Win a free hour of personalized, one-on-one software training with an expert, y'all

And the winner is: kreativekate, who wrote:

Oh, joy! An hour of PSE6 help! I just can't seem to get this stuff. It's not as intuitive as other programs.

Kate, email me at czdesign@comcast.net and i'll get you hooked up for your hour of training with Chris Ford!

My friend and fellow graphic designer fabuloso, Chris Ford, is launching a super cool one-on-one tutoring offshoot of her business, Creativity Included, and she would like to offer a free, one-hour session of personalized training to one of my lovely blog readers.

Read more about how it works here.

It's pretty darned slick. Want to learn more about Photoshop? Elements? InDesign? Wordpress? Chris has been working her way around these programs for years, and wants to help you become the master of your software domain.

To enter, leave a comment here telling me one thing you'd most like to learn how to do on your computer, and I will draw the winner at 8 p.m. CST.

Good luck!

[comments are now closed]

Comments

[Ginger]

1.

I soooo want to know how to use Photoshop Elements. I have several friends that use it to edit their photos and design cool looking blog headers. IF I win, then I would be cool and hip like my friends....lol!!

Thanks Cathy...you are just so AWESOME!

[Corie in Indiana]

2.

How cool is that?! If I won this cool give-away, I would want to know how to edit photos like a pro - bright skin tones, perfect contrast, perfect lighting...the whole bit! There's so much Photoshop can do! Even with several years of experience with it, I don't know half its power! Thanks for the give-away, Cathy and Chris!

[Nancy Hyland]

3.

oh wow that is cool. I have really just started playing around more with my Elements 4 - and love it. I really wish I could get some of those beautiful effects for my photos and just make them look better. Maybe this tutoring is just the thing!! thanks for sharing it with us! You RAWK!!

[jacki janse van rensburg]

4.

oooohhhh! i'd love to be able to bling up my blog. make blinkies and side-bar items, etc.

pleeeeze, pleeeeze, pleeeeze...

[Meg]

5.

I'd love an hour of help with Elements!

[Sandi Keene]

6.

I would like to learn how to make cool blog banners in Photoshop Elements. I can do only the most basic things and want to step it up a notch. I would love to change my banner regularly but it is just overwhelming at this point!

[Suzitee]

7.

I SOOOO need training in all aspects of Photoshop Elements...you have no idea how bad I am at doing anything on it...so pathetic! Please let me win...I need serious help!

[LATZ]

8.

I just purchased PSE7 as I wanted to upgrade from PSE5--so I'd love to learn the new features in this version.

[jkhenson]

9.

This is awesome! :)) I am not even sure where to start with the computer stuff; I don't know what programs will work best for what I want. I'm thinking I'd like to use something to make my December Daily album, digitally? Or editing photos, other than red eye and cropping! :)

[Tanya]

10.

I'd love to learn how to make some of my own digi scrapbooking templates, but also maybe learn how to create my own papers and embellies. Not sure if that is something she can do, but worth wishing for :)

[Sandy]

11.

I have PSE and haven't used it! I would love to learn how to use it...I'd like to do overlays on pictures and put words on pictures, just basic stuff. I am an embarrassment to my children who feel I am totally computer illiterate...I need to gain back their respect ASAP! LOL! :P

[Katrina]

12.

You had me at "InDesign"...I opened it up for the first time last night, eyed the learning curve, and quickly closed....I'd love a down & dirty "get started" session!

[s.patel]

13.

what a fabulous business idea! i would love to learn how to streamline my process of uploading my pictures, doing edits (using actions), and incorporating into digital photo books.

[Linda]

14.

I've been using PSE6 for digital scrapbooking for a couple of months, but I'd love to know how to do some of the cooler things with it, such as more realistic drop shadows, extractions, blending, and on and on and on.

[Judy in Hutnsville]

15.

What a wonderful opportunity!! I've had CS2 for over a year now and am so intimidated by it [although your video helped me find some of the tools I've heard about!] -- Would LOVE to have a one-on-one to walk me through the photo editing process...

[Laurie]

16.

I'm a Mac user at home, with a PC at school. I'd love to learn about some things I could use either at school for work or at home for fun!

[ali lipton]

17.

I've been wanting to get started in In Design. This would be a perfect! Thanks, Cathy, for the post!
Ali

[Jenn N]

18.

What a great idea and since I recently went to a Mac,I haven't quite been able to master brush downloads and layers in my PSE. Wow, could I use some help.

[Jana D]

19.

This would be perfect. I have dropped MANY hints that I want PSE for Christmas. How cool of you to offer this for your friend!

[Rosemary]

20.

I would like to learn how to use Elements and make my photos look fabbuuuuuuloussss, dahling.

