This presentation showcases some of my photo retouching and image optimization photos. In addition to the images displayed in the slides, I also provide brief outline of the major techniques I used for achieving the results. The software I used is Adobe Photoshop CC2014.

1. Image optimization and preparation of images for electronic publishing

2. Image optimization | Photo retouching
Image optimization
• Image optimization is vital for preparing
images for digital collections
• Image optimization is the process of getting
the right balance of image size and picture
quality
• Image optimization is achieved by using a
special graphic design software such as
Adobe Photoshop, CorelDraw, Adobe
Fireworks
• Key areas for optimizing file size: bit depth,
resolution, dimension
• Involves the selection of the right file format
 Lossy compression vs. lossless compression
 Selection of format for master files storage
 Selection of format for web publishing
Photo retouching
• Very common in digital libraries
• Important stage of developing digital collections
• The process of preparing images for electronic
publication
• Involves image manipulation using a special
graphic design software such as Adobe
Photoshop, CorelDraw, Adobe Fireworks
• The purpose: to make the images with
aesthetically pleasing appearance and attractive
look by applying various image editing
techniques
• Necessary skill for librarians who process old
photographs | manuscripts | maps as they usually
have poor quality and require special retouching
before uploading in the digital collection

3. Examples
before
after
Software: Adobe Photoshop CC2014
Techniques
 Patch tool (removes date)
 Spot healing brush (touch-ups after date removal)
 Color balance (enhances colors)
 Hue/saturation (enhances colors)
 Exposure (corrects tonal values)
File size (before | after)
2538KB 670KB
Dimensions in px (before | after)
2576x1952 640x485
Original copyright: Dimitar Georgiev
Copyright of derivative image: Marina Georgieva

4. Examples
Software: Adobe Photoshop CC2014
Dimensions in px (before | after)
2576x1952 1280x960
before
after
Techniques
 Patch tool (removes date)
 Spot healing brush (touch-ups
after date removal)
 Imported Word calendar with
applied bevel & embossed semi-
transparent base
Major techniques for the collage
 3 layers of the same photo
 Black & white version of the photo for background layer
 Middle layer has applied mask. Exposure | Offset |
Gamma correction to make tree stand out. Magic wand
tool to remove everything except for the tree. Colors of
the tree enhanced: Hue/saturation & Color balance
 Top layer is only grass. Applied mask. Magic wand tool
removes everything except for small tuffs of grass.
Colors enhanced: Hue/saturation & Vibrance
Original copyright: Dimitar Georgiev
Copyright of derivative image: Marina Georgieva

5. Examples
Software: Adobe Photoshop CC2014
File size (before | after)
673KB 249KB
Dimensions in px (before | after)
900x1344 450x672
before
after
collage
Techniques
 Lasso tool (selects window)
 Content aware fill (removes
window)
Techniques for collage
 Quick selection tool (selects the
lady)
 Refine edges (manipulates
hair in greater details)
 Apply mask (removes the
background and cuts out only the
selected figure)
 Eraser tool for touch-ups
Copyright of derivative images: Marina Georgieva

6. Examples
Software: Adobe Photoshop CC2014
before
after
afterDigitized photograph
Great example for retouching
digitized photo with dull colors
Techniques
 Brightness & Contrast for
more sharp colors
 Levels for stronger highlight
Techniques for the sepia effect
 Convert to RGB color mode
 Hue | Saturation => Colorize
Copyright of derivative images: Marina Georgieva

7. Examples
Software: Adobe Photoshop CC2014
Digitized photograph
Great example for retouching and
modifying crooked digitized photo
with bluish filter
before
after
Techniques
 Crop tool (for straightening the image)
 Color balance (for reducing the bluish filter)
 Brightness & Contrast (for color sharpness)
 Levels (for reducing the white pixels)
Copyright of derivative images: Marina Georgieva

8. The end
Copyright: Marina Georgieva
This project was made
possible thanks to
great option for Internet
accessing of the
Adobe Creative Cloud
2014 installed on the
SOIS virtual machines.
Special thanks to the School of
Information Studies, University of
Wisconsin – Milwaukee for providing
free access to their Virtual Lab.