Photoshop CS4 For Dummies [Paperback]

As a new person starting from scratch this book does not give the detail required for learning. I felt it would apply more to someone who has been using photoshop for some time and this book explains a few handy tips. It was not much help at all for me as a beginner

Although I previously had CS2 and CS3 I decided to start from "ground zero" with a CS4 "Dummies" book; I have had good luck with this series and found this book to be valuable regardless of whether you are a first time Photoshop user or migrating from a previous version. However, this book may not be advanced and detailed enough for very advanced users of previous versions.

Strengths: Well laid out , easy to use and in color. Price is well worth it. Authoritatively written.
Weaknesses: No Cd. You will have to find own photos to use regarding the tutorials.

Novice/Intermediate/Advanced

Introduction

Photoshop is the premier graphics manipulation application. From humble beginnings, this program has developed into a "blockbuster," getting better and better, adding new features over time. While there are many graphics programs that can do some of the tasks, Photoshop CS4 offers most power and flexibility for the graphic novice, intermediate and professionals. Graphic editors who use Photoshop will find this book useful for a variety of reasons.
The author is Photoshop World Dream Team Instructor and is the author of graphic books, a host for video training titles and much more. His experiences in the field of graphics are displayed in this book and display his excellent style, knowledge of graphics, capable utilization of the Photoshop program for many graphic needs. His reading style is both authoritative and informative. But there is more within the pages that assist with learning how to use Photoshop and its complexities.
Users gain a good sense of understanding through the excellent tutorials and readings. The book has 401 pages, as opposed to 396 pages in the previous version with CS3. Once again five sections and twenty chapters are highlighted. The pages and tutorials are well laid out. White space make for easy reading as the non-cramped text is very easy to read. Photos and illustrations are in full color. Tutorials are aided by bold titles, numbered sections and steps. Like many of the dummies books, there are icons which highlight tips, new features, warnings, technical information, remembering important knowledge. Cartoons, which adorn each section, are both humorous and artistically cute, relate poignantly to a computer/ graphic use life, computer usage or in another way.
The sections/ parts include: Basic training (warm and friendly introduction to Photoshop from the beginning), Enhancing for Digital Images (use of color, raw images and raw plug-in, fine tuning images and dealing with problems), Creating "Art" in Photoshop (combining images, using vectors, using layer styles, text messaging, painting fun and using filters), Power Photoshop streamlining your workflow and extending CS4. Lastly the Parts of Ten (Top 10 favorite Photoshop tips and tricks, Wacom tablet information, Ten reasons to won a digital camera). But there is more inside this version compared to the version with CS4.
There are several highlighted sections which designate information and guidance regarding new CS4 and specific features. Here there is additional information concerning new panels for adjustment layers, the use of camera raw files and importing, Bride review and commands, panorama sticking, new layer masking tools, color harmony and brush reviews, working with 3D and more.

Conclusions
I really like this book for many reasons. For one, this book is a great buy. It is a excellent guidebook, resource guide and readable. Novice users will not "become lost". The author communicates in concise, clear and understandable ways covering the strengths and versatility of the application. The text conveys a remarkable and easy to understand way to use Photoshop for your graphics needs.
This text will make a fine addition to graphic users library, especially to those who are in need of a fine resource/guide to learn about or upgrade skills with Photoshop CS4. You'll be up and running in no time and adding to your graphics capabilities and knowledge.

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