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Posted on 01/08/05 9:27:39 PM |
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Clare
* Posts: 5 Reply |
Complete Photoshop newbie
Have just got Photoshop CS and have absolutely no idea how to use it. This is my first foray into this kind of thing and I need to put together an album cover. Got the design, know what I want am just clueless - any idea where I can get decent help for complete beginner without wading through 100's of sites and pop-ups? Help hugely appreciated and when it gets interesting am sure I'll be asking for more comprehensive help if you're willing. Thanks very much. |
Posted on 01/08/05 9:39:48 PM |
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trinityofone
Guest Reply |
Re: Complete Photoshop newbie
Clare, Firstly, welcome to the forums! You couldn't go far wrong with a combination of Steve's book and some friendly faces on the forum. Don't be afraid to ask questions, there's always someone around willing to give advice. _________________ It must be Thursday, I never could get the hang of Thursdays |
Posted on 01/08/05 10:29:30 PM |
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Clare
* Posts: 5 Reply |
Re: Complete Photoshop newbie
Hi David That was a quick reply! Got the book on Saturday - and def. loads of things in there that I'll use - but I need basic, basics! Ie. used selection tool and mask and it selected and moved a white bit not the actual bit from photo See...that's how new we're talking! EG: on page 4/1 of the book it's got a red symbol - what does that indicate? have just got my head around layers. Am trying to self teach - probably a bad idea...? |
Posted on 01/08/05 11:22:23 PM |
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trinityofone
Guest Reply |
Re: Complete Photoshop newbie
The selection problem could be because you have Quick Mask in Masked areas mode, rather than selected areas (see page 8's intro text). By red symbol, do you mean the one that accompanies the blue ALT symbol? If so, that's the Option key on a Mac and is the counterpart of the PC ALT key, similarly, the 4 loop key is the Apple/Command key, which is the same as the PC's CTRL key. I think you'll find the majority of us are self-taught - part of Photoshop's fun is experimentation, it's amazing how many 'happy accidents' are gained by simply messing around with tools and effects. All you have to lose is time! _________________ It must be Thursday, I never could get the hang of Thursdays |
Posted on 02/08/05 08:44:40 AM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7047 Reply  |
Re: Complete Photoshop newbie
Clare, Welcome to the forum! As David says, most of us here are self taught - myself included - and you can have a lot of fun just tinkering about. The best way of learning, however, is to have a specific task to work on. That's why I introduced the Friday Challenge section here: to give readers the oportunity to work on a different project each week, trying out techniques and solving new problems. So do take part! And, of course, feel free to ask if you get stuck anywhere… Steve |
Posted on 02/08/05 11:25:36 PM |
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uk2usadaz
Designer Dynamo Posts: 70 Reply  |
Re: Complete Photoshop newbie
Welcome Clare, you are n good hands with David and Steve. _________________ Look upwards and share the wonders that I see. |
Posted on 03/08/05 01:47:58 AM |
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trinityofone
Guest Reply |
Re: Complete Photoshop newbie
Ummmm.....  _________________ It must be Thursday, I never could get the hang of Thursdays |
Posted on 03/08/05 09:22:01 AM |
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maiden
Golden Gif Gagster Posts: 471 Reply  |
Re: Complete Photoshop newbie
Haha David you butter fingers. That's one heavy person you were carrying there, obviously he wasn't your brother, cos he ain't heavy  _________________ mad as a badger and twice as furry |
Posted on 03/08/05 3:44:38 PM |
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trinityofone
Guest Reply |
Re: Complete Photoshop newbie
Incidentally, the reason the person is headless is not due to being a hypocrite and not wanting to montage my mug, I just didn't have an image that fitted/had the right expression. 
_________________ It must be Thursday, I never could get the hang of Thursdays |
Posted on 03/08/05 5:04:52 PM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7047 Reply |
Re: Complete Photoshop newbie
That's odd - they usually use me… |
Posted on 03/08/05 5:06:26 PM |
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trinityofone
Guest Reply |
Re: Complete Photoshop newbie
I thought it would be too crass to use your head this time, after all, if you can't answer a question about the book, then who can? _________________ A happy-go-lucky chap, always dressed in black |
Posted on 11/08/05 10:12:16 PM |
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Clare
* Posts: 5 Reply |
Re: Complete Photoshop newbie
Thanks for that! Am diligently working my way through the cd and book at the mo. As for the Friday challenge - hows this: I have to produce a 4 page CD booklet for a band, inlays etc by 30 Sept...no pressure then! I know what I want to do and I dont think it's that complicated it's just making it look good that's going to be my problem! Thanks for your help and will prob. email frequently from hereon in......
