Help! I'm a total newbie!

[erdmann]

Hi, I am brand new to Photoshop Elements. Can anyone offer me some advice on where to start? Or is it best to just dive in? And if so, where is the shallow end? Thanks so much for the help!

[annc]

There are some very good books around - one in the 'Dummies' range, some by Scott Kelby and one by Barry Beckham.

The tutorials on here are great, too.

The first thing is to just find out what the tools do, then, when you are getting used to it, the Layers course is great, and you will find the users here so supportive.

A lot depends what you want to do - I started with the primary aim of making montages. I went on a 3-day course, but the trainer was taken ill after the first afternoon. I saw some of the potential of PSE, but didn't really learn anything. However, from about August last year I started teaching myself from the books and have become thoroughly hooked. Special thanks to Kev - our most prolific montage expert, for all his help.

[Diana]

Hi Erdmann,

Welcome to the forum. I would say the most important thing to get a handle on in Elements is learning how to use layers. There are a couple free tutorials here:
http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/tutorials/index.php

However, should you decide to become a subscribed member, you would have access to hundreds of tutorials, both video and written, that would help you immensely. Plus, you would receive the Photoshop Elements Techniques Magazine as part of the subscription.

If you use Google to search the internet, you will find many free tutorials, tips and techniques.

This forum is a great resource. If you have any questions or need any help with a technique, someone is always here to help and this is a real friendly bunch.

Diana

[karen donnybrook]

Welcome to the forum. I don't think there is a shallow end :D. Having said that, all you need to do is to play around with the different tools and ask question when you want to know something - remember there is no such thing as a "dumb question".

Karen :)

[kayser]

Hi, I am brand new to Photoshop Elements. Can anyone offer me some advice on where to start? Or is it best to just dive in? And if so, where is the shallow end? Thanks so much for the help!

Hi and welcome to our forum. Just wondering what you want to use PSE for? You already received some good suggestions about where to start; there may be other things to recommend, depending on what you're interested in specifically.

[n692bc]

Hi welcome to the forum. There is no real deep end nor a shallow end, thats up to you. The big thing is to never to overright your orginal file. I assume it's a jpeg you are using. Just make sure to save it as a .psd. That way you can do whatever you want and not hurt the orginal image.

The best way is just to go out and play. I know that sounds silly, but that is the best way to learn. Once you get a little experience, get a good book, there are several that have been suggested to you.

But mostly just have fun.

ross

[Pauline]

My advice on where to start is to get to know your way around your tools. Get familiar with the program and then pick a tutorial and go for it. If you stumble along the way just come on here and ask for help.

Another thing is to make sure that the tutorial you pick is for elements not the full version of photoshop. That way you won't have the problem of running into a step you can't do.

[erdmann]

Very much appreciate the kind words of welcome and support! You've all given me some great advice. Thanks tons! Best, Shawna:)

[hfgerena]

Welcome to the best forum ever, you will find:

1. Excelent people willing to help no matter what
2. Tutorials
3. Gallery
4. Downloads
5. Online Training

There are a few good books to start, lile the Scott Kelby Photoshop Elements for Digital Photographers, but there is one place where you can find a lot of answers and examples and you already paid for it, The Help, you will not beleive how helpfull it is. But the easiest one; just post your question here and people from around the world will help you, welcome :)

[Wendy]

Hi Shawna ...

... and welcome to the forum :)

If you have any question then just ask and one of us will help ..

Wendy

[rmartin]

You've found this board, so you've found the shallow end, at least my part of the board. :D

Honestly, read the posts, try different tutes and ask questions.

[photoshopsusieq]

Hello and welcome to the forum,

As you can see, we have a great bunch of people here who are all very helpful. This is the place if you have questions about Photoshop Elements.

Just a quick suggestion... you might check out your local library for books on Photoshop Elements and Digital Photography. Start with the books that are specific to your version of PSE but don't disregard books about the older versions because there's still some great stuff in them. It's a great way to check out (pun intended) a book before buying it!