How difficult is it to become skilled at using Photoshop?

I'm currently taking a Web page design class at my local community college -- it uses Microsoft FrontPage as the method of instruction. I believe I'd be capable of constructing my dream site, but I can't even get started without good graphics.

Do you think I could achieve good results simply by studying a book about Photoshop or would I be better off taking a class? Alternatively, do you think hiring someone else to make the graphics would be a better choice? I just wonder if the time and effort it would take for me to learn this program would be worth it since I'm only interested in making one Web site at this time.

Thank you!

** Also, where should I post future questions about Web site design? I have a question about frames, but am not sure what category that would fit in.

First: "** Also, where should I post future questions about Web site design? I have a question about frames, but am not sure what category that would fit in."

This forum or the Website forum would be good, I think.

About Photo Shop...Do you understand computer graphics? A quick course in the general principles of computer graphics would be a good beginning. If you're intent is to create original artwork in Photo Shop, then I would think that an instruction course would be worthwhile. If you're only going to be editing photo images, then I wouldn't think you would need a course if you understand the basics of computer graphics.

There are many sites on the Internet that provide detailed information. You may find this a good beginning site. Graphics Tutorial

Go Seattle Mariners!

Dwight

As with most programs, it depends. Personally, I've learned how to do quite a lot in Photoshop without reading any books or taking any courses.

If you don't want to do anything amazingly complicated and are computer literate, you should be able to get by without either.

If you want to do something slightly more complicated, or aren't as comfortable with computers, getting a book for reference would be a good idea.

If you have trouble with computers or want to do something particularly complex, I'd recommend a course. In this case, I'd probably get a book too for reference, unless the course comes with a particularly good packet or you are a particularly good note-taker.

One thing - Photoshop is a megabucks program.
600 + or so.
But Adobe Photoshop Elements, a diluted version of Adobe Photoshop, is way cheaper and for a lot of purposes just as good.
You can do a lot - even get graphics ready for the web. The help is quite good.
Check it out.
My Community College does not have any Photoshop classes - they may be pricey. I did ok with the program starting from zero, but I found the learning slow going - your milage may vary.

First of all, thanks to Dwight, Methos, and emkayess for the replies. I appreciate having a place to ask these questions and receive helpful answers.

I'm definitely a beginner when it comes to graphics. In my FrontPage class, we had one day of experimentation with Microsoft Image Composer which is a discontinued basic graphics program. I've been reading various things on the Internet, but I know I could benefit from structured training (by book or class). I do well with computers, but there's just a tremendous amount I haven't learned yet about Web design and graphics.

My local college does offer a Photoshop class; I'd love to take that if it's scheduled at a convenient time for me in the fall. In the meantime, I found some book offerings at the Adobe Photoshop site. They also have tutorials and a Q & A forum. Even better, Adobe also supplies free 30-day trials of all their products. I'm sure that would help me to get familiar with it and see where I'd want to go from there.

As for the price, I was SHOCKED when I discovered Photoshop's $600.00 price, but as a student, I would qualify to purchase it from an educational reseller for approximately $260.00 (still expensive, but doable). These businesses sell many types of software (Microsoft, Macromedia, Corel, and Adobe) at discount prices to students and school employees.

Thanks again for the encouraging answers...I'll be back with more questions, I'm sure.

Go Yankees!