How did you learn how to use Photoshop Elements?

[Kendra]

:cry: How did each of you figure out how to use this program. The books that came with the software don't explain anything. I have been fumbling for three weeks now trying to create amazing things with no luck! Layers are the biggest frustration for me. Can anyone send me in the right direction to learn how to use this program?

[Grant]

Kendra

I am not sure how anyone else does it but I am project driven. I hate to just read without doing so for me projects were the way to go. Now when I was stumbling along probably at the stage you are I ran into some books by Gregory Georges his "50 Fast ... Techniques" series. As the title implies there are 50 projects to work thought and I plowed through the Elements one in a week. While they don't explain everything they certainly got me up an running in less than a week. I highly recommend these as a starting point.


Grant

[Wendy]

Kendra,

I well remember thinking that I would never get the hang using Elements ... but you do, first you learn one thing then another and before you know it you are helping others when they get stuck .... hard to believe but give it a few weeks and you will see what I mean.

Now places to learn ... well there are a few and here is one. Take a look at the top of the page and you will see Tutorials, if you click on it you will see some tutorials by Dave Cross on the subject of layers.

Layers sound complicated but they are not really. Imagine layers as a stack of papers ... and just like paper if you cut away part of one then you can see the one below.

Try the tutorials and see how you get on with them but don't forget if you get stuck just ask ... there is always someone here who will help you :)


Wendy

[Mary]

Have you found the video on the installation disk by Deke McLellan yet? I purchased the Total Training set from them when I started out on PSE2 and I learned a lot.

I also agree that the videos on this site are great!

[MIchael TUlly]

Kendra,I was the same way with PSE3. I bought a book from B and N by Scott Kelby(PSE3 for digital photographers). Now I use PSE3 like a pro.

I would get it if I were you.

Good luck

Mike :

[Chuck S.]

Add one more book to the list: Photoshop Element 3 Solutions by Mikkel Aaland. This is the third edition of a classic; very well-organized, easy to read, good examples and exercises. I highly recommend it.

Chuck

[Jodi Frye]

well unlike everyone else I never bought a book. I just fiddled with the program t'il i started to figure it out...bit by bit. After about 4 months of doing that I found the Adobe forums and from there i would say that I pretty much picked up 3 times more. Once you get the basics down then it just gets pretty easy. I suggest you do buy a book or two. They have helped many people.

[Wendi Karen]

Hi Kendra

I am totally new to Photoshop as well. I bought a book called "Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.0 - Classroom in a Book", which is the official training workbook from Adobe Systems and it has been a huge help! It is well written, easy to follow with step by step instructions. I found it to be a great starting point for learning the basics of Photoshop for an absolute beginner.

Good luck!

Wendi

[CentrePa]

Kendra,
Like Grant I also found Gregory Georges "50 Fast ... Techniques" early on and tried all of his projects, some of them did not come easy but I learned by doing, rather than by reading.
I bought a few more books after I got Elements 2 but I didn’t have it very long before Elements 3 came out.
I completely gave up on the organizer pretty fast and am only concentrating on the editor.
Now I spend a few hours a week ‘collecting’ tutorials off the Internet of projects I want to try (even ones in Photoshop) and am building my own ‘notebook of favorite techniques. As a result I am using the Elements 2 manual constantly.
I don’t know what the going price for Elements 2 is right now but depending on your money supply, I think it would be worthwhile to consider buying Elements 2 just to get the manual that comes with it even though there are a few tools not covered. I think my level of frustration would be unbearable if I didn’t have a base manual to refer to. But then I also have to deal with my poor declining memory.
Jane

[Foxhound]

I guess I'm doing it the old fashioned way....enrolled in a "distant education" course :(

Last March or so I enrolled in "Digital Photography, the complete course" offered from the New York Institute of Photography

www.nyip.com

They take you from the absolute beginning of digital camera's and then take you step by step through Photoshop as it applies to photography. Unfortunately, they teach using Photoshop 7 so I've had to make a few work arounds to get thus far in the course. I still have quite a ways to go but they've taught me so much that I feel extremely comfortable with PSE3.

