Rating: 
Summary: Light Captured on a Page
Review: Remember the excitement when Photoshop 1.0 debuted? It was neat, different and challenging. In a subdued and quiet manner, John Paul Caponigro has repositioned our thinking about the vast toolset of Photoshop 6.0. We look up from the tool and see the light.
Rating: 
Summary: unhelpful at best
Review: Strange that a book on photography has images so small I needed to use a loupe! The text is small as well. And the writing is longwinded, and directionless--in short it is a chore to read. I didn't find much inspiration in it either, as his photos are very reminescent of Jerry Uelsman as well as surrealist painters so I fail to understand the raves of this book. I thought Photoshop Artistry was a much better book.
Rating:
Summary: Tired of "How To Use Photoshop Books?" Then This is For You
Review: The approach that the author takes in regards to Photoshop is refreshing. this is not a how to use Photoshop book (even though it does include some step by step experiments), but a why book. I would recommend this book for users who already have a good grasp of what the tools are and how to use them, it is not for the casual user. This book expanded my vision of how to use photoshop creatively and coupled it with traditional photographic techniques. Bravo to John Paul Caponigro on this one of a kind book!
Rating: 
Summary: Some great techical information!
Review: The book is divided into 2 sections. The 1st part is the technical part which familarizes you with the techniques the author uses most. The 2nd section focuses on his art,his vision, and the technical details of how his images are accomplished. The Technical section was superb;in the other 4 or 5 photoshop books I've read, I've never had Curves explained to me so thoroughly. His larger and more 'artistic' section is very interesting also, although at times he feels and sounds like a crazy artist, his superb techical skills make the book informative and worthwhile regardless of whether you connect with his work. This book isn't for beginners. Like Bert Monroy's Photorealistic Techniques book, the author shares with the reader his hobby, passion, and years of experience. Those working with photos as their chief source material, especially those combining photographs, will benefit the most from John Caponigro's expertise.
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Summary: The art not the gimmicks of Photoshop
Review: The shelves are loaded with books about Photoshop. Now with the release of 6.0, there will be many more. Unfortunately nearly all of these books focus exclusively on how to use this powerful and complex tool. Very little is said about the artistic and creative potential that it contains. Unfortunately, just because you can do something with Photoshop, it doesn't mean that you should. This book is diferent! Mr. Caponigro approaches Photoshop as a painter approaches his canvas and palette. The book is profusely illustrated with examples of the beauty that can be created in this new world of digital image manipulation. Not only does it illustrate the results that can be obtained, but it also gives a concise explanation of the tools used. Furthermore, The book reflects the changes of release 6.0. "Master Class" is well worth owning for its beauty even if you are not a Photoshop user. Looking at these illustrations however, will certainly encourage many to embark on the journey toward mastery of this exciting new artistic medium.
Rating:
Summary: This is a "why" book
Review: The shelves are packed with books teaching you how to create an effect in photoshop. How many units of this, and what filter to combine with this, yadda yadda.
This book is the complete opposite. Just the first few chapters blew my mind away! When the author talked about cuves and levels, I went crazy because I never knew there was so much to understand about them. Now I feel like I really know what I'm doing rather than simply bend the curves and hope for the best. I'm reading this book after reading Photoshop CS Bible (Pro Edition) and this is far far far more in-depth. Let me make one thing clear. If it werent for the bible, I have a feeling I'd be lost in this book. You definitely need to know your photoshop well to really understand this book. It takes you from undertandint photoshop, to understanding other things related to it such as printing and color calibration. It is in my opinion very advanced level and sometimes even I am lost in the author's words.
This book is a "why" book and teaches you the reasoning behind a lot of things related to photoshop. Its like the saying, give a man a fish and feed him for one day, teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. In the same way, you can learn 100 different cool effects from any other photoshop book, but when it comes time to make that 101th effect, your lost and can only randomly make choices in photohop. This book explains the theory behind a lot of these things and thus when you see an ideea in your head, you know how to realize it..
This book took me a looooooooooooooooooooooooooong time to get through because its content is so heavy but otherwise, I have both my thumbs up!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book!
Review: This book was great! The author is such an excellent artist with really unique techinics and he truly expresses his insight. A really great assest and a great job!
Rating: 
Summary: Inspiration
Review: This is a book to inspire creation of art through photography and in depth follows the authors rational proving vision can be brought to fruition. The book does not waste our time demonstrating how to use Photoshop, rather it shows what Photoshop is capable of and could be seen as more of a portfolio a'la coffee table. Too often the images use repetitive parts and left/right mirror images resulting in vulvaforms better suited to Judy Chicago's "Dinner Party". The faint, fine print makes for difficult reading. The book does not indulge the author by trying to impress us with his knowledge of keystroke shortcuts; he explains how logically to find and use the various tools.
Rating:
Summary: Art, but need magnifying glass
Review: This is not a how-to book. No tricks, few techniques and no real discussion of PhotoShop. This is a philosophy and aesthetics book on PhotoShop for art photographers. Perhaps my age and new glasses limit my view, but I simply could not spend much time with the book per sitting given the ultra small type (consistent with the presentation of this book as a piece of art - which it truly is, not something to really use).
Rating:
Summary: Vast technical knowledge, deep insight - for photographers
Review: This is the only Photoshop book that addresses not only how but why. It's aimed at photographers and it speaks their language. It doesn't cover unrelated topics. It's focused! It's great to see a second edition that doesn't just update screenshots and cover new features but rather offers 50% more material. This book could be used with almost any recent version of Photoshop, including the latest - CS. Caponigro is one of the finest artists working with Photoshop and reading this book is like getting a first-hand glimpse into the artist's mind while hearing his voice speak directly to you. It will change the way you think about making images. It's an amazing ride!
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