Digital Home Thoughts: 40 Digital Photo Retouching Techniques with Photoshop Elements (5.0)

Like 40 Digital Photography Techniques, previously reviewed by Jason, 40 Digital Photo Retouching Techniques with Photoshop Elements, is targeted to the beginner/advanced beginner looking to use Photoshop Elements 5.0. In fact, I'd say that this book would make a good companion to 40 Digital Photography Techniques as it picks up where the other leaves off and helps you process and enhance the pictures you've already taken.

Overall, the book is a quick read at 200 pages, but this book is not designed for a straight read through, but rather as a step-by-step tutorial for you to follow along and try as you read. What I liked about this book is that it is full of project based tutorials rather than a stand-alone discussion of tools. It is the difference between showing someone how to build a wall rather than just how to use a hammer. Projects vary from changing the color of an object in a picture (like a flower or a car), enhancing portraits, altering perspective (I found that one particularly interesting), and changing the apparent season. In the process of completing each project, you will become proficient with many of the tools and features of Photoshop Elements 5.0.

This book has a large number of color photos to help you follow along. I would have preferred if the photos were a bit larger, as I imagine that all but those with perfect vision will have some problem reading the text in the menus in some of the screen captures. More helpful is the fact that the book comes with a CD that include copies of all the photos used in all of the examples as well as a trial version of Photoshop Elements 5.0.

At the current Amazon.com price of $11.55, if you have thought about trying out Elements, this book, along with the included trial version of Elements is a great way to give it a shot.

Chris Gohlke is a Contributing Editor for Digital Media Thoughts. He loves Sci-Fi and loves to get his hands on real-life tech gadgets. He lives in Tallahassee, Florida, USA with his wife and three cats.