Photoshop 7 Bible

This book describes the fine intricacies of all the tools, the filters and the features of Photoshop. Where other books lead you through lessons and tell you to set X tool preference to Y, and you may happily use the Y preference for years without even knowing there is also a Z preference, this book explains all the preferences for all the tools and gives illustrated examples of what the various settings produce. I wanted to force myself to sit down and read this thing cover to cover to get an in-depth knowledge of everything Photoshop, but after 2 chapters of reading I just couldn't go on in this manner. For me, the best use of this book is as a reference when I have a question about a particular tool or technique. I'll read a few pages to get the particulars, then I put the book back up on the shelf until the next question arises. This version has lots of nice color plates and paging through it can be inspirational when I'm stuck for a design idea. Especially if I'm burned out on surfing online for ideas. The one irritating factor about this book is the author's sense of humor interspersed throughout. I understand that he's trying to make a technical subject friendly, approachable and enjoyable, but the humor just comes across as extremely corny. This is a plague I've noticed infecting many of today's authors of software books. Dear Authors,unless you are absolutely certain that people other than family and close friends consider you funny, please leave the humor out or hire a professional to help. Thank you. I still give this book highest marks because 1)it is so absolutely thorough 2)the author knows his stuff and can communicate it well (even if there is a bit of dorky humor in it) and 3)since I use it as a reference book, the humor only comes in small, managable chunks.

Deke McClelland has done it again! As an Adobe Certified Photoshop Instructor, I felt compelled to write this review in lieu of the others. This book does what it is supposed to and that is explain why and how things happen in Photoshop 7 (YES, it is a reference book - similar to an encyclopedia). There are two types of books you can buy for graphics programs: reference and tutorial. Those that try to combine both come up short. This one sticks to its purpose and is written in a humorous/ fun way, not with the typical `put me to sleep encyclopedia method'. It is a must have for the Photoshop library.

I was SO glad I bought this book to supplement our textbook for a PhotoShop 7 class last semester! The text frustrated me because it used the "Do step A, step B, step C" approach. For some of us, that approach does not make it easy to learn WHY we're doing the steps we're doing, so that we could apply the concepts in real life. In contrast, the PhotoShop 7 Bible explains the concepts, shows graphic examples of the differences between features, and shows samples of how a feature is affected by different user-selected values. The author also does give step-by-step instructions in situations where needed, and explains what each step accomplishes.Since I didn't have to have the computer in front of me while reading this, it was possible to redeem time spent away from the computer, for instance, in the cafeteria or a waiting room.In short, for "concept learners" (vs. "rote learners," who like the step-by-step, low explanation approach), this was the book to buy!

I've been reading Deke's books for years. And frankly, they vary widely, from fair (especially when he leaves the chore to a coauthor) to extremely good. Sure, Deke's a pioneer. If it wasn't for him, computer books would all be about word processors and operating systems. But he doesn't always deliver like he could or should.This time is different. This book is something special:First, it's completely different than past Photoshop Bibles. ALL the information is new, which is an astounding achievement for an update to a book this size. (I haven't seen the softbound Photoshop 7 Bible, but according to the foreword, the two books share about 300 pages of content, so it doesn't sound like you should get both.)Second, it does more with less. No 1,200-page tome this time. The Pro Edition is a lean 650 pages, and it uses its pages wisely.Third, all 650 pages are printed in full color. The print job and paper quality are very fine, something of a first for the Bible. The figures are exquisitely rendered, so you can see everything Deke is talking about.Fourth and best, the content is extraordinary. It includes information about blend modes, healing, displacement maps, the liquify tool, and much more that I haven't seen anywhere else. (I have nearly a dozen Photoshop 7 books). I don't think I've come across a single page so far that hasn't taught me something I didn't already know. Can't say that about other books.The title doesn't lie, it really is for professionals. But Deke delivers his high-end info in a simple and charming way that is always crystal clear. He promises the world, and then remarkably, he delivers. If you're an intermediate or advanced user, then I'm guessing this is the Photoshop Bible you've been waiting for.

There are a great number of Photoshop books in the market. Yet this is unique. Deke's style and comprehensive coverage can not be beaten. He is a master of Photoshop and of teaching it. You will learn that extra bit that makes all the difference. Also look for the Photoshop TotalTraining CD-ROMs where you can watch Deke in action (his sense of humor and clarity come through and shine there -- no written word could grasp that). Many people avoid these thick books, but this is the one that you can simply not ignore. Not for its size, but for its excellence.