Photoshop Advice Needed

[ngmarsh Profile Private message]

I have Photoshop Elements 5 and cs2. I don't know what I should start with. I have tried a few times, but couldn't persevere. With either program, I need a jumpstart beside reading the manual from start to finish.

I have familiarity and comfort with MS Digital Imaging Suite but no other experience with digital imaging and close to the same with technology in general.
I have been using Gold for 6 months and Producer for 4 months. I am bit by the bug with Photodex and enthusiastic way beyond my abilities. So I am in a huge learning curve. That's the history.

The questions are: 1) should I start with Elements? 2) where can I learn some of the basics of Photoshop?

This is all after I review all the great tutorials everyone here provides and I actually "get" the art of masking, keyframing, etc!! Thanks for your thoughts.

Nancy

[briancbb Profile Private message]

Nancy
Depends where in the world you are, your profile does not say

In the UK there is a photo magazine that gives video tutorials on its included disc every month (Digital Photo). I took this for a year and it taught me all I needed to know to use CS3 in easy stages. Once the principles are learnt the rest follws with practice.

There are also many tutorials on line for CS3, many applicable to CS2, that are very good.

Brian

[trulytango Profile Private message]

Hi there - further to Brian's recommendation above

AVAILABLE TO BUY - from the makers of Digital Photo Magazine

(1) Getting Started in Photoshop
http://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/store/d ... t=magazine

(2) Getting Started - Layers and Selections
http://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/store/d ... t=magazine

Digital Photo Magazine website - You can get a general feel for the style/quality of the videos before you buy by going to:
http://www.photoanswers.co.uk/Video-Tutorials/

Other online resources you can try:

FREE TUTORIALS

For a wide range of video tutorials covering all sorts of Photoshop skills you might find useful, follow the link below:

http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/photos ... toshop.htm

On the same site you will find other detailed/written tutorials to follow:

http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/photos ... ps504a.htm


Hope this helps
Iris

[JC Profile Private message]

Here is a blog tht has a bunch of short, specific tutorials. Not necessarily beginner stuff but you start to see how the tools are used.

http://www.planetphotoshop.com/

[TAW_Imagery]

I have found the video tutorials on Lynda.com very helpful. Their customer service is great and if you purchase an Adobe product you are given a trial period.

Many subjects on using PhotoShop are there - and easy enough for a "geezer" to understand. OK, maybe a "geezer in training"!!!

www.Lynda.com


TAW

[ngmarsh Profile Private message]

I knew I would get a lot of help. Thanks!!
I have to figure out how to change my profile and upload a picture but I know that question goes in another topic area.
And I have to figure out how to keep working when all I want to do is learn this stuff!

Nancy[/img]

[Brenda Profile Private message]

Nancy,

have to figure out how to change my profile and upload a picture

At the top of this and every page in the forum...click on 'Profile' and yours will open.

Email our Adminstrator Mike (mgregg99) with your picture.It must be no greater than 80 pixels
and the size no more than 6kb.

Brenda

[ngmarsh Profile Private message]

Thanks. I got everything except emailing Mike the picture.
Now I wish everything else came as easily! But then where would the fun be?

Nancy

[Debi1054]

Nancy, did you get the correct file for the page turning technique? What I originally sent to Sandy was accidentally the wrong file, and I was afraid you might have gotten the wrong one as well...
If so, re-PM me with your email address.
Debi

[im42n8 Profile Private messageWebsite]

If I had to make the choice between the two I'd toss PS Elements and go straight to Photoshop CS2. You won't regret it. Get "Classroom in a Book" to teach yourself the basics of Photoshop (it's VERY good). Photoshop Elements has many of the capabilities of PS CS2 ... CS2 has capabilities PSE doesn't have. Go for the gusto!

Dale

[Debi1054]

I started with CS2, and I love it! I'll NEVER master it, but continue to learn something new just about everytime I open it!
Might as well do as Dale suggests, go for the gusto!
Debi

[nannybear Profile Private messageWebsite]

CS3 and can't stop learning.....jump in the water, and ask if there is something specific you want to know!! Cheers Jan

[ngmarsh Profile Private message]

Thank you for your feedback!! I was actually hoping to find some way around jumping in with gusto only because it boggles my mind thinking of learning both Photoshop and Proshow at the same time. Oh well. I can't get enough of any of this so may as well dive in deeper!

I really do appreciate all of you and your support. It is wonderful that you are willing to help so many newbies like myself, and always with encouragement and support, regardless of how fundamental a question is.

I'll keep you posted.
Nancy