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Adobe Photoshop

There has never been a time in history, as there is today, where we are achieving so many outstanding results in digital photography. While there are a myriad of tools that the computer and internet have made available, that enhance and change the images that come from a photo shoot, none can top the popularity and power of Adobe Photoshop. The program has become so synonymous with editing and creating effects that the term, “to Photoshop” has become a verb that means to enhance or alter an image.

There is also the option to, “Photoshop in”, where you can add new items; accessories or even people to a picture and that was something we could not do before.

So if you want a picture of you shaking hands with the president, you don’t have to go to Washington to get it, just “Photoshop” your image into the image of the president and it will look as real as if you had been there.

In the same way we can Photoshop out things we no longer want to have in our pictures.

If you want to change a physical feature or flaw you can just remove it. You can even remove a distracting person from the background of the shot. The program is so sophisticated that these images are possible and you really cannot tell the alteration has been made.

Photoshop has become such a de facto standard for photo processing used, that if you are setting up a photography studio or business; a copy of the software is as necessary as Microsoft word or PowerPoint. Since this software is so popular, you can find it in most retail stores in the computer section. If you feel insecure about learning yet another computer application, you can probably find someone that knows about Photoshop, who can help you jump start learning how to use the software as well.

However, Photoshop did not always dominate in this field. The program was created in 1989 by two brothers, John Knoll and Thomas Knoll. While the brothers developed Photoshop for custom uses they had at the time, it wasn’t long before the market potential of this software became evident. In 1990 John and Thomas became the bright entrepreneurs of a new company, that they called Adobe and began the business operation right away.

Adobe has been a shining example of how to achieve success in the age of the internet. It’s popularity has grown rapidly and internet users are very familiar with Adobe. Nearly everyone who uses a computer is more than likely they are award of using the free copy of Adobe reader that they can use to make PDF files.

To really become skilled at using Photoshop, the first thing to do is probably find a copy to experience with. Like most computer applications, you can probably find a copy on a friend’s computer just to tinker with it and get a feel for the controls. But if they are really good at using Photoshop, you should ask them to show you some things on it, and teach you any neat tricks they may have learned themselves.

This little Saturday afternoon experiment could turn you into a Photoshop addict forever.

After you become familiar with it more, then you should purchase your own copy. If you want an evaluation version, you will get many of the basic features. However, you only really need the evaluation version if you are still not sure you are going to buy your own copy. Since Photoshop dominates this market, you most certainly should buy a copy, this will help save some frustration, so it’s a good idea to purchase a licensed copy right away. It can be a fun way to create great projects or gifts for your self or others and you can easily find yourself spending hours enjoying it. If you want to increase your skills, they you can sign-up for some Adobe Photoshop classes that are available in your local area. Often, these classes will help you learn different techniques and shortcuts in using the software.

From there on out, your imagination is the only limit to how you will use this tool to make your photographs better for your customers. So, the next time someone asks if you can help them and ’Photoshop it and fix it’, you can say with confidence, “Absolutely”.

Welcome to the cadillac of photo-enhancers: Photoshop CS!

Retouching in Photoshop can be a breeze… but not until you learn how. The Photoshop CS program is such a powerful application you could spend years just mastering the basics.

Most of us, however, don’t really need a Masters in Photoshop. What most of us want is the flexibility, integrity and vast array of choices that Photoshop provides.

Let’s look briefly at some of the most basic photo corrections in Photoshop CD, the ones you’ll really need. Here are the first steps recommended by the experts, and they represent the process they apply to every photograph:

1- First and foremost, duplicate your original and work only on the copy.

That way, if something goes wrong, you’ll always have the original. This is a great habit to get into.

2- Next, assure the correct resolution. There are two basic categories of “resolution” in computer graphics: the monitor resolution and the image resolution.

Image resolution varies from low (about 72 pixels per inch, or “ppi”) to high (anything 300 ppi or larger). Of course, the higher the resolution, the bigger the file.

To change the resolution of your photo, click “Image,” then “Image Size.” On the bottom left of the box that comes up, type in the ppi you want, for example, 300 ppi. (You will probably want to change the size at this point. That’s fine, you will still retain the ppi you chose.)

3- Use your Crop tool ( ) from the toolbox to shape your picture the way you want it.

Many people don’t notice the width and height options underneath the top menu, but it’s a very handy feature.

At times you have an exact measurement you need to fill; rather than fiddling with the numbers after you crop, the proper way is to insert the width and height immediately after clicking the Crop tool, and then making the crop, dragging down diagonally with your mouse. You will notice the exact measurements appear without a struggle.

4- Experiment with your automatically adjusting features. Click on “Image” in your top menu, then “Adjustments.” You will see options for automatic levels, contrast and color. After you’ve tried them, you can go ahead and hone in to polish, if you like.

You can also try Image> Adjustments> Shadow/Highlight (or “Variations”). You’ll be astonished at the variety of preset options there.

As you gan imagine, there are endless variations on the themes represented by these basic steps and the choices made therein.

But Photoshop expands past them and out into the great beyond, offering an unlimited palette and a universe of options.

Your only problem will be how to tear yourself away.