Learn Photoshop Online

If you're going to learn Photoshop online, you've got to know where to get it first. A few years ago it was simple: there was only 1 Photoshop and that's it. Now? There's 3 different options to go with! Here's the options and some tips that may help you save some money!





Photoshop

The original by itself. The current version is CS4. Honestly, though, whatever version you have, the basics are generally the same back to version 7, with minor tweaks that are easy to learn. The newer features always seems to be geared more towards professionals with lots of experience that are pushing the boundaries of the software. Buying this version at full price will run you
$699.99, though Amazon sells it for a little cheaper ($644)

If you or someone in your direct family is a student, there is a big discount on getting Photoshop. I don't recommend bumming off of any random student, though this isn't an ethics lens, so it's really up to you. The student edition of Photoshop is the extended edition, but it only costs
$299.99.


You usually have to buy student versions through Adobe, as they do student verifications.





Photoshop Extended


This is basically the full version plus a few bells and whistles. Remember how I said a lot of times the updates on the new versions are for professionals? Well, I guess Adobe decided to make a separate edition for them (or you, depending on your experience). I'll be honest. I haven't had the money to upgrade to CS4, so I'm not familiar with all of the extras, but I'm sure it's worth it to those in web design or using Photoshop for other professional purposes.




If you are doing simple image editing, Elements if probably the best option for you. It's cost efficient and has enough features where you can still do most of the things you want to do. Again, I've only worked with the full version of Photoshop, so I can't truthfully tell you what is or isn't there, but it seems like Adobe designed Elements with the everyday person in mind. If anything, you can use Elements to make money and upgrade later as appropriate.

When I first learned Photoshop, I used a book called Classroom in a book. This book is published by Adobe to teach the basics of Photoshop. It was useful, but limited in that it never goes beyond those basics. Fortunately, there's now a lot of different options for you to learn Photoshop online. Check these out!

1. - The Total Training series of DVD's is probably the best training you can get for Photoshop. They are very thorough, which, on the downside, means it is going to take you a while to learn everything. If you don't want DVD's, though, you can do all of their courses online with online subscription plans. These courses are taught by Adobe Certified Instructors.

One of the major downsides to Total Training is that it is relatively expensive when compared to other methods of learning Photoshop online. One DVD can run up to $80. If you consider how in depth you learn Photoshop, however, it's better to compare it to a college or tech school credit, which can be several thousands of dollars. I'm pretty sure that Total Training is more thorough (hence "Total") than any other online program. The only thing is, you may not need that level of training, so it really depends on your needs and budget.

2. - Photoshop By Example is an interesting set of training videos online. The thing I like about Photoshop By Example is that it covers all the basics, but also goes beyond to teach you cool things like how to make the Buger King or McDonald's logos. These modules are fun, but seem pointless unless you can apply the lesson to other projects. I will save my downsides until after the next product, as they have the same drawbacks.

3. -Photoshop Fast Track This training program is similar to Photoshop By Example in that it's a series of videos that teach you the basics of Photoshop. Unfortunately, the basics is all you get, though, that may be all you need.

My major gripe with both Photoshop By Example and Photoshop Fast Track is how they promote themselves as being a quick way to learn Photoshop online. This may be true in a sense that you can watch the videos for a couple hours, but to really learn Photoshop takes time. This might be more of a personal thing, though, as you may pick it up quickly and be fine with that. I feel like if you do that, though, you only get a surface level foundation of Photoshop, which may or may not help you in the long run. The obvious solution is to just spend more time with the videos.

In addition, neither of the producers of these videos promote themselves as being certified with Adobe. This is really minor because you don't need it to teach someone else, but I guess it's just good to know.

Of the three products, Photoshop By Example is the cheapest, and I like the fact that he provides you with case studies, which is where I feel people can really learn to go in depth with Photoshop. Photoshop Fast Track, in my opinion, is a bit on the expensive side for what you get. You can get a Total Training DVD for less than that, and I'm pretty sure you'd learn more.

My choice then, would be to go with the Total Training DVD's. I have one of them so this may just be my product loyalty bias, but at the same time I really believe in the quality of their product. If you're concerned with the price, I'd go with
Photoshop By Example

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