Reviews (91)

excellent value
i don't usually rave over books but this one far exceeded my expectations. my whole workflow has been improved not to mention the improvment my images have received after reading this book. I don't come from a photography background and photoshop tends to overwhelm me. But photoshop is unavoidable for me- my work is increasingly tied to my photographs. I had been suffering from repeat editing, redoing edits when i would learn new tricks and generally stumbling thorugh photoshop as an absolute novice. But now i feel confident to really do it right in one session and move on. The chapters and sections are well laid out and to the point (despite the sometimes rambling jokiness). After a once-through I know where to look when i come across an issue.
Great intro to Photoshop for Digital Photos
His writing style may be a little cutesy, but most of that is concentrated in the chapter intros which you can safely skip - there's absolutely nothing about photo editing in the chapter intros. They don't even introduce the chapter.
I love his style
This is a great book, the style is easy to understand his tips.
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Subjects:  1. Adobe Photoshop    2. Adobe Photoshop (Computer software)    3. Apple And Macintosh Graphics And Sound    4. Computer Books: General    5. Computer Graphics - General    6. Computer graphics    7. Computers    8. Computers - Other Applications    9. Techniques - Digital    10. Computers / Computer Graphics / General    11. Photoshop   

Reviews (22)

New to Logic?You need this book.
My excitement at being the proud owner of Logic Pro 7 was quickly tempered by the sheer complexity of the software.I spent time with the included documentation and even bought another training book.But it was this book that unlocked Logic's power for me.
Tutorial for Beginners Only
I am new to Logic, but extremely well-versed in other DAW applications. I was looking for a book to cover hands-on issues not specified in the Logic manuals; what I found instead was a series of tutorials that mimic the information found in Logic. If the Logic Reference Manuals don't address a given topic - for example, dealing with latency issues or how to properly archive a project - don't expect it to be addressed here. You're paying for the same content covered again with better hands-on instruction, which may be of great benefit to beginners of the Digital Audio Workstation paradigm.
Recommended
Being a long time Logic user, i still like to study this book to see which areas of Logic I'm still a novice in. What I like about this book, is the Structure, with the chapters and the Tasks to fulfill. So it get's me closer to a streamlined workflow. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computer Graphics - General    3. Computers    4. Computers - General Information    5. Interactive & Multimedia    6. Stereo & Audio Equipment    7. Computer Software Packages    8. Computers / Interactive Media   

Reviews (10)

Teach Yourself, YES! You Can Do It!
I took a Jr. College Class on Final Cut Pro 5 and this was the textbook.The teacher would lecture for an hour and the rest of the time, we worked through the lessons in the book.At the end of the class, we were all able to produce our own short videos.This book is very step-by-step and to be honest, I think that I got more out of going through the lessons than listening to the teacher.I suggest Rick Young's "The Focal Easy Guide to Final Cut Pro 5 for new users and professionals" as a companion book.They both say the same thing, but in different ways.The lessons took me a little longer than the time indicated in each lesson frontpiece, but I sure learned a whole lot about making movies and FCP!

Excelent, comprehensive, straightforward
Very powerful hands-on learning tool when combined with the enclosed DVD. Covers all the functions of Final Cut Pro and allows you to neatly learn hands-on.
Certification book

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Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computer Graphics - General    3. Computers    4. Computers - Desktop Publishing    5. Data processing    6. Desktop Publishing - General    7. Digital video    8. Editing    9. Interactive & Multimedia    10. Macintosh (Computer)    11. Programming    12. Techniques - Digital    13. Video tapes    14. Computers / Interactive Media    15. Image processing: video   

Subjects:  1. Computer Animation    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics - General    4. Computers    5. Computers - Desktop Publishing    6. Computer graphics software    7. Computers / Interactive Media    8. Image processing   

Reviews (7)

A Must Have
I have seen some reviews that said this can't be used to learn Photoshop from the ground up, but that is untrue, because I used this book to teach myself Photoshop with absolutely no prior knowledge whatsoever, and it does a wonderful job of explaining everything. It pretty much covers everything, and I consider it a must have. The only reason it may not be for someone is if they don't learn well from just reading; that, I admit, is a downside of this book. Sometimes it can be difficult to understand what they are talking about by just reading the instructions. If you are sitting by the computer though, it's very easy to follow step by step. If you choose to buy a book with lessons, such as classroom in a book, then I definitely recommend this book as a follow-up.

