Best way to learn how to really use Photoshop?

[Ari]

My ambition this winter is to learn how to really use Photoshop. I've seen so many photos on here and elsewhere that have been utterly transformed by post processing (I believe it's called) and I really wouyld like to be able to do this.

I know the basics, how to lighten or darken an image, straighten a horizon, crop, etc but I want to be able to do stuff like this:



(Hope it's ok to post this but it was already on PH).

There are a billion tutorials on youtube, any of those worth following? Or books? Or courses?

What is the best way to learn?

[Ari]

GetCarter said:

Should point out that 60% of that image was probably in the taking, not the post production.

I get that completely, but having worked on the 60%, it's the other 40% I'm interested in.

For example, there's no sign of that rig in the finished image, and that didn't disappear in the taking.

[Ari]

GetCarter said:

Fair point. Taking the pic is fairly simple compared to the pp. But for anyone else looking in, you need to start with something to work with!

ETA. Didn't notice it was you Ari

Edited by GetCarter on Thursday 20th November 15:19

[Ari]

pidsy said:

OP - similar to you in wanting to learn PS. got myself a nice mini mac and an eizo colouredge but...

i dont even know the basics. so i'm going on a night course starting in january for 10 weeks (1 night per week). its at my local college and cost me £85.

theres and "advanced" course as a followup to get the basic down. then itll be a mixture of online tutorials and whatever else i feel i need.

all the guys i know who use it professionally say its practice makes perfect.

lots and lots of practice.

I didn't know they did this, I'll have a look.

I did do a basic one day course a while ago which was hugely beneficial, but clearly you're only going to get a few basics in a day.

[Ari]

MysteryLemon said:

The best way to learn Photoshop is to use it. Find out what stuff does and be imaginative in ways to use it.

There are loads of free tutorials online that will help you get to grips with certain things. One website that springs to mind (with this being a car website and all) is Digimods.

http://www.digimods.co.uk/tutorials/index.htm

The subject matter may be somewhat questionable these days but the techniques are generally pretty sound if not a bit outdated with current Photoshop, although they will teach you how to use the basic tools rather than just trying to get photoshop to do everything for you. Content aware will only get you so far (and usually not very far at all...)

Edited by MysteryLemon on Thursday 20th November 15:37

That looks interesting, thanks.

[Ari]

Some really great (if slightly daunting) help there guys, thank you very much indeed!

I'll start off with those Lynda tutorials and see how I get on.

Thanks again, appreciated!