Learn Photoshop: Getting started at the Elemental level
David Peters
Editing your digital photographs has never been as intriguing and captivating as Photoshop makes it. However, the numerous complicated procedures and endless array of features that this software boasts of, makes working a beginner's way through it a considerable challenge. The more explicit of features are often shrouded under the hoard of categories and puzzling options that dot the interface, which may dishearten the most enthusiastic of amateurs until he figures his way around the software. And if you happen to fall under this genre of fumbling novices, take heart. It is this daunting learning curve that Adobe simplifies with the toned down version of Photoshop, which is called Photoshop Elements.
As the name suggests, Photoshop Elements allows you, the user, several of the most enticing features that Photoshop has to offer, without being bogged down by an overload of functions and techniques. And yet, it is still proficient and flexible enough to allow you your creative freedom, without making the process frustratingly simple. This software is a very popular choice with amateur photographers and digital imaging enthusiasts who are working their way up to the more complicated editing tools. The software has been designed bearing in mind the core elements of Adobe Photoshop and leaves out the editing tools only professionals have use for. It includes an efficient photo-editor, an integrated photo-organizer and a number of templates and themes you can use to correct and enhance your digital images.
Photoshop Elements allows you to achieve some of the most spectacular effects that you would like to experiment with, when using Photoshop. Only, it scales down the often elaborate procedures which Photoshop entails to one simple function. As a result, you can wipe away those disastrous red eyes, crop your images and even moderate the light and color adjustments in a few swift moves. This is where the automated 'Red Eye Removal' feature, the 'Quick Fix' functions and the 'Auto Contrast' and 'Auto Crop' options take over tedious task of fine tuning your images and making the necessary changes, while also allowing you to view the progress with before and after images.
To make it easier for you to find your way around the interface, the software also efficiently coordinates the functions under activity-based tabs. So, if you are looking for a specific function that has to do with 'Organizing', 'Fixing', 'Creating', and 'Sharing your Photos', all you need to do is go into the category dedicated to each of these functions and make your selection. The selection tool also allows a significantly lower level of accuracy than the more scrupulous version of Photoshop would permit. By simply painting over the part of the image you want to select, you can have the tool clip out the section by itself, after which you can smoothen, contract or expand the selection edge with the 'Refine Edge' dialog.
If you think that your image would look a lot better in its black and white version, you can effortlessly give your photograph that vintage facelift, while also adjusting the intensity of the effect you are looking for. And for those last-minute hurried searches through the mounds of images you've stacked up on your desktop, simply go into the 'Organize' section and click on the feature which says 'Smart Albums'. This will let you scan through your images as per the date you've last worked on them, or even as per the camera you've captured them with. The Elements interface is also a lot easier to navigate as the icons it displays are larger and more prominent than most other editors. You can also source an amazing number of tutorials and add-ons off the internet, which let you make the most of your software, and progress in leaps and bounds in your application of the tools.
Photoshop Elements allows you a number of alternatives when it comes to showcasing your creations. You can either package your images into slideshows or feature them in web-galleries, or even print them out on contact sheets, depending on how you want to display them. The software also has a number of frames you can choose from, and even a selection of backgrounds and artwork that you can click and drop on your image to yield results that are nothing short of spectacular.
Photoshop Elements is a very useful resource by itself, or even a valuable stepping stone for your endeavors at mastering the complete version of Photoshop. And if you aren't quite sure about which version you should opt for, you can even download the fully-functional trial versions that the website offers, for a limited amount of time, which will allow you to compare and contrast the two versions before you make up your mind. All in all, if you're looking to make your first foray into the fascinating world of image-editing as hassle-free as possible, then Photoshop Elements is undoubtedly an option you can't afford to pass by.
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