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The A-Z of Creative Photography
by Lee Frost

Traditional photographers also still have plenty of new books to pick from, and one of the better new ones from AMPHOTO BOOKS is; The A-Z of Creative Photography, by Lee Frost. This is an excellent book for everyone from beginner to advanced photographer. With over 70 photo techniques explained and illustrated on its160 soft cover pages, this new book will help everyone with all areas of their work, and it will also remind advanced photographers of many things they probably have forgotten over the years. It is priced at only US$24.95, and more than worth it. (Reviewed June 2004)
 

A Memoir up to 2009--what does his future hold for him?  Interesting!  Comical!  Entertaining!  Encouraging!  A non-traditional approach to helping yourself!  From starting a photography studio in the back bedroom of his parent's home,  to becoming the most famous wedding photographer in America, to his "storybook" system of wedding photography which was  transformed into a software company, to the invention of the Lightsphere (photography equipment used worldwide), Gary takes you with him over the course of his life and his accomplishments--mishaps and all.  And along the way, he'll help you to see with a different perspective and guide you with tidbits on how to improve your own life and business.  This is a must read!

One of my favorite passages from Gary's book is this..."When you're passionately preparing for one thing, the universe may be preparing you for something else. As long as you're actively and creatively preparing for something, you're usually on the right track."  

Text: A+
Layout: A+
Photography: Few--not relative
User: All Photographers and Non-photographers
(Reviewed by M. Meier April 2010)

 

As Sheppard points out in his preface, there are a lot of books that are more technical than this one, and others that cover just the basics. The author felt there was a need for a book that addressed the needs of just the photographer, showing him or her what Raw can and can't do .

Too often we hear that Raw is the answer to all of our problems, that we can, in effect, be a little less careful with our exposures and other technical aspects of our photo taking, because Raw is there to rescue us. While the author demonstrates how Raw can improve the taken image, he does emphasizes the need to get it right when you take the picture.

The book is loaded with real life examples of how Raw can help you if you are a digital photographer and how to get the best out of your images and the best out of the Raw processor and to develop an effective workflow to make your life easier.

This 9 X 8 inch softcover book has 354 pages and retails for US$39.95. It is distributed by Wiley & Sons. www.wiley.com
I rate it: A (MF) 
(Reviewed November, 2006)

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Among the sea of Photoshop how-to books, a training book that stands out amongst the others is McCelland's One-on-One book.  The book is structured in a logical progression of skills, each reinforced with exercises and frequent "What did we learn" questions. Educators will recognize the strategy, which is one reason so many teachers are using this book in the classroom. The videos accompanying the chapters can either be run in class with follow-up questions and class participation in hands-on exercises or they can be assigned as homework in preparation for the next class's presentation.  Of course, it is these strengths that make this an excellent book for learning Photoshop if you decide to go it alone.

The book does not just cover the basics, however. It also delves  into some of the more complicated and often unexplored tools and techniques. If you have ever had a question about how to do something in PhotoShop, this book can probably get you going in the right direction. Even the most seasoned Photoshop worker will learn something new.

The only criticism of the book comes from a colleague who felt that McCelland did not spend enough time with the photography end of things, spending more time than needed on preparation for four-color printing. Nonetheless, even this person recommended the book for anyone wanting to more about Photoshop, because of its presentation, structure and depth. It's a softcover book with 488 pages. It retails at $39.95US.
I rate it: A++
(Reviewed Sept. 2004)

Adobe^® Photoshop^® CS2 A-Z: Tools and Features Illustrated Ready Reference and Adobe^® Photoshop^® 3.0 Elements A-Z: Tools and Features Illustrated Ready Reference
by Philip Andrews

These books are perfect for quick, basic references to their respective Adobe programs.  Listed alphabetically are all of the tools, options and menus within each program. These Photoshop and Photoshop Elements dictionaries use brief explanations and small (but quality) images to explain their entries.  Both of these books are perfect for the person who is just learning Adobe Photoshop and wants to look up the fundamental use and purpose of a tool, and not be overwhelmed with complex and advanced techniques and project ideas.
192 pages (Elements), 256 pages (CS2), 10 x 7.5 inches, Focal Press (2005), Paperback, US$24.95
I rate them both A+
(Reviewed Dec. 2005)

Adobe^® Photoshop^® CS2 for Photographers: A Professional Image Editor's Guide to the Creative Use of Photoshop for the Macintosh and PC by Martin Evening

Adobe Photoshop is a very complex program that continues to grow with each new version. Evening's most recent edition of this book, covering CS2,  is packed full of all the latest features and instructive information on key elements of this program from color management to printing.