A Really Great Book!!!
I'm a member of an online gaming community and I was wanting to learn how to make my own "Sigs". After a few hours of reading I was able to use layers to make my first kool looking sig. I also was able to use Photoshop for all the graphics on my web site. If you want to learn to use Photoshop, then this book is a MUST have...

The Manual that Should Have Been.
This is the book that should ship with Photoshop CS2. Excellent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adobe Photoshop    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics - General    4. Computer Graphics - Photoshop    5. Computer graphics    6. Computers    7. Computers - Other Applications    8. Desktop Publishing    9. Desktop Publishing - General    10. Microcomputer Graphics    11. Operating Systems - Macintosh    12. Operating Systems - Windows    13. Computers / Computer Graphics / General    14. Photoshop   

Reviews (10)

Covers everthing
This is a goodf book. But the lessions were not as fun as they could have been. But if you want content and relative ease of understanding, it here.
Recommended
Being a long time Logic user, i still happen to not utilize the App to it's fullest. What I like about this book, is the Structure, with the chapters and the Tasks to fulfill. So it get's me closer to a streamlined workflow.

Apple Logic Pro 7 Training Level 1 is Essential knowledge
Very good for beginners, or more experienced users who are switching to Logic from another platform. The lessons are very basic, but they provide the backbone of how Logic works, and help speed up the workflow quickly. Recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer - Apple/Macintosh    2. Computer Graphics - General    3. Computers - Other Applications    4. Data Processing - Speech & Audio Processing    5. Hardware - Personal Computers - Macintosh    6. Interactive & Multimedia    7. Microcomputer Sound    8. Music    9. Recording & Reproduction    10. Sound Recording And Recordings    11. Computer Software Packages    12. Computers / Interactive Media   

Reviews (6)

Great "how to" manual even for a newbie!
I am new to Motion (2) and not a full time video editor or professional.Even so, the tutorial is excellent: well written, logical, easy to follow.If you produce the occasional movie (just for fun) and want to step up to the more sophisticated capabilities of Motion 2, you can't go wrong with this book.

Best of the Training Series (so far)
This is the third of the Pro Training Series books I've used (DVDSP and FCP are the others) and while the others are excellent, this is the best of the bunch. The first chapter alone taught me tricks and shortcuts I hadn't learned through the manual or the DVD training series I used. I've been using Motion practically since day one of its release and it's strength (and weakness) is that it can do just about anything...you just have to figure out what you want done and how to do it. This book has great lessons that expand one's knowledge and outlook on the program.

Excellent!!
As a fellow PeachPit author, I know what it takes to produce a book like this. First off, congrats to Damian for getting this book to market.
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Subjects:  1. Apple And Macintosh Graphics And Sound    2. Business Software - General    3. Computer Books: General    4. Computer Graphics - General    5. Computers    6. Computers - Desktop Publishing    7. Desktop Publishing - General    8. Computer graphics software    9. Computers / Computer Graphics / General    10. Image processing: graphics (static images)   

Reviews (4)

Worth buying
Excellant and useful book.My only complaint is the first couple of chapters are basic Mac OS how to stuff and a waste of time/space. Be sure to read the Appendices on the DVD though

Unjust Rip!
Lowering the books rating because the Mac requirements are higher than for FCE 3.0 isn't being very fair.The cover says HD, so it's obviously a new version.The description is certainly enough.I would raise the books rating and lower his.

