Finding your way around Photoshop

There's no one way to do this.  Each of us learn differently, each of us come into this hobby with differing levels of computer understanding and competence.

The biggest thing that will help you learn to digi-scrap is simply knowing the ins-and-outs of your program.  In this case, we're talking about Photoshop.  Get to know the toolbar -- what the tools are called, what they do, what settings they have.  I'm a bigger fan of knowing first what the buttons are and what they do, and learning what shortcut I can use to get them active later.

I won't be telling you EVERYTHING about Photoshop in this blog.  I don't know all that much, and there are plenty of other sites to get you really in depth if that's what you want.  My goal with this blog is to show you what you need to know to START your digi-scrappin' journey.  Once you get over the initial apprehension and jump over that beginner's learning curve, you'll be able to delve deeper on your own.

It's ok to jump in after learning just a few basics.  Don't think you have to know Photoshop inside and out before you start.  I made 54 layouts in my first 3 months and I am still constantly learning new tricks.  You don't have to click on these links below right now if you don't want to.  It's supplemental material, not required reading.  ;o)

In addition to the resources linked in the "Adobe Photoshop Tutorials" list over at JenStrange.com, here are some quick links to Photoshop sites with tutorials to start with:
1. Photoshop101.com
2. Photoshop Support.com
3. Planet Photoshop.com
4. Developing Webs.net --> Photoshop general page, Beginner's Index
5. Good-Tutorials.com

And here are some books that I've seen mentioned online as being helpful ("click here" will take you to the Amazon link):
1. Photoshop for Digital Photographers ~ Scott Kelby ~ click here
2. Photoshop Elements 3 Down and Dirty Tricks ~ Scott Kelby ~ click here
3. Photoshop Elements 2 Tips and Tricks ~ Janee Aranoff ~ click here
4. Adobe "Classroom in a book" series for Photoshop ~ click here (there is a different one for every version -- put "Photoshop Classroom in a book" in the search bar.)  Ok, and click here for the Adobe.com page for all their Classroom in a Book titles.
5. Photoshop for Windows and Mac ~ Elaine Weinmann and Peter Lourekas ~ click here

From what I understand, most everything in a book about Elements or version 2.0 or 3.0 will apply if you have a later version -- I have 7.0.  Each version has improvements and additions, but the basic functions always remain the same.

Happy studying!

Comments

[Lesley]

The Classroom in a Book for Photoshop 7.0 rocks!! :)

[TaniaJPS]

I can't get enough of your site! I LOVE it! I mean, my eyes hurt and I'm getting dizzy. But, I have to say, it's HUGE! There's just soo much!

[TaniaJPS]

OH, and you're FUNNY! I love that!

[Jenna]

Like many others, I want to thank you for your site. You're right about there being 10 ways to do everything in photoshop. My husband uses PS everyday for his work and for pleasure and I had never used it before except to crop a few photos. He would get so upset when I asked for help when I was trying to do something but wasn't HIS way. With your webpage and the tutorials of others, I am going to take Photoshop on by myself and see what I come up with! (He really is a nice guy, he just knows way to much about Photoshop to try and help a complete newb like myself.)

[lori]

thanks much for these additional site listings to view and learn from!

[Zakirah]

Lesley, my eyes are hurting too for staring at the screen for so long, but I just can't get enough of this site!