Toria wrote:
OK...this is something that very few people know...even my closest friends...and I have decided to bring it out on this forum because while I have been embarassed and debilitated from this for years, I'm tired of it "owning" me in terms of creativity....

I am fully prepared for juvenile comments, harassment and general mean-spirited-ness that comes with almost each and every post here on this forum, but I also know that I have met some wonderful people here and I know that there is someone out there who would be willing to help me...I think the good people here far outweigh the bad ones...

So...here goes...when I was 29 years old I suffered from bacterial spinal meningitis.  Besides the fact that it caused me to almost lose my life, it also caused some permanent learning disabilities that I am unable to overcome.  For instance, I can't read a map, or find my way through a building with a lot of hallways.  I have to have my faucets marked with "HOT" or "COLD" because I can't remember simply that you turn hot one way and cold the other.  I have never been able to learn how to operate my camera manually or learn how to use lighting properly...everything I do takes me 5 times longer than the average photographer.  I can live with the camera problem, but what I really am longing to know how to do is Layers in Photoshop.

Thus...the problem that I am requesting help for... I have bought probably a dozen books on photoshop and downloaded lots of directions from the internet, but I have yet to come up with a way of it being explained to me so that I can understand it.  I have tried to follow step by step instructions and even ones with the illustration...but always I get to a point where I get confused and can't go any further.  I have tried to find classes in my area to learn...but nothing is available.

I know this might just seem like a minor inconvenience to some...but for me, it would mean everything if someone would take the time to spell it out as if you are spelling out to a 5 year old how to use layers.  I would even pay someone a reasonable fee if they could help me.  I feel quite ridiculous and ashamed as I write this, to let the entire community here in on my secret....but I have hopes that someone will be able to help. 

Thanks so much for any help you can give! 

Toria

Jinx1313 wrote:
Aww, don't feel ashamed.  We all have our issues.  Sadly I don't know anything about PS other than how to rotate a pic, hehe.  I'm sure there will be someone on here that can help ya' out ; )  If you're willing to pay someone maybe you can hire a college student in your area to tutor you or something?  Just a thought.

Thanks so much Jinx!  I appreciate your response...shows you are a very nice person..

little apple blossom wrote:
I don't want to embarrass you or make you think I am taking pity on you, but I think this is really brave to just come out and say. You shouldn't be ashamed by any means but I know I would feel too self conscious to come out and say it here.

Awww...thank you apple blossom...it was a bit embarassing, but the wonderful response I have gotten made it all worthwhile! 

Shadowscape Studio wrote:
Kiddo, I can't help you, but I can tell you that at 54 years old I can't figure it out either.  I have tried and tried and have all the books, but I don't get it.  You are not alone in this.  All those pallete things are off my screen, because I don't know how they work.

Hey Dave!!!  You are one of the few photographers out there who actually doesn't even need PS!  Your work stands so solidly on its own...but I do appreciate your words.  It's always wonderful to hear from a friend...

jasontheartist wrote:
If you know nothing about PS than who did all your photo work in your portfolio, They seem pretty good at it, ask them to help you out?

Other than the photos that are labeled with the digital artists name...I did them all...but they aren't done with layers...

lotusphoto wrote:
www.worth1000.com

has a photoshop tutorial section...

VERY cool site!  I am going to spend some time checking things out on it...thanks for the link! 

3rd Floor Photography wrote:
I love you Simply because I admire you to be able to face your fears.

*blush*...well thank you....that makes me feel a lot better...

The Don Mon wrote:

why dont you make a cheat sheet just like what you do with
the faucets hot and cold ? maybe that will help ?

I actually have tried that many times by going through books...but if I can't get it to the point where it works, I can't make cheat sheets.  For sure though once I get to that point, I will be working with cheat sheets.  Hot and Cold is a little easier than layers...lol...ya know? 

C R Photography wrote:

You just described the average male .. jk

Post here and on free sites (craigslist, myspace.. etc) for a one-on-one tutor to sit down with you and go over it.

I'll bet you get the hang of it quicker than you think.

Good luck!

Yeah...true about the man part!  Actually, I think that I will find what I need through here...just by posting this...which is wonderful!  I have used Craig's List in the past for other things and it does work well! 

Lelah G wrote:
That's actually a good idea.  Always try to have someone with you when you're shooting.  Someone who's dedicated and willing to spend his/her time.  What you'd do great with is a PA:  photog assistant, like a production assistant.  Lots of people are looking for experience becoming an assistant.

I admire you for sharing this information.  Even with all the idiots on MM who find nothing better to do than make a harmless forum thread more than it should be.

Your work is great!!

*~Lelah~*

Hi Lelah,
I think the photo assistant would be a super idea, but since I don't do things "conventionally" the way other photographers do, I don't feel I could offer anyone anything to learn from me....