Only book of its kind right now
To date, this the only book that covers FCE 3.5 HD & I strongly recommend it. The intended audience I think is FCE users who would like to make more professional home videos but I think new filmmakers would also benefit from the lessons. If you're interested in mastering advanced topics like color correction, you'll have to pick up other books in this series. Overall though, this an excellent book for the beginner trying to learn FCE as well as how to craft a cinematic experience.
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Subjects:  1. Cinematography & Videography    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics - Design    4. Computer Graphics - General    5. Computers    6. Computers - Desktop Publishing    7. Digital Image Processing    8. Graphic Design    9. Interactive & Multimedia    10. Techniques - Digital    11. Computers / Interactive Media    12. Image processing: video   

Reviews (3)

Up and running on FCP in a week
If you are ever forced to quickly learn Final Cut pro for the odd job where Avid is not a viable option, or you want to start editing your on stuff on the cheap, buy this, read it and practise it for a week and you will be a Pro at Pro, knowing everything there is to know, at least, where to find it and whether it is doable or not. It is a book written by an Avid editor for Avid editors who have to go through the same learning curve. You can be very surprised going through it on how similar the two editing systems are and most of all, how quickly you can synthesise the information and make it second nature. I fervently recommend this book being so well written, going always to the point and covering everything properly.

This book Yes Indeed
As an Avid editor and now learning FCP, I can recommend this book for helping to understand where everthing is.This book is a must unless you want to tear your hair out.If you know how it feels going from Media Composer to DS, then you will understand why you need this book and I might add others.

Moving from Avid to FCP?This book is great!
We have been an Avid only edit house for years, but reciently purchased two Final Cut systems.Most of the transition was pretty easy, but trying to figure out how to do some of the things in FCP that we did in our sleep on the Avid slowed us down a bit.This book draws great parallels between the two systems. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Apple And Macintosh Graphics And Sound    2. Computer - Apple/Macintosh    3. Computer Animation    4. Computer Books: General    5. Computer Graphics - General    6. Computers    7. Data processing    8. Digital video    9. Editing    10. Final cut (Electronic resource    11. General    12. Interactive & Multimedia    13. Macintosh (Computer)    14. Operating Systems - Macintosh    15. Programming    16. Video tapes    17. Computer Software Packages    18. Computers / Interactive Media    19. Image processing: video    20. Video photography   

Reviews (1)

Great instruction
This is a really well done book, good, systematic, well thought out instruction. It methodically takes you through the complexities of this powerful application. It makes no assumptions about your knowledge and teaches in plain, easy-to-follow language, building one technique on another using a series of lessons. The material is presented logically, encouraging the student to explore, while still keeping a clear and consistent lesson plan to guide the learner from topic to topic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Apple And Macintosh Graphics And Sound    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics - General    4. Computers    5. Computers - General Information    6. General    7. Interactive & Multimedia    8. Computer graphics software    9. Computers / Interactive Media    10. Image processing: graphics (static images)   

Reviews (1)

The Soundtrack Pro Book
Mary Plummer, whose fun book on Apple Soundtrack helped walk users through the features of what was once a relatively limited utility, has upgraded the curriculum for the revamped Soundtrack Pro, a tool some have called "the Photoshop of audio". Now, as a Photoshop user myself, I wouldn't say Soundtrack has quite the depth to yet make that claim ... however, Apple has indeed rebuilt it from the ground up into what is leaps and bounds beyond the clip/loop manager it had been before. And Ms. Plummer, who has seen it grow each step of the way, has penned the best (if not only, at this time) source with which to learn its awesome capabilities.
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Subjects:  1. Computer - Apple/Macintosh    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics - General    4. Computers    5. Data Processing - Speech & Audio Processing    6. Digital audio editors    7. General    8. Interactive & Multimedia    9. Microcomputer Sound    10. Music Videos    11. Operating Systems - Macintosh    12. Soundtrack    13. Soundtrack (Computer software)    14. Audio processing: music & sound effects    15. Computers / Operating Systems / Macintosh    16. Multimedia   

