Books to Help you get Started with Elements

[Priss]

There are quite a few great books for learning Elements. In this thread, let's share some of these favorites.

Here's one of mine: MASTER VISUALLY Photoshop Elements (3) for Digital Photographers by Laurie Ulrich-Fuller. ISBN #0-7645-7878-2 It is published by Visual.

Tell us about one that's been helpful to you.

[Karen Aicken]

Honestly? I use the Scrappers Guide videos for most of my learning. I love how-to books, so it will be interesting to see which titles have helped scrappers learn. But I have learned so much from the Scrappers Guide it's amazing. I know that sounds like a shameless plug ... but I'm sincere!!! I recommend it whenever I can.

[Linda Sattgast]

Thanks for the plug, Karen! I've used a combination of videos and books to learn. My FAVORITE Photoshop and Elements author, hands down, is Scott Kelby! His books aren't necessarily scrapbooking techniques, but many of his tutorials can be applied to scrapbooking.

[jackis]

Hello Ladies-Great to meet here! Linda's CD's are the best I have seen for scrapping and are also excellent for learning Photoshop Elements. I use them for all of my scrapbooking classes!:o I have used Scott Kelby's books to teach Photoshop and Elements and find them very rich with techniques. I am currently teaching from Deke McClelland's Photoshop Elements 4.0, One on One and like it very much. It comes with a DVD full of very informative, high quality videos and lesson files to use with the book. Thanks for the forum Linda---
Jacki S

[jossie]

Hi, I'm just learning PSE4 and have gained so much knowledge from Linda's Volumes 1 & 2. I still have a long way to go but I feel confident that I will get there. When I hear tips or techniques from other people, or sites, that sound good to me, I print them out and put them in my PSE4 binder I made. When I feel a little more knowledgeable I'll check out some of the books mentioned here.

[lindylou50]

the books I use are scrapbooking with photoshop elements by Lynette Kent and digital scrapbooking by Sally Beacham and Lori J Davis with free CD - they have been wonderful for a beginner like me
Lin

[Just Jan]

Scrapper's Guide and Scott Kelby are my two favourites.

[lovedigiscrappin]

Don't we all know Linda is the best?! :D Anything having to do with Linda is top of the line and so detailed and I love that it's PSE for scrappers. Ok, ok, ok!!! That's my take on anyway!! I love Linda's "STUFF"! Can you tell?

Another favorite is Digital Scrapbook Magazine!

[lyndagilles]

Last night in 5 mins. I did a layout on computer that would take my friend about 3 hours to do with paper she's hooked. After I showed her the movies you watch to learn she was sold on the spot. Once her computer is back tomorrow, she's using mine right now she plans on ordering both CD's. Now I just have to explain to her the difference in the computer hardware/software she needs if buys a new one or upgrades. I like to read and watch but she doesn't so I guess the watching is perfect for her. Can't remember book I had as I lent it out but wasn't as clear or indepth as Linda's CD is. Plus I have it right here at my desk and can find in 10 seconds or less to refresh easily so honestly the movies do work best for me.

[Lynncat]

I just bought a couple of books to help me, the one that looks like it might be the best is Adobe Photoshop Elements 4 Classroom in a Book. Friends have told me that it's a great book.
Lynncat

[carolopal]

Besides Linda's stuff, I bought a book at Barnes and Noble that I found helpful. It's called Photoshop Projects In Easy Steps by John Slater. It's been helpful and best of all, it was only $9.95! Some of the books I look at seem great but are way out of my price range.

[troush]

I have Renee Pearson's Digital Scrapbooking with Photoshop Elements. The book goes through making several different albums, step by step. She also shows you how to make your own templates. It's pretty basic, and (now that I know a few thing) she sometimes takes 2 or 3 steps to do something that usually you can do in 1. But, if you like to look at a book, it's pretty good. Plus, it comes with a CD that has 4 kits, and a set of templates you can use.

-Trish

[pegmac71]

I bought "Photoshop Elements 4 one on one" by Deke McClellan that comes with the DVD. I soon found that I am a "reader and doer" not a "viewer and doer", so I picked up "Teach Yourself Visually Photoshop Elements 4" and LOVE it! I will go back to the first book once I have a better handle on basics as there is much more in depth coverage.
Peggy

[wildrose]

I have a ton of books to learn Photoshop Elements 3 but I find they teach you how to use Elements itself not how to scrapbook with it. Linda's CD has been the best tool to learn how to digital scrap. Thanks Linda.