It's kinda expensive but they are detailed in their teachings. It was worth the investment !

[bnk1953]

I have taken classes through Eclectic Academy which have been very helpful. I also purchased Scott Kelby's book "The photoshop elements 3 Book for digital photographers". Disappointed in the book (bought on line) as it is basically for the Windoze users and not Mac. I realize there are more of Windoze people and now there are essentially 2 versions for Elements - which is too bad - because now the books will probably only be based on Windoze. But I also realize there is probably enough "stuff" in the book that is similar between the 2 operating systems.
~bruce

[dherdegen]

I would agree with Wendi about Classroom in a Book. Working with the included images on my computer while I read is great.

I am also going to give some kudos to Deke McClelland's Photoshop Elements 3 for Dummies. Very easy to understand and fun to read.

Dan

[TommyB]

I probably don't qualify as "knowing how to use PSE3" but I'm learning.

I just received Scott Kelby's new book "Photoshop Elements 3 for Digital Photographers". After just thumbing through it quickly I believe this book will be just what I need. He gets right to the point and tells you what you need to know to do a certain technique. Perfect!

I'll sit down with the book this weekend and put it to practical use.

I highly recommend the Kelby book!

Tom

PS - what he DOESN'T tell you is how to use your digital camera. There are plenty of other books for that.

[Wendy]

Tom,

I'm still trying to work out what to do with my Camera ... I know what I want it to do but getting it to do it is another matter :)


Wendy

[TommyB]

Scott Kelby Rocks!

After spending a couple of hours with his PSE3 book and my computer I used several of his techniques on a photo of a family member.

I used the "gaussian blur" technique to soften the face, removed some hot spots caused by the fill flash, and removed some blemishes. I also used his guidance to whiten the teeth and eyes just a small amount.

This book certainly lives up to its hype in my opinion.

The before and after of the photo is nothing less than dramatic. And Scott's humerous but to-the-point writing style makes this book easy and seriously fun to use.

Kudos Scott!

Tom

[Wendy]

Tom,

It is brilliant when you try something out and it really works ... congratulations on your sucess :)


Wendy

[TommyB]

It is brilliant when you try something out and it really works ...

Absolutely! I found myself giggling like a kid when I saw the results on MY OWN photo match that which is illustrated in the book. :lol:

Another thing I like about Scott's book is that he gives you the settings to use to start with, then he will say for example " if the effect is too soft at 50% opacity, then try dropping down to a setting that looks good to you".

He shows you how to USE the tools, gives you a starting point which usually works, then it is up to YOU what looks best. Very nice.

Tom

[Wendy]

Tom,

I was just the same when I did my first one ... I was so proud of it :)

Anytime you have a image you want to share you can do it via this link:

http://www.pixentral.com/index.php


Wendy

[TommyB]

Tom,

I'm still trying to work out what to do with my Camera ... I know what I want it to do but getting it to do it is another matter :)


Wendy

I think the complexity of digicams can summed up in this way:

Back in "the day", you popped in a roll of film of a certain ASA (ISO today), set the camera to match it, advance a few frames and start shooting. All you had to do was keep an eye on the light meter and match the two needles and away you go.

Digicams have many different "films" built in. Some start at 50 and go all the way to 1600 or even 3200 ISO. To add to that, you can adjust white balance manually or let the cam do it. In the old days if you took your camera with Kodak 100 film indoors and not use a flash, all your pics would have a reddish orange tint because the film was white balanced for daylight. Only way around that was to buy film balanced for tungsten light, but then what do you do with the unfinished roll in the camera?

Those days are gone, (Hoorah!! :D ) but it is one more thing many people must deal with when using a digicam, especially if they have little or no prior experience with a film camera. You also have issues like auto or manual focus area, metering area, and shutter lag to deal with.

