The Photoshop Elements Book for Digital Photographers (Voices)

Kelby doesn't bother explaining how to take pictures - his assumption is that you're OK at the "photography" bit of digital photography; his job is to explain how best to store, manipulate and enhance pictures with Elements 2.0. The approach taken isn't exhaustive; he concentrates on showing you how to get results. This isn't a dry reference; it's more a glossy cookbook!

The techniques Kelby shows for colour balancing and sharpening images in particular are way ahead of the usual "slide the sliders" approaches in beginners' books - you'll learn a lot about the use of levels and layers which will stand you in good stead for some of the later material on retouching - the emphasis here being not on gross image manipulation but the subtle tweaks that can lift an ordinary picture into a memorable one.

This is the kind of book you can read and flip through quickly (helped by a slightly whimsical but readable style, good photography and repro, and clear design) and will want to keep near your PC while you're working with Elements. Applying Kelby's techniques really does make a difference to my images; the book's paid for itself (in my opinion) after only editing a few dozen pictures.


A great book for the novice photographer   July 12, 2004
8 out of 9 found this review helpful

I recently bought this book, and have picked up quite a few tips to make working with PhotoShop elements quicker and easier. It simplifies the information required to enhance your photos, and illustrates each step taken. I recommend this book, there's something for every novice photographer in it