Best Restoration book for newbie pls

[sergio2263]

Hi Guys,

What's the best restoration book to buy if you are a newbie with Photoshop as well as photo restoration. I have Photoshop CS2, I daren't upgrade to CS3 yet.

I have so far bought Katrin Eismann Third Edition and Ctein Digital restoration from Start to Finish. So far I can't seem to grasp the tutorials from either book, I think I need to start from scratch and learn tools, layers, levels, curves etc.

Many thanks in advance


regards


helen

[katew]

I learnt all the basics from How to Cheat in Photoshop, by Steve Caplin. I'd thoroughly recommend it.

[DCobb]

Have you used Google to look for tutorials on specific topics of interest? Also, YouTube has a lot of tutorials on Photoshop. In selecting a book, try to select a book that comes with a picture CD or has the same images that are used in the book available online.

One of the best books that I have that has very good step by step directions is called Photoshop CS2 Before & After Makeovers by Taz Tally. Wiley is the publisher and can be reached at wiley.com. The book sells for $29.99. The 10 digit ISBN is 0-471-741-74901-x.

Another book that takes each tool is the Adobe Photoshop CS2 Visual Encyclopedia. They may have one out for CS3. ISBN 0-7645-9860-0. This has excellent step-by-step directions as well as screen shots to walk you through the steps.

I have Ctein's book as well as How To Cheat in Photoshop. Great books, but not what I would recommend if you want to focus your learning on specific tools. These help more with specific tasks.

dc

[Kraellin]

What's the best restoration book to buy if you are a newbie with Photoshop as well as photo restoration.

helen, this is going to sound a bit like i'm being a smart-*ss, but i dont mean it that way. the key is when you said 'newbie with photoshop'. what i recommend here is learn photoshop first, then learn restoration. and, for that, i'd suggest starting with the photoshop docs that come with it. see, i told you it would sound like i'm being a smart-*ss.

the simple fact is, there is a lot to know in restoration. there is also a LOT to know in photoshop. so, you are taking on two tasks at once by trying to learn both at once. this can trip folks up just starting out. do keep in mind your purpose for learning photoshop, but learn the tools first and then learn where and when to apply them. it's two different subjects heading towards one goal.

compare it to a painter. a painter needs to learn a lot more than just color or lines or lighting. there is a whole wealth of undercuts to just 'painting'. you need to know brushes, the bristles, the taper, the density of the brush, the paint types and mixing and colors and hues and tints and just a ton of things that go into the whole subject of painting. an artist needs to know his tools before he can actually paint a good picture. compare that to the person who can maybe draw really well and so picks up a paintbrush and attempts to paint. they're generally going to fail at rendering something really good. they may draw it perfectly, but the colors are likely to be off, the thicknesses, the canvas may not be stretched correctly and so on.

you see what i'm saying here? it's two different subjects. this was a very hard lesson for me to learn and i'm still learning it. one wants to dive right in and paint a masterpiece the first time out. but at the same time, one may barely know what a brush is.

so, all i'm saying is, learn the tools. spend a few weeks doing nothing but cloning. take up some of the challenges we have here for restoration and just do them over and over using basic tools. get comfortable with the tools and the documentation for those tools. heck, i still have to look things up and i've been doing this a while now. in fact, i dont even hardly use photoshop. i have it, but i find the easier level of paint shop pro is sufficient for most restoration work. so, i like simple i do use photoshop when someone posts a tutorial or help and it just wont translate to psp, but that's about all. photoshop is the cadillac, but who says we all have to drive cadillacs

ok, i dont really want to steer you off photoshop, though it is sounding a bit like that. i'm just saying, there are other options that are simpler if you need or want them. and i've found a number of folks on here use both, or they use another combination of programs.

so, my main point in all this is, be easy on yourself and dont bite off too much at once. get the basics and get them well and with photoshop there is nothing more basic in learning than the adobe documentation as a first level of learning. period.

