Customer Reviews

Adobe Photoshop CS5 One-on-One

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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I have enjoyed and profited from every Deke McClelland book/video package I have picked up. I think one of the primary reasons I have learned so much from them is that McClelland has mastered the tool he loves to the point where he can confidently ridicule and excoriate Adobe for the anti-user experience interface decisions they foist on us. It is profoundly reassuring and encouraging, when looking at a criminally obtuse dialog, to be told by an expert that no, you are not stupid, it is the dialog that is stupid.

If anyone is thinking I am exaggerating for dramatic effect, they can take a peek at the Bridge "Save to Hard Drive." This utility is composed of a huge, yet mostly empty, two-tabbed dialog that quite conveniently automates conversion of files to JPG format without even once communicating that it has anything to do with JPGs. (!) As the author begins "Why did they make the program vast and complicated with redundant options, misleading commands, and downright ritualistically obscure functions...?"

This is precisely why you don't want to enter the Photoshop swamp without an expert guide!

The author makes a workflow suggestion that has worked well for me:
1) Read the introduction of a chapter
2) View the video
3) Return to the book to follow the lesson (always different from the video example)

Perhaps as a cost-cutting measure, O'Reilly does not include a disc with the book. The video and lesson files must be downloaded from the companion site. This was no fun. We are talking about 1.2 gigs spread across several clumsily named (chapter number out of synch with lesson number) zip files. Given the size of the downloads, it would have been good for O'Reilly to have considered separating the Windows from the Mac files so that we ALL would not have to download both formats.

But once you get into the lessons, the initial aggravation is quickly forgotten.
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The book has a lot of useless jargon. You are just to tired of Deke trying to promote [...]. It is being mentioned constantly at each chapter, enough all ready. The videos don't really match the chapters all the time. The book does give you a good description on how to do things in CS5 but sometimes you have to read on to get the point. The author points to an example but you have to continue reading another page to understand the reasoning behind it. That can be confusing. He could be a little more concise in his explanations. Also, I think it would be good to have more retouching examples done with CS5. Overall a good book but not great.

Alot of buzz has been going on with the latest version of Photoshop. There is lots new to learn and most of the time I dont have the time to really review new tools and what they have to offer. I needed a book to guide me through visually all the new features in a way that someone that is not a graphic designer could understand.

This is the book for me.

Author Deke McClelland , has done an outstanding job of writing a book that walks you through Photoshop just as if he was teaching you in a classroom or in a corporate consulting environment.

McClelland, begins by showing you how to open an image on screen; use the improved Adobe Bridge to preview and organize you digital images; determine how a photograph was captured, add copyright information and keywords; and, rename multiple images in one fell swoop. Next, the author explores ways to crop, straighten, and resize digital photographs using a small, but essential collection of tools and commands.

Then, he shows you how to select a region of an image; and, how to edit it independently of another region using Photoshop's magic wand, quick selection , lasso, and marquee tools; as well as, a few commands in the Select menu. The author continues by explaining how to use Photoshop's paint, edit, and healing tools to brush color and effects onto an image.

Next, he examines the amazing power of using Photoshop layers to isolate and manipulate parts of your image. Then, he shows you how to control, adjust, and manipulate color and luminosity in your images. The author continues by explaining the intricacies of Photoshop's most useful filters and how to use smart objects to apply effects nondestructively.

Next, he shows you how to use Photoshop's distortion tools to bend, bloat, nip, tuck, squish, and reposition the subjects of your images. Then, the author examines the Photoshop tools and features that are of particular use to professional photographers or serious amateurs who want professional results.

He continues by showing you the world of masking, starting with automated techniques and then moving on to calculations and defining precision masks via the pen tool. Next, the author shows you how to use Photoshop's text and shape tools; as well as, ways to edit text and shapes by applying formatting attributes and transformations.

This most excellent book contains a few techniques that even the experienced Photoshoppers don't know.

A great book that everyone from novices to experienced designers can learn from, a great buy!

Are you an independent graphic artist, designer or digital photographer: professional or amateur? If you are, then this book is for you. Author Deke McClelland , has done an outstanding job of writing a book that walks you through Photoshop just as if he was teaching you in a classroom or in a corporate consulting environment.

