This year I am really trying to open up and share myself. Who I am. My passions. There have been many things I've thought about sharing and just never do. Part of the reason is because I think who really cares. Who cares if I got a new camera or what book I'm ready or what store I bought my new favorite jeans at. Another part is that I feel like if someone wants to know they will just ask me. And yet, another part holds back because I don't want to false advertise...What do I know really?
After reading Kristi's post today it got me thinking...I haven't been sharing nearly enough. Maybe people do care. Maybe they want to know and even if they don't, because sometimes they won't, than at least I put a little bit more of me out there. I've been accused of not giving enough of myself. I don't want to be remembered that way. I want to give until I have nothing left. Hopefully that will bring me to the place I seek.
So with that said, Melanie mentioned something in her blog about photoshop and I know others have mentioned it as well. For what it's worth here are my thoughts.
I use photoshop CS2 for pretty much everything you see on my blog. It's my tool of choice. I would suggest buying it or Photoshop Elements, which is much more affordable and pretty much does the same stuff as CS2, to anyone. So the question how to learn such an intense program...I like text books. I want to know the theory. I want to know why I'm doing something so when it comes time to do a project myself I know what tools to go to. So I read this and have been very happy with how informative it is. It's dry I know, but it served my purpose. I have heard excellent things about Scott Kelby's books (PSCS2 & PSE). It's pretty much a step by step guide on techniques, which is a great way to learn quickly. I also really like the missing manual books which have great tutorials. (I've read a book like this for a different program and really liked it because after almost every chapter there was a tutorial. I believe this series is only found in PSE, though I could be wrong.) Here is my advice...go to the book store and just spend some time looking through all the photoshop books to see what one would work best for you...everyone learns differently. Then jot down the ones you really like and go to amazon and check out the reviews. If it didn't get a good review you may want to find something else. I hope this was helpful in some way.
Please please please email me if you have any questions. I am truly happy to help with anything if I can. And thank you to everyone who has helped or inspired me. I hope I can give back in some way.
13 comments:
This is a perfect post- so glad you decided to share. I for one am very interested :)
This year I have made a serious goal with myself to learn more about Photoshop. Right now I am mainly using the Scott Kelby PSCS2 book and loving it. For me it has been less text book-ish and very hands on practical. But now of course I want to read the other ones you mentioned...
I ask Linc a lot of questions but it is getting to the point where I want to know more than he has taught himself as of now- so I for one am excited for your offer to assist.
I often have the same feelings of posting the mundane things but like the idea of Mya being able to read back on my life and see what I was into, what things I had an opinion about, etc. Maybe what I know will be of some use to her someday.
I am excited to read that you are wanting to share more of what makes you who you are. I love reading your blog, and so this is really something to look forward to.
I also was happy to read your suggestions for photoshop books. I am really photoshop impaired, and would love to learn how to really use it. I remember reading on your 100 list that you teach yourself things, and that was impressive and inspiring to me - especially when it comes to your photos. Thanks for sharing!
I am thrilled to hear that you want to share more of yourself. Trust me, inquiring minds do want to know. I am planning to learn lots more about Photoshop this year, thanks for the suggestions.
I'm usually a lurker on your blog, and am a very quiet, keep to myself kind of person as well. I wanted to thank you though for this post...I'm new to this whole photography thing and I just got PSE 5. I'm eager to learn all I can about this program, about different cameras, and about photography in general. The books you suggested look like great ones! One day I would love to have CS2, but first things first! I don't even have an SLR yet, which I'm looking into now. Anyhow, I'm rambling, I tend to do that alot! Just wanted to say thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge and please keep sharing. I think you're having a bigger influence than you realize!
I'm glad you've decided to share your knowledge. You have a gift for reading instructions and teaching yourself new things, I really DON'T! I would much rather have you figure it out first and pass on the info. Most of the time I don't even know what I should even ask! I'm clueless. I just know I love new things and love it when people share ideas. Thanks!
You are an inspiration to me! I have studied and studied that HTML stuff and finally broke down and emailed you. Thanks so much for helping me out!!
Doug is getting a MAC I think this spring. We will have to get photoshop with it. I am excited.
Amy this is a great post! I can tell in the time I have read your blog, you have TONS to share! I'm happy to learn anything you share here.
Thanks for the ideas on Photoshop books, I was so lost before. It has been so long since I have read textbook style I have no idea which would work best for me. I think I'll look into both for now.
amy, i know i for one love hearing your opinions on things and would alwys care to know about new jeans and a new camera!!:)
so kind of you to share your knowledge!
I'm glad that you're going delve deeper. I hope it's a life changing experience for you.
You are a treasure trove of knowledge, so you don't really need my endorsement, but I will second your recommendation. I had a Classroom in a Book book for an old version of Photoshop that we had and it was great.
I love your thoughts about putting yourself out there and maybe that can get you where you want to be! definitely going to be trying to do more of that too!
SO jealous you can understand a text book- techno jargon is more than my tired brain seems to be able to handle!
I am surprised so many comments about this post have centered on Photoshop know -how rather than the real meat which has to do with how much of ourselves we really give. I think armchair confessions made online are one thing and being able to take parts of you and give to someone else is quite another...
amy.
you give more than you know.
hey i just posted about a new tool for the blog which is kind of fun. check it out.
awesome amy! i was actually going to ask you about this. thanks for posting.
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