Reviews (7)

Helps Dreamweaver Live Up To Its Name
I only rated this book a 4 because although I've read dozens of software books, the only other book on Dreamweaver I'd read was a no-frills intro. Tarin's book delves deep into the hard-core details of this annoyingly complex, but increasingly necessary set of tools. This book is actually fun to read - I liked that. It is also irreverent - I REALLY liked that. The examples are crisp and easy to follow, if you think them through. I especially liked Chapter 10 on converting Excel and Word data to HTML, as Dreamweaver has a way of shrinking them to acceptable file sizes - a pain to sort out on your own. Dreamweaver's complexity can give you nightmares. This book, will let you count sheep instead. Good work Tarin.

not very clear, sometimes confusing
Being able to follow directions well is not good enough for this book.This book was recommended to me by teachers, but it is useless and should not be used at all.I don't like that the visuals are old, and it is worse if you are using a MAC because they are mainly for PCs.The instructions are not straight foward - for instance I tried to upload my site images and half way through his instructions I was lost--I coulnd't find the windows he was referring to. I struggled for hours and finally, feeling defeated, I googled what I needed and found a web site that had more straight forward instructions. If I ever wanted to throw your computer or a book out the window, this was the time.Also, he seems to abbreviate his instructions to emcompass all the how to's in short sentences, but it gets too abbreviated that there seems to be steps missing -- he does this through out the book and uses names of windows this way as well. To my opinion this is definitely a waste of money and I regret buying it.

Companion web site not there
The companion web site mentioned in the book is not there. When I typed in that URL, I got redirected to Peachpit's advertising site of this book, but no "links", "tools", nor "examples" mentioned in the book at all! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Animation    2. Computer Books: Desktop Publish    3. Computer Graphics - General    4. Computers    5. Computers - Desktop Publishing    6. Design    7. Desktop Publishing    8. Desktop Publishing - General    9. Dreamweaver (Computer file)    10. Dreamweaver (Computer software    11. Internet - Web Site Design    12. Multi-Media Hardware & Software    13. Web site development    14. Web sites    15. Computers / Internet / Web Site Design    16. Internet languages    17. Macintosh   

Reviews (2)

Good for general Flash skills
This is a PeachPit Press "Visual QuickPro Guide"--similar to their "Visual QuickStart" training book series, but aimed at more experienced users. The series uses a task-based training approach, teaching skills through short step-by-step exercises. This approach has some major drawbacks for me, although this particular book seems to have dealt with some issues fairly well. My first complaint is that task-based training tends to focus too much on quick, "surface" results without really giving an understanding of what is happening and why it works. This makes it difficult to apply skills effectively in future situations, or to know when they ought to be applied. A task-based organization also makes it difficult to use a book as a reference, since information is dispersed throughout the exercises.
A great book for those learning actionscript
I really enjoyed this book. It goes in depth in covering the actionscript language for Flash 8, and starts off at a relatively slow pace so you don't feel overwhelmed. My only complaint is that it relies a lot (at least in the beginning) on using the script assist mode which I think is a waste of time for those trying to LEARN actionscript. In it's defense, the book weans you off it as it goes along, and I can see someone with no actionscript experience finding that extremely helpful. Knowing a decent amount of actionscript before reading this, I found it a bit annoying but like I said, it fades out of that as the book goes on. Great for learning the newer way to code, and gives a good basis to really use Macromedia Flash to it's full potential. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Animation    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics - Flash    4. Computer Graphics - General    5. Computers    6. Computers - Desktop Publishing    7. Flash (Computer file)    8. Flash (Computer software)    9. Internet - Web Site Design    10. Computers / Computer Animation    11. Image processing    12. Multimedia   

Reviews (2)

