CS3 Help Guides

Hey all. I have cs3 and have toyed with it a bit. I can do a few things but tend to get frustrated with what i get done in the time I have.
What guides or additional books, like Kelby, have some of you used and found helpful with learning cs3?
I see a ton out there and really could use some input from experienced users.
Thank you.

I enjoyed the Kelby cs3 for photographers book. Its task oriented in that it shows you how to fix problems, and achieve certain things. Its probably not as systematic as some books. but honestly everytime I read one of those that tries to be comprehensive I find too much information that I'm not prepared to process. On a related note, have you tried any of the tutorials on youtube? They are scattershot, but if you learn a few techniques watching them you begin to understand how those techniques can be adapted in other areas.

gonzogolf wrote in post #9680549
I enjoyed the Kelby cs3 for photographers book. Its task oriented in that it shows you how to fix problems, and achieve certain things. Its probably not as systematic as some books. but honestly everytime I read one of those that tries to be comprehensive I find too much information that I'm not prepared to process. On a related note, have you tried any of the tutorials on youtube? They are scattershot, but if you learn a few techniques watching them you begin to understand how those techniques can be adapted in other areas.

I have tried and used a few you tube tutorials. True, i have to play them over and over to get it right, but they work!
Kelby has a few books out on cs3....like the one you mention and also 7 points system. So you like the Kelby book overall?>

1downfall wrote in post #9680602
I have tried and used a few you tube tutorials. True, i have to play them over and over to get it right, but they work!
Kelby has a few books out on cs3....like the one you mention and also 7 points system. So you like the Kelby book overall?>

I did, but I dont mind the dopey humor which some people dislike. I learned a lot about using bridge and ACR from it. But most of all I liked the common fixes and tricks sections where he took images that have faults that we all encounter and then demonstrated methods of fixing them. Some of the fixes were obvious, some not as much.

Photoshop in it's various guises must be the best software out there for tutorials, books, online and college courses etc. The choice is huge.

You could do worse than start with Adobes own website tutorials. Once you identify a topic you want to explore in more depth, the internet is waiting for you.

My own local library has a good selection of "how to..........." or "Photoshop xyz for Dummies" which can be useful for complete beginners, but for those wishing to advance further its a bit lacking.

1downfall wrote in post #9680524
Hey all. I have cs3 and have toyed with it a bit. I can do a few things but tend to get frustrated with what i get done in the time I have.
What guides or additional books, like Kelby, have some of you used and found helpful with learning cs3?

Assuming you're asking about Photoshop CS3 and not Illustrator CS3, InDesign CS3, Dreamweaver CS3, etc., nothing takes the place of practice. Again, assuming you can drive, when learning to drive a vehicle, did you not have to consciously think about every action you made? When did you transition to not having to think and driving became subconscious and reflexive? You can't remember can you, because it miraculously just happens. Photoshop is like that. If you work hard on nailing down the fundamentals, eventually it becomes second nature and your efficiency will soar.

Extending the driving analogy some more, I believe that every driver should first learn to drive a car with a manual transmission before driving an automatic. In Photoshop, my favorite book is Photoshop Restoration & Retouching by Katrin Eisman. I have also followed her videos. I believe she's among the best at introducing you to the hardcore workings of PS and helping you develop efficiency.

Once you develop some competency, I recommend exploring the world of time-saving plug-ins like from NIK, OnOne, and many others.

ChasP505 wrote in post #9686936
Assuming you're asking about Photoshop CS3 and not Illustrator CS3, InDesign CS3, Dreamweaver CS3, etc., nothing takes the place of practice. Again, assuming you can drive, when learning to drive a vehicle, did you not have to consciously think about every action you made? When did you transition to not having to think and driving became subconscious and reflexive? You can't remember can you, because it miraculously just happens. Photoshop is like that. If you work hard on nailing down the fundamentals, eventually it becomes second nature and your efficiency will soar.

Extending the driving analogy some more, I believe that every driver should first learn to drive a car with a manual transmission before driving an automatic. In Photoshop, my favorite book is Photoshop Restoration & Retouching by Katrin Eisman. I have also followed her videos. I believe she's among the best at introducing you to the hardcore workings of PS and helping you develop efficiency.

Once you develop some competency, I recommend exploring the world of time-saving plug-ins like from NIK, OnOne, and many others.

Thank you all for your feedback and yes, I meant photoshop. I ordered these 2 books yesterday:
http://www.amazon.com …321501918/ref=o​ss_product
http://www.amazon.com …321501926/ref=o​ss_product
we will see how it goes. Like the driving analogy. Sometimes though in PS, if you do not know which way to turn, you get loss.

I like Kelby's 7 Point book as it helps you develop a consistent and repeatable workflow and not haphazardly jump around with adjustments. Not thrilled with your other choice.