In the end I guess all you can do is read the manual, and experiment to your heart's content! After all, you are not wasting "film"! :wink: and you can see your results instantly.

Tom

Wendy, thanks for the link. I'll check it out!

[Wendy]

Tom ...

I like that !! ..

My main problem with phptography is that I used to take quite good photographs with my Kodak point and shoot. I was so pleased with them that I decided to buy an SLR ... not so easy and it certainly takes some getting used to :)


Wendy

[TommyB]

Tom ...

I like that !! ..

My main problem with phptography is that I used to take quite good photographs with my Kodak point and shoot. I was so pleased with them that I decided to buy an SLR ... not so easy and it certainly takes some getting used to :)


Wendy

Yes, the SLR is a step up in complexity, but the versatility is worth it and you get away from certain limitations of a PAS.

BTW, is your SLR a digital? If so, I envy you!

I have been using an Olympus C4000Z for over a year now (first ever digicam) and I continue to be amazed at what this little cam can do. Main thing I miss is not having a hot shoe for flash. With my old Canon film camera, I used to use bounce flash a lot.

I don't think our budget will support a DSLR this year, :cry: but I think the next best thing is the Olympus C8080, which I am seriously considering. It has an excellent lens (same design as the E-1 pro model) has a hot shoe, and a 5x optical zoom. It is also an 8 megapixel cam, where my C4000 is 4 mp. They can be had online for well under $650USD, whereas the least expensive DSLR is $1,000 plus whatever other lens you would want. Ah, well, I'll keep dreaming! :roll:

Tom

[Kathy]

Hi Kendra,

I too am a "newbie" at this. Have had the program two weeks now. In addition to all the invaluable help on this site, I too purchased the Scott Kelby book .. The Photoshop Elements 3 Book for Digital Photographers ... makes learning fun and easy with added "secrets" .... and I would highly recommend it. Another book to consider to add to the list already given to you is Photshop Elements 3 for Windows & MacIntosh by Craig Hoeschen ..... it's a visual guide, something I find easier than lengthy explanations. :)

Kathy

[Wendy]

Tom,

A while back I gave up smoking ... and promised myself that if I stuck to it then with the money I saved I would buy something I really wanted. Well I stuck to it ... and bought a Canon 300D (Rebel) and all the other bits it needs.

My husband says that when we go on holiday it has more luggage than he does :) ... I have had it for about 7 months and do like it (most of the time!! ). The prices are really starting to fall now and I think that they will continue to do so .... it may be worth hanging on for a while ....


Wendy

[TommyB]

Wendy:

Here is a link to the pic I mentioned in the previous post:

Before retouching http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?pic=1GgNDp3NHPGXIfCjacSHOAs7gs27ar1

After retouching
http://www.pixentral.com/show.php?pic=1h47NHeumYYVvFhQtfiBkJnANtXE0

Tom

[Wendy]

Tom,

You have done that really well .. and the difference it makes is amazing. No wonder you were proud of it :).

Did it take you long to do?


Wendy

[TommyB]

It really only took about half an hour to follow Scott's steps and make the changes. But as I got more comfortable, I went back and made a few changes until I had the effects I wanted. Probably a total of an hour. I was working slowly!

I should point out that the picture is actually a crop from a shot taken farther away.

These techniques really illustrate the power that we all have with PSE3. I think it is to Adobe's credit that they have created an affordable alternative to Photoshop CS for all us non-pros that allow us to do these things.

Thank you Wendy for your kind comments!

I'm exited! :lol:

Tom

[Wendy]

Tom,

When I first started using Elements I got out all my old photo albums and scanned them all in. Then I restored every one... it really is addictive :).

So what is your next project?

Wendy

[TommyB]

So what is your next project?

Wendy

Well, I have hundreds of slides and a boxful of negatives to go through, so nothing specific as yet.

