From: Orion Williams

Adobe Certified Expert, Photoshop CS2

December 3, 2007

11:27 PM

   YOU CAN LEARN AND APPLY PHOTOSHOP:

          -to compete in the global or workforce marketplace and job market
          -to earn a full-time or part-time income
          -to offer your image editing services (specialty) to clients
          -for photographic (or design) portfolio management
          -to be able to edit images professionally and prepare them for any output
          -for cd, magazine, postcard, billboard ...art design
          -to 'define yourself' as a creative professional or even digital artist
          -for creating CD or DVD labels & covers
          -for high end digital photography & color reproduction/correction
          -for fixing under or overexposed photos
          -for movie poster design
          -for product packaging design
          -for automating redundant tasks
          -for creating web or photographic templates
          -to share images with friends and family
          -for graphic design and advertising design
          -for editing, altering, fixing, changing, touching up your (consumer) digital photos
          -for vacation/memory scrapbooks
          -for professional portraiture retouching
          -for image restoration to improve quality or repair damaged/old images
          -preparing images for print or web
          -for creating business cards, logos, stationery
          -for cool visual effects
          -to create fantasy worlds or optical illusions
          -for digital scrapbooking & embellishing your work
          -for creating montages, collages and having fun with your pictures
          -for photography post production & image or color correction

Imagine what you can do once you command a mastery

over the tools and techniques within Photoshop!

You can professionally prepare your images, touchup your photos, create entire ad campaigns, top end designs that sell, create art that inspires countless people and much more.
 

And you know what? Once you dig into Photoshop CS or CS2 itself...a million more little details become apparently possible of what you can do within each of those areas (and new areas) once you have the proper skill and training!

That's why I think it's important and you might realize this also, that a good foundational grounding in Photoshop will really allow you to apply your creativity combined with the power of Photoshop to achieve maximum results. 

So many common image editing tasks will just become so easy that you didn't even know how to accomplish before.  You can improve some images in a matter of seconds with the knowledge of how to use them in Photoshop.
 

Photoshop is REALLY just a tool and means to the end...your results!

...better images, polished products, creative expression, etc.; but one you'll LOVE working with once you understand how to apply it. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!

I know how frustrating it can be to want to do something or replicate YOUR style or version of something cool you've seen but you will be ineffective until you actually know how to harness the power of Photoshop.

Don't beat yourself up over this...just understand that you just have to get the technical training so that you can exercise your creative freedom. Once you have that down, then it all becomes easy and enjoyable.  Then, even more creative doors will open to you I personally guarantee.

Remember if you expect to become a creative professional, work in the graphics industry (or even some advertising or marketing positions) and earn an income, then you'd BETTER be
proficient with Photoshop. 

Prospective employers won't take you seriously if you don't know what you're doing and you can't fake it!

It's best just to have that area ‘handled' so you know that you are operational and functional if your job demands it or if you just simply demand that of yourself.

Creative professionals in many different fields use Photoshop as their main production tool, day in and day out and often solely rely on using it to complete the tasks and demands set out for them.

The top graphic designers, retouchers, movie poster designers, flyer & poster designers, photo restorer's around the world for the most part, all claim Adobe Photoshop CS/CS2 as their #1 tool of choice.

If you desire to become a creative professional or are already doing a little bit with it, then you know how much a full level of Photoshop proficiency can help expand your creative and income earning horizons. 

Even if you're not in Photoshop for the money...

(making income from doing what you love), you can still take your creative potential to the extreme by getting a good foundational (and beyond) knowledge of how to apply Photoshop.

If you just want to be able to use Photoshop to create better photographic results or graphic design as a hobby, the high level of knowledge you can attain will allow you to reach professional results all the time.
 

If you're a photographer, you will be using Photoshop CS/2 ALL THE TIME.  Professional photographers, assistants, publishers, fashion agencies, ad agencies, use it all the time to enhance their work and prepare a better quality image especially for print work.
 

All this power is just waiting to be unleashed at your fingertips! 

Knowledge isn't power...applied knowledge is power.

When you have a complete Photoshop CS/CS2 proficiency and ability to be a POWER user, then you can REALLY exercise your creativity, have more control over your projects AND save a lot of ineffective downtime and unnecessary expense.  Make your time in Photoshop 'uptime' and not 'downtime'.

This means that you can complete projects faster and get more enjoyable work done so you can move onto the next project of making money or creating an expression of your creative ‘visual' self, just sharing touched up photos, etc..

