VERY Basic help needed for Photoshop

[DianaT]

I have an old version of Photoshop, but I do not wnat to buy a newer version until I learn more about what I have. I know a few things---basic crop, basic curves, filters etc. Most I have learned by just playing with them.

However, I really need some basic instruction and the "help" just does not seem to sink in. I cannot even figure out how to use layers!

What would anyone recommend as either a book or an online Photoshop for Dummies type instructions for my old Photoshop.

Thanks
Dia e

[bob_r]

Diane,

I may have some an old book that could help, but I need to know the version. Two things that I normally adjust are levels and Unsharp mask (USM). When you select levels, you can try auto levels, but I usually just play around with the various colors spectrums.

I use the sharpening method prescribed by Scott Kelby - and he says to sharpen every image. Here is what Scott recommends.

1. Go to Mode and select Lab Color

2. Go to Channels pallette and click on Lightness Channel.

3. Go to Unsharp Mask Filter and set it to the following: (do this step twice!!!)
a. for People - Amount 150%, Radius 1, Threshold 10
b. for Cityscapes, Urban Photography or Travel - Amount 65%, Radius 3, Threshold 2
c. for General everyday use - Amount 85%, Radius 1, Threshold 4

4. If the image appears too sharp, go to Edit menu and choose Fade Unsharp Mask - lower the Opacity slider to around 50% to reduce the
strength of the second sharpening to 1/2 strength.

5. Go back to the Image Menu and under Mode select RGB color.

Sometimes if the image is sharp after the first sharpening, I skip the second sharpening and don't Fade it.

I forgot to mention that this is the last thing I normally do during Post Processing.


Be sure to let us know the version you have.

Bob R

[DianaT]

Thanks for the tips Bob.

The version I have is a 5.0 Limited Edition. It came with one of the computers I bought a number of years ago.

PM me if you think your older book could help ---I would be interested. I really need the 1, 2, 3 explanation----

Thanks
Diane

[Bonish Photo]

Diane, check out Scott Kelby's books. I'm sure he has one for your version.

You can usually find them on Amazon for around $10, but they're explained very striaght forward and I find they really teach me the new programs very easily

[DianaT]

Diane, check out Scott Kelby's books. I'm sure he has one for your version.

You can usually find them on Amazon for around $10, but they're explained very striaght forward and I find they really teach me the new programs very easily

Thanks---I will look.

Diane

[Edd]

Hi Diane,

I don't know if this helps but Elements 7 has been launched replacing Elements 6, I managed to pick up E6 at 1/2 price. I also bought the book called "Photoshop Elements 6 The Missing Manual", this book guides you step by step through all the tools and how to use them. Found it invaluable in my learning process.

Hope it helps.

Edd

[ruthrina]

Post deleted.

[Traumuh]

You can download a thirty-day trial from Adobe's website. Photoshop is not free, using Photoshop without your own key is illegal. I purchased Adobe Photoshop CS2 Student Edition for $249 before CS3 was released. Not aware of any free image editing software that rivals the power of Photoshop.

[gldiana]

Not aware of any free image editing software that rivals the power of Photoshop.

Actually there is GIMP (http://www.gimp.org/windows/ ) although I think the Linux version is more powerful. Then again, very few people outside of scene creators and designers use Photoshop to its fullest. For the greatest majority of photographers Photoshop Elements is plenty, so is GIMP.

Comes in nearly all languages (like most Linux developed software)

[Traumuh]

I only have Photoshop because I was considering an graphics design major and I do some catalog stuff for my Aunt. Lightroom is nice for editing photos, like Luca said, Photoshop Elements is a powerful tool for a photographer.