Product Description

If you are just starting to work with digital images and want to gain great results fast, this complete and easy-to follow guide is the one for you. Bestselling author Philip Andrews - Adobe Australia's official Photoshop Elements Ambassador -provides a clear introduction packed with step-by-step tutorials, visual examples and tips, equipping you with the knowledge and skills you need to get the most out of this best-selling software. All content is completely revised and updated for Photoshop Elements 4.0.

This completely revised and updated edition covers all the new features of version 4.0, including automatic fixes for Red Eye, the new Order Prints Pane, the Adjust Skin Tones feature and the exciting Magic Selection Brush and Magic Extractor tools.

Learn how to create professional quality images for print, web and email by following the clear, step-by-step instructions. Get thorough guidance on how to successfully manage and organize your images, with advice on tagging, making collections and backing up your files.

The associated website www.guide2elements.com provides all the tools needed to fine tune your skills. Images and projects featured in the book are provided online so you can put each technique into practice as you read. Printable lesson plans for those teachers among you are available, along with useful links and updates so you have everything at your fingertips to get the best out of Elements.

Praise for previous editions of this title:

"With Philip providing you with such a good 'street index' to our Photoshop Elements 3.0 software you will be creating fantastic digital images in next to no time at all."
Judith Salonga, Adobe Systems

"If you need to manipulate digital images this is the book that will not only show you what can be achieved but inspire you to develop your skills even further."
Computer Arts Special

"Whether you are into manipulating photographs, wishing to build better websites or produce better looking prints, this book will help you to master all the necessary tools contained in the program. The learning curve just got shallower!"
Martin Evening

"Philip Andrews' knowledge and enthusiasm shines through."
Royal Photographic Society Journal

* Save valuable time with this successful, jargon-free introduction to digital imaging
* Fully updated to cover all the new Elements 4.0 features, real life examples show you how to put each technique into practice
* Full color, high quality illustrations inspire you to achieve fantastic results

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #169309 in Books
• Published on: 2005-10-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Review
"Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 provides a concise, well-illustrated guide to Elements tools and features...the topics covered are comprehensive and engaging to follow, making it an essential purchase." - What Digital Camera

"This is yet another excellent imaging book by Mr Andrews and is written in his usual clear and easy to understand manner...If you are a user of Elements this is a must have book for your bookshelf. If you are just starting to learn, the curve will be that less steep." - Royal Photographic Society Digital Imaging Group magazine

"An ideal handbook for amateur photographers, hobbyists and business users who are new to this exciting and useful tool. This book is a great way to learn about and get to grips with the tools and features of the program and then move on to how to use and apply the skills. The colourful, dynamic layout is easy to follow, and Andrews is straight to the point, enthusiastic and uses jargon-free language." - www.totalimagenation.com

"Philip's friendly style makes learning Photoshop Elements a breeze. This book gives you everything you need to feel like a digital pro in no time at all."
Richard Coencas, Photoshop Elements Quality Engineer Lead, Adobe


Reviews of previous edition:

"...an unrivalled introduction to the budget imaging package, and an excellent overview of digital imaging." What Digital Camera

"With Philip providing you with such a good 'street index' to our Photoshop Elements 3.0 software you will be creating fantastic digital images in next to no time at all."
Judith Salonga, Adobe Systems


".....Philip does a great job of making things clear. The book covers the basics first and then guides you through more advanced stages as it progresses. The design and signposting is much better in this version. Like the earlier version processes such as sharpening and image contrast and saturation are covered in depth to help you understand what the sliding controls are actually doing to your picture. You'll learn how to edit, save for web, prepare images for printing and much more."
ePhotozine

"Now in its second incarnation, this book is a complete guide that covers both versions of Elements more than adequately.

The Presentation is second to none. Full-colour images and screenshots grace each page as the author moves from basic principles to more advanced features over 12 chapters.

If you need to manipulate digital images but can't justify the cost or time to learn Elements' big brother, this is the book that will not only show you what can be achieved but inspire you to develop your skills even further."
Computer Arts Special

About the Author
Philip Andrews is Adobe Australia's official Photoshop and Elements Ambassador. He is an experienced photographer, author, magazine editor and online course creator. He was previously a lecturer at the Queensland School of Printing and Graphic Arts, Australia and Nescot, England. He is a beta tester for Photoshop, an alpha tester for Photoshop Elements and a Photoshop specialist demonstrator for Adobe Australia. Philip is also co-founder of photo-college.com an online photography training college. He's a regular contributor to several magazines including Shutterbug, Amateur Photographer, Australian Photography and Better Photography, he is senior contributing editor for Better Digital, columnist for What Digital Camera and Co-editor and publisher of Better Photoshop Techniques magazine.

Customer Reviews

Good introduction to Photoshop Elements & digital imaging
Provides an introduction to the powerful tools available in Photoshop Elements 4.0 (and previous versions). Certainly of use to beginners and new users, but could also help more seasoned users of Elements.

Produced in a very accessible style, and with plenty of good quality screenshots and photos. Using some good examples of how to use the program tools to achieve specific results, this book complements the original manual very well, often explaining things more clearly.

As the cover says, the book is "a visual introduction to digital imaging". This means it also gives general information and explores related subjects/projects, not specific to Elements (but does often tie these in with program features). Some more experienced users may find this information unnecessary, but the book is an introduction to the whole subject, so many users will find it illuminating.

Those looking for more specific and advanced "how-to" examples, should buy one of the other books that Philip Andrews has written; "Advanced Photoshop Elements 4.0 for Digital Photographers", for example.

Everything you Need To Know in a Single Book
The title of this book is very deceptive. The sub-title "A visual introduction to digital imaging" is much more accurate and to the point. This isn't a book just about Photoshop Elements, there are plenty of books like that. This book teaches you how to improve the photos you take with your digital camera as well as how to improve them in Photoshop Elements. Let's face it, about half of the problems that can be corrected in Elements can be prevented when the photo is taken. The book is laid out in a logical progression and with short concise explanations. Because the approach of the book is visual (a picture is worth a thousand words even adjusting for inflation) the concepts are easy to understand. Whether you are new to digital photography or are a professional this book presents information you need to take better pictures and then use Photoshop Elements to enhance (or correct other's mistakes because after reading this book you won't be making those errors again). The other advantage of the book is the way it is organized. Let's face it, no matter how good a technical book is, no one will read it from cover to cover. If you do, there is a chance you need to get out of the house more often. The organization of the book makes it easy to find the topic you want without reading the entire chapter. If you know someone who just got a digital camera as a gift, this book would make the perfect companion.

Rapid developments made easy
Previously a point- and-press film snapshot photographer, I am one of many who have only recently discovered the scope and power of the digital camera. Now seeking to optimise the manipulation of my ever improving images I have made the major move up to Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0. Without Philip Andrews `Visual Introduction', supported further by his active website link, I could not have made the rapid progress I am currently enjoying. I did review alternative publications before buying this most excellent guide - without doubt, one of my better decisions!