Looking for design inspiration?   Browse our curated collections!

Return to Main Discussion Page
Discussion Quote Icon

Discussion

Main Menu | Search Discussions

Search Discussions
 
 

Rich Franco

9 Years Ago

Calling All Photoshop Elements 12-13 Users! Share Your Learning Experiences And Tips!

There is a huge group of folks here, in the "Nether Region", not using GIMP or Picassa, but also not using Photoshop CS6, or the new PSCC(Cloud based,motnhly fee program) and/or LightRoom. And on the other hand lot so of folks that would LIKE to jump to PSE13, but have heard how difficult(realtive to Picassa or GIMP) to use.

Just like trying to use every tool and function on Photoshop, it's a very intimidating thought and process. Well, I'm here to tell you that it Ain't that hard,as long as you go slow and learn the basics and a few important tools. I've got an old PSE8,which I used for teaching, but haven't used for a while now,so I'm not familiar with the newest version, although I did sleep in a Holiday Inn Express last night! (American commercial reference!).

I do use Photoshop CS6 and I do actually have LightRoom installed on my computer,which I haven't used much and don't see the need, the way that I process my images,so it's dusty. But I've got pretty good with Photoshop CS6 and for the few tools that I use and a few functions that I touch everytime I work on any image, I might use 10% of Photoshop CS6 and more than probably just be able to use PSE13, if Adobe ever stops supporting CS6.

So what I would like to ask, especially if you've gone from GIMP or Picassa, what your thoughts and experiences have been and any tips or suggestions on using PSE13 or 12,for that matter, for those looking to buy PSE13 or even have PSE13 and it's sitting next to the computer, un-opened!!! LOL!

There are a ton of great videos on YouTube, "learning the basics" How to use Content Aware",etc.,etc., so instead of general suggestions like "just watch a few videos" I would ask that you post specific videos that have helped you learn, like "Brushes" which is a must to learn and conquer!!!

Another thing that I'd rather not see posted, is "LightRoom" is better or the Cloud for $10/month is better, any of that stuff, if you please. This is specifically a PSE12-13 Help line!

I'll answer what ever I can,as long as I think it's related to PSE13, like brushes, cloning,etc. but as I mentioned, I use 10% of the big CS6 program, so I will be looking to others, more experty than me to answer.

Let's start!

Rich

(Phyllis B. made me do this!!!)

Reply Order

Post Reply
 

Jessica Jenney

9 Years Ago

I'm currently using PSE 11 and haven't upgraded to 13.I'll wait for the next one. The Content Aware tool is very tempting!

 

Phyllis Beiser

9 Years Ago

Rich, you are too funny! You suggested per my needs that I purchase the PSE13 and I recently did just that. Naturally being a technical idiot, I am "slowly" learning my way around it. From what I see so far, it was well worth the $79.99 price. I am very excited about going in different directions with my work. I make no claims to being a photographer, I am a painter but, I occasionally take a photo that I believe can stand on its own and possibly sell. With that being said, I have many more options on editing and such with this new program than I did with Picassa.
I am very greatful for your help and suggestions Rich! The notorious Phyllis B.

 

Rich Franco

9 Years Ago

Jessica,

Stunning work! Can you hsare with us, what % of what we see on your site is mostly/totally PSE11? Is every image run through PSE11?

Art Prints

By the way, from my research, PSE13 is well worth the upgrade and in some stores,Costco,Sam's a new version sells for $49.99. I haven't seen it yet for PSE13, but I'm headed out there soon and will report back. You might also look into the "plugin" that I've mentioned a few times,

http://thepluginsite.com/products/elementsxxl/

and here is the review that I've posted. Sounds like this plugin was designed for people like you........

http://www.rangefinderonline.com/gear/software/Software-Review-Ele-8086.shtml

Rich

 

Rich Franco

9 Years Ago

"Notorius B", Phyllis

Glad to hear that you do like the program and wait for the reply from Jessica and if I think what I think will be said, is that she ONLY uses PSE11 for all her work and then maybe a texture or something,after PSE11. Looking at her work, I can't imagine not just buying PSE13 and that's all you'll ever need and then the plugin too!

Rich

 

Phyllis Beiser

9 Years Ago

I purchased mine at best buy when I purchased my new computer. It probably can be found a bit cheaper elsewhere. I just did not feel like running around to save a few bucks.

