Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating: 
Summary: You need this book!
Comment: I just finished reading Layers last week, and have been playing with Matt's techniques. Wow! I've been using layers in Photoshop, but obviously have not been taking full advantage of them--had no clue how to use an adjustment layer, even though I knew they existed. This book will completely change how I handle photos--no more saving 6 versions of the same file. Who knew you could do retouching on an adjustment layer. The dodge and burn technique is fantastic. Now I will do all my level adjustments on an adjustment layer and not be saving 2 versions of the photo: the original and the "adjusted."
I am not a professional photographer, nor a graphic designer. Most of my work is in InDesign. However, I am constantly trying to improve the less than ideal photos (terrible photos, actually) given to me for my documents. My personal project of trying to salvage boxloads of old family photos also creates some challenges.
This book is going to save me tons of time, effort, and disk space! And, best of all, improve my results! Best money I've spent on a book in a long time. All the examples apply to the results I need to accomplish.
If you've only been dabbling in PhotoShop or if you've been spending hours pasting, trimming, de-fringing, and trying not to blur faces when dodging heavy shadows, or if you are filling your drive with unnecessary versions of files or huge multi-layered photoshop files, you need this book! My copy is already dog-earred from carrying it between home and work. Thank you Matt!
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Adobe Layers
Comment: I found this book to be very helpful. It is the only book I have that explains layers in a practical and easy to understand way. Only one drawback, it does not let you know before buying it that it was written for CS2 and later versions. However most of it is applicable to Photoshop Elements 6.0
Customer Rating:
Summary: Worth Every Penny!!!
Comment: I'm new to the whole Photoshop Layers concept as a photographer and I'm amazed at the amount of things which can be done non-destructively to your image to enhance it. I have several of his instructional DVD's for Photoshop from NAPP and really enjoy his style of instruction.
I love the way that Matt is able to break down a sometimes complicated process, into easy to understand steps. He makes me feel confident that I can do the same things he does and get similar results - which I have! It's not just a cookbook for Photoshop, but he shows you how to think thru the process and get the results you are looking for. The full color photographs really help reinforce his explanations. His is a rare ability, to make you feel his excitement about all the possibilities with Layers without feeling totally overwhelmed by your lack of knowledge.
This book has greatly enhanced my understanding and appreciation for Photoshop Layers! I'm glad for colleagues like him who are willing to share their knowledge and experience in such a non-condescending way! Keep them coming Matt!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Just what I was looking for!
Comment: I'm about half way through my copy and I'm really happy with what I've learned so far. I read through a few of the other reviews and the reason they don't like the book is the exact reason why I do. It's ideal for some one like me. The chapters on blending modes and layer masks alone make it worth it. I've tinkered around in Photoshop for a while but I'm probably still an advanced beginner with no formal education in it. I need a book that shows me the basics of this stuff but pushes me to take it a little bit further, and so far this one has done it.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Definitely my complete guide
Comment: Layers can be a little tricky, but this book totally breaks them down to where I was able to understand why to use them and when. I especially liked Chapter 3 Adjustment Layers. Wow, the possibilities are endless here... and Chapter 9 Smart Layers... this chapter will definitely help speed up my work flow. It was also very nice to see the "How Do I.." questions and answers (short and sweet) at the end of each chapter. Nicely written and easy to follow. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to know about Layers and their endless possibilities !!
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