Question for photographers- how do I learn Photoshop?

I don't know what actions are, but I plan to google it ASAP.

OK, I've googled. Sounds so cool. Thanks for the tip! I will definitly be getting some actions eventually!

Are they like macros? I haven't experimented with macros yet.

Its so great having photographers on this forum!

Yeah, its just a way to record a set of enhancements you've done to a photo. Then you can "play" it on any other photo you want with the click of a button - and not have to repeat all the steps one by one. Other photoshop experts have created some incredible actions that you can purchase and down load. Let me know if you want me to point you in the direction of some of my favorites.

yes, please point me to your favorites.

Kevin Kubota is awesome!

also try Totally Rad Actions

They have examples of what the actions will do on their sites. Its more $ on top of the steep CS3 price you already paid, but I use a few of their actions on every wedding and e-session that I edit!

i got a great student deal on photoshop.

thanks for the links. I'll definitly check them out.

These are so cool! I might get the Kevin Kubota basic package. I'm going to get some free downloads first & play with them. I could see this saving so much time. I have been doing everything manually. It was good because I learned a lot about photoshop that way, but I'm ready for shortcuts.

Do you know if you can put it on multiple computers? I photoshop at work & home.

I'm actually studying Graphic Design and find that the Visual Quickstart Guides are the best referance - very visual and the steps are explained very well. The books only run for about $20.00 - I still keep mine as I often go back!

Yep! I'm pretty sure you can. You just down load the file, and then I think you can copy it as many times as you want to as many computers as you want. I have the artistic pack vol. 1 and love it. My favorites are chocolate syrup 1 and fuji snapit! Just awesome! Let me know how it works out!

I'm already hooked! I downloaded some free ones from here today black and white photoshop actions

I still need to get a little more experienced with CS3, but I do like the way the pictures turned out. I'll post them.

Preface: I've only had CS3 for a week and during that time I've been too busy photoshopping my friends onto fancy backgrounds with a green screen to start learning some real stuff.

 

I need to learn more about levels to do these actions right, but I can already see they will be incredibly useful.

 

OK pros, don't judge. Maybe don't look directly at my pictures. Just squint at it.

 

Original snapshot

 

Boring old black & white with no actions

 

action 1

 

action 2-totally didn't get the levels part right, need to redo it

 

Action 3- don't think this is the right effect for this picture.