2025-09-15 DDM Session #2 (EXERCISE #1)

Meeting summary

Quick recap

Brian led multiple Photoshop tutorial sessions covering fundamental features, interface navigation, and basic editing techniques for architectural photography. The sessions included practical exercises focusing on image manipulation, layer management, and specific tools like lasso and smart layers. Brian concluded by guiding students through a working session on their first exercise, addressing submission procedures and providing support for technical issues.

Next steps

• Brian: Continue teaching Photoshop interface and functionality in future sessions

• Brian: Provide recorded video sessions for students to review later

• Students: Practice using Photoshop interface tools

• Students: Learn basic Photoshop techniques for architectural visualization and photomontaging

Summary

Photoshop Fundamentals and AI Integration

Brian led a Photoshop tutorial session, explaining key features and uses of the software, including photo enhancement, montage, correction, and reality enhancement. He emphasized the importance of human intervention when using AI tools, stating that knowing Photoshop is still crucial, even as AI capabilities grow. Participants discussed differences in photos, such as altered exposure, missing objects, and changes in perspective, and Brian highlighted how Photoshop can correct lens distortions common in architectural photography.

Image Manipulation and Realism Discussion

The group discussed an image manipulation exercise, focusing on identifying added elements and discussing the realism of a composite image. Participants pointed out various additions including foliage, water effects, and lighting changes, with several noting that the right image appeared unrealistic due to inconsistencies like dry clothing despite rainy weather. Brian emphasized that while the goal was not to create ultra-realistic images, the exercise aimed to understand fundamental Photoshop techniques for communicating architectural concepts, such as adding layers and effects to convey specific ideas.

Photoshop Basics and Navigation Tutorial

Brian led a session on using Photoshop, focusing on its interface and basic functionalities. He explained the differences between general and specific tools in Photoshop, using analogies to help participants understand their purposes. Brian emphasized that while Photoshop has evolved over the years, its fundamental layout remains consistent. He encouraged participants to follow along with the tutorial, noting that they could refer back to the video if they fell behind. The session aimed to teach participants how to navigate and utilize Photoshop in less than an hour, with an emphasis on learning how to learn about the various tools and features.

Photoshop Interface and Navigation Basics

Brian demonstrated the basic navigation and interface manipulation in Photoshop, covering how to zoom, pan, and reset the workspace. He explained how to drag and dock panels, emphasizing that panels function like specific tools in Photoshop, similar to surgical instruments in a medical context. Brian showed how to open and arrange the Layers, History, and Swatches panels, and demonstrated creating a custom workspace setting for future use.

Photoshop Fundamentals and Exercise Guidelines

Brian led a session on Photoshop fundamentals, explaining file formats and the importance of using Photoshop for assignments due to its industry standard status. He clarified that exercises are worth 2% each and are meant for practice, while the main assignment is worth 24%. Tara raised concerns about using alternative software for exercises, and Brian confirmed that while students can use similar programs for practice, they must submit Photoshop files for higher-marked assignments. The class then moved on to the first exercise, which involves enhancing environments and entourage using Photoshop filters.

Photoshop Image Editing Tutorial

Brian Williams led a tutorial on using Photoshop to manipulate images, focusing on replacing skies and adding vehicles. He demonstrated how to open files, arrange layers, and use tools like the crop tool. The tutorial covered basic concepts such as layer management, tool options, and zooming in to see pixel details. Brian explained the importance of selecting the correct layer before making edits and mentioned that new images are brought into Photoshop as smart layers by default, which cannot be edited.

Photoshop Lasso Tools Demonstration

Brian Williams demonstrated various lasso tools in Photoshop, including the polygonal and magnetic lasso tools, for selecting and editing image elements. He explained the process of rasterizing layers to enable editing and showed how to use the History Panel for undoing changes. Brian emphasized the importance of these tools for architectural drawings, such as inserting or removing objects like cars or trees. He concluded by recommending a combination of tools for efficient image editing.

Photoshop Image Editing Techniques

Brian demonstrated how to use Photoshop to edit and manipulate images, focusing on techniques like cutting out elements, replacing backgrounds, and adjusting layers. He emphasized the importance of working in sections rather than trying to cut everything at once to avoid mistakes. Brian also showed how to replace the sky with different images and position layers correctly. Raheem asked if they could use different images, to which Brian confirmed they had multiple options available.

Photoshop Smart Layers Demonstration

Brian Williams demonstrated how Photoshop's Smart Layers work and explained their importance for preserving image quality. He showed that when resizing images, Smart Layers maintain better quality than regular layers due to their ability to retain pixel data. Brian also introduced the Quick Selection tool as an alternative to the Polygonal Lasso tool for selecting and cutting out objects in images, though he noted that it may not work as well with complex or closely colored shapes.

Photoshop Car Shadow and Reflection

Brian demonstrated how to create a shadow and reflection for a car in Photoshop using various tools like warp, distort, and blending options. He explained the process of duplicating layers, adjusting opacity, applying filters, and using the eraser tool to achieve the desired effects. The final image showed a car with a blurred motion effect and a shadow that helps ground it, along with a reflection that appears to be driving fast.

Exercise 1 Submission Guidelines Review

Brian led a working session on Exercise 1, explaining submission procedures and grading criteria. He agreed to accept late submissions from students facing technical issues, including Ruth-Ann who couldn't use her non-functional laptop. Brian advised students to complete the class exercise by the next day, after their studio class, and reminded them that the class website contains useful resources including a computer purchase guide.

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