Beginning advice

[jvack]

I would like some opinions on editing/photoshopping programs, and also I was looking into some books , has anyone else bought the books for beginners and did they help , and if so which ones there are so many. I have just bought the cannon EOS rebel xsi 450d as a starter camera, I dont know much about it and am wanting to learn everything.I want to eventually do this professionally.Thanks in advance for any and all advice to get me started.;)

[egordon99]

Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Exposure" helped me learn about exposure and ISO/shutter speed/f-stops.

[Patrick]

There are many free photoshop programs online.
IMO, Adobe Photoshop is the best. It's costly though.

[Wendelius]

I'd definitely go with Understanding Exposure to kickstart you on the way to technical proficiency. I'd also get The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos by Michael Freeman to help you learn how to compose and design your photographs, what the rules are and why they can and should sometimes be broken.

Then I'd realise that I need to take thousands of shots during the next few months for both the technical and artistical concepts to start to really click and feel more natural.

Don't be discouraged by it. Enjoy the learning process. But realise that you will really only really develop your skills by taking tons and tons of pictures.

Wendelius

[jvack]

Thanks everyone , I am going to order the book today, and as I was looking there are many of the adobe programs, the cost is fine with me, which one do you all recommend..thanks

[DStanic]

Photoshop Elements 7 is a good program, very powerful but cost effective. Once you learn how to use it and feel the need for something more powerful, then look into CS4 (which is much more expensive).

If you want to edit alot of photos at the same time, perhaps Photoshop LIghtroom might be best for you. It's a great program, different then the other photoshop and paintshop programs...

[Pmolan]

LOOK!!

http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/lightroom/articles/lir2am_videotutorials.html

[xoldboy]

Aperture 2 for mac is pretty east to use and a great editing tool