Photoshop Elements 6: The Missing Manual Reviews

• The Missing Manual for Photoshop elements 6

  
  By A13OUOCDLX9ABG on 2007-12-29
  Those of us that may or may not have an Attention Deficit Disorder of some kind or another may find PE6 a little too complicated for their tastes. It does require quite a bit of patience, which I am short of, and concentration, which does not exist for me in this world, yet I try to muddle through. The first book published after the release of PE6, as far as I know, was the "missing manual", which is quite well written and constructed so that reference is made to be pretty simple.
  
  Here's the best part for me: when I bought the book, I noticed that the author gives you her email address, and oddly enough invites individual questions, something I found unfathomable, I mean, try emailing Grisham for instance. So, rather than read on, I email her, and within minutes, receive a reply from her, answering my question, and referring me to where I can read further. I didn't take advantage of her niceness once, I asked her more than a dozen questions, got similarly responsive replies each time.
  
  I can't be the only person in America who bought this book, can I? or the only person asking the author questions? And maybe, if you read this review and buy the book, her responsiveness will go by the wayside. Or maybe, you'll buy the book and it by itself will answer all your questions for you, as it has done for me since spending time with it as I should have in the first place.
  
  

• Weak coverage of organizer

  
  By A1U9MOEQ2PW3QY on 2007-11-28
  I purchased Photoshop Elements 6 primarily because I heard that the Organizer feature is very rich and useful. I have several thousand digital images that I want to organize. Unfortunately, the help that comes with the program is very poor. So, I purchased this book because of the rave reviews. The book is generally well-written and covers lots of topics, but the section on the Organizer is next to useless, which really surprised me, since the Organizer is one of the main features of the program. I think the author should have anticipated that many of us would have lots of images to import and organize and should have provided in-depth help, tips and tricks to enable us to do that. I'm hoping that the soon-to-be released Dummies book does a much better job.
  
  In short, if you are looking for help editing digital images with PE6, or if you are just starting out and don't have many images to organize, this book is probably a good resource. If you need to know how to use the Organizer to import and organize lots of images, this book is of no help.
  
  

• money well spent

  
  By A1QA8CFOV2I62J on 2007-11-23
  It's nice to have this book to grab, now that I'm starting at the very beginning with PE. I think it could be twice as long and still not do the software justice. I was trying to figure out how to take an existing photos directory that has many subdirectories and convert it to a PE catalog. This book isn't clear enough on the organization features. But it's a whole lot better than the nothing that comes with the software.
  
  
  
  

• A "must-have" for anyone who wants to get started with and explore the possibilities of Photoshop Elements 6.

  
  By A14OJS0VWMOSWO on 2007-12-02
  Written by Barbara Brundage, who has been teaching people how to use Photoshop Elements since its creation in 2001, Photoshop Elements 6: The Missing Manual lives up to its title by walking the reader through all he or she needs to know about Photoshop Elements 6 - a software that gives most of the image-manipulation functionality of full-fledged Photoshop at a much more reasonable price. Photoshop Elements 6 is ideal for scrapbookers, photographers, and beginning graphic artists; The Missing Manual covers everything from importing and saving photos to understanding the layers palette to drawing with brushes and other tools, creating projects, creating online galleries, and much more. Full-color screenshots and images throughout illustrate this "user-friendly" guide. A "must-have" for anyone who wants to get started with and explore the possibilities of Photoshop Elements 6.
  
  

• Somewhat disappointing

  
  By AF6A0DDUVY3DL on 2008-02-01
  I bought this book largely on the strength of the reviews on this site. The book isn't bad, but I am amazed at how many editing errors there are -- in the first week I had the book, I had found at least 5 erroneous page cross-references.
  
  This editing problem is particularly annoying since the author uses frequent cross-references to amplify or explain the subject matter of the page on which the cross-reference is made. I found myself repeatedly having to search for the cross-referenced material and writing the correct reference in my copy so I wouldn't have to search the next time.
  
