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The Photoshop Blog offers the latest Photoshop news and software updates, Photoshop tips and tutorials, and random thoughts from graphic artist and Photoshop expert Jennifer Apple.
Interview With Photoshop Expert And Teacher Justin Seeley
August 24, 2007
Total Training has released the DVD version of Adobe Photoshop CS3 Advanced featuring Adobe Certified Photoshop Expert Justin Seeley (read more about it and view free sample clips). We sent Justin some questions about Photoshop CS3 and this new training series, and here's what he replied...
How would you describe the Photoshop CS3 learning curve for those coming from CS and CS2?
For the most part I would say the learning curve is very small. In my opinion the main differences between this version of Photoshop and ones from years past (aside from the obvious new features) are the changes that Adobe has made to the Photoshop interface. Most of the new features in CS3 (i.e. Smart Filters, Quick Selection etc.) are all very user friendly and most users will find them an absolute joy to use. I think that once new users get a feel for where things are located and what items have been renamed, they will be well on there way to a streamlined workflow with Photoshop CS3.
What prior Photoshop knowledge does one need to have to benefit from your training series?
For someone to gain the most out of my series, I would recommend that they have a good understanding of Photoshop and digital imaging basics. The series does cover some “groundwork” chapters to start out but after that the user will definitely need to have a good grasp on the basic functions of Photoshop (i.e. Layers, Masks, Filters, etc.).
Do you suggest using a training book as well, or is video training enough?
Personally I am a very visual learner and it really helps me to actually see something being done versus just reading about it in a book. However, there are those people out there that do prefer the textbook method. If you are one of these people you simply can’t go wrong with Adobe's Photoshop CS3 Classroom in a Book series or Ben Willmore’s Up to Speed series. Both of these books do a wonderful job of illustrating and explaining the important aspects of learning Photoshop.
What are your favorite new features in Photoshop CS3?
My absolute favorite thing about Photoshop CS3 isn’t even in Photoshop CS3! My favorite new feature is the Adobe Bridge CS3. The improvements in speed, stability, organization and analyzation that you get with the new Bridge are nothing short of amazing.
In the series I cover all of these great features and show you some real-world applications for how you can use Bridge to improve your digital workflow. My other favorite new feature would have to be the new Black and White Adjustment Layers. This feature knocked me off my feet the first time I saw it and I’ve become even more enamored with it since then.
In the Advanced series users will learn how to utilize the Black and White adjustments properly and they will also learn how to get the most out of their custom conversions by saving new presets and mixing what I call “The Perfect Monochrome.”
What is your advice for someone who isn't sure whether they should get the extended version of Photoshop CS3?
My advice would be to actually sit down and write out everything that you want to do with Photoshop and then compare that list to the features of both Photoshop CS3 and CS3 Extended and see which one fulfills your needs the best.
For example, if you are a photographer and you are looking to simply correct and/or manipulate your photographs then Photoshop CS3 is probably the best fit for you. On the other hand, if you are a medical professional and/or Architectural Engineer who is looking to enhance the way you create and analyze certain forms of data, whether it is x-rays, building models, etc. then Extended would probably be a great fit for you. I guess the bottom line is deciding which version best fits what you do personally and/or professionally and then making a decision based on that information.
What is your favorite Photoshop trick that you like to use?
My favorite Photoshop trick would have to be the technique I use for turning a photograph into a hand-drawn sketch. This technique is very simple but it yields some incredible results. I presented this trick at an event called Midnight Madness during the Photoshop World Conference in Las Vegas last year and the reaction I got from the crowd when I was finished absolutely blew me away.
I actually refer to this trick as really what “brought me to the dance” because after I presented that technique in Vegas it was featured on Photoshop TV, the Adobe Creative Suite Podcast and it really took my training career to a whole other level. The trick originally debuted on Episode 05 of my podcast which is still available on iTunes. In the Advanced Series I use this technique during one of the lessons but I add a little bit more to it to give it more practical application.
Please tell us about any more DVDs or books you have planned for the near future.
In addition to the Advanced Series, I have already recorded three more titles for Total Training which should be released very soon. The first one is a series called “Enhancing Digital Photographs” which is all about getting the most out of your digital photos. The next series is called “Maximizing Productivity” which covers all of the automation features inside Photoshop CS3. The third series is called “Channels & Masks” which covers the many aspects of channels & masking and how you can use them more in your everyday life.
I am also working on putting together a “Best of Quicktips” DVD which will be a comprehensive collection of my podcasts and I am also in the planning stages for my first book (more info on that little project very soon). The new Seeley Media site should be launching in Late October. Also I have a new podcast on Illustrator called Gradient Mesh.
Thanks Justin, and continued success.
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