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.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 13 Ratings

A distressful nightmare learning process - 2008-11-01
Reviewer Rating:
I was a professional photographer (photojournalism) before the digital era. I am now the vice-president of a commercial TV films production company and decided to dedicate some of my leisure time onto digital. I purchased a Canon 5D, 3 of its latest launched EF lenses, the photoshop software for post editing and this book. I am also a teacher and a writer, that meaning I should know better how to conduct a reader's mindframe throughout the process of building up a solid knowledge grasping pathway towards the reader's interest to fully understand whatever contents within a particular reading engagement. In simpler terms, teaching someone something new, is just like climbing a ladder: you need to climb it one footstep after the other. In this case, "Photoshop CS3 Raw", the author, apart from his allegded professional experience in the field of post digital photography processing (which I do not challenge), reveals a complete absence of pedagogical parameters knowledge thus making the reader's attempt to understand the complex, intricate field of digital post-processing a distressful nightmare learning experience. Let me give you a simple, very clear indicator of such assertive: the book's arquitectural streamline is divided into chapters. So far so good. You start reading chapter 1. It will tell you, in short, the advantages of shooting in RAW. Throughout this first chapter you will notice the author introducing some new terms such as luminance, white balance and other highlights. Each time a new term is revealed you will always notice a following bracket (....) "we will see more of this on chapter #.....". Then you reach Chapter #2. The same annoying brackets multiply progressively: "we will see this in more depth in Chapter ...." Chapter 3, Chapter 4 and so on, the same annoying "jumping elsewhere" brackets will drive you crazy. I am not very good at puzzles and certainly not in the mood to be condescendent after paying 30 bucks in a genuine attempt to learn how to make my 8K investment a valuable effort to fullfil my naive aspiration to improve my current arid digital photographic results. Anybody out there would suggest a genuinely worthwhile book on the purely Photoshop RAW post-processing techniques?

P.S.: I forgot to mention, almost half of the book is dedicated to techniques related to Photoshop Lightroom, not Photoshop CS3. An additional burden to your patience!

P.S.2: English is not my native tongue, I am Brazilian. Excuse me for my eventual language flaws.

P.S.3: In case you are lead to infer that, for being a Brazilian and, thus, not enough linguistically prepared for a full grasp of this book's contents, FYI I was lucky to graduate my Senior High in Oceanside, NY, a BA in Business Administration at Cranfield Institute of Technology (UK), a Master Degree in Marketing at Auckland University (NZ) and 18 years as Cultural AttachGÇÜe for the Canadian Foreign Service (External Affairs). I have extensively travelled throughout 52 countries in all continents, speaking 5 languages fluently and now taking care of my only child, a 15 year old girl (her mum died when she was 6) and my dad, 90 years old, suffering Alzheimer.

A Photoshop must have - 2008-09-08
Reviewer Rating:
Mr. Aaland does a wonderful job of explaining many of the key functions in Camera Raw. The benefit of this book over many others is the opportunity to work along with Mr. Aaland using either his examples or your own photographs and the detailed explanations associated with each topic. His approach and style are superb. As mentioned by another reviewer, some of the examples are a bit hard to see in the book, but if you work along in Camera Raw that is not an issue. This book is a great learning tool and reference manual. The best I have found so far. Highly recommended.

Outstanding Explanation and Understanding of Camera Raw - 2008-07-14
Reviewer Rating:
I have a number of books that attempt to explain Photoshop CS3 and Camera Raw in particular. This book is, far and away, the best I have seen. It is extremely well written, easy to follow, and very comprehensive. I recommend it without qualifications.

Transforming your photographs into something special. - 2008-12-22
Reviewer Rating:
I have been very disappointed with the tutorial DVDs published on the subject of digital photography. Consequently, I turned to books - and purchased a good number of them. My reviews come only after I have studied each specific product. At this time, I am converting from film to digital photography and have spared no expense with regard to the purchase of books and tutorial DVDs in addition to attending courses on the camera and Adobe Photoshop CS3.

Having studied "Understanding Raw Photography" by Andy Rouse, this book takes that formative learning much further by putting what has been learned into effect coupled with CS3 and Bridge. Altogether, this is a serious learning curve and, speaking as one who is about to embark on an assignment which will take me away from home for over a year, it has to be right. As any regular reader of my reviews will know, I am quite happy to say a product is bad - but only when it really is BAD! In this instance, I get much greater pleasure from stating this product is excellent - but only because it really is EXCELLENT.

Perhaps, you already know (or at least think you know) all there is to know on this subject or perhaps you (like me) have the equipment but find the implementation quite daunting. Alternatively, perhaps you are wondering what to do and what to buy. My advice would be to purchase this book and study it carefully. Then, having read it, put it away for at least 7 days before reading it again. You really will be surprised at how much you learned first time around.

NM

Good Book - 2009-04-22
Reviewer Rating:
Mikkel Aaland is my favorite Adobe author. His explanations are concise and clear and make it easy to read as well as to work on the computer with. I have learned much from his books. Highly recommended.

Browse Similar Topics

Top Level Categories:
Graphics

Sub-Categories:
Graphics > Digital Photography
Graphics > Photoshop
Photoshop > Reference