Photoshop Elements 8 - Geneva,IL

I bought the same program earlier this year and I'm still learning how to use it. I found that when editing photos, it helps to use the guided edit tool. I also learned how to make awesome slideshows (check out www.delaniesdoggy.org to see one :D). There is a very big learning curve with it and the best thing to do is just jump in with lots of different pics and just try different things. There is always the "undo" button if you don't like the result. I don't dare open it up unless I have a couple of hours to waste, lol because I get so engrossed in it. I have one of the newest Kodak printers that I use to print most of my own stuff. Walmart also prints pretty cheap and quickly.

Photoshop is easy once you know the basics. The best thing to do is take a quick class. The books and online courses are also really good if you are good with computers and can pick things up pretty quickly. As for printing, if you are doing large quantities vistaprint.com lets you upload your design and print it pretty cheaply. They even have photoshop templates you can design as much or as little as you want to. For smaller quantities I like snapfish and shutterfly. They have the option to wait for delivery or to print to the store. Snapfish can be picked up at Walgreens and Shutterfly can be picked up at Target. That way you can have your photos the same day.

There are a lot of tutorials online that I have found helpful. I have also bought and/or downloaded free actions that make editing a lot easier. I especially like this site for free actions: http://coffeeteaphotography.blogspot.com/p/coffeeshop-act...

PSE is trial and error in my opinion. I just learn as I go. Very addicting however : )

There are several places you can go to get around the learning curve. Look near you for classes. Or the other option is online. Jessicasprague.com is an amazing site. She had tips but also reasonably priced online classes. As for printing my projects I am fond of costco's lustre prints, there are many size options as well as fair cost. I have also been pleased with shutterfly and snapfish's websites - if you have the patience to await delivery. HTH

I belong to a Photo Club in my area that has helped a lot!!! I also got the Elements for Dummies book; there are magazines that are just for Elements that are also a big help but they are about $30!!!.......... try your library too. I have my prints done at my local professional colour lab; you don't have to be a professional to use their services...... I don't like any of the 1 hr places because no matter where you go you have to find a tech that you can trust to print them the way you like them. A lot of times what you see on your computer screen is not how they come out. Sometimes you need to calibrate your screen to get the best outcome............. any questions let me know!!!