Luxor4u

Note - excuse the typo in the title but it won't let me edit it

I have just treated myself to a new Digital SLR camera and am determined to learn more about photgraphy. Is anybody on here into photography? How did you learn? Self taught? A course?

I also purchased Adobe Photoshop Elements (couldn't afford the CS version).I usually manage to grasp different software packages quite quickly but I am struggling with it. Do any of you use Elements?
I can find loads of online tutorials but not sure whether a book would be better?

Yes - I do a lot of photoediting, using Photoshop CS4 - Elements and CS4 are Adobe products, by the way!

I would seriously suggest that you download Picasa 3 from Google - it is a superb way of organising your photos, and has many simple adjustments - cropping, straightening horizons, adjusting brightness and contrast, and several useful effects.

Then, sit and play with Elements - most of the controls are fairly intuitive - so just try using them to see what happens. You can always Edit/Undo if you've made a mistake. To me, that is the best way to learn what a program can do.

There's a whole series of books "xxxxxxx For Dummies" which are quite useful, but I prefer to use online tutorials.

I think I will definately get the for dummies book on Elements as it is nice to have something to refer to when playing around with the software. I have been trying to get used to all the functions of my camera whilst trying to learn Elements. I think I need to focus on the camera first and once I have mastered what it can do, then move onto Elements

Wizard - You live in the most amazing place to take photos, why don't you have one?

Angela wrote: Wizard - You live in the most amazing place to take photos, why don't you have one?

[face=Comic Sans MS]Because it's easier for him to have his friends send him copies of theirs. [/face]

Good for you angela! I don't do much editing these days but when I do I use CS4...can't really help with the learning - my Dad is a photographer so I grew up processing film in our bathroom - I mean darkroom - lol

Lots of luck with your learning!

I won a camera at work and I still have to get used to it.

Most Adobe software has a series of tutorials accessible through the "Help" dropdown menu. Photoshop CS has so have a look for the same option in Elements