One of the most concise, clearly written, well-illustrated books of its type...a very solid primer, with both in-depth discussion of how the tools and concepts work within Photoshop AND well-illustrated step-by-step tutorials to familiarize you with their use. This book covers both ends of the spectrum equally well - beginners will find everything they need to get them started and take them through high level editing, and experienced users will find it a useful refresher, and a fantastic reference book. Definitely a useful addition to any Photoshop user's shelf, I can't recommend it enough. - Professional Photoshop user
When it comes to simple layouts with informative text, this book is just the ticket. Filled with some inspirational images and good use of screen grabs, it makes navigating the software and its tool bars a really easy experience. Supplied with a tutorial CD-ROM and a companion website, the book is ideal for getting to grips with CS2's main tools...Excellent value and so simple to understand. - Which Digital Camera
Clear and informative - www.photoarchivenews.com
A must for any photographer, whether an absolute beginner or one in advanced mode...Plough through Digital Imaging: Essential Skills, followed by Photoshop CS2: Essential Skills, memorise every other word and you will be the king of your camera club. - Amateur Photographer
'Reading a technical manual with such interest and enthusiasm is indeed a rarity. Easy to comprehend, this will be essential reading for novice and experts alike who want to get to grips and understand the creative suite program as a whole. It is one of the best intro Photoshop books I have encountered to date.'
Andy Moxon, Professor of Photography, Savannah College of Art and Design
In a market literally bursting at the seams with publications purporting to answer all your questions about CS2, this book is a standout in that it actually delivers on its promises. Clear, concise and exhibiting a true just the facts, Ma'am style, it's a comprehensive wrap up of the ins and outs of Adobe's latest version.
The tutorials and explanations are spot on, the companion CD and web referrals extremely helpful and the book itself is almost a work of art due to high production standards and terrific images. Philip Andrews and Mark Galer know what they're talking about and it shows.
Don't leave it too long to get hold of this one. Amazon.co.uk reviewer, 5 star rating
I Love it and I have a huge Photoshop library to compare this book to. The layout is very well thought out, the book is methodical. It is beautifully illustrated and covers everything you need to really get your teeth into CS2 and Photoshop in general. It is a very comfortable read and I find myself going back to this book all the time. The examples are very good and every image is included on the enclosed CD so the reader can work through the examples. Also on the CD are 4 hours of QuickTime video tutorials, camera raw files, free extra chapters and a lot of goodies (free layer styles, shapes, gradients, etc.) I think the CD by itself justifies the price of this book and as Photoshop books go this is not an expensive one. I feel that any buyer of this book gets a lot for their dollar. Amazon.com reviewer
A well-presented guide featuring impressive images and vital information. Packing in all the basics and also the more advanced skills, Photoshop CS2 Essential Skills is the perfect companion guide for Photoshop users of multiple levels. Photoshop Creative Magazine (Oct 06)