 

Jessica Jenney

9 Years Ago

Thanks, Rich! I use PSE 11 with plugins. I especially like NIK Color Efex and I couldn't live without the clone tool. I like Picasa also. When upgrading to the next version I forgot if we have to install all our plugins, brushes etc?

 

Bellesouth Studio

9 Years Ago

Jessica, you do have to reinstall, but both Topaz & Adobe have videos about it, it's pretty simple.

Here's a very simple and very excellent video about making transparent PNG files.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLA2FaOXkkg

Rebecca

Edit, PNG files are excellent (and necessary) when you are building a photo digitally, such as this steampunk art:

treasure steampunk by bellesouth studio

 

Rich Franco

9 Years Ago

Rebecca,

Thanks for joining! Good info.

Rich

 

Phyllis Beiser

9 Years Ago

I am surely not there yet but here is my first work that I used PSE13 on. This was a photo that I took at the aquarium of the americas in New Orleans this summer. I loved the photo but the quality was not even usable. I was able to sharpen and add a painting element to it and am ALMOST happy with it.
Sell Art Online

 
 

Rich Franco

9 Years Ago

Phyllis,

Very nice work! Looks like your investment has already paid off!!!

Bob, thanks for this. Adobe TV has some great tutorials and along with YouTube, can get all your questions answered. I generally start with YouTube and just watch, not trying to actually follow the steps, the first time and then go back and re-watch it and take notes. THEN the Adobe TV lessons can fill in the holes,

Rich

Just got back from Sam's and NO PSE13 being sold right now. Corel Paint Shop Pro 7X is $69.

Rich

 

Susan Wiedmann

9 Years Ago

Rich, you wrote "... or even have PSE13 and it's sitting next to the computer, un-opened!!! LOL!"

How did you know??? :))

I will install it this week and hope the installation will be flawless like the other versions I have used over the years. I did buy "The Photoshop Elements 13 Book for Digital Photographers" by Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski. Their PSE 9 edition was VERY helpful, and both books have a great informative layout that is easy to follow. Amazon has a "look inside" option for the book, but Barnes and Noble has a better deal with free shipping for anything over $25.

 

Susan Wiedmann

9 Years Ago

Update: The Photoshop Elements 13 installation was flawless, and it quickly copied my previous Elements Organizer images and albums. This version also has an up-to-date Adobe Camera Raw plug-in - 8.7.1 - that I happened to find when I went to check for updates under "Help." Again, flawless installation.

Now to get used to a few things being in different places!

 

Rich Franco

9 Years Ago

Susan,

Great news! Please ask if you do run into any problems and those here with PSE13 will help or I'll try to!

Rich

 

Suzanne Powers

9 Years Ago

I understand PS12 introduced the curves into the program. I can't live with curves even with drawing. If I want to lighten it gives different ways of approaching it IE. highlight, overall light and lighten color values.

 

Marian Bell

9 Years Ago

Don't have PSE13 yet, but have been using PSE11 for the last year or so for all my photo editing. Had to upgrade to it from PSE4 when 4 refused to open my organizer space anymore so I could work on a slideshow! (G-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-!) Didn't really see a lot difference between the versions, except for layout of the programs...nothing new to the slideshow creator part. Was hoping for new clip art images to use on slides, but was sad to see no upgrade there as I recall. Haven't really done anything in the slideshow since then. But do all my editing otherwise in it. Have enjoyed working with the variety of filters available, independently and in combination. Really fun to come up with something new to share for sale. Just wish people would buy my stuff! Haven't made a sale since June! Get plenty of views, but not sales! Anyone have suggestions for me?

 

Brenda Spittle

9 Years Ago

I'm using PSE 12. I'm still very much in the learning process, so my "effects" are pretty basic. I love turning my photos into paintings. Still a bit of a novice at it, though. Any tips?

 

Rich Franco

9 Years Ago

Brenda,

Welcome! I would assume that under "filter" there should be some various filters, like oil painting,etc. but I don't have this version. If you feel like you want to do a LOT of this, then look at the Topaz Impression software,which is what I use a lot! VERY easy and I can guide you if you do get it. You can download the free trial and see,

Rich

 

Ann Powell

9 Years Ago

I use PSE 11 with topaz filters. I am still in learning mode with the topaz filters. The thought of having to re install everything probably keeps me from upgrading. Something always seems to go wrong, especially if the computer is older, like mine. I never used Gimp or Picassa so I can not give a comparison. I took a brief adult evening class at a local Vo Tech when I first started with photoshop because I do better with hands on. That helped me with the basics and then I could experiment from there.

