Exploring Photoshop Elements

Sorry for the absence in posts...

Out of the past 9 days, I've worked 8 of them.

It's been exhausting and I have done nothing else (that includes cleaning)

So today is my catch up day,

and with the weather being less than desirable, 

it's a perfect day for it! 

Since I haven't gone on any exciting ventures lately,

I thought I'd try a post about photoshop.

It is such a popular (and awesome!) program, but 

probably one of the most complicated I've dealt with!

About a month or so ago, 

I took an Introduction to Photoshop class

through the National Camera Exchange in Edina. 

For $50, you attend a 2 hour class that

 covers all of the basic manipulations to improve your photos.

Now if I went through everything we covered that day,

I think I'd have to write a book,

and I know you don't want to sit through that!

So as I continue my blog, every so often I'll have posts

with "Photoshop Tips"!

Today, I'll touch base on the tool palette

located on the left hand side of your work space. 

pictured here:

Obviously there are many, many tools to use. 

Don't worry, the majority of these are self explanatory.

However, others are little more confusing.

One thing to note is that there are MORE tool options

on some of the icons. If you see a little arrow in the corner 

of one of the icons that means there are MORE options, so right click.

So here are my tips for the tool palette:

1. Each icon is also associated with a letter. 

I'm not going to list them all, but if you hover over the icon,

 it will tell you which letter.

This way, you can just hit the letter, 

and it will change to that icon (no ctrl, alt or shift needed!)

2. When using one of the selection tools to remove 

and place an object elsewhere, right click and you will

find the option to "feather" the selected image.

This allows you to make the edges of the shape more transparent

and thus blend in more.

3. The Lasso allows you to make a selection of any size or shape,

or in other words free-draw your selection 

4. The quick selection tool is your best friend! 

It automatically 'guesses' the selection you'd like to make.

This is awesome to use for complex selections such as a person

5. It was recommended to us not to use the "spot healing brush".

This has one of those arrows in the corner, 

so right click and use the "healing brush tool"

The tool removes unwanted areas of a photo.

example:

BEFORE- lady standing awkward in background...                                   

 

AFTER- no more lady!

6. Last tool I'll cover today is the Sponge tool. 

This tool changes the exposure of whichever area of the picture you choose, 

by simply painting over it. It can produce some neat effects!

Are you overwhelmed with information yet?

Best thing I can suggest is to just monkey around with the different tools.

I honestly don't use them quite often, 

but they do come in handy when I need them!

Have a fun weekend, I'm off to Madison tomorrow!