Chapter One explains the new tools and options available in the CS2 version for those already somewhat familiar with Photoshop who need a reference book and update to the new version. You'll find invaluable information on Bridge, the new file browser that is set to become a very useful image management tool for photographers, the new Digital Negative (DNG) file format, improvements in Camera Raw file processing and High Dynamic Range (32 bit) imaging.

The entire book is loaded with lists, diagrams, and explanation of the techniques a photographer desires. These are not just the basic abilities of Photoshop, but the many creative ways to use the tools as a photographer; the tools are taken to the second or third step past their intended use. With color coded pages for easy chapter reference (organized by purpose), the photographer can easily look up the information required. A free CD for Mac and PC is also included which has 30 pages of Photoshop Shortcuts, video tutorials and many of the images used in the tutorials throughout the book. This is a great, updated reference book for either the novice or experienced Photoshop user.

This book is a must-have for any photographer serious about editing his or her images.
704 pages, 10 x 7.5 inches, Focal Press (May 2005), Paperback
US$44.95    
I rate it: A+++ 
(Reviewed Dec. 2005)

Each edition gets thicker and heavier, but here's a important tip: If you have the previous editions don't throw them away and don't lose their DVDs. Because of space constraints, Evening and his publishers have left some things out from older versions in order to add the new stuff. I have found that some of the tutorials I use for my classroom can only be found in earlier books, even though they work the same way in the CS5.

Yet one more update on a previously reviewed book (check it out) which gets better each edition.

Not intended as a how-to book, it nonetheless is a book that can be used by beginner and pro alike when an explanation and example is needed for an unfamiliar tool. Laid out like an encyclopedia, it is in fact just that, easy to use to find the tool you are looking for and easy to understand with great illustrations throughout.

A must-have reference book for every Photoshop user.

I rate it : A++++  (MF)
(Reviewed Sept. 2007)

Here is the newest edition of this popular author's book, adding new insights into old tools and in-depth study of some of the new ones. As we mentioned in the previous review, this one too gets heavier with each edition. We have also reviewed this book in depth previously (check it out), so we won't go into much more detail. Suffice it to say this is the Photoshop book for Photographers that sets the standard for all others to follow.

I would like to mention something exceptional about this book. It is richly written, full of information and techniques. It is not merely a "How-to" book; Evening explains Photoshop far deeper than most other authors. I was recently asked to compare this book with another Photoshop for Photographers book, from the prospective of a instructor using both in the classroom, with the objective (I understood) of improving Evening's book. You have to be kidding! Which would you rather see as an instructor, especially one whose current curriculum must include literacy as a competency, Moby Dick in its original form or the comic book version of it?

Yes, it is a dense book, full of words! But there are also highly useful and interesting tutorials as well. While many students groan when I assign a chapter for reading because its length and all of words, nearly all of them who actually read it come back in awe. Not only because of the depth of Photoshop as a program, but also because of the breadth and depth of Evening's exploration of the program in an understandable style.

What changes would I make as a user, student and teacher of Photoshop? Martin, please, please, please, if you are going to hook our interest in one of your tutorials with images of beautiful fashion models, then would you be so kind as to include them on your DVD so we can work along side of you? Or maybe your website? It can be very frustrating to us all, not to have a image to play with as we work through a tutorial, but instead have to imagine it being done. Sorry, for many of us understanding and memory is in our hands. We have to do it to get it.

I don't want to leave you, the reader, with the idea that this is the norm throughout the book. It is the exception rather than the rule. And, this may be nitpicking on my part, but still I would really like to have an image of a model against a white background to work on when you are discussing removing color casts in images of models against a white background.
 

