4 comments about Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 How-Tos: 100 Essential Techniques.

1. Quick and to the point. Very helpful. I use it for post-processing wedding shots.



2. I just got my copy of the book this past weekend and already it has already paid for itself! As a new photographer, familar to other Adobe products but new to Lightroom this book is perfect. I find it is easy to simply flip around to the different sections, learn something new and can begin using it right away. Plus no long winded, how-to sections that you don't need or read anyway....
   Adobe Lightroom is such a powerful tool and the more I learn the more impressed I am - and for me this book is now one of those essential for learning how to really use and get the most out of it.



3. Experienced and intermediate Lightroom users will find this a great reference. It's an excellent support tool, topically organized, in the order of Lightroom's modules and tools. If you need help with a particular tool, like the new gradient filter, it's simple to go right to that section, without having to dig through the index. Also, each section gives me just enough to get going on my own, without a lot of extra verbiage, which might be fun to read, but it's becomes more time-consuming when you just need something quick. This was the first book available, and well priced. I'll probably get his Photoshop book, too, when the CS4 version becomes available.



4. I'm always in need of succinct resources that are easy to navigate and which deliver the message in direct and easy to grasp ways. This book really does it for me. I strongly recommend it. Chris has a natural talent for relating to users and communicating in a very effective way. I'm a big fan.

5 comments about Lost Balls: Great Holes, Tough Shots, and Bad Lies.

1. The photographs are amazing. They are witty and visually interesting. I gave it to my grandfather for his birthday and it was a huge hit. The book got passed around and everyone enjoyed it. I went back and bought a second copy for myself. It is the perfect coffee table book.



2. I saw this book on the coffee table of a friend and immediately went home and bought it as a gift for my brother. He is an avid golfer and was overwhelmed with this gift! He has it on his coffee table and said his visitors never put it down and it's his favorite gift of the year! I'm not a golfer and I still LOVED this book!



3. This book is perfectly delightful. I purchased this for my husband, and he has spent hours pouring over it. The pictures are wonderful and very high quality. He swears I bought it because so many pictures are of him in trouble at the golf course (not true!), but loads of laughs.



4. I ordered this book as a gift. I loved it so much ( I am NOT a golfer at all) that I ordered another as a gift plus one for me!



5. This book's photographs are absolutely brilliant! I first saw the book walking through a store and picked it up only to open up to a page where a golf ball was stuck in a pile of poo. I was flipping pages before you knew it and every shot had me smiling, laughing, reminiscing and just really enjoying the photos. If you are a golfer or going to be buying this book for a golfer I am sure they will get as much enjoyment out of it as I have. Everyone comes into our home and I catch them flipping pages on the book and enjoying it. So don't pass this book up, buy it now!

5 comments about Photoshop Elements 6 for Mac: The Missing Manual.

1. This is a most excellent book for Mac users. It takes the reader through a rather complicated program step by step. I have only two suggestions. First, it would be helpful if the authors would provide more sample pictures on which to practice. Second, it is sometimes difficult when they suggest that you refer to information 100 pages later in the book. I try to use "Missing Manuals" for any new programs I purchase. Trying to get by on the help menu or material that comes with the programs is a waste of time.



2. This book on Photoshop Elements 6 is very comprehensive and well written. I am totally new to Photoshop and have found it helpful. The amount of material in the book is a bit overwhelming. I am sure that over time as I become more familiar with Photoshop Elements 6 I will be able to make better use of the book.



3. I am just starting to get into this book and have already obtained solutions to vexing problems that I did not have the patience to run to ground by using on line help and tutorials. The book helps me decide what is and is not important in the use of Elements 6.0 for the Mac - then provides the answers to my questions.
   
   For example, in a matter of minutes, I was able to find out how to "right click" to edit an image in Elements directly from iPhoto and then how to save the changed image back to iPhoto. My Apple iMac software (both iPhoto and Elements 6.0) were on the wrong settings and I was having a terrible time trying to figure out the changes I needed to make in Preferences. Even the Apple in store Rep was not able to explain how to do this basic step. I got my answer in minutes from this book and now am already saving a lot of time.
   
   I expect as I read further and apply the information as I go along that I will finally master Elements 6.0.
   I also bought the Missing Manual for iPhoto '08 and the two manuals play very well together. Why oh why doesn't Adobe make it this simple? These books are like having an experienced digital photography friend at your side ready to show and tell.
   
   The simple (now) concept of how iPhoto files work in concert with Elements 6.0 has made me much more confident that I am on the right track to being a better image processor and printer. I look forward to trying the methods detailed in this book and growing in my expertise every day. Took the "chore aspect" right out of my hobby of digital and scanned image photography. And, when you have over 50,000 images in digital and film and print form as I do, and you can gain confidence in managing them, you have to thank a book like this one.



