One-trick PS pony needs help! - DPChallenge Forums

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

05/26/2009 07:28:17 PM · #1

Hey all,

Been here awhile now and although I pick up the occasional Photoshop hint to help my images, my pp sucks and I know it. I am on PS CS2 for Mac. The built-in tutorials are poorly written, so I rarely use them.

I can't afford to take a course in PS.

So I am hoping to find someone patient who can help me learn how to do cool (and legal) things like Layers, so I can make my images pop a little more, esp in Advanced.

Feel free to go through my portfolio first, so you can see my style and take note of the steps I list in photog comments boxes. They're pretty much always the same.

Thanks, Susan

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

05/26/2009 09:05:03 PM · #2

Have you looked at the numerous tutorials under the Learn menu? Most of them are oriented around (or easiy adapted for) Photoshop, and I know they address things like the use of Layers, Masks, sharpening and color-adjustment techniques, etc.

Or, maybe if you have a specific question, or an example with a description of your desired outcome.

"Can someone teach me how to post-process correctly in Photoshop?" seems a little open-ended, though if you're offering room and board for the required period I might consider it ... ;-)

Yo_Spiff

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0 M.Zuiko ED IS PRO

05/26/2009 09:06:46 PM · #3

You could join us in the PaintShop Pro side challenge next month and try to translate the tips from PSP to Photoshop. (Wouldn't that be different for a change!?) We are of course going to be focusing on tips and tricks as they apply in PSP, but as with anything else, much of it can be translated.

Or you could just be a maverick and switch...

Message edited by author 2009-05-26 21:07:57.

LVicari

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

05/26/2009 09:22:43 PM · #4

Sent you a PM

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5- 5.6G ED DX

05/27/2009 06:04:01 PM · #5

evening bump

JeffryZ

Nikon D80

05/30/2009 10:15:06 PM · #6

Have you tried searching the internet for tutorials? There are a lot of them around. Several here: //www.photoshopsupport.com/tutorials/cs2-photoshop-9.html For a reference book I like Scott Kelby- //www.amazon.com/Photoshop-Digital-Photographers-Voices-Matter/dp/0321330625/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243735932&sr=8-1

SEG

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

05/30/2009 10:46:07 PM · #7

I'm in the same boat in trying to learn how to PP better. I found that there are some really great tutorials on YouTube but you need to be specific in your searchs. I usually will have PS open in one window and YouTube in another. I'll watch the video and pause it at every step to open the PS window and apply it. I've learned a lot that way. I think you can see my progression in images since the day I started in January. Actually really close to a 6 in the auto ad challenge which I was beginning to think would never happen for me on this site.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

05/30/2009 11:15:03 PM · #8

You know, I don't think there's any such thing as "better" post-processing, because what's "best" is so different for each image, not to mention "styles" of post-processing.

What I think is really important is to understand how the various tools/filters/adjustments do what they do; how things like Curves and Un-Sharp Mask are actually affecting the image, and how (this is where I'm weak) how the different blending modes work. Learn how to make and adjust masks and selections. Really for "photographic" work these, plus combining exposures to expand the dynamic range (HDR), will cover 99% of what youlll need to do -- the trick is to figure out which technique (and to what extent) is appropriate for any individual image.

Message edited by author 2009-05-31 00:27:54.

MattO

Nikon D4

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

05/31/2009 01:25:10 AM · #9

Snaffles since you are using CS2 send me a PM with your mailing address and I'll mail you a book I have. Adobe CS2 Classroom in a book. you can learn alot by using the book. Pass it along to someone else when you are done.

Matt

BTW I've never looked at your Profile I will assume you are in the US lower 48 for shipping.

ETA you are up in Canuck land, but still shouldn't cost me that much, send me a mailing address and I'll send it out this week before I leave for vacation.

Message edited by author 2009-05-31 01:28:14.

Mr_Pants

SiPix Blink

05/31/2009 04:46:48 AM · #10

Have you looked at www.photowalkthrough.com ? There are some video tutorials there which are quite helpful and well-produced. It's run by Floyd, who's been around here for quite some time now.

05/31/2009 07:26:55 AM · #11

Hey all,

Wow, thanks everyone for the responses and offers of help! I have got PMs from many PS gurus here offering to help. Been busy lately but am dying to start getting my photos scoring a little higher.

The main area I feel I need help in is Layers, masks, filters, clarify (does Mac PS even have that, I dunno).

At this stage seems like

MattO's offer will work best as I only have dialup. But the kind of look I am trying to get is the 3-D effect used by people like Leo.

Again thanks all! :-)

Message edited by author 2009-05-31 07:27:12.