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Learning Photoshop

Discussion

10 replies
Posted by Richard Hartmann on April 6, 2011 at 9:48 PM
I really like the video tutorials I can find on YouTube. Just Google a topic and one can find a lot of good stuff. This style of learning works for me. I really like seeing the example on screen as the teacher works through the exercise, step by step, with clear explanation. I also like being able to pause and replay as I work through the exercise.

I discovered the Lynda series and was wondering if anyone is aware of similar programs. I like this resource as there seems to be a lot of info in one place and it seems that the instructors are very clear and informative. They have a lot of free teaser vids that I have used with success.

Is anyone aware of a similar resource or have anything to say about this one?

I’m thinking of buying a few of their courses from this list. this one or this one.

Thanks,

Richard
Posted by David Kingham on April 6, 2011 at 10:20 PM
It's expensive but I've used http://www.kelbytraining.com/ a lot in the past, very good trainers imho
Posted by Jim DeWitt on April 6, 2011 at 11:53 PM
If you're comfortable with teaching yourself from a book, Ellen Anon and Josh Anon, Photoshop CS5 for Nature Photographers is quite good.
Posted by Richard Hartmann on April 7, 2011 at 12:12 AM
Hey David,
Thanks for the link. This stuff looks pretty good. I see they also have photography classes with some successful teachers.
Posted by Peter Cross on April 7, 2011 at 1:13 AM
I have the Lynda.com turtorial for PSE9 and like it a lot. Better than any book I've used on earlier editions. I bought the DVD with the complete tutorial rather than opt for the monthly fee.

Peter
Posted by Paul DeCesare on April 7, 2011 at 1:51 AM
Lynda.com is super, but you do have to keep the subscription going (I still do!). However, if you want an actual DVD set that you can go back to anytime, there is one out there that I discovered recently that is very well done at a price that can't be beat. It's not cheesy at all, the training is very good, made by a company called Video2Brain. In fact, I'll be using this set as part of my prep for taking the Photoshop CS5 ACE exam. I think you'll like this set, if you're looking to buy a keeper. It's only $40 here on Amazon. In fact, they've recently come out with an additional DVD set targeted specifically at photographers, hosted by Tim Grey and Mikkel Aaland, two familiar Photoshop names. That set is $38, also on Amazon.

Have fun!
Posted by Don R. Millbranth on April 7, 2011 at 8:52 AM
Richard..
You might also like to take a look at what is available at http://www.1stoptutorials.com/

Happy learning,
Don
:wavey:
Posted by Garry Revesz on April 7, 2011 at 9:00 AM
I too have been using the Lynda.com training program for over a year and I just renewed. I like the style of training and the way the system manages the training videos you have watched, it's easy to go back and replay a segment. And because they have such a wide selection, and expanding, of applications they cover, the annual fee is worth the peace of mind I have that, at any time, for almost any application or functionality, I can find a solution.

Garry
Posted by John Reed on April 7, 2011 at 9:32 AM
If you join NAPP, you get access to a vast library of video tutorials at no additional cost that are simply great and well done. In additiion, you get the Photoshop User magazine 10 times a year chock full of tips and info, And, you get discounts on a wide variety of items of all types related to photography. About $100 a year but well worth it. Adobe TV also has tons of free, good tutorials by their Adobe Evangalists.
Posted by Richard Hartmann on April 7, 2011 at 12:42 PM
“If you're comfortable with teaching yourself from a book, Ellen Anon and Josh Anon, Photoshop CS5 for Nature Photographers is quite good.”

Thanks Jim,
I must confess that I did not fare well with the book approach. I bought the Martin Evening book but I seem to get bogged down, confused and frustrated before completing a task.
Maybe this is not something one should confess but hopefully prospective employers won’t read this….
I’m probably the last one to discover these tutorial vids, but dang, they work for me!!
While I don’t expect to be like Marc anytime soon I am excited at the prospect of finally editing photos.
Posted by Richard Hartmann on April 8, 2011 at 12:09 AM
Thanks guys,

Peter, My first reaction was to buy one the Lynda DVD’s and not pay the ongoing fee, but I think I’ll pay for a year up front so I can access all of the tutorials. Perhaps by the end of the year I’ll have a better idea of what DVD’s I’ll want for keepers.

Paul, Video2Brain looks like another good option. Good luck with your ACE test!

Garry, yep this is why I want to go for a year subscription. I don’t want to pigeon hole myself with a narrow selection of information. After all I don’t even know what I don’t know.

John, Hmm… NAPP looks pretty good. It seems that Scott Kelby is a busy guy. It’s a tough choice between Lynda and Kelby. I ordered the free copy of the Photoshop user magazine.

Thanks again and here’s to pretty skies.