So you want to learn Photoshop? - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

11/30/2008 08:21:58 PM · #1

OK folks I will be the first 'to' admit I have alot 'to' 'learn' about photography and more 'to' 'learn' about editing. 'So' I am always looking for ways 'to' 'learn'. 'So' I buy books and read and read and read some more. But putting that 'to' use is tough when its just reading. Well I found a book that actually teaches me 'to' use the techniques that the book talks about. Not only that but they provide the exact settings and the photos 'to' work on. I have learned alot already and everytime I open it and CS3 up I 'learn' more. If 'you' 'want' 'to' 'learn' photoshop CS3 pickup This book download the files they provide and watch the light bulb go on over your head.

I'm usually not a pimper of products, in fact I have a bone 'to' pick with SK over his photo walk thingie for the launch of LR2. But thats another story.

Here is one photo from the lesson book that I edited(I did add the Â© 'so' no one would think I could take a photo that good, but I did edit it from the raw provided.

This book gets two thumbs up from me. It has taught me curves, masking, shortcuts lots of techniques that I have tried 'to' 'learn' in the past and just couldnt grasp. The book is simple in lay mans terms and provides 'you' with everything 'to' do it but the computer and CS3.

Matt

Lonni

Nikon D700

11/30/2008 08:27:03 PM · #2

Hi Matt, is it possible 'to' post the unedited jpg (convert from raw with standard settings)? The photo looks great, but I don't have any idea what 'you' started with.

Thanks.

11/30/2008 08:33:28 PM · #3

Originally posted by Lonni:

Hi Matt, is it possible 'to' post the unedited jpg (convert from raw with standard settings)? The photo looks great, but I don't have any idea what 'you' started with.

Thanks.

Sure here is the original just resized with no edits. Granted its a decent photo 'to' start with........but here is what I do, I always use my own editing(lame) skills before I do theirs, and I never come close 'to' the finished product and doing his method I 'learn' things.

Matt

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II

11/30/2008 08:50:55 PM · #4

how much did 'you' pay for it? $40-50 is kinda out of my price range

bergiekat

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

11/30/2008 08:55:40 PM · #5

WOW! NIce job! (But, I'm still in CS2 land. :/ )
Very cool of 'you' 'to' share! :)

Lonni

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

11/30/2008 09:00:10 PM · #6

Thanks Matt, very impressive!

11/30/2008 09:03:34 PM · #7

Originally posted by JDubsgirl:

how much did 'you' pay for it? $40-50 is kinda out of my price range

I am a borders customer, 'so' I get coupons for % off e-mailed 'to' me all the time. They can be used online as well as in the store. I think I bought this one for $49.99 minus 30% 'so' about $35. But I can assure 'you' what I have learned and applied 'to' photos I have sold, have paid more dividends then I spent. The book really puts things in a context that can be understood by even the simplest of minds(me).

Matt

Edit for spelling.

Message edited by author 2008-11-30 21:04:11.

11/30/2008 09:09:19 PM · #8

huh, well i have bought photoshop books in the past and they didnt really help. 'so' thats a bit of money down the drain already. maybe ill get one if some kind relative gives me a borders card

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

11/30/2008 09:15:03 PM · #9

Originally posted by JDubsgirl:

huh, well i have bought photoshop books in the past and they didnt really help. 'so' thats a bit of money down the drain already. maybe ill get one if some kind relative gives me a borders card

I have several photoshop books..........'you' have never seen me post about one of them before have 'you'? :D

Matt

smichener

Nikon D300

11/30/2008 09:28:59 PM · #10

Hey thanks for the tip Matt. Looks like a great book.

I've added it 'to' my Amazon wish list and they have it for 30 bucks.

Maggye

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

11/30/2008 09:36:20 PM · #11

thanks

MattO, and the good thing is that I get the NAPP discount!! ;)

11/30/2008 09:38:13 PM · #12

Originally posted by MattO:

Originally posted by JDubsgirl:
huh, well i have bought photoshop books in the past and they didnt really help. 'so' thats a bit of money down the drain already. maybe ill get one if some kind relative gives me a borders card

I have several photoshop books..........'you' have never seen me post about one of them before have 'you'? :D

Matt

LOL ok fine. thanks for the encouragement:)

Moose408

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

11/30/2008 11:23:26 PM · #13

That is one of the books sitting on my bookshelf. I haven't read it yet. Guess it's time 'to' try.

I did go 'to' Photoshop World and went 'to' a session where Scott Kelby went through his 7 steps for portraits, 'so' I have opened the book 'to' look at that chapter and now use 4 of the 7 steps for every portrait I take. It's significantly improved my skills but I don't think I would have gotten it if I had not gone 'to' his seminar.

Which reminds me that Dave Cross is doing a seminar here next week. Perhaps I should sign up.

nova

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM

11/30/2008 11:45:42 PM · #14

OK MattO, if 'you' say 'so' I'll give it a whirl. Thanks for the tip! Any chance 'you''ll show some before & afters of some of your own work? I'd be curious 'to' see 'em.

candlerain

Canon EOS-30D

11/30/2008 11:49:55 PM · #15

Scott Kelby is a great guy. I just received his book on Lightroom 2 FREE and AUTOGRAPHED last week. All this just for chatting it up in the train in Italy (on a trip) last summer with one of his friends. For those of 'you' who do not own any Kelby books, run and get one (or a few) right now. I find them great!

PhotoDave

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM II

11/30/2008 11:56:36 PM · #16

I have 'to' admit I got this book a while back and Matt is right, its once of the few that I own also that didnt put me 'to' sleep reading it and was actually informative and 'you' can work on the actual photos that the author is using in the book as well... well worth the money

-dave

Hifi

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

12/01/2008 12:10:10 AM · #17

Funny, I ordered this particular book online last night before seeing this thread.

I borrowed it from the library before ordering it and have 'to' totally agree with Matt - it is terrific. Very simple 'to' understand and is easy read.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

12/01/2008 12:12:32 AM · #18

Originally posted by Hifi:

oh! never even thought about checking it out from the library, thanks:)

Hifi

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

12/01/2008 12:15:38 AM · #19

I found it 'so' good - I got two reminders 'to' return it. Didn't 'want' 'to' give it back!

bradshaw

Spypen QX-O

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

12/04/2008 09:24:31 PM · #20

just bought this book, went into a indigo 'to' buy a photography or photoshop book after skimmer for an hour through a bunch decided 'to' buy this one, 'so' far its a great read.

sillygoat

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

12/05/2008 05:04:01 AM · #21

Ooo sounds tempting! I started using photoshop in the summer 'so' I can use all the help I can get!
What is borders?

bobonacus

Canon EOS-7D

12/05/2008 05:41:35 AM · #22

Thanks for the review Matt, I've got a CS2 book that I've picked up a couple of times but after upgrading 'to' CS3 I've not touched it!

I've just ordered my copy from
Amazon.co.uk for Â£14.99 (~$23!!!) as it's half price there at the moment :)

In fact it's half price on Amazon.com as well @ $29.99

BeckyT

Nikon D300s

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

12/05/2008 05:59:18 AM · #23

Wow that is awesome. I have both CS2 and CS3 books by Scott Kelby and love them. I will definately have 'to' get this one.

Thanks for sharing.

Caravela

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Olympus 12-45mm f/4.0 Pro

12/05/2008 07:06:09 AM · #24

If 'you' really 'want' 'to' 'learn' effective photoshop techniques and take your editing 'to' the next level, check out this website //www.chromasia.com/tutorials/online/! its above and beyond the best resource I've ever encountered for image editing. It helped me get my blue ribbon!!!

candlerain

Canon EOS-30D