I rate this book: A++++(MF)
(Reviewed Sept. 2007)

See Review Above....This book is the bible that should come with Photoshop CS4 when you purchase the program. It is even more in depth than the book listed above. For anyone wanting to know everything about Photoshop and the latest version, this is the book.

Text: A+
Layout: A+
Photography: A
User: Intermediate to Advanced Photographers(Reviewed by EP - Feb. 2009)

The previous CS4 books mentioned in this review are all published by Focal Press. This book is an Adobe Press book. This book covers the basics of using Photoshop and covers them briefly. The Essential Techniques included in this book are everything from Discovering the Application Bar, to Learning the Camera Raw Interface, to Using Smart Filters. The book is intended for the new Photoshop users as a beginning manual. The photos included adequately show a window or view of the screen for quick recognition, but the low black and white quality would not help the user better understand how to fix/change/adjust an image.

Text: A
Layout: A
Photography: B
User: Beginning Photoshop Users
(Reviewed by EP - Feb. 2009)

 

This is the updated version of previous A-Z guides offered by Philip Andrews and Focal Press. Intended as a reference book, the reader can easily access a variety of tools and techniques at their desire. A great resource for the teacher, student, or individual who has a basis in Photoshop, but occasionally needs a quick reminder or explanation of Photoshop language.

Text: A+
Layout: A+
Photography: A
User: All Photoshop Users
(Reviewed by EP - April 2009)

Jeff Schewe is a professional photographer and digital imager and Martin Evening is a best-selling Photoshop author.

Building on Martin Evening's successful Adobe Photoshop for Photographers series of titles, the two authors have created this book for the photographer who wants to further develop their skills in Photoshop CS4 including retouching, photomontage, and professional digital photography. They use images, diagrams, and never-before-seen tips and techniques to explain the powerful tools available in this program, many of which are illustrated using photographs are taken from real-life professional shoots.

Text: A+
Layout: A+
Photography: A+
User: Intermediate Photographers and Photoshop Users
(Reviewed by EP - April 2009)

This book emphasizes the technique of layering in digital art. “Layers, Photoshop’s most powerful feature, is the core of a nondestructive image-editing work flow.” Layers are the key to making changes that are adjustable and non-permanent. If a Photoshop user can truly understand the potential use of layers, they have a list of infinite possibilities. Each chapter builds upon the previous and includes a “Try it now” section for the reader to exercise their newly learned skills. This book could be used as either a textbook for learning Photoshop or as a reference for the intermediate user wanting to learn specific techniques with layers.

Text: A+
Layout: A
Photography: A
User: Intermediate Photoshop Users
(Reviewed by EP - April 2009)

Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 A-Z
By Philip Andrews

We have previously reviewed Philip Andrews’ Photoshop books and this version is of equal quality.  This is one of Andrews’ “A-Z” books, it is not a tutorial book, but a quick reference for the tools and features Elements 4.0 has to offer.  Listed alphabetically, they are adequately described and illustrated, often with a before and after image.  Photoshop Elements is no longer an elementary or simple program, it has become a advanced and complete photo-editing and photo-managing program making this a necessary desktop resource for digital photographers.
224 pages, Focal Press  (March 9, 2006), Paperback, US$24.95
I rate this book A++
(Reviewed Aug. 2006)

This book is created by the same author as the above, only it is meant for the more experienced digital photographer. This book helps advanced photographers understand how to use Elements 7 to achieve professional results, which used to only be possible with the full version of Photoshop. Very detailed and thorough explanations are a guarantee with this book.

Text: A+
Layout: A
Photography: A
User: Intermediate to Advanced Photographers

Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 for Photographers
by Philip Andrews

First Review Above....This is to Elements what Evening's book is to Photoshop. Andrews, another Elements guru, provides the "Bible" for Elements users.

Text: A++
Layout: A
Photography: A
User: All Photographers
(Reviewed by MF - Aug. 2010)

With each new release of Photoshop Elements the program meets more and more of digital photographers' requirements.  As Galen points out in this excellent how-to book, there are usually a variety of ways to reach the required outcome. This book gives the reader a road map to how to use the tools Elements has to reach the same goals that might be used in the full version of Photoshop. I was impressed by the variety of techniques discussed that I thought could only be done in Photoshop.

