Customer Reviews

Adobe Photoshop Master Class: John Paul Caponigro (2nd Edition)

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The shelves are loaded with books about Photoshop. Now with the release of 6.0, there will be many more. Unfortunately nearly all of these books focus exclusively on how to use this powerful and complex tool. Very little is said about the artistic and creative potential that it contains. Unfortunately, just because you can do something with Photoshop, it doesn't mean that you should.

This book is diferent! Mr. Caponigro approaches Photoshop as a painter approaches his canvas and palette. The book is profusely illustrated with examples of the beauty that can be created in this new world of digital image manipulation. Not only does it illustrate the results that can be obtained, but it also gives a concise explanation of the tools used. Furthermore, The book reflects the changes of release 6.0.

"Master Class" is well worth owning for its beauty even if you are not a Photoshop user. Looking at these illustrations however, will certainly encourage many to embark on the journey toward mastery of this exciting new artistic medium.

I first saw John Paul Caponigro's images 3 years ago and thought he was an exceptional artist. His book describes some of the Photoshop techniques he uses to create his art, a melding of traditional photography with digital techniques. I especially enjoyed the chapters on creating atmospheric perspective, compositing images, creating shadows and generating symmetry. He also offers a different perspective on how to use many of the Photoshop tools.

This is not a book for a beginner wanting to learn Photoshop ('Classroom in a Book' is my suggestion), nor perhaps for an intermediate (I recommend 'Photoshop Artistry') but for someone who is familiar with the program and who wants to learn the techniques of a highly skilled artist 'Master Class' is a good choice. Some may find his musings on his artistic choices too Zen-like but if you like his art you'll probably love the book. I certainly did.

John Paul Caponigro's books is a most refreshing addition to the vast array of Photoshop books available today. Crammed full with hands on, most competent technical advice (e.g. on how to get your whole computer setup properly calibrated) this books is full of creative and inspiring ideas for photographers who like to add some more digital "punch" to their work.
Today we are getting drowned in PhotoShop "How-To", "Magic" and all sorts of titles, but there are only very, very few books for those who are looking for new ways to solve problems and get more out of their photos using Adobe Photoshop.
This book is especially useful for landscape photographers, but Caponigro's ideas can be transferred to other subject areas as well. Many of John Paul Caponigro's images are outright Daliesque (surrealistic) and can start an avalanche of new ideas in one's brain.
A most profitable read for many photographers, but it definitely is no book for PhotoShop beginners. A definite 5-star...

John Paul's understand of and passion with Photoshop is quite evident. His references, examples, explanations are unique in the sence that it brings out the readers comprehension of not only what should be done, but, most importantly, why!

This is the book that intermediate, advanced and professional Photoshop users have been waiting for, and will keep next to their computer, at all times, for easy reference.

The approach that the author takes in regards to Photoshop is refreshing. this is not a how to use Photoshop book (even though it does include some step by step experiments), but a why book. I would recommend this book for users who already have a good grasp of what the tools are and how to use them, it is not for the casual user. This book expanded my vision of how to use photoshop creatively and coupled it with traditional photographic techniques. Bravo to John Paul Caponigro on this one of a kind book!

...don't make a mistake thinking that this is a Photoshop tutorial book -- it is definitely not! This is primarily a digital art book, not a technique book. While the book has some Photoshop information, Photoshop is important only for showing how Paul uses it to fulfil his artistic intent. A such, the book would be better placed under art instead of computer rubric.

The book is primarily about visual aesthetics, inspiration, artistic vision, and only then about using Photoshop to translate these into images. In my own pursuit of making digital fine art images, I found that no amount of knowledge of curves, layers, levels, and masks will teach you how to create the visual magic. Yet, by getting a glimpse of how Paul creates his brand of magic, you may discoved your own way of expressing yourself visually. His book certainly gave me many avenues to explore and a promise of many more to be discovered. If you like them as I did, you might be interested in understanding some of the aspects that led to their creation. Then -- read Paul's book.

Please note, that you don't have to know Photoshop to appreciate Paul's work and his book. But if you want to apply his techniques, master Photoshop fisrt by reading many other great books on the subject.

To sum of us Photoshop is more than a tool but an experience. Photoshop allows the creator to expand on their vision. To grow past the limitation of the analog and into a domain that has few visual limitations. This book is a great guide to that experience. I had the good fortune of seeing Mr. John Paul Caponigro lecture several years ago ;hence, was very pleased with the completion of his book. He opened my eyes and my mind to concepts and capabilities both at his lecture and with the book. The book is detailed, insightful and revealing. However, It is not a document for the beginner but for someone that wanted to expand their creative skill to a level they did not know was there.

The book is divided into 2 sections. The 1st part is the technical part which familarizes you with the techniques the author uses most. The 2nd section focuses on his art,his vision, and the technical details of how his images are accomplished.

The Technical section was superb;in the other 4 or 5 photoshop books I've read, I've never had Curves explained to me so thoroughly. His larger and more 'artistic' section is very interesting also, although at times he feels and sounds like a crazy artist, his superb techical skills make the book informative and worthwhile regardless of whether you connect with his work.

This book isn't for beginners. Like Bert Monroy's Photorealistic Techniques book, the author shares with the reader his hobby, passion, and years of experience. Those working with photos as their chief source material, especially those combining photographs, will benefit the most from John Caponigro's expertise.

Before I read this book, I didn't know a thing about Photoshop. John Paul Caponigro's unprecedented images, his engaging prose commentary on his own work, and his lucid descriptions of basic and advanced techniques alike made this book a pleasure to read and gaze upon. There is something here for everyone interested in Photoshop; and until his monograph is released in a year, this book offers the first chance to peruse a wide selection of his images in book form. A treat for my eyes and my curiosity.

This book was great! The author is such an excellent artist with really unique techinics and he truly expresses his insight. A really great assest and a great job!