  Interestingly enough, I found many helpful and clear explanations of what look like important, fundamental Elements techniques in another book I purchased, Top 100 Simplified Tips & Tricks - Digital Photography, a book I bought without expecting any tips that were specific to Elements. I suppose "The Missing Manual" is intended to be a comprehensive discussion of Elements, even arcane and what seem to be almost useless aspects of the program, but at times I got the feeling that relatively minor matters were covered in the same depth as important techniques.
  
  I suspect that after I am more accustomed to using Elements I will conclude that this in depth guide is indispensable, but it isn't particularly new-Elements user friendly.
  
  I do think this book is helpful and it is a very detailed resource, but it does annoy me that it is poorly edited.
  
  
• A must have for photoshop users!!
  By A3W3AY8ON32C5P on 2007-11-15
  Photoshop Elements 6: The Missing Manual
  
  I am new to photoshop, and recently bought the new Elements 6. I was looking for a book to help with digital scrapbooking in elements, and found this. It is not specifically for scrapbookng, but I have found everything I needed quickly and easily! It is a fantastic book, written in easy to understand format. I have already recommended it to other friends both new and old to photoshop. MUST HAVE!!
  
  
• Excellent support to a complicated program!
  By A11LJIFXSEYIH3 on 2008-01-06
  I was well aware that PSE would require some effort to get me up to speed on its efficient use. I also knew I wasn't going to find good written documentation with the program itself. After doing a little research I selected this title by Barbara Brundage, and it was the best choice for me! I've worked my way through the bulk of the book, trying out the different procedures as I go. Every step is very clearly explained, many include screen shots, and there is enough cross-referencing that I am beginning to feel pretty comfortable with the program's myriad capabilities even though I've only had it a few days. Unlike some reviewers, I feel the index, combined with the table of contents, is quite adequate to help re-locate a concept or a procedure when I need to go back and check. In a former life I wrote a number of tips and technique sheets on much less complicated software, so I have some feel for the difficulties of communicating all that a program can do. This author is highly skilled at doing just that, and I HIGHLY recommend this guide...it's worth every penny!
  
  
• Photoshop Elements MUST BUY!!!
  By A2TVJ0YDW3QO63 on 2008-02-06
  Another outstanding book in the "Missing Manual" line. Barbara Brundage makes Photoshop Elements 6 not only easy to use, but also a whole lot of fun!! Adobe has many applications that are downright intimidating to many users out there, and it's very refreshing that "Photoshop Elements 6: The Missing Manual" was created. From covering the basics of how to get around the Elements application, the author starts of with the basics of getting your images onto your computer, and the most simple of effects like rotation and cropping. From there, she discusses the all-important topic of layers and basic image retouching so you can take your digital images and make them go from good to GREAT!!! Continuing on with a look at filters and how to get your images printed so they look beautiful and/or posting them to the web or emailing them, this guide is perfect for all new Photoshop Elements users who want to get their feet web on the way to becoming an Elements super user.
  
  I cannot recommend this book highly enough. While it's a little bit more expensive than other books in the "Missing Manual" line, the price should NOT be a factor in your decision making. If you are looking for a book that will assist in your knowledge of learning how to use Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 you have come to the right place. If you want to learn more about what is included in the newest release of this outstanding application, look no further. If just want to read an entertaining book and expand your knowledge of how to work with digital imagery so you can make your images look better than ever, again you will NOT be disappointed.
  
  This is the way all books should be written: clearly, simply, and enjoyable.
  
  ***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
  
  
• A good first-book-out on Elements 6.
  By A20O0HBMF7UE0X on 2007-12-14
  This is good book on Elements 6 and among the very first to become available. Weak on the organizer though, and as usual with almost all computer books, a very weak index.
  
  
• The Missing Manual Photoshop Elements 6 is a must buy.
  By A20TA7H0X9TFSU on 2007-11-25
  The Missing Manual has filled in the gaps that you miss when reading the book thats included with the product. This manual has helped me understand Digital Photography at the pro level. Now I know not only theory but also when and why I must do things.
  
  David
  
  
• One of the best.
  By A6AOENS16XE21 on 2008-01-25
  In the 25+ years I've been working with PCs I've read my share of manuals and third-party reference and how-to books. I'm just learning PE6 and I rate Barbara Brundage's book in the top five: its well organized, very detailed, and easy to follow.
  I've noticed that some of the other reviewers think there is not enough material dedicated to the Organizer module. Personally I found the information on the subject to be adequate. Besides, I purchased this book to learn how to use the powerful editing features of PE6 and as far as I'm concerned it does this very, very well.
  
