I don't know how to use Lightroom nor Photoshop (gasp) - seeking fellow neanderthals

Hi Simon,

I am a (mostly) ex-model, but now full time photographer & commercial agency booker, teaching 1-2-1 sessions in Lightroom & Photoshop in my spare time. If you think I could help, please do get in touch.

I have to admit, I prefer teaching 1-2-1 as everyone learns at a different pace and I find it's the most productive way of learning but totally understand your want to sort a small group :)

You are going to be sorry you didn't shoot in RAW when you figure it out lol. I was :)

There are loads of youtube videos on tutorials etc if you struggle with the basics. The interent can be your friend :)

Still think it's all witchcraft and the work of beelzeebub. ....I haven't a clue either but a few grand left then a new x2 pc and start learning :)

Have you considered checking out local camera clubs? Some have talks on the basics of processing on the programme each year, some split the evening into a beginners talk followed by a main talk each week. 

Of course, in either case you can't dictate the subject you need at the time and have to go with the preplanned talk. However, pretty much any camera club has a core of very experienced photographers, many of whom are happy to mentor new members. It shouldn't be hard to find someone who will be willing to get together with you and walk you through the basics, answer any questions, help you with things you are struggling with etc., and be there to help as you move onto the more advanced topics.

In addition, you get to meet many like minded people with whom you can make arrangements for joint shoots, photo walks etc., not only making for interesting company but giving you tips and help on camera techniques (you don't know what you don't know until you see someone else doing something you have never heard of). It can also give a push to get out and shoot more if you sometimes need one, I have had days when I was planning to sit home and edit but a friend was going out shooting and dragged me out, sometimes resulting in me getting some great images that I would otherwise have missed.

Yes, some clubs can be stuffy and cliquey, but look for a friendly sociable club and you will soon have a circle of friends who share your passion and with whom you can share tips, ideas and inspiration.

Check out phlearn.com and their YouTube channel.

I know you say you don't like videos, but some of the shorter Phlearn, or Piximperfect files are reasonably digestible.

I did start a Skype group on the Forums to allow coaching and mentoring, but it didn't get much of an uptake at the time.

If you want some coaching, try and come up with a "shopping list" of what you want to learn, and in what order...it will help.

Does your style of lighting give a histogram entirely within the 8 bits of the JPEG?  There's little if any extra information to be had from the raw file, I think. 

If it doesn't, you might aim for that.

I use the Gimp, which has several philosophical advantages, and as a by product of those costs nothing to acquire, and RawTherapee which ditto.

I would suggest an approach to teaching and learning which emphasises that the skills do not depend on the specific software.  (Plenty of people have better skills than mine, and hence can get good results with a wider range of images, and better results with some, than I can)

Man creates post saying he wants to learn Lightroom and Photoshop via face to face tutorials because using YouTube or online tutorials do not suit his personal learning style .

Posters come along telling him to use YouTube tutorials.  One person tells him to shoot jpgs and use gimp.

Seriously people WTAF.  Did no one other than the first poster actually read his post?

Alan Ewart honestly I did skip by the 'no youtube' probaly because that's how I learn best, so selfish reaction. If anyone is in the OPs area this sounds like a great business opportunity!

Edited by Holly Alexander Photography

Alan Ewart said

Man creates post saying he wants to learn Lightroom and Photoshop via face to face tutorials because using YouTube or online tutorials do not suit his personal learning style .

Posters come along telling him to use YouTube tutorials.  One person tells him to shoot jpgs and use gimp.

Seriously people WTAF.  Did no one other than the first poster actually read his post?

Indeed I did, which is why I suggested that some of the shorter videos might work for someone with self confessed ADHD behaviours.

So........WTAF, go look in a mirror, or just do us all a favour and mind your own business perhaps?

Bob @ Fatbloke I think the point is the OP wants one to one personal learning , which as I said is a great business opportunity for those who know it very well and are also in the OPs area. The rest of us can only offer our own personal experience... Myself I learn best on my own so can't really give any further advice

Edited by Holly Alexander Photography

Bob @ Fatbloke said

Alan Ewart said

Man creates post saying he wants to learn Lightroom and Photoshop via face to face tutorials because using YouTube or online tutorials do not suit his personal learning style .

Posters come along telling him to use YouTube tutorials.  One person tells him to shoot jpgs and use gimp.

Seriously people WTAF.  Did no one other than the first poster actually read his post?

Indeed I did, which is why I suggested that some of the shorter videos might work for someone with self confessed ADHD behaviours.

So........WTAF, go look in a mirror, or just do us all a favour and mind your own business perhaps?

So which bit of no YouTube video are you struggling with Bob?

You May not have noticed that this is a forum.  So far as I am aware there are no posting restrictions?  Perhaps you know better? 😉👍

I'm in a similar position as the OP. I tried to figure out Lightroom a couple of years ago...unsuccessfully. I can do a little bit in Photoshop as I've always shot in RAW (burn, dodge, crop, resize, clone stamp), but that's all I can do; same sort of stuff if I was back in my b/w analogue darkroom. I've tried to use Youtube to figure out mask making but it's just not my learning style and I still haven't figured it out. One day I'll do a 1 to 1 with someone more knowledgeable, for me, that's the best way I learn.

Alan Ewart said

Bob @ Fatbloke said

Alan Ewart said

Man creates post saying he wants to learn Lightroom and Photoshop via face to face tutorials because using YouTube or online tutorials do not suit his personal learning style .

Posters come along telling him to use YouTube tutorials.  One person tells him to shoot jpgs and use gimp.

Seriously people WTAF.  Did no one other than the first poster actually read his post?

Indeed I did, which is why I suggested that some of the shorter videos might work for someone with self confessed ADHD behaviours.

So........WTAF, go look in a mirror, or just do us all a favour and mind your own business perhaps?

So which bit of no YouTube video are you struggling with Bob?

You May not have noticed that this is a forum.  So far as I am aware there are no posting restrictions?  Perhaps you know better? 😉👍

No, I fully agree, there are no posting restrictions, which is why I find your earlier rant a little hypocritical perhaps?