How did you learn Photoshop?

I'm just curious to find out how most of you talented photoshoppers have learned all your tricks of the trade. I am in photography school (a Tech school) and we have spent this semester with Deke McClelland videos - (an older version PS6, I believe). I have learned quite a bit but want to expand my knowledge. Have you taken formal training for PS, learned it on your own, used videos? I want to be really good at it and after just purchasing Creative Suite 4 Design Premium, I realize there is so much to learn, not only with CS4, but Indesign, Illustrator, etc... where do I start?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Today there are a ton of tutorials on the Web (just Google "Photoshop tutorial" and take your pick) and there are dedicated sites where you can pay for very in-depth tutorials, such as Lynda.com and the Photoshopuser.com site which is a resource for the members of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals, an organization founded by Scott Kelby.

For the basics, to me, there really is no substitute for a good book. Visit a good book store such as Borders and Barnes and Noble and, in the computer graphic arts section you will find large books by authors such as Kelby and Martin Evening that cover a whole lot of ground and can stay with you forever as a reference beside the actual User Guide, and you can find other books that specialize in certain aspects of Photoshop, and in "tips and tricks" types of tutorials.

So, even though there is a real learning curve to Photoshop, and there will be much that you will likely have no use for, the resources are out there. Plus, this forum and the Photoshop Users forum, http://forums.adobe.co​m/community/photoshop are full of people who offer all kinds of advice and examples.

Have fun and success in your adventure!

Learning software is like learning a foreign language. The most powerful way to learn a language is by total immersion, like an English speaking person spending a month studying French in France. So along with the books, videos, etc., maybe try to get yourself a paid internship in a photo or graphic arts studio. You can learn on the job and earn some money to pay for your next semester.

Also, most Photoshop users, even long-time users, have only scratched the surface and only use a limited portion of the features.

bleh!

... edit....undo...

Trog777 wrote in post #7826494
bleh!

... edit....undo...

Haha exactly. When I was 16/17 I got a job as a photo retoucher...that was back on PS4 I think. I never used PS before that and pretty much just taught myself everything. I try to pick up new techniques here and there and learn from anyone I see who uses a good technique. I wouldn't say I'm great at it, but probably above average.

self taught

I took out a magazine subscription, each month the magazine came with a cd that had tutorials on it. The tutorials are a video capture of the screen showing you exactly what is being done and how it affects the picture. I found this to be really useful and learnt things I did not know elements could do.
I did not get on with the help section that came with the programme

Photoshop is a huge program. A good understanding of Layers, adjustment layers, layer masks, blend modes is a good base to have.

Google and I'm sure you can find some good tutorials. IMO a good friend with experience to show you hands on how to do simple tasks is the best. It will speed up your learning curve alot.

Good Luck

Learned all the adobe apps in school, started with PS4, AI 5(I think), Pagemaker, Quark, and some others that I forgot... All on Mac OS8... Those were the days...

I started shooting RAW early & learned to do a lot of pre-PP before conversion. The best way I found was to learn what I need to learn when I needed it. Beyond Levels, resizing & sharpening, it led to Selections, Adjustment layers with masks, & Blend Modes, which cover about 95% of what I use every day. So I'm still using PS7 & I don't miss the new "advanced" features along with their advanced prices.

Self Taught. Im actually a digital Scrapbooker, and taught myself that way. There are tons TONS of tutorials online to help you with anything you want to do. I have invested in some Scott Kelby books because I think he is a Photoshop god and just played and played!

If it is possible, could us (newbie to PS) please have a dedicated and official thread where it combine all the free and legal tips / tutorials? If it is already existed here, then please direct me to it. TIA & good day. KN

What little I do know is just from years of having the program on the computer. My first version came with a scanner I bought back in the early 90's and it was a limited version but I played with it and got somewhat familiar with it. Having various versions over the years either at home or work has allowed me to stay familiar with it but not proficient. I still have a lot to learn.

Self taught, but lately have been viewing a lot of tutorials at lynda.com
Started off when PS4 was new, and still learning new stuff today...

For starters, photoshopusertv.com is good.

In this order

Photoshop Elements

Digital Photographers guide to Elements -- Book by Scott Kelby

Photoshop Lightroom

Digital Photographers guide to Lightroom -- Book by Scott Kelby

Photoshop

Intro to photoshop -- online class at kelbytraining.com

Scott Kelby's 7-Point System for Adobe Photoshop CS3 -- Book by guess who....


I described the first two steps because that was part of my journey, and obviously CS4 was easier because I was familiar with concepts and adobe products.

But the one two punch of the online / book combo was amazing. Once you have the basics down, the 7 point book really helps.