Using Photoshop

Using Photoshop

This was my first time using Photoshop, and during the creation of this image I have learnt to use some of the tools essential for editing on Photoshop. For example:

• Setting up a file - there were very specific details to setting up a file, such as making sure it was set on A4 international paper with a pixel per inch ratio of 300, which ensures my image will be suitable for a magazine front cover.
• PSD + layers
• Scaling an image - to do this, I have to use the scale tool, however I also had to hold down the shift key whilst adjusting my image size as it is necessary keep the aspect ratio of the image balanced. If I had used scale without holding the shift key, my image would be distorted and unusable for my overall product.
• Saving files - when saving files, I had to change to image format into JPEG (if I had completed it), or keep it as a Photoshop file (if I hadn't completed it). This is important because if I had saved my final product as a Photoshop file, I wouldn't be able to upload it onto my blog, on the other hand, if I'd have saved it as a JPEG when it was incomplete, I wouldn't be able to edit the layers in Photoshop.
• Selecting images - my selected images needed to have a size of 500x500 or higher, this is to make sure my they were all in high definition for my overall product. My images also had to be complete, for example, the brown bear couldn't have an ear out of shot, or else the final product wouldn't be believable, as the bear would be missing an ear. 
• Polygon lasso - this tool is more difficult to use than the quick selection tool, but is more defined and has a higher quality, more professional finish.
• Image adjustments (hue/saturation) - changing the hue of an image changes the entire color scheme, which is ideal for creating abstract images. However when creating professional pieces of work, it is unwise to change the hue as it makes the images look unreal and have a lower quality. Saturation is the amount of color in an image has, which can be used on professional photographs, as increasing the saturation of an image makes the overall finish look brighter and more colorful.
• Image adjustments (brightness/contrast) - affecting the brightness and contrast is important to creating a well finished piece of work. Increasing the brightness and contrast ensures my image has bright, vibrant colors that catches the eye of the audience.
• Image adjustments (levels)