 192

Improving filter performance 192

Installing and using third party niters 192

Filtering a shape, text or vector layer 193

The great filter roundup 193

Liquify filter 194

Vanishing Point 196

Adaptive Wide Angle 19 8

Lighting Effects Gallery 199

Blur Gallery 200

Correcting lens distortion with niters 202

Noise filters 206

Sharpen filters 208

Texture filters 209

Other filters 210

Filter DLY 211

9 Layer Blends 213

Introduction 214

The 'Darken' group 216

The 'Lighten group 219

The 'Overlay' group 222

Difference and Exclusion 224

Hue, Saturation and Color 225

Luminosity 227

imaging projects module

10 Retouching Projects 229

Standard edit in ACR - Project 1 230

Extreme contrast edits in ACR - Project 2 255

Tone Curves and luminosity masks - Project 3 261

Black and White in ACR - Project 4 271

Lens corrections - Project 5 277

Working spaces - Project 6 284

Clone and stamp - Project 7 295

Gradients and vignettes - Project 8 305

11 Composite Projects 315

Refine Edge - Project 1 316

Refine Edge (take two) - Project 2 321

Paths, masks and blend modes - Project 3 333

Replacing a sky - Project 4 347

Composite studio lighting and action - Project 5 354

Preserving shadows - Project 6 361

Replacing a studio background - Project 7 372

High Dynamic Range (HDR) - Project 8 380

HDR problems and solutions - Project 9 380

Photomerge - Project 10 396

Vertical panoramas - Project 11 414

12 Special Effects 423

Smooth Tone technique - Project 1 424

High Impact - Project 2 430

Color Grading - Project 3 439

Reduced Depth of Field - Project 4 448

Tilt-Shift effect - Project 5 459

Faux Holga - Project 6 463

Lens Flare effect - Project 7 475

Split-grade blur and split tone - Project 8 480

Borders and textures - Project 9 490

Glossary 497

Keyboard Shortcuts 507

Web Links 509

Index 510