[Denise]

21.

Ummm...there's so much to learn, where do I start?

I would love to learn anything that would help me edit my photos...so I could do cool "Lincoln" esqe type photos...like someone else I know.

[Tracy]

22.

Oooooh, I so need help! I have elements and I'm thinking that it is probably easy but I just don't get it. HELP!

[Mel]

23.

Anything besides homework. I would really like to learn digital scrapbooking.

[Linda]

24.

Yes!!!!....I want to learn Photoshop Elements. It all seems so overwhelming to me. If I just had some help......:)

[Colleen]

25.

what a great idea!

i am a simple girl ;-) i would be happy with be able to use photoshop to design banners for my blog, and/or learn digital scrapbooking tips.

[Lynn Judge]

26.

I would so love to have a hour tutoring session with Chris Ford - she is amazing!!

[Maureen]

27.

so cool - I have some pesky little navigation issues in PSE. I have taken a class and read some books, and it still doesn't work like I think it will.

[Sarah L]

28.

Help in Photoshop Elements would be so awesome...its great that I spent the money on it and don't know a thing about it!!
Sarah L

[EmmaJ]

29.

I bought CS3 thinking I could do magical things with it and I am so STUCK! I use elements 99% of the time now because I just can't crack CS3... and that is how I would use my time with Chris.

[Kim]

30.

I would LOVE and ADORE absolutely ANYTHING from Chris Ford:)

[lynn whelan]

31.

I have the old, old PSE2 and have been wanting to upgrade but not sure to what. My knowledge is so limited I am afraid to invest in something I will have no clue how to use. I would love to be able to learn how to use brushes and other cool techniques both for personal use in making banners, cards and layouts, AND to help with the advertising for our family owned business.

thanks,
and pick me, pick me!

[csuzanne]

32.

I would like to learn how to do EVERYTHING digital!! I can upload my photos and print them on my home printer, but that's as far as my knowledge goes :( I would SO love to learn how to do more!!

[Laura Prenkert]

33.

I would like to enter, not for me, but for my friend Kelli. She's starting her own photography business and needs photoshop help. I would like her to learn how to apply awesome actions to the senior photo shoots she does! Laura P

[Nieka Apell]

34.

I'd love to learn how to create "actions" or record steps to do batch processing of photos. I play around with one, get it just right, then have NO clue how to make the other 20 from the same shoot look that good without doing it alllll over again. I know there's a way to record that info in PS, right?

[Jennifer M.]

35.

What a cool idea!

I'd like to learn more about how to use Photoshop Elements when editing my photos. I have it and I've been learning about it for some time, but I know I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of everything I can do with it.

[Carolyn]

36.

I'd love to get a workflow that works for my digital photos. I transfer them to the computer and they tend to get lost or forgotten.

[Dawn Hobbs]

37.

anything!! I so need to learn how to do things on the computer that it is embarassing!! Any help would be greatly appreciated especially since it is a 2009 goal of mine!! Dawn H

[Kim Packard]

38.

I would love to learn about digital scrapbooking. I signed up for an on-line class a couple of months ago and I couldn't even do the first project because I just didn't get it and I work on the computer all day for my job. I need one-on-one help with this! Thanks so much!

[Sandy Enloe]

39.

I would love some help with PSE6. I got the program but have yet to figure out any of the basics much less the cool stuff!

[Mindy]

40.

I'd love to learn more about editing my pictures to make skin tones look right, colors vibrant, etc. I know there's sooo much that can be done with our pics to take them from good to amazing, but I only know a few of the basics right now.

[JWinks]

41.

Not only do I have PSE and not know how to use it...I bought cool actions for it...and I don't know what to do with them!
In the immortal words of The Beatles...
"Won't you please, please help me, help me, help meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, ooooooooooooooh!"
-Jody

[Robyn]

42.

I'd like to learn how to properly use curves in PS CS3. I know enough to be dangerous, but it would be cool to really understand it.

[Deb Beschler]

43.

Confessions of a techno-phobe: I would gladly relish ANY help I can get on my 'puter!! HELP!!

Deb

[Lee]

44.

Count me in with those who want to use their PSE program! I've just loaded 6 onto my Mac and I just sit and stare. One big brain fart! I need help :)

[Kimberly DiNapoli]

45.

Couldn't I just tell you the one thing I DO know how to do instead?!!! lol

If I won this I might be tempted to give it to my daughter as a gift. She is an amazing artist and has recently gotten into making her own animations and such ... if this lesson could benefit her in that sense I'd probably let her have it, cuz I'm just sweet that way! :)

If I were to win and keep it for myself I would really like to know how to make my blog look fun and / or pretty! Right now its boring!! I would be so much more motivated to update a pretty, cute, fun blog!! :)

Either way, THANKS SO MUCH for the fun opportunity!!!

