Photoshop CS3 for Nature Photographers: A Workshop in a Book (Tim Grey Guides) Reviews

• As good as it gets

  
  By A2UWPPU5GZLMQZ on 2008-02-24
  As a web designer I've been using Photoshop professionally for years. I've also worked on lots of photographs, both my own and those I've gotten from clients. I don't need a how to book on layers, cropping and levels. I've got a good understanding of the basic Photoshop tools, and have benefitted from Scott Kelby's Photoshop CS for Photographers. But Kelby's book is a recipe book both useful and well presented, but I want more.
  
  What I want to do now is take my own photography to another level. Past a certain point, improving becomes less a matter of collecting tricks and recipes and more a matter of learning the entire workflow from experts. For that a basic how-to cookbook is no longer of much use to me. I could probably spend a lot of time working out a good workflow and set of procedures through trial and error, but why not take advantage of the experience of those who have already taken the art of nature photography editing to a high place?
  
  Enter Photoshop CS3 for Nature Photographers. As one reviewer has stated, much of the introductory Photoshop material is covered in other books, but not in quite the same way. Photoshop has many tools, each of which has many settings and options. It's perfectly possible to be familiar with one tool or filter in one context and not realize that it can be used in combination with another tool to achieve a completely different result. I once read that when Einstein proposed his theory of relativity maybe three people in the world understood it. I wonder if more than three people in the world completely understand all of what can be done with Photoshop. What I was looking for and found here is an expansion of my Photoshop horizons, a deeper exploration of the art and science of nature photography and photo editing.
  
  Anon and Grey offer an excellent look over the shoulder of experts in both practice of nature photography and in the use of Photoshop as a digital darkroom. I can't emphasize strongly enough how helpful that approach is for someone who has some Photoshop chops or who has used the program for another end and who wants to get great results with nature photos. Their workflow is time tested and produces excellent results
  
  And nature photograph editing benefits from following a slightly different approach from that of product photography, with which I have some experience, portraiture, photojournalism and so on. Again, I'm struck with how specific and helpful the presented workflow, and the mindset that using such a workflow creates is. And placing editing in context with a specific photographic goal informs my picture taking too.
  
  I recommend this book to anybody interested in nature photography who has at least some experience with Photoshop, though a dedicate beginner could work through the introductory phases with this volume. For someone who has used Photoshop in another context and wants to expand into the nature photography realm this book is brilliant.
  
  

• A tool to create visions seen in the field

  
  By A756AR8CTFWV5 on 2007-06-04
  Ellen and Tim have created an excellant tool for photographers with this book. They explain with clear detail the way to use photoshop to create the images invisioned in the field. As a fine art photographer, the techniques Ellen uses to create beautiful pieces of art is most useful to me. My montages and multiple exposure images are a delight to create using the techniques in this book.
  
  

• Tremendous Book! Essential information!

  
  By A5W32F2AC4R0P on 2007-07-19
  For any serious amateur to pro level photographer, this is a "no-brainer" book to own.
  
  Ellen and Tim do a great job breaking down the software barriers to make our digital work easier
  to conceive and to perform.
  
  There is a wealth of information here.
  
  After years of trying (unsuccessfully) to get through software manuals and books, this is the first book that we actually keep on our coffee table and take with us on the road. Even a perfunctory paging through will yield invaluable information in a concise, lucid prose.
  
  Highly recommended!
  
  

• I am an italian amateur

  
  By A1XJ7W33B5YF7H on 2007-08-30
  I have added this very nice book to my already rich collection of Photoshop books because I was mainly attracted
  by the concept of Nature that was missing in my arsenal, and because I wished learning more about the new
  features of Photoshop CS3 ( that I've recently bought), such as Adobe Camera Raw, Smart Objects, Quick Selection Tool,
  and the new Panorama tool.
  Under its very appealing graphic appearance I found all the responses I've expected, every topic being
  exposed in a natural and direct way.
  I also found very useful the tutorials and the examples on the accompanying CD, as well
  as the contents of the Authors' Web Sites.
  I recommend this book to everybody willing go deeper into the art if photographic imaging, to the experts as well as the novices
  on Photoshop CS3.
  Mario Console
  
  
  

• Outstanding - stops you second guessing

  
  By A1G1QXVXO9R9AU on 2007-11-01
  My skill level is intermediate.
  
