I'm interested in learning to take great isolated stock photography for my own personal use. Is there any great how-to guide out there? I have used Photoshop in the past, but it takes too long and images never come out quite right? Any tips?
Isolated photographs? Do you mean the main subject is clear, but the background is blurry?
A long lens and wide aperture is the key. Like this:
(Spend more time behind the camera and less in front of the computer using Photoshop.)
I think photography class would be useful for you.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Science_of_photography