Photoshop Tips

[Winnie]

Up to now I haven't really utilised my Photoshop CS2 to it's full potential, probably meaning that I am ditching more shots than I should be and not getting the most of the ones I keep. I could really use some tutorials and tips to improve my usage, does anyone have any good links?

Can anyone recommend a good PS CS2 book worth buying?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers

Alex

[Mr. Pickles]

Are you saying you don't use it much? Or you aren't getting into the really advanced stuff? If the first is mor etrue...

Start with Scott Kelby's book "The Photoshop Book For Digital Photographers". There are others, but Kelby has a light-hearted style that I like. It isn't too techie, he shows each step pretty well, and it is isn't dragged on forever.

Although the temptation is there and a lot of folks will say otherwise, resist the use of actions for awhile. Using them can destroy your ability to see what is going on, and give you the knowledge to use the interface.

[Winnie]

Thanks Mr Pickles.

I mean that I really only use PS for cloning, and sharpening, not oo much more than that. I feel that I am missing out on good shots but not utilising the features in CS2 such as layers etc. I don't like using too much PP anyway but it would be nice to know what can be done.

I'll check that book out.

Cheers
Alex

[happusa]

Check out ... "How To Wow - Photoshop For Photography" Jack Davis & Ben Willmore.
ISBN# 0-321-35750-7

[cyclohexane]

Here's something you can do right away, no book needed:

Color Noise Removal

[ScottBuckel]

Another possibility is to order the ebook from John Shaw. He discusses in his easy to follow style how to opimize photographs and how to print them. He has an ebook that you can order from his website www.johnshawfoto.com .

Scott

[joecoolsvette]

Winnie, may I suggest some online tutorials, and tips?
1.AskPhotoshop.com
2.Good-Tutorials.com
3.Retouch Pro.com
4.Artworld
5.Adobeforums.com
6.GFX^TM-Photoshop and ImageReady Tutorials* * http://user.fundy.net/morris/
7.PhotoshopBuddy
8.Photoshop Roadmap
These are but a few of the sites that have excellent tutorials, and tips. I hope this helps!

[jfrancho]

Some easy to use keyboard shortcuts:

Ctrl-+ = zoom in
Ctrl-+ = zoom out
Ctrl-Alt-0 =a ctual pixels
Ctrl-[ = decrease brush size
Ctrl-] = increase brush size
Ctrl-s = save
Ctrl-Shift-Save = save as

There are about 85 that I use regularly, but those are good ones to get started with.

[Winnie]

Thanks folks, appreciate the help.

Alex

[jfrancho]

Ctrl-W = close
D resets the fore/background colors
X switches them
B for the brush tool
V for the move tool

[pellepiano]

Yes, there are a lot of good PS places online, although a book is very handy.

One of my biggest aha moments for me was the discovery of the layer masks. They never stop to amaze me and I find new uses for them all the time.

Layer Blending Modes and Layer masks are my most frequently used items.

[Winnie]

I have used layer masks before but very rarely have I returned to them. Thanks for the heads up though and I will endeavour to improve my skills.

Alex

[fantasiesimage]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

Are you saying you don't use it much? Or you aren't getting into the really advanced stuff? If the first is mor etrue...

Start with Scott Kelby's book "The Photoshop Book For Digital Photographers". There are others, but Kelby has a light-hearted style that I like. It isn't too techie, he shows each step pretty well, and it is isn't dragged on forever.

Although the temptation is there and a lot of folks will say otherwise, resist the use of actions for awhile. Using them can destroy your ability to see what is going on, and give you the knowledge to use the interface.

Ditto on that book! its a great book!!!