Layers of help
My first book "Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE" (Focal Press) by Mark Galer opened the door for this first time user of Photoshop but when I bought this reference manual I had the answers to the many questions of how do I do that. If your enhancing your family album or making a poster, "LAYERS" is an excellant addition to your library.
Terrific
Terrific book geared for precisely they way I like to learn; Matt has written a beautifully illustrated book that takes one through the layers learning process in a very methodical sensible approach. He says what needs to be said in as few words as possible; yet he leaves nothing to the imagine either.
No jokes; just straight forward and to the point; it is exactly what I was looking for and I only wish I had found this ten years ago. (I know it was not available ten years ago)
I have not mastered everything in layers yet and probably never will but this book makes it much less intimidating for me.
I have no criticism but the only question I have is how to treat the images that are already imported into Lightroom 2; Is it better to work with the images from the original file on disk or should they be edited in Photoshop from within Lr2 and then saved as an `Edit'?
Comprehensive, enjoyable, will stand the test of time
Layers, The complete guide to Photoshop's most powerful feature by Matt Kloskowski is described by the author as "the Photoshop book he wishes were available when he was trying to learn Photoshop." I couldn't agree more. I see others say that there is nothing new here, I disagree. The manner in which the material is presented is better and easier to follow than many other guides that have preceded it.
It is 255 pages long and written so as to guide you from start to finish assuming you have zero familiarity with layers, but it is also contains loads of information for those of us that have played with layers for years, but always felt there was a lot more potential waiting to be mined. The contents are well laid out and the topics all stand well on their own, so feel free to jump right in and start playing wherever your interest take you.
Like everything the Kelby team does, the layout appeals to the visual senses immediately. The images and examples throughout the book are well done and demonstrate real world examples of how easy it can be to correct or enhance your images using a few strategically executed layers.
Matt Kloskowski clearly knows his stuff and does a great job imparting that knowledge in a succinct and enjoyable manner. This is a great second or third book for anyone that has the basics of working in Photoshop under their belt.
To me a review is most meaningful when you know a little something about the person writing the review. I have been an avid amateur photographer since the late 1970's and have been selling my work since 2004. Photography isn't my day job, but it does provide a welcome supplement. I shot with a Canon 1D Mark II Professional Digital SLR from 2003 until May of 2008. I recently switched to a Nikon D3 and while the files do have a different look directly out of the camera, in the end both systems provide wonderful images once they have been worked in post process. When I last wrote a review I was doing all most all of my post processing work in Photoshop, but my workflow has evolved significantly since the introduction of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom.
I am a member of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) and make extensive use of the abundant educational materials available on the member website. I have read well over three-dozen Photoshop training guides with one overriding goal in mind; producing the best images possible.
Down and Dirty...
Those folks longing for the next "Down & Dirty" book from Scott, it does not appear it will happen. Bummer. But this is the next best thing from Matt in the same walk and talk. Creative recipe how-to's and easy to understand on the subject of the all important layers, blend modes, masks. Highly recommend...
An Excellent, Straightforward Approach to Layers
This book is a very good reference for both beginners and advance users of Photoshop. It provides details and methods on using layers without "going around the bush". Straightforward, precise, and filled with humor... you'll not be bored reading instructional book like this one. Sample images can be accessed online is a plus. My only gripe is that this was not available before when I was looking for some reference guide to Photoshop.
(87 reviews)
