Customer Reviews

Photoshop Elements 4 Solutions: The Art of Digital Photography

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

 

 

Previously, I was using Elements 3 and depended on the Adobe manual. Now, after upgrading to Elements 4, I decided to look for a book. I had several criteria in mind; it had to have step-by-step examples including the example images, it had to be concise with no fluff and it had to cover all of the new features. This book exceeded my expectations.

I wanted to apply the new pan and zoom effect to my slide shows and after following the book's example, I can now do it on my own.

Also, I received a new digital camera for Xmas that can save images in the RAW format. This book showed me how to edit them.

I'm one happy camper.

This edition of Photoshop Elements 4 Solutions is a disappointment. It is basically the same book as the Elements 3 book without the Mac information. There is little new. Even some new features of 4 are not covered at all such as "Defringe" even though it is mentioned on the back cover. If you have the 3 edition do not waste your money on this one.

Mikkel Aaland's new book provides excellent coverage of all the new Elements 4 features including step-by-step examples. These examples include the new Pan and Zoom slide show feature, Magic Extractor, Skin Tones Adjustment, RAW image support, improved Color Management and more. Another nice feature is that example images are provided for all of the exercises.

Photoshop Elements integrates well with Premiere Elements and if you want to take advantage of this to put your slide show or multiple slide shows on a DVD, this book is for you. If you don't plan on using Premiere Elements, the book includes instructions for creating a DVD without it. Also, if you want to turn a single slide into a collage of several images, the book shows you how.

I've skimmed through many of the other Elements 4 books before choosing this one, and after going through the first half of the book, I can't wait for the second half.

Aaland is an excellent writer, since he simplifies somewhat complicated procedures and gives specific examples the reader can try with his own program and computer, and in the process learn how to deal with similar problems with his/her own photos. However, there are differences between the PC and the Mac versions of PSE 4, and (especially for beginning image editors) confusion of terms (or missing terms - for the Mac) will not prove helpful. Michael - how about the Mac version of the book??? Why stop with #3? Bainbridge did the same thing with her "Missing Manual". The Mac is still the platform of choice for creative and scientific work, and the numbers are increasing. Where's the beef (book) for Mac users??

Excellent book. Down to earth with easy-to-follow instructions. None of the distracting and annoying comments and attempts at humor in some other Photoshop books. Clear writing, many color illustrations. Reasonable price.

If you're new to Photoshop and want to learn how to use Photoshop Elements 4, this is the book for you. Buy the book; take the time to read it carefully, and you'll soon become a Photoshop Elements expert.

Thanks to Mikkel Aaland (the author) and Sybex (the publisher) for such an excellent book.

To take advantage of all the information Aaland provides, you should be serious about photography and be beyond the stage of using a typical point-and-shoot camera.

Gordon Padwick

Aaland applies the latest upgrade of Adobe's entry-level image editor to digital photography skillfully and thoroughly, providing the best coverage of Elements 4.0 available. I learned a lot from this book.

Digital photographers find digital editing software an essential key to producing professional-quality photos, and Photoshop has emerged as the program of choice for such editing routines. The original Photoshop was cumbersome and expensive, however, so Photoshop Elements, at a fraction of the price, is of more appeal to general users, and PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 4 SOLUTIONS: THE ART OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY is an excellent starting point for photographers who would get the most from the program. From sharing photos via TV to producing high-quality slide shows, using Photomerge for panoramic scenes, and new templates for advanced organization, PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 4 SOLUTIONS is a top pick.

A pretty good resource book, however some topics are not described in enough detail.