I did an all day shoot today though and my MUA was super as an assistant and she did a lot for me...I guess if you help others, then they help you...

TXPhotog wrote:
Is there someone near you that can actually sit at a computer with you, and talk you through it?  I doubt that any books will deal with the problem in a way that meets your particular needs, but a knowledgeable Photoshop user could.

I work a "regular" job...so only can work at my stuff in the evenings...but I think I have found a solution...and hopefully I will be finally able to get past the books that DON'T help! 

PDXImaging wrote:
I don't have have those issues, and I am still struggling to learn PS...  lol  Personally, I get the most benefit from just watching photographer friends work with the program, and just learn by osmosis...

I think PS is difficult for a majority of people even WITHOUT the learning disability....but it REALLY sucks with it! 

Shyly wrote:

That was my first thought, too.  Failing that, is it the learning to master it yourself that's the most important to you, or the final image looking a certain way that's most important to you?  It might be worth hiring a retoucher sometimes if you have a specific vision but can't learn how to realize it.

Best of luck to you.

Hi Shyly,

I actually do work with several digital artists who work on my pics when I need to have them for a specific reason...and they are AWESOME!  But, I still want to learn the basics of just layers.  I am realistic enough to know that I will never be able to be some super digital artist...but hopefully I can overcome the simple things...

ak68 wrote:
Bravo for you bringing this out and asking for help; especially here on MM. 
However, your problem could be helped along with some simple things. 
Let me explain and maybe something will help you along.

I had a stroke at 32 and suffered much with motor skills and reading and yes remembering things.  Here is something that I found worked for me long term.  Buy a digital recorder and use it.  Great way to remind yourself to do things and also to relearn things.  It is difficult I know because if you may know how to do something right now and in four hours not have a clue.  I don't know if your illness impacted your life the way mine did and of course I realize you had something completely different from a stroke. However, the brain is amazing. 

Have you tried rehab services?  Even on your own. Learning centers can help. I have found that relearning is something I do over and over again but if you keep up with something that does work, like writing things down or using the recorder or even having someone call you on the phone or visit with you and assist you in learning or relearning that over time it becomes much easier.

Oh and one more thing.  Please do not think you can't overcome or at least learn to live fully with these problems.  They are only as big as you make it.  You do have the power to turn this around.  I KNOW how difficult it is and how depressing it can be but once I made my mind up to live the work began for sure, but the determination drives me daily.

good luck
ak

Thanks so much AK for your kind words!  I'm so sorry you suffered a stroke...what a horrible thing to happen to a young and beautiful woman!  My father had a stroke and didn't survive, so I have a special place in my heart for those who have overcome it.  Your words are very encouraging and I appeciate your taking the time to write them here...

Fortunately for me, there are only a very few things that this has impacted my life...I am actually above average in many other areas and my IQ wasn't affected (I won't brag as to how high it is) !!!  lol    Seriously though, it could have been a lot worse...and it sounds like you know this first hand..

SayCheeZ! wrote:

Toria wrote:
I have to have my faucets marked with "HOT" or "COLD" because I can't remember simply that you turn hot one way and cold the other.

I don't have any learning disabilities... but am kinda glad to know that I'm not the only one that can't remember which way to turn the handle!!!

Toria wrote:
I have never been able to learn how to operate my camera manually or learn how to use lighting properly.

I've met 'professional photographers' that have spent many years in the business that don't know how to operate their cameras, and have no clue about lighting!

I remember first seeing your work at another photography/ modeling website and seeing how you've advanced from 'ok' photos to showing some really outstanding work in an extremely short amount of time!  So don't be so hard on yourself.  You may not know the technicalities of how a certain light works, but it's obvious that you do understand when the lighting is correct... and that's the key to success.



I wish we lived closer together.  I'm pretty good at taking very technical terms and translating 'em into concepts that everyone can understand.  (I've taught people how to use a computer without having a computer anywhere around us)!

In any case... photoshop layers.   A little bit of history may help clear up the confusion, so here goes.


Any BASIC photo editing program allows you to add and remove objects from it.  For instance, if you want to add a title to a picture, you'd simply type a title onto the picture, and it's done!

However, if you decided that you want to change where the title is located on the picture, you'll have to erase the title, and re-type the title on the correct part of the picture.


ADVANCED photo editing programs (such as Photoshop) have different 'layers' to help make corrections easier.
 
A layer is like a clear sheet of plastic that covers the photo.  You can scribble, draw, and type all over the clear plastic sheet... and it will look like you're actually drawing on the picture... but the original photo will still remain there, untouched and unharmed.

When you type a title on the clear plastic 'layer', it will look like it's part of the original photo.  If you need to change the position of the title, all you need to do is move the clear plastic sheet around until the title is located where you want it to be.

If you decide that you don't want the title at all... all you have to do is remove the clear plastic layer and throw it in the garbage!