[Kathleen]

46.

I'm getting elements for Christmas for my mac. After years of designing and implementing (or reviewing, fixing, and integrating) computer apps, I would like to learn how to play on my mac with elements.

In other words, I want to learn how to make it do what I want, not what I tell it to do! LOL!

Cheers!

[Yvonne B]

47.

I have just purchased CS4 (Student version) . . .because who can really afford it!!!! Anywho I would love to win a one-one session to learn more about InDesign. Your tutorial on Photoshop was great. I'm one of your students in "Designing Your Life" and loving it!!!! Thanks for everything!

[Cara in NJ]

48.

Oh Cathy, there are so many things I need to learn about my computer. However, Santa is bringing me Photoshop, so I would love to learn how to use it properly right out of the gate!!!
Thanks for the laughs everyday. Have a great day!

[Marcia Livingston]

49.

I don't even know where to start. One of my goals for 2009 is to learn how to digitally scrapbook. I have PSE6, and have learned how to stitch together a layout that I have scanned in, but that is IT! I would really love to learn the basics of PSE I guess.

[Lynn M]

50.

I would love to use digital software, but I'm afraid of it. Elements, Photoshop, InDesign? Which program is best for what I want to do? It's so confusing, and by the look of the comments I'm not alone. I'd love to be able to use some digital elements on my pictures, but I don't have the software. What's the best bang for the buck?

[heidi]

51.

Wow! What a great service! I would love a photoshop class. :)

[Loydene]

52.

I want to know how to put swirly things on the edges of my pictures --- OH -- and how to do the photo collages a la you and Ali!

[Kim W]

53.

I could use all the help I could get!

Thanks

[JENNIFER RICHARDSON]

54.

I have photo shop elements and I know VERY LITTLE about it. I can add text to a picture, and sometimes a border around a picture if I try several ways to figure it out. So I would love to learn how to do a ton of new stuff!
Thanks for the chance to win!!

[Jo]

55.

I have Photoshop Elements 6, but I know I'm only touching the surface of what I can do with it. I'd love to learn about brushes and photo-editing actions, etc. That would be really fantastic.

[Janie]

56.

Wow, so many choices. Learning a bit about Wordpress would be such a help. Starting with InDesign would also be a treat! Thank you for such a wonderful treat!

[Cindy McDannold]

57.

I live in a rural community (50 miles one way to the nearest scrapbook store!) so my connections to learning come from my computer. I have great praise for BPS (DYL class), but would also love to jump into digital. This class would open up another world for me. Thank you for such a generous offer to your loyal blog readers. Cindy McD

[DanelleB]

58.

I just upgraded to PSE 7 and excited to get started. I work all day on the computer with non-creative stuff and need to inspire my creative diva side... this would be perfect. Thanks and Happy Holidays!!!

[Lillypond]

59.

Learn to use layers in Elements, especially to fade out lousy backgrounds! lol

[janis]

60.

I would love to be able to make my own digital Christmas Cards. Some day! :-)

[Annie]

61.

I just this week got CS4. I'd love to learn my way around this program! So far I'm fumbling around and getting a bit frustrated! I'd love to learn how to make text paths and would like to learn more about actions, masks, etc.

[sue Treiber]

62.

yeah! I could use her help with a lot of things!

[Suz]

63.

I would love to learn how to better use my new mac as well as Photoshop. I also want to learn more about Adobe InDesign, noiseware programs and how to calibrate my monitor for photo proofing.

[ShellyJ]

64.

Would love to know more about PSE6! How to color correct my pictures. I always see all the pictures out there with such beautiful bright colors... i want that too :)

[sherryg]

65.

I would love to learn to make better use of Photoshop Elements now that I also have a Bamboo Fun Tablet I also need to learn how to use.

Sherry

[Jenny Kronberg]

66.

I have Photoshop, but no clue how to use it. I NEED help learning what to do, how to do it & finding out what's even available.

[JodyM]

67.

I would have to say Elements...the hubster gave it to me for Christmas LAST YEAR and I feel like it's just taking up space on my computer...I play around with it (elements that is) but I really don't know what I'm doing!

[Tanya]

68.

That would be one fabulous hour!!! I have never done ANY digital sbing, and I would love a intro to get me started! ~Tanya

[Sara S]

69.

oohhh ooohhh! pick me! pick me! i am a computer junkie, but don't know photoshop very well - just got it a few months ago. would love to learn more!

happy wednesday!!

[Amanda Susan]

70.

I'd really like to learn how to use iphoto better. There are a couple things I haven't figured out how to do.