Actually, it is snowing here in northeast Ohio, so my next "project" is likely to be shoveling the driveway! :x :x :x

Thanks again for the help and encouragement!

Tom

[Wendy]

Tom,

Good luck with the driveway ... Just a shame that we can't photoshop it away :)


Wendy

[zelda]

hi how are you you can someone send me training about photoshop pleasew

[zelda]

hi how are you thank you for training a lot

[sandie]

Go to a big book store and sit down with all the books suggested and I will suggest another, Classroom in a Book. Look them over and see which teaches you in a manner you understand best.
I am having the same problems as you, joined a Camera Club and asked questions and actually had people show me how to do stuff on MY computer with MY pics, IT HELPED alot.

[twl845]

You would think that Adobe would include a book of instructions with the software. version 2 came with a nice book to at least get you going. Now all the info is online via Help. That's no way to learn an application. I like to sit in my easy chair and read it.

[Wendy]

I think that many of us prefer to sit down and read the book ...

My thoughts are that if you do get the chance to pick up a manual for PSE2 then its worth it. OK so some things have changed but many things are still the same.


Wendy

[Teresa]

I'm trying to find the book everyone is talking about. PSE 3 for Digital Photograghers by Scott Kelby. B & N has a special DVD bundle for $31.49. Is this what everyone is talking about?

[nxf]

When I first started using Elements I got out all my old photo albums and scanned them all in. Then I restored every one... it really is addictive :).
........Wendy
I am new to elements and find this forum an inspiration :D

I too aim to scan all 5000+ film prints, but think that I may be best to wait till I am at a resonable standard of editing as I would hate to do all of them once, then have to/want to re-do all of them when (if :D ) my expertise improved.
I am addicted to taking pictures so I suppose one more friendly addiction wont hurt........what this space

nigel

[sandie]

Teresa
YES it is and it is at a great price. I think the book without the DVD is more than that here at B+N so go get it now.
It is a great book and the DVD is worthwhile since you can see him do stuff just watch carefully because he moves around kind of fast and clicks on stuff you may not catch the first time watching. I would play with the Elements 3 and then watch so you know what he is talking about in Organizer and Editor. GREAT BOOK and DVD.

[Wendy]

Nigel,

My advice would be to start scanning them in and then save them.

Next start doing a few resorations (on duplicates of you saved images) ... do the the ones that don't need much work first. As you learn more then move onto the more complex ones.

You do tend to find that as you get better at restoration you revisit the earlier ones but the problem is that unless you start doing some you simply won't build up the expertise ... and thats the only way to improve.

One suggestion I would make is to buy Photoshop restoration and Retouching by Katrin Eismann ... it is written for Photoshop but the techniques can be done in Elements. Its simply the best restoration book around ... I learned so much from it.

Of course, any help you need then there is always this forum :)


Wendy

[Emory]

I'm down to Barnes-Noble today, Why? Can hardly wait to purchase Kelby's book.

I have joined a local computer club which has classes about PSE3 SIG group. Our instructor is great and uses the step by step procedures.
If available in your area, I strongly advise: Join you local computer club.

[Wendy]

A computer club is a great way to learn ... I just wish they had one in my area :(


Wendy

[Carbone]

Wendy,

Have you checked for a MUG in your area ?

http://www.apple.com/usergroups/

Ray

[Wendy]

Ray,

I tried that and there is indeed one but I live in a rural area and its a long way from here :(


Wendy

[jbdigipix]

Hi' from Edinburgh.
I am a 'silver Surfer'. i have been using - no 'tampering' with Photoshop 6,7,and CS.all within our camera club.
I decided to do my own thing, and purchased PSE 3 middle of May (my Birthday = 18th)
so i have been learning pse3 for about 4 weeks.I can switch it on, bypass the welcome screen have catalogued All my negs,prints and slides.to night I tried to print a sunset, I cannot get the print centred, I have put a help message on the forum.
I think that I will get to like this programme.
regards.
jbrown