I still remember my first encounter with Photoshop. It was Photoshop 4.0. I had no clue how to use the program, but I knew it was very powerful.
I encouraged my boss that I needed to take some graphics classes. He agreed, and off I went to several graphic classes. My first graphics class was Photoshop 4.0. That was one of the best classes I had ever taken. I needed the basics on how the program was to be used. After one day of class, I was on my way to figuring out how to use this program.
As time progressed, I learned more and more about the program. I mostly use Photoshop to scan photos in then to either turn them to grayscale or manipulate them into something else.
The Filter plug-in has become my best friend at home. I enjoy making numerous wallpapers with the different filters that are included and the ones that I can download off the internet.
Photoshop also has several different brushes that you can load in and create. You can even create your own pattern brush.
Another cool feature is the rubber stamp tool. This tool is great when you need to brush with the same colors and designs in your picture to cover something over, such as a wrinkle in a forehead or change the wall to all the same pattern in the wall might be damaged.
Other neat features are: removing dust and scratches from photos, choosing different layers, bevelling text and much more.
As time went on, I talked my boss into upgrading into Photoshop 6.0. One of the differences between 4.0 and 6.0 is the history palette. Photoshop 4.0, will only let you undo once, whereas, Photoshop 5.0 and Photoshop 6.0 will let you undo a number of times.
I would recommend Photoshop to anyone who is going to scan photos and either touch them up or manipulate them. With a lesson from either a professional or surfing on the internet for some quick tips, you can become quite familiar with Photoshop and learn to love it as much as I have.