Photoshop and Photoshop Elements Resources

[Wonder Woman]

A friend asked me to compile a list of what I have for her, so I thought I'd share here too. My familiarity is with Photoshop Elements (I'm currently using version 6) and while some of these resources will work only for Photoshop, most of them are compatible with Elements as well.

PLUGINS:

The number one, can't live without it, must have plugin is OptikVerve. http://optikvervelabs.com/ Unfortunately, it's only for PC - Mac users are out of luck. This one is pure genius, though - it's saved me hours getting that perfect tone on a portrait. It's completely customizable, I've been using it for 3 years and still find new ways to use it.

Another series of fun plugins is from Xero : http://www.xero-graphics.co.uk/freeware.htm Again, these are really versatile.

LAYER STYLES:
The list here is comprehensive and has some great effects, especially for text and photo frames. http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/pho...le_Effects.htm
(As a matter of fact, their page for brushes, layer styles, patterns, and actions is a fabulous resource, and much of it can be used commercially. http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/pho..._Photoshop.htm)

Biorust : http://www.biorust.com/downloads/browse/6/added/desc/1/

Ladyoak - http://ladyoak.com - has some really great layer styles, brushes, custom shapes, and gradients. You have to register, but it's free.

BRUSHES:
Seishido's rock Her freeware is great: http://www.seishido.biz/seishido.html And her commercial ones are worth springing for

TOOLS/ACTIONS
Without a doubt, Atomic Cupcakes takes the top of the list I wish she still offered her monthly subscription (because I'm cheap! ha!) but they are well worth the $$ spent on them. http://www.atomiccupcake.com/catalog.php?cat=a These will help you get the perfect look for borders, elements, frames, papers, etc. I use them all the time when I'm doing cards, and sometimes even logos. The resolution is fine for printing - 300dpi.

DIGITAL KITS:
If you are looking for layouts, or elements to arrange for digi-scrapping (or for doing a web layout or cards/birth announcements, etc) then a digi-kit is often the way to go. Some of them prohibit commercial usage (meaning design for you, or a friend, but nothing you are making $$ from.) Some allow limited commercial usage, others allow a commercial license for a reasonable price.

One of my favorites is the Shabby Shoppe: http://www.theshabbyshoppe.com/homepage.asp They have gorgeous kits, and reasonable commercial license fees. They also allow usage in photography/card products, even commercial, without a license as long as their terms are followed. http://www.theshabbyshoppe.com/scrip...rcialTerms.asp

RAKScraps is also a great resource : http://www.rakscraps.com/

(Just google digisrapping kits - you'll find a TON of great things! Enough to suck you in for days, I promise.)

TUTORIALS:

http://www.photoshoproadmap.com/Phot...ost-popular/1/

http://www.photoshopsupport.com/elements/tutorials.html

http://myjanee.home.insightbb.com/tutorials.htm

http://www.arraich.com/elements/psE_intro.htm

http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/pse..._Resources.htm

http://thepioneerwoman.com/photography/
and
http://www.phauntactions.com/ (thanks Em!)

That will get the list started, and I'll add more as I come across it. I'd love to see others' lists of resources, too