Help with Photoshop

[dossymae]

Hi All-

I just got photoshop elements for my mac last week and I'm still not sure what I'm doing with it. I've been tinkering with this old shot that I love from my point and shoot. So far all I've done is used the auto fix settings. Can someone help me out and show me what else I can do?

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[NobleEagle]

I wish I could help you but I don't personally use PS Elements. However, you are on the internet. It is a VERY powerful research tool.
Whatever search engine is your favorite, type in PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS TUTORIAL and I am sure the results will keep you busy for a while.
I found this one that may help some:
http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/

By the way thats a great capture!

[krob77]

youtube has all the video tutorials you can stand to watch.

[Loose_Canon]

Originally Posted by dossymae

So far all I've done is used the auto fix settings.

The problem w/ Auto Fix is the same as Automatic mode on a camera - you learn nothing along the way. You'll learn a lot by just playing with the tools in PSE. And, as others have said, start with some basic tutorials online. They will give you leg up. And wear your climbing boots - it can be a bit of an upward learning curve. But you've made a good start.

Post up specific questions after you've poked around in PSE some and we can give specific answers and suggestions.

[dossymae]

Originally Posted by Loose_Canon

The problem w/ Auto Fix is the same as Automatic mode on a camera - you learn nothing along the way.

That's what I'm wondering about. I was a little disappointed with the lack of information that came with the software. I know that you can do so many wonderful things with photoshop, but I'm just not sure where to start.

[Liz Caldwell]

The most important tool I learned to use in elements is how to adjust the Levels (ctrl+L) atr least in the RGB Mode. Almost every time I hit auto-levels, I end up undo-ing it. Second to that, dodge (circle on a stick) and burn (hand making O shape) tool.

Each photo is different, you just got to play with it. The way I learned a lot is by reading other people's "Help Me Fix This" posts... I try doing it, then compare my results to other's attempts, then I try doing what they did, and see if I can match it.

If there is something specific I want to do, I google "elements tutorial: eyes" or whatever, and there it is

[dossymae]

Originally Posted by Liz Caldwell

Second to that, dodge (circle on a stick) and burn (hand making O shape) tool.

What does dodge and burn do? I've heard so much about it, but I'm not entirely sure i understand what it does.

Originally Posted by Liz Caldwell

The way I learned a lot is by reading other people's "Help Me Fix This" posts... I try doing it, then compare my results to other's attempts, then I try doing what they did, and see if I can match it.

Thanks for that great advice! I'm heading over to that thread right now!

[Saralonde]

These may be helpful to you:

• Elements Tools
• Elements Village An Elements forum
• List of flickr tutorials
• Photoshop Elements User

[wannabehorsephotographer]

Dodge lightens and burn darkens. You can lighten/darken the highlights, shadows, and midtones. Try it out on eyes and clouds - you'll get some fun results.
As for PSE in general, I learned by googling tutorials. A lot of the PS CS3 tutorials can be used for PSE too, but it's often hard to tell until you get more comfortable with the software. I suggest either buying a book or checking one out from the library. You'll soon be bored with it, but it will be an easy way to get started.

[zespri]

You're so right about the levels, I've only just discovered it and can't believe I've been overlooking it for so long. It is without a doubt the best thing I've learned this week. I wish I'd known to look for it before, I just didn't know there was a better solution than what I was already doing.

dossymae, I read this tutorial after seeing the results in someone else's thread, and have been absolutely delighted by it:
http://amyrosesecretsrevealed.blogsp...p-secrets.html

Thank you for explaining dodge/burn too Liz/wannabehorsephotographer, I'd always wondered what they are 'supposed' to be used for. When I get home tonight I'll have a play with them.

Originally Posted by Liz Caldwell

The most important tool I learned to use in elements is how to adjust the Levels (ctrl+L) atr least in the RGB Mode. Almost every time I hit auto-levels, I end up undo-ing it. Second to that, dodge (circle on a stick) and burn (hand making O shape) tool.