A Review on “Power Shortcuts for Adobe Photoshop CS”
As a professional graphic designer, I am always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve my workflow and enhance my creativity. One tool that has been a staple in my toolkit for years is Adobe Photoshop. From creating illustrations and designs to editing photos and retouching images, Photoshop is an indispensable software program. However, like any complex software, it can be overwhelming and challenging to navigate at times. That's why I jumped at the opportunity to review "Power Shortcuts for Adobe Photoshop CS" by Michael Ninness.
"Power Shortcuts for Adobe Photoshop CS" is a 2-hour video tutorial that covers a variety of tips, tricks, and shortcuts to help improve your Photoshop workflow. The tutorial is structured into 15 chapters, each covering a specific topic or tool within Photoshop. From navigating the interface to using various tools and techniques, this tutorial covers a lot of ground for both beginners and advanced users.
It is worth noting that this tutorial is specifically for Adobe Photoshop CS, which was released in 2003 and is now over 18 years old. While many of the tips and techniques Ninness covers are still relevant today, some of the tools and features he highlights may not be available in newer versions of Photoshop. That said, even if you are using the latest version of Photoshop, there is still a lot to learn and apply from this tutorial.
One of the aspects I appreciate about "Power Shortcuts for Adobe Photoshop CS" is that it is not just a step-by-step tutorial on how to use specific tools in Photoshop. Instead, it focuses on helping users develop a more efficient workflow by using keyboard shortcuts, customizing the interface, and utilizing lesser-known features of the software. This tutorial is not just about getting things done quicker; it's about setting up your workspace and tools to work more intelligently.
One of my favorite chapters of this tutorial is "Navigating the Interface". Ninness covers various ways to navigate the interface efficiently, including keyboard shortcuts to zoom, pan, and switch between open documents. He also shows how to customize the interface to your liking, including rearranging panels and saving workspace layouts. As someone who often works with multiple documents open at once, these tips have helped me streamline my process and save time.
Another chapter that I found particularly useful is "Making Selections". Ninness covers a wide range of selection tools and techniques, including quick selection, magic wand, and lasso tools. In addition, he demonstrates how to modify and refine selections, including adding and subtracting from a selection and using the refine edge tool. Whether you are retouching a portrait or cutting out an object from an image, making accurate selections is crucial for any Photoshop project. This chapter is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their selection skills.
One criticism I have of this tutorial is that it does not address some of the newer features of Photoshop, such as content-aware fill and the object selection tool. However, given that this tutorial was released in 2004, it is understandable that it does not cover more recent updates to the software. Additionally, the techniques Ninness covers in this tutorial are still relevant today and can be applied to newer versions of Photoshop.
Overall, "Power Shortcuts for Adobe Photoshop CS" is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their Photoshop skills and workflow. While it may not cover all the latest features of the software, it provides a comprehensive overview of a wide range of tools and techniques that are still relevant today. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user of Photoshop, there is something to be learned from this tutorial.
One thing I appreciate about this tutorial is that Ninness presents the information in a clear and easy-to-follow manner. He uses a combination of on-screen demonstrations and voiceover instructions to guide the viewer through each topic. Additionally, the chapters are broken down into digestible chunks, making it easy to go back and review specific topics.
Lastly, the price point for "Power Shortcuts for Adobe Photoshop CS" is very reasonable. At $29.99, it is an affordable investment for anyone looking to improve their Photoshop skills. Additionally, the tutorial is available for instant download, making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
In conclusion, "Power Shortcuts for Adobe Photoshop CS" is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their Photoshop workflow and efficiency. Although it may not cover some of the newest features of the software, the tips and techniques Ninness presents are still relevant and applicable today. Whether you are a graphic designer, photographer, or digital artist, there is something to be learned from this tutorial. If you are looking to be more productive with Photoshop and save time, this tutorial is definitely worth checking out.
Overall, I would highly recommend "Power Shortcuts for Adobe Photoshop CS" to anyone looking to improve their Photoshop skills and workflow. With 15 chapters of valuable tips and tricks, this tutorial is a comprehensive resource for both beginners and advanced users of Photoshop. Whether you are looking to streamline your workflow, improve your selection skills, or customize your interface, there is something to be learned from this tutorial. At a reasonable price point of $29.99, it is an affordable investment that can help elevate your Photoshop skills to the next level.