Best way to learn Photoshop Elements?

[NicolaB]

Forgive me as I am sure this has been posted many times before, but I can't find a post by searching.

I am new to Photoshop and need firstly a book to help me. I have heard Photoshop for Dummies, but Amazons best seller is different.

What paper book would you guys recommend?

Are there any good yet affordable courses in the UK that you have tried and tested (local education courses start at the very basic level so don't quite seem to hit the mark).

Thanks in advance.

[NicoleScraps]

I am a self taught photoshop elements user. I just watched a zillion you tube videos.

There are literally dozens of books available though if you think that would help you.
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[lputman]

Scott Kelby's books on Photoshop are excellent as are Katrin Eismann's. You can't go wrong using either or both of anything they've written.

[NicolaB]

Great. Thank you ladies. The Scott Kelby was Amazons no 1 actually - I shall have a look at the others too.

[Japaslavian]

Books can teach you a lot, but I personally think the best way to learn programs after getting the basics from books/youtube/etc can be summed up in one word.

Play.

[heathersmith]

Photoshop for Dummies are great. You take its lessons one by one and practice on your computer you will get mastery.

[newbad]

I think it depends most on your learning style. I've been self teaching myself PSE 8 since mother's day using only the internet and practicing. There are tons of great blogs out there with tutorials, including this site. I'm also a visual person, so youtube videos are awesome. One of the contributors to here has a lot of videos on her blog.
Where do you want to go? » Elizabeth Halford Photography

And I second the just play around once you have the basic information (layer mask and such) down. Also if you haven't downloaded the layer mask action I would do that soon. Just google layer mask free action and PSE 8. This CoffeeShop Free PS/PSE Actions!: Installing CoffeeShop Actions has great directions on how to download it. Also explore that website, it has lots of tutorials on it for PSE 8. I can't remember but she might even have a layer mask action on there.

[NicolaB]

GREAT thank you! Yes I learn audio visually, so the on line tutorials will be great. Thanks for the links. (I wish this site notified you when you get repies to your post - it doesn't does it?)

I always used to play a lot, but am getting frustrated as a mother of young children that there just isnt enough time in the day to learn. Moan, moan. lol I know you are right, it is how I have learnt other stuff, I am just impatient and want a short cut! lol

ps got Scott Kelby now Iputman thank you. Will look at Dummies Heather thanks also

[NicoleScraps]

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[NicolaB]

Ah ha! I thought there would be a way. Thanks Nicole