Best book to learn Photoshop CS3

I am trying to learn PP and using CS3. I am looking for recomendations of books to learn the application. Any direction would be appreciated.

Thanks - Andrew

Scott Kelby's books are rather good, try those. Or Martin Evening too.

I've always enjoyed Scott Kelby's photoshop books; very comprehensive and readable:

http://www.amazon.com …oks&qid=1197250​776&sr=8-1

Another vote for Scott Kelby. They are very example based which is a great way to learn.

I have Kelby's Lightroom book and Evening's CS2 book. I like Kelbys better.

I have Kelby's CS3 and Lightroom book. It provides learning with some jokes.

In my opinion Scott Kelby's books are overrated and overhyped. If you really want to learn Photoshop - and not just follow "recipes" which tell you what to do but not "why" or more importantly "when" - I suggest the following books:

Adobe Photoshop CS3 Studio Techniques by Ben Willmore
The CS3 version of this book is not shipping yet but if I were to judge by the previous editions, this one will not disappoint. Here's Ben's blog, judge for yourself: http://whereisben.blog​s.com/whereisben/

Photoshop CS3 One-on-One by Deke McClelland
This is an excellent book for beginning Photoshop. It comes with a DVD that allows you to watch Deke demonstrate the techniques he teaches in the book so you learn by watching, reading, and doing.

The DVD is actually the shortened form of the 3 DVD set Deke previously narrated for Total Training. Beginning with Photoshop CS3, he is now associated with Lynda.com. For $25 a month you can have access to the entire basic DVD training series, and many more advanced topics. See here: http://movielibrary.ly​nda.com/authors/author​/?aid=98

Previews here: Photoshop CS3 One-on-One: The Essentials
Martin Evening's book, Adobe Photoshop CS3 for Photographers, is excellent but it may be a bit intimidating for someone new to Photoshop. As he says in the introduction:

"This book was initially aimed at intermediate to advanced users who, as the title suggests, were photographers. But it soon became apparent that all sorts of people were enjoying the book. Over the years I have
adapted the content to satisfy the requirements of a broad readership. I still provide good solid professional-level advice, but at the same time I try not to assume too much prior knowledge, and ensure that everything is explained as clearly and simply as possible."

andrewdorian wrote in post #4471885
I am trying to learn PP and using CS3. I am looking for recomendations of books to learn the application. Any direction would be appreciated.

Thanks - Andrew

pgiancola wrote in post #4472067
Another vote for Scott Kelby. They are very example based which is a great way to learn.

has anyone tried Kelby's book on the 7 points system for CS3. Just curious if it's worth picking up.

azpix wrote in post #4473689
has anyone tried Kelby's book on the 7 points system for CS3. Just curious if it's worth picking up.

I just got it last week and I like it. It's more like a workshop. You download the same examples that are used in the book and then you work through the tutorials. It helps me a lot. I have been working only with the first few examples and learned very good things so far.

Another vote for Scott Kelby, His books are easy to follow.

azpix wrote in post #4473689
has anyone tried Kelby's book on the 7 points system for CS3. Just curious if it's worth picking up.

Yes I am on chapter 6 of 21. They are 21 examples (you can download) and his 21 treatments of them. Learn by rote using various combinations of the 7 techniques. May not be the best way, but my photo's show an improvement. Interesting to duplicate his take on the same exact photograph using the same techniques.

Hey, it's the results that count.... proof is in the pudding .

rebelgeek wrote in post #4475666
...... May not be the best way, but my photo's show an improvement. Interesting to duplicate his take on the same exact photograph using the same techniques.

I vote for Martin Evening, I like rather serios tone of his books and also love that he is using mostly professional photographs for his tutorials.

Wow! I never expected so much feedback; this is such a great site. I thank you all for the info and will defiantly review all of it and make a much more informed decision.

Glad you enjoy the feedback Andrew - and you've probably only scratched the surface .

Stick around, post some of your own work, give advice, ask more questions, check out our personal websites and galleries......it's a whole new world and we're glad to have 'ya. - Stu

andrewdorian wrote in post #4479383
Wow! I never expected so much feedback; this is such a great site. I thank you all for the info and will defiantly review all of it and make a much more informed decision.