Photoshop CS for Nonlinear Editors 2nd edition
Photoshop CS for Nonlinear Editors 2nd edition
|
A Creative COW Book Review
|
 |
|
|
George Loch
Utah, USA
©2004 George Loch and CreativeCOW.net. All rights reserved. |
Article Focus:
CreativeCOW leader, George Loch reviews Photoshop CS for Nonlinear Editors, 2nd edition by Richard Harrington and published by CMP Books (2004,336 pages). Read on to find out why George says, '''Why another Photoshop Book? ...This book is for the editor, videographer or even a producer who wants to improve the quality of their productions in a very practical way."
|
 Preface
Photoshop CS for Nonlinear Editors
2nd Edition
By Richard Harrington
CMP Books
About the book
Why another Photoshop book?
There was a time that "Knowing Photoshop" was a more singular pursuit as it had a much more limited range of application. This is certainly no longer the case - to Adobe's delight I am sure. Now we have many mediums and varied uses of this symbol of modern media. It becomes fitting then that context should be provided to the study and learning of such a deep application. Context that will provide a reader/student with relevant information and understanding that will bring better light on the possible applications to one's medium. Photoshop CS for Nonlinear Editors does this very thing. This books is for the editor, videographer or even a producer who wants to improve the quality of their productions in a very practical way. The beauty of this is that one can invest their time seeking a applicable information through a quick access design and helpful tips for which Richard has been known.
Form and format
I do appreciate the trend that many "How to" guides are taking in providing many levels of information to the reader and this book is no exception. Throughout it's pages you will find varying degrees of engagement. If you just want to get the highlights of the subject, like built-in title generators -vs- Photoshop, you will easily find that info in the "tips" sidebars. On the other hand, if you want a step by step walk though on building lower thirds, Richard will take your hand and lead the way. The depth of information and the organization of it is very respectable.
So, what's in it?
Photoshop CS for Nonlinear Editors covers the overall territory of graphics and video. Here is a simplified overview of the topics:
- Basic graphic issues for video editors like pixels: square and non-square, aspect ratio, and preparing photos for video.
- Individual photoshop tools and how they can be applied to video like color correction.
- Using Photoshop CS to create titles, lower thirds, backgrounds, etc.
- Interoperability with other apps like After Effects, Vegas, FCP, and Avid
Each of these areas will walk you through to a solid understanding of not only Photoshop's meaning in your world of Video Production but overall "rules" and "guidelines" you might have missed somewhere along the way in your career. Anyone who reads this book, cover to cover, will be able to address any basic NTSC or DVD issue relating to graphics. That is of great worth in my mind.
Of course, the real fun part of the book is the awesome DVD that is included. It's chock full of sample graphics, footage, demos and free, fully functional tools. The DVD is worth the price alone yet it is meant as a bonus compared to the content in this book.
While there is without a doubt a plethora of Photoshop books out there, this is one that is unique in that it provides valuable context and experience to this medium. Anyone who has spent time in Photoshop knows that it's deep and it's uses are many; Richard's guide will provide guidance on how to apply it to the dynamic world of video.
Conclusion
Overall, I highly recommend Photoshop CS for Nonlinear Editors to anyone who is getting started or has been in post production for the last decade. It's the latest information on Photoshop as it applies to video production. It will also provide some kickbutt ideas that will improve your production values and workflow. I give it 5 COWs.
|
|
|
| Related Articles / Tutorials: |
| | | |
Adobe Photoshop
Photoshop and AE: 3-D Models
Play Video
In this episode of Video Adrenaline for Photoshop and After Effects, Richard Harrington explores the interaction between Photoshop and AE when creating 3D models. Learn how to use Photoshop to retexture a model and import as a live 3D model into After Effects.
Tutorial, Video Tutorial
|
| | | | |
| | | |
Adobe Photoshop
Photoshop and AE: Content Aware Scale in Video
Play Video
In this installment of Photoshop and AE Video Adrenaline, Richard Harrington demonstrates how to combine new features in Adobe After Effects to stabilize a shot with Content Aware Scale and Content Aware Fill in Adobe Photoshop to change the background. You'll become better prepared to use these powerful tools in your own project after viewing this informative tutorial.
Tutorial, Video Tutorial
|
| | | | |
| | | |
Adobe Photoshop
Photoshop and AE: Content Aware Scale
Play Video
In this installment of Photoshop and AE Video Adrenaline, Richard Harrington demonstrates how to combine Photoshop and After Effects to look at a great feature called Content Aware Scale. In Photoshop, you can detect skin tones or choose to protect a selected area from transform, but be able to completely re-scale an image while leaving the selected area unchanged. Richard then brings these concepts into After Effects for video in the next installment of Video Adrenaline for Photoshop and After Effects.
Tutorial, Video Tutorial
|
| | | | |
| | | |
Adobe Photoshop
Photoshop and AE: Device Central
Play Video
In this installment of Photoshop and AE Video Adrenaline, Richard Harrington demonstrates how to combine Photoshop and After Effects to utilize a helper application designed for mobile -- Device Central CS5.5. In 2010, more money was made on mobile phones just delivering text and sms messages than all of Hollywood put together. In the future, getting content to mobile devices will be increasingly important. You're going to want to know how to get content to a wide range of devices.
Tutorial, Video Tutorial
|
| | | | |
| | | |
Adobe Photoshop
The Best of Free - What the Font?
Play Video
In this economy, you need to get the absolute best value for your dollar, and as the expression goes, sometimes you get what you pay for...but not in this case. What The Font? is a free web and iPhone resource to help you figure out what font someone is using in a video, print or any other medium, quickly, easily and free!
Review, Tutorial, Video Tutorial
|
| | | | |
| | MORE |
| |
|
Reply
Like
