Adobe Photoshop CS4 for Photographers
Submitted by mitch on Mon, 12/15/2008 - 23:17.
Martin Evening has updated his comprehensive introduction to Adobe Photoshop for the latest version of Creative Suite, CS4. Adobe Photoshop CS4 for Photographers is a massive book. 704 pages, it weighs over 4 American pounds. You can exercise your biceps hauling the book around while you exercise your mind with Photoshop chops.
The book is ponderous. Martin Evening doesn't have the chatty style of Scott Kelby or the sometimes flippant style of Deke McClelland, but I'm always reminded of the Pink Floyd verse about quiet desperation being the English way when I read one of Martin Evening's books.
I would prefer an updated version of Deke McClelland's Photoshop CS Bible: Professional Edition to Martin Evening's Adobe Photoshop CS4 for Photographers, but Martin Evening's book would be a close second in terms of comprehensive Photoshop resource. No question, Martin Evening is a more accomplished photographer, and his books offer helpful insights from the perspective of an active, professional photographer.
If you are new to digital photography and to Photoshop in particular, you'll probably be better served with the forthcoming book by Scott Kelby, The Adobe Photoshop CS4 Book for Digital Photographers. Martin Evening's Adobe Photoshop CS4 for Photographers is oriented more towards intermediate to advanced readers, people who know their way around Photoshop and are familiar already with photo editing basics. Once you do have your basic Photoshop chops mastered, Adobe Photoshop CS4 for Photographers is the book you're more likely to grab off the shelf to understand topics like sharpening rather than just yanking sliders according to some quick tip.
Highly Recommended
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Thanks for the review
Thanks for the review Mich.
I've two books of kelby, they're ok, but i want to use Ps for my photo with more control and understanding more about the color, sharpening and print ecc.: this book is helpfull for me?.
Re. Thank's for the review
It depends on what you want.
Scott Kelby and Martin Evening are very different writers and writing for very different audiences.
Kelby writes with a very witty, conversational style. He offers "cookbook" recipes for effects and techniques. His explanations tend to be more superficial. So, if you want to know how to do something and the why is unimportant, consider Scott's books.
Martin Evening is a much more conventional author. His writing is rather dry. He provides a wealth of information.
For quick tips, you'll turn to Kelby more. For detailed explanation -- IOW, as a general reference -- you'd want Martin Evening's book.
Good comments on the intended readership
Mitch, I like the way you described who the book is for. By chance this book just landed on my desk today. I ordered it precisely for the purpose you described.
Pavel