  I found the book very informative and helpful. The small add in clips from professional photographers is very worthwhile. Although many of the CS3 skills outlined in the text I was knowledgeable about, the book explained some of the reasons why we use such a method over another, and laid out the methodology in an easy to follow format. This has streamlined my workflow and stopped me second guessing - there are many ways to achieve the same thing in CS3. The last point is very important - if you are like me, you probably are getting good results already, but you are always wondering if this is the correct or best way to achieve something in CS3. This book will STOP second guessing.
  
  The early chapters regarding histograms, shooting to the right, and how light photons are captured were also helpful and acted as a very good revision.
  
  I would not hesitate to purchase this book if you intermediate or below.
  
  Although the book is targeted at wildlife photographers, all the skills can equally be applied to landscape work.
  
  A quick note regarding greenhorns; if I had this book when I started out on the digital highway it would have saved me hundreds of hours of wasted time searching the Internet, forums, and playing with CS, CS1 and CS2. I would recommend this book.
  
  
  
  
  
• Essential Book for Serious Nature Photographers
  By A3F2VBG5JTDTX2 on 2007-07-26
  Whether you are new to nature shooting or experienced, Ellen Anon and Tim Grey's book is sure to provide techniques, insights, and tips that you can put to use immediately and with excellent results. The authors take time to thoroughly explain complex concepts and techniques in easy-to-understand language and with excellent background that deepens your understanding of both the art and the science.
  
  One of the primary advantages of this book is that it takes you step-by-step from exposing images in the field, through exposure and color adjustments in the digital darkroom, and finally to getting the best output on the printer. And as a bonus, this book includes great techniques for creative effects and for saving time during the workflow.
  
  This is a must-have book for serious nature photographers--and for anyone who wants a complete guide to shooting, processing, and printing great digital images.
  
  Charlotte Lowrie,
  Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi/400D Digital Field Guide,
  Canon EOS 30D Digital Field Guide, & Canon Eos Digital Rebel Digital Field Guide
  
  
  
• Good, but not much new information
  By A1Y62U4FMKFGZG on 2008-02-13
  I bought this book based on several positive reviews and also because of the focus on "nature photography". I was not displeased with it, but I was kind of disappointed. Most of the techniques given were stuff that could be found in almost any of the "how-to" books on Photoshop. Mostly it was just workflow, and workflow for nature photography vs other types of photography is not so different that a whole book can (or should) be written about it. On the bright side, I did pick up a couple of tips and techniques that I hadn't seen in other books. I was also pleased to note that the authors drew a distinction between documentary nature photography and nature photography to "make a pretty picture". They feel that so long as the photograph is not said to be representational of a moment in time, there's nothing wrong with compositing and modifying it to make it more aesthetically pleasing or artistic. Some of the resulting compositions are fabulous, and capture the "mood" of a scene beautifully. Since most readers of this book are likely to be shooting for their own pleasure primarily, this was good information.
  
  Bottom line - if you have other Photoshop CS3 "how-to" books, you can pass this up, as there's virtually nothing that hasn't been told many times over. But, if you're fairly new to PS, focus primarily on landscape and/or nature, and are only going to invest in a couple of "how-to" books, then go ahead and get this one.
  
  
• Step-by-step Guide to Getting the Best Pictures
  By A240GADB172SBF on 2008-01-14
  This book is terrific. It gives a step-by-step process that walks you through numerous photo situations...e.g., How to make color corrections on only a part of your photo. He makes every word count, and doesn't include any "fluff" (non-essential information.)
  