  
• Pictures are too small and too fuzzy.
  By A2KV926KNQTCC2 on 2008-03-06
  The pictures, particularly those showing the software dialog boxes are unreadable. This is because they are too small and the paper is uncoated. This is a major failing of an otherwise very good book.
  I switched to Photoshop Elements for Dummies, bigger pix,coated paper, cheaper price (though less pages).
  
  
• Confusing and poorly written
  By A1M1EO7XTUGO0A on 2008-01-28
  I have recently received this book and am not impressed. I purchased it to be a quick reference for the Photoshop program, but so far have found it to be confusing and poorly written. The explanations are not easily understood and in some cases, even when followed step-by-step, do not achieve the results promised. I believe that a lot more screen shots would have helped explain the various functions. I could not recommend this book to anyone.
  
  
• Missing manual is missing the mark
  By A3OMMNRS649QAB on 2008-02-10
  Even after working with PSE6 for a while, layers, masks, etc. have never been clear. So, based upon good reviews, I bought PSE6 Missing Manual. As a whole, the book is OK, if you have Photoshop experience. In too many places, the author leaves the reader hanging. There are no step-by-step guides. Layers and masks miss the mark. There is no indication of the steps involved in getting from point A to B to C, etc. in creating and using layers and masks. If you were lost before, you will still be lost. The author isn't much better with the new Photomerge/Panorama. She tells you how wonderful this new feature is, but leaves you hanging again.. The old Photomerge in earlier Elements worked a lot easier. As far as I am concerned, Organizer is window-dressing. The meat is the Editor program. As far as tutorials go which the author touts , they are disappointing.
  
  
• Discouraged in PE6
  By A2OS7M63UDGMNU on 2008-03-02
  I was given Photoshop Elements 6 as a gift to accompany my digital camera. Having virtually no experience with Photoshop, many of the Elements features had me confused. I purchased the book, hoping it would walk me through some of the features I was most excited to use...I still haven't successfully used them...the book would be wonderful for someone with a very strong Photoshop background. The biggest hurdle is not being able to open the book to a specific topic and run with it. The reader is continually refered to a previous topic (see page 296) and is told things like "Just place the markers the same way you do in faces"...so you go to "faces" only to be stymied by what it is you're supposed to take from one chapter to another. I suppose that if you sat and read the book cover to cover, you would be able to edit like a pro. But the average person is purchasing this manual as a reference, and will not read 500+ pages, chapter-by-chapter. As a reference, Someone with Adobe Photoshop experience or a strong background in graphic arts might find this manual useful. The layman should look for a different guide.
  
  
• WOW!
  By A11KZ906QD08C5 on 2008-03-22
  This is THE TEXTBOOK for any owner of PHOTOSHOP 6.0 who wants to truly know everything about the program. (Well, almost everything.) This book is worth much more than the asking price - even if purchased new.
  
  
• Fantastic book for many levels of user
  By AEIES3VWMEVRJ on 2008-06-11
  Photoshop Elements 6 for Mac: The Missing ManualI've been reading "Missing Manual" books for several years now and have enjoyed each of them. "Photoshop Elements 6 for Mac: The Missing Manual" is one of the best I've seen in the line. True to other Missing Manuals, this volume is very clearly written and extraordinarily comprehensive. The author, Barbara Brundage, assumes only the most basic knowledge on the part of readers. Every aspect of Photoshop Elements 6 (PSE6) that I was interested in was explained thoroughly.
  
  There are a number of chapters that go into quite a bit of depth about all aspects of the program. For example, in past versions, selecting parts of the image for editing was cumbersome. PSE6 introduces some key capabilities that vastly simplify the process and produce great results, and Brundage spends a lot of space describing and illustrating these tools and methods very well. In fact, illustrations are a strength of this book: they're wonderful. Everything that should be illustrated is, and there are few illustrations I would remove from the book--a very welcome use of space. But I digress.
  
