looking for book on PP

[fairy bombs]

Hi

I am new to PP,just started taking photos in RAW and JPEG,started to play around,in PP

I am not very good with computers,Is there a book or some document that can help me learn PP??

I am trying to figure out this 'unsharpen mask',-'sharpen mask',and really not sure what it all means or how to do it.

I hope there may be one of those 'Dummies guide to.....' books or similar.

thanks FB

[kiwi]

Are you using Photoshop ?

If so, Scott Kelby's books are the best IMHO

[bigdazzler]

From the outset, I would recommend Adobe Lightroom 2 (http://www.citysoftware.com.au/Adobe_Photoshop_Lightroom_2_-_Academic_AEP9567.aspx) and Scott Kelbys book, Lightroom 2 for Photographers (http://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Computers/Graphics_Design/General/9780321555564/?cf=3&rid=1795005289&i=1&keywords=scott+kelby+lightroom), to learn how to use it. A whole new world awaits ;)

[bigdazzler]

yep I agree with the kiwi .. I got Kelbys LR book (as above) and his CS4 book ..... his writing style is very easy to understand and absorb. Highly recommended.

[fairy bombs]

Thanks chaps

Yes,I have heard of Scott Kelby,I have his book "the digital photography book 2" it is very easy to understand and put the info into practice.I want book 1 if anyone knows where i can get it let me know.

RE-PP I have premiere elements 7,which is hard to get RAW working in,I have been going into PPP that came on a disc when I bought Canon 450 D.it works.

I have heard of CS4,but I think its expensive,my son-a teenager can get parts of it some how,and I think it my work,but un-sure.

I see some tips in the bird section of this forum,might have to study those.

thanks for any help,its rather daughting!

FB

[bigdazzler]

Fishpond have the Kelby DP Box Set (http://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Childrens/Fiction/Art/General/9780321678737/?cf=3&rid=1278353052&i=1&keywords=scott+kelby+digital+photography+v1) but dont seem to have Book 1 on its own.

mate for RAW processing ... get Lightroom ... seriously. You can get the academic version (linked above) for under $150. It is the best move you will ever make.

PM sent re: CS4.

[fairy bombs]

Thanks for that,I notice over in bird section,there was some good instructions,a reply by a advanced photographer mentions 'light room' he mentions it is 'easier' so I will check it out,$150 sounds ok,as I say very new to all this,its a bit of a step learning curve

FB

[bigdazzler]

The full version of LR is about $500 I think. The academic version is a lot cheaper and comes with a serial number in the box. Very easy. Only restriction is that youre not supposed to use it for commercial purposes.

LR is fantastic, you wont regret it, and Kelbys book makes that learning curve a LOT easier. Things will just make sense.

[fairy bombs]

Thanks everyone!,the help has been very good!

hopefully you wont have to look at my crappy images for to much longer!,and they will improve.

I bought some L glass,so half way there! just gota master PP

FB

[bigdazzler]

I bought some L glass,so half way there! just gota master PP



L glass is great, no doubt, but camera handling and skills are a lot more important. Remember 50% light, 40% skills, 10% gear .. ;)

[andrask]

I don't seem to share the same enthusiasm for Scott Kelby as many seem to here.

My favourite Lightroom 2 book is The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Book: The Complete Guide for Photographers (Paperback) by Martin Evening (http://www.amazon.com/Adobe-Photoshop-Lightroom-Book-Photographers/dp/0321555619/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1273020810&sr=1-3)

And for Photoshop it is hard to beat for depth and comprehensiveness Real World Adobe Photoshop:

Real World Adobe Photoshop CS3 for Photographers by David Blatner, Conrad Chavez and Bruce Fraser (http://www.amazon.com/Real-World-Adobe-Photoshop-CS3/dp/0321518683/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1273021125&sr=1-1)
Real World Adobe Photoshop CS4 for Photographers by Conrad Chavez and David Blatner
(http://www.amazon.com/Real-World-Adobe-Photoshop-Photographers/dp/0321604512/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1273021149&sr=1-1)

[bigdazzler]

I don't seem to share the same enthusiasm for Scott Kelby as many seem to here.

Reason ??

[andrask]

Reason ??

I find his jocular style a bit distracting if not off-putting. I guess I'm "more meat less dressing" old school.

[Adrian Fischer]

+1 Scott Kelby because he doesnt seem to take himself to seriously.

[bigdazzler]

mmm fair enough. I like his candor. Kinda removes the feeling of reading a text book for me.

[ricstew]

you could download the lightroom beta for free........
cheers
jan