[TommyO]

Helen,
If you liked Katrin Eismann's approach, she has another book that could be better to read first (or now) that covers configuring PS, method of making selections, understanding layers and masks, advanced masking, advanced selections, basic compositing. It will fine tune your understanding of making difficult selections and how to save them to alpha channels as well as building better masks, etc.
Like the other book, it comes with downloadable files for all the tutorials.

It's called "Photoshop Masking & Compositing", copyright 2005, New Riders publisher. Looks like the other one, but blue & white.

[curtism]

You might also want to try Photoshop CS3 Restoration and Retouching by Mark Fitzgerald. It might be just what you're looking for!


Curtis

[chillin]

sergio2263 don't forget about retouching. Someone who knows restoration, knows retouching too & don't be discourage by stupid remarks like this:

Originally Posted by Ant

Forgive me for being an ass, but photo restoration is low brow retouching. So is this board. Nothing to see here, moving along. Flame away, but I won't be reading it.

by Ant alias HughSteenk...HughAnt

[sergio2263]

Originally Posted by katew

I learnt all the basics from How to Cheat in Photoshop, by Steve Caplin. I'd thoroughly recommend it.

Hi Katew,

Thanks very much for your reply much appreciated. I shall google for the book, being a complete novice, I am after a book for dummies, a book that can give tutorial in detail, both book I've bought is way to advance for me.

many thanks


regards


helen

[sergio2263]

Originally Posted by DCobb

Have you used Google to look for tutorials on specific topics of interest? Also, YouTube has a lot of tutorials on Photoshop. In selecting a book, try to select a book that comes with a picture CD or has the same images that are used in the book available online.

One of the best books that I have that has very good step by step directions is called Photoshop CS2 Before & After Makeovers by Taz Tally. Wiley is the publisher and can be reached at wiley.com. The book sells for $29.99. The 10 digit ISBN is 0-471-741-74901-x.

Another book that takes each tool is the Adobe Photoshop CS2 Visual Encyclopedia. They may have one out for CS3. ISBN 0-7645-9860-0. This has excellent step-by-step directions as well as screen shots to walk you through the steps.

I have Ctein's book as well as How To Cheat in Photoshop. Great books, but not what I would recommend if you want to focus your learning on specific tools. These help more with specific tasks.

dc

Hi DCobb,

Thank you very much for your reply and all the informations, it is much appreciated. yes that's what I have decided to do, looking for specific tutorial, I've actually spend some time in this forum going from the last ever thread and look out for tips on restorations, I am saving them all in my files for reference should I need them, so far both books I've bought, I've had to put them away for now, as it is too advance for me, Ctein's book whilst visited his website and seeing his work I found to be fantastic and bought the book, when I've received the book, I found it completely empty, there is a lot of plug-ins to used to actually get some results, some he's explained but I found they are for Pros and not complete novice like myself.

I shall check out the two book you have suggested, as I mentioned to Katew, I am looking for tutorial with detailed step by step inforation.

Many thanks again.


regards


helen

[smak]

I recommend a book like PS Bible to get started. It describes every feature of the program - once you learn all the tools, you can take advantage of tutorials or retouching books.

[sergio2263]

Originally Posted by Kraellin

helen, this is going to sound a bit like i'm being a smart-*ss, but i dont mean it that way. the key is when you said 'newbie with photoshop'. what i recommend here is learn photoshop first, then learn restoration. and, for that, i'd suggest starting with the photoshop docs that come with it. see, i told you it would sound like i'm being a smart-*ss.

the simple fact is, there is a lot to know in restoration. there is also a LOT to know in photoshop. so, you are taking on two tasks at once by trying to learn both at once. this can trip folks up just starting out. do keep in mind your purpose for learning photoshop, but learn the tools first and then learn where and when to apply them. it's two different subjects heading towards one goal.