  Layers is a key aspect of Photoshop-style image editing, and the book describes layers and their use very clearly. I've been a Photoshop user for several years and with what I've learned from this book, it's clear that I haven't been using them to nearly their potential. It's always good to learn one's tools better, and this Missing Manual has certainly helped me to do that.
  
  Image retouching is covered very well. I'd pair this book with Scott Kelby's excellent "The Photoshop Elements 6 Book for Digital Photographers" (ISBN10 0-321-52464-0). The Missing Manual tells what all the tools are and goes into the basics of how/what the tools are; software usage sorts of things. I view Kelby's book as more of a problem-solving volume. While The Missing Manual tells about the toolbox and how to use it, Kelby's volume does a stronger job of addressing specific retouching situations and how to use PSE6 to remedy them--more like a very good cookbook.
  
  The Missing Manual does so many things so well that it's really hard to enunciate in a brief review. For example, throughout the book are comparisons with the full version of Photoshop CS3. This is helpful in deciding whether you need the full version, and what you'd get by switching. It also articulates differences between PSE6 and earlier versions, and between the Mac and PC versions. And the book is indexed very well (this is important to me).
  
  This truly is the book that should have shipped with every copy of PSE6. I highly recommend it.
  
  
• Thanks for an excellent book
  By A3B21XQHG480IN on 2008-01-01
  This excellent book provides an informal, informative and creative analysis of Photoshop Elements 6. It goes far further than the Adobe User Guide which only describes various functions. The Missing Manual actually tells you how to achieve desired results. Furthermore (and unusually) the author Barbara Brundage responds succinctly and quickly to Emailed enquiries. I just hope that she does not become over-stretched in the process. The book requires patience and will take time to complete but is very readable. She deserves every congratulation for her book which I strongly recommend.
  
  
• I love this series.
  By A3W3RGK3ZHSY56 on 2007-11-30
  Barbara Brundage gives very clear information about many aspects of Photoshop Elements. I purchased this book recently and have already found it extremely helpful. I highly recommend it.
  
  
• This is not "The Missing Manual" for a beginner.
  By A3TKX7UNPSGO1G on 2008-06-03
  I have read the first six chapters of this book and have found it very difficult to follow. The pictures are unreadable and of little use. This book is not for beginners. It might serve as a reference for a Photoshop Elements expert user but definitely not for a new user.
  
  It's been about a week since I wrote the above paragraph. Since that time I received a copy of "Photoshop Elements for Dummies" and have gone through it from cover to cover. The "Dummies" book gave me the basics I needed and now "The missing Manual" is working. I will use this for a reference. It seems to go deeper into any given subject.
  I cannot seem to change my original rating from one star to three.
  
  
• Confusing for a Beginner
  By A2K3I7Y926HJ9Z on 2008-07-07
  I have used this series before and found it very easy to use with step by step instructions that take you through the software (Dreamweaver). So when purchasing Photoshop Elements 6 I went to a book store and blindly followed the previous reputation of the Missing Manuel Series. At first I was very excited, however, quickly found that I got lost and confused quite a bit. I found myself online seeking out other resources to clear up confusions. I was very disappointed that the Organizer is covered with so little clarity. I really wasn't aware of how poorly this section was written until revisiting the bookstore and finding several other books that allotted whole chapters to the Organizer versus a couple of pages. Also I was disappointed in the organization of the book and how it seems to skip around in referencing subjects without really taking you through how things work in a systematic way. Although I am using the book as a reference, and the more I learn the program the more I understand, I don't think it is the most systematic, easy to understand book for a complete beginner with no experience in Photoshop Elements or Photoshop.
  
  
• photo elements 6
  By A3AXDIES905WDD on 2007-12-17
  This item is a very neat tutorial. Easy to follow step-by-step instructions. Book provides a great beginning to photo editting.
  
  
• Use as text or as daily reference -- all good
  By AMOW5AFECSXY4 on 2008-03-09
  I had The Missing Manual for Elements 5.0 and purchased the new manual for Elements 6.0.
  
  This is a "must have" combination of "step by step", possible classroom text, and daily use operational manual for Elements.
  
