If you don’t have a blog yet, it is time to give this simple and growing tool for communication a try. Some keys to blogging:

• Before you even start your blog, plan your initial post. Your introductory post should let readers know who you are, what you will be writing about and why they should keep coming back to read your blog.
  

• Listed below are a variety of English and French language sites where you can build your blog for free. Explore the sites and find one with a style you like.
  

• Once you start posting, be consistent. Try to blog at least once a week so that your readers realize you are reliable.
  

• Stick to what you know and love. If you are using your blog to keep your family updated on your life, that’s great! You can also use your blog to share your insights about your favourite hobbies or to spark conversation about topics that interest you.
  

• Show some patience. It can take a while for people to become comfortable enough to respond to your posts. Try frequenting other people’s blogs and commenting on their posts, this will encourage them to check out your blog in return.

Free English blog sites:

www.blog.ca

www.wordpress.com

www.thoughts.com

www.blogger.com

Les sites français:

www.over-blog.com

www.creerunblog.fr

www.centerblog.net

www.fr.skyrock.com

1. Check your local community college for an introductory Photoshop course and try it out. Most courses run over two or three Saturday mornings or one evening a week for six weeks. The solid foundation that you will gain by learning the basics is definitely worth the time and money you will invest. Don’t be intimidated by going back to school; many students in continuing education classes are adults who are brushing up on techniques or learning new skills!
   

2. Books and magazines are available in abundance through your local library or bookstore. Take the time to flip through any materials you are considering purchasing and familiarize yourself with what is offered. Many magazines have similar articles or teach techniques that may look interesting, but are impractical for your needs, so buyer beware!

   1. Some of our favourite publications:

      • Anything by Scott Kelby, the Photoshop Maestro! (www.scottkelby.com)

      • Photoshop Creative Magazine (A UK publication with a wealth of instructional articles. Included in each issue is a CD of fonts and stock images.)

      • Photoshop Elements Drop Dead Techniques books (There is a Fantasy, a Lighting and a Photography book in this series that offer great ideas for phenomenal photos.)

3. Get to know your shortcuts. It may seem easier to just keep clicking on the icons in your toolbar, but when you are able to duplicate your layer with the click of a button (Cmd + J) you will feel like you’re flying!

4. Plan your work before starting. Having a clear end-goal in mind can help you avoid feeling lost and frustrated during your project. Also, allot more time than you think you need so that you don’t feel pressured or rushed. Planning your time will allow you to polish your work!

5. Be adventurous! You will only increase your skills through experimentation and practice. So, try taking your son’s face and putting it on your daughter’s body! It will be good practice for those Christmas family pictures where someone is inevitably blinking or looking away…you’ll be a pro at taking a face off one photo and pasting it on another in a realistic way.

Links to Photoshop Shortcuts:

http://morris-photographics.com/photoshop/shortcuts/

Links to our favourite publications:

www.scottkelby.com

www.pshopcreative.co.uk