6: Photoshop: How To

I am far from an expert using Photoshop. 2 years ago I didn't have a clue how to use it. I still don't but I get by.

Photoshop is a tool like any piece of equipment you have and you're going to need it. The best way IMO to use photoshop is to to make it look like you haven't used it or at least not over processed. Less is more.

A great book and inspiring photographer to me at the time was Vincent Versace & his book; 'Welcome To Oz'

It taught me workflow. It does require some understanding of photoshop, which I didn't have at the time, but I picked it up and it was a great book that got me started. It taught me workflow, so if your reading this and you need some help check it out.

I also have a large number of video tutorials to finish off, some freebies, some paid for. Personally I never pay for anything. I believe you can pick it up yourself by practicing. Pefect makes practice as I once read and to this day have no idea what that means.

Join Retouch Pro or scour the internet for the hundreds of tutorials out there. You will always need to understand :

Curves
Saturation
Sharpening
Levels
BW Conversion

I use and play with Nik Silver FX for my B/W conversions, sometimes applying two filters and tweaking.

There is so much more I need to know, so little that I do, but it all takes time & 2 years ago I knew nothing, now I like to think I get by and I also like to think that in another 2 years I will know more than what I do when I typed this.

There is so much to bloody do, sometimes it overwhelmes me. If anyone has some tips for me, please, share them.

The best thing I can advise is : Practice, Play, Meddle & Ask As Many Questions As You Can To The People Who Are Willing To Answer.

When I'm feeling brave enough I'll put up some before and afters. I realise that I need to perfect my technique in the camera 1st, but if you are like me, I am always wondering what the image looked like when it came out of the camera and not many people are willing to share this.