Photo Shop books

[metoo]

I received photo shop elements 9 for Christmas. I have minimal experience with post processing and none with photoshop. I've been playing around with it but I'm not super pleased with the look I've been getting(all user error I'm sure!). I need a beginners book (or if there is a good website for this) that explains layers, masks, when to use what type of layer, how to merge them, ect. This is really really dumb, but I can't even figure out how to apply effects when I'm using the selection tools. So, I need a basic beginners guide, but I would also like something more advanced that can help me really get the most out of this program. I like my post processing to look real for the most part. I'm not into super processed photo's. I want to learn how to make my pictures pop but still look real. Any suggestions for me? If there is a book that covers everything that would be even better because I do not have a money tree in my back yard. I have googled and gotten some good tips, but I really need something to thoroughly explain the basics.

[windrider86]

One good resource I have found is You Tube. Tons and tons and tons of tutorials.

Agree with Windrider. I utilize YouTube when I'm stuck on a specific query.
The Photoshop website has some pretty fair tutorials. Idid purchase Elements 8 for Dummies as a supplement and it's proven to be a decent book.

I think the secret is to spend alot of time on it and learn one thing at a time focusing on your skill level - Playing with HDR is not a wise idea for a beginner in my estimation. The PS website lists tutorials in skill level order which is helpful.

My conclusion is that it's a very exhaustive program and, while NOT limitless, it will take a fair amount of time to become proficient with it. It'll take even longer to master it, if that's even possible.

But it's very rewarding!

Persevere metoo! If it was easy, everyone would do it!

Bakeys

[theosus]

I agree with the YouTube and Google school... There are plenty of people out there willing to share their skills and tutorials for free, which will save you a lot over buying a book.

Also try amazon and look for used books. I have a copy of Photoshop cs2, and was able to pick up a used Scott kelby book for five bucks. It was around 35 new.

[BobC]

You can also try this site for a lot of beginner stuff.

Photosop Elements Menu

I am recently checking this site out. Looks like it will be significant cost involved
Photoshop Elements Techniques, Tutorials, Downloads, Video Tips, Newsletter and more - Photoshop Elements User

And also here
Elements Village - Powered by vBulletin

[metoo]

Thank you! That first link looks like it will help me a ton!

edited to add, it is helping me a ton! It has some very basic things I need and so much more I can't even understand right now. LOL Thank you so much you saved me $30+

[jmonhollen]

When I got Lightroom 3, I bought the Adobe Classroom in a Book off of Amazon, and I found it super helpful, considering it's written by the people that design the software. In the book, I used literally every single feature in Lightroom, so I imagine the one for Photoshop Elements is similar. Just a thought!