[Brookie J]

71.

I want to learn more about PSE. I really want to play around with photos more & would LOVE to have guidance. Not that it isn't fun to muddle around like I usually do... :)

[Megan W]

72.

Most of all, I wish I could understand Photoshop, because every time I attempt to enhance a photo following someone's directions, I only end up desperately trying to retrieve the original!

[Marcia]

73.

I really need to learn Photoshop and winning one hour of tutoring would be wonderful.

[Susan]

74.

I just posted on Ali's site that I wanted to learn how to use PS Elements. Did you two coordinate this?

Susan

[Jen Gough]

75.

I would love some help in photoshop. I am barely skimming the surface of what I can really do with this program. Thanks! for the great giveaway!

Jen

[jennifer]

76.

I need some serious PSE instruction! About all I can do is upload my photos and crop them!

[Sheryl]

77.

Hmm, it looks like I am not alone in this, but I desperately want to learn more about Photoshop Elements. I want to get comfortable with it, so it does not take me 3 hrs to do a simple Christmas card next year!!!

[Karen]

78.

OK I admit it that PSE is not a strong point of mine :) DH just bought me 7.0 and I have yet to install it for fear that I will be so lost... I would LOVE the opportunity for a guru to really show me the how to's.

Karen

[Kim]

79.

Oh my! So many things! Photoshop would be my first pick though.

[Kirsten]

80.

I would love to know how to erase the background on a photo, so I end up only with whatever lovely object or person was in the front. Thanks so much for offering this! :) Kirsten

[Hillary]

81.

Photoshop Elements - hands-down!!! LOL

Hillary

[[Sue]]

82.

I would love an hour on elements. I want to learn how to do scrapbook layouts. I mess around with it, but it just can't get it to what I want it to be. Pick Me!

[juliana]

83.

I'm torn between wanting a starter course in Wordpress & an intermediate course in Photoshop. I think I'd choose the Photoshop!

[Delane B]

84.

This is the most amazing gift!! I have too many questions for one hour, but I'd love to try!

[dmatthews]

85.

It's hard to pick one thing, but I would really like to learn Photoshop and digital scrapbooking.

[janinekaye]

86.

I have had a "thing" up on my wordpress blog for the longest time telling me its time to upgrade..but when I try I end up freaking out and getting out of there for fear of totally wiping my blog! It could take me an hour just to master that but anything else she is willing to share, I am willing to absorb!

[Suzanne]

87.

Wow, what a great prize. I would love to learn how to make photo collages in Photoshop Elements. I don't know if "collages" is the right word, but groupings of pictures so that I can print a page with a number of pictures on it and use it in my scrapbooking. I wanted to make an album for my MIL for Christmas using 9 pictures in a square for each year of her sons' lives and could not figure out how to do it, so that gift was put on hold until next year :o(

[Carrie H.]

88.

How exciting!!! Oh there are so many lovely things I would like to learn in Photoshop Elements....so very many things. I feel like it is just bursting with potential once I open it ;o)

[kreativekate]

89.

Oh, joy! An hour of PSE6 help! I just can't seem to get this stuff. It's not as intuitive as other programs.

[chris jenkins]

90.

i would love to learn better design principles and learn illustrator as well as web design. i find html and css so frustrating!

[Anso]

91.

I'd love to learn the best way to edit my photos in PSE.

[Jodie Reimink]

92.

I would really like a crash course in fixing my digital pictures in Photoshop Elements without using actions. Or how to store all of my misc. digi images & graphics so I know what I have and where I've hidden them. THanks!

[Kelly]

93.

I would love to learn to use Photoshop to design web mock-ups.

[Alicia]

94.

I would love to learn more about Photoshop Elements. I know there are so many cool things I could be doing with it, I just don't know how.

[Gale]

95.

PHotOShOp
Need it badly!

[Krystyn]

96.

I would just like to know how to better use Photoshop Elements..especially using overlays to incorporate with my paper scrapbooking!

[Pam]

97.

I would like to learn more about my PSE 5.0. I know I have just scratched the surface. Would like to learn how to manipulate type and retouch/restore old photos. Guess that's 2 things....

[mrsgeek]

98.

I would love to learn more about Photoshop Elelments. I teach computers for an elementary school but know very little about Photoshop. I think I could have some fun sprucing up some of my scrapbooking projects, blog and even create some lesson plans with a bit more training.

[Marilyn Johnson]

99.

I would love to learn how to use photoshop! Thanks!

[Katherine McKamey]

100.

I would like to learn how to use layers. I know it can't be too difficult because it seems that everyone else can do it just fine. But, it would be very nice to have someone show me how. : )