Learning Photoshop

matt · #1 29-05-2007, 10:05 AM

I have a copy of Photoshop (V7) on my laptop.

However, I have no idea what I'm doing beyond opening files (TIFFS, jpegs etc), carrying out very basic adjustments and saving for web.

Can anyone recommend an easy-to-understand course, book etc for helping me to become familiar with this software and get the most out of my planetary images?

Keep in mind I am something of a computer luddite.

I would really like to get much better at image processing, with the likelihood of moving into RGB planetary imaging and even DSO at some point.

Your help much appreciated.

okiscopey (Mike) · #2 29-05-2007, 10:14 AM

Matt, try this:

http://www.trainingtools.com/online/...hop7/index.htm

A very good online trainer for basic operations (but not astro processing).

Unlike some other sites, this isn't limited in cotent and just a front for selling a book or CD.

RB (Andrew) · #3 29-05-2007, 10:32 AM

Most books on PS are full of great tips and if only just starting out then any of the Photoshop for Dummies or Idiot's Guide are great.
They give step by step instructions which is a real help because PS is very intimidating at first.

These basic principals can be carried over to astro image processing.
Once the basics are learned then more advanced techniques can be used for astro imaging.

One site that is often quoted is Jerry Lodriguss' "Catching the Light".

Rigel003 (Graeme) · #4 30-05-2007, 07:18 PM

Matt, you could try "Photoshop Astronomy" by R. Scott Ireland or "Photoshop for Astrophotographers" by Jerry Lodriguss (a CD Rom book). Both have an emphasis on working with deepsky images but they cover the basics thorougly and much will be useful for your planetary images.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #5 30-05-2007, 07:43 PM

The above advice is good. Just remember that you do not have full functionality with 16 bit images in PS V7. You can do a lot of things, but not everything.

Phil · #6 30-05-2007, 07:56 PM

i have been using it for years and am still learning. The above advice is a good start. You can get small books from the newsagent that teach you a bit. Photoshop is one program you will never fully learn. I am still learning. But i must say it is one of the best programs around.
Phil

sheeny (Al) · #7 30-05-2007, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil

i have been using it for years and am still learning. The above advice is a good start. You can get small books from the newsagent that teach you a bit. Photoshop is one program you will never fully learn. I am still learning. But i must say it is one of the best programs around.
Phil

I agree.