Photoshop 7 Down and Dirty Tricks
Category: Books,Arts & Photography,Photography & Video
Photoshop 7 Down and Dirty Tricks Details
Amazon.com Review Scott Kelby is both funny and generous. His wry sense of humor doesn't get in the way of the hundreds of nifty techniques in this new collection of Down & Dirty Tricks. In fact, when you first flip quickly through the book, gobbling up all the creative ideas and timesaving tips, his sly jokes only add to the I've-just-hit-the-lottery feeling.Whatever you're looking for--type that looks distressed, made of gel, or carved in stone; shadows in perspective or in motion; text that wraps around a globe; a glinting starburst on the edge of an object; a logo artificially placed at the bottom of a pool; or a starry sky created in an instant--just about every trick is here. And most are done in 10 steps or less. Also, each page has a Quick Tip sidebar (there're over 200 of them) that are worth the price of the book alone, with everything from getting better results from your eyedropper tool (click on Options and change the Point Sample to "3 by 3 average") to the quickest way to change units of measurement (the secret is in the Info palette).The book has been updated since the previous edition with mostly new illustrations, many new and better ways to perform the same tricks, and a few completely new ones. Project files and images can be downloaded from the book's companion Web site at downanddirtytricks.com. Although aimed at experienced Photoshop users, the text is detailed enough for readers of all levels. For example, steps like "make a copy of that layer by dragging it to the New Layer icon at the bottom of the Layers palette" or "press the letter m to switch to the Rectangular Marquee tool" are repeated in full whenever a trick calls for them. This not only helps beginners, it allows all readers to hop around the book and be able to carry out any trick in any order. Yet another reason this book could've been titled Speedy Down & Dirty Tricks. --Angelynn Grant Read more From Library Journal It seems to be the year for launching new versions of old standards. Photoshop 7 introduces a number of new features that should drive demand for manuals. Everything addresses Photoshop beginners, with two chapters on resources and solving common problems that should be especially helpful; appropriate for public libraries. Teach Yourself, for beginning to intermediate users, is more thorough, covering the channels, masks, and other techniques that Everything omits, in addition to the basics. Chapter Q&As, quizzes, and exercises help users learn on their own; a valuable purchase for all public libraries. A full-color guide for intermediate users, Down & Dirty explains step by step "cool tricks," showing how to achieve easily impressive special effects, from wrapping type around a circle to creating backlit photo backgrounds. Sidebar tips offer additional information, and images in the book are available for free online. Magic also instructs intermediate to advanced users on creating cool, full-color effects but contains longer projects that each combine several techniques. The CD includes project files and demonstration software. Larger public libraries should consider either title. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. Read more See all Editorial Reviews
Reviews
I have had PS (2.5) since March 1994 when I got my first Apple and Epson scanner. I have upgraded PS every year and now have the latest and greatest CS5. I am always overwhelmed with PS features so I don't even come close to unleashing the full power of the program. I ran across a copy of this book at a bookstore recently and was astonished at how much information was so very useful for me. I am just a casual at home user but I aim for the best results with my Nikon photography. This book explains things simply when many of the powerful and complex features were just emerging. It is easier to follow the instructions and exemplars and to apply the features from a more basic time. While some of the steps have been streamlined the basic process remains the same and when I extrapolate this "old" info onto the newest app features suddenly the dawn comes. Miracles happen and I "get it"! And of course I ordered this from Amazon and it arrived in pristine condition from the seller. I am grateful to have access to this valuable and useful guidance. Perhaps one day in a galaxy far far away I will be able to approach Photoshop with supreme confidence and competence.