Yes, it's all cut & paste, blur and tone. The best way to learn is to just pull in your picture and play with the tools to see what they do. It does take quite a bit of time and will look rough at first, but just keep plugging along. I discover new things all the time. Remember 'Undo.' : )

I was out looking for the download the other day, and it seemed that the trial for Adobe PS Elements 7.0 (their inexp home version) is due out in a few weeks. Wondering which one you got.

There are also some free photo editing programs around. Someone recommended GIMP the other day. I use MS Digital Imaging Suite, which has been discontinued.

There are millions of stores and photos across the web to find things. You can also scan pictures in from books, magazines, catalogues. I actually do a lot of custom work! Carpentry, masonry, even furniture and accessories : ) I also have my own paint line ; ) H'Aint Paint custom squirrel-y mixes.

If only shopping and home improvements were this easy.

Squirrel: I had PS Elements 5 on our last computer which had MS operating system XP. Now, with Vista installed on our new laptop there has been some noise about PS not compatible with Vista. Do you use Vista or are you on a Mac? I would love to download the newest version (although some say the earlier Elements are better) and start learning again some of the neat tricks. Also, do you know a good online "tutor" or recommend a book that can help with learning PS? Much thanks for any assistance you can give. I envy your expertise!

Thanks Squirrel!! Your paint line is one of my favorites...if only I could get it at Lowes :o) I downloaded the 6.0 version. I think it said 7.0 would be out later this month. You could sign up and they would email you when it was released.

I never thought of just searching for pictures online...duh! You must have quite an extensive library! I'm afraid this may be my new obsession. Thanks again!

lol, thanks!

I looked but couldn't find a previous trial. Where did you find it?

I, also, have Elements 5 (with XP) and use it for a few things but basically rely on the MS package as I'm familiar with their interface. I don't know a good book or online tutorial, as I just picked it up by using it. That works for me, but I love computers : ) The Help file is fine for a little nudge. I have seen some great tutorials online for other things, though, so I'm sure they're out there.

You'll need a separate hard drive ; )

Photoshop Elements 6

I wish they had a 60 day trial...not sure if I can figure it out in just 30 days!

I just saw this thread and had to pop in. Squirrel, you must be a wiz with computers. I have tried to learn Photoshop, on and off for years and never 'got it.' It is so complicated I gave up. My husband uses the old MS PictureIt and likes it better than PhotoShop (its easier to learn). I even took a course in Photo Shop and got lost (as did most everyone else.)

I wish Picassa had some of the editing features of PS, but it doesn't.

Jane

Truthfully onedog - you wouldn't figure it out it 600 days!! Doesn't matter how long the trial is - PhotoShop, even the Elements version - is a continual learning process. There are so many ways to use all the tools, solo and in combo with other tools - it's an exponential situation! The purpose of the trial is to give you enough time to decide if you want to buy it, nothing more.

Oh I know...I was just kidding. I'm quite sure that I'd never learn everything the program has to offer. I've been playing around with it this evening a little bit. I've only been able to cut and paste some curtains...which took forever to figure out! It would probably be easier if I just went out, got the curtains and returned them if I didn't like them :o)
It is fun to look at the transformations that you PS experts come up with!

Anyone know of a free(no trial) photoshop type download, because I have many great programs even photo editing, but I pay for nothing on my PC however you can only do so much with editing? (retired and like bargains or FREE only)unless shopping online, then it's Free shipping, no tax and great sales or coupons w/$$ off Thanks....