compare it to a painter. a painter needs to learn a lot more than just color or lines or lighting. there is a whole wealth of undercuts to just 'painting'. you need to know brushes, the bristles, the taper, the density of the brush, the paint types and mixing and colors and hues and tints and just a ton of things that go into the whole subject of painting. an artist needs to know his tools before he can actually paint a good picture. compare that to the person who can maybe draw really well and so picks up a paintbrush and attempts to paint. they're generally going to fail at rendering something really good. they may draw it perfectly, but the colors are likely to be off, the thicknesses, the canvas may not be stretched correctly and so on.

you see what i'm saying here? it's two different subjects. this was a very hard lesson for me to learn and i'm still learning it. one wants to dive right in and paint a masterpiece the first time out. but at the same time, one may barely know what a brush is.

so, all i'm saying is, learn the tools. spend a few weeks doing nothing but cloning. take up some of the challenges we have here for restoration and just do them over and over using basic tools. get comfortable with the tools and the documentation for those tools. heck, i still have to look things up and i've been doing this a while now. in fact, i dont even hardly use photoshop. i have it, but i find the easier level of paint shop pro is sufficient for most restoration work. so, i like simple i do use photoshop when someone posts a tutorial or help and it just wont translate to psp, but that's about all. photoshop is the cadillac, but who says we all have to drive cadillacs

ok, i dont really want to steer you off photoshop, though it is sounding a bit like that. i'm just saying, there are other options that are simpler if you need or want them. and i've found a number of folks on here use both, or they use another combination of programs.

so, my main point in all this is, be easy on yourself and dont bite off too much at once. get the basics and get them well and with photoshop there is nothing more basic in learning than the adobe documentation as a first level of learning. period.

Hi Kraellin,

Thank you very much for your reply and for your explainations about photoshop and restoring photos. I think I've got as far as I can with basic restorations, such as using the clone,patch,healing tools etc, I've learn there are a lot more to be done to a damaged photo, before I actually pick up any of photoshop tool, a damaged or faded photo need other advance technique, such as levels, curves, checking which channel is best etc, that's the step now I want to take, once I get my photo looking as good as sharp, then I can pick up the clone or any relevant tools to repair any crack or tear.

So the next step for me to learn now are levels, curves, sharpen, layers and using various relevant plug-ins which is completely new to me.

And nah! you haven't put me off Photoshop, I don't mind taking a deep dive and swim back up.

Thanks very much for your help



regards


helen

[sergio2263]

Originally Posted by TommyO

Helen,
If you liked Katrin Eismann's approach, she has another book that could be better to read first (or now) that covers configuring PS, method of making selections, understanding layers and masks, advanced masking, advanced selections, basic compositing. It will fine tune your understanding of making difficult selections and how to save them to alpha channels as well as building better masks, etc.
Like the other book, it comes with downloadable files for all the tutorials.

It's called "Photoshop Masking & Compositing", copyright 2005, New Riders publisher. Looks like the other one, but blue & white.

Hi TommyO,

Thanks very much for your reply much appreciated. Yes this looks like the next level I want to go, I want to learn also on how to get a damaged photo looking good before I start using any tools for actual repairs. I think it's time to make a list or google about photo restoration on how to get started.

Many thanks for your reply and for the books suggested.


regards


helen

[sergio2263]

Originally Posted by curtism

You might also want to try Photoshop CS3 Restoration and Retouching by Mark Fitzgerald. It might be just what you're looking for!


Curtis

Hi Curtism,

Thank you for your reply much appreciated, I am working with CS2, I daren't climbing the ladder for CS3 yet , but thanks for the suggestion of book by Mark Fitzgerald, I shall google for it and read the review.

Many thanks

regards

helen

[sergio2263]

Originally Posted by chillin

sergio2263 don't forget about retouching. Someone who knows restoration, knows retouching too & don't be discourage by stupid remarks like this: by Ant alias HughSteenk.

Hi Chillin,

No don't be worrying, guy like him is the least of my worry, I certainly do not take his opinion to view and of course he won't be discouraging or putting me off, looks like something or someone has put him off though .