4. 
   Strengths: Beautiful layout and in color. There is no hardware CD but there is one through a website that has many files to try the tutorials and more. Helpful insight on Photoshop versus Elements and Mac versus PC for users new to either platform or Operating System/ Computer. Color screenshots are of a good size.
   
   Weaknesses: Real novice users may find the book's tutorials a little daunting but they will learn from this book nevertheless.
   
   Introduction
   
   Photoshop is the premier graphic editing program for most of the Mac and Windows graphic artists. Many of those who don't require all the power of Photoshop but want most of the utilities, use Photoshop Elements which has proved to be popular. Macintosh users however have not had an updated version for two years but that has changes now. Mac users who also want to learn about the applications new features and learn as much as possible quickly look for a book to help them. If you are looking for one Photoshop Elements 6 for Mac: The Missing Manual is a excellent one.
   
   The author, a musician by trade, , a mac expert and a Photoshop expert is the author of the Photoshop Elements Missing Manual Book. She provides insights into this new two year version of Photoshop Elements for Macintosh
   
   The tutorials and content are provided in the 7 parts and 18 chapters. The book has color and well laid out.I like the little violet tabs on each top page side-tip that show what is on each page. The chapter numbers are on the bottom although I would have liked to have seen them on the top (which is where my eyes and most people normally start looking on each page). Color screenshots are easy to read. In several instances (like P. 302) there are red lines to indicate where in the screenshots the tutorials are relating the information.There are also a myriad of short notes (labeled Power Users Clinic, Workaround Workshop, Troubleshooting Moment, Communication Station help provide solid notes the zone in on helpful assistance.
   
   There is no hardware CD but there is one through a website. Many of the Missing Manual series have a Missing Manual CD which has a lot of extras already available: web addresses, practice files and pieces of downloadable software that are included and mentioned in the books many sections. This not only saved money for the book being lesser in cost but also is more reliable with continual updates.
   
   The appendix has 3 sections with nice layout of elements (menu by menu), installation and troubleshooting problems, and information about Bridge CS3, menu by menu. The index is full of items to help find information where you want in the book.
   
   Conclusion
   Beautiful book, thorough and well laid out, this book is easy to read and filled with great tutorials that will get you up and running with this new mac elements version in no time. The step-by-step tutorials are well done and help most users from the beginning to more difficult graphic endeavors. Some users may want an even more visual based clean straight forward set of tutorials.



5. Great program-worth the cost. Transforms lackluster pictures to ones you won't mind spending money to print.

5 comments about Adobe Photoshop CS3 for Photographers: A Professional Image Editor's Guide to the Creative use of Photoshop for the Macintosh and PC.

1. Martin, Excellent book!
   Over the years I have been so frustrated finding books that I can follow easily and expand on my knowledge. Through trial and error I have discovered that just about any book written by someone in Europe, especially in England is extremely helpful in a person's studies. American books drive me crazy; the majority of the time, the author tries to attract attention to himself by being funny instead of just giving me the technical details I bought the book for. If I want comedy, I will buy such a book. I also find the Americans copy each other's books and don't know themselves what they are trying to teach. The main difference between the American written books and the European books is that Americans have a huge emphasis on making money with little care if the student understands or not, the Europeans have a huge emphasis on helping and teaching others which Martin has done with this book.
   I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to learn or expand on their knowledge. Reading this book is like talking to a live and understanding human being on the other side. Martin, I thank you for taking the time and effort from your busy schedule to let other people gain the knowledge that you have. You obviously did not do this for money. This is a high quality book with full colour pictures and heavy paper not to mention the wealth of data inside. Normally a book of this quality made in the USA would cost over three times this price. By the way, I am impartial; I was born foreign to the USA and Europe.



2. This book is fairly comprehensive with regard to content on enhancing photos using photoshop techniques.
   I definitely would recommend this guide for both beginning and advanced photoshop CS3 users.



3. I enjoyed this book very much. I am a novice photographer (2 years exp) but an long time photoshop user (7+ years). I wanted to take my photos to the next level in post but I typically ended up with a great photo more by accident than by design. I wanted to be able to *really* know how to get a certain effect or look without having to fiddle around for an hour.
   
   The book is bound very well. For such a large volume with a paper spine, it has held up remarkably. That said, I am considering having the chapters spiral-bound separately because the book doesn't lay down flat very well.



4. This is a very comprehensive, easy to follow Photoshop CS3 resource. Being a photographer, I especially like that it focuses (excuse the pun) on those features of CS3 that pertain to photography. The accompanying DVD is a plus that includes video tutorials, source photos for the examples as well as valuable chapters and charts from previous versions of the book that were too big to include in print. I have been going thru the chapters sequentially, but it's an easy task to go to any section and be immediatly productive.