[barblee]

I just love the Scott Kelby book on Photoshops Elements 4. It is fantastic. You download the pictures he works with and can turn page by page to learn the techniques. For me, it is important to learn how to get the most out of my pictures, and the is the book for that!

[barblee]

I love the Photoshop Elements 4 book by Scott Kelby. Easy to use - you can download the pictures he works with and go through the lessons page by page. It is important for me to learn how to get the most out of my pictures and this is the book for that!

[kldietert]

I love Linda's videos (have learned so much from her videos and newsletters) and I have several books from Scott Kelby and Deke McClelland too!

[Kay]

Hi- I have the Scott Kelby book, and I also have Barbara Brundage's The Missing Manual. I've also spent a lot of time at the Photoshop Elements Technique site!

[NMarti]

Scott's book and Barbara's book are to two best to learn the program. Linda's Cd's take it from there.

[seebee]

Hi- I have the Scott Kelby book, and I also have Barbara Brundage's The Missing Manual. I've also spent a lot of time at the Photoshop Elements Technique site!

Ditto on that! :) I have a few other books but those are the ones I'd recommend.

[karen donnybrook]

I like Scot Kelby's book and have ordered his latest on taking better photographs :D

Karen

[MacUser]

Hi- I have the Scott Kelby book, and I also have Barbara Brundage's The Missing Manual. I've also spent a lot of time at the Photoshop Elements Technique site!

i like being able to hold a book in my lap and follow along step by step. i've found Scott Kelby's book to be the most valuable in learning Photoshope Elements.

[michaelgg]

For a beginner, Kelby's book is great...he provides step by step instructions in each section.

[charm62203]

I was so excited when I read your email about the differernt forums (and videos coming soon). I will have tons on questions, I hope they don't aggrivate anyone. Digi scrapping is difficult for me and easy for you all, so my questions will probably be simple minded. But I'm ready to take that chance.

[Devine Retiree]

I've been using "Digital Designs" by Renee Pearson. It's fairly easy to use :) and has great detail pictures! It comes with a DVD you can use to follow along with each lesson presented and also has great papers and templates you can use for your own scrapbook designs. But of course, Linda's training material is by far the best!

[Momadoodle]

I recently purchased PSE 4 (thank you Linda for the tip about the free upgrade!) and bought the Unofficial Guide to Photoshop Elements 4 by Donna L. Baker. It's very similar to the Dummies books, but a more reasonable price - $18.99 USD. It's been very helpful.

[Christian1]

I have books by Scott Kelby and Photoshop Elements 3 Unleashed by Deke McCelland and these are very good, but, Linda Videos one and two are the ones that I most highly recommend for digital scrapbooking.
Also, the fact that each lesson is followed up with PDF instructions makes for a perfect reference to follow along with each lesson. An excellent value!

[Lois Zell]

I'm with those who LOVE Linda's CD. I'm still a beginier, in CD 1, but without it I would have given up. I tried for almost a year. The books I picked up all assumed you knew how to begin. (& I'm a good 'book learner'). I even took a class, supposedly for beginners, where she began with "take one of your digital papers". I spent the rest of the class trying to figure out how to get a digi paper. I love how Linda breaks it down into 1 skill at a time. I've been doing a new LO with each mini lesson. So, have done about a dozen papges so far. Even being so limited yet, friends are super impressed and love their copies. Thanks again, Llinda!

[msbrad]

I like any book by Scott Kelby, and Barbara Brundage. I also gain a lot of information reading the threads in the forums. Linda's CD's are next!
It usually takes me twice as long as others,(maybe more :o ) to get it .
m

[cats4jan]

My absolute favorite - must have book - is Digital Scrapbooking in Easy Steps - published by Barnes and Noble pubishing - available on the Barnes & Noble site and in the store. It's the best $10 I ever spent.

[Sonita]

I have read several books for Photoshop, PSP and PSE, all from different publishers. By far, my favorite is Photoshop Elements by Craig Hoeschen. It has good, easy to understand explanations, but they are not lengthy and and visuals for everything PSE has. Has 466 pages and is classified as Beginning, Intermediate level. It costs $29.99, although I bought it a lot cheaper (don't remember how much) at Amazon's Used and New section. It is not for digital scrapbooking, but you have to learn the program before you can learn scrapbooking.

