How to Cheat in Photoshop CS4: The art of creating photorealistic montages,   ISBN:9780240521152

Customer Rating: 

Very good book. Great step by step instruction. Just a bit over my head.
Not for beginners. Teaches you how to make picture montages (create scenes), doesn't really teach you how to use the photoshop application. Should have intermediate photoshop skills before buying this book. Upon completion of book you will be an expert at photoshopping.

Customer Rating: 

A Keeper (not the capital "K")

Rarely do I find books that have me thoroughly impressed within the 1st 10pages. I've been using Photoshop since 1998. I haven't bothered to read an updated book on the topic since CS1 (feeling as though the updates haven't been THAT significant) however I now stand corrected.

If 4 no other reason than efficiency sake I would suggest u get this book. Besides showing u what needs 2b done and how exactly 2 do it this book also outlines shortcut by shortcut. Much like programming its just a matter of repetition so while at 1st u might be against all the short cut keys (which becomes EXCLUSIVE short cut keys in the 1st few pages of the book) after enough practice u'll soon learn to appreciate the short-cut key approach.

My one hang up about this book is that I would of loved to see more 3D tricks (not saying the 1's that r in here aren't GREAT!). But like any book this alone is not enough so to significantly add 2 ur knowledge base I suggest (bcuz I despise when reviews don't recommend other sources)...

1. Photoshop Classic Affects a read & returner: this is a MUST foundation. Personally I'd suggest going to a B&N or Borders, buy the book, take 28days to learn it then return it for a full refund on the 29th day as this is not a book u'll need 2 refer to much :-)
2. After Effects Apprentice a keeper: if ur a web designer u'd BEST to learn this and up ur networth)
3. Advanced Photoshop the premium collection. a keeper: (this is a magazine on volume 4... GET IT!!)

You're welcome ;-)

Customer Rating: 

This book is chock full of excellent tips, but the DVD really leaves something out. There are no cross references from the book on the DVD unless I am missing something. Also the links on the DVD expired so..Steve Caplin really knows his business but again, all of the examples are shown on a MAC leaving PC users in the dark on many of the tricks and tips. I know MAC is the standard graphic computer, but I cannot afford one let alone replace all of the graphic software.

I suggest that if you put a reference in your book to the DVD...the reference should show up the same on the DVD chapter. You have to dig around looking for the corresponding page so it needs work. The book, no complaints...excellent as always.

Customer Rating: 

I wouldn't call it cheating but this book shows you how to accomplish many things with Photoshop CS4 through the use of what I would call non standard use of tools. Unless you are an extremely proficient user of Photoshop CS4 you will enjoy learning these tricks.

Customer Rating: 

A wonderful book, but not for newbye. Sometimes it will be useful more step by step instructions.