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Not sure which class to take?
Photoshop? Elements? Beginning? Intermediate? Advanced? See below for explanations. All classes have good computer skills as pre-requisite.

Note In the listings below, those with a cost of $__ are proposed classes and subject to change.

Address 1701 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley 94702 MAP
Phone 510.644.6130
Fax 510.644.6784
Website http://BAS.berkeley.net
Register online, by mail, or in person starting Dec 15 for the 2010 classes
Platform: All classes below on Macs

Photoshop CS4, Level 1

Photoshop CS4 Levels 1 and 2 establish a strong foundation in preparation for the ACA exam. Photoshop is the industry standard in image editing software and is used in a variety of settings. We will discuss project requirements, workflow, and design elements such as resolution, image size, typography, and color correction. Learn about tools, selections, layers and masks, appropriate file formats, and color management. We will practice retouching and blending images, drawing and painting, and special effects using filters. And much more! Certificate offered. Prerequisite: Intro to Computers class, or good computer skills.
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Code	Time	Mtgs	Day	Dates	Room	Fee
06-311-274	6:30-9:30pm	19	M/W	01/25-04/07	108	$80
06-311-275	6:30-9:30pm	18	M/W	04/12-06/16	108	$80

Photoshop CS4, Level 2

Prerequisite: Beginning level class. More complex techniques such as compositing, masking, and special effects.

Code	Time	Mtgs	Day	Dates	Room	Fee
06-315-144	6:30-9:30pm	10	Th	01/28-04/08	108	$50
06-315-145	6:30-9:30pm	10	Th	04/15-06/17	108	$50

Photoshop CS4, Level 3

Emphasizing advanced Photoshop topics like actions for production efficiency, masking, blending, advanced selections, and special imaging projects requiring multiple layer composites. Homework assigned. This is a fast-paced class. Knowledge of Photoshop is assumed. Prerequisite: Photoshop Level 1 & 2, or consent of instructor. BAS Certificate offered.

Code	Time	Mtgs	Day	Dates	Room	Fee
06-318-154	9:00am-12:00pm	9	F	01/29-04/09	108	$50
06-318-155	9:00am-12:00pm	10	F	04/16-06/18	108	$50

WEST CONTRA COSTA ADULT ED - Serra Campus

Address 6028 Ralston, Richmond, CA 94805 MAP
Phone 510.215-4666
Website http://www.wccae.info
Register in person, by mail, or call office for info (no credit cards, no online registration)
Platform: Photoshop and portfolio classes on PCs

Versions of Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop (CS3 in Richmond, CS4 in Berkeley) is the professional level industry standard for graphic artists, professional photographers, and others needing to manipulate digital images. Photoshop is used in a number of different industries, such as magazine advertising, the Internet, and movie special effects, to mention just a few. This level of Photoshop can be complex and comprehensive. You should have good computer and mouse skills, with experience in other applications. You should be familiar with a keyboard and know how to find files in specific folders, copy & paste, move images from one place to another, and save files to a specific location. We do go over these processes in class, but having experience in basic computer functions allows you to focus on Photoshop itself, rather than on how to work the computer.

Version CS4 was released in late 2008, but apparently is slow in sales. Many are still using CS3. Rumor has it that CS5 will be released in April/May 2010, but this has not been officially announced by Adobe.

Adobe Photoshop Elements is a "consumer" level program, similar to professional level Photoshop, but easier to use. Elements has fewer features and less control, however has a number of great tools for amateur photographers, office staff who need to prepare images for office use, or those wanting to use or make images for web sites, email, birthday cards, or other personal projects. For the price (about $99 regular retail, much less with rebates), it can't be beat.

Beginning? Intermediate? Advanced?
Windows? Mac?

Beginning level classes (Level 1) assume no knowledge of the program. We go over menus, tools, automated functions, concepts, how the program works in general. We'll do projects of various types, with hand-outs to take home to practice basic concepts and functions. Beginning level classes do assume a good working knowledge of computers.

Intermediate level classes (Level 2) assume a basic working knowledge of the program. We practice more complex techniques and concepts. Project hand-outs may be several pages long and require a number of steps.

Advanced level classes (Level 3) assume familiarity with menus, palettes, and common techniques and processes. Advanced topics will focus on improving production efficiency and refining complex techniques.

Cross Platform Issues
Photoshop CS3/CS4 function 99.44% the same on both Macs and PCs. The only differences are in the computer operating systems: where files are stored, a slight difference in the keyboard, a one-click mouse vs. left/right-click mouse. Basic files created are cross-platform, that is, if created on a Mac, can be opened on a PC, and visa versa.

Photoshop Elements has considerable differences between platforms. Windows versions generally have an image organizing function, while Macs take advantage of iPhoto, which comes already installed on Macs. There are several other differences as well, however, the image editing functions are the same.