Photoshop CS6 Extended too much for an amateur

[KentState]

I'm wanting something a little more powerful for both photo and video editing. It needs to handle both Sony RAW and AVCHD as well as audio tracks from other sources. I'm also new to this, but found that the software included with my camera was very limited. IS PS C6 going to be pure frustration? We can get it at the student/teacher price which is a huge discount if that matters.

 

[happysmiles]

Pretty much
Burn/Dodge and new layer-> curves.

the thing with Photoshop is that you gotta find your main set of tools. after 7 years those are mine.

tutorials are nice but the more time you spend messing around with tools the better

 

[yhelothar]

I learned from doing about 3 tutorials then that teaches you how to use each of the tools. Then find some images/edits you really like and find out how it's done and you'll be pretty good.


www.cambridgeincolor.com is a good site.

Do you have something in particular that you're looking to accomplish?

 

[jhansman]

You might consider working with Lightroom 4 instead. If you shoot RAW, it is a much easier program to master (or, even if you don't) and is really meant for photographers. If, however, you need layers and composites and all the stuff only PS can do, well good luck. I spend 90% of my post processing time in LR, and there only occasionally need to go into PS.

 

[Rottie]

How about Adobe Photoshop Element - light version of Adobe CS6?

 

[KentState]

Does Lightroom or Elements have video editing?

 

[sixone]

Does Lightroom or Elements have video editing?

PSE does not, but you can get Premier Elements for video editing.

 

[ronbo613]

I've used Photoshop for years and still am not close to knowing everything about it. I don't think there is anyone who does.
With Photoshop, I've found that you learn the things you need to do one step at a time. When you need to do something you don't know, learn it and move on to the next thing. Plenty of Photoshop learning tools on the internet.
It's like buying a camera that's a little more advanced than you need; better to grow into it than outgrow it.

 

[jhansman]

Does Lightroom or Elements have video editing?

Yes, LR does, but it's fairly basic.

http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-lightroom.html