First attempts on trying to learn how to use photoshop. Does it look too fake? Anybody know a solid tutorial online to start learning? There are just way too many options in photoshop.

Thanks in advance!

 

This looks like an attempt at cross-processing. Photoshop can do damn near anything, so you need to clearly define the look you're going for, then we can help you achieve it.

 

One of my cross-processed automotive pix as an example.

 

Cross processing IMHO is a mood enhancer, and the photo needs to FIT that mood. IMHO, the second photo you posted works, the first doesn't. The first photo looks like you had horrible white balance.

The second photo looks almost nostalgic.

 

Typically I find the cross-processing effect does not work well when there is a lot of white in the scene (natural white that is, a high-key image caused by over exposure can be a different story) as it makes the image just look odd. Throw in a sepia or other color tint can help the image but then you start getting to the point of over processing.

Also a big advantage of the second photo (besides composition and story) is that you have those 3 points of bright orange drawing your eye around the image. The editing only brings out that orange more (which coincidentally is very similar to VisualEchos choice in photo).

 

I just don't get it, every picture you post is simply stunning, well done.

Where did you learn a lot of your techniques, trial and error, or just research on what works?