Need to learn...

[katynoelle]

Now, that I have Lightroom and moving along much more quickly in a positive way with it, I'm feeling the need to gain more knowledge than what I've learned dabbling in Photoshop.

I only have PS version eight (AKA CS). I was thinking that I could subscribe to Lynda.com or Kelby but, also, I think that I might, personally, work much more easily from a book. I need to go jump into the ocean of choices but was wondering if any of you could point me in a direction. Any recommendations? Any hints? Any suggestions? They'd be so appreciated!

Thanks!

[robnaylor]

Only suggestion I can give Katy, is not to try and learn "everything".
As you need to be able to do something, ask how that one thing is done (or google it) then just do that one thing.
This way you will learn what you need.
Most programs (word/excel/gimp/photoshop) have dozens of features you probably will never need, so just learn the bits you need today, and add to it tomorrow.

A bit of lame advice but it works for me!

[clactonian]

Hi Katy, forgive me if I've pointed you in this direction before but I learn't so much on this site jkost.com/
Julianne is as you can see one of the official Adobe evangelists, so she really knows her stuff. Besides which it is free.

[jiro]

It is so interesting to know that we learn stuff the same way, Rob. I am basically self-taught on anything that involves computers and photography. You gave Katy a very good learning attitude with that advice. Mike, Julianne Kost is also one of my favorites and as you mentioned her tutorials are free.

[katynoelle]

Thanks, Rob, Mike and Jiro!

Rob, that was kind of what i was hoping to do - learn what I want, as I want. I know that PS can do anything and everything - I don't quite need all of that. Because of this, I've kind of been hoping for something (interested in the internet but, also, possibly, a book : that breaks it all down into sections and chunks and isn't a running discussion about everything all jumbled up. Does that make sense?

I do, also, just need to knuckle down and get a good handle on the basics - I can't even express what they are, yet, because, of course, I haven't learned them, yet. In other words, I know what I'm curious about but don't have words to ask, yet.

Hey, Mike - no, you haven't pointed that out before. Thank you! That looks very hopefully good for me!

[robmarshall]

Oct 2, 2011 19:38:44 GMT @katynoelle said:

I only have PS version eight (AKA CS). I was thinking that I could subscribe to Lynda.com or Kelby but, also, I think that I might, personally, work much more easily from a book. I need to go jump into the ocean of choices but was wondering if any of you could point me in a direction. Any recommendations? Any hints? Any suggestions? They'd be so appreciated!

Much as I love books (have over 1,000) I think Lynda.com is brilliant. I've been a subscriber for about six months and I think there is no better way to learn about, and learn more about photography.

[maryloveslucydog]

I have and like... Scott Kelby's books on Photoshop (whichever version you have) and Lightroom (for your version). You can go through the whole thing, or just look up what you want to learn and go to that section. They are easy to read, understand, and reference.

[Stevewebb]

I would thorughly recommend Kelby's 7points book to start you off.

For me it had a perfect way of teaching you the basic adjustments that you will use 90% of the time. By repetition in each task and being able to work step by step through the book, I learnt so much in a short space of time. i still go back to it every few months and go over a couple of chapters just to remind myself of certain tasks that are easy to forget.

[katynoelle]

Thanks Rob, Mary and Steve - I've gone to check those out - not sure what to do, yet, though!

[jiro]

Oct 3, 2011 14:24:58 GMT @katynoelle said:

Thanks Rob, Mary and Steve - I've gone to check those out - not sure what to do, yet, though!

What if you tell us what you want to do with an image you have, Katy and then we'll help you in Photoshop on how to do it? Does it sound workable to you? That's how I learn when I want to study something - breaking it into small parts at a time.

[maryloveslucydog]

Oct 3, 2011 14:27:28 GMT jiro said:

Oct 3, 2011 14:24:58 GMT @katynoelle said:

Thanks Rob, Mary and Steve - I've gone to check those out - not sure what to do, yet, though!

What if you tell us what you want to do with an image you have, Katy and then we'll help you in Photoshop on how to do it? Does it sound workable to you? That's how I learn when I want to study something - breaking it into small parts at a time.

This is also a great plan. Willie is one of the best teachers I know.

[katynoelle]

Oct 3, 2011 14:27:28 GMT jiro said:

Oct 3, 2011 14:24:58 GMT @katynoelle said:

Thanks Rob, Mary and Steve - I've gone to check those out - not sure what to do, yet, though!

What if you tell us what you want to do with an image you have, Katy and then we'll help you in Photoshop on how to do it? Does it sound workable to you? That's how I learn when I want to study something - breaking it into small parts at a time.

Thanks mucho much, Willie! I think that I, also, want to have a resource to go to so that I can rummage around and see what I, even, need to learn. Also, I do have a million and one things that I don't know, yet; so, unless you want to be absolutely inundated with questions, twenty-four-seven.... ;D

Don't worry, though, once i really get going with this stuff - I'll be asking!

(and, sorry that it took so long to get back to you! My parents have been here for three weeks - they leave, tomorrow. It's been a whirlwind! Not to mention how short the beautiful autumnal season is, around here... so many pics to take - so little time!)