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+--- Thread: CS2-Did I bite off more than I can chew or need-suggestions? (/showthread.php?tid=35571)
CS2-Did I bite off more than I can chew or need-suggestions? - GeneL - 06-26-2007
I bought CS2 shortly before Apple replaced my problematic G5 with a MacPro. After using it for a short time, I discovered that it seemed far more complicated than my skill or knowledge level could easily handle.
Previously, I had been using PS Elements 2, but it seemed if I edited a picture in Elements it was no longer viewable in iPhoto.
I like using iPhoto as a way of organizing all the many (since I migrated from the G5) picture files, but I have an idea that the various Photoshop apps do a better job of editing. I have been winnowing through all the folders I have with picture files in them and deleting the "obvious" duplicates. Since my last post about iPhoto's method of storage, I'm pretty well convinced by all the replies I received, that storing all of my pictures in iPhoto makes sense and uses less disk space than my former method of keeping separate folders with additional originals of my pictures.
Now my question is what application should I be using to edit my photos, can the results be kept in my iPhoto Library for easy access and will the originals still be kept intact if I edit outside of iPhoto?
Also, if I change from using CS2, what is my CS2 "upgrade" worth? Could I trade it for an application that's more suitable for my ability?
Thanks for your thoughts,
GeneL
keep photoshop - enrico7300 - 06-26-2007
you can set photoshop as your default editing application from iPhoto, in the preferences. so when you double click, instead of opening the iPhoto editing window, Photoshop CS2 launches.
Don't fear the Photoshop. It's your friend.
Re: CS2-Did I bite off more than I can chew or need-suggestions? - Marc Anthony - 06-26-2007
PS is a tool for professionals; if you have any doubt that you need it, then you most likely do not. For no cost, basic editing needs, you may want to look at GIMP.
Did you buy just PS CS2 or the entire Suite? Sell your copy on eBay for $300-600, respectively.
Re: keep photoshop - GeneL - 06-26-2007
[quote enrico7300]you can set photoshop as your default editing application from iPhoto, in the preferences. so when you double click, instead of opening the iPhoto editing window, Photoshop CS2 launches.
Don't fear the Photoshop. It's your friend.
Wouldn't I be better served with the latest version of PS Elements if it is a universal app as opposed to CS2 which is PPC only, plus the easier to use Elements might be a better match to my needs and skill level? I don't think I really need all the functions that CS2 offers?
I'm just trying to make my life less complicated by not using applications that do much more than I'll ever need. I need someone to explain why CS2 makes sense for someone like me with my limited knowledge. The learning curve seems very steep and much of what can be done doesn't appear to be useful or necessary for me. I could be wrong about this, but I don't know enough to get it.
Once again, thanks for your thoughts,
GeneL
Re: CS2-Did I bite off more than I can chew or need-suggestions? - bfd - 06-26-2007
Start with the menus you'll probably use most at first:
Image -> adjustments -> levels
Image -> image size ->
Filter -> sharpen
and in the tools panel:
Crop
Ruler (to straighten horizons, etc)
There are hundreds of websites catering to Photoshop techniques, but the best way to get into it is to just dive in.
Using Photoshop full version to make minor editing tweaks to photos is overkill, but now that you've got it, you might as well get the most use out of it. As you gain confidence, you'll learn how to make selections, add layers, build collages and start having fun with your creativity. It's addictive - be forewarned!
The PS elements program works just fine for most people.
Re: CS2-Did I bite off more than I can chew or need-suggestions? - tahoedrew - 06-26-2007
[quote Marc Anthony]PS is a tool for professionals; if you have any doubt that you need it, then you most likely do not. For no cost, basic editing needs, you may want to look at GIMP.
Did you buy just PS CS2 or the entire Suite? Sell your copy on eBay for $300-600, respectively.
I'm going to have to politely disagree here. PS is a tool for Pros. That being said, there is no reason you cannot use it and I don't necessarily think it's "overkill."
If you experiment and try new techniques as well as read a book or two about PS will you gain an incredible amount of knowledge about the program. Sure, GIMP allows you to edit photos, but I believe it also requires X11, it isn't necessarily a standard install procedure. There is a reason GIMP is never mentioned as a competitor to PS, it's no match for it. While I don't like the way Adobe runs their company and product and service offerings, there is one thing they have always done MUCH BETTER than anyone else: photo editing. I don't know as much about their design and illustration software because I never used it on a daily basis to make my living. I have, however, used PhotoShop on a daily basis to make my living. Even PS Elements is a good program that I've used on occasion when what I was doing didn't call for the full PS suite.
~A
Re: CS2-Did I bite off more than I can chew or need-suggestions? - GeneL - 06-26-2007
bfd, I have used CS2 in much the same way I used my previous PS Elements 2. That is, I just used it for basic adjustments and cropping. Beyond that I don't have a clue about layers and after a bit of looking at various sites and books with info on CS2 techniques, I found myself pretty much overwhelmed by all the information.
I've said this before, I feel that some things would be easier to learn if I had someone with experience and enthusiasm to point out what of the many functions would be useful to me and how to use them. I have felt the same way about learning to sell on eBay.
Lacking that person, I just get stuck when I run into the enormous amount of information that's available.
tahoedrew, what I just wrote should explain the difficulty I've had with CS2. I did pick up a couple of CS2 books at Borders, based on the recommendation of a professional photographer that I met there, but they might as well have been written in Chinese.
On the other hand I was happy to note that you mentioned using Elements. I think that the latest version offers much of what I would need to edit my pictures.
As for the value of my CS2, it is the "basic" and an upgrade version which requires a previous PS ownership.
Keeping it or getting PS Elements instead seems to be the main question I have. Reasons for either will help me make a decision.
GeneL
Re: CS2-Did I bite off more than I can chew or need-suggestions? - jimbrady - 06-26-2007
Sounds like Elements would surely satisfy your needs. There's still going to be a ton of functionality in this "lite" Photoshop that you'll enjoy learning about for a long time.
There's bound to be some pro-capability you'll miss out on (does Elements do "Curves?") that could be helpful, but when you don't know what your missing, you don't miss it.
Re: CS2-Did I bite off more than I can chew or need-suggestions? - Don Kiyoti - 06-26-2007
Gene,
"Previously, I had been using PS Elements 2, but it seemed if I edited a picture in Elements it was no longer viewable in iPhoto."
I had that problem. It had to do with Elements using a color profile that iPhoto didn't support. I am fuzzy on the details, but I believe it had to do with Quicktime. There was a color profile option in Elements you could check when saving a JPEG that would solve the problem.
As long as you have PS2 you may as well stick with it. You can use the basic tools and ignore the rest, or learn a bit at a time.
Re: CS2-Did I bite off more than I can chew or need-suggestions? - weapon - 06-26-2007
Your photographer friend obviously forgot what it was to be a newbie in photoshop. Take back the other books and pick up:
Photoshop CS2 for Windows and Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide
http://www.amazon.com/Photoshop-Windows-Macintosh-Visual-QuickStart/dp/0321336550/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-9714552-2912655?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1182887776&sr=8-1