Module 9: Resolution, Retouching & Printing

This module takes you inside the digital darkroom where images are refined, perfected, and prepared for final output. You’ll explore industry-standard software, understand how file formats and colour management affect image quality, and learn the techniques professionals use to ensure that screen and print results match perfectly. From sharpening and tonal adjustments to calibration and file preparation, this module builds the technical confidence needed to produce consistently high-quality images for any medium.

Module 9 Course Preview

Why This Module Matters

The final layer of a current photography workflow is all about software use. In Module 9, you’ll:

Get familiar with all the software options and their unique attributes.
Understand resolution units, conversion processes, and output requirements, including printing.
Investigate image file formats and when to use the available options.
Gain confidence retouching your images by learning several post-production techniques.
Learn software tools and techniques to create high-quality images that meet industry standards.

What You’ll Learn

Editing & Retouching Software
Explore Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One Pro, and other professional-grade software.
File Formats & Bit Depth
RAW, DNG, JPEG, TIFF, PSD and how bit depth impacts image quality and workflow.
Resolution & Output
Master DPI, PPI, and resolution requirements for both digital and print delivery.
Sharpening & Image Adjustment
Apply layers, masks, sharpening techniques and more to achieve professional results.

What You’ll Do

Retouch & Optimise Images
Use professional editing software to enhance, correct, and refine your photographs.
Manage Settings & Workflow
Calibrate your workspace, manage profiles, bit depth and maintain colour consistency.
Conduct Printing Tests
Analyse printing experiments comparing on-screen and printing results.
Sharpening Techniques
Apply sharpening methods and evaluate outcomes with your tutor.

Module Topics

In Module 9, we will cover the following topics and beyond:

Image Retouching Software
Adobe Photoshop (Ps)
Adobe Photoshop Elements
Adobe Lightroom Classic (LrC)
Capture One Pro
Corel PaintShop Pro
Affinity Photo By Serif
Other Image Editing & Retouching Tools
The Interesting Issue of DPI & PPI
Image File Size… How Big Is Big Enough?
Output Devices & Resolution Requirements
Photo Quality Inkjet Printers
Offset Printers
Lines Per Inch & DPI Conversions
The Professional Print Lab
Computer Monitors
Email & The Internet
Dot Gain
Your Workspace
Work In RGB
Gamma
Gamut
Gamut Warnings
The CMYK Colourspace
Bit Depth
Colour Channels In Photoshop
File Formats For Digital Imaging & Printing
RAW
DNG
JPEG
Print-Bound Images

PSD
TIFF
EPS
PDF
GIF
JPEG 2000
Other Random File Formats
Working With 16 Bit Files
16-Bit Capture & ACR
Converting 8-Bit Images To 16-Bit
16-Bit Editing
Photoshop Retouching
HDR For High Contrast Scenes
Interpolation
Photoshop Toolbox
Quick Masking
Photoshop’s Densitometer
Adjustment Layers
Sharpening
Every Digital Image Requires Sharpening
Unsharp Mask (USM)
Traps For Young Players
My Sharpening Methodology (Overview)
Selective Sharpening
Camera Raw Image Adjustment Basics
Camera Raw Tools
Adobe Lightroom Classic Image Adjustment Basics
Do Your Prints Look Like The Screen Image?
Greyscale Print Test
Calibration – The Whole Shebang
How to Construct a Greyscale Box In Photoshop

Module Outcomes

By completing Module 9, you will:

Gain hands-on proficiency in leading software to edit, retouch, and optimise digital images effectively.
Learn how RAW, JPEG, TIFF, PSD, and other file types affect image quality, workflow, and print results.
Understand resolution, DPI/PPI relationships, and manage output requirements.
Understand the discrepancy of print and on-screen images and how bit depth should be managed.
Confidently use layers, masks, adjustment tools, and sharpening workflows for digital and print media.

Guidance Every Step of the Way

Our expert tutors will support you throughout Module 9. You'll receive guidance on all aspects of post-production and output requirements, which is the focus of this module. Receive retouching, resolution, and printing advice to take your images to a high-end professional level. Perform practical tests and absorb knowledge.