My first choice for a manual replacement
The Visual Quickstart series is, in my opinion, the best replacement for a manual, or for those excuses for a manual that appear in software boxes. The Photoshop Elements book fits that need to a T. Good Format, Good Writing, Good Book
I like the format of the Visual QuickStart Guides. Generally speaking, the pages are divided into two columns. The outside column has a headline explaining what the page is about and text to describe how to do it, and perhaps include a bit of explanation or a Tip. The inside column has a screen shot of what the monitor should look like as you do that particular operation. This is combined with an index that directs you to the page based on what you need to do.
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Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computer Graphics    3. Computer Graphics - General    4. Computer Graphics - Photoshop    5. Computers    6. Computers - Desktop Publishing    7. Digital techniques    8. Operating Systems - Macintosh    9. Operating Systems - Windows    10. Photography    11. Computers / Computer Graphics / General    12. Photoshop   

Reviews (2)

After Effects book worked for me...
This book was a great help,Im currently attending the Art Institute of California-San Diego. and this book was recommended for my Motion Graphics class.It has a lot of good tutorials and pointers to do on your own.This book was a great asset to honing my motion graphics skills.

The best start to learn After Effect
Are you new with After Effects? Adobe After Effects 7 Visual Quickpro Guide for Antony Bolante really gives you fast steps toward learning more about this product. This book gives you a strong base to start a leading career using After Effects.
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Subjects:  1. Adobe After Effects    2. Adobe After Effects (Computer software)    3. Cinematography    4. Computer Animation    5. Computer Books: General    6. Computer Graphics - General    7. Computers    8. Computers - Desktop Publishing    9. Data processing    10. Microcomputer Operating Environments    11. Operating Systems - Macintosh    12. Operating Systems - Windows    13. Special effects    14. Computer Software Packages    15. Computers / Interactive Media   

Reviews (10)

Belin...è Pazzesco!!!!
figata ci vediamo al solito posto alle 12.00. porta la corazzata
thorough, clear and structured
I am a beginner with Avid and was daunted by all the different and options available to me. Monohan's book was just what I needed. I am currently giong through the book from A to Z, which gives me an overview of all the options and work-methods the program has. Even though I allready had set up my workspace, this book gave me some interesting tips. Even though I had allready developed a workflow for my previous projects, I learned some new options by reading this book.
It's a Manual
I wish I just had the manual that came with the program. Often times you find the book more so telling you what it can do rather than how to actually do it. All in all, with it's help and a little time spent with the editing system you can figure this program out. It doesn't stray too far from the other major non-linear editing systems. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cinematography    2. Computer Bks - Desktop Publishing    3. Computer Books: General    4. Computer Graphics - General    5. Computers - Desktop Publishing    6. Desktop Publishing - General    7. Film & Video - General    8. Interactive & Multimedia    9. Multi-Media Hardware & Software    10. Operating Systems - Windows    11. Performing Arts    12. Computer Programming    13. Computers / Computer Graphics / General    14. Image processing: video   

Reviews (9)

User Friendly & Comprehensive
This was my first Apple Training Series book, and it was a very good experience. Going into this I had never learned a software package, let alone a complex one, almost completely from a book, and this experience proved it possible for me. It's no-nonsense, as comprehensive as I would want as a beginner, with very few errors, and user friendly - much more so than the tutorial that came with my software.At times it was very challenging, but that's the complexity of the s/w.Pictorials may not be as colorful as in other books, but this quickly becomes a non-issue as they are more than adequate and offset by the clarity of the text.

This is it!
After several attempts at learning FCP, it was this book that did the trick.Each lesson is clear and concise.Not to mention, the book follows a logical progression in what it teaches you.In the end, I recommend this book without any reservation.

