I'm intimidated by post processing.

I don't know if I'm just dim or haven't given it enough time. I am lost in Elements 4 which I got 6 or so months ago. Although I haven't made a huge effort.

I have just ordered Lightroom and next week will order PS CS3 (My daughter is graduating this spring so I am getting the academic versions while I can.)

I have nice equipment and only shoot jpeg. I want to take advantage of RAW.
I guess I will need to take classes or something. Maybe find a mentor.
I am determined to learn this stuff now.

I am going to upgrade my computer's ram to 2 gig, and go for it.

BE WARNED: LOTS OF DUMB QUESTIONS AHEAD!

I feel your pain. I'm in the same boat. Learned my camera inside and out, feel like I've got a pretty good handle on exposure, can't seem to get a grip on post-processing. Also want to make the switch to shooting raw exlclusively. Have also considered Lightroom as it looks like something that has the posibility of being something I could use exclusively for all of my post-processing needs. I'm definately following this thread and will ride on your dumb question coat tails. Plus, if there's anything I've learned around here, it's that there are no dumb questions!

be sure to pickup Scott Kelby book The Photoshop CS2 Book for Digital Photographers or the new version that covers Elements.

Also when your finished with the above book check out the book in my siggy.

I was in the same boat, but finally jumped in! It took me ages before I decided to try RAW...at least you're upgrading your software. I still have Elements 3, hopefully 5 soon.

Don't be intimidated. Just try it out. If you don't like it, you can always go back to JPEG, but I doubt you will. What I did was shoot in RAW+JPG, just to feel safe. A couple of days later, I was brave enough to shoot just RAW and I'm loving it ever since.

Good luck!

I'm lost in PP too. I did however, download the 30 day free trial version of Lightroom from Adobe's website. Going to try it out and see if I can get the hang of it.

Good luck guys.

So far so good for me. I use Lightroom and it is fairly straight forward. I've had a couple snags here and there but I've been able work through them with the help of nice people on this site. Seems there is a common thread here ( pun intended ) Elements. Give LR a spin it might help.

TSmith8779 wrote in post #3104745
I'm lost in PP too. I did however, download the 30 day free trial version of Lightroom from Adobe's website. Going to try it out and see if I can get the hang of it.

Good luck guys.

If you like it and want it, you better buy it before 4/30 because it's gonna be $299 after it.

removed

Bottom line to PP is nothing more that putting in the time and program familiarity , it starts to sink in slow but once you get going it becomes easier and easier as each new door opens another , just remember Photoshop is such a complex powerfull program , learning it to a very high degree is like learning to become a doctor , it takes years of daily use .

Rod

RodBarker wrote in post #3106205
Bottom line to PP is nothing more that putting in the time and program familiarity , it starts to sink in slow but once you get going it becomes easier and easier as each new door opens another , just remember Photoshop is such a complex powerfull program , learning it to a very high degree is like learning to become a doctor , it takes years of daily use .

Rod

I concur. Additionally, I would recommend purchasing a membership to the NAPP. This magazine and the resources on †heir website have been invaluable to me over the past two years. I'd never be where I'm at in Photoshop if it weren't for this resource.

I second the NAPP.

Also with good information:
http://www.photoshoptv​.com/
http://www.good-tutorials.com/tutorial​s/photoshop
http://www.planetphoto​shop.com/

I'm intimidated by large men carrying weapons.

Start out basic, make your photos look how they should. Add an effect or two here and there. The more time I spend on PP the more I want photos to look like they were perfect as captured. I rarely use effects any more, though I can. I've read a half dozen photoshop books, read heaps on the web, and just played a lot. Give it time and with appropriate materials you'll learn.

Bumped the RAM to 1 gig which is the maximum my 4 year old computer will read.
Waiting for Lightroom to ship.

Check out the Lightroom tutorials on Luminous Landscapes website. It will cost you $15 I think but they are very detailed and very long. LR is a blast though. I love working with images on it.

I'd really recommend getting video tutorials for LR and Photoshop. Total Training (go Deke!) makes nice multi-dvd sets of training discs for Photoshop and I know the Lynda.com video hosted by Chris Orwig is pretty decent.

I find I learn way more off video stuff like this, especially the Total Training stuff where they provide the files they are working on so you can follow along.

Best of luck,
Kurt