Customer Reviews:
 Well worth having. Great learning book. October 3, 2007
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I have read this 400 odd page book twice to the point that it almost became an addition! The first time I didn't take it all in, but on the second occasion it all became a lot clearer. Believe me this book oozes information from each page the moment you pick it up and start reading. It's the type of book that you do not want to put down. Yes it is a 'before and after' definition type of book, but it benefits by explaining to the reader in clear and precise terminology on what to do and how to get there. Each PE5 (Photoshop Elements 5) tool (and it goes through them all in some detail) ends with a 'Feature Summary', and that's where a small exercise comes in if you want to participate. More or less doing what the Author had been previously describing in fact. This is clearly designed to make the reader aware of, and how to use the specific tool being described as you are gently guided through each section. Each PE5 'tool' is very clearly explained. I was disappointed in the very powerful Layers section, representing the backbone of Photoshop and Elements alike. Where the Layers Mask, and the Gradients section is, I have yet to find them. All this aside this book was and is very easy reading with a medium sized text format. It has lots of pictures with red arrows going from this picture to that tool and onward to that picture. Very visual in fact. It explains what and where you have to go with these arrows and pictures to get to the end result, which is then clearly shown. EVERYTHING has a picture attached to it which are all of a nice viewable size. Text to picture radio is around 50/50 I feel. This book has that `friendly feel' about it and not once was I bored by reading it. The Author clearly has that `knack' of being able to explain detail to the reader that he/she can understand without getting over technical about the whole thing. Yes I think that this book is well worth having.
This is my third book on PE5 and just as my top choice book of the three was by Author, Mark Galer, this book is also highly recommended. In my opinion the Layers section needs to seen to be understood, hence my top marks would go to Mark Galers book/video. Only when you actually attempt doing the Layers thing will you become familiar with this tool. It does not have the video disc supplied with this book but in it's own way is just as informative, be it that it relies on written text only. It has a link to the Authors website where all the pictures detailed in the book can be downloaded as a single file or all together in order to match the summaries. Super book, super read. Just made it to 5 stars. All IMHO of coarse.
Scott Congdon's Review May 11, 2007
18 out of 18 found this review helpful
Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0 A visual introduction to digital photography
By Philip Andrews
When a digital photographer is just starting out, and need to learn a program in order to achieve their photographic goals, going on a course can be very costly. If you want to start your digital photography journey off on the right foot and learn the basics of Photoshop Elements 5.0 then this book is ideal. The author starts from the absolute basics and breaks down every little detail within the program and explains it using easy to follow steps and fantastic illustrations. The colour coordinated chapter system allows the reader to quickly refer to a section in need.
From explaining what each tool's function is, to outlining what is new in Elements 5.0 this book leaves no stone unturned and will easily motivate the reader to want to know more! The book also puts theory into practice with a great chapter of projects that the reader can use to help achieve their own person photographic goals. At the very back of the book, there is an in depth column of keyboard shortcuts guaranteed to really speed up the editing process.
Whether the needs are amateur or professional, this book is an easy to follow and user friendly reference to the latest Photoshop Elements software.
This book is available direct from Elsevier Australia Customer Service, Tel: 1800 263 951, Fax: (02) 95172249 or by email: customerserviceau@elsevier.com
Photoshop Elements 5: A Visual Introduction to Digital Photography November 20, 2006
61 out of 61 found this review helpful
This is the latest of Philip Andrew's series of books covering Photoshop Elements, now at Version 5, and fully updated, is aimed at those who are new to digital imaging and the software. One of the many strengths of the book is its "backward compatibility"; that is to say, you can use this book, even if you have a previous version of the software. This is achieved by stating clearly at the start of each section what the commands are for versions 1 through to 5. The book is divided into 15 Chapters, covering everything from an overview of digital imaging and the software to creating a web photo gallery. In between each of the following topics and more is covered: Getting your pictures into Elements, tonal control, retouching techniques, making and using selections, organising your photos with tags, understanding and using layers, working with text, using painting tools, creating panoramas, preparing images for the web and printing, making creations. A further Chapter contains 12 "real world" projects that can be followed step-by-step to further hone your skills. There is also a useful companion website where there are further downloadable resources and all the photos used in the book are available to download and practice on. In summary, this is an excellent book that I commend to anyone interested in getting the most from the software. Philip Andrews has a clear, concise and easy style, and manages to explain complex terms in an easy to understand way. This, combined with great full colour screen shots and clear step-by-step instructions makes this a must for any Photoshop Elements user.
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