Where Do I Begin?

[LeslieB]

I am usually pretty good at fumbbling through things like this. However, I am stumpped. I need the basics first. Is that the layers course? Please would someone tell me where to start to learn this software. :confused:

[Shari]

Leslie - welcome
If you have subscribed I would look through some of the tutorials first and even try some. Read, read, read. Look at the galleries. Browse through the forums and read some addressed to beginners. There is so so much to learn. I am positive the layers tutorial would help (I have not taken it yet) but I would spend the next few days just checking things out. When I started I had no idea. Had never done digital photos or any editing. Things started to click one little thing at a time. Just don't get discouraged. There is so much help in these forums. Read and ask, read and ask. Look forward to some of your results.
Shari

[Robyn]

Hi Leslie and a big WELCOME to the forum.

I think a very good start would be the layers course. I wish it had been about when I first started. It is excellent. Becoming a subscriber here will give you access to many videos, all of which are very informative and extremely helpful. And of course this forum is the BEST.......it's where I have learnt 90% of what I know so far.

[bayhli]

Hi Leslie and welcome to this forum .... there is no place better!

I fumbled around with Elements as you did when I began and when I found this forum the doors burst open so to speak. You will learn so much here.

You've gotten good advice thus far and I will just add my experience...

- I read and saved the forum posts to no end - mega learning just from what the other forum members are doing.
- I asked about what I didn't understand or wanted elaboration for, and got tons of expert advice (saved that too)
- I took out a subscription membership right away and did the "Workflow" Course first, which was most beneficial to me as a newbie. Absolutely loved it. The name of the course is a bit misleading - it really is about enhancing your images with levels, sharpening, adjustment layers, resizing & saving, etc - the basics of handling your photographs and intial editing. I found it an excellent beginning.
I found that doing the courses gave me some structure to my learning and good value considering the low cost and how much you learn.
- I just finished the "Layers" course and it too is excellent - I'd recommend this as the 2nd course but you may be further along than I was. As layers and masks are an editing "must" it is important learning.
- The two most recommended books by members are "The Missing Manual" by Barbara Brundage and "The Photoshop Elements 3 Book for Digital Photographers" by Scott Kelby. Both are available for whichever version of Elements you have. (I wouldn't be without these books but I have referenced the forum threads and courses moreso)
- Inbetween I went through the videos available in the learning centre and the subscription area that interested me - they are great as well.

I felt overwhelmed many times but it all comes together eventually - lots of friendly help here.

Hope this helps a bit.... you'll love it here!

[NMarti]

Leslie
Welcome. I think you'll find all the help you need here. I would suggest joining if you have not done so yet and work your way through the tutorials in the Subscribers section. Also - the Layers course would be a great place to start as it goes right to the heart of what Elements is all about. Anytime you get stumped - just holler - someone is always around here.

[Pamalam]

Hi Lesley - I just joined the forums today as well - but I've been monitoring and learning from these posts for the last few months. I'm in day 9 of the layers course - and it's amazing. I'm learning so much - and keep saying - 'so that's how that's done' . Everyone here seems to be so helpful. I highly recommend joining and signing up for some courses. good look - look forward to seeing some of your work. welcome.

Pam

[Wendy]

Hi Leslie ...

... and welcome to the forum :)

Elements is a steep learning curves ... but its worth it. There is just so much you can do with it ... I too would suggest subscribing to the newsletter and taking a couple of the courses ...

Wendy

[mel]

Hi Leslie welcome to the best forum on the net!!

When I first bought PSE 3 I bought 3 books to go with it. The one I liked the most (because it was the easiest to follow) was Scott Kelby's 'The Photoshop Elements 3 book for digital photographers'. In the back of that book I saw an ad about this forum so I checked it out. First I learned heaps from other posts and after about a month I decided to become a subscriber. The moment I started watching the video tutorials lots of things became clear. When I visually see something with my eyes it seems to click better than when I read it in a book or manual. This for me was a giant step forward with this great program :)

Have you checked out the learning centre on this site yet? It also has some great information for beginners who are just starting with elements.

[WingAnimal]

Hi Leslie -- Welcome to the forum! You are going to love it here!!! Whatever you do... please, do not think even for a moment that unless you have all day every day to dedicate yourself to learning PSE, that you will learn this program quickly. Not that it is difficult - but rather because it is sooo rich with what it can do. You'll learn the very basics in no time. But to get into the real good stuff, it takes time - lots of it. So allow yourself to learn what PSE has to offer - it is well worth it. Having said that, I think the advise offered above is right on the money. Spend lots of time here in the forum, get the newsletter, watch the videos, and ask lots of questions. We are all willing to answer even the simplest question - go ahead and give us a try. You won't feel dumb at all for asking - I promise!!! In fact, you'll find that there are probably a dozen others who were just getting ready to ask the same question. Okay... I've rambled on enough. Stop reading my ramblings and start having fun!!!!!:D

[LeslieB]

Thanks so much to everyone!! I guess I have a lot of reading and watching to do. I will start with some courses right away. I have already watched several videos. So I'm on my way..I hope.
Question: Is there a cheat sheet with all the control and shift commands anywhere?

[Wendy]

Hi Leslie ...

In PSE3 its in the help section ... try the contents page then open up the folder Help Topics. Its next to the bottom in that section.

PSE4 again in the help section>Photoshop Elements Help ... 3rd from the bottom of the list.

Wendy

[NYBOB1]

Hi Leslie,here is a link to a shortcut list.It is a little dated,but should give you a starting point.

http://www.arraich.com/elements/keyboardshortcuts.htm

Bob