Computer Question - for Angie

[Janet]

What photoshop program do you use? I have PhotoShop 6 and it is the most confusing program. I checked out PhotoShop Elements 5.0 and it looks really easy. I'm thinking of buying it....any experience with it?

[AngieDoogles]

I got my first copy of Photoshop about a year and half ago and it was CS2 so I don't have experience with the other versions. If you want, I can have my hubby get you a copy of CS2. It's the latest version (as far as I know) and it's pretty easy to learn. There are lots of amazing "how-to" and tutorial sites out there and even some forums where they can take you step by step through problems. I'm going to go look for some beginner tutorials cause it's been a while since I've used them and I don't have them saved anymore. The great thing about Photoshop is that it can be used by beginners or advanced users. You can ALWAYS find something new to learn. :)

[Janet]

That would be great, but is it hard to use? I found a site that showed what all PhotoShop Elements can do and it looks so easy...let me see if I can find the link and I'll post it in this thread. The CS2 was for advanced I think...I'm no where close.

[AngieDoogles]

This one explains basic concepts pretty well and will let you know what those little pics on the left side can do.

http://www.pegaweb.com/tutorials/beginners-guide-adobe-photoshop/ (http://http://www.pegaweb.com/tutorials/beginners-guide-adobe-photoshop/)

This one will let you find "how-to's" on a specific topic, for example, if you want to learn to crop you can find simple directions on how to do that specific function.

http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/photoshoptutorialsbasic/Photoshop_Basics_Tutorials_for_Photoshop_Beginners .htm

And here are a few good tips that will make things easier once you know the basics.

http://www.photoshopsupport.com/tutorials/jennifer/tips-beginners.html

The first two are for Photoshop 5-7 and the last one is for CS2, but all of the versions are similar in the way they function so you should have no problems. I know it seems like a lot of information, but if you learn little by little, it becomes simple. For example, when you want to do something and you don't know how, go look it up and then you will know for next time...if you keep doing this, you'll know all of the functions in no time. :) Good luck. And if you have any questions, please let me know!

[AngieDoogles]

That would be great, but is it hard to use? I found a site that showed what all PhotoShop Elements can do and it looks so easy...let me see if I can find the link and I'll post it in this thread. The CS2 was for advanced I think...I'm no where close.

If you would prefer Elements, that would be fine. It would do pretty much all of the basics, which is probably all you will need. Isn't that a free program?

[Janet]

Okay....here is the link

http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshopelwin/

Then click on the View The Feature Tour

Is the CS2 as easy as this looks?

[Janet]

I made a mistake, its the 5.0 version.

[AngieDoogles]

Okay....here is the link

http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshopelwin/

Then click on the View The Feature Tour

Is the CS2 as easy as this looks?

Wow! That does look pretty easy! CS2 is not quite so simple so this might be your best option. It looks a lot like Google's Picasa which I use when I only need to make minor changes.

[AngieDoogles]

I made a mistake, its the 5.0 version.

Oh okay. Well, those tutorials above work for 5.

[Janet]

I have Picasa too, but didn't think it did anything like this PhotoShop Elements 5.0 and even more if I would get the complete program that includes the Premiere Elements 3.0

[AngieDoogles]

I have Picasa too, but didn't think it did anything like this PhotoShop Elements 5.0 and even more if I would get the complete program that includes the Premiere Elements 3.0

Yeah, Picasa is really great for basic editing and for hosting albums online (which is pretty neat). But it doesn't give you a lot of options. Elements seems like a good fit for you. I'm going to see if my hubby can find it for free, then I'll email you.

[Janet]

If you don't mind me asking, how can he find it for free? The PhotoShop Elements 5 is like $99 and combined with the Premiere Elements 3.0 it's $149.

I may end up running to Best Buys here after while and see if they have it.

[AngieDoogles]

If you don't mind me asking, how can he find it for free? The PhotoShop Elements 5 is like $99 and combined with the Premiere Elements 3.0 it's $149.

I may end up running to Best Buys here after while and see if they have it.

I'll PM you. :)