Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating: 
Summary: Comprehensive, enjoyable, will stand the test of time
Comment: Layers, The complete guide to Photoshop's most powerful feature by Matt Kloskowski is described by the author as "the Photoshop book he wishes were available when he was trying to learn Photoshop." I couldn't agree more. I see others say that there is nothing new here, I disagree. The manner in which the material is presented is better and easier to follow than many other guides that have preceded it.
It is 255 pages long and written so as to guide you from start to finish assuming you have zero familiarity with layers, but it is also contains loads of information for those of us that have played with layers for years, but always felt there was a lot more potential waiting to be mined. The contents are well laid out and the topics all stand well on their own, so feel free to jump right in and start playing wherever your interest take you.
Like everything the Kelby team does, the layout appeals to the visual senses immediately. The images and examples throughout the book are well done and demonstrate real world examples of how easy it can be to correct or enhance your images using a few strategically executed layers.
Matt Kloskowski clearly knows his stuff and does a great job imparting that knowledge in a succinct and enjoyable manner. This is a great second or third book for anyone that has the basics of working in Photoshop under their belt.
To me a review is most meaningful when you know a little something about the person writing the review. I have been an avid amateur photographer since the late 1970's and have been selling my work since 2004. Photography isn't my day job, but it does provide a welcome supplement. I shot with a Canon 1D Mark II Professional Digital SLR from 2003 until May of 2008. I recently switched to a Nikon D3 and while the files do have a different look directly out of the camera, in the end both systems provide wonderful images once they have been worked in post process. When I last wrote a review I was doing all most all of my post processing work in Photoshop, but my workflow has evolved significantly since the introduction of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom.
I am a member of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) and make extensive use of the abundant educational materials available on the member website. I have read well over three-dozen Photoshop training guides with one overriding goal in mind; producing the best images possible.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Down and Dirty...
Comment: Those folks longing for the next "Down & Dirty" book from Scott, it does not appear it will happen. Bummer. But this is the next best thing from Matt in the same walk and talk. Creative recipe how-to's and easy to understand on the subject of the all important layers, blend modes, masks. Highly recommend...
Customer Rating:
Summary: An Excellent, Straightforward Approach to Layers
Comment: This book is a very good reference for both beginners and advance users of Photoshop. It provides details and methods on using layers without "going around the bush". Straightforward, precise, and filled with humor... you'll not be bored reading instructional book like this one. Sample images can be accessed online is a plus. My only gripe is that this was not available before when I was looking for some reference guide to Photoshop.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A Very Good Reference
Comment: I was pretty good at using layers in Photoshop before buying this book. Now I'm much better. It's written in the same style as the Scott Kelby books; simple and straight forward step-by-step showing you how to do things. I use books like this as references, keeping them on a shelf near my work area and using them to remind me of ways to achieve some effects. If you're not an Adobe Certified Expert I recommend this book.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Matt hits a home run!
Comment: Matt Kloskowski's book on Photoshop layers is excellent. I enjoy his books and podcasts. I recommend this to anyone serious about Photoshop.
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