Amazon.com: Customer reviews: The Digital Darkroom: The Definitive Guide to Photo Editing

55 total ratings, 12 with reviews

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From the United States

Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2021

In reviewing this book there are broader issues then just whether it does the job of teaching about Photoshop and Affinity Photo. Should a beginner even be concerned about learning Photoshop? (I use Photoshop regularly; I had never even heard of Affinity until I picked up this book.)

This book is clearly aimed at new comers to the world of post-processing. If the author's descriptions are correct, Affinity is aimed at a much more basic level than Photoshop, and is much cheaper. Whether one elects to use Affinity or Photoshop for processing (and that is not a choice I'm exploring in this review), a beginner doesn't need to be confused with text that shifts back and forth from one program to another.

Photoshop needs to be rented from Adobe and comes bundled with another program; Lightroom CC. Photoshop was the only choice I had when I begin processing digital images more than 25 years ago. Even though it has many specialized advance features for finishing a photograph, Lightroom has a much more intuitive interface, and for some folks may be all the software they need. Since Lightroom and Photoshop come in a bundle, most beginning processors would do better learning Lightroom and then applying Photoshop, if they need the more specialized functions. Photoshop includes the same kind of editing functions as Lightroom, but it doesn't have either the intuitive interface or the excellent cataloging and file management functions of Lightroom.

Even if one decides to begin learning post processing with either Photoshop or Affinity, the pedagogical approach of this book is poor. Abbott provides a long list of the dozens of buttons and menus and what they are supposed to do, without regard to underlying concepts. He then provides examples of how he processed certain photographs. I have found that learning is more effective when a concept like say, tonality, is discussed, then the related tools, buttons or menus, are introduced, and then the reader is asked to perform a practical exercise using the concept and tools.

Photoshop has specialized tools that aren't available in basic software that provide more control over the ultimate ouput, like the selection tools. Unfortunately, the author gives short shrift to the selection tools, and many other tools that one might want to use in Photoshop. A feature of Photoshop that I prefer is the way it handles printing on an inkjet printer. The author doesn't even discuss printing except to mention soft proofing.

If you are already familiar with the Adobe tools or Affinity, there is nothing new here for you. If you are just learning image post processing, this book will leave you confused.

Note: The publisher provided me with a review copy of this book at no charge.

8 people found this helpful

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From other countries

Goldfinch

Well written, clearly structured and high quality book.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 3, 2021

Verified Purchase

This book is very clearly written and provides straightforward guidance on key editing techniques. It is easy to search and find topics. The book itself is really well designed and of a high quality. The side by side descriptions for Adobe Photoshop and Affinity Photo provide excellent references for anyone transferring between the two editing suites. Highly recommended!

One person found this helpful

Masterworls

Reviewed in Germany on May 7, 2021

Verified Purchase

Great masterworks

R. Baston

Wide range coverage.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 12, 2021

Verified Purchase

The paper quality, print and illustrations are all very good, which very much adds to the ease and pleasure of using this book.

The range of subjects and adjustment/manipulation techniques it covers is wide and comprehensive. This is a big plus, but also a slight drawback as the depth of coverage of each technique isn't very detailed. It's value, for me is that one is very likely to find something about a subject or technique one is interested in or wants to try and this book will "get you going."

The book covers Affinity Photo which was what I wanted ( most often in an 'equivalent' way) " to do this in Affinty-------" and sets out the procedure in Affinity, the detailed procedure leans towards Photoshop but the Affinity equivalents are quite adequate to work by.

2 people found this helpful

MR P R WALKER

A good purchase

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 4, 2022

Verified Purchase

Looks like it will help me work round Affinity Photo

One person found this helpful

Thomas E

Great introduction to Digital Post processing

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 23, 2022

Verified Purchase

Basics well covered with graphics and uncomplicated descriptions. Using Affinity phot is more easy now

One person found this helpful

Bill T.

Flawed guide to Photoshop

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 25, 2021

Verified Purchase

I am afraid I am at odds with the other reviewers of this book. While it is beautifully presented, it is seriously compromised by the lack of files of the example pictures on which to work. James gives very specific adjustments in his tutorials but they apply to the images illustrated in the book. Without the files on which to work, I found the tutorials less than useful. You are unlikely to have images remotely like those used in the book so it will be difficult to replicate the effects he is describing. The sleeve notes say it is accessible to readers with all levels of knowledge. I would disagree. If you have a good working knowledge already, this may hone your skills. As someone trying to get to grips with Photoshop, for instance, why should I move a slider ot +85? What is actually happening? Unless you know the underlying mechanics, you are just following instructions rather than embedding a basic knowledge of the software in your brain. Some basic explanations would be helpful. I reached out to James through his web site to see if I missed a link to the images used but got no reply. This isn't a complaint. He is undoubtedly busy. I was actaully tempted to give the book two stars but I realise it will be useful to some and maybe these comments are individual to me. I have given up reading it and it is now just a book with nice photographs to look at.

10 people found this helpful

Mr. C. TAYLOR

Excellent

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 17, 2021

Verified Purchase

Received this book a few months ago and it's absolutely fantastic. Great techniques very well written. My 15yr old loves it as well. Very well thought out and explained. It has been printed/published excellently. A credit to a truly inspirational photographer.

One person found this helpful

Will

Good introduction

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 25, 2022

Verified Purchase

This could be very useful if you are thinking of getting into trick photography (“photoshopping”)

One person found this helpful

Scottie

The Editing Bible

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 16, 2021

Verified Purchase

Outstanding book by James, has so much information and I've learnt so much even from just the first few pages. Well written and illustrated, perfect for any beginner to anyone wanting to touch up on their editing skills. A must buy if you ask me.

One person found this helpful

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