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Posted on 12/08/05 01:25:55 AM |
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trinityofone
Guest Reply |
Re: Complete Photoshop newbie
Clare, Maybe post some of your ideas up in the forum, get a bit of critique. _________________ It must be Thursday, I never could get the hang of Thursdays |
Posted on 08/01/06 12:50:17 PM |
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samuel graham walker
Guest Reply |
Re: Complete Photoshop newbie
Hi. I am also a newbie,I have the book,I hope one day to understand it,so far I think it is facinating.As far as books go I have got the lot and all the Total training DVDs I am still finding the basics quite hard does any one know of a BASIC book that will take me by the hand .Most tell me to open an image and then open a second image,trouble is the first image is covered by the second how do I get over this ? (Well I did say I was a newbie) I am 71 am I to old for the programe?? Graham |
Posted on 08/01/06 1:50:00 PM |
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rufus
Destructive Demon Posts: 243 Reply  |
Re: Complete Photoshop newbie
Hi Sam, you have the books and videos and when you read and watch them the techniques all seem straightforward but when you try something you struggle. Welcome to the club. The truth is that Photoshop can be a difficult programme to understand, there are many ways of achieving the results you want, and that's what makes it such fun. I will suggest a few thing for you. First start at the beginning of the book and work your way through the first three chapters. Don't rush this, it is essential to get these techniques firmly into your mind before you go any further. You need a project to work on to try out your new skills, the Friday challenge is an excellent choice, don't worry about how it looks, send it in, you have to dip your toe in the water sometime. I have found that any criticism from here is good natured and very helpful. Finally if you don't understand anything ASK, there are many newbies here as well as some very experienced and knowledgeable people who are more than happy to help you. As for being too old don't be daft. |
Posted on 08/01/06 2:04:16 PM |
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samuel graham walker
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Re: Complete Photoshop newbie
Hi Rufus, Thanks for you advice, I will do as you say.I hope to take an active part when I am more proficient. Thanks again. Graham or Sam whichever...
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Posted on 08/01/06 2:04:23 PM |
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samuel graham walker
Guest Reply |
Re: Complete Photoshop newbie
Hi Rufus, Thanks for you advice, I will do as you say.I hope to take an active part when I am more proficient. Tanks again. Graham or Sam whichever... |
Posted on 08/01/06 4:55:54 PM |
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Eggbox
Ovoid Opportunist Posts: 797 Reply  |
Re: Complete Photoshop newbie
Hi Sam, Some of the best tutorial videos, in my opinion, come from the free CDs in the 'Digital Photo' magazine. My partner bought me a subscription three years in a row and I have learned such a lot from them .. then along came Steve's book. As rufus suggests, if you have a problem then just ask. Every level of skill is available for you here. Ted |
Posted on 09/01/06 09:59:58 AM |
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samuel graham walker
Guest Reply |
Re: Complete Photoshop newbie
Hi Ted, Thanks,I will look into the chance of getting hold of the back issues of D.P. Mag There are so many mags it's nice to get a pointer.If the responce I am getting from the forum is anthing to go by one of the better things I did was purchasing the book. Regards and thanks,Sam  |
Posted on 09/01/06 2:26:35 PM |
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Steve Caplin
Administrator Posts: 7047 Reply |
Re: Complete Photoshop newbie
Sam, You're certainly never too old to take up Photoshop. I did a talk to a digital imaging group in Middlesbrough last year, where I met an 84-year-old who had only delved into Photoshop within the last two years. His work was stunning. Similarly, you shouldn't feel you have to be of a certain standard in order to participate in the Friday Challenge, or any other part of the forum. It's supposed to be fun for everyone, of every range of abilities. There are two parts to every Challenge, as there are to every artistic endeavour: technical skill, and artistic inspiration. The technical part will come - and we can certainly help you with it - but the inspiration is up to you! And finally, please don't be embarrassed about asking any questions whatsoever, no matter how novice-like you consider them to be. We all had to start somewhere! An enjoyment of montage, and a willingness to learn, is all we require. Welcome to the forum! Steve |