I ordered this book from Amazon and received it for a very reasonable price [considering the original list price was $54.99]. Firstly, this is laid out in a step by step tutorial format. That's cool because you really get a sense of the process, but as a reader it didn't engage me. I deserve some of the blame because I should have known that a classroom book - a tutorial really - is not the way I prefer to learn. It's like being led by the nose. I prefer to read an overview and explanation of a topic or feature, take some pertinent notes, and then go into Photoshop to give it a whirl. Having learned via the step by step method in Excel class, I know you become too focused on the book. For me, it's better to immerse myself in the program, and consult the book for specific topics or problem solving.
Now onto the major problem. Inside this book are selected portions of text offering specific and important information presented in a text box - that's good - but what does the publisher do? They go and print the text inside the box in a pitch distinctly SMALLER than the regular text and deposit it on a medium brown color background, making it very hard to read! As someone who is already visually challenged and only getting more so, this presents a real problem. Seriously, the text in 10 point, and that's basically the size of your average footnote. When I first flipped through this book, I saw this was a problem immediately. Yes, I can read it but not without serious effort. Publisher, you get a slap on the wrist!
Much prefer "Photoshop CS2 Studio Techniques" by Ben Willmore. This book is so well written and highly informative w/ many excellent tips [and I've only gotten to p. 50]. I can peruse a chapter or topic and then try some of the tips for myself, instead of plodding ahead step by step. Learning style is a personal issue so for others this not may be the way that's easiest for you. And although I worked w/ Photoshop for a year or two [so I'm hardly an expert], I can see how "Photoshop CS2 Studio Techniques" might not be good for those first starting out w/ no knowledge whatsoever.
In summary, I recommend "Photoshop CS2 Classroom in a Book" for those with 20/20 [or better] eyesight just jumping in the pool who need someone to hold their hand.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 17, 2007
I recently aquired Adobe's Photoshop CS2 to add to my digital photography skills and learn how to repair and enhance my work. Was I shocked to open it up and find that there was little to nothing I could do with it. I needed help to get started. So I ordered Adobe Photoshop CS2 Classroom in a Book and haven't been disappointed.
The book took me from nowhere to reasonably comfortable with Photoshop in a matter of days. The lessons assume that you are a beginner with Photoshop and cover the most used features in an eye opening and easy manner. The print is easy to read and the example photos are excelent. Included is a tutorial CD with lessons and examples that leave you with a new confidence as you move through the material. Each lesson covers a single topic and lessons become more complex as you progress. The topics are organized in such a way as to make the book useable as a reference and to allow the reader to jump ahead [after the first six or so lessons] to topics more interesting or relevant to the readers interest.
Although the volume is almost 500 pages and is easy to follow, it does not attempt to cover all features of the program and be everything to everone. It left me comfortable with the the basic skills and the knowledge that there are texts available with more depth on the various aspects of Photoshop. With that said, I am very satisfied with my purchase and recommed it with a 5 star rating.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 21, 2021
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 17, 2005
This book is one of the best books I have used for PhotoShop, because it has one of the best hands-on lesson plans out there. After 3 lessons, a novice can not only navigate PhotoShop [which can be intimidating, if you have no clue what the palette tools do/are], but IN 3 LESSONS, a new user can learn to make color corrections, repairs and make/move item selections. This book isn't necessarily the best choice for seasoned users [though it does have an excellent introduction to Adobe Bridge], but it is ideal for beginners.
If you know nothing about PhotoShop [and your co-worker is holding out for "job security" or your boss won't pay for training], this book will cover the same things that a $369 class can, and best of all, at your own pace.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 13, 2005
I used one of these Adobe "classroom in a book" products in the past. And I ordered some overlapping books from other publishers at the same time as this one.
It did not take long to see that THIS was the one to use.
Why? It would take a long time to tell you. Suffice to say, just read the other positive reviews if you need more details. I literally have no complaints. If I stretch a bit.. I can say that they do not tackle Version CUE at all. But they do pretty good service to Adobe Bridge and ImageReady and even drop you into Illustrator for a moment.
