~ by Kyle Sassmann, Yearbook Print Consultant, Ontario
When it comes to creating an amazing yearbook, cropping images in Photoshop is a must-have skill. Let’s break down the top tools you’ll want to use, with some handy tips to make your editing easier.
MARQUEE TOOLS: Quick & Simple Selections
If you need to crop a basic area, like a rectangle or circle, the Marquee Tools are your best friend. You can choose from Rectangle, Elliptical, Single Row, or Single Column. Here’s a pro-tip: Hold SHIFT while dragging your cursor to keep the aspect ratio even and create a perfect shape every time.
LASSO TOOLS: For Custom Shapes
Sometimes you need to crop around something that isn’t a perfect square or circle (like a cheerleader at the homecoming game). That’s where the Lasso Tools come in!
- Lasso: Great for quick, freehand selections. Just click, hold, and draw around your subject.
- Polygonal Lasso: Perfect for straight edges. Click around the area…no need to drag. Double-click to finish.
- Magnetic Lasso: This one is magic for high-contrast images. It “sticks” to the edges as you draw, making it easy to trace around your subject.
MAGIC WAND: Fast for High Contrast
The Magic Wand tool is awesome when your image has a clear difference between the subject and the background. Click once, and it selects similar colours. Adjust the “tolerance” at the top…lower numbers mean a tighter selection; higher numbers grab more colours.
PEN TOOL: For Complex Crops
If you need to crop something really detailed, the Pen Tool is your go-to. Click around the area, right click, and choose “Make Selection”. You can adjust the feather radius for softer or sharper edges. Lower values = crisp edges, higher values = softer blends.
QUICK MASK: Paint Your Selection
Want total control? Turn on Quick Mask mode and use the Brush Tool to paint over the area you want to select. Black adds to your selection, white erases. When you’re done, hit “Q” to exit Quick Mask and see your selection marquee. It’s perfect for tricky edges and detailed work.
BONUS TIPS
- Always use 300dpi for print! To check, go to Image > Image Size. If it’s not 300, change it (with “Resample Image” turned off) and you’re good to go.
- Use Layers for Adjustments: Try New Adjustment Layers to tweak colours and levels without messing up your original. When you’re happy, flatten the image to save.
- Highlight with Colour: Want to make one part of your photo pop? Select the area you want to keep in colour, inverse the selection, and desaturate the rest. It’s a cool effect for action shots!
Trust me…cropping and selecting in Photoshop doesn’t have to be intimidating! With these tools and tips (and by watching the video below) you’ll be editing photos like a pro in no time!
Kyle Sassmann is Friesens Toronto East Yearbook Print Consultant. His interest in yearbooks started as a student at Dunbarton High School in Pickering, which led him to enroll in the GCM program at Ryerson; a B-Tech Degree that focuses on the print industry. He loves harnessing his education and work experience to partner with all of the wonderful Toronto East Yearbook Advisors. He can help you create incredible pieces of work that will inspire and bring joy to you and your peers for many years to come.
