Can someone recommend a good PS training book?

[chstick]

I'm a little late to the party I guess. I've never used Photoshop and have only now acquired it. I taught myself Final Cut Pro through their training books (and I'm glad I did), and am hoping to do the same with Photoshop.

I was wondering if anyone in this (Photoshop) section has any comments/preferences towards the many PS "training" books out there.

Also, (from the sticky at the top) are most of those WIKI video turorials down? Only a few show.

Thanks
Chris

[Matt Grunau]

I would recommend

Photoshop Studio Techniques

Photoshop Color Correction

Photoshop Masking and Compositing

Photoshop Retouching and Restoration


There are a ton of Photoshop books out there, and I have most of them. I had the luxury of teaching computer graphics and one of the things we could do as a teacher was "Evaluate" texts. So I grabbed any and all books pertaining to anything Photoshop, Illstrator, Digital Photography, Digital Video, 3D, special effects, and more. Quite the library I have.

But those are really good books and will get you a very well rounded base of knowledge. Some of it is a little advanced, but you'll get it.

[chstick]

Thanks Matt

[marques]

i would recommend lynda.com video training as the best way learn photoshop.

[chstick]

Thanks Marques. I have been checking out lynda.com, it's very good. I think I'm finally ready to pony up the $25 a month.

[marques]

i have books too. but i find there are places where i just get stuck. however, when i watch the same topic on video i can comprehend straight away.

[Shooter]

I can highly recommend

'PhotoShop for Video' by Richard Harrington - Focal Press

[milksac]

I'll second the Lynda.com recommendation, in addition to PS training they have training for a lot of other apps and it's included with membership. Well organized training. I think some of the Lynda tutorials are free so you can try it out. ($25/mo. , less for an annual membership).
http://www.lynda.com/

I'll add Total Training online. They offer Adobe specific training; Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, etc. Again, well organized training. They have a free guest pass so you can try it out. ($250 annual membership).
http://www.totaltraining.com/online/subscriptions.asp

NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Professionals)
Don't be intimidated by the "Pro" in the title - plenty of entry level users on the site. Lots of tutorials - not as well organized as Lynda or Total Training, but you can usually find what you need. Also a friendly forum that's very active. ($100 annual)
http://www.photoshopuser.com/

Given all that sometimes I prefer a book. I don't have to sit through 10 minutes of meaningless banter to find out how to tweak the settings on the spot healing brush.