Even though Photoshop is not new, there are still so many who don’t know how to do it right. No one can deny the impact photo-editing has had on photography. Now your pictures can easily depict what you want them to even if that’s not what you’ve captured. Photography has surely had a drastic evolution over the years.
There are several Photoshop programs you can choose from in the market. But you’ve got to know how to use one to find value in any of them. As a beginner in this field, you need to keep an open mind. If you use Photoshop programs the wrong way, you’re likely to end up with ridiculous outcomes.
Even though the purpose of Photoshop programs is to alter the appearance of your photos, they should still look realistic. The beauty of technology is that it levels the playing field. A decade ago, Photoshop was definitely a weapon for graphic designers only. Thanks to technological advancements, today, anyone with interest can learn how to Photoshop.
Here are 10 Photoshop tips to help beginners do an excellent job of editing their photos.
Learn the Basics of Graphic Design
The biggest mistake any beginner can do is jump into Photoshop without learning graphic design. There is an ignorable correlation between graphic design and Photoshop, which helps you achieve realistic photo edits.
You need to begin by building a solid graphic design foundation. From there, you can easily understand why graphic design and Photoshop are interdependent. Learning graphic design does not mean getting good at drawing. All you need to learn is the basics that ensure you can comfortably sketch.
Invest in Time and Resources in Learning Graphic Design
Once you understand that Photoshop is not just for photographs, you’ll take graphic design more seriously. When learning Photoshop, it’s quite easy to take graphic design for granted. Most people think Photoshop is all about dragging and dropping items.
However, Photoshop runs deep, and you’ve got to familiarize yourself with concepts like rhythm, negative space, contrast, and alignment. When you master the fundamentals of good design, Photoshop becomes a piece of cake. Consider investing in insightful web design books that use simple language to illustrate the concepts.
The beauty of the internet is that it offers free resources for anyone who wants to learn more about graphic design. As a self-taught graphic designer, you can go at your own pace and ensure you understand every concept.
Familiarize Yourself with the Photoshop Workspace
Once you learn the basics of graphic design, you can now familiarize yourself with the Photoshop workspace. This will depend on the Photoshop program you’re using. For instance, if you’re using Adobe, you can begin with the tutorials provided to guide beginners.
It’s always better to take the longer route and ultimately get there rather than rush through the entire process and get stuck down the road. Adobe provides you with sample images with instructions that show you how to Photoshop. The best part is the instructions come in a video format, which makes it easier to understand.
Create a Custom Workspace
By the time you’re done with the tutorials, you should be able to not only use different workspace features but also achieve a customized workspace for a seamless workflow. Be sure to bookmark the workspace’s support page because you might need assistance at one point or another.
Learn How to Use the Tools
The best way to ensure you have enough time to understand what each feature does fully is by picking a tool a day. This way, you have an entire day to experiment and explore with each feature. Understanding how each tool works allows you to work with all of them to achieve a masterpiece.
On face level, a Photoshop workspace seems to have very few tools to work with. However, as you explore them, you discover tools within tools. Be sure to click on arrows below each icon to find out how many more features are hidden.
You get tools for retouching images, painting, slicing, and cropping, as well as selection. When you’re experimenting for the first time with a tool, be sure to look for a comprehensive tutorial to guide you on how you can use it. Using the tools on an actual project is an excellent way of getting in the know.
Specialize on a Photoshop Micro skill
Photographers and graphic designers agree that Adobe Photoshop is the crème de la crème of Photoshop. As a photographer, you’ve got to learn how to use this software to edit your images.
Whether you’re editing an image to tell a story or create something out of your imagination, you can always turn to Adobe Photoshop. More than just images, you can also use the program to edit videos and create typography posters.
Since this is such a comprehensive workspace, you need to figure out the Photoshop micro skill you want to specialize in. As earlier mentioned, Photoshop is not only for photographs.
This, however, does not mean you should lock yourself from learning more than one skill. You can learn to design newsletters, T-shirts, and even emails if you dedicate enough time to learning.
The best part is you can find a balance between Photoshop’s core workspaces. Seamlessly integrating the essentials, graphic, and web design, as well as photography, allows you to achieve an impressive workspace.
Find a Photoshop Experts to Look up to
Regardless of what skill you’re learning, the best way to learn fast is to have an expert you look up to. You need a real-world mentor in the Photoshop space. This is easier once you decide on the area you want to specialize in.
The internet is quite resourceful when it comes to finding experts in different fields.
Challenge Yourself
If you want to monetize your Photoshop skills someday, you need to polish them. Find small projects to help challenge yourself.
There are several micro job sites you can sign up for and get projects to work on. Make sure you’re honest about how far your skills go, so you don’t disappoint clients.
Consider a 30-Day Challenge
Even though the skills you learn matter than the time span within which you learn, setting a timeline keeps you on your toes. Besides, tracking one month is much easier than tracking a whole year.
Always Go Back to the Basics
Each time you feel like you’ve forgotten an essential concept, go back to the basics.
Conclusion
Now that you have useful tips to learn how to Photoshop, you can begin looking for a suitable Photoshop program to use. Be sure to try out Adobe Photoshop as it’s one of the best programs in the market.
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