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29 November 2010

photoshop for beginners

At the risk of sounding like a mom who's put her kid's artwork on the fridge, I'm about to share my homework with you.

A few months ago, I started taking a Photoshop class. Despite using the program for over 8 years, I have never really learned how to use it properly. I've taught myself a lot over time, but have focused only on developing techniques for lightly retouching portraits. As I'm taking on a higher volume of work, I decided it was time to learn to do things the right way and, hopefully, more quickly.

Within an hour of the first class, I mentally kicked myself for not signing up years ago. I was using the most roundabout, inefficient techniques to do things that could have taken just moments. I have been underusing and misusing Photoshop for years! Rather than cry over wasted time, I embraced the course and all it could offer. I just finished level 2 (of 10) and our final assignment was to make a collage using a collection of our own photos while incorporating some elements of magic, mystery or fantasy.

Here's what I'm handing in tomorrow:


And here are the photos it comprises:






To all you Photoshop wizards out there, have mercy on me. I am definitely a novice. But wow, I am so in love with this program now. How did it take me so long to discover its awesomeness? I feel like I just noticed the boy next door was cute once he took off his glasses, or just tasted wine for the first time or something. I'm late to the party, clearly. Level 3 starts in January. I can't wait to learn more!

2 comments:

Alex said...

Wow! That's totally awesome! Great job! Is there a course outline for what you're learning? I'd love to have a look.

melissa said...

Hi Dallas! I also follow you on Pinterest :) Where are you taking this class?