Photoshop Discussion for Advancement of Newbie Techniques

[captainj2410]

Guess who's a newbie again! Me! It's been a long time since I've had to get used to a program, and this time, it's Photoshop. If I do well enough in this program, the quality of my renders should improve dramatically. Here's my first go in the program:
http://jamietakahashi.deviantart.com/art/Nebula-1-74004052
My girlfriend says it's extremely good for a first time user, but she may just be trying to be ingratiating, so any hints or criticism would be welcome. I'm hoping that this thread can be kept alive for other newbies to the program so they don't have as hard a time as I.

Edit: And here's my second attempt:
http://jamietakahashi.deviantart.com/art/Maiden-Flight-74009418

[blackbird]

Photoshop is too expensive for me. I've never used photoshop, but that looks pretty good. I like the how you did the galaxy, with the smudging and what not.