What are the best Photoshop books to get all-around information on things you can do? I've used Photoshop for little website things like buttons and some flash stuff before but not in-depth.
Thanks,
Matt
#1
Photoshop Bible, (Photoshop 7 Bible)
#2
I should have noted Photoshop CS.
#3
The Photoshop Bible by Deke McClelland comes in a CS version as well.
Tom Ireland
#4
The Photoshop CS book for digital photographers by Scott Kelby is very useful!!
#5
The Photoshop manual (and Quick Reference card) is the best book out there.;-)
#6
I have found "Real World Adobe Photoshop CS" by David Blatner and Bruce Fraser to be exceptional.
#7
Each of the well known books mentioned before has its good points but the only ones that don't seem to pick up any criticism are the "Real World..." ones. They don't call them Bibles, but they come pretty close. I found in the past I would buy a non-Fraser one, read through it (maybe say Ah! or Oh!) and probably never refer to it again, whereas the "Real World..." ones tend to be treated as reference works.
It's a pity they are all so expensive :( .
Cheers - John
#8
Ya, there should be some sort of upgrade price for those expensive books, without activation. :-)
#9
Most photoshop books, will cost you $50 + and just turn out to be old editions with a few chapter updates and beginners tutorials. The authors don't bother with different images to describe old tutorials in a new wrapper... so it's best to check them out in a library. For PSCS, note that most authors have also added "for photographers" or mention "color management" on the cover but this is demographic marketing. It's the same tired information that can be found with google when needed.
If you need a good start use your manual along with "Adobe CS Classroom in a Book" and you will virtually try out everthing and get it to work correctly at least once --such as PDF presentations.
I recommend "PhotoShop CS" by Blatner and Fraser if you want serious advanced, no frills fare (no effects, filters or fun). Good reference material for problem solving.
I think Davis & Wilmore have teamed up on a new book ,,,for photographers...called: "How to Wow".
I've not seen it yet, but know it will be clearly written. I am hoping it will not be regurgitated foundation instruction. AND I am hoping it will be a bit of fun for a change. Don't overlook Deke McClelland or Russell Brown in the fun department either.
Think just a select few American authors have the book market tied up, including video and dvd lessons. Like corporations or old institutions, each is co-operatively carving up the market into areas of expertise and so trying to protect thier piece of income pie.
It helps when looking for PS books to name your interest and skill levels. For example: If you are need of repair and restoriation techniques buy K. Eismann, Do look around the shelves before buying. It's smarter than asking here.
#10
Another vote for Real World Photoshop!
BTW, Terrat, I'd like to make one exeption to your comment about "for Photographers". Martin Evening's Photoshop for Photographers is another must-have!
Scott Kelby's books are more aimed at beginners.
Look as well at the online extracts of the books: I compiled several links in here: <
http://www.photoshopgurus.info/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5641>
#11