One thing that has kept me from buying and using CDs to learn
new programs, has been the concern that a CD would not present as many
topics as a book. And if it did present the topics, how completely would
the feature be described?
Well, now I can answer those concerns. First, the range of features presented on these CDs is as wide as in a comparable book, as you’ll see from the comments that follow. Second, I found the features were presented in MORE depth, simply because of that old fact that a single picture is worth a thousand words. By the time I was into Gradients and Brushes on this CD, I was convinced of the value of learning through demonstration.
Another thing that I appreciate about the Learning PhotoShop 5 CD and its mates is, they encourage the student to concentrate on the program’s features, rather than on art. Art is wonderful, but you don’t need to be an artist to use PhotoShop. And when you are busy learning the program, it’s not the time to agonize over things like color, composition and perspective. The Learning CDs keep the focus where it belongs: on the program features.
I finished working through the Introductory Learning CD for PhotoShop
5, and went straight to the Intermediate CD. This one begins with acquiring
images by scanning. Resolution and other settings are explained, using
the dialog boxes from a typical scanner program. It seemed so easy, now
that I’d seen it explained.
Compositing with complex selections. Some fairly complex selections had been made on the introductory CD. The Intermediate Learning CD continued this by selecting objects from different photos and placing them on a single canvas. Once the images were together, layer features were demonstrated, so the images could be placed and manipulated.
Gradients. If you don’t know what Gradients are, you will after you work through the next lesson on the CD. Some Gradients come with PhotoShop, but the Learning PhotoShop 5 CD also explains how to edit them and how to create your own. I was very happy with the explanation of this feature. Changing or adding colors to a gradient, and using transparency in the gradient were covered so well. The gradient tool will be a favorite of yours after you’ve worked this through.
Apply Modes. After the Gradient was applied, the CD introduced Apply Modes. I always hate to see a student stay away from Apply modes, just because he doesn't understand what they can do. This is just a first look, but it will help overcome that anxiety, and show the student how to proceed.
Text. A closer look at Text was the next topic. Text was introduced in the first CD, but the Intermediate CD goes on by demonstrating text features new to PhotoShop 5, including the vertical text mask.
Brushes. Here, I have to say “wow.” The Learning CD next demonstrated how to load, edit and create brushes. Seeing it done was SO much more effective than hearing it described, or reading about it.
Filters. Some of the most common filters are shown. It’s up to the student to experiment with the rest, but with the basics demonstrated, this will just be fun.
Pen Tool. The demonstration took the fear out of using the Pen tool. It demonstrated features that are new to PhotoShop 5. Creating, editing, stroking, filling and opening paths were demonstrated, and each pen tool feature was fully shown.
Adjustment Layers. This section demonstrates many things that
can be done with the new PhotoShop 5 adjustment layers features. I’ve read
descriptions of this in several books. It's not an easy feature to understand,
but when I’d seen this one, I felt I understood the feature and could use
it any time.
Chapter Two – Creating a Composite Image
Magnetic Lasso and Magic Wand
Renaming and Re-ordering Layers
Creating a Custom Gradient
Transparency Settings
Color Application Modes
Vertical Type Mask Tool
Quiz
Chapter Three – Creating Texture and Using Filters
New Files and Assorted Brushes
Custom Brushes
Demonstrating Filters
Applying Texture to Images
Quiz
Chapter Four – Using Paths
Bezier Curves
Adding Points
Removing and Converting Points
The Paths Palette
Stroking a Path
Creating a Selection
Copying Paths
Quiz
Chapter Five – Layer Effects
Adjustment Layers
Layer Effects
Layer Type Tool
Creating a Layer Mask
The Layer Icons
Flattening an Image
Quiz
I recommend the Learning2.com from ViaGrafix Learning Photoshop 5 Intermediate CD for people who:
1. Are familiar with the basics of PhotoShop.
2. Are upgrading to PhotoShop 5 from an earlier version.
3. Are ready to move from the basic features of the program into some
of the more complex activities.
Christine C. Frey
Software Instructor
Carroll Community College