Customer Reviews

Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book

5 star:		(43)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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 '

I am an advanced photographer and have used Photoshop for years. This is the third edition of Classroom in a book for me and I was disappointed. The authors used several of the same old photos. Worse from my viewpoint is that several of the lessons were quite complex with no explanation of the reason for each of the steps. It is like a cookbook which is only useful for making the included recipes but not for learning how to cook. I think the Scott Kelby books are much more useful (and fun). Even the Martin Evening books which I don't like because the print is too small for my tired old eyes and can be rather dry are better than this effort.

Maybe a designer would find the book more useful but in my opinion Photographers should avoid it.

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!

Speaking as an Adobe Certified Photoshop Instructor, I think the Photoshop CS5 book is terrific. If you don't understand workspaces, selections and layers, you will not get very far in Photoshop. This book does an excellent job of teaching the basics, and then allows you to continue on to learn masking, working with type, compositing and more. Sure, there are some areas that could use a little more explanation, but that's why we choose to use them in our online Photoshop classes. When you combine this book (or any of the Classroom in a Book titles) with an experienced instructor, there are simply no better materials out there. I've been using the series since I started teaching Photoshop version 3, and my students have always loved the exercises and given very high ratings to the books. So far, Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book has been very well received by our students at Rocky Mountain Training.

The content of this book is excellent and it's a superb introduction to Photoshop CS5. It employs a 'learn by do' method mostly, which is staple across the CIAB series. The idea is to whet the appetite to learn more by actually applying the program in practical examples rather than explaining the every function and feature of Photoshop (after all, that's what the manual that ships with the program is for right?).

So anyway, on to the eBook lesson file issue that is causing such controversy on Amazon. This solution holds at least for all Classroom in a Book editions of CS5 programs.

Buy the eBook. Then, on your chosen reader, scroll to the END of the eBook and scroll back page by page. Very close to the end you will find a section in caps titled WHERE ARE THE LESSON FILES?

Very clear instructions follow about how to go to the publishers website (PeachPit) and download the full files associated with that particular text.

Granted, it would've been smarter to list these instructions at the beginning of the book rather than the end, but the good thing is they are there and fully included with each Classroom in a Book eBook for CS5.

Enjoy.

EDIT 26-1-11: My guess is that given that the files are not to be given away freely until purchase, they are placed at the back of the eBook so that they are not included with the sample first pages that are given away freely as incentive to buy.

I was arrogant when I looked at this book and thought that it might be too simple. After all, I'd been using Photoshop for a few years and was only upgrading versions, wasn't I? Well, when I actually sat down and started working through it patiently, I found that I was wrong to be so arrogant. The book may look simple aty first glance, but it is quite carefully constructed to build up a nice balance of information in an easy way. From the start, I was finding myself learning little tricks and new shortcuts.

For me, there were two gains to be had from this book. The first is that I was several Photoshop versions behind and it was truly helping me to learn new features. The second is that I was nevertheless getting set in my ways and was overlooking shortcuts which would make my life easier. For example, I thought that I knew all about selections. Yet I had never used the spacebar to move the selection around at the same time as I was making it (don't laugh at me!).

So, unless you're an absolute super guru, I think that if you are patient enough to work through the lessons in this book then you will get a lot out of it.

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.

I have been taking college level Photoshop classes since Summer 2008. "Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book" is an excellent manual for beginners who wish to learn to effectively use Photoshop. While this book is titled for the CS5 version of Photoshop, I believe much of what is taught here is applicable to CS4 and (to a lesser extent) CS3. If you read each chapter, use the photo examples provided on the CD, and do the work while reading, you will learn how to perform Photoshop functions.

This is a fabulous instruction manual for those of you who, like me, have difficulty learning from "How To" books. It is clearly written with illustrations everywhere to keep you on track. Occasionally information is left out, like where to find certain tools, but you can look that info up in the index. The lessons are challenging and interesting, and though I know CS3 quite well, I have learned SO much I didn't know before. It is written in layman's language, so puzzling over Adobe's annoyingly clever tech-speak is not a problem. I highly recommend "Classroom in a Book" to those of you who are serious about learning and are willing to diligently complete every chapter.

I purchased this book for my Photoshop class at my college. It's so good it really negates the need for a teacher. Simple to follow, and the techniques really stick.