Photoshop Blending Modes Cookbook for Digital Photographers

Reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher

Many computers who want to transform their pictures and graphics think about using Photoshop. Many don’t understand that you can do some of the graphics related work and slowly build up to more intensive operations. In other words, one does not need to learn the “whole package” to become acquainted with and get started with graphics and picture design. Better yet, if there is good book to start learning Photoshop skills and making your pictures better, then you may be able to improve your photos in no time. Working with the book Photoshop Blending Modes Cookbook for Digital Photographers may help you go farther.

The author, who is an consultant, web designer, writer and photographer brings all of his skills into play by showing step by step instructions for achieving distinctive photographs. As the name implies, this book has a number of recipes cooked up for you in the form of tutorials, helping you complete a wide range of image laden special effects and graphic maneuvers.

This book is one of the nicest books I have seen. Some books have the same staging on pages but this one is different. Each page is distinct in itself with different patterns on the pages which at the same time inspires harmony yet creativity. Brilliant photos, color screenshots and short yet helpful step by step instructions draw you into the learning process. The pastels and light colors set the different parts of the pages apart which makes for easy yet compelling reading even for graphic intensive topics that the book covers.

The author manages to start off with “Blending Modes in Detail”. Instructions detail information about dodging, use of light, saturation, luminosity and much more. Learn as you go is the motto here.

Then the tutorials called “recipes,” provide learning about sharpening, use of lens flares, reducing noise, posterization, adjusting lighting, creating surface textures and effects, adding effects to city and landscapes and offers learning about unique methods and techniques that can transform your photos. Finally an appendix deals with blending mode keystrokes, a glossary, index, further sources and acknowledgments.

Conclusion

I can’t say enough about this book. Not only does it have great information, it reads easily yet covers easy to unique topics. The coloration of the book is one of the nicest graphics oriented books I have encountered and review. Pleasing to the eye , the author excites the mind with new possibilities for making your digital photos better. Have a look. You will find this book a great one for your collection.