5. This is one of my favorite Photoshop CS3 books; I have quite a few. The quality of the book is excellent and I have learned so much from the lessons. The book comes with a very good DVD that makes this book an outstanding value. I have read some of the bad reviews. I think they expected a "dummies" or "beginners" type book. This is for a photographer who wants to get the most out of Adobe Photoshop. You can tell that Mr. Evening came from a photography background. Is this book a bit on the complex side? Sure. But I already know Photoshop basics and I did not want a rehash. That is why I highly recommend this book.

5 comments about Photoshop Elements 6 For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)).

1. 
   Since I'm fairly new to digital imaging, I purchased this book to help me get thru learning the Photoshop Elements 6.0. I absolutely think it has helped a lot, mainly because it puts things in simpler terms for someone like me.



2. Very well layed out to give you a good overview of the software. Examples show clearly how to get the the best out of the tools to enhance your pictures.



3. Book is okay but using the Adobe Elements web page showing "how to" videos is much easier to understand. Also Adobe offers a $79 video workshop which is worth the money if you want to learn. I probably would not buy the book again.



4. I purchased Photoshop Elements 6 after reading several excellent reviews on the product. When I received my copy from Amazon, I had trouble getting it to work on my new computer so I called Adobe for technical assistance. According to Michael from Adobe, the product number on my box is not in their database so they could not help me. Michael stated that the software must be fraudulent.
   I contacted Amazon and the customer service rep (who by the way had horrible English) did not act like it was a big deal that your company may have received illegal copies of the Adobe program and are passing them on to your consumers.
   I would like someone from management to contact me at dabgarner@gmail.com or (904)894-1054.
   Thank you.



5. Having used the Dummies books before, with great success, I was very disappointed in this book. There are several instances where what the book states does not mesh with what is actually happening with the software. I bought this book about a week after I'd bought Photoshop Elements 6, after realizing the online help was next to no help. I don't know if it's the authors' fault, or perhaps the software itself - it is certainly not intuitive, when taken with other programs I've worked in (both PC and Mac - programs like MS Word, MS Publisher, QuarkExpress, etc.). Whatever the cause - maybe a combination of both? - the whole process of using the book and the software has been a very frustrating experience. I would not buy another book by either of these authors again, given my experience with this one.

5 comments about Apple Pro Training Series: Aperture 2 (Apple Pro Training).

1. The book is the official Apple Pro training course for Aperture, Apple's all-in-one post-production tool for photographers.
   
   It's a book-DVD training combination which starts with the basics of image management and takes you step by step all the way through Aperture 2's powerful photo-editing, image-retouching, proofing, publishing, and archiving features.
   
   The book is designed to teach you how to use Aperture in the context of a professional workflow, using 12 project-based, step-by-step lessons and accompanying media files. It's almost 100% hands on.
   
   Running through all the lessons will take you about 17 hours.
   
   It's divided into three main sections: importing and organising, image editing, and printing and publishing. The first topics are exploring the Aperture workflow, evaluating images: compare and select, and organising your project. The image editing section is sub-divided into basic edits, working with RAW images, correcting tone, correcting colour, and repairing and enhancing your images. Finally, section three covers delivering images for client review, delivering final images, showcasing and promoting you work, and Aperture automation.
   
   I have worked through the first three lessons myself. The DVD material is easy to use. Lessons are structured very clearly in manageable steps with brief, clear explanations about the context of what you are doing. I liked the lesson review questions and answers at the end of each lesson. At the beginning of each lesson there's a list of lesson files, time and goals spelling out how long it will take to complete the lesson, followed by a list of what is to be achieved.
   
   This is a comprehensive, practical and well organised training course written by those who know what they are talking about. If you take the trouble to complete all 12 lessons, you'll find yourself amply rewarded: perhaps even an Aperture whiz.
   
   [...]



2. This book was one, if not the first book available for Apple's Aperture 2 software. Being a new Aperture 2 user, I was anxious to get more familiar with the tool, so I dove in to read this book.
   
   As part of the Apple Pro Training Series, this book reads like a typical textbook. This is a self-paced, lesson based book, complete with a DVD of projects to work from (I never used the DVD, as I used my own photos so I cannot comment on the DVD itself).
   
   It has 12 project based lessons, one for each chapter. At the end of each chapter, a list of questions are included. The chapters include: Exploring the Aperture Workflow, Evaluating Images, Organizing Your Project, Basic Edits, Working with Raw Images, Correcting Tone, Correcting Color, Repairing and Enhancing Your Images, Delivering Images for Client Review, Delivering Final Images, Showcasing and Promoting Your Work, and Aperture Automation. The authors also include two appendices: Advanced Media Management for Professionals, and Aperture and iPhoto Integration.
   
