Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 Classroom in a Book

I am a new user of Photoshop and was absolutely overwhelmed when I loaded it and tried to use it. Step by step, this book walks you through how to learn and use this program through structured exercises starting with the most basic functions. It was easy to load the tutorial material on my computer and begin to use it. I have been able to create some pretty good photos by substituting my photos for the tutoral photos and following the lesson outline. For me, anyway, repitition seems to work best. Don't get in too big of a hurry to start doing advanced techniques or you might miss some of the basic techniques that are important. Good Luck

I purchased this book as the text for a Photoshop Elements class at my local college. The class consists of six 3-hour sessions, covering two chapters per session that are designed like lesson plans. We literally march through the book, completing each exercise as written. The book provides a blueprint such that I can replicate each lesson at home if I want to practice further. In fact, with the exception of asking a few clarifying questions of the teacher, the class was really unnecessary since the book could stand easily on its own. There are two chapters specific to Mac users where Bridge is incorporated... which I understand is no longer used in version 9, so if you haven't bought yet, consider version 9. There is a CD included with the book that contains the lessons you will need to complete the assignments in the book, but the CD does not include the Elements software itself, so that will be an additional purchase. I got mine on sale at a local electronics store (plus a... Read more

The "Classroom in a Book" series is a great help in learning Adobe software. It contains complete and informative lessons on CD that will help one learn how to use the software. One actively works through the lessons and learns. When you get into complicated software, the "Classroom in a Book" publications are a must.The book that I purchased on "Dreamweaver" 2 years ago was a lifesaver. Withour it I would not be using the expensive software to do my web site at this time. It is still helpful even now that I have a working knowlege of the software. I am currently working through the "Photoshop Elements Classroom in a Book" and am putting it to good use on my web site.