Adobe Photoshop idea

The Role of Photoshop in Education
Learning Adobe Photoshop is essential to success in digital media industries.
Photoshop is a gateway into several related technologies. From digital image acqui-
sition and processing to typography and compositing, Photoshop is often your first
introduction. If you can master this program, you can go on to success with several
other technologies. With this in mind, it is important to learn Photoshop with one
eye on the present and the other on the future.


The Role of Photoshop in Professional Industries
It’s been said that if you know Photoshop, there’s always work to be had. Photoshop
is used by everyone from photographers to Web developers, video professionals
to graphic designers. In fact, Photoshop is used in more places than you’d expect—
including the medical, architectural, and legal fields. Adobe Photoshop is a portal
to Adobe’s other software applications, but it is also much more. Mastering
Photoshop’s tools will teach you more about creative technology tools than any
other program. With a solid knowledge of Photoshop, you’ll be well on your way to
being comfortable with the entire digital toolbox.


Purpose of This Book
When I decided to write this book, it was to fill a need. I have worked with
Photoshop students of all levels, from the college classroom to working professionals
across all industries. What I’ve heard time and time again is that people wanted an
objective book that gave them everything they needed to truly understand Adobe
Photoshop. Readers have grown tired of books that talk down to them or waste time
promoting only the latest features.
It’s not that there’s a shortage of good books for the professional; I’ve read many
of them and know several of their authors. But what has happened over the years,
as Photoshop has become such an established program, is that we are left with two
types of books: those for complete beginners and those for pros looking to dig deep
on specific areas of the program. What was missing? A book that addresses the need
of the learner who wants to understand the important features of Adobe Photoshop,



x  Introduction



as well as the core technology behind it, to build a solid foundation for future learn-

ing and immediate success.

This book is for learners who learn best by not just reading but by doing. Every

chapter contains extensive hands-on exercises and all the files you need to practice.

With the purchase of this book you also have access to an exclusive version of our

video podcast series. You have immediate access to 54 videos that show you ad-

vanced skills and special techniques. In addition, interactive quizzes help you check

your progress to ensure the knowledge is “sticking.” The accompanying CD has

everything you need. And be sure to visit www.rastervector.com and www.peachpit.

com/understandingphotoshop for updates and bonus downloads.

If you are learning Photoshop in a classroom, this book should combine with your

instructor’s knowledge to give you a rich, interactive learning experience. For

those working professionals looking to fill in their understanding of Photoshop,

this book answers and reinforces the essential information that you’ll need. For

both audiences, this book teaches you what you need to succeed in the profes-

sional workplace. As a teacher and a working professional it is my goal to prepare

you for professional success.



Suggestions on Learning

Photoshop is a very comprehensive program; don’t try to learn it overnight. In fact,

rushing to learn is often what causes problems. In an effort to learn quickly, skills

don’t have time to be absorbed. To combat this problem, I have eliminated nones-

sential topics from this book. I’ve also included a hands-on example or activity for

every skill.

The truth is you’ll learn best by doing. Don’t skip the hands-on activities in a rush to

make it through the book. I strongly encourage you to try each one. After completing

the book’s activities, you should repeat the techniques with your own photos. Nothing

makes a topic as clear as you experiencing it interactively and achieving success. With

practice—regular and thorough—you can understand and master Photoshop.