If you haven't upgraded to Adobe Photoshop CS2 yet, it's absolutely worth it and only $149 to upgrade from any full version of Photoshop.

Take a look at what the experts have to say about the upgrade to Photoshop CS2.  Be sure to consider the full Creative Suite 2 itself for a complete creative professional turnkey software solution.

Just know that if you're going to be a creative professional or someone that is just REALLY effective in one of the areas that Photoshop covers, know that a foundational grounding will be a source of strength and knowledge for years to come.
 

In fact,

aspiring creative professionals will often spend thousands of U.S. dollars just to train themselves in Adobe Photoshop CS/CS2

(even just the initial foundational training).

Yes, they're serious and that's your competition (if you're job seeking). But do you have to do that?  No. It's just one of your options; there are more affordable alternatives.

There are 10,000's of creative professionals using Photoshop everyday who are earning a living and creatively expressing themselves effectively around the world because of their working knowledge of Photoshop. 

But what about you?  Don't you want professional results?

Do you want to achieve your goals now or later?  The good news is that there are training solutions which will get you there a lot faster and those which will take a lot longer and cost you more. 

If you're at the point where you're ready now to start editing your images and achieving the worthwhile goals that you have set out for yourself, I encourage you to do something about it!

You don't HAVE to be frustrated with Photoshop any longer.

Once you know that you just 'have to learn' Photoshop, then it becomes quite clear that it's what you have to do and then there is no question you just have to learn. 

You will seek out potential resources, make some investments and start applying what you're learning so you can progress forward. 

When you reach this point in your mind, then the millions of details of Photoshop almost become inconsequential because you know that you'll just learn them and get them 'handled'.  This will make you aware that learning Photoshop doesn't have to be stressful and every little part will have it's place.  Just knowing this can be a great burden lifted off of you.

Remember that Photoshop is just the means to your end, so you know that you have to really 'learn' it in order to get the results you want. 

You may have some experience in Photoshop and may even had some training programs before but realize that you might just want a full on 'cover it all' Photoshop CS/CS2 training program. 

So where do you start to look and what's a good deal? 

So what is the best Photoshop CS/2 training

method for you and your particular needs? 

I've discovered some information after researching the Photoshop training industry marketwide and I think this information will help you make an educated and informed decision on the Photoshop training methods which may be right for you.

_________________

If you're serious about finally learning Photoshop you know you're going to have to make an investment of 'some' sort.  You may be considering taking a 'hands on' type of training or signing up at a special school or even University. 

But my goodness, that really is a large investment and a big step to take: paying $1,000's of dollars just to learn Photoshop in that environment.  Even if you get a 'Certificate' of completion of a course, does it really mean you can USE Photoshop?  Don't forget that in a classroom, that's a once time experience so when it's over, it's over and your money is spent!

Photoshop is a tremendously powerful yet intimidating software program, and if you're like I used to be, you've probably wasted countless hours trying to figure things out on your own.  Or worse; you've left the program aside because you were too fed up with the sheer power of not knowing what to do with it, so you temporarily gave up! 

Not knowing how to fully use a program such as Photoshop can leave you quite frustrated.  You KNOW what Photoshop can do and more importantly you know that you have things you want to 'get done' with it. 

So you know you need an education solution that will

ultimately enhance your ability to earn income. 

But why does it all have to be so difficult?..

If you're a student who is starting out learning, Photoshop can be a monster of a program to get a grasp on.

So there is always expensive classroom training, but isn't there another REAL alternative where you can truly learn everything you want to WITHOUT spending a small fortune to achieve the same results? 

Well, you won't find any substantial amount of free Photoshop training online either.  To try and put together bits and pieces here and there (from sources that don't really exist) to come up with your solid education is a complete losing proposition as well.

The internet is full of 'clone sites'

that will teach you about the same neat little tricks as the next site, but don't really teach you PHOTOSHOP and how to edit images with it like a creative professional (and I'm sure you've searched and found a lot of these sites online).  In fact, those tutorials don't even lay a foundation for growing into graphic design itself. 

In fact, if you're at all serious about your Photoshop future (especially if you want to be a creative professional) you'll understand that those sites (which dominate the industry online) won't get you where you want to be. 

If you want to just get by with the hundreds of free tricks or Photoshop gimmicks that you can find on the internet (they all seem the same) and not find anything of real 'substance' or foundational value from which you can really grow from with Photoshop CS/CS2, then this page isn't for you. 

