If you are ready to learn Photoshop, don’t be intimidated! Yes, it is a powerful piece of software, but it’s also for beginners too. No experience required! We will walk you through launching that first project to creating your own custom templates!
My first impression of Photoshop was it had to be setup in a foreign language! However, I decided to take my chances and dive right in. Unfortunately, trying to learn Photoshop the way I did, wasn’t quite that easy. Tutorials were hard to find, so I had to learn by trial and error.
I spent hours reading the user manual and still had a tough time trying to decipher how to use all the buttons and options. But, I was persistent and just kept poking around trying out everything. It didn’t take long before I could work my way around.
Today, I am still learning new techniques that are fun and exciting! I spend a lot of time every day experimenting and searching for all the new and creative tutorials. Every once in a while I come across a “WOW” tutorial and just have to share it! So, if you come across any that are easy to follow and just make you say “WOW”, send me the link and we will share it!
Learn Photoshop the Easy Way!
After all I went through, I want to make it a lot easier for you to learn Photoshop in the easiest way possible. So, I have put together a series of Photoshop tutorials designed specifically for beginners.
Each tutorial will have lots of pictures and/or graphics for all the visual learners…like me! Plus, we’ll be adding video tutorials as soon as they are complete!
As you already know, Photoshop is a powerful photo editing software program that has a lot of advanced features. At first, it may look somewhat challenging to use. But don’t despair, I have found it is easy enough for beginners to learn how to use. Start nimbly and learn the basics of how to get around before taking on a huge, daunting task.
Start with Series 1 – Photoshop for Beginners which will familiarize you with with the layout, tools and workspaces so you will know how to get around inside Photoshop. This will get you off to a great start!
Once you are comfortable, then move on to the more advanced tutorials and learn how to make your own digital scrapbooking page templates, embellishments, etc. Keep in mind, you can still use Photoshop effectively without having to understand all the advanced features.
Remember, the more hands-on you have using Photoshop, the easier you will find it to use. So, don’t give up! It just takes a little patience and practice. Believe me, if I can learn it, you can too!
Have An Older Version of Photoshop?
If you currently have an older version of Photoshop and it works well for you, stick with it. All the of basic functions are the same and you can still follow the tutorials.
Photoshop CC is the part of Adobe Creative Cloud which is a cloud-based software service available only with a monthly subscription. There are several buying options in Creative Cloud with prices starting around $9.99/month. Learn more about Adobe subscriptions here.
Photoshop CS6 is part of the Creative Suite using a perpetual license and is no longer available for purchase.
When Should You Upgrade?
Of course, if you have any version of Photoshop, you are off to a good start. Upgrading from CS5 to Creative Cloud for me was a no-brainer. I love the affordability of the monthly subscription and I always have the latest version at my fingertips! Also, every bundled package comes with cloud storage so I have access to my files wherever I am.
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade should be based on your personal needs and budget.
Does it Fit Within Your Budget?
Years ago, I would have to say probably not. Well, at least mine anyway. The thought of paying $700 or more for Photoshop was sickening!
Fortunately, Adobe has put together several bundled packages you can choose from. For example, you can get a $9.99/month plan that includes:
- Photoshop CC
- Lightroom CC (edit, organize and share photos)
- Lightroom Classic CC (desktop photo editing and organizing)
- Spark (creating graphics, web pages and video stories)
- Cloud photo storage – 20GB (about 4,000 jpegs)
If you are planning on using only one software application, you do not have to subscribe to the entire Creative Cloud Suite. You can subscribe to just one application! Although, let me warn you, a single subscription to Adobe Photoshop may cost a little more than a bundled package. Adobe have several bundled packages available to choose from, so you should find one that fits your needs.
Once you have your software installed and ready to go, it’s time to dive in! Let’s get started with the Series 1 – Photoshop for Beginners, Working with Photoshop Files.
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