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Rating: 
Summary: A fine read with many great ideas
Review: I found this book to be full of easy-to-follow examples of useful and non-trivial techniques. It seems as if the last reviewer had just been looking for a coffee table book, something fluffy with pretty pictures. This book's pictures are fine for illustrating the techniques, and, for me, that was what was important. I am very happy with my choice of Professional Photographic Techniques, for a book to really use in learning my way around in photoshop through photo manipulation.
Rating: 
Summary: Not a truly professional book
Review: I was attracted to the word 'professional' in the title, and that's why I bought the book. This turned out to be a poor reason to buy the book, and I was disappointed with much of the content. I suppose technically speaking this book does cover techniques that professionals use, but it doesn't really cover them to a professional extent. You can buy whole Photoshop books dedicated to things like restoration or color correction. In this book, they have brief chapters. Maybe this book is supposed to be an introduction to professional techiniques?? Even then, I found some of the approaches to be questionable. On many occassions there was definately a more flexible, less destructive approach to the presented problem (ie. a more PROFESSIONAL way). Books I've read that I thought were good professional photographic technique books would include 'PS Artistry', 'PS Master Class', 'Photoshop Color Correction.' I gave it 3 stars (cause you can't pick 2.5), and because it might be useful to someone else; as well it didn't strike me as a hit n' run scam book. Maybe it would be alright for an intermediate user, but check out other books too.
Rating: 
Summary: A LOT to Like
Review: SUMMARY: A presentation of numerous practical, entry-level-to-advanced techniques that can be learned while completing 31 detailed, step-by-step relevant, non-trivial tutorials. "Learn by doing" emphasis. Put-on-your-hardhat and dig into the exercises approach. NOTEWORTHY: * EZ to read. Not pretentious. Doesn't make you feel like a PS "idiot."
* Practical advice: Not just the "hows," but the "whys."
* Richly illustrated: Lots of diagrams.
* Very, VERY good chapters on restoration / retouching techniques.
* Emphasis on non-destructive methods.
* Learn the relationships among layers, layer masks, adjustment layers through Layers palette screenshots.
* Have a question or problem? Use their e-mail support. I did. It's quite good.
* NOT a comprehensive guide for the film-based photographer making the transition to digital nor a soup-to-nuts consummate bible on PS7.
* NOT for true beginners. Get some PS experience first. Understand the basics of tools, menus, adjustment layers and layer masks.
Rating:
Summary: Mightily impressed!
Review: This book is chock full of clear examples and on-the-spot useful tips that make Photoshop a whole lot more powerful, even in my hands. You don't have to be an expert to understand such easy-to-follow language, detailed screenshots, and and beautiful step-by-step photos. I've gotten lost or bored in a lot of other Photoshop books, but this one made me more skilled without the pain and confusion I'm accustomed to. I wouldn't hestitate to recommend this to beginners or someone seriously working with Photoshop professionally.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: This book is disappointing for the hefty price tag. The book is not substantial and most of the exercises are gimicky, perhaps fun for someone who wants to create "How did you do that photos" but of little value for a serious photographer. Also, unlike most manuals in this price range, the exercises are not in the book but must be downloaded from a web site. Without a high speed hook up this is an arduous task. Plus you must buy Winzip for another $... if you don't have it.
Rating: 
Summary: A Disappointing Investment
Review: This is a good book-not photoshop for dummies. Most photoshop books turn out to be "paint by the numbers" but this book provides the reader with content between the heres how you do it taxonomy. Enjoyed reading it-haven't tried all the lessons yet but I will in time. Thanks much
Rating:
Summary: Very Well Written
Review: This well-written book is a real guide and instruction manual for photographic editing using Photoshop. It explains in detail different methods of editing photos and images with clearly illustrated pictures. It is not "technical" as other books can be and loses your interest. When reading this book it is evident that it is written by "pros" who have knowledge and experience using Photoshop for photo manipulation and editing. It is one of those "tools of the trade" if you work with photographs of any kind.
Rating:
Summary: No files, no support!
Review: While the book moves well from more basic techniques, the constant reminders that you can follow along using the downloads available on the authors' web site turns out to be aggravating false advertising. While I appreciate that the authors decided not to enclose a CD in the book, then they need to insure that their web site can supply the files needed to use the book. They have a support email address, but not suprisingly emails sent to that address bounce back. Perhaps the authors are professional photographers, but they're clearly not professional publishers.
Rating:
Summary: Great ideas and easy to follow!
Review: You definetly have to know photoshop to use this book! I like that this book shows you how to achieved different effects, like cleaning up skin tones and motions blurs etc. There are so many books on the market that teach you photoshop, but where do you go after that? This book is a natural progression for people who know the basics of the program, and now what to do something with it. And it's easy to follow!
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