A lot of those types of people can duplicate all kinds of cool effects they learned online for free, but really DON'T know how to use so many of the features Photoshop has (and you WILL). 

Hey, I didn't want to read the manual either because it doesn't 'show you' how its done.  I also didn't want to spend thousands of dollars on classroom training, simply because I DIDN'T HAVE that kind of money at the time so it wasn't an option. 

But because I wanted to learn Photoshop so bad, I stubbornly dived into the program (without any guidance at the start) and over the course of several years eventually got to where I am at today.  But, the pain I went through in learning Photoshop in the early stages and all of the wasted, ineffective downtime you don't need to go through.  I mean, it was bad...I don't know why I was so stubborn. 

So you are quite savvy to realize that you should really get a training solution somehow to help you gain a headstart on the technical and creative aspects of Photoshop.

If you've already spent frustrated hours, believe me I was there as well.  And I look at all the clone sites online and think, is there really NOWHERE where someone can just "learn Photoshop online"? 

I went to a non-imaging conference in Anaheim, CA and everyone I talked to either wanted to learn Photoshop themselves or knew someone who did and I was thinking..."Man..I'm doing something with it online but I REALLY want to get this out to the people because there are a lack of training options and millions of people worldwide are begging to learn Photoshop."

In the infinite A.D.D. vortex that is the internet, we still don't have websites dedicated to teaching and applying Photoshop instead of just doing cool tricks with it?  Amazing..

There really is a lack of full training options online, so

when I created some free 'Basic' Photoshop tutorials and uploaded them to some of the 'clone sites' they actually had to create a new 'category' for that- for standard 'how to use Photoshop' tutorials!  That is just preposterous but goes to tell you what kind of real training you can expect online.  I don't think those people even know what 'Adjustment Layers' are. 

That's nice that Photoshop can reach so many different markets of people within itself (and the 'clone sites' serve their purpose), but what about the legions of people worldwide who are looking for real, comprehensive, industry grade Photoshop training that can help them advance in their careers or creative professional endeavors? 

And what about you? 

I'm sure you're here because you want to see how you can reach your Photoshop goals effectively while becoming proficient in as short a time as possible.  You want to edit your images to achieve results as well as understanding the reasoning behind it so you have even more power to use Photoshop to realize your creative aspirations. 

You may even just want to know about TONS of insider, cool techniques and tricks that the professionals use...(funny thing...the institutional teachers frown upon this kind of stuff though)..

And believe me, the fun REALLY begins once you understand how to use the tools and techniques to achieve amazing results because then the power shifts to what you can do with Photoshop. 

If you're LOOKING for a viable alternative (kudos to you) and aren't one of those strict "by the books-education-HUB" person (and I've met them) who believes the ONLY way to learn is to follow the system for a few years and learn through student loans then you're probably NOT the type of person who might even hold the possibility that you could learn from a viable alternative such as what I'm about to offer unless you're willing to expand your mind. 

There's nothing wrong with a University education...

but if you think that's the ONLY way to learn something, then you'll also have other problems dealing with life in the real world and keeping up with the times.  Fortunately, I think you're open to other realistic possibilities that are just as effective or even moreso as their counterpart. 

Adobe Authorized Training Centers are great, but they do have a higher price tag...

YOU DON'T NEED TO SPEND A SMALL FORTUNE ON PHOTOSHOP TRAINING

Most likely you've looked at a couple different training alternatives already.  Perhaps you even have some of those books or specialty videos and spent some money...but you're still looking for the "meat and potatoes" Photoshop training. 

Most people need something more 'active' than just reading a book to learn...think about it, the percentage of people who watch t.v. to reading.  Reading isn't always the best answer to find out 'how' to do something that is extremely visual. 

If you do get a book, make sure it has several photos (screenshots) on every page or you're just NOT going to know what's going on with Photoshop, unless you are a very technical type of person who learns that way (by reading) and can apply it but most people aren't like that.

If you have already taken courses...

you've probably realized that there is still so much more to learn about Photoshop, you weren't really fulfilled and you realize that you have to keep spending more money to keep getting more and more training (see how that kind of system perpetuates itself)?  All of a sudden you've spent thousands of dollars (and even more if you need retraining).

Either way, making an INVESTMENT in yourself and your education is one of the smartest things you could ever do.  If you use and apply the skills you learn, you will be making headway in life and your career.

