Need of as much help as possible, Im new to the photoshop application and really want to learn how to uz Options

[Mawlock]

So, i want to be able to become a pro at using photoshop. One of the things that im working on is creating a layout for my myspace page and enhancing various pictures of mine. I've looked around for a tutorial that fits my interest and isnt to complicate but haven't found one yet. I also want to have my own layout style and contribute to the community, so i dont need a tutorial on how other people do it but rather the properties in what they are doing. Thanks in advance for whatever help anyone offers!^_^ This topic has been blessed!

[vintage-toile]

i first found photoshop last summer, at school in an IT lesson - ha, doing what i wasn't supposed to.
played about with it for a while, creating basic things and layering them up. to be honest they all look atrocious but you've got to start somewhere.
start with creating layers and changing them to different settings, such as soft light and darker colour - this is great for changing the brightness of your own pictures.
having done this, go to image -> adjustments -> curves, and play about with that as well. it changes the brightness some more.
that's great for basic photo editing. some of the createblog tutorials are great for editing your pictures, and you can add your own ideas into them to enhance the image even more.

for layouts, when using text or image areas, try right clicking on the layer and looking for blending options. have a play about with those as well.

this is pretty basic stuff but it's how i started out.
hope that helps somehow