I have been using Photoshop since CS came out, but using it, doesn't mean knowing how to use all its wonderful features. I have used layers, but only basics, and color correction.
But I'm just starting to learn about Luminosity masks, and channels. I've also just got CS6, so I'm also almost starting from scratch.
I have picked up some great tips here and elsewhere, but it would be nice to have something to reference back to other than going to a site for a video, or another site for a tutorial.
To me luminosity masks and channels seems more advanced, but with the few people I've talked about, have told me there really just basics.
Is there a good book or books that go into the more intricate layers, masks, channels and other things that might come in handy to someone who wants to learn more ?
BTW a big thanks to all who have gotten me to the point I am now.
There are a lot of free (or cheap) actions available on the web. Download ones you like or are interested in. Run them one step at a time and learn what they do (and why). A lot can be learned through reverse engineering.
As Henrik said: practice. The only way to learn is to experiment which means making mistakes. And remember what works.
Don't get frustrated that you don't feel you're using all of its capabilities because it is humanly impossible. PS has evolved since ~1988 with expert input from dozens of people (or more) over that period. It is also used for more than just photo editing.
I really do try to learn more all the time, but then again I go for 2 or 3 week stretches, when I do nothing at all photography wise, and I really think I've forgotten many of the methods I use to use, especially when I first got Photoshop CS. I processed images back then , and still to this day don't actually know how I did them.
On a side note I do Quality Inspection of mechanical parts and used a Cooordinate Measuring machine for over 5 years, yet If I was asked to use one today I probably couldn't anymore. It tooks months of training to actually use it too. The common adage applies to all things not done on a constant basis
"If you don't use it, you lose it !"
Right Now I'm trying to learn Luminosity masking, interweaved with channels and layers. This is why video tutorials don't really do it for me, I really need a guide or book I can go back to and refer to it. The videos are good, but just don't seem to plant the seed deep enough.
I would like to take a course though, but I am not sure at what level I could really take one at this point.
The book might actually be better. There are also times when I look at my images, and compare them to others I wonder why I go through all this anyways.
I think its the few that actually "seem" to be pretty good that keeps me trying. There sure are times though that I wish I could churn the great images out like so many seem to do with ease.
Might I recommend putting what you learn into PS actions? These are nothing more than small programs that will remember the steps you have already learned / perfected (to that point in time). They can serve as a memory jog when you're away for a period of time.
It's not easy. Even when I publish to my gallery, I may revisit an image a number of times before there's a level of satisfaction.
When I took the shot that became my avatar, I had a certain mental image of that tree. It was 4 years later that I felt I had the PP skills to realize it.
Great images on those pages. Right now doing a lot of processing practice, since the weather here in New England has been pretty dismal. I've been revisiting a lot of my images lately, seeing different ways to process them and try a few new things out.
I'm glad its not too easy, although it can be a bit overwhelming at times, sort of like finding a great place to take pictures, its pretty hard to leave !
Consider this if books aren't working for you, or if you can't find what you are looking for. One on One lessons. Maybe focus on a particular area of interest or difficulty. http://www.wildforlight.com/
Bsmooth wrote:
I really do try to learn more all the time, but then again I go for 2 or 3 week stretches, when I do nothing at all photography wise, and I really think I've forgotten many of the methods I use to use, especially when I first got Photoshop CS. I processed images back then , and still to this day don't actually know how I did them.
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I find learning not only easier, but the effects longer lasting when I go to Photoshop with an image I want to work on, and have a clear goal in mind. For instance, I might want to remove some twigs from a bird picture, or make another picture's colors pop. Then when I'm satisfied with my work I write down all the steps I took to make it happen.
Working with goals rather than just practice makes for better memory retention. Not only that but eventually you end up with a whole book full of info and you wrote the book.
