Adobe Photoshop CS3 Classroom in a Book by Adobe Creative Team
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Book Reviews of Adobe Photoshop CS3 Classroom in a Book
Book Review: De-mystify Photoshop
Summary: 5 Stars
Adobe Photoshop is an incredible tool...if you know how to use it. Like many people, before I read this book, I was able to do some basic Photoshop tasks--cropping, moving, or resizing graphics--and some work with layers and color correction. However, I often left Photoshop wondering why the program wasn't more user friendly. There were many tools I'd never used and others I'd been using incorrectly. The available online Photoshop tutorials I tried often left me frustrated with the level and quality of instruction. Then, I stumbled up on the Adobe Classroom in a Book series and found exactly what I was looking for.
Adobe Photoshop CS3 Classroom in a Book is organized as 14 separate, step-by-step lessons appropriate for Photoshop users of beginning to intermediate skill levels. The book begins with fundamental concepts and techniques to build the beginning user's foundational knowledge of the tool. The instruction incorporates best practice uses for the tools and illustrates multiple ways of accomplishing the same tasks. The procedures for each project are clearly detailed, and, even though some tasks are repeated across projects, the authors never skip steps, helping the user commit basic procedures to memory through repetition. The projects increase in difficulty, building on techniques learned in previous chapters. To appeal to users of different skill levels, the book also provides "extra credit" sections to further explore techniques in more complex scenarios. For difficult concepts, the cd-rom provides QuickTime videos with further instruction.
The true test of any training is how well the learner implements their learning on the job. For me, the transfer of knowledge from the "classroom" to my graphic projects has been seamless. I no longer feel lost when I'm using Photoshop, and the quality of graphics I'm able to produce has greatly improved. Because the quality of instruction in this book was so high, I've begun purchasing other books in this series to build my knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite.
Book Review: Well organized lessons and subject matter thoroughly covered
Summary: 5 Stars
Adobe Photoshop CS3 Classroom in a Book is a beneficial book for both newcomers to the Photoshop world as well as seasoned Photoshop users. The book is divided into individual lessons -- beginning with a basic introduction to the Photoshop work area including the menu bar, tool bar and palettes, and concluding with a discussion of printing and color space. An enclosed CD contains all the image files needed to follow along with each lessons. Every lesson folder contains a completed image indicating your goal, a starting image to work from, as well as any complimentary images needed.
I am a self-taught Photoshop user, and I hoped this book would teach me more technically efficient ways to use filters, layers, and masked. I was pleased with the methods recommended by the authors, as well as happy to learn many new image editing tools. Each lesson thoroughly covers the intended subject area.
I particularly liked the organization of this book. All lessons (chapters) in the book are taught using the same format, so you get into a routine as you peruse through the book. Every chapter begins with an estimated time to complete the lesson, and I thought the time estimate was realistic.
There is a lot of subject matter included in this 478 page book, so plan to take your time if you want to cover every lesson. This book works better as a teaching tool, than a desktop reference manual.
I highly recommend this book to Photoshop beginners because of the thorough step-by-step approach to learning the material, as well as intermediate Photoshop users who will learn many new techniques. Both PC and MAC commands are clearly stated.
Book Review: Classroom in a Book, a novice's tool
Summary: 5 Stars
I am completely new to a photo editing program like Photoshop CS3 Using the book "Classroom in a Book" has made the learning process so much simpler. Lesson material used is present so that you can see exactly what is being presented in the lesson by comparing what you have done with the pictures presented with the text. You are provided with an overview of what you are expected to learn at the start of the lesson. Then you are taken step by step through the procedure. The text is written in a way that is easy to understand and not written as if you were an experienced photographer. Having been a classroom instructor I appreciate the manner in which the material is prsented. I have not felt overwhelmed by the material.Book Review: An excellent basic manual
Summary: 5 Stars
The book comes with a CD of images for the lessons and video examples. Even though I have used PS for years, I rolled up my sleeves and did every lesson in order -- except the last two, which pertain to video and commercial printing which don't interest me. Even with my experience I was constantly saying, ,"I didn't know you could do that!" The book is clearly written and beautifully illustrated. An excellent introductory Adobe Photoshop CS3 Classroom in a Bookonce-over to help you get a grip on the power of PS and to point the way to further experimentation.Book Review: How about "wonderful in a book" ?
Summary: 5 Stars
I had been looking for something that taught the basics and purchased the dummies book a week or so prior. I like doing tutorials online but they always skip steps. This book has been a lifesaver because it gives you the tools and practical applications. This is without a doubt, for this person anyway, the best book out there to actually learn how to use PS. I wish I had seen it prior to purchasing Dummies, I haven't even cracked that book since I go this one. I love the lessons and step-by-step instructions!