The Complete Idiot's Guide to Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) 5

Rating:
Summary: Top-notch introduction to Photoshop 5
Review: After searching for an intro to Photoshop 5 by comparing various titles at my local book mega-mart for content, indexes, and how succinctly it explains the nuts-& bolts of the program, I chose this title over all the others. Not only is this an excellent entry-level guide to PS5, this is also a handbook/memory-jogger for the seasoned user. More than reasonably priced, and despite the title, does not talk down to the new user unfamiliar with PS5. Offering step-by-step exercises, new terms and concepts are explained clearly and in a linear fashion. The book features a complete index. I give it 5 stars because it has certainly met my needs and answered my questions...if that doesn't deserve 5 stars, I don't know what does. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: I have four Photoshop training videos, six hours of online training classes, and a day long workshop($500) under my belt. This book beat 'em all!

Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: I have four Photoshop training videos, six hours of online training classes, and a day long workshop($500) under my belt. This book beat 'em all!

Rating:
Summary: Have been intimidated by Photoshop until now
Review: I've owned Photoshop 4 and 5 for awhile but have mainly avoided using it much because of the complexity of the program. I've settled for using a simpler paint program until reading this particular book which makes understanding Photoshop much easier for me. The author has a sense of humour and the contents are well laid out and explained clearly. This book isn't for the Photoshop pro but if you've been intimidated by Photoshop, like I have, this book is a good choice.

Rating:
Summary: an idiot's appreciation
Review: Robert Stanley's book lives up to its title, in that he not only guides readers through Photoshop 5, but also provides some understanding of the basics of digital imaging, photography etc. There is even assistance in understanding some features of operating systems such as "Windows" which makes it a real boon to idiots/beginners.

What I loved about Stanley's book was that he doesn't just tell the idiot/reader how to perform a particular action, but he explains why (in terms that even an idiot like me could understand)

When I first encountered Photoshop 5 I was bamboozled by the jargon - e.g. "selections", "paths" and particularly "layers". Stanley takes his reader through each of these terms with clear explanations and practical examples. It is almost like having someone sitting by your elbow as you gradually develop your expertise in what initially seems like a daunting programme.

My only criticism of this book is that the graphics are a little small, and in black and white, which requires a bit of effort for those readers with less than perfect eyesight ! However at the price one can't complain.

I'd recommend this as both a good buy and a useful resource

Al Sinclair

Rating:
Summary: an idiot's appreciation
Review: Robert Stanley's book lives up to its title, in that he not only guides readers through Photoshop 5, but also provides some understanding of the basics of digital imaging, photography etc. There is even assistance in understanding some features of operating systems such as "Windows" which makes it a real boon to idiots/beginners.

What I loved about Stanley's book was that he doesn't just tell the idiot/reader how to perform a particular action, but he explains why (in terms that even an idiot like me could understand)

When I first encountered Photoshop 5 I was bamboozled by the jargon - e.g. "selections", "paths" and particularly "layers". Stanley takes his reader through each of these terms with clear explanations and practical examples. It is almost like having someone sitting by your elbow as you gradually develop your expertise in what initially seems like a daunting programme.

My only criticism of this book is that the graphics are a little small, and in black and white, which requires a bit of effort for those readers with less than perfect eyesight ! However at the price one can't complain.

I'd recommend this as both a good buy and a useful resource

Al Sinclair

Rating:
Summary: I learned SO much!
Review: This book is wonderful for anyone who's ever been intimidated by Photoshop and all its tools. The author lays out everything in a style everyone can understand and he doesn't get too technical with his words, although he does present techinical information and words for those who want it. The best thing about this book is that he has an exercise to go along with almost everything he writes about, which enables the reader to sit at their own PC/Mac and use Photoshop while following along with the book. He also has a "put it all together" exercise at the end of the book so you can know how to put a lot of the tools you've learned about into use together to create great art, even for the "graphically challenged" such as myself.

Rating:
Summary: Whoever wants to learn Photoshop in a week, Buy this NOW!
Review: This book rules! Its illustrative, funny and its ease to learn amazes me. I finished this book in a week and was instantly a Photoshop expert. Buy this book today!

Rating:
Summary: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Photoshop5
Review: To most people, their first attempts to come to grips with PS5 is a bit like doing brain surgery in the dark. This book turns the lights on and has you flying around the PS5 interface like an old trooper. The book is funny and forgiving and, considering the enormity of PS5, very thorough. It does not cover all that PS5 is capable achieving then,I don't think that is possible in one volume anyway. This book is designed to get you started..the rest is up to your imagination. Highly recommended.