  I started underlining the sentences that I want to refer to later when I tackle a particular problem in a photo (like I did in my college textbooks) and found I underlined almost every sentence in the book.
  
  
• Nature Photographers Photoshop CS3 - A Very Good Book
  By A38KNF09IN25NA on 2007-09-23
  PRO: I generally agree with the previous favorable reviews of the book and therefore, rate the book with four stars - not perfect but covering most of the important subjects for nature photography. I'm glad I purchased the book. The TRY IT work lessens in each chapter are helpful because you learn by practice, but it may take a little time to locate where your told to go if your not already familiar with photoshop. This is my first and only book on photoshop and I don't believe I will need another book on this subject for a long time.
  
  CON:The books author makes some assumptions about the readers photoshop knowledge that may not always be correct. This is unavoidable. As mentioned earlier in one of the responses, the book binding is not very strong, so if you scan pages try not to lay the opposite page flat on the scanner, the pages will come loose from the string binding.
  
  
• Well written and easy to follow.
  By A2MN382OBO89CM on 2007-10-07
  I've been using Lightroom 1.2 and Adobe Elements 3 and just started to move into Photoshop CS3, and was fortunate to find this book that (kind of) takes you by the hand and leads you through CS3. I like the in depth introduction that includs histograms and the way that a foundation for CS3 is set up for nature photographers. It is all presented in a simple and easy to understand way. What I also liked was that I can see that CS3 (in my humble opinion) makes a fine plug-in for Lightroom and I will probably never use Adobe Bridge. Sometimes a question would pop into my mind over what I was reading; a few lines later my question was answered. I needed this excellent book.
  
  
• A must have book.
  By A270S2CXRT6LB4 on 2007-07-14
  This book is for the advanced hobbyist photographer. It shows great technics and work flows. If you are serious about your photography, you will learn a great deal from this great book.
  
  
• excellent book on photoshop and nature photography
  By A2X6JKOL5I0KN4 on 2008-01-20
  I gave this book as a gift, so I am quoting the recipient:
  "The book gives a clear, well-written overview of both basic and advanced photoshop techniques geared toward editing nature photographs. One of the strenghts of the book is that it presents the differing views and techniques of two seasoned and highly skilled photographers. The explanations are clear, and the book proceeds logically through the various steps associated with the tools and features of photoshop CS3. A special treat are the beautiful photographs that illustrate the techniques discussed in the book. The methods presented by the authors are not necessarily limited to nature photography, and can be applied to a broad range of photographic subject matter. Very highly recommended."
  
  
• Newbie friendly CS3 book
  By AGXSFDTK4DH9X on 2008-02-22
  I was skeptical of getting a CS3 book since most of the ones I've perused were a bit much, relying on adept knowledge on CS2. This book, however, has been so easy to read and understand, I can't put it down!
  It has a wealth of how-tos and information on effective photoshop CS3 editing. Highly recommended!
  
  
• CS3 For Nature Photographers by Tim Grey
  By A2XJOSPI1GM31W on 2007-11-08
  I subscribe to Tim Grey's daily e-mail program, but this is the first book I have ordered from Mr. Grey. His writing style is excellent, informative, and entertaining. This will not be the last book I order written by this author.
  
  
• (Nearly) ideal for the Photoshop beginner
  By A3HFS5LOVQ3J4S on 2008-05-30
  I had been muddling through Photoshop for years, learning how to do things mostly on my own. This book, however, was an eye-opener. First off, although being nature photographer-centered doesn't mean it is impractical for other subjects, the nature focus does preclude the types of portrait and architecture examples of other books that really don't help the nature-oriented photographer very much. I find this to be a big strength.
  
  The book is fairly inclusive of most of the basic tools needed to produce quality photos, but some areas are a bit lacking, notably with respect to sharpening. Specifically, there is no discussion of high-pass sharpening, nor of the multipass sharpening process (capture, creative, and output sharpening) that Adobe is now embracing. If you are interested in getting the best out of your photos, I strongly suggest googling these two subjects and learning more.
  
