The Hidden Power of Photoshop Elements 2 by Richard Lynch
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Book Reviews of The Hidden Power of Photoshop Elements 2
Book Review: Mixed: Good tools, Poor editing
Summary: 3 Stars
If you scan through the previous reviews, you will find that those folks who are familiar with the full version of Photoshop are raving about the tools provided and explained in this book. The beginning Photoshop Elements users are having a great deal of trouble. The reason: experienced users are not following along with the examples and the newbies are. Fact is, there are a large number of mistakes remaining in the book, even if you were able to find the errata on the author's book site. For example, the first big project leads you through creating color separations. There are two errors in the step-by-step instructions. One step for each is a +120 hue adjustment and the next should be -120 but the minus sign is missing. Users will find that they repeated the previous step and do not get the desired result. Additionally, the step changing one of the layer blend modes to 'screen' is omitted for each primary. The user will never get the greyscale result.
There are numerous other editing problems as well. Stuff listed as appearing in the appendix is actually in the tools, and at least one of the practice files is named incorrectly. There are numerous small linguistic errors, such as using the word 'effect' when the word 'affect' is correct. Clearly this book was rushed into print before many aspects were finalized.
That said, the tools are in fact very valuable, and the book goes well beyong simple follow-the-instructions explanation of Photoshop Elements. This sets this book apart from most others; you will know not only 'How' but 'Why'. I would recommend this as a second book to anyone who has some experience with Elements and can recognize why some of the practice instructions are not working correctly. They will also better appreciate the value of the tools.
While this book has a special section for color plates that are important for following the instructions, my impression is that a number of publishers are producing comparable yet cheaper books using color throughout.
For the first time Photoshop Elements user, I would heartily recommend Scott Kelby's book "The Photoshop Elements Book for Digital Photographers". (New Riders) This book more than covers the basics of photo retouching and enhancement and is extremely fun to read. Every page is a full color page and it's $10 bucks cheaper. You will enjoy the book and will enjoy Elements even more.
To Richard Lynch: Your work is a valuable contribution to the Photoshop community. Find a better publisher!
Book Review: Maybe Later
Summary: 3 Stars
After five nights of really trying so hard to get through this book...and I did try, I finally decided I was so lost it was time to quit and try some other book. I know I am not at the level I want to be in Elements, but just going through steps that make no sense with this book finally got to where it was not worth the effort. I'm putting this book on the shelf and finding one that doesn't assume I know the steps he leaves out. I'm very dissappointed because I really need to know this stuff :(((Book Review: HIdden Power of Photoshop Elemsnts 2
Summary: 3 Stars
Although there is useful information in this book, there were times when I just could not follow the instructions and even found some that were not complete, there were missing steps. Other times I found that there were no examples for what the author was talking about and I was left in the dark. I keep trying, but I always end up with a headache trying to figure out what the author is talking about.Book Review: Hidden Power of Photoshop Elements 2
Summary: 2 Stars
First must say all the raves you see are from professionals that have used other systems and maybe good friends of the author, as some of the reviews said, mistakes, no clear definition of way to go, confusing, believe the author once sent me an answer to a question stating he has condensed a book of 950 pages into this, Well unless your an photographic, or layout person, this book too confusing for someone starting out, I would not recommend this book to first timersBook Review: Couldnt get the software to work
Summary: 1 Stars
I had really high hopes for this book. It was either spend $650 for Photosop CS or the $30 for this book. I have other Elements books that are very helpful. What I wanted out of this book was the ability to do "curves" and "levels".
I received the book and was not able to get the software to open up and install. After emailing the publisher and going through their steps, I was in no better position. I really dont have alot of time to spend trying to rectify a defective product. I also have spoken with some others on various BB's about this and they tell the same story.
I just bought CS and am washing my hands with this product.
***Post note*** I see that Mr Lynch has responded to my review as being a "prank". How condescending! I had emailed him and received NO reply. I received a reply from the publisher and had many conversations with them, but still wasn't able to install the software. Its not that I didnt want the software to work I really did, I was looking forward to having this tool available to me.
I guess that you take your chances with anything you buy now a days.