Adobe Photoshop CS5 One-on-One

I'm just starting to learn from this book and the down-loadable videos. The reason I'm writing at this time is simply because I am highly impressed with the teaching method employed. It seems to me as a possible model for the public school system. It would not only cut costs, it would improve the quality of teaching. Readers of this review may wish to purchase this book just because it makes learning easier than traditional methods. Okay, here is the start: I took one evening to download the video lessons while I cooked dinner and ate. Then I registered for the weekly newsletter at [...]. This week the newsletter featured a professional method of fixing red eye. Readers also post comments and questions on the website. Also, the text suggests we visit the website [...]. This is a library featuring tons of course material available to students paying by the month up to a year. You may want to know this for future studies, but for this "One-on-One" course it is not useful. Lesson 1: Starts with browsing in the Bridge. There are also "PEARL OF WISDOM" notations and a section called "EXTRA CREDIT." The video takes up the slack by demonstrating important features that are covered in the text. I will update this review as I make progress in learning.

I used Deke McClellands InDesign CS3 One-on-One to hone my skills with the program, so I had pretty high expectations going into the Photoshop CS5 course. The book and tutorials have already exceeded those expectations. I've learned enough about simple navigation in the first chapters to make the purchase well worthwhile. Note: unlike with earlier versions, the book does not include a disk. You have to download the tutorials and project files from a website, so you will need a good Internet connection. It's a little more time, but so far I have no other complaints about the purchase.

The book has a lot of useless jargon. You are just to tired of Deke trying to promote [...]. It is being mentioned constantly at each chapter, enough all ready. The videos don't really match the chapters all the time. The book does give you a good description on how to do things in CS5 but sometimes you have to read on to get the point. The author points to an example but you have to continue reading another page to understand the reasoning behind it. That can be confusing. He could be a little more concise in his explanations. Also, I think it would be good to have more retouching examples done with CS5. Overall a good book but not great.

I was dissappointed that Adobe didn't include a printed manual with a program so vast. There is a place where you can down load the Adobe User's manual in PDF format, but I like a reference book that I can read at the breakfast table instead of sitting at the computer. If you are new to Adobe please dont' think you can bluff your way through this because you can operate a computer. There are so many hidden functions within it you'd never in a life time find them tall. I spent about $150.00 right here on Amazon buying after market user manuals (3 of them). You'll need at least one or two. This is one of the manuals I bought. There's lots of good information in it and exercises. I recommend this one.

I have been using Photoshop for years. I am very good at the very basic operations. Each new edition requires a learning curve, and so far I feel that this book is making it an easier go. I may have to amend this review after I get past the 3rd chapter, but so far it is clear, useful and enjoyable. I have already learned more than the basics and hope to be able to use all the neat stuff I am SURE is in PS....somewhere!

I really did like this book as the author, Deke McClelland, is a guru on the art of Photoshop. He likes to explain the meaning of the numbers used by Photoshop too, well-received by me, as he goes through the tutorials. This book is outdated unless one has not upgraded to CS6 or CC in which case it would provide a good working knowledge of how to use this very in-depth and extensive photo editing software.

Very disappointed in Deke`s Photoshop CS5 book. I looked forward to it. Since it didn't come out for 4 MONTHS AFTER CS5's intro, I "just knew," by then, it would have a GREAT section on the new EXTENDED features - especially REPOUSSE. But, not a word .. 99% the reason I bought it! By the time Deke's book came out I already had several of the "regular" CS5 books (none with extended's features). So, I didn't want "just another CS5 book." I`ve now added it to my "non-active book pile" and will use it little. Deke`s, like the other non-Extended books, was doubtless written well before the new extended features were revealed. But, 4 months after the intro, you`d expect the Hottest NEW Photoshop features to be in it. Most Photoshop users probably are not Extended users. But, Deke's book was touted as the "be-all-end-all premier PS-CS5 book. It's not. TWO MORE THINGS THAT WOULD HAVE MADE IT BETTER: 1) Bigger Print and graphics for those over 21. 2) Fewer words: Many authors like to hear themselves talk and brag about how many pages their book is. But, most 500 page books would be more effective if the author were FORCED to edit it down to 300 pages. The TWO PS-CS5 BOOKS I HIGHLY recommend: a 1) "TEACH YOURSELF VISUALLY." Big print and big, clear, color visuals with short, "how to do" explanations. (No long-winded folksie jargoneese). (However, it doesn't cover Extended). 2) 3D In PHOTOSHOP." Here's the Extended book you've been waiting for. Deke is truly a respected Photoshop expert. And, I'm sorry to write this negative report. But, it's my honest, truthful opinion. Dealing with Amazon is a pleasure. Good prices, always delivered on time, or before, and you can easily track the shipment and delivery date. I'm no patsy for Amazon but, that's the truth.

I would recommend this book to anyone learning Photoshop. It's very descriptive, and chocked full of answers and techiniques. The author offers video tutorials for free. The link is in the book. I would also recommend getting a membership to "Lynda.com", as a companion to this book. I'm not going to sell it after the semester is over.