Image post processing

Knowledge and understanding

Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of the function of image post processing in visual communication
• explain the importance and principles of colour management on the screen

Competence and skills

Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• perform post processing on pictures of products and people in Adobe Photoshop based upon a given brief and feedback and within predetermined time frames
• in speech and in writing explain and justify his or her choice of post processing in relation to the given brief
• in speech and in writing give clear and adequate feedback to another person‘s post processing in relation to the current brief
• in a minor research project gather data and critically interpret and discuss compiled data concerning people‘s attitudes and/or tolerances towards photo manipulation

Judgement and approach

Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• justify his or hers and discuss other peoples choice of post-processing from different ethical perspectives
• demonstrate insight into the possible effects of photo manipulation on society and the responsibilities of the retoucher and client in relation to this
• reflect upon his or her limitations in image post-processing, and as as a consequence identify his or her need for further knowledge

The course covers image post-processing from a practical and theoretical point of view and focuses primarily on its principles, and on the various work roles, working processes and tools involved in post-processing. The software used is Adobe Photoshop.

The main part of the course focuses on providing practical knowledge of image post-processing – through lessons, practical exercises and assignments (solved both individually and in groups) – mainly focusing on the following functions:

• Layers, layer styles, layer structure, blending modes, masks, channels
• Selection tools, paths
• Tools for image manipulation (e.g. the healing brush function)
• Curves, selective colour changes, hue/saturation, histograms
• Sharpen, noise
• ICC-profiles, image resolution
• Soft-proofing

In connection with the assignments, the importance of working towards fulfilling the presented brief (containing the requirements for the image result) is highlighted, as is the importance of working within predetermined time frames and work in accordance with the given feedback. At one time during the course, the student will be required to autonomously solve specific image post-processing tasks within a limited time frame, being supervised by an supervisor.

The aim of image post-processing in visual communication is discussed through different perspectives (e.g., its aim in helping the viewer to focus, or making the motif more beautiful or distorting it). In addition we discuss the importance and usage of retouch (photo manipulation or air-brushing) in society during the last two hundred years, and we also reason about possible trends for the future. We also cover retouch from several ethical perspectives, including how it affects society and what responsibility professionals may have on how it is used.

The course particularly highlights the requirements that retouchers, artdirectors, clients and photographers have on images and how these requirements can be communicated through feedback (proofs). Moreover, during discussions and in assignments, the students will give peer feedback on each other’s images. Students will also communicate how they interpreted the brief in connection to the assignments and presentations and justify the way they solved the task given the obtained feedback.

As a part of the assignments, the student will also be required to justify his or her choices of retouch from several ethical perspectives.

The course also includes a simple research project (with a given research question) in which the student will gather, critically interpret and discuss data about people‘s attitudes and/or tolerances towards photo manipulation.

During the assignments (in relation to the specified requirements) the student will also evaluate and comment on his or her own performance. The students will also assess their own limitations in terms of image post-processing in order to reflect upon and identify their need for further knowledge.

• Assignments with presentations (4 credits: U, G, VG): learning outcome nr 3, 4, 5, 7 and 9
  
• Minor research-stidy project and seminars (2 credits: U, G): learning outcome nr 6, 8 and 9
  
• Written examination (1.5 credits: U, G, VG): learning outcome nr 1, 2 and 5

Exercises, lectures, seminars, group discussions and a minor research-study project.

The Swedish grades U–VG.

A single final grade for the course is given after an overall assessment made by the examiner.

This course replaces Image processing 7.5 credits, GT1014.

Teaching is conducted in Swedish.

The number of examinations is limited to five.

Assessments of each performance are made only within the time period specified in the separate course guide. If the student does not fulfill all of the learning outcomes during this period, he or she is referred to the next course date.