Help for Photoshop beginner

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mercurius

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Hi,

I have a basic understanding of Photoshop (well I can open it up and know roughly what's where in the menus) but I really struggle with layers and particularly with working out what order to do things in. Where should I start? With Levels? Contrast? Saturation? Colour? Curves are beyond my reach at the moment. Is there a natural order or doesn't it matter?

I would really welcome your advice on where to start and any good tutorials. I have seen various recommendations of Ron Bigelow's site in previous posts and it looks fabulously detailed. But it seems to me a bit advanced - ie it assumes you know what you're doing. I think I need an interim step for dummies.

One of my interests is in producing good quality b/w prints, so again any tips on using Photoshop to convert would be gratefully received.

Many thanks for your help.

mercurius
 
Hi mercurius
I had the same problem starting as you and found video tutorials very good. Try the link below although it uses Photoshop CS3 a lot of the processes are the same.

Best thing I found was just to sit and play then when happy with a photo just post for some constructive critisimn

Good luck.

http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/video_workshop/?id=vid0001
 
Buy/borrow/read a book or 2.

Photoshop 1/2/3 by Martin Evening is very good.
 
Byrhtnoth said:
Hi mercurius
I had the same problem starting as you and found video tutorials very good. Try the link below although it uses Photoshop CS3 a lot of the processes are the same.

Best thing I found was just to sit and play then when happy with a photo just post for some constructive critisimn

Good luck.

http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/video_workshop/?id=vid0001
Click to expand...


Thank you very useful !!!!

I have also bought a number of useful books which might be of interest. Adobe Photoshop CS3 for photographers (also by Martin Evening - unless this is the same book you are advising!) & How to cheat at photoshop CS3. Both these books are worth a punt.
 
Try the "sams teach yourself Photoshop CS2 in 24 hours" book
It contains 24 X 1 hour lessons and is great. They may do one for CS3.

Also get a magazine like "Digital SLR" and do the tutorials every month.

Worked for me.:)
 
Thanks to all for your helpful and encouraging replies, I'll certainly look into your recommendations.

One thing that I have not seen covered in the things I have read (about CS2) is whether there is a natural / logical order to tackle adjustments to pics.

Also do you have favourite b/w conversion techniques that you would recommend?

Thanks again.

mercurius
 
mercurius said:
Thanks to all for your helpful and encouraging replies, I'll certainly look into your recommendations.

One thing that I have not seen covered in the things I have read (about CS2) is whether there is a natural / logical order to tackle adjustments to pics.

Also do you have favourite b/w conversion techniques that you would recommend?

Thanks again.

mercurius
Click to expand...

I am new to this but I find the using "New adjustment layer>Black and white" then adjusting the colour sliders is the best method. Then play with dodge and burn. The adjustments vary from picture to picture so I play with each slider till I am happy. I am sure there is going to be a more scientific method though!
 
All the above give good advice but in addition I recommend Digital Photo it contains great video tutorials and projects every month.
 
You might try Scott Kelbys new book 7 points for Photoshop CS3. It's basicaly a start to finish approach to using Photoshop.

It's about £18.00 from Amazon.

Hope this helps

John C
 
I started using photoshop around 5 years ago and still learning, it's the main reason I still enjoy using it.

One of the most influential gurus amongst the pros is generally considered to be Dan Margulis (just google his name) an ex Adobe big-wig who specialised in LaB colour space. His books are quite expensive so try your local library first.

Or dig out any of Tom Ang's early digital masterclass books for a good introduction.
 
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