I look forward to purchasing and using the other CS2 Classroom in a Book products.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on September 12, 2005
If you haven't worked much with photoshop before this is the book to get you started. If you've used older versions of this book; the improvements are in the areas of fit and finish. Many of the sections are the same from previous editions but have enhanced the appearance of the illustrations. I noticed that Painting and Pen Tool chapters were missing and the book is a little smaller. This is a hands-on book you must go through the lessons and you will learn a lot. Note: not a photoshop reference manual but a great training manual. Even having bought previous editions I felt it was worth it for this one.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 29, 2016
My only complaint is some of the chapters seem to be out of order. I use this book to teach a Photoshop class and teach some of the later chapters before others so it makes more sense to my students. Otherwise, the "Classroom in a Book" series is top notch...
Top reviews from other countries
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent self-teach guide
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on May 14, 2008
I bought this book some time ago and have only just got around to using it to try to get to grips with Photoshop CS2. I have tried other books and became somewhat disheartened that the instructions in the books didn't match up with what was happening on-screen. Many of them missed out critical steps which is confusing and terribly time wasting.
This book is different. It is not a look-up reference book - it is an entire beginners course and needs to be used as such. It is clear, straight forward, starts off with interesting tasks and never lets one down. The colour images are terrific. More than anything, the keyboard tips which help you to make the most of the on-screen tools are excellent.
There is a lot to learn and remember, but the end-of-chapter revision questions are helpful and you can always go back and re-do a chapter. What is more, when you actually know what the book contains you can then use it as a reference - you might forget how to carry out a task but you will remember that the book has the answer so you can go back and look it up.
Once you have worked your way through the book you will almost certainly be able to work out how to use aspects of Photoshop that the book doesn't cover. Photoshop is a massive application, and this book is an introduction, not an encylopaedia - unsurprisingly you will need to move on to a book covering the next level or work it out for yourself if you want to advance.
I love this book. Instead of regarding Photoshop as some impossible peak to conquer it has become my new best friend. The book facilitates learning, which so many books don't.
I'll be buying the series for the other bits of Creative Suite CS2 sitting on my PC.
5.0 out of 5 stars A great easy to use book for building Photoshop skills
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on October 1, 2007
Although familier with photo editing and graphics packages Photoshop has always appeared to me as this mythical nirvana used only by true digital photo and art buffs. So it was to this book that I initially turned to cut through the dizzying array of features and begin learning how to use the package. I was not dissapointed.
Coming with a CD with all the images you need for the lessons detailed within the book, you step through the fundamentals and several key features required for understanding the interface and getting excellent results simply and easily.
The book is not going to leave you as a Photoshop expert but it will give you the condfidence to work with the software and achieve remarkable things - mostly in the management and editing of photo's. The lessons are very clear, well written and there are no typo's that I noticed. Having tried out several other books you realise just how simply clever the presentation here is.
Having worked through all the tutorials this book now sits on the back of my desk and is a constant resource as I build on the skills learned to widen my use of Photoshop into art.
I must have I would say for any starter to intermediate user.
2.0 out of 5 stars Not much use without the source material
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on June 25, 2013
The classroom in a book works by taking you through stage by stage examples using source material from a disc included in the book. great idea, unfortunately this disc was missing from the copy i got, shame, I suppose I could get something from it by using my own material but if you got to moan about something well there you go. there are better books than this Adobe Photoshop CS2 for Photographers: A professional image editor's, for example. so look around.
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Yet
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on May 4, 2014
This the official Adobe book to have if you want learn how to master Photoshop. Easy to use and understand It can be used as a step-by-step course program using the included CD-ROM or as a convenient dip into any-time reference model. I have used previous editions of this book over the past 12 years and found them invaluable.
5.0 out of 5 stars Better than a real classroom
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on March 20, 2014
As a photo retoucher who still works with CS2, I found the books on CS2 can be purchase very cheap on Amazon, due to that Adobe Photoshop is now on CC, and you will find the books on Photoshop CC a lot more,so I have found I can still learn and use most of the tools in photoshop CS2 just as well without upgrade to CC.