Learning Photoshop

[mpfuchs]

I've finally bit the bullet and got the 7 day trial for the Adobe Photography plan. Looks like I'll be subscribing after all.
So far I've only worked in Lightroom and when I started out I got a decent book to learn the basics.
https://www.amazon.com/Adobe-Photos...swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1547230102&sr=8-2
Now that the Photography plan includes Photoshop, I'd like to do something similar.
I realize that Photoshop does a lot more than I'd ever need, so my question, is there a book or tutorial/video course that focuses specifically on Photoshop for bird and wildlife photographers?

Found this book by Scott Kelby I plan on buying once it's released, but it also looks to be more general.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/013465788...colid=YM85M8N5M83H&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Obviously you can argue that it doesn't matter what picture is edited in the guide, you can do the same for birds, but I was hoping to find something specific to my needs.

Or maybe I'm just overthinking the whole thing?

 

[Cheese&Apple]

I don't know of anything specific to wildlife but Phlearn has a collection of excellent Ps tutorials. Easy to watch, understand and many are free.

As you mentioned, it really isn't so much about image subject...simply apply the theory to suit your needs.

~ Peter

Edit: To get you started...much of wildlife is about displaying your subject without unwanted distractions. Nothing beats a clean shot straight out of camera but that's not always easy. In Ps, first focus on the tools to remove distractions such as a branch or ugly bright highlight.

Ps has a number of tools such as the patch, clone stamp, spot, spot healing and content aware fill tools to edit-out, or in to cover, unwanted elements. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. Always do this work on a duplicate copy of your background layer until you're sure of the results. "Cmd J" will create the duplicate layer.

 

[Black Creek]

Check udemy. There are a lot of courses... but you have to pay for them...

 

[MCAsan]

Best teacher I found is Blake Rudis at 64 academy. He did a multi hour Ps course for Creative Live.

 

[kenoh]

I have a couple of books by Glyn Dewis who seems to have helped a couple of key concepts click into place in my head.

 

[F-Train]

Found this book by Scott Kelby I plan on buying once it's released, but it also looks to be more general.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/013465788...colid=YM85M8N5M83H&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Kelby's book was apparently published on December 31, and Amazon has it as its #1 recent release on digital photography.

If you get it, it would be interesting to know what you think of it.

 

[Alexander.Of.Oz]

I realize that Photoshop does a lot more than I'd ever need, so my question, is there a book or tutorial/video course that focuses specifically on Photoshop for bird and wildlife photographers?

Unmesh Dinda has a Youtube channel that instructs almost anything you could possibly want to know about Photoshop & he does it simply with absolutely thorough explanations.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMrvLMUITAImCHMOhX88PYQ

Whilst he doesn't deal with wildlife exclusively, the techniques are cross transferable.

 

[mpfuchs]

Thanks for the reply, guys!
I don't have a problem paying for it, I ended up getting a six course Lr+Ps bundle for $29.
But it's all general stuff, so I'm still on the lookout for something more specific to wildlife...

Kelby's book was apparently published on December 31, and Amazon has it as its #1 recent release on digital photography.

If you get it, it would be interesting to know what you think of it.

It's strange, when I first looked it was available in February, then it said Jan 17th, but now it's already available.
So I'll go ahead and put the order in. I'll let you know...

Unmesh Dinda has a Youtube channel that instructs almost anything you could possibly want to know about Photoshop & he does it simply with absolutely thorough explanations.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMrvLMUITAImCHMOhX88PYQ

Whilst he doesn't deal with wildlife exclusively, the techniques are cross transferable.

I'll check that out too, thanks!

 

[kenoh]

Unmesh Dinda has a Youtube channel that instructs almost anything you could possibly want to know about Photoshop & he does it simply with absolutely thorough explanations.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMrvLMUITAImCHMOhX88PYQ

Whilst he doesn't deal with wildlife exclusively, the techniques are cross transferable.

PixImperfect.... Superb videos apart from hit tag line which when binge watching his vids starts to grate a bit.... Without further adieu.... lol... well worth watching.

 

[F-Train]

I think that the best maker of Photoshop/Lightroom video tutorials is Julieanne Kost: http://www.jkost.com/photoshop.html

It's pretty hard to beat Martin Evening when it comes to books, although he is admittedly not light reading: https://www.amazon.com/Adobe-Photos...f=mt_kindle?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1547580128

 

[robgendreau]

I'd start with Adobe's tutorials. Some are great. And they're free.

And as for specifics, there are bazillions on YouTube. Here's one handy for critter's eyes and catchlights I found useful.

 

[mpfuchs]

I'd start with Adobe's tutorials. Some are great. And they're free.

And as for specifics, there are bazillions on YouTube. Here's one handy for critter's eyes and catchlights I found useful.

YES! Thanks for that. I'll have to check out the rest of her channel too!

 

[mpfuchs]

Kelby's book was apparently published on December 31, and Amazon has it as its #1 recent release on digital photography.

If you get it, it would be interesting to know what you think of it.

I think the #1 rating came from the first edition, maybe?
Right after I ordered the book, someone posted the first review on amazon, saying that it was a waste of money as it's light on content for the price.
I got the book in yesterday, and while I agree it's thin, just 200 pages (which I knew when I ordered), I think it's still a good starting point for a beginner. It doesn't cover everything, but has good step by step tutorials of the basics.
That's why it's called Photoshop for the Lightroom user, as it's assuming you know your ways around Lightroom and are trying to get your feet wet in Photoshop.
Obviously I haven't read through the whole thing yet, but I think it'll give me a basic understanding of what I'm trying to accomplish with my photos.

 

[F-Train]

Obviously I haven't read through the whole thing yet, but I think it'll give me a basic understanding of what I'm trying to accomplish with my photos.

Kelby’s popularity is based on the fact that he is chatty and keeps things simple. He and Martin Evening are polar opposites, but apparently many people find Evening rough going. However, if you want a deep understanding of Photoshop, Evening is in a league of his own.

 

[rayriceroni00]

+1 for Youtube videos. Lightroom is my 95% time spent on photos. I rarely need Photoshop. Once you know LR, youtube vids on specific tools for Photoshop are perfect. Obviously learn the concept of layers first.

 

[tizeye]

For more structured videos than YouTube, look at Lynda.com. While it is nominally priced at $25/mo, there is no long term contract. Better yet, check your local library. Mine, in their online resources, give me Lynda.com for free. I just sign in at home through the library.