Top Notch book
I have spent a lot of time checking out books from the library on Final Cut, but often disliked the organization of the books. The manual for FCP certification is great, and teaches you little tips that I haven't seen anywhere else. The author gets right to the work you need to do for editing. The writing style is clear and concise, with no fluff as you'll find in a lot of the training books with the conversational tones. Although I've edited on Final Cut before, I found this book to have something new to learn in each chapter. Another excellent aspect of the book is that it builds upon the knowledge you have learnt in the previous lessons. I wish the author could have spent more time on exporting to web. Still, highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cinematography & Videography    2. Computer Bks - Other Applications    3. Computer Books: General    4. Computer Graphics - General    5. Computers    6. Computers - Desktop Publishing    7. General    8. Techniques - Digital    9. Computer Software Packages    10. Computers / Interactive Media   

Reviews (5)

Very Helpful Guide to Illustrator CS
I purchased this book upon the recommendation of my professor for a college class in Computer Design. It is my first experience with the Visual QuickStart Guides and I am very impressed. It has been a valuable tool in helping me understand and use this previously unfamiliar software application. The table of contents is clear and well organized and the index is very extensive--I refer to it constantly. The book uses many illustrations with clear instructions and explanations. Commands and shortcuts and given for both Mac and Windows. I would definitely purchase another Visual QuickStart Guide.

Good reference book
this is a good reference book if you don't need to go to deep into the program.I recently upgraded to Illustrator CS and a few of the things confused me i.e. how the text to path tool works....so I bought this book as a quick reference and it has done a great job of fulfilling that purpose.
Visual QuickStart - Illustrator CS
The book has helped me learned or brush up on the application in matter of minutes.It's concise and it saves time when learning new things during crunch time.For more, in-depth, sunject matter, a more advanced book is required.This done does a job well for beginners! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adobe Illustrator (Computer file)    2. Adobe Illustrator (Computer software)    3. Computer Books: General    4. Computer Graphics - General    5. Computer Graphics - Illustrator    6. Computer graphics    7. Computers    8. Computers - Desktop Publishing    9. Microcomputer Graphics    10. Microcomputer Operating Environments    11. Operating Systems - Macintosh    12. Operating Systems - Windows    13. Computer graphics software    14. Computers / Computer Graphics / General   

Reviews (1)

Great Book Format, Knowledgable Author
The Visual Quickstart Guides from Peachpit Press have an interesting format that I rather like. Each page, or couple of pages, is devoted to a single subject. One of the two columns on the page has the text describing the subject and how to do whatever it is. The other column has a screen shot showing what the screen should look like.
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Subjects:  1. Apple And Macintosh Graphics And Sound    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics - General    4. Computers    5. Computers - Other Applications    6. Operating Systems - Macintosh    7. Computers / Interactive Media    8. Image processing   

Reviews (10)

Excellent step by step book
Some items in the book may seem very basic but necessary if you want to learn GoLive the right way. For instance when linking - it really is a point and shoot system. I guess once you get the hang of it as the way the book describes the step by step procedure - you'll find similar attributes in MSVisio. This book may seem simple but necessary in its step by step procedure. Each chapter enumerates on each part of the creation of a professional html web page. I recommend this book if you want to learn how to use GoLive the right way, which will in-turn advance you to be more creative with your ideas.

Lives Up to the Series Title
This is my first venture into the CLIB series and my first venture into serious web designing tools. I needed help fast and I needed a self paced training that would keep me interested. This book comes through on both counts. What's more, it is doing it with style. The only thing missing from the classroom experience is interaction with the teacher. Help's You Get Past the GoLive Learning Curve FAST
I am a BIG fan of the Adobe Classroom in a Book (CIB) series.I constantly recommend the books to folks who want to get up to speed on Adobe's software. So ... I come to this review slightly prejudiced. Just wanted to get that out of the way up front.Read more

Subjects:  1. Adobe GoLive    2. Apple And Macintosh Programming    3. Computer - Internet    4. Computer Bks - Internet    5. Computer Books: General    6. Computer Graphics - General    7. Computer programs    8. Computers    9. Design    10. Desktop Publishing    11. Electronic Publishing    12. Internet - Web Site Design    13. Web sites    14. Computers / Electronic Publishing    15. Internet languages    16. Publishing on the Internet