Picked up (fairly recently, but just started really reading) two Photoshop books.
Ben Willmore's Studio Techniques
“Adobe Photoshop CS2 Studio Techniques” (Ben Willmore)
and Katrin Eismann's Restoration and Retouching
I've been using Photoshop ever since I borrowed a friend's copy of Version 2.5 on floppy disks in 1994 (at the time, she worked at Whole Foods as a 'sign maker'). So, I have some basic knowledge of what the fusilli I'm doing, but Photoshop has steadily grown more complicated (now Photoshop CS2 is sold on DVD, with more complicated copy-protection), and there is plenty for me to learn. I've always had a basic understanding of Photoshop's power, but since I've never made a dime off of my understanding of the program, I have never been motivated enough to become a true Photoshop adept. I suppose a Photoshop adept is like an athlete - in the best of situations, the conscious brain is an observer as the lizard brain, trained by repetition and instinct, performs the situational-appropriate action.
Ben Willmore's book is aimed at providing solutions to specific production experiences, written in jargon-free prose. I always tend to start in the middle of software textbooks, and so jumped right into discussion of curves, histograms and shadow/highlights. My trick will be to inhale the lesson so deeply, that next time I am enhancing color and contrast, I don't have to think much. Lots of good info here.
Ms. Eismann's book is targeted more at enhancing portraiture and restoring print photographs from the vicissitudes of time. Having some interest in the subject, since I have a large mound of 35mm photo prints collecting dust and mold, I've been pleased to learn more on the topic. Ms. Eismann's writing style is direct, but concise.
I've only read a fraction of both books so far, but would, without hesitation, recommend both to a fledgling Photoshopper and a professional pixel merchant alike.
Thank the Vermicelli I don't have to write book reviews. What tedium! Bottom line, these books are worth owning - if you own Photoshop, they are well worth having on your shelf.
