Art School: Digital Photoshop
This course is suitable for all and a variety of abilities will be catered for, using tutorials/exercises which accommodate the beginner, intermediate and advanced user of image manipulation software. Some knowledge of the editing software Adobe Photoshop would be preferable, but is in no means a formal entry requirement.
The digital photoshop course is a great way to improve your understanding and get to grips with the use of image editing software. The course uses ‘Adobe Photoshop & Adobe Bridge’ using tutorials produced by the tutor, alternatively you may be asked to carry out a photographic task to produce specific images which will then be used in class the following week. (All tutorials have a detailed illustrated document).
Initially the course will cover basic skills and techniques but will progress on to more advanced functions/tools/techniques. The course will allow you to develop your interest in photography and image manipulation.
Entry requirements
Anyone can enrol; the course is open to people with previous experience and qualifications in other art and media areas. However, good computer skills are a requirement of the course- if your computer skills are limited then this course may not be for you. Please speak to one of our InfoZone advisors if you are unsure.
Course units
The ‘Photoshop’ tutorials cover basic tools and techniques, destructive and non-destructive editing, then move on to more advanced techniques such as layers, layer masks, adjustment layers, smart layers, blending modes, retouching skills and techniques and the use of ‘RAW’ images etc. During the course, the tutor will give advice on how to get the best out of your photographic equipment and image editing software. You may be asked to produce/bring your own images for specific tasks/tutorials; advice and guidance will be given beforehand if you are unfamiliar with certain camera functions.
Assessments
There will be no test/examination associated with this course and students will be able to work at their own pace.
Course fees
£285
Course progression
Completion of this course will enable students to progress on to various other Art & Design courses available at York College.
Dates & course durations
14th January 2025 - 25th March 2025, Tuesday evening.
Study methods
Learning is in a friendly and professional environment with all appropriate health and safety provision. The tutor, Paul Batty, is a professional photographer who has worked in advertising, commercial, PR and Social/Wedding photography. Paul will guide you and help you to develop new skills and abilities.
Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to experiment and use the available facilities of the College along with their own equipment/software at home to produce individual work. Advanced techniques can be catered for, for those who already have the basic knowledge & skills in image manipulation. Students who have skills in other areas will be encouraged to utilise these to build a folio of work
Facilities
Students will have access to a suite of ‘Apple Macintosh’ computers with industry leading software. If learners prefer they can use their own laptop computers and ‘Adobe’ image editing software if they wish. You will also have access to a fantastic range of College-wide facilities such as the Learning & Research Centre, study hubs, computer areas with accompanying multi-function printers and helpdesk advice.
Additional costs
Using your own camera for class practical is advised. Having image editing software at home is also advised allowing you to continue your learning at times other than the scheduled classes
You should bring a USB storage device which has a capacity higher than 8GB. This will allow you to store tutorials and transfer work undertaken in class to your home.
The tutor is familiar with most operating systems, and many versions of Adobe image-editing software. If you wish to use other image editing software on your own laptop it may or may not have similar capabilities to the Adobe software. You will therefore have to adapt the tutorials and techniques to your own software.
To achieve a good outcome in relation to image editing, it is advisable that learners either obtain ‘Adobe Photoshop’ (PS) or ‘Adobe Photoshop Elements’ (PSE) if they do not at present have any image-editing software.
Career progression
You will be equipped with the skills and knowledge in digital photoshop to help you progress and develop in a number of job opportunities to suit your personal needs and interests, or pursue further simply for pleasure.