Photoshop Day 2: Masks, selections, combinations

Screencast (feel free to share this with students if they miss this day):

 


Objectives

File URL: tiny.cc/PsDay2

General:

  • Uses Masks
  • Combines images

Specific:

  • Understands masks
  • Makes masks
  • Edits masks
  • Makes Selections
  • Makes adjustment layers with masks
  • Uses masks and layers to combine photos

Outline

Hook

  • Show them two images and then the images combined
Introduction:
  • Questions since last time?
  • In what situations would you want to combine images?
Selections:
Masks:
*Note to instructor: the concept of layer masks is pretty tricky to learn and to teach.  Please try your best to be patient, explain it slowly and effectively, using whatever analogy you think will help.  For example, I like to compare it to an overhead projector and cutting holes in pieces of paper on top of transparencies.
Conclusion
  • Recap:
    • Selections
    • Masks
    • Combinations
  • Next time:
    • Photomerge for panoramas
    • healing photos
  • Office/Facebook

Example Hook

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Example Questions

  • In your own words how does a mask work?
  • Explain the difference between black and white on a mask?
  • What does the magic wand selection tool do?
  • Why would you make a selection?
  • Do you feel like you can combine Photos?
  • In what situations would you combine photos?
  • Why are masks considered non-destructive editing?

Example Activities and Files

  • Selections: use the cookies in selections.jpg to show all the selection tools and color the frosting with hue/saturation adjustment layers.
    • Try it: have students select and color their cookies, then show and tell
  • Masks: Show students how masks work by placing a hue and saturation layer on the Masks.jpg and then masking it (all black). Show them how to paint over the flower with white so the color changes. Then show how to use a selection to do the same thing.
  • Follow along: have students follow along as you combine the CombineA.jpg and CombineB.jpg using selections and masks.
  • Apply it activity: Have student place a photo of themselves (or one of ours) on a background of a famous place.