Photography and Image Resizing Fundamentals

Digital Media 4e - Chapter 2: Image Files

• This chapter focuses on image files, specifically raster files

• Paint programs use pixels

• Pixel—a specific color at a specific location in a grid

• Drawing programs utilize vectors or lines

• Examples of programs are provided for both raster and vector (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Paint, Corel Paint Shop Pro, GIMP)

• Raster-based paint programs assign each pixel with x and y coordinates, creating a raster/bitmap image

• Enlarging raster images causes pixilation, while reducing them results in loss of sharpness

• Common non-native raster file types:

  • BMP: Used in word processing; large file sizes; usually 256 colors
  • JPG: High quality; 16 million colors; commonly used, compressed format
  • GIF: Small file sizes; mainly for line art, transparency, or animated graphics
  • TIFF: Works well in various environments; large file size; 16 million colors; used for print documents

• Non-native vector file types:

  • EPS: General-purpose vector file; data and preview in one file; commonly used for print
  • SVG: Web-based vector; use HTML code; small file sizes; popular on mobile devices

• Licensing fees related to GIF compression. Specifics on CompuServe decisions are also noted

• Format conversion to different formats

• Understanding of compression (lossless and lossy)

• Lossy compression reduces file size by discarding less essential information

• Lossless compression preserves all pixel data.

• Image quality of JPGs depends on compression levels (1-12)

• Understanding resolution, resizing and resampling:

  • Pixel density (ppi) defines image resolution
  • Resampling influences image quality during resizing
  • Maintaining aspect ratio during resizing
  • Formulas calculate colors for new pixels in resized images

Digital Media 4e - Chapter 4: Digital Photography

• Two basic camera categories: DSLR (digital single lens reflex) and point-and-shoot

• DSLR cameras: high image quality, adaptability, faster performance, more manual control, "what you see is what you get" (WYSIWYG)

• Point-and-shoot cameras: less expensive, more portable, easier to use

• Camera features including shooting modes, megapixels, optical and digital zoom, file types (JPEG, RAW)

• Camera care and safety

• Taking photographs: candid shots (unplanned), photographic composition (selection and arrangement)

• Compositional elements (line, shape, color, lighting)

• Compositional principles (unity, balance, perspective, emphasis)

• Focal point, rule of thirds, framing, leading lines, depth

• Directional lighting: front, side, back lighting

• Depth in photography, including terms like foreground, middle ground, and background; perspective and angles

Digital Media 4e - Chapter 5: Color in Digital Media

• Different color models (RGB, CMYK, HSB) explained
• RGB—additive color model using red, green, blue light to create colors on computer screens
• CMYK—subtractive color model using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black pigments, useful for printing
• HSB—based on human color perception, using hue, saturation, and brightness
• Importance of color mode selection based on output device (screen vs. print)
• Color theory concepts including: hues, neutrals, shades, tints, tones, grayscale, complementary, and analogous colors
• Color psychology and its effect on design
• Application of color palettes to branding strategies using specific color themes, including monochromatic, complementary, analogous, and triadic concepts
• Web-safe colors and the Pantone matching system (PMS)

Digital Media 4e - Chapter 6: Raster Editing

• Raster editing software tools such as Photoshop and other applications
• Tools and techniques for image selection (marquee, lasso, magic wand tools)
• Working with selection settings like anti-aliasing, feathering, tolerance, and contiguous
• Using Quick Mask mode for selections
• Adjusting image brightness and contrast using tools like the Curves panel
• Importance of cropping, and retouching tools for content alteration
• Ethical considerations with retouching
• Understanding the concept and usage of layers and layer masks in editing which includes nondestructive editing