Effective Photoshop Learning/Training/Teaching Resources?

I've made a number of attempts to get my head around Photoshop and I come up short every time. I work in IT and I have a technical background but for some reason, I find it really hard to make a dent in my lack of knowledge of this undoubtedly useful application. I think it's the awful user interface and the obtuse nomenclature which conspire to defeat me.

So, my question: can anyone recommend a Photoshop learning/training/teaching resource which is effective and focuses only on the things a nature photographer is most interested in? What worked for you and why?

Thanks in advance for your responses

I have the Photoshop CS4 for nature photographers book even though i now have cs5 which is pretty good, There are plenty of tutorials on You Tube as well

Dave

I would recommend the Arthur Morris "Art of Bird Photography 2" which is only available as a CD pdf file from Arthur.

Arthur Morris Book 2

Also "Photoshop for Nature Photographers" by Ellen Allon is worth a read.

Amazon Ellon Anon book

These are the best two books I have read or seen which have a nature photography bias.

regards

Sean

Mark Wilson runs some classes on Lightroom. Not sure if that is what you are after?

http://www.rusticolus.co.uk/lists/?p=subscribe&id=1

NPN main site has some reasonable tutorials regards colour balance, preparation for web etc.

Adobe website has a tutorials section, the HDR tutorial of the window scene is very good

the Luminous Landscape website offers a huge range of advice and tutorials aimed specifuically at photographers, contrast sharpening, several HDR techniques etc, it takes a bit of time to find stuff there but browsing definately pays off. Michael Reichman also sells various DVD tutorials from the site

Finally the "Digital Outback" website is also worth browsing for articles.

Hi have a look hear.

Phil.

http://www.planetphotoshop.com

John, I'm not really into photography magazines but one I do find helpful for PS is Digital Photo Digital Photo Magazine

Every month there are good basic tips that are both shown in the magazine and come on a DVD which is very easy to follow.

I'd also recommend the Scott Kelby book CS4 for Digital Photographers. Kelby has a great style for getting the tuition over.
CS4 Digital Photographers

I use Lynda.com. A bit expensive, but all aspects of photoshop are well taught.
Best wishes
Phil

John
There are of course other programs such as Paint Shop Pro which I have used for years and some find it easier and faster than many of the various photoshop issues. And its a lot cheaper.
JohnR