That's the basics to understanding layers.  Once you understand those concepts, then you'll start to understand some of the other features such as 'viewing', 'merging', and 'arranging' layers... but for now, play around with the basics, and don't worry about the more technical stuff until then.

Hope this helps.

Your post really meant a lot to me...and not just on the technical side either!  I appreciate your compliments on my work and also your offer to help if we lived closer.  You can bet I would call you!    Your explanation was excellent and I think if I read it many times, it will help to understand.  I do understand the basic concept...it's just applying that to the clicks and all in PS that has me frazzled!  Anyway, thank you so much for replying...and hopefully I can make some really amazing stuff once I learn "dreaded layers." 

Ronald Paulsen wrote:
I doubt I can help you in Photoshop, pissed away my 600 bucks and I'm clueless.
Just wanted to say when a person is brave, honest and humble it really brings out the best in all of us. Thank You. heart heart

Ron Paulsen

Awwwww...so kind....

I actually was very afraid to post here because of past posts that have been stomped on...but I figured I had more to gain than lose...and reading responses like this really makes it so worthwhile to me...thank you...

Mark Heaps wrote:
Well I will offer you this...feel free to message me whenever you have any type of question at all, and you can send me emails with the images if you are confused.  I can even send your files back to you.  Send me a message with your personal email address and I'll send you some of my tutorials that I give my students and maybe some that I can make just for you.

the biggest thing to remember with layers is that which ever layer is on top...that's the image that is closest to you...like stacking pictures in a pile...the top of the pile is the one you see most.

that's a good start for understanding layers.

Mark

That would be awesome Mark!  Perhaps your tutorials are easier than the ones in the PhotoShop books.  You have no idea how much money I have spent on books...only to find that I STILL can't figure it out! 

My email is:  [email protected]

Anyone feel free to use it...

Riedel Photography wrote:
Message me and I'll give you my # I teach PS at AIS here in Seattle.

BTW I was born in KC MO

—Michael

Thanks Michael!  By the way...I LOVE Seattle...one of my favorite cities...

Michael Pandolfo wrote:
And to this point not one single negative or silly comment...bravo!

Apart from the subject of your request for help which many capable people have addressed and expressed an interest in assisting you...I would have to say that even though the forums are a breeding ground for sarcasm (I count myself as one of the culprits), there are caring people who I certainly hope are above insulting someone with a true disability of any type. I think you're seeing that MM'ers CAN rise above the mayhem.

And for what it's worth, it's not a learning disability to struggle with Photoshop. Actually, I think it's a necessity.

Good luck...

Thank you Michael!  I am a bit shocked myself...but more likely it's just that the nasties couldn't find anything bad to say here and it was all of you nice guys who responded!    At least I want to think it is that way...

David Gabel Photography wrote:

I have not read every post, so if this was said I do not know. I want you to really think about this as an approach.

A wise man knows his limitations. You have found yours. Do what every successfull billionaire has ever done and create yourself a team of professionals and delegate authority! You are the photographer, but that doesn't mean you MUST be the photoshop guru as well! Find yourself a talented PS expert and hire him/her to do the work for you. Honestly think about this. Stop working yourself to death over PS and let someone else do it. You might find they are better than you might have been yourself, because it is what they want to do, just as photography is what you want to do. Together you make a stronger force than just you trying to do everything.

I'm at the point where I need an assistant. The more I try to do myself the less productive I become. Do you see my point? Just let it go and give it over to someone else. Your work will improve and you'll be happier. Try it anyway.

IMHO,

David

You know David...you have a very valid point!  If I wasn't so damned stubborn and want to do this MYSELF at least for a little while...I would do just that.  I actually do have some folks who help me out on a regular basis, but most of them are not really able to explain it to me (or have the patience to).  But, once I learn it...I will probably get sick of it so quickly that I want to pass it on...ain't that crazy? 

digital Artform wrote:
http://www.lynda.com is very helpful for this as well. For about $20 you can watch all the movies you want for a month.

What a cool site!  Thanks for sharing...I will check it out and see what it has that I can use...appreciate it..

Afablb wrote:
"Press on, nothing in the world can take the place of persistence, talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men and women with talent; genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb; education will not, the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and Determination are omnipotent."

These are the wise words spoken long ago that are so applicable to becoming a successful photographer !

Remember " Persistence and Determination are omnipotent ", with it you WILL succeeded in everything you do.

Frank

Thank you Frank! 

ADGibson wrote:
Trust me when I say we all struggled with PS. It is nearly impossible to learn on your own. The obvious paths to take are often the worst. I think it is a conspiracy!

Let me know if I can help.

Aaron

Thank you Aaron! 

UnoMundo Photography wrote:
get the photoshop VIDEO...so that you can REPLAY it over and over.

And you are way smarter the 90% of the numbnuts here.

