photoshop guides

[chiefster69]

getting slightly confused by the number of options in photoshop (cs3) and especially how to sharpen part of an image (say the eyes) without sharpening all of it so I thought I would look into buying a guide. Anyone had any experience with any of them, this one seemed to be a good bet.

Amazon.co.uk (http://www.thedvdforums.com/jump2.php?url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0240520289/thedvdforums-21)

[AndyWilson]

I've got that, and while it's pretty good I don't think it covers the basics enough for us beginners - e.g. using adjustment layers and masks - and what's the alternative when you want to do something like sharpening that can't be done with an adjustment layer.

(personally I'd select the eyes, copy them to a new layer, then apply an unsharpen filter - although I probably should copy the entire layer - create a mask revealing just the eyes, then sharpen that - I think that would give more flexibility to modify the selection if it's not quite right)

[sideshowbob]

I'd make a feathered selection round the eyes, copy and past as a new layer, sharpen the tits off them then adjust the transparency of the layer merge and flatten. Job done.

That said, I can see the merit of a book.

[chiefster69]

(personally I'd select the eyes, copy them to a new layer, then apply an unsharpen filter - although I probably should copy the entire layer - create a mask revealing just the eyes, then sharpen that - I think that would give more flexibility to modify the selection if it's not quite right)

ok i definately need a book

[ajuniper]

I've got the Scott Kelby book (after seeing it recommended here) and can also recommend it:

The Photoshop CS2 Book for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby (http://www.thedvdforums.com/jump2.php?url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0321330625/thedvdforums-21)

I notice that there is also a CS3 book as well.

[Sprout Crumble]

The Martin Evening book is superb. Kelbys also has a great reputation.

[nictry]

I've got the Scott Kelby book (after seeing it recommended here) and can also recommend it:

The Photoshop CS2 Book for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby (http://www.thedvdforums.com/jump2.php?url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0321330625/thedvdforums-21)

I notice that there is also a CS3 book as well.

I have this one too and working my way through it am finding it very useful indeed :thumbs:

[DeadKenny]

this one seemed to be a good bet.

Amazon.co.uk (http://www.thedvdforums.com/jump2.php?url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0240520289/thedvdforums-21)

That one ("Adobe Photoshop for Photographers by Martin Evening") is an excellent book. I've got an old edition for PS7, but I'm sure it's still just as good. Some excellent stuff on colour management too in there.

Though it's a bit redundant for me now as I can pretty much do without Photoshop now Capture NX does just about everything I want.