Digital Scrapbooking with Photoshop CS3

About Photoshop CS3

Photoshop CS3 is the newest version of Adobe Photoshop, the image editing software used by professional graphic designers and photographers. The program is the tenth offering from the Adobe Photoshop product line and was released on April 16, 2007.

The promotional materials for Photoshop CS3 promise that users will be able to “Work more productively, edit with unrivaled power, and composite with breakthrough tools.” Some of the notable features in this version of Photoshop include:

• Smart filters
• Black and white conversion
• Quick selection and refine edge tools
• Automatically align and blend layers
• Precise color correction controls
• Improved raw image processing
• A streamlined interface

Reviews of Photoshop CS3 have been overwhelmingly positive. For example:

• PC Magazine
• PC Pro
• Creative Pro
• Mac World

You can download a free trial version of Photoshop CS3 on the Adobe Web site.

Is it Right for Me?

Although the retail price of $649.99 makes Photoshop CS3 a major purchase, it can be a wise investment for the serious scrapbooker. When you try digital scrapbooking with Photoshop CS3, you’ll save money by not having to purchase cardstock, stickers, adhesive, and other traditional scrapbooking supplies. You’ll also have the tools to create your own digital scrapbooking kits or customize the look of purchased digital kits to perfectly match any layout theme.

Photoshop CS3 may be the right choice for you if you agree with the following statements:

• I want complete creative control over the look and feel of my digital scrapbooking projects.
• I want to create sophisticated and contemporary layouts that look like they were ripped from the pages of my favorite magazine.
• I’m an enthusiastic photographer who likes to do extensive image editing.
• I’m considering starting my own home-based digital scrapbooking business.
• I am very comfortable with computers and not intimidated by the process of learning a new software program.

Digital Scrapbooking with Photoshop CS3

Since Photoshop CS3 was created to meet the needs of professionals, it should come as no surprise that the program has a fairly steep learning curve. Even if you work with computers on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to invest in a few software manuals to help you understand all of the program’s features. For example:

• Adobe Photoshop CS3 A-Z by Philip Andrews
• Photoshop CS3 Bible by Laurie Ulrich Fuller and Robert C. Fuller
• Photoshop CS3 Essential Skills by Mark Galer and Philip Andrews
• Photoshop CS3 Down & Dirty Tricks by Scott Kelby

If you’re eager to start playing with Photoshop CS3 immediately, tips and tricks for some of the most common digital scrapbooking functions can be found at the following links:

• Make Your Own Digital Scrapbook and Craft Papers in Photoshop
• Page Curl Effect with Warp, Burn and Layer Styles in Photoshop CS3
• Making a Simple Custom Brush in Adobe Photoshop CS3
• Layered Template Tutorial
• Create a Sepia Toned Effect in Photoshop
• Fun Effects in Photoshop CS3: Photo Frames from Photos

Photoshop Elements

Although digital scrapbooking enthusiasts sometimes refer to Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop Elements 6 as interchangeable programs, it’s important to realize that these two products are different. Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 offers many of the essential features of Photoshop CS3, but has controls that are much easier to learn. In addition, the price tag of $99.99 makes it a fairly budget-friendly option for the digital scrapbooking enthusiast. If you’re not quite ready to make the leap to digital scrapbooking with Photoshop CS3, purchasing Photoshop Elements 6 will help you polish your skills in a less-intimidating environment.