Photoshop Tricks

5 Comments for this entry

• Tenna Merchent
  August 27th, 2010 on 4:08 pm

  Review by Tenna Merchent for Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book
  Rating:
  There are things I really liked about this book and things I really didn’t like.

  The primary thing I didn’t like was the approach they took to the exercises. For instance in the section on adjusting color in Camera Raw, they tell you specifically (by number) where to move the temperature, tint, exposure, blacks, contrast, clarity, vibrance, and saturation sliders, but there is no discussion as to why these amounts for this image work. This problem goes on throughout the book. I’d say that’s a pretty huge weakness.

  On page 118 there is a pull out box with the headline “About layer-comps” that has 3 paragraphs talking about how great layer comps are. (It’s a way to look at different versions of complicated multi-layer PS file.) But it doesn’t tell you how to create one, or even mention that there is a complete discussion of the subject that begins on page 242.

  But the things I did like make this book worth purchasing. At the end of each section are review questions and answers. The answers are wonderful, brief and to the point. And there are other golden nuggets of information sprinkled throughout the chapters and book. For instance in the section on Working with channels it says, “To avoid confusing channels and layers, think of channels as containing an image’s color and selection information; think of layers as containing painting and effects.” While I knew that intuitively from working with them so much, I could never have explained it so simply.

  The section on creating paths using the pen tool that starts on page 202 is the best description I have read. I’ve used the pen tool a lot, and I’ve been putting too many points in because I didn’t really understand it. I dog-eared this section so I can find it quickly. I ended up adding 9 such dog-ears throughout the book.

  The section on the mixer brush was also very well done, and another area I was not up to speed on. I had been going over to Corel Painter for most of my painting issues, and it looks as though that may not be necessary.

  So while this book has examples that I didn’t find useful, it is worth reading every word because you never know when there will be some wonderful explanation that you hadn’t heard. I mean it was written by the people who created Photoshop
• Midwest Book Review
  August 27th, 2010 on 4:58 pm

  Review by Midwest Book Review for Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book
  Rating:
  Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book comes with a fine DVD-ROM for Windows and Mac OS filled with 2 hours of tutorials, and provides the easiest way to learn Photoshop CS5. The ‘classroom’ format centers around 14 lessons covering the basics of learning Photoshop and provides tips to become more productive with the program. It can be viewed in a progressive learning environment or referred to as a reference by skipping around: either way, students seeking an at-home course will find this a winner!
  
• M. Media Studios Inc.
  August 27th, 2010 on 5:21 pm

  Review by M. Media Studios Inc. for Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book
  Rating:
  This is the best Photoshop Classroom in a Book ever. We didn’t have the first one (Photoshop 4, I think) but we’ve brushed up our Photoshop skills with just about every other Photoshop “CIB” (as the regular readers call them). We are honored to be part of a group of Photoshop professionals and educators around the world who make a deep dive into this app. A fair number of us get the latest Classroom in a Book plus watch the videos on [...] every time a new version is released. However, this book is also perfect for someone who has never used Photoshop, before. No offense to my fellow authors but if there was just one Photoshop learning package you could buy, this should be it. This version of the book includes a great video series on the DVD. From the video, I picked up a few things I never heard anyone discuss anywhere (and we go back to Photoshop 2.0). This isn’t just a how-to book. It’s inspirational. The examples get our creative minds in gear. In addition to Photoshop, you’ll gain essential insight into Adobe Camera Raw and Bridge. Part of what draws some of the best and most brilliant in Photoshop to this book, version after version, is that it provides clever application of the newest features. These are things Adobe cannot be expected to cram into the users manual. Therefore, Ps CS5 CIB is a perfect complement to the manual. We’re pleased to see the inclusion of special feature spreads such as one on professional workflow and the continued insights from Photoshop evangelist, Julieanne Kost, one of the original Photoshop users even before version 1.0 shipped. An entire chapter on new type uses is appreciated along with the often overlooked vector techniques. We have been posting articles to [...] on painting with Photoshop and the new mixer brush and are pleased to see a complete chapter on this, too. Many photographers initially think they do not have the ability to change a photo into a painter. This chapter assists in demonstrating how easy it is. The same can be said for how quickly you will learn about the ease of use there is to Photoshop’s 3D features. This chapter makes you feel you “can do.” The authors of this book have even found a means of revving you, creatively, with a chapter on color consistency including samples on gardening visuals and text. Everyone knows this app as “Photoshop CS5.” The splash screen tells the full story: Photoshop 12. It has been over 20 years since Photoshop 1.0 debuted. Adobe’s Photoshop team just keeps packing more and more features into it. The manual is 613 pages. Attempting to even approach mastering Photoshop is a daunting task. Classroom in a Book is not going to teach you every single feature; no book can. However, by the time you get to page 366 and watch the entire video, you will have significant proficiency in all key areas of Photoshop. At that point, nothing about the app will seem foreign. You should feel comfortable enough to go anywhere and do anything in Photoshop CS5 with competency. I’m pleased with accuracy of the written information and exercises. They are easy to follow and produce satisfying results. Whoever designed the video screen layout did an excellent job. Janet & I have begun to explore Illustrator CS5 CIB and hope to post a review, next week.
• Weldon Lee
  August 27th, 2010 on 5:32 pm

  Review by Weldon Lee for Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book
  Rating:
  This is the second Classroom In A Book series that I have purchased. The first was on Adobe GoLive. In my opinion, this books in this series are a MUST HAVE item for anyone working with Adobe programs.
• Cindy L. White
  August 27th, 2010 on 5:49 pm

  Review by Cindy L. White for Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book
  Rating:
  I have been using Photoshop since 1998. I upgraded to CS4 but never had time to learn all the new features. Now I have upgraded to CS5 and I needed to get educated about all the amazing new features. I bought this book and I was going to skip over a few sections but decided not to. I am very glad i did not. I learned something from each section even the simple selecting section.

  I especially love how they gave thorough descriptions of color corrections and what all the adjustments do. LOVE this book, and also bought the InDesign Classroom book. I had bought the Adobe Design Premium Suite, so I will be buying Flash, Illustrator and other Classroom books. I had gone to a B&N and looked through other books and nothing was as good as these series. AND it from ADOBE not another Author.

  CW from MASS