Help required for an idiot please

[paramedic paul]

Hi again guys, can anyone advise me of a decent Book/guide or dvd that is designed for complete beginners, I only want to do the basic stuff not create masterpieces.

I've got Photoshop for dummies but (embarrassed mode on) thats too technical for me!

Any help would be appreciated!

[triplefin]

[QUOTE
I've got Photoshop for dummies but (embarrassed mode on) thats too technical for me!
[/quote]

I know exactly what you mean!
There are quite some good bits and pieces on line that i reckon are easier than some of the books - try this one underwater photoshop totorial
hope its useful

[Annie S]

Paul, it IS very overwhelming in the beginning, but it is definitely worth persevering with.

Some areas run basic courses in photoshop as an evening class, could be worth looking at as often it helps if someone shows you. Another alternative is to look out at the newsagents for digital photography magazines with step by step projects to follow, often with a cd with lessons as movies. It can also help that you have something physical to read through. It doesn't matter that they aren't geared up to underwater photography.
Just give yourself some time to play and you'll be surprised how much you pick up and how quickly.

Personally I think the 'Dummies' books do make things sound more complicated. I had one for Windows and could make no sense of it at all!

Good luck! Let us know how you get on.....

p.s I just had a look at Triplefin's link and although I think it's a really great underwater tutorial it does seem to assume a fair amount of understanding of photoshop, layers. masking etc.

[Seatreker]

Hey........... i was like that.............
Its a bit like your wshing machine..................thousands of programs, but you only ever do two different washes with it......... well PS is a little like that.......... it is a massive program but you will allmost certainly only use a tiny fraction of the tools that it has.
Dont get bogged down trying to learn it all.......
Look at it logicly...........forget the books for now...........or tutorials.....
Look at what it is that "YOU" do yourself with your camera...... what kind of photo's do you take.............
What do you think is wrong with them ?
What do you want to do to them ?

You may find that you only need to use one or two tools.......... once you get used to using the program other parts of it will fall into place..........at the moment you simply cant see the Wood for the Trees.........
Post a few of your shots here and lets see how we can help you............with practical suggestion.........
If can learn............anyone can...............