I had huge hopes for Photoshop CS3 RAW ($34.99), not least because it is written by Mikkel Aaland who wrote one of the best books on photography that I have, Photoshop Lightroom Adventure.
I wasn’t dissapointed in any shape of form, but it didn’t inspire me as much as Lightroom but in all honesty I think that is because I have become too focussed on theory and I need to get out and explore a bit more with the actual camera!
I think also the fact that I such a huge Lightroom fan and don’t even want to get tempted by Adobe Bridge probably didn’t help either.
The style of of the book is excellent, with great examples, clearly explained descriptions and good downloadable images to test out the theory on.
There is an element of overalp with any other type of book of this ilk, namely that a lot of the editing techniques areduplicated, but that is no fault of the book – just be careful to check the level of overlap with any other turorial type books you may have.
I have a pretty standard check list for these type of books:
- Did it educate me
- Did it explain things clearly
- Do I know enough new stuff to warrant the price
- Did it inspire me
- Did I enjoy reading it
- Did it feel like hard work
The answers are: Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes and No.
For those of you with a Workglow fettish Chapter 4 is where you will want to start I imagine. For those of you that don’t really know about RAW then a) don’t buy the book as you will get lost, but b) if you do have the book already Chapter 1 gives a great overview. I was just kiddingabout a) – you should buy it, but I suggest that if you are a relative novice you read Chpaters 1 and 4 and then put the book away until you have shot a lot of photographs in RAW so you have some experience to draw on when you read through the rest of the book.
So a good book, but for me a ‘Book Too Far’. I need to stop with the theory and lessons and get out shooting a lot more. As I have no more books on the shelf to work my way through this is a pretty good time to do just that, so hopefully you will start to see some more photos from me now!!
But yes – go ahead and give this book a try, it is a good read!
Book Description
The combination of Bridge 2.0, Adobe Camera Raw 4, and Adobe Photoshop CS3 has emerged as the best and most familiar way to edit RAW images, and the best way to master this workflow is with Photoshop CS3 RAW. Award-winning author Mikkel Aaland explores the entire RAW process, from shooting your images, to managing your shoot, to processing in Camera Raw. The book’s unique four-color design helps you grasp the subject through visual instruction and prompts.
Because RAW files remain virtually untouched by in-camera processing, working with them has given digital photographers greater flexibility and control during the editing process — for those who are familiar enough with the format. Camera RAW, the plug in for Adobe Photoshop CS3, has emerged as one of the best and most familiar tools for editing RAW images, and the best way to master this workflow is with Photoshop CS3 RAW.
Award-winning author Mikkel Aaland explores the entire RAW process, from the practical reasons to shoot RAW, to managing the images with the new features of Bridge 2.0 navigation software, to processing your images with the new power of Adobe Camera RAW 4 and Photoshop CS3. The book’s unique four-color, photograph-rich design helps you grasp the subject through visual instruction and clear explanation.Photoshop CS3 RAW focuses on Photoshop editing techniques, such as:
* Automating RAW workflow
* Correcting exposures
* Extending exposure range
* Manipulating grayscale
* Working with the DNG open standard
Aaland helps you establish the best tool for each phase of your workflow, from managing shoots to perfecting photos. A digital photography pioneer and author of eight books, including O’Reilly’s groundbreaking tutorial Photoshop Lightroom Adventure, Aaland’s trademark ability to teach complicated topics on digital imaging with straightforward, easy-to-follow text makes this book a valuable learning tool for anyone serious about digital photography.
Required reading for professionals and dedicated photo hobbyists alike.
Information
By Mikkel Aaland
First Edition December 2007
Pages: 270
ISBN 10: 0-596-51052-7 | ISBN 13:9780596510527
I have a couple of computers I edit pictures on. I found that using Lightroom on all makes it a little bit tough. Let me try to explain. My main system is the Mac Pro, when most of my editing happens, and where Lightroom is installed. I used Lightroom for pretty much everything, and it’s a great tool. Now when I’m about and away from my main system I use a Macbook Pro for quick editing. I tried using Lightroom on this laptop, and although it runs just fine, I found it hard to move the edited pictures to the Mac Pro. Maybe I’m missing something, but I can’t seem to be able to export the RAW file with all the adjustments made in Lightroom, in such a way that I can import it back into the Mac Pro and preserve all the adjustments. So I tried Adobe RAW. Made a whole lot of difference. Adobe RAW, once you are finished with adjusting the picture, will create a sidecar file. This is a small XML file with all the changes made to the RAW file. Taking this file with the original RAW, and importing it into Lightroom, preserves all the changes. So now I got rid of Lightroom from my Macbook Pro, and I’m using Bridge with Adobe RAW, and Photoshop for these on the road editing sessions. Then once I get to my main system I import everything into Lightroom and go on from there.
I can see how that makes sense for you. I have yet to edit on anything other than the MP. Even when I am away I tend to wait, or if necessary use Lightroom on the MBP.
Will no doubt try what you suggest now – yet another ‘distraction’ 🙂
I’m not quite sure I really understand. What is the difference between cs3 and lightroom when working in raw? I upgraded to Aperture 2 and am loving every minute of it. It is so much quicker than 1.5. Twice as intuitive, too.
Lightroom, like Aperture is mainly a cataloging program. Adobe RAW on the other hand, has been around for years, and is a conduit to get RAW files into Photoshop.
Funny thing I looked at the new Aperture. Working in Lightroom all this time, I had a hard time navigating through the program. Found it a bit confusing. I guess this is caused by using Lightroom all the time.
Mac,
I had a similar issue with Lightroom and found that there is a solution. Rather than describe it, I have included a link to a tutorial by Matt Kloskowski that I found extremely useful.
http://www.adobe.com/designcenter/lightroom/articles/lir1am_catalog.html
Hope this helps
@ Ross
Thanks for that. This is exactly what I needed. Really appreciate it. 🙂
Glad to help. I really like working with Lightroom, although I am also reading through Scott Kelby’s 7 Point System book which emphasizes the use of Camera Raw – one of the primary reasons being that you can open pictures as smart objects from Raw but that option does not yest exist in Lightroom. Other than that limitation, I believe that the the remainder of the adjustment tools are the same between the two.
LR is still my preferred application for an and all adjustments that can be applied globally to a picture and then finish up in CS3 if necessary.