[Jenny Binder]

Back when I started with PSE 2.0, I purchased Adobe Photoshop Elements 2, One Click Wow by Jack Davis (for 2.0), which is a book with a CD full of layer styles, textures, brushes, and gradients. I use these (ESPECIALLY the tons of layer styles) ALL the time, and wouldn't be without them. I was able to install the 2.0 version of them into PSE 3.0 and now 5.0 (I skipped 4.0) and also PS CS2. I believe you can get the book and CD (make SURE it comes with the CD) at one of the cheap booksellers (half.com or amazon.com marketplace) for under $10. I believe the newest version of One Click Wow is for PSE 3.0, but I think it would work with any version if you just know where to install the files. Its been one of my favorite resources and shouldn't cost a fortune.

[poogie369]

I've learned most of what I know from Linda. I had photoshop but didn't know a thing about it. I've been waiting for the outside lawn work to end so I could spend time on my Photoshop CS2 Book by Scott Kelby. Glad to hear I'm on the right track Linda as I have 2 of his books. I also soak up anything wherever I can on the net. I also get a free video every week from Photoshopwatchandlearn.com. It's a short video from his bag of tricks. I haven't bought his lessons yet but I may because I have learned a lot from him too. You just have to sign up for his newsletter. But Linda is still my main man (oops woman!).

[amyb]

Before I ever started digital scrapbooking I was given Scott Kelby's book Photoshop Elements for the Digital Photographer (something like that) and I love how it goes step by step for any technique that you need. I started correcting/touching-up my photos and now I have Linda's CDs to help me on the scrapbooking side! I would never have stuck with it without her guidance. Thanks, Linda!!

[Priss]

Just got my copy of Diane's new book, Picture Yourself Creating with Photoshop Elements 5. ISBN # 1-59863-350-3 published by Thomson Course Technology Co.

This book just went to the top of my list of new BOOK resources for Photoshop Elements 5. I love the structure of this book, the devotion and comprehensive discussion of the basic tools and features in Elements 5, a great section on Organizer and the creative side of Elements, some really good ideas for digital scrapbooking,---and a very nice CD with which to practice.

[tzigane70]

I have not bought any books but i am getting a wacom tablet and it comes with PSE 3 so i am interested in any of the books meantioned. for learning scrapbooking it is linda's stuff but i love to watch photoshop tv and will be looking in to photoshop elements user.I am a fan of the photoshop guys not just cause one is Canadian. So i think i will start there after linda's cd's of course

[scrapgeek]

I agree with Karen. Linda's Videos are the best :D . Over the years, I have tried many different books (since Elements Version 1), and although I did like Scott Kelby's Photoshop Elements (number) for Digital Photographers best, I still struggled with it.
Only after watching Linda's videos did everything finally make sense :D.
I actually bought Scott's latest Book for version 5 and am able to follow everything a lot better.

[Donna Finuf]

I have only been digi scrapping since around August 2006. I really did not know where to begin. There were free lessons on HP website which used PSE 3. I found PSE 4 at our local Walmart. The instructor of these lessons gave Linda's name and website as a source for learning PSE. So, once I went to Linda's website and ordered the videos, I was hooked. At first I was kind of frustrated but it was me, not Linda's instructions. I stuck with it and played her videos over and over. Then I joined Linda's "Premiere". I now can get around pretty good in PSE thanks to Linda. I recommend Linda's videos and website to anyone that asks me where did I learn digital scrapbooking. I look forward every week to the WBWT & every month to the "Premiere" edition. I have become the "card lady" at work. I have done some scrapbook pages for one of my associates at work as well. I couldn't have done it without Linda's instruction. I really love digi scrapping. I am going to look into some of the books on this thread. I also have learned alot from Priss and all the other scrappers on this web site. IT'S THE BEST!

[cmarien]

I recently bought books by Barbara Brundage and Scott Kelby. I haven't had time to look through Scott's book, because I'm going through Barbara's page by page. They are both for PSE5 and their so thick my husband calls them "my textbooks". So far, Barbara's book is very good. I can't wait until I can get through both of them. Along with Linda's CDs (of which I have Vol. 1 & 2), I'm going to be an expert! LOL!!

[amyb]

I started digital scrapbooking b/c I wandered across Linda's CDs online. They are so great that I tell anyone who wants to start digital scrapbooking about them. I LOVE the video lessons and I go back to them time and again!

