Photoshop CS3 for Nature Photographers: A Workshop in a Book

Whoever picked “A Workshop in a Book” as the second half title of “Photoshop CS3 for Nature Photographers” hit the nail squarely on the head. The book is exactly that and more—a user-friendly digital workshop complete with a CD of workable images. The “more” is the way the book may be used as a tutorial by anybody: those who know nothing about Photoshop to those who have a few holes to fill in to advanced PS users who need unambiguous pictures to show the latest changes. Art Wolfe, in his forward to the book, says, “It’s a book about digital workflow and related issues, but first and foremost it’s a book about photography.”

With this I agree, and while there are a lot of photography books out there, what makes this one lovely is the nicely informal style, like a low-key non-threatening conversation. One feels good, no, competent, just reading “Photoshop CS3 for Nature Photographers” The book has everything from the basics on up. This book is well-written, easy to follow, and has “just right” text for any level photographer. The authors talk the reader through all their main points and ask reasonable questions that, of course, usually have a “best” answer which readers know by the time they get that far.

Because the text and photo set-ups are so clear, readers are able to make as much sense as desired without breaking their heads. Want to learn some color adjustments, creative effects, or time-savers? Go straight to those sections and be well informed. There is a greater than 50% chance of success in understanding the concept or direction, a technique that is quite motivating and which makes it possible to use any part of the book as needed.

For the most part, the illustrations in this book are easy on the eye, especially text illustrations on light green, gray, cream or white backgrounds (the darker gray backgrounds as seen in several of the Sybex books are not conducive to easy reading.) The photo illustrations, most by Ellen Anon, are first rate. In addition, several pro photographers are spotlighted in the book, e.g., Joe McDonald has two pages on the Helicon Focus filter, a method to increase perceived depth of field by combining shots. Tim Grey’s text sections are sharp, immaculate and to the point.

Together, the authors and editors have provided quite a useful volume that covers everything a creative or curious photographer might care to learn. It’s hard to go wrong on this one.