Photoshop CS5 The Missing Manual

Lets get a few things straight from the outset so we know where we all stand. I’m a male, I like to take things apart and leave the bits scattered about the place, I put flat-pack wardrobes together with just a cursory glance at the assembly instructions and only touch a manual when I need to hand it, and the bits left over, to someone that knows what they’re doing. So, a ‘missing manual’, what’s the big deal about that?

It turns out that Photoshop isn’t as easy as we’re led to believe. The verb, to Photoshop, is banded about with such abandon that those that have never opened the program think that it has a magic ‘remove that’ button. (Please, no one tell the world about Content Aware Fill). We know better, we know the tears that were shed as we tried to understand what a ‘Curves’ is, and the disappointment when our Pen tool decided we want an S shape not an arc. So maybe, just maybe, there’s a call for a manual.

When my copy of Photoshop CS5 The Missing Manual dropped on my desk I have to admit I had mixed feelings. First of all, its almost 800 pages of Photoshop goodness, and for a Photoshop nut such as myself, this is pure heaven. The cover is pretty non inspiring however, a couple of green stripes and a dog with a book in its mouth, nothing that tells you what lies within it’s pages.

Once past the cover, index and introduction you start to really understand how this book works.

At first glance I thought I’d got another ‘work through this and at the end you’ll know Photoshop’ book, which is ok if that’s what you’re after. What I was hoping for from the Missing Manual however was a clear reference, something I could consult when my brain refused to remember simple tasks. In fact, what I got was a mixture of both.

Each section of  The Missing Manual is  easy to find without fumbling through the index, as each section is put together logically and marked with a chapter heading in the corner of every page. This may sound like a minor point, but its great for just diving in and finding a section that interests you, whether you’re looking for something in particular or skimming through.

Like a reference book, you can pick it up and turn to almost any page and start reading. No previous knowledge is assumed but, where necessary, you’re pointed to a relevant chapter. Work along files are provided via a download but you’re not expected to work along to grasp an understanding of what’s being talked about.

The images used to demonstrate the functions and skills of Photoshop are non intimidating. It can be disheartening sometimes to open a book and see all these great images by great photographers. OK, it might inspire you and make you believe that you too could produce such works if you learn a little more Photoshop, but what about taking average shots and making them great? Lesa does just this, using shots that are obtainable by the reader. Don’t get me wrong, there’s some great images, but they’re of hot air balloons, horses, everyday people and even the author herself, but nothing that we, the reader, couldn’t go and grab for ourself.

If you’re looking for something particular then The Missing Manual caters for you too. With easy and concise instructions and, where necessary, extra information in a separate area, a kind of ‘extra credit if you read this’ box.

As you’d expect, screen shots abound with helpful pointers to the relevant sliders and palette without getting cluttered or overwhelming. I’d suggest that the opposite is true, the screenshots actually break up the text and make for an interesting read.

And that brings us to the style of writing. If you’ve watched any of Lesa Snider’s videos on Kelby Training,Lynda.com or on her site Graphic Reporter you’ll know that she’s a Texan and has a very soft and precise speaking manner covered in a blanket of southern accent. Well, the good news is is that this translates exceptionally well to the written word. Its a very relaxed let-me-hold-your-hand- while-you-learn, turn of phrase (without a y’all in sight I might add).

In conclusion I’d like to mention who the book is aimed at, but because it covers so many bases it can’t really be pigeon-holed. A new user will find this title invaluable to work through while a seasoned Photoshop user will keep it within reach for that ‘I know it can be done I just don’t remember how’ moment. I love it, although I may have to Tipex over the word ‘Manual’ before I slip it onto the shelf.

On Amazon.co.uk
On Amazon.com