[Wendy]

I really like the way Linda teaches you to do things ... she makes things easy to follow and you get great results :)

Wendy

[wagge]

I recently purchases Photoshop Elements 4 also, can you tell me about the free upgrade that was mentions in this forum??? Thanks

[Shirl]

I received Linda's pse5 video a few days ago & have been viewing it in between Dr's visits. Also, I purchased Brundage's "The Missing Manual for pse5," and it is spectacular. It is a large book, but it definitely is well worth the price. Amazon is selling it @ discount price. It not only tells you about the tools, etc., but suggest the best tools for the project along with comparison photos within the book. They have a linkup with their site when you work along with a project. I haven't gotten that far yet, but I wanted some ideas on the "magic extractor." So, of course I read that first. Oh well, whoever said I read manuals front to back.

[wagge]

Is there some way that we can purchase the WBWT's from past months other than the ones listed in the archive????

[jennyg2bfit]

I'm new here and really like the Scrapper's Guide. Is there a way (sorry if it's on the forum somewhere else) to go back to see all the past tips and archives from the newsletters I missed?

[Priss]

I'm new here and really like the Scrapper's Guide. Is there a way (sorry if it's on the forum somewhere else) to go back to see all the past tips and archives from the newsletters I missed?

The archives of the Community Square part of the forum (right here where you are) are continuous and do not close. Go to "display modes" and set for "hybrid" then you have a little window that collapses all the posts, and just leaves you the titles. Your user control panel settings are where you tell the forum software how you prefer to view the forums (latest to oldest, oldest to latest, etc) I think you'll find help in our HOW TO GUIDES (http://www.scrappersguide.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=9) located at the very top of the Forums home page...just click Scrapper's Guide Forums to get there.

The archives of the 22 WBWT Lessons will soon be for sale for $1 in the (new) Scrapper's Guide Store--Several are currently available. The link to the store is currently on the website homepage at http://www.scrappersguide.com under the button "Products to help you Scrapbook." Those forums are posted weekly to the Scrappers Guide Events group of forums and is named WBWT. Except for this month---these forums are no longer accessible after the month has closed.

Scrappers' Guide Photo Galleries and Challenge Galleries are never closed.

Archived issues of Digital Scrapper Premier (the subscriber-only) monthly newsletter will soon be available in the (coming soon--new) store.

Back issues of the weekly Digital Scrapper Newsletter (free) is currently unavailable.

[Kaysmail]

Back when I started with PSE 2.0, I purchased Adobe Photoshop Elements 2, One Click Wow by Jack Davis (for 2.0), which is a book with a CD full of layer styles, textures, brushes, and gradients. I use these (ESPECIALLY the tons of layer styles) ALL the time, and wouldn't be without them. I was able to install the 2.0 version of them into PSE 3.0 and now 5.0 (I skipped 4.0) and also PS CS2. I believe you can get the book and CD (make SURE it comes with the CD) at one of the cheap booksellers (half.com or amazon.com marketplace) for under $10. I believe the newest version of One Click Wow is for PSE 3.0, but I think it would work with any version if you just know where to install the files. Its been one of my favorite resources and shouldn't cost a fortune.

I have a $15 gift cerificate to Amazon and I'd like to spend it on a book to enhance my knowledge of PSE, which I've now upgraded to the 4.0 version for the Mac. I see the above book recommended by Jenny Binder, has a newer version for 3.0 and I'm wondering if maybe some of these newer styles, etc., migh be included in the 4.0 version, of if it is still a good idea to invest in this book???
TIA!

[beauty123]

Thanks!That's Great!


__________
Wrenches and Drivers (http://www.top-10-business.com/top/7185-wrenches-and-drivers.html)

[tessie]

Hi tessie here, First post. I discovered this site by accident but I feel that help is at hand! I just moved to a mac and purchased PSE4. Now I am stuck! I just cant figure out the layers. I checked out lots of books that seemed to be just what I needed, but when I went to the reviews they were mainly geared to PC users. The advertising and spin on tutorial products is totally confusing and I cant afford to buy buy stuff that is of no use to me. Maybe it's an age thing but I dont absorb information like I used to! I hate to admit it but HELP!!!!!

[cats4jan]

Books on digital scrapbooking - like the two by Renee Pearson - are generic enough that you can use them whether your run Windows or Mac - which Elements you have - and even if you're working with Microsoft's Digital Image program.

As for layers - the concept is simple.

Think of a stack of papers on your desk. If the top paper is larger than the bottom paper - you cannot see the bottom paper.

If the top paper has a hole in it (transparent area) - you can see through that hole to the paper on the bottom.

If you stack a sheet of transaprency with a word typed on in on top of a photo - the word will look like it's on the photo.