And like I said before, you are smart and savvy to be seeking out the knowledge from a source that is where you want to be because it will save you a ton of time and headaches. 

You want to make an investment in your education that can not only be proud of immediately, but that will keep paying off in results in the long run as well.

Whether you're an aspiring creative professional, an amateur-advanced photographer, business owner or corporate employee you have your own reasons for learning Photoshop.

You should expect a professional quality of training. 

Yes, classroom training can get you there but it is quite a big step to take, financially and that's putting a lot of pressure on your shoulders as to where you have to perform and commit to it. 

What about a lower cost solution that will get you to the same proficiency level that you can really feel comfortable and good about?

I do think you're really open to a professional, viable training alternative other than spending the oft 'expected' thousands of dollars in more 'formal' training. 

So what is this ultimate 'all around'

solution for those on a budget? 

That solution is video tutorials training.  Just because you could spend thousands of dollars on more formal training doesn't mean you'll remember everything that you learned in the class anyways.  You can't go back to the class after it's over (and you'd best remember everything you're learning there for the amount of money you're spending).

The advantage of having professional quality video tutorials is that you can truly learn at your own pace and the materials will always be there so you can keep learning from them.  It's the gift that keeps on giving.

You can review any lesson at any time you need and you get to see and comprehend everything as it happens when you are experiencing the training. 

This is a HUGE advantage to learning in your busy lifestyle.  You can proceed slowly, taking different subject areas one at a time or just soak in everything as much as you can, when you want. 

With video tutorials training you can actually see everything captured in 'real time' with video and audio, showing and telling you straight from the teacher captured right within Photoshop and playing back on your video screen or computer.  Pause or rewind until you understand a concept at any time. 

And you can start applying everything you learned immediately in Photoshop.

Because you are a visual person, this is an incredibly effective way to learn and more effective than reading a book..you want to be immersed in the training because it's easier to learn when seeing it being done by a pro who is explaining everything. 

And there's no more downtime for you putzing around in Photoshop anymore because you'll be brimming with all of the new knowledge and techniques that you'll want to explore.

And, as a professional Photoshop user myself (and trainer) with years of experience and being a Certified Expert for Adobe Photoshop CS, I would love to be your personal trainer...to take you from where you are at now with Photoshop to where you want to be - and on your time schedule with Photoshop CS video tutorials training I've recently produced.

I want you to know that I am here to help you make it EASY to learn Adobe Photoshop.  Yes, learning Photoshop should be easy.  You will finally be able to stop wasting time trying to 'figure it out' because you'll be spending your time editing images with fast and professional results. 

There is no need to be frustrated or intimidated about learning Adobe Photoshop CS or CS2 anymore. 

I will guide you along the way in the Photoshop CS video tutorials training.  Now you can achieve the exact same level of proficiency as those who are learning in classrooms without spending the expected $1000's of dollars in a classroom environment. 

Heck, maybe you have the money for classroom training but are too busy for that or the schedule won't work out.  I know a lot of people around the world, especially in India & Malaysia who may not have access to classroom training and are desperate for real Photoshop tutorials training that can put them on edge with other Photoshop users around the world as part of their career.

Really, truly learning Photoshop CS & CS2 will allow you to unlock your creative professional potential and achieve your digital imaging results.  With the solid foundation I'm going to teach you about 'everything Photoshop', you will be able to further mold for yourself the direction you want to take professionally. 

You will be ready to meet the industry demands that are out there or goals that you have set for yourself in the professional digital imaging realm. 

You will have greatly enhanced your own marketability and ability to earn income with these tutorials I'm about to introduce you to.

What really matters is what you can do with Photoshop and where you end up with as your skill level.  How you get there is up to you.  You are in exactly the right place at the right time because I have just released my brand new, highest quality Photoshop CS & CS2 complete proficiency video training solution.

Not only is the quality and educational value of this training on par with anything on the market, this training goes beyond the few other comprehensive Photoshop CS/CS2 training programs because it also teaches you applied techniques throughout several hours of additional tutorials... 

...NONE of the other programs have this.  These are real world bonus tutorials training that you won't find anywhere else. 

I'm talking about bonus tutorials on advanced retouching, colorizing black and white, replacing body parts, graphic designing, collaging, selecting hair, advanced compositing, using ImageReady for web and much more (those are just SOME of the additional training included) ...So take a look...

__________________________________