Elaine Weinmann

A great value!

In 534 pages, Weinmann & Lourekas cover the basics of Photoshop CS 8.0, as well as the more intricate details. The guide is divided into 25 chapters, each of which focuses on a different topic. The authors start with a few introductory chapters for Photoshop newbies, and gradually get into the real nitty-gritty that is Photoshop CS.

The chapters include:
1 - The Basics
2 - Photoshop Color
3 - Startup
4 - Pixel Basics
5 - Layer Basics
6 - Select
7 - Compositing
8 - History
9 - Adjustments
10 - Choose Colors
11 - Recolor
12 - Paint
13 - Photography
14 - Gradients
15 - Layering Layers
16 - Layer Effects
17 - Masks
18 - Paths/Shapes
19 - Type
20 - Filters
21 - Liquify
22 - Automate
23 - Preferences
24 - Print
25 - Web/ImageReady

In contrast to some of the other Photoshop books I've read, "Photoshop CS for Windows & Macintosh" isn't laid out like a lesson book. It doesn't come with a CD-ROM and lesson files, nor does it present a series of steps for the reader to follow. Rather, it simply explains the different features and functions of Photoshop, with an emphasis on how to use the tools in a variety of situations. This is in welcome contrast to other Photoshop guides, which seem to teach you the base mechanics of using a tool, yet neglect to show you how you can apply this knowledge beyond the lessons presented in the book.

However, it's still possible to work through "Photoshop CS for Windows & Macintosh" as if it were divided into lessons. The chapters are roughly the same length (although there are a few noticeably shorter ones, such as Chapter 21, Liquify), so it's easy to schedule your work and actually follow through with it. I managed to knock out two chapters a day, and finished the book in about a week and a half. Simply set aside a few images to work with, and experiment with them as you read through the chapters. Although you won't have any "correct" images to compare your work to, this can actually be an advantage. There's not always a "right" and "wrong" way when it comes to graphic art, and by focusing on how to use Photoshop in a variety of situations, you learn how to apply the tools creatively and intuitively. In short, after reading "Photoshop CS for Windows & Macintosh," you'll find yourself able to tackle new projects with confidence and ease - your skill won't just be limited to tasks similar to the lessons in the book.

In addition to offering a wealth of useful information, the authors do so in an organized and pleasant manner. The layout of the book is attractive, and is filled to the brim with helpful pictures, illustrations, and screen shots. The main downside is that almost all the pictures are black and white, and printed on standard paper. Although this can make the chapters on color a bit less effective, I generally didn't mind the black and white graphics. The authors include SO MANY pictures, that to present even half of them in color would be cost-prohibitive. Indeed, at $24.99, "Photoshop CS for Windows & Macintosh" is one of the more affordable guides out there. Those Photoshop books that run a similar length yet are printed on glossy paper with full color images sell for at least twice as much. For the frugal Photoshoppers out there, this is a great value! My only gripe in regards to the pictures is that the authors include a 32-page insert of color artwork created solely in Photoshop. Although it is interesting artwork, I think that their budget for color prints would have better been spent on instructional photos instead of being used to showcase the work of a few artists.

"Photoshop CS for Windows & Macintosh" is both a helpful and comprehensible introduction to Photoshop for newbies, as well as a useful guide for the more experienced Photoshop user. Of all the books I've read, it's the only one that makes a handy reference book. Whenever I find myself stuck, it's the first book I reach for. And at a such a (relatively) low price, it gives you quite a bang for your buck!

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