Learning photoshop...

Just downloaded the trial for CS5 and I'm hoping to purchase soon. I feel a little overwhelmed as there is so much possible with this amazing program. I've had some experience with PSE for the past 3 years, so I know some basics. However I still feel clueless about the layout and MANY other things.

I've searched online and found many different photoshop educational programs. But not sure which one to choose.

Just wondering how some of you learned your way around photoshop and what books/educational experiences worked the best for you. I'm a hands on learner so I feel that videos and step-by-step tutorials would work best for me.

Thanks!

The learning curve for PS is huge. You can't really ease in.

It took me years to learn it right and all I ever did is say... "I want to do this... let's go to google." Over and over and over.

Now there is very little of photoshop that I don't know how to use. Dont think you can learn it quickly; youll be dissapointed.

Where's the straighten tool in CS5?

I'm expecting to learn anything advanced just yet-- just want the basics for now and to join some program where I can learn techniques overtime. Just not sure which one and looking to see which ones have worked for other photographers.

Peter Camyre wrote in post #10639596
Where's the straighten tool in CS5?

Is this a test???? I've only used the LR straightening tool so I'm not sure, but I'm guessing somewhere in all the little buttons/tabs.

Found it! It's under the eyedropper tool.

No , not a test, I have a bad habit of not holding the camera straight and find a lot of my shots need straightening.

There's no straightening tool in Photoshop.

Straightening an image is a two step process in Photoshop. First you use the Measure Tool to draw a line across the element that should be straight, then use the Arbitrary Rotation command to rotate the image.

Peter Camyre wrote in post #10639620
No , not a test, I have a bad habit of not holding the camera straight and find a lot of my shots need straightening.

The books I recommend:

Photoshop CSx Studio Techniques by Ben Willmore
Photoshop CSx One-on-One by Deke McClelland
Adobe Photoshop CS5 for Photographers by Martin Evening

Videos:
Photoshop CSx for Digital Photographers by Colin Smith
Photoshop CSx for Photographers (Chris Orwig) Lynda.com

However, to me the best way to learn is to post an image and ask people to walk you through the steps they would take to retouch it. You'll learn much more from interacting with others than you would from a book or video.

SnapsbyPoteat wrote in post #10639535
Just downloaded the trial for CS5 and I'm hoping to purchase soon. I feel a little overwhelmed as there is so much possible with this amazing program. I've had some experience with PSE for the past 3 years, so I know some basics. However I still feel clueless about the layout and MANY other things.

I've searched online and found many different photoshop educational programs. But not sure which one to choose.

Just wondering how some of you learned your way around photoshop and what books/educational experiences worked the best for you. I'm a hands on learner so I feel that videos and step-by-step tutorials would work best for me.

Thanks!

Scott Kelby's LR 3 book is shipping now and the CS5 book ships in August.

Join your local photography club or take some courses at your local community college. You'll meet experienced people who can give you direct one on one mentoring.

Peter Camyre wrote in post #10639615
Found it! It's under the eyedropper tool.

No, that's the ruler tool.

PixelMagic wrote in post #10639649
There's no straightening tool in Photoshop.

Yes there is.
Filter > Lens Correction... Straighten tool is top left, works the same as LR.

Peter Camyre wrote in post #10639620
No , not a test, I have a bad habit of not holding the camera straight and find a lot of my shots need straightening.

And how does that tidbit of information help answer the OP's question?

When he asked if I was "testing him", I answered his question.


... see where he asked, "Is this a test?"

Peter Camyre wrote in post #10641455
When he asked if I was "testing him", I answered his question.
... see where he asked, "Is this a test?"

Yeah... just a little incongruous. And I think "he" is a she.