PhotoShop 6 Down and Dirty Tricks

The best part about the book is it's calm personality... Kelby doesn't ever put on airs. Rather, he is a humble master, offering the most amazing tricks and suggestions one would never think of, and doing so in a tight, well-written manner. This book reads so well that it may actually make the reader want to subscribe to Kelby's Photoshop User magazine just to read more of his stuff.

This is not a beginner's book: don't pick it up if you're just learning Photoshop or aren't quite comfortable with its terms. There is no hand holding here, no tedious explanations or goofy icons--just comprehensive knowledge conveyed in an appropriate and easy-to-follow manner.

Down and Dirty Tricks's cover price may pinch you, however, but the information is worth it--even without the illustrations on nearly every page. This book contains well-presented information, and will make you a better computer user for it. One couldn't recommend it more strongly. --Dan Gookin

Do you know the Chinese proverb about giving a man a fish, and you feed him for a day, but give a man a fishing rod and you feed him for life?! Anyway, the way I see it, when you want to master a program like Photoshop or 3DS Max, you need 3 kinds of materials to take you to advanced level: Babysteps to show you around the program, teach you how things work and get you started on your first few projects; A detailed reference for later troubleshooting; And probably also some material on advanced effects or projects, that both can give you inspiration and get you through a few common advanced choke points.

This book is a little bit of 1 and 3. A shame because all beginners should be able to follow the instructions in the detailed tutorials. But still you don't learn anything about WHY did I just do what I did, or HOW can I use this in completely different situations. Also the focus of the book is more on touching up photos and applying effects to them, than creating illustrations, if that has your interest.

So without the focus, and the ability to teach you something valuable for the long run, I am hard pressed to give it more than 3 stars. A shame because there are nice effects in there, and everybody will be able to carry them out, thanks to the easy and detailed instructions. BUT they will not be able to understand them.

For users that need any of the 3 kinds of learning materials, described above, on photoshop. I would suggest the photoshop wow! book. It comes strong especially in the second and third cathegory, and is still very friendly and informative for beginners. Feel free to mail me if you have questions.


been a long time since i rock and rolled   July 11, 2001
simon gurney
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

there has been a glut of photoshop books on the market for the last few years/versions and while size has increased value has decreased. this harkens back to the useful photoshop books of old. many great tips and techniques, unlike nearly all other photoshop authors kelby actual understands the heart of the package. id given up hope of ever seeing a good photoshop book again, thankfully i have been proved wrong. not for the complete beginner but certainly for anyone else.


A perfect way to discover the professional techniques   May 16, 2001
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I have been using Photoshop for years and am always interested in new tutorials/books which can help me. This book is by far, the best one I've owned as it's just shows you how to create those stunning effect you've previously seen and been amazed by.

If you know Photoshop fairly well and just want to learn new tricks, BUY THIS BOOK NOW!

My only moan is that I wish the book was double the thickness with loads more tutorials. I know, I can't have everything....worth a try though! Looking forward to the next book?!


Definitely a book any user of photoshop should have!!   April 22, 2001
This book is good to teach you loads of tricks and doesn't pretend to be a tutorial book. I loses a star because it could do with a little introduction and sometimes if something doesn't work it doesn't explain why this might be. But it remains a book to have alongside a proper tutorial book.


Great Fun   March 14, 2001
This isn't necessarily an in-depth look at Photoshop but it's a great way to learn some, admittedly, tried, true and probably over-used "tricks." But following Scott's way of working and endless repetition of what seem like undocumented shortcuts and tips will definitely vastly improve your work flow. Especially for beginners, when you need to feel like you're accomplishing something in Photoshop. For advanced users, you'll mostly think of other things you can do with these techniques--which is great for no-nonsense inspiration. The videos (purchased separately) are good too. The man knows his shortcuts and then a lot more!