I'm with rayray.
I still don't know more that half of the tools in PS.
Is read those posts, Day 1: Pen tool VS Clonestamp, I don't even know what they do, and the same for Day 2: Levels VS Curves and Day 3.
But still I manage to make an avarage entry

And how long have you been using Photoshop???

Meg,

I think that the best chops all "tell a story".

If you look at the most recent winners, you'll see the Village People's gay anthem "YMCA" merged with every cheap 'love motel' in every rundown part of town referenced on the Chief Motel Sign.

You have the group members...the silly YMCA dance that we all should only do when we're drunk...and a "local call boys" twist on "local calls".

The Lifeguard boat entry winner has an empty lifeguard boat...marooned on a sand dune...with footsteps walking away.

The helper (lifeguard) has gone to look for help. (Albeit from a rather "da-da"esque situation)

I think your entries in the tattered baseball as stiches and road marker as meteor 'tell a story' and are great ideas, whereas a lot of your other work seems to be simply playing with photoshop filters.

Paying attention to the details is important too...shadows coming from the right direction...seamless cloning...matching contrast and tone...etc, but all of that comes with practice.

A good idea is always stronger than a cool effect and can overcome a technical error.

To paraphrase what ReyRey said, it's not about the instrument...it's about what you DO with the notes you play.

You are still trying to find your voice, but I think you have a lot of potential, so keep it up. When you find your style, I get the feeling you'll do some really great things.

That's my $.02

Using? One year. But only for simple stuff like text or small enhancements on photo's. I started real choppin' almost 4 months ago.

Ow, I do know what "levels" are, btw.

I read somewhere that to master a profession, you need to put 10,000 hours into it. At 8 hours a day, 5 days a week it makes about 5 years. To improve the technical side, you need to read, read, read and practice, practice, practice. The web is full with Photoshop tips, tricks, tutorials, etc. which I frequently tap into to see what works best for a particular project. On the creative side, look back at different winning entries, check out the Master's portfolios, sort them by number of votes they received and you can figure out what works. Look at magazine ads, clip out things that you like, put them in a binder and use them as reference for a particular look, composition and lighting principles.

That's pretty cool. Started out the same way here...
ended up making some of my favorite chops cause not knowing all the tricks I just tried that much harder.
I'm expecting real good stuff from you now.

I can't work under this kind of presure

Obviously you can...you been makin' some real fine chops.

thanx man, you too. "Venus" is one of my favorites.

in my eyes, mastering photoshop certainly doesnt mean mastering all the tools. the real master, is the one who can use smudge to do anything and everything, the guy who can do all his highlights and shadows without levels etc. and the guy who has generally nailed the basics. thats the hard part

I'm with you on this one Armo.

FootFungi, the only fix to you is being born again...

Awww.....man, thats what I was afraid you where gonna say

Hey MPG,
I dont have the skills that other people here have, nor the experiance, some I have more experiance but less talent ! You are certainly in that later catagory.
some of your stuff totally rocks imho. I wish I had the ability you have.
so sorry I am unqualified to critique your work other than I really like it.
keep it up and you will have the skills and ability to be one of the greats!!