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Design · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Advanced Digital Imaging Techniques

This course pushes the boundaries of pixel manipulation. Moving beyond basic photo editing, students will master high-end compositing, retouching, and restoration workflows used in advertising and fashion. The curriculum emphasizes non-destructive editing, “Frequency Separation” for skin retouching, and the integration of CGI passes with photography to create hyper-realistic imagery that exists only in the digital realm.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Master non-destructive workflows using Smart Objects and Layer Masks
  2. Execute "Frequency Separation" for high-end beauty and portrait retouching
  3. Perform complex compositing: Matching perspective, lighting, and grain
  4. Utilize "Color Grading" techniques (LUTs and Curves) for mood and atmosphere
  5. Restore and repair damaged digital or scanned analog images
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01The Non-Destructive Workflow: Philosophy & Setup
  2. 02RAW Processing: The Digital Negative
  3. 03Advanced Selection Tools: Refine Edge & Pen Tool
  4. 04Frequency Separation: Texture vs. Tone
  5. 05Dodge & Burn Techniques for Dimension
  6. 06Color Theory & Grading: The Color Wheel
  7. 07HDR (High Dynamic Range) Imaging
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Advanced Masking: Luminosity Masks
  10. 10Compositing I: Matching Perspective
  11. 11Compositing II: Matching Light & Shadow
  12. 12Compositing III: Atmospherics & Depth
  13. 13Integrating 3D Render Passes (AO/Depth)
  14. 14Automation: Actions & Batch Processing
  15. 15Preparing for Print vs. Web (Color Spaces)
  16. 16Final Project: The Surreal Composite Art

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Surreal Composite Art

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. Adobe Photoshop Classroom in a Book (Current Year)
  2. Professional Portrait Retouching Techniques for Photographers by Scott Kelby
  3. The Art and Science of Digital Compositing by Ron Brinkmann
  4. Digital Restoration from Start to Finish by Ctein
  5. Real World Color Management by Bruce Fraser
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