Photoshop CS5: Essential Skills

I have been using Photoshop since version 7, some 8-10 years ago and I've read many books on the subject which were a good grounding in basic Photoshop skills. But if you're beyond the basics and want to know how the experts do their tricks, this is the book for you. There are far too many things to mention here, but every single skill that you could possibly need to know is included here and 12 hrs. of DVD material to guide you through as well.The most valuable section for me personally was on using Adobe Bridge, in particular how to edit raw files.As an enthusiastic photographer, this lesson was priceless. In fact whenever I have a batch of raw files to process, the first thing I do is open them up in Adobe Bridge and do the bulk of my editing there. Once I have processed my images I then open them up in Photoshop as Smart Objects and do the fine tuning or add effects filters, etc.I would go so far as to say that If you read this book in its entirety, and do every one of the exercises on a regular basis, you would essentially have the skills to get a job at any Magazine publisher in the world..I'm not kidding.If Photography and photoshop editing / design is your life, you NEED this book.

Its is a very good book for starters to photoshop and also can help the more advanced. I always get Photoshop books with examples that are on a disk that you work with Photoshop works with graphics so it is good to have a verity of examples at hand this is one of the better books that I have used for photoshop it never talks down to a user or use complex terminology that they explain the writer is very good at taking a complex program and making it assessable for a very wide range a users its not often that you get a book that's not just a manual that just explains the program this book does that and teaches you how to apply it in everyday uses a very well arranged and thought out and the video and pictures to work on it well laid out in chapters like a book it all comes together to make a very well rounded learning experance.

Description clearly stated the DVD was NOT included with this used book, but I was hoping that the lessons would be complete and enough without it. But that is not really the case. Read the first three lessons and without the video instructions, it is just not that clear how to perform the intended operations. Cost was low so keeping it anyway - but would not buy again without getting DVD included.

I like the book however it is the incorrect version. I need Photoshop CS6 Essential Skills and I would like to exchange it. I appreciate your help on this. I have tried to reach the seller since the first week in October but they have not responded to my request. The book that I received was clean, intact and all items were present just like they promised.

I have purchased a lot of books on CS5 and I must say this is the best. It is a beautiful book (High quality glossy paper).The images included on the DVD are outstanding to work with and learn things on your own as well.The content follows a logical workflow approach from image capture to final editing and output.I wish I would have found this book earlier as I could have saved myself a lot of money buying other books looking for more complete content.

This book is amazing, not only are provided with great step by step tutorials, we also receive video tutorials that show you some of the techniques first hand. I totally recommend this book to anyone just starting or intermidiates who need to sharpen up their skills. This book just blows away the "CLASS ROOM IN A BOOK" series by adobe. I hope to read more books from the authors. Put together quite well. The tutorials are pretty straight forward.

I purchased this book primarily for the 12 hours of videos that are advertised as accompanying the book.1) The videos I have viewed so far feature Photoshop CS3 although the DVD is entitled "Photoshop CS5 Essential Skills" Many of the menus and functions featured are different or unavailable in Photoshop CS5. Very disappointing, much of the information presented in the videos is completely outdated.2) The DVD is also defective, can't play several of the videos. Tried the DVD on 4 PCs with no luck.3) Screen images in the book are also from CS3, for example, the filter menu shows an Extract Filter. CS5 has no such menu option!Returning this book.

I LOVED this book. It really helped me out in my digital photography class I took last semester. It take you through the processes step by step and if I get confused I can go back and read it again. Good book for those who are not that great at photoshop!

Having been an Elements 6 user for the last couple of years producing prints from my digital images to enter photographic competitions and exhibitions, making the switch to a new PC and CS5 felt like being thrown in at the deep end, I nearly gave up, thinking I would instead purchase Elements 9.BUT I thought that was a bit defeatist as CS5 is supposed to be the business, so instead I looked at a couple of books on Amazon and decided this essential skills one looked the best for me as it held my attention!I would recommend everyone struggling to get to grips with CS5 orders a copy NOW. Although I have only scratched the surface so far and have not yet used the DVD, It is really easy to follow with good explanations and tips. Giving clear easy to follow instructions. I am sure it will be a constant source of reference as it is such an easy book to dip in and out of.The section on the capability's of the up to date RAW processing has meant that so far most of my work has been done there without much else needed, therefore cutting down on time spent at the computer.I know sooner or later the more complex operations will be needed and I look forward to working through some of them with the help of the book or DVD (or both).I can honestly say this book has been a "lifesaver" for me.

I Purchased this book after borrowing a copy from my local library and I thought it's a great reference guideI had used CS3 and know my way around it roughly, then upgraded to CS5 and quickly realised that I was only using around 5% of all of the functions so I started to look around for a book/magazines to helpWhilst there are some good magazines out there, they tend to concentrate on 1 part of CS at a time and assume that you know what to do to get that far (or at least remind you in a very brief way what you need to do), also most books tend to be expensive £20+This book is under that £20 mark, it gives details of each step, (key presses etc) and also reminds you of how to do things like inverting etc (not quite every time it mentions it, but enough times to embed it in your mind)The attached disc not some has sample photos for you to play with (and the whole book revolves around these photos) it also has some 12 hours of videos showing how to actually do the Projects in the book.This I did like as whilst reading a book is one thing, being actually show is anotherI would say that this is a book for beginners into CS and as well as good reference guide and refresher book for those who know about CS (like me) but are not using all of it

Excellent book.Most people who own CS5 will already be familiar with Photoshop from earlier additions but this book is well laid out and explains in detail everything you need to know about Photoshop CS5 including the new features available.Comes with a DVD for those who want to try out a series of exercises described in the book.CS5 comes with ACR 6.3 and a good section of the book describes each feature of ACR along with a series of exercises and to be honest I now find that 90% of my time is spent working in ACR rather than the main body of Photoshop.The book will be used as a reference or by students completing a course on Photoshop.Amazons price is excellent and you will be lucky to find it cheaper !!

The book is nicely produced and although I have a lot more to read I was disappointed with the accompanying DVD. What is on it is fine and Mark Galer is a good teacher: I have his excellent DVD for Elements 7. However the one with the book is largely concerned with Photoshop CS3. CS5 is so very different that I feel the publishers could have done better with what is quite an expensive paperback.

This book is not the easiest to follow, or work one's way through. In fact I found it very difficult to follow. The Scott Kelby and Martin Evening books on the subject are much easier to follow, and to be recommended.