McClelland, begins by showing you how to open an image on screen; use the improved Adobe Bridge to preview and organize you digital images; determine how a photograph was captured, add copyright information and keywords; and, rename multiple images in one fell swoop. Next, the author explores ways to crop, straighten, and resize digital photographs using a small, but essential collection of tools and commands. Then, he shows you how to select a region of an image; and, how to edit it independently of another region using Photoshop's magic wand, quick selection , lasso, and marquee tools; as well as, a few commands in the Select menu. The author continues by explaining how to use Photoshop's paint, edit, and healing tools to brush color and effects onto an image. Next, he examines the amazing power of using Photoshop layers to isolate and manipulate parts of your image. Then, he shows you how to control, adjust, and manipulate color and luminosity in your images. The author continues by explaining the intricacies of Photoshop's most useful filters and how to use smart objects to apply effects nondestructively. Next, he shows you how to use Photoshop's distortion tools to bend, bloat, nip, tuck, squish, and reposition the subjects of your images. Then, the author examines the Photoshop tools and features that are of particular use to professional photographers or serious amateurs who want professional results. He continues by showing you the world of masking, starting with automated techniques and then moving on to calculations and defining precision masks via the pen tool. Next, the author shows you how to use Photoshop's text and shape tools; as well as, ways to edit text and shapes by applying formatting attributes and transformations. Finally, the author covers topics related to inkjet printing, professional output, and CMYK color conversion.

This most excellent book contains a few techniques that even the experienced Photoshoppers don't know. You'll have to read the book to find out what they are!!.

Very disappointed in Deke`s Photoshop CS5 book. I looked forward to it. Since it didn't come out for 4 MONTHS AFTER CS5's intro, I "just knew," by then, it would have a GREAT section on the new EXTENDED features - especially REPOUSSE. But, not a word .. 99% the reason I bought it!

By the time Deke's book came out I already had several of the "regular" CS5 books (none with extended's features). So, I didn't want "just another CS5 book."

I`ve now added it to my "non-active book pile" and will use it little. Deke`s, like the other non-Extended books, was doubtless written well before the new extended features were revealed. But, 4 months after the intro, you`d expect the Hottest NEW Photoshop features to be in it.
Most Photoshop users probably are not Extended users. But, Deke's book was touted as the "be-all-end-all premier PS-CS5 book. It's not.

TWO MORE THINGS THAT WOULD HAVE MADE IT BETTER:

1) Bigger Print and graphics for those over 21.
2) Fewer words: Many authors like to hear themselves talk and brag about how many pages their book is. But, most 500 page books would be more effective if the author were FORCED to edit it down to 300 pages. The
TWO PS-CS5 BOOKS I HIGHLY recommend:
a
1) "TEACH YOURSELF VISUALLY." Big print and big, clear, color visuals with short, "how to do" explanations. (No long-winded folksie jargoneese). (However, it doesn't cover Extended).
2) 3D In PHOTOSHOP." Here's the Extended book you've been waiting for.

Deke is truly a respected Photoshop expert. And, I'm sorry to write this negative report. But, it's my honest, truthful opinion.

Dealing with Amazon is a pleasure. Good prices, always delivered on time, or before, and you can easily track the shipment and delivery date. I'm no patsy for Amazon but, that's the truth.

I have been using Photoshop for years. I am very good at the very basic operations. Each new edition requires a learning curve, and so far I feel that this book is making it an easier go. I may have to amend this review after I get past the 3rd chapter, but so far it is clear, useful and enjoyable. I have already learned more than the basics and hope to be able to use all the neat stuff I am SURE is in PS....somewhere!

I'm just starting to learn from this book and the down-loadable videos. The reason I'm writing at this time is simply because I am highly impressed with the teaching method employed. It seems to me as a possible model for the public school system. It would not only cut costs, it would improve the quality of teaching. Readers of this review may wish to purchase this book just because it makes learning easier than traditional methods.

Okay, here is the start: I took one evening to download the video lessons while I cooked dinner and ate. Then I registered for the weekly newsletter at [...]. This week the newsletter featured a professional method of fixing red eye. Readers also post comments and questions on the website.

Also, the text suggests we visit the website [...]. This is a library featuring tons of course material available to students paying by the month up to a year. You may want to know this for future studies, but for this "One-on-One" course it is not useful.

Lesson 1: Starts with browsing in the Bridge. There are also "PEARL OF WISDOM" notations and a section called "EXTRA CREDIT." The video takes up the slack by demonstrating important features that are covered in the text.

I will update this review as I make progress in learning.

Deke was the #1 Photoshop guru before Scott Kelby hit the scene, and his in-depth knowledge shows in this book, which sometimes delves so deeply into exotic techniques that it's difficult for a beginner to keep up. Even so, the information is easy to absorb and if you stick to it you'll be rewarded with Photoshop expertise that you simply can't get from other guidebooks. Lesson 10 on Creating and Applying masks should be read by everyone. We can all improve our skills here, and through the other lessons in this valuable resource.

Using this book in class. I enjoy the video downloading of each chapter onto my pc. I can review the material whenever I want.

I am learning Photoshop and this book is a good tool for training with supportive videos to introduce each section.