Photoshop Tutorial Question

[psIloveyou]

I've seen some pretty cool free Photoshop tutorials online, however many assume the viewer knows the basics. I'm looking to purchase a good tutorial that covers all the introductory basics.

Can anyone recommend their favorite Photoshop tutorial that is easy to follow that will help me get started?

Also, I currently have Photoshop CS4. Even if I don't upgrade to CS5 - would it still be best to buy a tutorial for Photoshop CS5? Or should I stick with the CS4 tutorial - since that is the actual program I have?

Thanks!

[iDad]

If you are just learning study the version you have learn the tools,filters modes then when you are comfortable with it do your upgrade...or not just my opinion

[Gaussian]

There are a lot of Photoshop tutorials out there. You can find a lot of free tutorials on the web, but there's some really good video courses too.

Video tutorial courses are probably the easiest and fastest way to learn. Each teacher is going to be a little different, and I would suggest checking out a few and seeing who you like the best in terms of pace and style. You can go to Lynda.com and can watch the first few tutorials in any series for free on their website.

Personally I like anything from Deke McClelland, he has a lot of great video tutorials for Photoshop CS4 and CS5.

[psIloveyou]

Cool idad thanks! That makes sense.

For clarity. I have not purchased a tutorial yet. So I'm guessing it would be best to purchase a CS5 tutorial rather than a CS4 - even though what I currently use is CS4?

If anyone has a recommendation of their favorite and most complete Photoshop tutorial for basics - I'd appreciate any feedback.

[psIloveyou]

Thanks Gaussian,

I will check out your suggestions of Lynda.com and Deke McClellan.

[X_Rogue_X]

+ 1000 to the suggestions of checking out Deke McClelland...he's probably forgotten more about PS than most of us will ever know.

I highly recommend both of his "One on One" books (one for basic PS knowledge, the other specifically dealing with channels and masks). Those two will cover the bulk of stuff which you'll probably be doing the most in PS.

I also recommend picking up the PS "Bible". Deke used to author those, too, but doesn't anymore...not sure who's doing it now. IMHO, those three titles will pretty much cover anything you'll want (the Bible will be more of a reference book, but very nice to have)...YMMV.

Almost forgot...he also has a free podcast w/tips n tricks, and his website is really nice too.

[psIloveyou]

Thanks Rogue,

I appreciate the +1000 recommendation for Photoshop books by Deke McClellan. Sounds like great suggestions.

Thanks for the link to his website too.

Lots to learn. I'm grateful for this forum and for your help.

Have a great evening!

[abbe]

For clarity. I have not purchased a tutorial yet. So I'm guessing it would be best to purchase a CS5 tutorial rather than a CS4 - even though what I currently use is CS4?

I would say go for a CS5 tutorial straight off. the reason is that most of the things you will learn will also work for CS4, but if you decide to upgrade to CS5 you won't need to purchase a new training video set.

[Shopped]

Yea Deke is the man!

I haven't got into his CS5 one-on-one yet but the one he did for CS4 was really good.

I used to use his "Deke's Keys" in earlier versions of Photoshop, they were improved keyboard shortcuts I found very helpful. I don't know if he still makes them for CS4 or CS5.

[psIloveyou]

I see Deke's new One on One book for Photoshop CS5 comes with 5 training videos too. Seems like a pretty good value for the price.

I think I'll give it a go!

Thanks all - for the help.