  This book, as do all books on the subject, also suffers from that fact that parts of it are partially obsolete almost from the time it was printed because of advances in plug-in technology. This is especially the case with the recent upgrade of Camera Raw to version 4.1 (now available for free download from Adobe's website), which has tools (sharpening, notably) that could not be covered by this book because ACR 4.1 didn't exist at the time it was written. Again, this isn't a flaw of the book, just the nature of the beast. Heck, I'm sure someone reading this review a year or so from now will be remarking how obsolete ACR 4.1 is, once ACR 4.2 comes out.
  
  I like the fact that there are two authors for the book because they each have ideas on how to best accomplish their goals. This leads to multiple options being presented to the reader. The sidebars by well-known photographers are also quite valuable, although it seems that they were written based on earlier versions of the book (i.e., once centered on CS2, and possibly CS). As such, some of that information is a bit dated. Still, there is a lot of valuable information in there.
  
  I can't comment on the tutorial CD, because I haven't used it, but for those of you who prefer to learn by doing, I imagine it is a very valuable resource.
  
  All in all, I would definitely recommend this book to any newcomer to Photoshop who shoots primarily nature photos.
  
  
• Handy reference
  By A3PDRAXH6EADY0 on 2008-07-08
  This is a pretty good book filled with quite a few tips. The writing style was difficult for me to enjoy per se but the content is there. It was extremely distracting however for nearly every photograph in the book to have the caption "Photo by Ellen Anon". Over and over and over....Even multiple steps in a procedure apparently required a credit on each photo. Just a small gripe but it would have been easier to say at the beginning all photos by Ellen Anon unless otherwise noted.
  
  
• Photoshop CS3 for Nature Photographers
  By A28W34YEIVR2XK on 2008-08-07
  After purchasing three other books on CS3, this was the most applicable for someone that is primarily focused on nature and landscape photography. The authors introduce you to their work flow, which I find works well. They guide you through the entire process, beginning at taking your picture, to setting up your preferences, to final print. It leaves room for your own personal settings without "directing" you to do it only their way. The authors not only explain the "how", but the "why." This was something I found lacking in the other books, even the official Adobe workbook. The lessons are easy to follow and understand. You don't have to be a computer expert to work with this book, but basic knowledge of CS3 helps, although not required. If getting the most out of your landscape/nature images with CS3 is your goal, then this is your book. A very good "A to Z" instructional guide. Highly recommended.
  
  
• Excellent
  By A376EFVMUSBEB0 on 2007-10-21
  This is an excellent book on Photoshop. It is exactly
  what my instructor ordered.
  
  
• Best book for any outdoor photography and CS3
  By A17N0EGGJEWV0A on 2007-11-12
  I do mostly outdoor photography and birding. This book has more information than I will probably ever learn. It walks you through the process step by step for even the most daunting task. In the first couple chapters where they set the preferences the book pictures vary from my CS3 but suspect it was written on a early copy. Those chapters tend to bog you down at first. Once you get through that it becomes more interesting. It will walk you through layers, curves and channels by following their steps and you soon become comfortable using them.
  Now I tend to look up what I want in the index and just go there. The other evening I made some Photo business cards and printed them out simply by following the step by step in the book. Doing so involved using layers, text, guidelines and styles.
  Recommend it for people who do nature, scenery, or any outdoor photography.
  
  
  
• Photoshop CS3 for Nature Photographers
  By A1APS29VAWZ3JV on 2007-12-28
  Photoshop CS3 for Nature Photographers: A Workshop in a Book (Tim Grey Guides) Very well written book. I always enjoy
  Tim's books, and gain much knowledge from them.
  G L W.
  
  

• The Adobe Photoshop CS3 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter)
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• Real World Camera Raw with Adobe Photoshop CS3
• Scott Kelby's 7-Point System for Adobe Photoshop CS3 (Voices)
• The Digital Photography Book, Volume 2