That's layers -

Keep your layers palette open at all times - when you are having problems, the first place to look is whether you are on the layer you wish to work on. Jumping layers happens all the time - if you touch a transparent area on your layer - you will jump to another layer.

Almost all problems are because you are on the wrong layer.

Almost all tool problems can be solved by selecting the move tool in between tools. Whenever a tool doesn't seem to be responding, I select the move tool - then I select the tool I really wanted.

[lodijo]

I can tell that I am way behind everyone else since I just now updated from PSE 2.0 to 3.0! "Progress, not matter how slow, is good"! Not sure who said that, but it is so true for me. Anyways, I am learning and also a fan of Scott Kelby books. But I am wondering if Linda wrote training materials for the older versions?

[Jan]

Hi lodijo,
Of course... you can get the best Elements training available by ordering Linda's Vol. 1 - Digital Scrapbook Basics CD. It was written with Elements 4.0 and 3.0 in mind and provides you with a solid foundation that will set the tone for anything you'd like to create, and teach you all the tools, the workspace, plus those outstanding keyboard shortcuts that will save you time and aggravation!

And the good news is, since you're already a Premier member, that means you can save $10 on the CD! Just use your Premier discount code word at checkout, and you're all set.

[Holli]

I don't get to scrapbook as much as I'd like, in fact, I recently went on a weekend retreat and realized it had been 6 months since I'd work in PSE. I knew I would need Linda's first CD to get back up to snuff but when I went to use it, it wasn't in the place I though it would be. I was panicked! I was one step away from just ordering another one when I stumbled across it. The next thing I did was make 3 copies; 1 for my office, 1 for home and 1 for the safety deposit box! Linda's CD's are worth their weight in gold! I can't wait for her next version with Elements 6. I'm holding off upgrading until her next CD is available.

[Wendy]

Hi Holli ...

What a good idea making copes so that you don't lose them ... it must have given you a real scare

Wendy :)

[unisol]

i new to photoshop elements, so i bought photoshop elements6/preimere elements4,classroom in a book, and also how to cheat in photoshop elements6. i not the brightest bulb in the box so i need all the help i can get. and they are very helpful.

[Wendy]

Hi ..

... and welcome to Scrappers Guide :)

Do hope that you have signed up for the free e-ezine as you will find lots of useful things in that ... and if you need any help then just ask :)

Wendy

[mimi29]

I just re-registered and the first try wouldn't give me access, so I dropped a not to ? to ask for help. Then I tried again and voila! here I am. I guess I tried to get in before the changes were made.

I'm a Premier member since 2006 and have been studying and reading, but am just now doing my first pages!!!!! I had a two-year problem with my computer, where I was intermitantly unable to save or even access my DVD drive using Windows.

Finally solved the problem and am so anxious to get started! I can't find any reference to how to use quick-pages and templates, so I hope I'll find some help searching through the forum.

I just LOVE the December Premier, but must be doing something wrong because I can't get them to work.

Thanks again for the welcome, and hope to become an active member after I get a few pages done. The first ones are daunting, even though I'm a long-time member.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
mimi29

[Wendy]

Hi Mimi ...

Quick pages are really easy to use ... they are just a premade page with a hole in it.

So just place your photo (or photos) on a layer below the main layer and let the photos show through the hole :) ... and they are finished. You can, however, if you wish add some text or extra things to the quickpage.

Wendy

[Mandee]

"The Missing Manual" answers almost if not all of what you want and is written in simple language. Between Linda's tutorials and this book, there is very little that can't be answered. I always go for Linda's tutorials first. She is such a good teacher.

Mandee

[RABRIGHTMAN]

Did you know Linda Sattgast was mentioned in this months issue of Adobe Photoshop Elements Techniques magazine! Page 20 in extra's: Get more Online! there is a download for a rusty key Linda created!

[cats4jan]

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Scrapbooking-Easy-Steps-Slater/dp/1840783036

Digital Scrapbooking in Easy Steps by John Slater $12
(it is an oversized paperback)

This is the book I bought to learn digital scrapbooking as a means to learn Photoshop Elements. It's generic in the way it tells you to use PSE (or any other similar software), but it's easily understandable as both a digital scrapbooking book and a primer for learning PSE.

Although it was published in 2005 (and I thought it was out of print so I stopped recommending it) - it's relevancy remains.

[SissyRN]

I agree! The Scott Kelby book for Photoshop Elements is a terrific reference and I have learned sooooo much from him. After all, without a great photo how can you make a great scrapbook? And I love Scrapper's Guide for all my tutorials for scrapping!!!