FAQ: Help with Adobe Photoshop

I am frequently asked to teach Photoshop and but as a rule I do not teach people what I do with Photoshop, there are many experts that can teach you much more about Photoshop than I can.  Photoshop can be complex and like a new language is best learned over time, I cannot cram you full of techniques in a short period of time.  If you wish to work one on one with me on a project of yours contact me via email.

I can offer you some suggestions on how to get the information you are looking for.

Use the internet "Google it"  If you want hands on classroom type instruction look for :

a class near you adult continuing Ed at art centers, collages, photography groups.
online groups and subscribe to one of them, several are free.  
UTube is loaded with tutorials
A favorite of mine is http://www.graphic-design.com/

Learn from the experts Adobe website and Adobe magazines are full of experts in subjects you are interested in.  Some of my favorites over time and there are many more;  Russell Brown,  Katrin Eismann, Bert Monroy, Lynda Weinman and Scott Kelby.

Within the help menus of Photoshop and any Adobe products you can get huge information about the basics.   Learn the basics by going through the menus and then playing with menu items and the tools . You’ll be amazed at how quickly you will build on the skills you have while developing your own style.  Learning the language that describes what Photoshop can do is important, reading the HELP MENU will introduce you to a lot of it.  Reading glossaries will expose you to possibilities and give you the language to research how you can accomplish your goals.

Topics I found helpful to understand in Photoshop 

# 1  Tools
# 2  Layers
# 3  Masks
# 4  Opacity
# 5  Image size