New to Elements,old to photography

[Steve - Toledo]

Hi all,

Noobie here when it comes to digital (film for the last 35 years). Spent most of my life using slide film (to avoid post processing issues). Finally moved to digital (Canon 20d) and now I have another whole set of capabilities that leave the darkroom in the dark ages.

Question: With everything Elements (I have 5.0) does, how long does it take to really learn to take advantage of all the capabilities? I can't imagine how much more CS2 can do (5 times the price). I have a degree in Information Systems so the technical side is not an issue.

Anyways, it is great to have boards like this to shorten the learning curve.

Thanks

Steve - Toledo

[Byron Gale]

Welcome aboard, Steve!

I've been using PSE since v2... and I'm still learning to take advantage of everything it will do.

I would expect that you could have a grasp on the general capabilities of the main tools within a couple of weeks -- and then spend the next couple of years picking up the details!

Byron

[kimi_boo]

Welcome Steve. :D

I have had PSE for almost a year. I still pick things up here everyday.
I wonder if it ever ends...:D

[mrod]

Hi Steve and welcome!

I think most folks here would say they're always learning new things. I think that's the fun part about it. I've got several years of teaching technology under my belt, and I'm always picking up some new tip, trick, technique, etc.

The people on this board are a big help, as are the videos and tutorials in the Subscriber area. Lots of other good web sites out there as well, and many good books, too.

This forum is quite the friendly, encouraging place to learn, though!

Mike

[Wendy]

Hi Steve ...

... and welcome to the forum :)

Any help you need ... just ask and one of us will talk you through things ...

Wendy

[quillabee9]

Steve,
Welcome. With your background you should get the essentials fairly quickly. The "devil's" in the details. There are just lots and lots of capabilities and paths in this program. Have fun.

[PaulH]

Hi all,

Noobief all the capabilities? I can't imagine how much more CS2 can do (5 times the price). I have a degree in Information Systems so the technical side is not an issue.

Anyways, it is great to have boards like this to shorten the learning curve.

Thanks

Steve - Toledo




Did this last year - told myself, take a couple hours or so and learn the darn thing :)

I used the web and PSE4's help. I figured out the basics, then as I found something I needed or wanted to do I'd focus on learning that.

Like you years and years of slides and darkroom so I knew WHAT I wanted...

I don't do anything other than photo improvement other than a frame, text, or such.


After seeing a lot that for me, was better in CS2 I went that route.

And welcome to another Buckeye - or is that Mudhen ??

[BillandCat]

Did this last year - told myself, take a couple hours or so and learn the darn thing :)

I used the web and PSE4's help. I figured out the basics, then as I found something I needed or wanted to do I'd focus on learning that.

Like you years and years of slides and darkroom so I knew WHAT I wanted...

I don't do anything other than photo improvement other than a frame, text, or such.


After seeing a lot that for me, was better in CS2 I went that route.

And welcome to another Buckeye - or is that Mudhen ??
How long did it take you to learn the "old way" slides etc. The fun is learning this limitless form of modern photography. Don't rush--- it far out does the "old" way. The chalenges are endless and the results are ever reaching. MOST REWARDING> BillandCat

[n692bc]

Elements is a fantastic program, I really don't think it is possible to learn it all. The basics yes, not all. Every picture is different, every eye is different, and they all see it different.

With that said, allow several months to learn the basics, then forever to learn to fine points.

My background is electrical engineer, Microsoft Solution Developer, thus I know the computer, but boy did they pack a lot in elements. Good luck in the learning curve and welcome to the forum

Ross

[TonyW]

With that said, allow several months to learn the basics, then forever to learn to fine points.

Well said - and very true. I've been with Elements since Version 1 and it took a long while for me to get beyond the basic photo fixing stage. Finding this forum and subscribing to the videos, tutorials and courses was the big leap forward (that along with retiring and having more time to play :) )

And I did put in my time in the darkroom (well at least a darkened bathroom) and that does help a lot although I would have never had the patience to do the things you can now do in a few minutes in Elements.

Tony

[karen donnybrook]

Steve,

Welcome to our corner of cyber world. As you can see, there is so much to learn it could take forever :D

Karen

[Cmcburnett]

Welcome to the forum. I have every version of Elements and loved every new addition released. Still learning everyday with help from the nice folks here in the forum. Good luck.

[G. OReilly]

:D Steve..Welcome ...to the forum.

Just take your time and look into the subscriber area...there are lots of videos etc. to help you get used to useing Elements.And just as Wendy said..don't hesitate to ask questions.

Best of Luck

George:)