   The content of the book adequately covers the basic functionality of Aperture 2, but I was disappointed for the following reasons:
   
   * Some of the writing is not clear. I found myself having to read a step several times before understanding what the authors were trying to convey, and the book's layout didn't aid me.
   * The writing style is too dry for my taste, and thus, I became bored quickly.
   * The authors' tips leave little to be desired. Instead of "expert insider tips", most of the tips were fairly basic. Some, I could not even classify as a tip, e.g., "...click the Options & Prices button to view the latest pricing from Apple.com..."
   
   I also was disappointed with the layout of this book. The layout makes it cumbersome for the reader to quickly absorb the information. Maybe this layout is typical of the "Apple Pro Training Series" books; if this is the case, the publisher should make it more palatable to users. Here are some examples of layout issues that really bothered me.
   
   * Some of the critical steps do not offer a picture, which sometimes makes it so difficult to follow.
   * Some of the pictures included just show the buttons or a portion of the screen being referenced in the step, and not where exactly the button is, forcing me to waste time, hunting around the screen to find these elusive buttons. I want to see the entire Aperture 2 screen first, with the button or function circled, and then a close-up of the circled item itself.
   * I would much prefer a three column page layout for step-by-step instructions (a column for pictures, steps and tips).
   * Only the chapter name is included in the header of the page, not the chapter number, which forces me to have to go back to the Table of Contents to find what I need. The chapter number and subchapter title should be included on each page.
   * There are tips from the authors, but they do not stand out on the page (perhaps it doesn't matter anyways, since the tips are not very interesting to read).
   
   Summary:
   
   This book is targeted for taking the Aperture certification course, rather than being a good reference book. It provides a basic view of Aperture functions, but it does not really provide much in the way expert tips in using Aperture 2. I do open it, as needed, since it's the only Aperture 2 book on my shelf, but each time, I cringe because the writing style is a typical dry textbook style, and the layout leaves little to be desired, in my opinion. It is, however, better than simply relying on the little "Exploring Aperture Guide" that accompanied the Aperture 2 software.
   
   For very beginning Aperture 2 users, this book may be somewhat useful. For savvier users, consider another book.
   
   My thoughts:
   
   Ease of use: Dry reading that is sometimes hard to follow. Content not well laid out.
   
   Audience: Very beginning Aperture 2 users
   
   Cost: Reasonable



3. This book and accompanying CD provide an excellent, hands-on tutorial for anyone using Aperture to process digital images. Both the professional and amateur photographer will find it beneficial. I not only learned how to add impact to my photos, I learned how to take better photos as well. The lessons are easy to follow and readers can pace the instruction to their level of experience. For those using PhotoShop, the book also address editing with PhotoShop while working in Aperture.



4. This is an excellent instruction book for Aperture 2.
   The book is thorough and well written. I use this program
   daily and have learned a great deal.



5. if you're trying to teach yourself [ like me ] and hit a snag -like not being able to drag & drop keywords - then the learning is over [ page 92 for me ]. there is no way to contact ben long or the other authors. now, this expensive book gathers dust. a little support goes a long way for a joe snap like me.

1 comments about Shoes Gallery Calendar 2009 (Page a Day Gallery Calendar).

1. I personally received this calendar as a gift in 2007 and 2008 (and I am sure I will get 2009!). I purchased the 2009 for a gift for someone who had seen mine and they LOVED it!! If you like shoes, this is it!

5 comments about Digital Wedding Photography: Capturing Beautiful Memories.

1. It is an excelnet book and I want to thanks Amazon for the fast delivery



2. I have a degree in photography and have read many books on the subject of photography have a real respect for authors how can explain their work this well. I hope all photograpers read this book who are invited to shoot weddings. On behalf of all the brides we owe thim a little time researching this very important field of chronicling memories.



3. I am sure that anyone interested in learning digital wedding photography will find this book very useful. Covering all aspects of digital wedding photography, so far, this is the most complete and most comprehensive book in digital wedding photography.
   
   A must-have book if you are a wedding photographer



4. I received the book digital Wedding Photography in less than a week and I am so very impressed. Took me three days to finish reading, but so worth it. It had more information than I expected and I will refer back to it many times, because I won't be able to retain it all. Would like to meet the author in person some time and didn't know he lives in the same town as me. I want to learn so much more in the studio area. I need to get myself some better lenses and update my camera. I learned so many things from reading the book. Better than any other book I have bought, and I have bought many. Recommed it to beginners like me and for advanced folks too.
   Thank you so much,
   Jessie Savage Springfield Oregon



5. This is a good book with lots of good info. Not intended for the already established Wedding photog, but good for someone starting out. Better than most of the new photography books out today that are all fluff but no real info.

No comments about Photoshop Elements 7: The Missing Manual.

1 comments about Sierra Club 2009 Engagement Calendar.

1. Though beautiful pictures there are not enough of animals. They used to have a lovely selection of animal shots.