CS4 - Good Books, Information, Instruction?
hello, i just purchased photoshop CS4 and am looking for some good informational and tutorial type books to help me get up to speed.
i will preface this with the fact that i struggle with this program greatly. i previously owned a version of photoshop, V5 i believe and rarely used (ok...never) it because i was so intimidated by and virtually afraid of the damn thing. for some reason i really have trouble comprehending it, i think i developed a mental block or something. i look at it and my brain starts to hurt...it's like i am trying to read a foreign language.
yet, i am trying again. it will not degeat me, i will conquer my fear!
i have checked the bookstores and there seems to be quite a few books on the subject available, most in the $35-50+ range. i don't mind investing in a good guide, but i don't want to drop $40-50 on something that's not going to help me (or frustrate me further).
so...any suggestions? please keep in mind, i am a novice, a beginner and need something that's going to help ease me in.
thanks in advance for any suggestions/help.
i will preface this with the fact that i struggle with this program greatly. i previously owned a version of photoshop, V5 i believe and rarely used (ok...never) it because i was so intimidated by and virtually afraid of the damn thing. for some reason i really have trouble comprehending it, i think i developed a mental block or something. i look at it and my brain starts to hurt...it's like i am trying to read a foreign language.
yet, i am trying again. it will not degeat me, i will conquer my fear!
i have checked the bookstores and there seems to be quite a few books on the subject available, most in the $35-50+ range. i don't mind investing in a good guide, but i don't want to drop $40-50 on something that's not going to help me (or frustrate me further).
so...any suggestions? please keep in mind, i am a novice, a beginner and need something that's going to help ease me in.
thanks in advance for any suggestions/help.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Charles on -
Don't spend anymore money Bill. Youtube is your friend. Watch this vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBv3mIsKKRs
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Permalink Reply by Shane E. on -
Charles, I think he would rather watch a 3 year old talk about Star Wars here.
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Permalink Reply by Ron Burgis on -
I just checked out that link and it has some good stuff.
I think a subscription to Kelby Training or Lynda.com for $25 a month is important to get an overview of the program. Once you understand the basics, the sky's the limit.
As far as NAPP, it's the best thing that ever happened to me. I wouldn't be doing the work I'm doing without the training, seminars and most importantly their forum. It has saved my life many times.
Ron
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Permalink Reply by Charles on
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No Shane...you're reading your viewing habits into the arguments again...heh heh.
Shane E. said:Charles, I think he would rather watch a 3 year old talk about Star Wars here.
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Permalink Reply by Chris Joyce on -
All the above! Since this is a tog outlet, you may want to invest in Lightroom or Aperture. Most of your photo to end media needs can be handled there. Just a thought.
If you really get smokin', I can help you with the ACE study material for either adobe program. take care.
cj
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Permalink Reply by Don Lehman on -
Have you tried any of his courses Erica ? His site has peaked my curiosity ....
Erica said:This guy is wonderful and teaches photoshop: http://www.flickr.com/people/aknacer/
He's good for folks who are intimidated by it.
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Permalink Reply by bill ivester on -
i can't believe that i forgot to reply to this. first, thanks for the suggestions. i bought this one, was still scared shitless of the program, and then also bought "CE4 for dummies" (seriously, i'm embarassed to admit it, but i did).
the kelby book is great but way over my head at this point, "dummies" actually gave me a little confidence to muddle in and poke around. which i'm doing and learning a little more every time. i'm getting decent with some of the basics, but not using the program and anywhere near it's capabilities.
i'm far from stupid on a computer, but i swear, it really messes with my head. it's like i'm trying to communicate in a foreign language. and it frustrates the hell out of me.
John Adkins said:Bill, check out this book... http://www.amazon.com/Adobe-Photoshop-Book-Digital-Photographers/dp...
its by Scott Kelby and he's my all time favorite author on Photoshop. I have several of his books, they are easy to understand and not the same old droll reading that most instructional books are.
....doh, I should have clicked on John's link above (its the same book) ;)
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Permalink Reply by Don Lehman on
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I definitely love the examples of his work he has posted...
Erica said:I haven't yet but I'm definitely interested. His work is amazing....and I love how open he is with his techniques. It really helps other photographers learn not just photoshop but basic camera settings to achieve certain styles.
I have totally given up any auto settings (other than the occasional auto focus around moving objects) thanks to photographers like him who share this kind of info.
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