  I am a heavy Elements user, and don't even want to think about what life would be like without this manual.
  
  
• ESSENTIAL TO USE THE PHOTOSHOP PROGRAM
  By AXN136Z9AA43Z on 2008-03-21
  If you are not familiar in any way with the Photoshop programs (like myself), this book is absolutely, positively, without a doubt ESSENTIAL! To the Adobe people: If you are going to sell such a complicated program at this price, you've got to put an instruction book in the box that is actually worth a darn!
  
  
  
  
• Photoshop Elements 6 the missing manual
  By A168RKY7V3PI49 on 2008-04-05
  This is the book that I needed when I got the program. I don't like programs with no instructions and it iritates me that I have to go and buy a book to learn how to use the program. It's clear enough for me to read and use. It shows you step by step most of how to use it. This is my first Photoshop Elements program so I know nothing and this book has been a help to me.
  
  
• Solid reference, needs a little polish.
  By AYWYOL7TMGU5Q on 2008-06-13
  The Missing Manual is a solid reference - it certainly meets my needs as a Photoshop beginner. I also purchased The Photoshop Elements 6 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter) which led to a four stars rating for this book.
  
  Previous reviews pointed to two peculiar issues with the publication. First, that the cover, particularly the spine, did not seem secure. Yes, the cover on my book was also floating away from the spine. It looks like the publisher deliberatly chose this construction. I worry about the durability since the book requires a good deal of flipping between sections.
  
  A second complaint was that the graphics in the book are not clear. Yes, some of the screen shots are muddy (washed out). Considering the topic of the book, you would expect better visual presentation.
  
  When visually compared to the VTM book referenced above, this book falls well short. The content of the two books is widely different. VTM is really for the advanced photographer working in a Production environment.
  
  General content and step-by-step instructions in the Missing Manual are excellent. I have been able to recreate the sample exercises - they cover every click of every step. It is possible to open to any chapter to brush-up or practice. Some of the smaller dialogue surrounding file formats and alternatives to the crop tool deserve more emphasis. You will need to read deeply to find these gems.
  
  Again, the content is excellent. If the publisher had taken the time to improve the binding and the graphics this book could have been a solid 5 Stars. ~CTC
  
  
  
• Exactly what I was looking for!!
  By AT3Y3YLNEJL6M on 2008-01-25
  I was very pleased to see that this book was 500+ pages, but I had no idea that it would have every bit of information that I could desire. Great explanations. Full color photos. It has it all!! I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is using Photoshop Elements 6.
  
  
• Now I know
  By A1VB35MIST9OZC on 2008-03-15
  This book is a must read for anyone wanting to discover and understand many of the features of Photoshop Elements. I have read several books showing how to do various things with Elements but "The Missing Manusl" is the only book I have found that explains the programs features. My only complaint is perhaps not typical but the binding of my book is very poor. The cover is comming off and several of the pages are already loose or on the verge of comming loose and I have handled the book very gently.
  
  
• PhotoShop Elemnets 6 - The Missing Manual
  By AUOCWK8FZ339G on 2008-03-30
  Photo Elements 6, is needed because adobe photoshop elements 6 give very little understandible help in their help. The book however is also very hard to following. The book does NOT take a single item and walk throught all the steps to finish it. IE moving a head shot to another body, and what tools to use for the project. Overly poorly written for average customer (my opinion) so two stars. also NO use full Help listed in book. that does not wander around, and therefore hard to follow. I also later purchased from amazon Teach your self visually abodePhotoshop elements 6. Pictures are nice etc but again no project that beginners can follow from start to finish wih out jumping all over the book. again two stars from me
  
  
• Support
  By A390ORQUYOTLNU on 2008-01-12
  Photo-shop Elements 6: The Missing Manual
  If you have Elements 6 Photo Shop this book is a must. So much easier to understand than online help.
  
  

• Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 [OLD VERSION]
• Photoshop Elements 6 For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))
• The Photoshop Elements 6 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter)
• Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 & Adobe Premiere Elements 4 [OLD VERSION]
• Teach Yourself VISUALLY Photoshop Elements 6 (Teach Yourself VISUALLY (Tech))