Many thanks

regards


helen

[sergio2263]

Originally Posted by smak

I recommend a book like PS Bible to get started. It describes every feature of the program - once you learn all the tools, you can take advantage of tutorials or retouching books.

Hi Smak,

Thank you for your reply and for the book recommendation, I've took notes of everything that has been said and shall follow them. I think for now I might search for specific tutorial before I buy any book, I've already bought two books and neither is of any use to me as they are both advanced. I need a book for dummies .

Many thanks

regards


helen

[Kraellin]

So the next step for me to learn now are levels, curves, sharpen, layers and using various relevant plug-ins which is completely new to me.

ah, you're starting to get into the fun stuff, then

[smak]

PS Bible or PS for Dummies are books for beginners. That's who they are written for. They explain Levels, Curves, layers, masks, sharpening, channels, adjustment layers -- everything a beginner should learn so they can learn retouching and restoration, etc.

[resto]

Sometimes when you are new your local library can a good source, for Photoshop books.

Usually you can find the basic starter books on the shelf, the good ones with all the cool tricks are usually off the shelf with holds on them.

[zganie]

I think for retouching basics Katrin Eismann books offer you best value for the money
Ctein Knows his tuff I just find his book is not layed out all that well but a lot of good information in his book

[sergio2263]

Originally Posted by Kraellin

ah, you're starting to get into the fun stuff, then

Hi Kraellin,

I don't know about the fun stuff, but i'll try to have fun whilst experimenting with photoshop's tools.


regards


helen

[sergio2263]

Originally Posted by smak

PS Bible or PS for Dummies are books for beginners. That's who they are written for. They explain Levels, Curves, layers, masks, sharpening, channels, adjustment layers -- everything a beginner should learn so they can learn retouching and restoration, etc.

Hi Smak,

thanks for your post much appreciated, yes i did think about book for dummies, that's the first on the list to buy book.


regards


helen

[sergio2263]

Originally Posted by resto

Sometimes when you are new your local library can a good source, for Photoshop books.

Usually you can find the basic starter books on the shelf, the good ones with all the cool tricks are usually off the shelf with holds on them.

Hi Resto,

Thanks for your reply much appreciated, I did try my local library, there wasn't much good stock there, what they have are about microsoft windows for dummies, excel etc. I am afraid Barnet Borough is quite behind when it comes to photoshop.

Thanks


regards


helen

[sergio2263]

Originally Posted by zganie

I think for retouching basics Katrin Eismann books offer you best value for the money
Ctein Knows his tuff I just find his book is not layed out all that well but a lot of good information in his book

Hi Zganie,

Thanks for your reply much appreciated, Katrin Eismann seems a popular character when it comes to restoring and retouching, most people suggest her book, I do have one the Third Edition Restoration, it's too advance for me to use it yet, I agree with you Ctein book was somewhat not what I am looking for, not much detail tutorial for newbie, he also mentioned about using a lot of plug-ins some of which I've never heard of before. Oh well back to the drawing board and start from scratch.


Thanks


regards


helen

[Howie]

Howdy, Katrins Books are top notch no doubt about it.
However when you find your self trying to take on something that employs great skill and concentration and above all "Patience" the #1 killer of your Photoshop Restoration Dreams is the lack of "Patience".
A very good way to overcome that deficit is to learn the techniques that you aspire to master one day watching an expert do them so you can re-wind watch over and over again like a Rookie QB in the NFL watching endless film until finally it all comes together just moments before his synapses can overload rendering him fit for flipping your lunch at the local greasy spoon.

Katrin again emerges to save the day with her DVD series on Photo Restoration.
Rent it here: http://smartflix.com/store/video/190...Retouch-Series I recommend the retouch series as well

[PeterMacC]

Ctein's book is excellent in it's scope however he uses PC and bounces all over the place! He also uses CS2 which is becoming two generations old and needs to update the book to more current versions to clarify the directions. THere are also a few little steps that are expected that the reader knows.