Photoshop – first steps to start using it

Now in use for many years, the Photoshop program allows you to edit photos and make them perfect. Using this software is not as simple as you think, as it takes time, study of the theory, dedication, and desire to explore every single feature of the program to squeeze it to the maximum.

In this article, we are going to list the first steps to start using Photoshop.

The graphic processing, possible through this program born in the 90s, is so wide and vast, that it has made it an indispensable tool for many professionals.

Think of cartoonists, architects, designers, photographers, retouchers, those who do small 3D jobs, and so on.

But what are the first steps to use Photoshop, the graphics, photo editing, and, more generally, specialized in the processing of digital images?

Spend time exploring the software

As said at the beginning, spending time to explore and examine the program is the first step in developing familiarity with its use. Revealing all the functions in one go is almost impossible.

Photoshop is a program that needs to be studied, which requires perseverance, patience, and willpower.

You have to experiment, try, make mistakes, and correct your shot until you reach the finish line.

A watchful eye and reading many guides

If you are a good observer and know how to have a watchful eye on the things that interest you, use this gift to learn how to use Photoshop.

What you need is to create your own working method, your own modus operandi that can only be born by observing who knows more than you and shaping what you understand according to your needs.

Precisely for this gift marked to observation, we also recommend you to read many generic guides and photo books on photo editing.

Readings will be able to indicate the strictly necessary effects to improve and optimize the photos, which will then make you operate on the software in a decisive and targeted manner.

Develop your curiosity

Having a propensity to observation also means being curious, and curiosity to learn how to use Photoshop is of fundamental importance.

The thirst for knowledge pushes you to tinker in the program to identify those tricks and special effects that can make the images you operate on simply perfect.

Once you have learned ABC, you certainly don’t have to stop intriguing.

Know, in fact, that Photoshop is constantly updated so from time to time you will always have to fine-tune your knowledge propensity to learn the new features of the software.

Watch tutorials and clothes of humility

Consider that on YouTube or more simply on the internet, you will always find videos that can show you how to move within the program.

Although there are few in foreign languages, carefully observing the images that the video proposes can be a valuable aid in learning the basics of this complete graphics software in all its aspects.

Also, try to always be humble. Be ready to ask for help when you need it, to get advice and suggestions from those who know more than you do.

After all, no one is born a master, and only with time and with the precious advice of those who have made this learning path before you, you will have the opportunity to create your Photoshop skills.

Take courses and sign up for forums

Often, experts in the sector hold courses or workshops able to convey the basics of using this program so useful for those who deal with graphics and photo retouching.

If you take part in these courses, you will have the opportunity to acquire all the appropriate tools to manage various situations. From here then, you can move on to more advanced courses that are focused on advanced aspects of the “photography” subject, all to refine your knowledge.

Also to facilitate the study of the program, you could subscribe to the forums, attend communities or photo clubs, to approach other people, and exchange advice and opinions with them.

In this way, you will be able to interface with multiple points of view, and also find the solution to your problem more easily than you imagine.

Be self-critical

As we have already told you, to learn to use Photoshop you have to experiment, try and make mistakes.

Indeed, it is precisely from your mistakes and your self-critical sense that you will be able to derive great food for thought to improve your skills and techniques. Obviously, at the beginning, you will never be able to retouch an ad hoc photograph, but it will be precisely from that error that you will learn to use a certain function of the software well.

Nobody is up to criticizing your works except your ability to recognize your limits.

Learn to observe your works as if they were not yours and identify the mistakes made and then correct the shot.

Indeed, precisely in view of this severe spirit towards you, always take advantage of all the advice that is given to you, dialogue, and compare yourself with others in the sector and learn how to draw conclusions. Over time everything will take on the flavor of victory.

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About Author

Samuel Afolabi is a lazy tech-savvy that loves writing almost all tech-related kinds of stuff. He is the Editor-in-Chief of TechVaz. You can connect with him socially :)

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