Funny you should suggest this!  I tried to order that Video Professor thingie...but they were sending me one video a month (for $79.95 no less) and PhotoShop was like 6-8 months down the road.  I would have gone broke by the time I got to that one!  lol

Michael Newbern wrote:
My number is on my profile.  Call me and I'll be glad you help you.

Thank you Michael! 

David Scott wrote:
jasontheartist and the don mon have some good suggestions, as well as TX.   And you should definitely call Scott Anderson (anderson artwork) he is awesome with PS and has taught me a few things even when I worked with him!

And you have nothing to be embarrassed about

Thanks David!  I think all of the suggestions here were good ones...and I am no longer embarassed...all of you guys cured me of that! 

BRIGHTDAY wrote:
P.S. Layers really isn't all that difficult  / mind-over-matter.
Step by step

It might not be difficult for you...but is for me...but possibly that's BECAUSE of my mind...

Image K wrote:
When I hear about how MM is deteriorating, and the rudeness is out of control...

I will read this thread.

A lot of classy people are still here.

Nicely done, MMers!

Boy no kidding!  I couldn't have said it better myself! 

Jeff Genung wrote:

There are actually several companies that do them, and they will vary in quality and level of difficulty. The local libraries here at least, have several PhotoShop DVDs.

Hmm, she can spell and knows when to end a paragraph, and what a period is. Yup, much smarter....

I've been to 3 libraries...no such videos here...;(

BlackWatch wrote:
www.lynda.com

I can't say enough good stuff about that site...

http://movielibrary.lynda.com/html/modPage.asp?ID=149

The first few movies of each subject are free so try a few and see if you like it...the site let's you stream unlimited training videos each month for a whopping $25.00 a month...

Good luck...hopefully you have the full Photoshop and can use layer masks as well...

I do have PS 7 so I think I can learn....also...that lynda site is VERY cool!!! 

MarkW wrote:
Don't be ashamed, PS CS2 is hard, to learn. I had a hard time learning all about layers and masks and all that stuff. Ok layers are simply adjustments you make to your image with out harming the original it is an "adjustment layer" if you mess up don't like it. You can fix it, or delete it, the layer without harming your original image. The rest is up you, It's hard to just explain a program without seeeing what you are looking at. If you need help with something specific I would be happy to try and help you, I'm no guru but I know what I am doing.
-Mark

Thanks Mark! 

Bryan Crump wrote:
There are a lot of video tutorials out there and you may be able to find a community college in your area that can train you and have a in person teacher. If nothing else find photographers near you and contact them, you may be able to find someone that can help. Also just palying around in the program you can figure out different things.

I have tried these suggestions...and I also do play around a lot with PS...and can do a lot of things...it's just the layers that I can't get...but I think now I will be able to! 

artblanche wrote:
I can help anyone with layers, but I still hold a map wrong

Maps give me panic attacks!  At least I don't have a burning desire to learn how to use a map like I do layers!  lol

Toria wrote:
OK...this is something that very few people know...even my closest friends...and I have decided to bring it out on this forum because while I have been embarassed and debilitated from this for years, I'm tired of it "owning" me in terms of creativity....

I am fully prepared for juvenile comments, harassment and general mean-spirited-ness that comes with almost each and every post here on this forum, but I also know that I have met some wonderful people here and I know that there is someone out there who would be willing to help me...I think the good people here far outweigh the bad ones...

So...here goes...when I was 29 years old I suffered from bacterial spinal meningitis.  Besides the fact that it caused me to almost lose my life, it also caused some permanent learning disabilities that I am unable to overcome.  For instance, I can't read a map, or find my way through a building with a lot of hallways.  I have to have my faucets marked with "HOT" or "COLD" because I can't remember simply that you turn hot one way and cold the other.  I have never been able to learn how to operate my camera manually or learn how to use lighting properly...everything I do takes me 5 times longer than the average photographer.  I can live with the camera problem, but what I really am longing to know how to do is Layers in Photoshop.

Thus...the problem that I am requesting help for... I have bought probably a dozen books on photoshop and downloaded lots of directions from the internet, but I have yet to come up with a way of it being explained to me so that I can understand it.  I have tried to follow step by step instructions and even ones with the illustration...but always I get to a point where I get confused and can't go any further.  I have tried to find classes in my area to learn...but nothing is available.

I know this might just seem like a minor inconvenience to some...but for me, it would mean everything if someone would take the time to spell it out as if you are spelling out to a 5 year old how to use layers.  I would even pay someone a reasonable fee if they could help me.  I feel quite ridiculous and ashamed as I write this, to let the entire community here in on my secret....but I have hopes that someone will be able to help. 

Thanks so much for any help you can give! 

Toria

Are there specific things you want to do? Layers are not the answer to everything. Selectioons and Undo are your friend. We could do it on the phone and try it out if you like. PM me if you're interested.
Mike