If you have not used Adobe Photoshop yet, then please understand that people who have mastered the use of it have made livings at it. It is a powerful software. Powerful software also comes with steep learning curves. That said... it can be learned in a very fundamental way that allows you to build upon simple precepts and gives you the ability to edit photos from step one. After starting a learning program like this and sticking with it for only a few months you too can harness the power of photoshop and use it to bring to life all of your creative ideas. Take it from me, it is a very fulfilling feeling to have an idea or image in your mind and then bring it to life on a photoshop canvas. Below are the options that you have to learn adobe photoshop. I have tried all of them.

Trial and Error
This is a method that I try any time that I intend to learn a new software. I download the software and start clicking around experimenting with the different commands and options. This has actually worked with a lot of programs. I recommend this method for simpler programs that do not have hundreds of commands that use names that are not familiar.

A Tutor
I tried this method too. This way so far has not ever worked for me. I cannot learn while someone sits behind me and watches over my shoulder trying to coach me along the way.

A Step by Step Instructional Video
This was the only way that I could actually learn photoshop. It was an in-depth learning video that was right online so that I could follow the instructions along with the instructor. The great thing about learning online is that you learn techniques and tricks from seasoned veterans and you do it at your own pace. If you want to have the instructor repeat something then you simply rewind. These are all done with screen capture videos that show you right where you click and even allow you to download sample files to experiment with. There are a few ways to get this kind of instruction. In order to just learn a few techniques here and there I recommend using youtube to search for the particular video and learn the desired technique. The videos are crude but they will get the job done. The best way to learn from the ground up would be to use the professional tutorial videos from Lynda. Lynda.com is a large database of videos made by experts in each of the particular softwares. When I was learning photoshop I was amazed at how well executed each video was and how they taught precept upon precept.

I have been able to provide each of my readers a Free 24 hour pass to lynda.com. Good Luck!