Photoshop Elements 9

[Mocha]

I'm not sure if this is the right place for this question. Mods, please feel free to move if necessary.

I recently found a good after Christmas price for PSE9 and couldn't resist. I was using a really old version of Nova Development's Photo Explosion Deluxe, but was impressed with how much more PSE9 had to offer.

Now I am looking for a manual that will help me learn how to use my new software to its fullest. I could spend hours muddling my way through, but I don't think that is a very productive use of my time. Besides, I am sure there are things I would miss. I am considering Photoshop Elements 9 for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski. Yes, No, Suggestions?

FYI -- Photography is a hobby for me, but I like to get artistic and I want to be able to blow up my work for framing on the walls. I have no previous experience with PS software, but can work my way around Windows pretty well.

People on this forum have given me such good information and inspiration! For me, this place is definitely Digital Photography SCHOOL. Thank you as always for any help!

[thecorrigan44]

You could try Photoshop Elements 9 for Dummies. I've read several books from the "for Dummies" series and always find them to be well written and very informative. I'm actually reading Canon EOS Rebel T1i for Dummies right now as I am new to the DSLR world. It's available on Amazon for under $20 and available for free shipping if you spend over $25. In fact, after I post this, I think I'm going to order it along with a lens pen.

[glyndavid]

A site I found great was at Adobe
Learn Photoshop Elements 9 - Adding a watermark | Adobe TV
some great videos and a couple of things I didn't know PSE9 even did, such as 'out of bounds' and 'reflections'

[baycruisers]

Two recommendations:

Photoshop Elements Village is an excellent web forum with many experienced PSE users. For an optional reasonable annual fee you can get access to video tutorials.

For books, I highly recommend Scott Kelby's Photoshop Elements 9 for Digital Photographers and Barbara Brundage's Missing Manual for PSE 9. Both are readily available at bookstores and online.

[KimberlyH]

I actually purchased PSE9 right before Christmas and was in the same boat as you are. I had a much older version and needed a manual because so much had changed from my old one. I found a great book called The Missing Manual:Photoshop Elements 9. It takes you step-by-step through the program and offers both quick overviews and in-depth information so you can choose how much info you need to suit your purpose. It's a pretty good book and I would choose it again. Unlike some of the other books it doesn't come across as saying your dumb if you don't know something already.

[baycruisers]

Originally Posted by KimberlyH

I actually purchased PSE9 right before Christmas and was in the same boat as you are. I had a much older version and needed a manual because so much had changed from my old one. I found a great book called The Missing Manual:Photoshop Elements 9. It takes you step-by-step through the program and offers both quick overviews and in-depth information so you can choose how much info you need to suit your purpose. It's a pretty good book and I would choose it again. Unlike some of the other books it doesn't come across as saying your dumb if you don't know something already.

What books imply you're dumb if you don't know something already?

[KimberlyH]

There are several books out there for Photoshop and other software that are not for beginners. They come across as a "manual" but often use terminology that a first time user to a post-processing software would be unfamiliar with. Most beginners are looking for something that will explain each tool and aspect of the program without just assuming you already know it. As a beginner you wouldn't. I ran into that problem the first time I purchased Photoshop several years ago. It was hard to find a book for someone who had no idea what an adjustment layer was. They all assumed you already knew.

That's all I was meaning...but thank you for your response.

[douglas]

Try "Googling" PS Elements 9...there are lots of videos.
Also go to AdobeTV | Learn Photoshop Elements 9 And a useful DVD Learn photo shop elements today...WWW.photoshopelementsuser.com...it's not expensive

[baycruisers]

Originally Posted by KimberlyH

There are several books out there for Photoshop and other software that are not for beginners. They come across as a "manual" but often use terminology that a first time user to a post-processing software would be unfamiliar with. Most beginners are looking for something that will explain each tool and aspect of the program without just assuming you already know it. As a beginner you wouldn't. I ran into that problem the first time I purchased Photoshop several years ago. It was hard to find a book for someone who had no idea what an adjustment layer was. They all assumed you already knew.

That's all I was meaning...but thank you for your response.

Ahh--I get you. I agree, there are some Photoshop books out there that are pretty dense and aimed at pros who use advanced aspects of CSx, which is overkill for most of us. I have CS4, PSE 9 and Lightroom. PSE 9 & LR3 frankly do everything I need, at least for now.

I like Kelby's books because he's lighthearted without being condescending, whether he's talking about PSE, LR or CSx. I think he does a great job of conveying information without being intimidating.

[phaither]

Originally Posted by thecorrigan44

You could try Photoshop Elements 9 for Dummies. I've read several books from the "for Dummies" series and always find them to be well written and very informative. I'm actually reading Canon EOS Rebel T1i for Dummies right now as I am new to the DSLR world. It's available on Amazon for under $20 and available for free shipping if you spend over $25. In fact, after I post this, I think I'm going to order it along with a lens pen.

i have this "Dummies" book. it does a decent job of explaining the basics- i knew nothing about PS elements when i got it for xmas. i'm still pretty intimidated by it though. let me know if you find something you like...
faith