Every
time a new version of a software application is released, there
are always new features that users must get used to, old features
that have been dropped or changed, new shortcuts to learn, changes
in the interface and, of course, a bigger, thicker manual. For
users who have been using the program for a while, adjusting
to the new stuff can have a short or long learning curve, and
new users can find themselves completely lost. While manuals
are an excellent source of information, the printed media doesn't
have the ability to show you how the application works without
resorting to long tedious steps with no explanation as to why
you are doing things that way. Luckily there are training videos
available, and some of the best ones for Adobe products come
from Total Training.
If you are
a frequent reader of Creative Mac, Digital Media Designer or
many of the other sites in the Digital Media Net community,
you have probably seen our streaming tutorials that will often
touch on techniques for Adobe products. These are provided to
us from Total Training and they give an excellent sneak peak
at the full training series. This week I had some free time
to sit down and look at one of their latest releases, Total
Training for Adobe Photoshop 6.
In this
very comprehensive set of videos, Photoshop Guru Deke McClelland
covers all the ins and outs of Photoshop 6. Deke, with more
than 50 books under his belt, has a superb understanding of
Photoshop and explains things in an easy to understand way.
With a good dose of humor and real world experience, Deke is
an excellent instructor.
This 20-hour
collection begins with a four-part series on the basics and
is targeted toward those people who have not used Photoshop
a lot or who are brand new to the program. Items covered in
the first program range from setting up and navigating the program,
dealing with resolution, saving images and more. Program 2 deals
with selections and how to use them correctly, make modifications
and make use of the transform tool. The third and fourth programs
in the first series discuss in depth how to paint and retouch
images and cover everything you ever wanted to know about layers.
While the topics in this first series are basic, a casual to
intermediate user may want to view the first four programs to
discover some cool tips and tricks that you will not find in
the manuals.
The second
series delves further into Photoshop and discusses many things
targeted toward the intermediate user. The fifth program discusses
creating and manipulating masks. This is an excellent program
and really clears up confusion users may have had over the years
on the proper techniques to obtain a perfect mask. This program
can be especially useful for those working in a postproduction-related
field, where working with masks is a must. Programs six and
seven talk about blending layers (another useful program for
those in the post industry) and using vector-based shapes and
how to edit them to fit your needs. Program eight is an "everything
you need to know about the type tool but were afraid to ask"
show. The mystery of creating rotating type is revealed here,
as well as creating some very cool type effects. If you find
yourself sometimes scratching your head over many of these concepts,
then the second series is one you should definitely consider.
In the final
series Deke shows Photoshop at its best. This is where the nitty
gritty of putting Photoshop through its paces is covered. Color
manipulation and the clear explanation of curves are covered
in the first two hours. Adjustment layers and tips for using
filters is discussed in programs 10 and 11. The final two hours
cover history, actions and color management.
I mentioned
earlier that this is a 20-hour collection that is broken into
three different series. Each series can be purchased separately
or as an entire collection (my recommendation). To make things
even better, you have your choice of purchasing this collection
on VHS or DVD. If you are like me and reference videos a lot,
then you know how difficult it is to fast-forward and rewind
to try and find that one particular section. The VHS version
comes with a rundown and timing for each of the segments, but
my preference is the DVD option. Most computers come with a
built-in DVD player, and being able to watch and work on the
same screen is quite handy. Regardless of your format preferences,
the price is the same. As an added bonus, the series comes with
a CD-ROM, which contains all of the projects and examples used
in the training.
Final
Recommendation
Even if you're a long-time user of Photoshop (like myself),
chances are you will find these tapes a valuable addition to
your reference library and, more importantly, will learn many
new shortcuts and theories to help in the creation of your media
masterpieces. The price is very reasonable, and I place this
as a "strong buy."
For more
information about the Total Training for Adobe Photoshop 6 series,
please visit http://www.totaltraining.com.