This book is well written with carefully planned-out tutorials that explain each step with illustrations to go along. The book also comes with a DVD that is full of support tutorial movies, images that are used in the book's tutorials and a slew of royalty free images.

If you doubt that Elements might by a cheaper but just as effective alternative to Photoshop, you need to see Mark Galer's book.

This soft cover book is about 9.5 X 7.5  inches, with 296 pages, retails for US$29.95 and is distributed by Focal Press at www.focalpress.com  
I rate it: A++ (MFulks)
(Reviewed November, 2006)

Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 Maximum Performance: Unleash the Hidden Performance of Elements
by Mark Galer

This book covers some of the most advanced post-processing techniques using Photoshop Elements. Author, Mark Galer, shows you elegant work-arounds for projects that most would have thought only possible in the full blown Photoshop. Some of the projects include creating a shallow depth of field, creating light shafts on a landscape, motion blur, and more. Each project includes not only images with the steps being applied and text describing the steps to take, but also shows the illustrations of the menus and tools used in the process. Compared to the previous book, this one is not as step-by-step organized as far as layout, but has a lot more depth information in each instruction. The book includes a CD with additional images to practice the techniques demonstrated.

Ratings:
Text: A+
Layout: A
Photography: A
User: Intermediate to Advanced Photographers
(Reviewed by EP - Feb. 2008)

 

Previous Review Above....This book takes the advanced photographer further than the above book. It shows the user that Elements 7 can definitely take Elements to the professional and creative levels of the full version of Photoshop.

Text: A+
Layout: A
Photography: A
User: Advanced Photographers
(Reviewed by MF)

 

First Review Above....Here is the definitive Elements book showing all the workarounds to doing almost anything in Elements you can do in Photoshop. If you are not a believer yet, check this out. You will be surprised!

Text: A++
Layout: A+
Photography: A
User: All Photographers
(Reviewed by MF - Aug. 2010)

This book is a very complete manual on Photoshop Elements 7. Although it is designed for the less-experienced digital photographer, any photographer could use it to better understand the capabilities of Elements. Not designed as a quick reference, this text has very detailed explanations of the concepts of both the Photoshop Elements and digital photography image editing in general.

Text: A+
Layout: A
Photography: A
User: Beginning to Intermediate Photographers

The Adobe Photoshop Layers Book
By Richard Lynch

When using Photoshop to enhance a photograph, manipulate an image, or create a work of art, using layers can be the best way to create a finished product which is the least degraded.  Usually Photoshop books cover layers in one chapter or less as just a part of the whole program. This book recognizes the need for understanding layers in order to be a successful Photoshop user.  Broken down into the layers of a Dagwood-style sandwich, the author explains the use of layers for composites, effects, area isolation, blending and more. Maybe because of the specific topic of the book, the text seems to be stretched out in order to make the book seem bigger.  There is a lot of text and a large margin, that could have been filled with more diagrams or images. You can’t just look at a set of facing pages and immediately get the gist of what’s being explained. This book is ideal for the Photoshop user wanting to better understand the purpose of using layers.

I rate this book:  A (EP)
(Reviewed Sept. 2007)

One of the Advantages of Lightroom 1.1 is that it is so well designed and incredibly easy to figure out that many photographers will get lazy and not take advantage of the powerful tools in the program. While there is a wealth of information online, as well as the Lightroom user guide, which has some misinformation leftover from the 1.0 version guide, the focus of this book is using Lightroom 1.1 in a working environment. Many parts of the book are based upon questions that appear on the Adobe User 2 User Forum, indicating that there is something about how Lightroom works that isn’t as simple as it seems. The purpose of this book is to guide the user beyond the simple obvious tools and lead them into using Lightroom 1.1 in a way that will get them the maximum benefit from this program. Like other Focal Press books, this book is well organized, well illustrated, and well written. For any of us who like to have a hard copy book to read through in a comfortable chair or to sit next to our desk as we explore a new or unfamiliar program, this book more than meets this need.  

RATING
Text: A+
Layout: A+
Photography: A
User: All Photographers and Non-Photographers
(Reviewed by EP March 2008)