I don't know a damned thing about Photoshop . . .

[Bullwinkle925]

how difficult is it to (somewhat) master?

[AmyDeLune]

1. It's expensive

Photoshop Elements is the much cheaper somewhat slimmed down version and Paintshop Pro from Corel is a good full program that does pretty much all of the same things as Photoshop. All have built in tutorials as well as a multitude of online message boards and tutorial sites to get you up and running.

[China_cat]

Been using it 8 years now and still wonder what the fuck I'm doing

besides spending money on classes, books and upgrades.

[gmoney]

2. what is your objective?

Photoshop does a lot of different things, but you may only need to use a small slice of what it does, or need to do something that another program does better. A little more information?