Adobe Photoshop Cs2 for Photographers: A Professional Image Editor's Guide to the Creative Use of Photoshop for the Macintosh and PC

In my recent effort to educate myself in matters of Photoshop CS2 I read in detail three books - Adobe Photoshop CS2 for Photographers by Martin Evening, Photoshop CS2 by Fraser & Blatner, and The Photoshop CS2 book for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby. Of the three, I would rank the Evening and the Fraser & Blatner books as comprehensive books that, if the reader would fully understand all that was discussed, they would be considered a Photoshop Pro. The Kelby book I considered to be quite basic in that it covered only some of the principal topics and did so in an elementary fashion (it would take Kelby four pages with all his illustrations and stepwise instructions to cover what the other books might cover in one). I would recommend the Kelby book for a hobbyist that doesn't want to devote a lot of learning time and who wishes only a basic knowledge of Photoshop CS2 in order to occasionally turn out a nice image. I would recommend either of the other two books if one wants a mastery of what CS2 can really do. But, be warned that the subject is complex and will take a lot of time to learn. Of the two, Evening's book has the advantage in that it is a little less expensive, he includes a disk containing the images used in many of his tutorials so the reader can follow along with the same exercises, and because he is a fashion photographer many of his images are fashion shots of pretty women. The Fraser & Blatner book has the advantage of being somewhat larger and more complete and goes into deeper detail on some aspects of CS2. Both of these books have a high orientation to producing images for commercial press publication. I would recommend that if one wants to really learn CS2 they read both books, even though the same topics are covered in both, the subject is sufficiently complex it pays to learn it twice from perhaps somewhat different angles.

The other reviews say it just as well as I could - this is a stand-out Photoshop book, written by a working photographer, and full of useful information for intermediate to advanced users. Two things - the CS1 version of this book has reviewers complaining that some of the photos in that volume were not available on the CD. In this version, Martin explains that certain photos were given to him to use in the book only, and that other photos couldn't be given away on a CD. Given that he works with models and model agencies, who are out to maximize their income, this is understandable. The other thing is the only problem I have with this book - for a dual-platform book, it's Mac-biased. That's not that it says that the Mac is a wonderful computer so much as Martin is so used to using one he doesn't have much idea of what Windows and Windows machines do. Near the beginning of the book, he shows the Photoshop workspace, and this is done using a Mac screenshot with the menu bar at the top of the screen (there's only one menu bar on the Mac, and it's always at the active window) along with a picture of the dock along the bottom of the window. Windows users, who are used to application windows holding only application data, will be confused at this. A brief note in the caption would have cleared things up, so that Windows users wouldn't expect to see the dock or other system images there. (Think of the dock as a version of the Windows taskbar, with icons rather than descriptions). There are other remarks that show in the earlier chapters, like talking about "UNIX-based operating systems like OS X and XP," but XP isn't based on UNIX. There's no obvious misleading going on, nor is he using the book as a pulpit to push the Mac, but it could have done with a quick read from a Windows user who could have clarified these things. Otherwise it's great, and as you get into the details of the program the platform doesn't matter. This is not a beginner's book. I've used Photoshop for over ten years and this is written at my level. The quality of the book's production, with clear color photographs, makes it a much better proposition that those books with a few color images bound into the center. And the advice offered comes from someone who has worked under deadline to get images out. If you're skilled at Photoshop, you really need to look at this book. I'm pretty certain that you'd buy it.

I teach digital photographic workflows in the Puget Sound region: an area with more than its share of hardworking photographers needing to keep their technical edge. These folks need direct, relevant, thorough but easy to find methods of getting the job done. This is what I strive to provide in my classes, and this is what Martin Evening provides in this book. Although my working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop is extremely solid, I always appreciate Martin's keen insights. I have recommended his previous editions to my students whether they're new to the medium or old pros. I'm more enthused than ever to recommend this edition as both a class text and desk reference. One minor quibble carried over from the last edition: I wish that image acquisition chapter were earlier in the book. However, the book is so excellently laid out that no one will have the slightest difficulty finding whatever they seek. It's such a relief to find such a standout text on the overcrowded Photoshop bookshelf.

This is my 3rd book, started with Photoshop 7, It's the only book to buy. if your looking for tricks and things of that nature there are many books out there. If your good to start with this gives you the tools to be better.

If you are an experienced photographer, this may be the only Photoshop book you'll need. This book is expressly written for people who understand f-stops and shutter speeds, color temperature (white balance) etc. If you are an experienced photographer moving from film to digital, stop here; this is what you are looking for. There's also some guidance on digital equipment selection with details on Martin's web site. What makes this book standout? First, it's written by a photographer. Not just any photographer, but a famous, working fashion phpographer, Martin Evening. Many Photoshop books seem to be written by people who are clearly skilled enough to earn their living with Photoshop, but are not photographers. Their books are filled with pictures taken on vacation. This is the real thing; top quality photographs; real world skills. Second, this book is 100% color. Some Photoshop books have only a small selection of color photos stitched into the middle of the book; the bulk of the pictures are black and white. (OK... there is small section on converting color to B & W.) Third, top quality paper; coated stock. Of course, it weighs a ton, but then it won't turm to pulp if your model spills her wine on it ! If you are an experienced photographer, and want to get the most out of Photoshop, this is the book you need.