Next Training Session

Description

In this hands-on guided training session we will use ‘Paint .NET’ image editing software to explore how to perform basic image manipulation.  As images often have different dimensions, changing the canvas size (‘cropping’) or scaling the image (‘resizing’) are essential skills.  When editing images for use on web sites you often need to ensure images have identical dimensions (width and height).  The Selection tool allows you to create basic cutouts if resizing or cropping alone are not enough.  Pasting a large image onto a smaller canvas can help to create cutouts to exact dimensions fast and allows for more flexible resizing and cropping.

This 2 hour training session will teach you the basics of image editing and should give you the confidence to master other aspects of photo editing.

Lesson plan

You are provided with 3 large images.  Each image has different dimensions.  Each image contains a single object out-of-center.  The lesson plan covers the following activities:

1. Download and install ‘Paint .NET’ image editing software.
2. Download the sample images.
3. Experiment with various attempts of resizing of the provided images.
   (?) What happens when you try to resize the image 20%?
   (?) What happens when you try to resize this image 500%?
   (?) What happens when you don’t maintain the aspect ratio?
   (!) Note that resizing work best from ‘large’ to ‘small’.
   (!) Always keep the original artwork in case you need to make changes in the future.
   (!) Note that resizing works best when the aspect ratio is preserved.
4. Experiment with various attempts of cropping the provided images.
   (?) What happens when you try to crop the image 20%?
   (?) What happens when you try to crop this image 500%?
   (?) What happens when you don’t maintain the aspect ratio?
   (?) What happens when you change anchoring?
   (!) Note that cropping works best from ‘large’ to ‘small’.
   (!) Note that cropping does not require for the aspect ratio to be preserved.
5. Experiment with making selections (cut-outs) and pasting the result as a new image.
   (!) Note how difficult it is to make precise cut-outs.
6. Create a new image of the desired width and height in pixels.  Paste the original image.  Keep canvas size.  Use the selection handles to crop or resize.  Hold SHIFT to maintain the aspect ratio.
7. If time permits we can experiment with random (portrait and landscape oriented) images from the internet.

Expressions of interest

Use the ‘Contact Us’ page to inquire about availability and to register for this course.  It is recommended to bring a computer, but if none available one will be provided.  Thank you for your interest.