Get Started The Autumn 2009 program is no longer accepting applications Next program starts: Autumn 2010 Details will be posted in Spring Single courses may be available   Stay Connected Get e-mail updates Contact us: 206-685-8936 E-mail Learn More Download a program overview

Interested in taking a single class? Some courses (designated by a below) may be open on a space-available basis to professionals who are not seeking the certificate. See Single-Course Enrollment for details.

Autumn Course

Color & Image Management

Schedule: Mondays, 6-9 p.m., Oct. 12-Dec. 14, 2009; $889; 3 CEUs.

Instructor: Doug Manelski

The first course in the program focuses on establishing an optimal working environment using monitor calibration tools and configuring the software appropriately. Next students will work on image management with Adobe Lightroom as well as reference other available software programs. Additionally, students will learn about metadata, the importance of archiving work and then move into RAW processing as a way to prepare for the second course which deals with Image Optimization.

Course Topics:

• Color Management (Monitor calibration and profiling, color settings, color spaces)
• Software Configuration (Photoshop Preferences, Palette Configuration, Lightroom Settings)
• Image Acquisition
• Image Parameters & Quality (Resolution, Bit-Depth, Aspect Ratio)
• Image Management (Sorting and organizing images efficiently, Setting up an image management solution, Software options, Strategies and implementation)
• Metadata (Overview of types of metadata, challenges related to metadata, Rating, Labeling, Keywording strategies, Batch updating)
• Quick Sharing (Creating contact sheets and web galleries quickly with Photoshop and Lightroom for sharing with clients)
• Backup & Archiving
• RAW Processing

Winter Course

Image Optimization

Schedule: Mondays, 6-9:20 p.m., Jan. 4-Mar. 15, 2010 (no classes Jan. 18 and Feb. 15); $889; 3 CEUs

Instructor: Tim Grey

The course focuses on image optimization, but goes beyond the basics in Photoshop. Discussion topics include nondestructive workflow using layers, workflow strategies, tonal & color adjustments, curves, retouching, composite imaging, and various types of layer masking. The course ends with automation tools for managing large numbers of digital images. Some introductory printing will also be part of this course.

Course Topics:

• Nondestructive Workflow (Adjustment layers in Photoshop, Lightroom approach; importance of nondestructive workflow; workflow strategy)
• Tonal Adjustments (histograms, setting black and white points, clipping preview, adjusting Gamma, using curves)
• Color Adjustments (Understanding accurate color, memory colors, adjusting color balance, hue/saturation, adjusting individual color ranges, vibrancy adjustment)
• Image Retouching (Fixing blemishes, removing unwanted elements, proper use of tools in Photoshop, additional tools, retouching in Lightroom.
• Automatic Composites (collages, panoramas, HDR images, extended depth of field, and composites using advanced blending options and blend modes)
• Creating Selections (selection tools, saving selections, alpha channels)
• Layer Masking
• Advanced Layer Masking (Modifying alpha channels, utilizing blend modes, calculations command, layer groups for multiple masks)
• Getting Creative (dodging and burning, black and white conversions, infrared effect, painting color into an image)
• The Master Image (reviewing adjustments, file format considerations, organizational considerations with multiple files)
• Automation (Creating & applying actions, batch processing, droplets)

Spring Course

Creative Output: Printing, Self Publishing & Web Galleries

Schedule: Mondays, 6-9 p.m., Mar. 29-June 7, 2010; $889; 3 CEUs

Instructor: Ric Peterson

While the first two courses dealt with the digital image and its optimization, this focuses on the output. Part of the course will focus on printing techniques using both standard and large format printers. Students will have access to these printers and can develop a small portfolio of images for their own use. The course will also explore related topics such as print preservation, self publishing, producing gallery-quality work, and selling images. Other forms of output such as digital slideshows and web galleries will be explored as a way to showcase your work. One or more guest speakers will be featured in this course to provide a diversity of views and experience.

Course Topics:

• Print Options (Print labs, printers, papers, inks)
• Color Management (Printer profiles, output settings, Impact of output conditions, display conditions, building printer profiles)
• Generating Prints (Soft proofing, resizing (interpolation), sharpening, using a RIP, printer maintenance)
• Print Presentation (Evaluating prints, matting and framing, aesthetic considerations & lighting)
• Selling Prints (Where to present prints, pricing, improving sales, generating interest.
• Print Archiving
• Self-Publishing (Producing a book for self-publication, promoting and selling your book)
• Generating Client Files
• Digital Slideshows
• Web Galleries (Image preparation, producing professional galleries, maximizing exposure, minimizing theft issues)