Jacquelin Vanderwood

May 1, 2000

Let me begin by saying that if you are a novice or a seasoned veteran of Photoshop, reading this book will both delight you and make you think. If you've been beating about in Photoshop for awhile, with this book you will discover that you don't know as much as you think you do. 

Deke McClelland is a guru of Photoshop with a style and substance that will draw you back again and again to his wit and writing style. As you read through the book, you find that Deke writes as though you are an old friend, which makes reading this book much more palatable. As a reviewer of software and books, having to read manuals all the time has the tendency to make me relax and fall asleep. That's ok if you've got all the time in the world but when you're seriously trying to review a product, it really is a hindrance. Deke McClelland is a breath of fresh air. His books are both enjoyable and comprehensive...never a dull moment. Deke's intuitive style walks you through the many processes of Photoshop and explains in detail why you must do something. He teaches from the point of view of the real world and what you will be exposed to as a designer. He doesn't say "do this" without explaining why. He'll tell you if something in Photoshop is great and why. He'll also give you good reasons why not to use something. I was first exposed to his expertise through the Total Training's "Total Photoshop" videos (wonderful tutorials).

There are a number of interviews in the book along with color samples that showcase how the artist achieves a certain look or style. All of which I found very enlightening. You can always learn something new from everyone. I especially like the Eric Chauven interview because it details the process he goes through to a achieve matte paintings using Photoshop, photos and 3D programs, an area that has always interested me. 

The book covers the fundamentals, how to make a living, painting and retouching images, color and history techniques, selections, layers, text, things only Photoshop can do, filters and special effects, special effects made practical, corrections, composites and the web and new frontiers.   

Included along with this book are two CD's packed full of a variety of PDF files, pics, samples, plug-ins and the like. You also get to eavesdrop on bits of conversations Deke had with various designers he interviewed and showcased in Photoshop 5 Bible Gold Edition. 

This is a "most excellent" reference tool. You won't find a better source of information on Photoshop than this book. It is definitely  worth buying and keeping readily available for any question you might have. Definitely the "TOP" book out on the market today. As a tutorialist for the magazine, I get a lot of questions on how to do the basics of Photoshop. Here's the source for anyone interested in knowing it all.

Copyright 2000, Jacquelin Vanderwood, All Rights Reserved