Photo editing - software and classes?

[lucky978]

Wondering about photo editing software. I know Photoshop seems to be the choice of many. For those of you who use it - did you just learn by playing around or did you take a class? I'd be interested in taking classes if they are offered in my area.

 

[Master Mason]

most local JC's will offer classes, also, some rec departments as well. There are also many good books around that will also help you.

If your interested in PS look at the elements version as well as the full version. You might find that the elements is a better version for you, not quite as powerful, but not quite as much you need to learn to be able to use it as well.

I am still a rank amature with it, but am working on learning I have been using a book from O'riely press for now.

 

[Furgus]

Buy anything Scott Kelby writes on your version of Photoshop. He is great, and explains things very well.

 

[SplshMtn99]

Also watch for Adult Ed classes usually taught evenings at local Vacational / Tech high schools.

 

[Groucho]

The library is your friend - your local library will probably have a few Photoshop books. Your county library system may even have a searchable online catalog, so you can see what library has a certain book and if it's on the shelves or checked out.

You may also want to experiment with Gimp (free) before dropping the money on Photoshop or PE, just to get a feel for it. Also try demos - you can get trial versions of Paintshop Pro and Photoshop CS2 or Photoshop Elements and you may find that you like one more than the others. I don't doubt that Photoshop CS2 is the best but I do think that a decent chunk of the full purchase price goes for the "Adobe" name on the box. Is it really worth 6.5x what Corel gets for Paint Shop Pro? Fortunately, Elements now exists to make the Adobe cost of entry not quite as painful.