Learn How to Use Photoshop

Learn to Draw in Photoshop

Mastering the techniques to draw digitally in Photoshop require some skill. Here are a few things to get you started.

First things first, Get Photoshop!

Photoshop software will allow you to draw digitally. It has many tools that will allow you to draw, paint, erase and create shapes. Get started initially with common shapes like a rectangle, circle. You can elaborate on these shapes and use your imagination to create drawings. You can begin withdrawing flowers, trees and other simple pictures. As you progress you will also be able to draw portraits and other intricate things.

Photoshop tools for drawing digitally

Your primary tool for drawing would be the mouse. However, now a digital art tool called the WACOM tablet is also available that helps you to draw.

• Brush Tool: You will have to experiment with the correct brush to determine the best applicable for you. You have the option to change the size, type and behavior of the brush that you choose.

• Eraser Tool: Similar to the brush, you have the options to choose from a set of erasers from the software. Even this has the option to change the size, type etc.

• Burn tool/Dodge tool: With the Burn tool you can make your colors to appear darker. Conversely, you can choose the Dodge tool to make the colors to appear lighter.

• Layers Menu: This is one of the most unique tools in digital drawing which is not available in physical drawing. The layers menu allow you to build your drawing in layers. This can be explained like this - it is a transparent cell that allows you to work on every layer in such a way that you can either allow a layer to interact with the other layer or vice-versa.

When drawing with detail and precision, here are a few Photoshop tools, you’ll want to use.

• Grids: Using grids will help you to capture the drawing cleverly and easily. It will enable you to check proportions and placements etc.
• Shading: Shading can also be used here like in physical drawing. It gives your photograph the characteristic of a physical drawing.
• Color: When using colors, you need to take care that you make use of realistic colors.
• Add a Background: Giving a background to your picture is quite important. Doing so will improve the depth of your image and create interest.

In Short

Learning to draw in the real world will only enhance your ability to draw inside of Photoshop. Master the techniques of traditional drawing and you will have more flexibility in Photoshop to experiment with digital drawing.

Learn Black and White Photography

Some of the most stunning images have been shot in black and white. Even before digital cameras were around, and the ability to manipulate during post production, photography was still beautiful. The traditional methods of shooting and developing black and white photography is where the industry started. Before there was color, black and white photos were the “technology of the future”.

Most of my traditional training as a Photographer was spent developing black and whites in a darkroom. Although the process was fun and somewhat magical, I still agree that digital photography is just more economical. The most amazing thing about digital photography is that programs like Adobe Photoshop can emulate the process of black and white. With their recent release of Adobe Lightroom, there are no limits to digital photography. Black and white photos no longer have to be developed in a chemical lab, where each print has to be processed separately.

Photoshop and Lightroom give you a 3-D lab to work in where each image has no limitations. Learning these two tools will not only help you sell your images, but will also make you feel like a professional. When you gain full control over your work like you have in Adobe applications, you’ll never look back.

Master the art of Black and White photography with this awesome book:

Professional Lighting Tips

After my last post about lighting, I was searching the internet for a great video to compliment my post. Erin Manning of ErinManning.com has made several great video posts on YouTube on the subject of lighting. Here is a quick video that will get you started and point you in the right direction.

For more great photography tips by video, visit Erin Manning’s YouTube Page at :http://www.youtube.com/user/ErinManning