Publisher: Adobe Press
Authors: Adobe Creative Team
List Price: $49.99
Amazon Price: $31.49
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Reviews:
Summary: Good, but could be better
This was the first book I used (the CS version) when I started learning Photoshop a few years ago. While it was helpful, the book is divided into specific lessons, with little time spent on how Photoshop's tools work together or in what sequence they should be used. The lesson on masking, for instance, shows you how to create and work with a mask, but spends almost no time discussing the logic behind masks or or how they make your photo-editing tasks easier. I guess what is missing is a "holistic" feel to the book. When I finished, I certainly had a better knowledge of some of Photoshop's features, but the knowledge was disjointed.
The next book I read, and one which every Photoshop user should have, is Katrin Eismann's "Photoshop Restoration & Retouching." It is the best book I've seen on Photoshop, whether for the beginner or an advanced user. I won't review that book here -- you can look it up on Amazon. I use Photoshop now at my job and as a hobby, and credit Eismann's book with most of my Photoshop knowledge and confidence.
The Classroon in a Book is helpful, but once you finish it and begin using Photoshop, you probably won't ever look at it again (I haven't). Eismann's book, however, continues to be an essential reference and guide for me.
Summary: "How to" is nice, but "Why" is better
This is well intended, and mostly well achieved title. That is, it serves a good introduction to the interface and application in general terms. But it falls far short of deeply teaching the application.
Yes, a user will have completed many exercises, and will have had many "successes", building confidence along the way. All good things. Additionally, one learns the vocabulary of Photoshop, the locations of tools and palettes, and something about the program's settings.
But sadly, as a teacher, I see little deep understanding of how to use the application from those who rely solely on this text. And although knowing where things are and what they're called are important steps to passing the Adobe Certified Expert exam, it's more important to know how to achieve results in efficient ways that only real understanding--and much practice--can produce. I was fortunate to help create that exam for the last several versions of Photoshop, and I believe it tests how an adept user actually uses the program. One should be proud to pass that test!
This book will get you started, perhaps, but it won't make anyone adept or expert. Try turning to Real World Photoshop CS2 (Fraser and Blatner) or Adobe Photoshop CS2 for Photographers (Martin Evening) for that. Classes don't hurt either, but I'm biased there. But mostly, joyful, frequent, and curious use will make one an expert.
Summary: More Fluff Then Substance
This book covers most of the features in a very hit and run style. Each lesson tells you what to click on, but rarely why, and even then, only on some of the options.
Several of the options in Photoshop have sub-options that are not covered in the book. I expected to have to do some experimentation, but not nearly to the degree that I have had to with a product published by Adobe. Any book with "Classroom" in the title should teach most, if not all, of the functions, not sell a few of the "tada" features of a program.
As well, the table of contents and index are lacking as a reference tool.
Summary:
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