Photoshop Elements 5: The Missing Manual : Book Review

Photoshop Elements 5 by Barbara Brundage is an exceptional guide for anyone wanting to navigate the world of Adobe's popular photo editing software. Brundage's book is well-organized, making it a breeze for readers to locate the precise information they need. One of the outstanding features of the book is Brundage's engaging and easy-to-follow writing style, which ensures that even complex concepts are accessible to readers of all skill levels.

The book covers a wide range of topics, from basic image editing to more advanced techniques such as retouching and creating special effects. Brundage's attention to detail is another strength of the book. She takes the time to explain the reasoning behind various techniques and provides useful tips and shortcuts. This not only allows readers to understand how to perform specific tasks in the software but also encourages a deeper comprehension of the underlying concepts. The abundance of screenshots and illustrations throughout the book further enhances the learning experience, making it easier for readers to follow along with the tutorials.

What sets Photoshop Elements 5 apart is its practical approach. Brundage includes real-world examples and projects that enable readers to apply what they've learned in a meaningful way. This hands-on approach reinforces the material and allows readers to witness immediate results from their efforts. Whether it's enhancing a cherished family photo or crafting a breathtaking digital collage, Brundage equips readers with the tools and guidance needed to achieve professional-looking outcomes.

Not only does Photoshop Elements 5 provide thorough instruction, but it also offers valuable resources for further learning. Brundage includes a helpful appendix listing additional books, websites, and resources that readers can explore to continue their education in photo editing. This showcases the author's commitment to ensuring her readers have all the necessary tools for ongoing success.

In conclusion, Photoshop Elements 5 by Barbara Brundage is a highly recommended resource for individuals seeking to learn or enhance their skills in Adobe's photo editing software. Its logical organization, clear writing style, and practical approach make it accessible to beginners while still offering valuable insights for experienced users. Whether one pursues photography as a hobby or as a profession, this book has something valuable to offer.

What are readers saying?

Barbara Brundage's book, "Photoshop Elements 5," has garnered mostly positive reviews for its clarity and step-by-step instructions, which make it accessible for beginners to navigate the software. Readers appreciate Brundage's knack for breaking down complex concepts into manageable chunks, providing a comprehensive overview of the software's features. From editing and enhancing photos to working with layers and creating stunning visual effects, the book allows readers to maximize the powerful tools of Photoshop Elements 5.

The user-friendly writing style of Brundage is widely praised by reviewers, noting her concise and easy-to-follow explanations filled with useful examples. The book's organization also comes highly recommended, as it enables readers to quickly find the information they need or refer back to specific topics as necessary.

The inclusion of illustrations and screenshots is considered highly beneficial by reviewers, enhancing the learning experience by visually demonstrating the steps and techniques discussed in the book. Before-and-after images provide readers with the ability to compare and appreciate the effects of different editing techniques.

While the book is primarily commended, a few reviewers mention that it may not suit advanced users seeking more specialized techniques or those who are using later versions of Photoshop Elements. Nevertheless, the consensus remains that Barbara Brundage's book is an excellent resource for beginners and those looking to gain a solid understanding of Photoshop Elements 5.

In summary, "Photoshop Elements 5" by Barbara Brundage receives positive feedback for its clear instructions, comprehensive content, user-friendly writing style, and helpful illustrations. It is a valuable resource for beginners aiming to learn the basics of Photoshop Elements 5 and enhance their photo editing skills.

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