Photoshop Presentation?

[Mike Farley]

Rose recently posted some early results from her new lens on the forum, but one of the shots needed a twig removed from the background. Rose was unsure about how to do this, but it was easily sorted using Photoshop Elements. That lead on to a discussion about whether a presentation on using Photoshop would be useful on one of our weekly meetings. I am willing to consider doing this, but I need some feedback first.

• Would you be interested in such a presentation?
  
• If so, which topics would you like to be included?

Preparing a presentation will require time and effort if it is to be done properly. I will only countenance doing it if there is interest from sufficient club members to make it a worthwhile evening for the majority. If I do undertake it, I will be using Photoshop Elements rather than full fat Photoshop. The former is more likely to be owned by members, has a wide range of tools which address most needs and everything I would demonstrate can also be done in the full version of the application.

This is the post which started this discussion.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1401&start=10#p6779

[davidb]

Mike

I would love a presentation on the use of Photoshop (Elements) but as for topics, where do I start. I'm a complete novice in PS and only confident in one procedure (removing the perspective tilt of a subject (I've used it on buildings and a soggy web [seen in the last round of the DPI competition!]).

Could I suggest you produce a small booklet (either as a printed copy [for a small fee to defray costs] or as a PDF) as a useful guide for members when they (me) try the techniques you cover.

[Rose]

Yes please. For the reason that I do the bulk of my processing in LR and very little in PSE. I think a better understanding of how to use layers and layer masks would make a big difference to my workflow.It was this that was the key to Mike's retouching of my image.

[Mike Farley]

I would love a presentation on the use of Photoshop (Elements) but as for topics, where do I start. I'm a complete novice in PS and only confident in one procedure (removing the perspective tilt of a subject (I've used it on buildings and a soggy web [seen in the last round of the DPI competition!]).

Rather than concentrate on specific PS functions, think about problems you have encountered and would like to resolve. That way I can tailor any presentation to specific requirements, rather than base it on speculation on my part which could result in rehashing information people already know.

Regarding perspective changes, I find the automated functions introduced in Lightroom 5 are often very effective and reduce the need to do any further processing.

Could I suggest you produce a small booklet (either as a printed copy [for a small fee to defray costs] or as a PDF) as a useful guide for members when they (me) try the techniques you cover.

I was envisaging more of a practical demonstration. A booklet would be time consuming to produce and would only add to the vast amount of material that is already available, much of it free on the Internet.

[Mike Farley]

Yes please. For the reason that I do the bulk of my processing in LR and very little in PSE. I think a better understanding of how to use layers and layer masks would make a big difference to my workflow.It was this that was the key to Mike's retouching of my image.

Lightroom has become very capable over the years and many people, myself included, find that these days many images need no further processing in Photoshop. It is mainly when there is a need to do anything involving layers, such as compositing or extensive localised manipulations, does PS come into its own. LR does have Cloning and Healing functions, which sometimes work well, sometimes not as the tools are less capable than their PS equivalents. Another reason to use Photoshop is for stitching and HDR, but if the rumours are true these functions will be included in LR6 which is due to be announced shortly.

A thought. Maybe the talk should concentrate more on post capture processing using a combination of LR and PSE? What do people think?

[Rose]

I think we should stick to PS for the moment - the scope is far too broad to include LR as well

[gcluer]

Yes please. It is the use of layers that I have problems with.

[Tina]

I'm in. My Photoshop and Lightroom skills are very basic so any new knowledge would be welcome.
Tina

[GrahamL]

Dear Mike,

Full support the idea, just purchased a subscription, anything to do with using layers and the PS control tools that go with them appreciated.

Graham

[rosconti]

Yes please Mike!

I'm also just a PS user and am particularly interested in learning more about Layers and on getting professional results when cutting out demanding things such as fur or hair. I would also like to know about 3D use as I have never attempted that. Finally, I imagine any general hints and tips on the line of your luminosity tip would go down well. Thanks!