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Digital cameras ,photography and Adobe Photoshop elements

Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 6:54 pm
by Angela
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?

Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 8:19 pm
by LivinginLuxor
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.

Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 8:24 pm
by WIZARD
I don't own a camera, so that lets me out. :D

Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 8:31 pm
by Angela
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?

Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 8:53 pm
by HEPZIBAH
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. :roll: :lol: [/face]

Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 9:01 pm
by WIZARD
You know me so well Hepzi. :lol:

Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 10:07 pm
by WelshStudent
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 :oops: - lol :lol:

Lots of luck with your learning!

Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 10:11 pm
by Wills
I won a camera at work and I still have to get used to it.

Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2009 10:49 pm
by BBLUX
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 :D