Aperture 101 - An Introduction to Aperture 3

This two-day course starts with the basics of image management and takes you step by step through Aperture's powerful photo-editing, image-retouching, proofing, publishing, and archiving features. Students learn time-saving techniques for sorting, ranking, and organizing images for use in different jobs. Also covered are effective ways to display images for client review, apply metadata, update online portfolios automatically, color-manage workflow from input to final print, and much more. Real-world exercises feature professional photography from a variety of genres, including, sports, wedding, commercial, fine-art, and portraiture.

This class is for anyone looking to learn the fundamental functionality of Aperture, Apple's groundbreaking photo editing and management software. Aperture 3 delivers more than 100 new features that make it dramatically faster and easier to use and even more powerful.

Students should have the following knowledge prior to attending the course:

• Knowledge of Mac OS X and basic computer navigation
• Knowledge of basic photography terminology is highly recommended

Note: The curricula below comprise activities typically covered in a class at this skill level. The instructor may, at his/her discretion, adjust the lesson plan to meet the needs of the class.

Lesson 1: Importing Images into the Aperture Workflow

Using the Aperture Workflow and Layouts, Importing Images from a Memory Card, Choosing the Source Folder and Destination Project, Importing Images, Understanding Camera RAW, Using the Background Task List, Understanding Masters and Versions, Rating, Editing and Outputting Images, Backing up and Quitting

Lesson 2: Evaluating Images: Compare and Select

Importing Images from a Disk, Navigating the Browser, Using Quick Preview, Grouping Images into Stacks,Rotating Images, Evaluating Images in Full Screen Mode, Using Zoom, Using the Centered Loupe, Assigning Ratings, and Evaluating Images on the Light Table

Lesson 3: Organizing Your Project

Auto-stacking on Import, Filtering your Project by Rating, Using the Query HUD, Using Keywords, Editing Metadata Using the Metadata Inspector, Using Batch Change to Copy Metadata, Organizing Multiple Projects, Sorting Images Dynamically, and Search Queries

Lesson 4: Basic Edits

Importing an iPhoto Library/iPhoto Browser, Basic Editing Workflow, Cropping, Straightening, White Balancing, Sensor Dust and Red-eye Removal

Lesson 5: Working with RAW Files

Using Multiple Monitors, Choosing a RAW Converter, RAW Fine-tuning, White Balance Adjustment, Highlight Recovery Using the Recovery Slider, and Highlight Recovery Using the Exposure Slider

Lesson 6: Correcting Tone

Correcting Time Zone on Import, Adjusting Tone before Color, Reading a Histogram, Working with the Exposure Brick, Working with the Enhance Brick, Setting Levels, Adjusting Highlights and Shadows, and Editing in Full Screen

Lesson 7: Correcting Color

White Balance Revisited, Adjusting White Balance with the Eyedropper, Using the Enhance Brick, Using the Color Brick, Copying Edits from One Image to Another, Lift and Stamp, Specifying an External Editor and Launching an Editing Round Trip

Lesson 8: Enhancing Images

Using the Retouch Brush, Spot and patch, Vignette and Devignette, Noise Reduction, Sharpening, and Sepia Tone

Lesson 9: Delivering for Client Review

Working with Web Galleries, Creating Books for Client Review, Creating a Contact Sheet, Working with Slide Shows, Email and OS Media Browser

Lesson 10: Delivering Final Images

Delivering Electronic Images, Exporting Masters, Exporting Versions, Exporting Metadata, Exporting Projects, Using Export Plug-ins, Creating Books, and Delivering Printed Images

Lesson 11: Showcasing and Promoting Your Work

Creating a Web Journal, Using iWeb, Creating Dynamic Slideshows, Using the Light Table, Pages Promotional Cards, Creating a Leave-behind Custom Flip Book, and Creating an iPhone and iPod Portfolio