 

Rich Franco

9 Years Ago

Ann.

I'm with you! Any time anybody here says "Oh, just download the new version" and go, makes me nervous! On the other hand, installing a NEW version is probably easier than upgrading an older version,

Rich

 

Mary Bedy

9 Years Ago

I upgraded recently from PE 9 to PE 13, so I skipped a few and the first few days were an exercise in frustration and I reverted to 9 a few times. I printed the manual at work (shhh don't tell) and it's over 300 pages, but it was worth the print out because I can actually find things now. I was trying to find how to put a border on a photo in a collage so I could fill the base layer without compromising the other photos and it was grayed out. I had to get out the manual. That option is now under "layer style". I never would have found it just floundering around. I like it now that I'm getting used to it. That said, I know I've never even scratched the surface of what it can do.

 

Rich Franco

9 Years Ago

Mary,

In Photoshop, if you want a border and some color,then just increase the "canvas size", allaround the image. But if you used a design for your frame, then layers is the right choice,

Rich

 

Bellesouth Studio

9 Years Ago

I moved from PSE 12 to 13, but I had 11 and the others, so I've moved through them linearly (about the only thing I do linearly!). I love content aware, it helps a lot to tidy up areas that make my photograph cluttered, and I use the healing tool a lot, again, to give an over all "healthy" image. Layers are wonderful, and the more I learn, the more layers I have. I used to get frustrated when I would work in Topaz that I had no way of recording what plug-in I used. I just learned about shift+alt+command+e, (Mac) use that on your last layer and it will combine all of your early layers without flattening them, and leaves them in place, then I go over to Topaz to a plug in, and when I am finished using whatever plug in, I click ok and it takes me back to the photoshop page, where I title that layer "Topaz clarity" or whichever I used. Now I have a complete plan of what I did. When I'm building a steampunk piece, it can be a lot of layers! I learned how to do this in a Topaz Webinar. I still don't know EVERYTHING in PSE but I do know a lot. However, I am always watching videos, and taking advantage of the free webinars from Topaz and bookmarking videos in Youtube that I refer to over again. Rebecca

These were all made using that process:
red Spider lily in the rain by bellesouth studiodream rose by bellesouth studiomemories by bellesouth studiotimekeeper steampunk by bellesouth studio

 

Phyllis Beiser

9 Years Ago

I am having a little problem that perhaps one of you can help me with. When I take my photo of my painting, they are not always straight. With the old picassa, I was able to straighten and go from there. I can not seem to figure this out with the PSE13. Anyone know how? Is there a straightening tool? Thanks

 

Bellesouth Studio

9 Years Ago

Phyllis, yes - in expert mode, look at your tools on the left, and at the bottom it is with a a small group of tools - it looks like a small level like you would use in carpentry.

Rebecca

 

Ann Powell

9 Years Ago

Rebecca, what does it mean to "combine" the layers. You said it is not flattening them, but are you locking them together or something when you do this? I do not understand what the advantage is in this action.

 

Phyllis Beiser

9 Years Ago

Thanks Rebecca. I was thinking that I would have to install my old picassa and really did not want to fill my new computer with things that I do not need. Let me go see if I can find that.

 

Bellesouth Studio

9 Years Ago

Ann, it combines all of the layers below it, yet leaves them all in place so you can see them (it's non-destructive to the layers below), flattening the image combines them into one layer, and you are left with just that layer. When I use Topaz, it has to have a combined layer to be able to work on the image, or else just part of it shows up in Topaz. This way, I can take all my layers into Topaz, by using that special non destructive layer, and them come right back to PSE and continue working if I wish.

Hope that makes sense.

 

Ann Powell

9 Years Ago

Thanks for the explanation Rebecca. . I will have to try it out and see if I can make it work. In those cases I usually end up making a duplicate of the image, flattening it for use with filters etc. and leaving the first image with all the layers intact if I want to come back to them.

 

Bellesouth Studio

9 Years Ago

That's what I did too, Ann. This just eliminated a step for me.

Rebecca

 

This discussion is closed.