bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Assume a new photographer decides they want to learn what Photoshop is and how to use it. Where do you like to point them for step one!

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Learn Lightroom

If they're a RAW shooter, they'd benefit from learning LR.

If they're a JPEG shooter, they'd benefit from learning LR.

Learn the importance and impact of selecting the various image formats for launching PS as an external editor from LR.

Inside PS, pick something useful and unique to PS, such as a medium-complex cloning exercise. This will involve layers and a decision on the clone tool / mechanism to use and the impact of the image format as passed from LR. It also demonstrates how the data returns to LR and whether the layers are saved into the resulting image file.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Layer -> Masking -> Selection -> Luminosity masking

Why?
Layers are the foundation of PS CC (Type & luminosity blend mode)
Masking allows the control of a layer effect
Selection is the next logical step to control modification of an image
Luminosity masking is a different masking based not on a specific area but on the luminosity of an image.

Once one has theses three down pat the rest is gravy.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

As CHG_CANON says, as a Photographer, spend time and learn Lightroom. Unless you want to get into extensive post-processing, it will provide 95% os what you need.

Cany143 Loc: SE Utah

Whether one is a new photographer or a long-time photographer, any decision they might make toward using Photoshop --or any of the other image editing programs/systems-- should be based on what it is they want to accomplish. Leaving off such basics as straightening a horizon, minor cropping, or simple color correction, in effect, in Ps, if you can think it, imagine it, or dream it, you can do it. And there are tools and techniques that can effect doing so. But if that photographer isn't first aware that global or local 'improvements' of any kind can be made to their original image, then learning Ps (or any of the others) will be worthless.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I agree with you. Lightroom Classic is my foundation application too.

But, that is not my question. I'm wondering where a beginner to both photography and post processing should start if they want to learn Photoshop.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

A trusted adviser gives their best advice, not the wrong answer to the wrong question ...

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I agree. But, what teaching resources should the beginner use?

Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana

There are many books available for Photoshop. Some good, Some not so good. The books can be pricey too. There are countless tutorials available online. Tons of videos on youtube. A lot of people like Books by Scott Kelly and I believe he has extensive videos online and possibly classes. You might find that you like Kelby. Personally, I don't like his tutorials , but that doesn't mean you wouldn't. Just my $.002 worth.

Bob Mevis Loc: Plymouth, Indiana

In addition, I prefer Photoshop. I have a copy, if I remember correctly, it's vintage 2013.

I have used LR in the past and don't care for it.
I think it's because it wants to catalog files in its own way. Maybe I'm wrong on that score though. I prefer PS's interface. I bought my first digital camera in 2002. I made up my own filing system and have been using it every since. I realise I could still use my system with LR, maybe I,m just afraid that through inattention, I'd lose control. Again, just my $.002 worth.

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

Let me resurrect my favorite dead horse and beat it some more.
Youtube. Look up "Photoshop Tutorials". You can download these. Many are keepers.
Next step- do them. Learn a thing, do that thing. After you do a video- next day do it again.
You can be amazed what you can learn during a review.
You can pick specific subjects. If you like landscapes- you can skip the 5 light studio portrait videos.
They are all free. Adorama has some interesting ones.
Or just lookup "photoshop tutorials for beginners" and start from the top down.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Get a book, there are hundreds of excellent copies on the subject to have!

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Free resources:
- One can answer 'Youtube' but there is a caveat in that (automated) answer. Few offer a comprehensive tutorial on any given topic. Personally I learned using youtube as well as books from a library or in a Barnes & Nobles cafe while using a computer at the same time (books are more recent there).
- Books - as mentioned above (no purchase) - also have a several drawbacks, this is why I do not buy any. They are 'big' and often useless to learn a specific feature unless you have several of them and cross reference the information -to get the full info-.
- Adobe forums: This company has forums led by experts on any topic. The answers are usually accurate and there is no "No you can' do that" or interference from the peanut gallery as on this board.
- Local clubs or groups (like meetup.com). These may not be so good as some folks there are like in forum: "My way or you are an idiot."
- Public forums like this one. One can extract excellent information from very few users who obviously know what they are doing. When using a forum one needs to be aware that advice given is often contradictory, vague if not plain wrong so you must do a triage or ask in private to folks you have started trust. This prevents the good information to be drowned out by nincompoops.
- The best method though - in my opinion - is to experiment. Once you understand what is really going on you are free to do whatever (especially what folks tell you not to do). Using a mask by example creates issues (the way it is applied). Using selections also has its quirks. Everything is a give and take.

Anyway, despite my relatively negative opinion of YouTube and books they are good starting point IF and only IF you push the envelop and cross reference.

Paying for it:
- Community college classes - Just be sure they are using the latest iteration of Photoshop
- Web based classes - many samples are available on YouTube - minus the most important information (hence my reticence toward YouTube as a full learning tool). There the instructor style and knowledge is of prime importance. Note that these courses become obsolete after a time as they are not updated often.
- 1-1 teaching if you know someone who has not only the expertise but is also willing to spend the time to teach for $$$.
- Adobe Seminars from various companies (Note: they all try to sell you something in addition to collecting fees from the course)
- Books - if you are willing to purchase many of them and keep updating them as the need arise -. I do not recommend this to anyone as alternative to buying are available.

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Type of hidden information... Mask are B&W and you should only use that. Well, wrong. A mask is from white to using levels of grey black meaning that you can paint a mask using a color. The result is a luminosity mask of sort (the color is translated to a specific grey shade). I found that useful in some instances. This differs from the mask opacity option. Blend modes are available when painting a mask too. These are deemed 'advanced features' but really are not. There are other features that are not often published like using levels and curves while editing a mask... Just to name a few things that you will not find on YouTube or even books. This is what you learn from experimenting and telling the "no-sayers" to get lost and go your own way.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Your initial answer was the wrong answer to the right question. LR is not photoshop. Photoshop is for beginner is the question - You did not answer it.

That you have a preference has always been obvious. Pushing it all the time and not answering the question is not being a 'good adviser', sorry.

A 'good adviser' would first answer the question (at the very least to show a knowledge of the subject) THEN offer advice citing whatever you believe is a good/great alternative and why.

BebuLamar

I don't use LR either for the same reason as you. I don't like the catalog function. I want to edit photos not cataloging them.