Introduction

The Role of Photoshop in Education

Learning Adobe Photoshop is essential to success in digital media industries. Photoshop is a gateway into several related technologies. From digital image acquisition and processing to typography and compositing, Photoshop is often your first introduction. If you can master this program, you can go on to success with several other technologies. With this in mind, it is important to learn Photoshop with one eye on the present and the other on the future.

The Role of Photoshop in Professional Industries

It's been said that if you know Photoshop, there's always work to be had. Photoshop is used by everyone from photographers to Web developers, video professionals to graphic designers. In fact, Photoshop is used in more places than you'd expectincluding the medical, architectural, and legal fields. Adobe Photoshop is a portal to Adobe's other software applications, but it is also much more. Mastering Photoshop's tools will teach you more about creative technology tools than any other program. With a solid knowledge of Photoshop, you'll be well on your way to being comfortable with the entire digital toolbox.

Purpose of This Book

When I decided to write this book, it was to fill a need. I have worked with Photoshop students of all levels, from the college classroom to working professionals across all industries. What I've heard time and time again is that people wanted an objective book that gave them everything they needed to truly understand Adobe Photoshop. Readers have grown tired of books that talk down to them or waste time promoting only the latest features.

It's not that there's a shortage of good books for the professional; I've read many of them and know several of their authors. But what has happened over the years, as Photoshop has become such an established program, is that we are left with two types of books: those for complete beginners and those for pros looking to dig deep on specific areas of the program. What was missing? A book that addresses the need of the learner who wants to understand the important features of Adobe Photoshop, as well as the core technology behind it, to build a solid foundation for future learning.

This book is for learners who learn best by not just reading but by doing. Every chapter contains extensive hands-on exercises and all of the files you need to practice. You'll also find hours of training videos that bring the most important concepts to life. Finally, interactive quizzes help you check your progress to ensure the knowledge is "sticking." The accompanying DVD-ROM has everything you need, and the vast majority of this book works with all versions of Adobe Photoshop sold within the past 5 years.

Windows Users

If Windows Media Player prevents you from accessing the DVD, perform these steps:

1.	Exit Windows Media Player.
2.	Open My Computer.
3.	Right-click on drive <d>:\ UAP_DVD, where <d> is the letter of your DVD-ROM drive.
4.	Choose Explore. You will now be able to navigate through the exercises and lesson files.

If you are learning Photoshop in a classroom, this book should combine with your instructor's knowledge to give you a rich, interactive learning experience. For those working professionals looking to fill in their understanding of Photoshop, this book answers and reinforces the essential information that you'll need. For both audiences, this book teaches you what you need to succeed in the professional workplace. As a teacher and a working professional it is my goal to prepare you for professional success.

Suggestions on Learning

Photoshop is a very comprehensive program; don't try to learn it overnight. In fact, rushing to learn is often what causes problems. In an effort to learn quickly, skills don't have time be absorbed. To combat this problem, I have eliminated nonessential topics from this book. I've also included a hands-on example or activity for every skill.

The truth is you'll learn best by doing. Don't skip the hands-on activities in a rush to make it through the book. I strongly encourage you to try each one. After completing the book's activities, you should repeat the techniques with your own photos. Nothing makes a topic as clear as you experiencing it interactively and achieving success. With practiceregular and thoroughyou can understand and master Photoshop.