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Photo Book Reviews

RAW 101: Better Images with Photoshop & Photoshop Elements (Sybex) by Jon Canfield - reviewed by Carla Criqui Jon Canfield's RAW 101 is a great introduction to using RAW images in Photoshop and Photoshop Elements for those looking to get to the next level with digital photography. Article rating: 8.17

cover, RAW 101: Better Images with Photoshop & Photoshop Elements © 2007 Jon Canfield / Sybex

In this well written and easy to understand book, author Jon Canfield breaks down the meaning and usage of RAW files.  RAW files are essentially the digital equivalent of a film negative, and are therefore a highly useful file type for any digital photographer.

For the uninitiated, anything beyond a JPEG may seem complicated and scary.  However, Canfield simplifies RAW files to the degree that even a beginning photographer can understand how to use them to create amazing images. 

RAW 101 is less than 150 pages long and is laid out in an uncomplicated, step by step fashion.  Each of the seven chapters sets out to explain all of the basic concepts involved in becoming a pro at manipulating RAW images. 

From laying out the basics of downloading and organizing images to teaching how to perform RAW Conversions, Canfield does an exceptional job.  Covering the simplest techniques to the most advanced, he is able to make the reader feel comfortable and confident.  Each layer of instruction is written in easy to understand language so that even a novice will understand the book from beginning to end. 

One of the aspects of the book that makes it so helpful is the fact that the author is aware that his readers will likely be using different cameras and different computers.  As such, he is able to give enlightening descriptions that are useful to all readers.  He highlights the differences that users will encounter, regardless of what equipment they are using (for example, a Macintosh versus a PC), but he focuses on the similarities that all users will experience, so as not to become repetitive.

Canfield begins with a concise explanation of how to download images from camera to computer, which applications to use, and simple ways to catalogue images.  He takes great care to point out time-saving tips and useful practices to keep the process moving along smoothly. 

By teaching how to define keywords, create tags and rate images, depending upon the application being used, the author helps the reader get organized right from the beginning.  He details how using these helpful tools during the downloading process will assist with quick, easy identification later.

Once the reader has had the opportunity to master organizing their images, Canfield begins to explain Adobe Camera Raw.  Camera Raw is the conversion program that the author prefers to utilize when working with RAW images. While many cameras come with their own conversion software, Canfield shows how learning to use Camera Raw can simplify the digital photography experience as time goes on, even after upgrading to a new or different brand of camera. 

Starting with tools with which most photographers are familiar, such as zoom, crop, rotate and straighten, the author masterfully eases the reader into image manipulation.  Once a basic understanding of the more familiar tools has been established, Canfield moves gradually into more advanced territory.  By utilizing a formula of gaining the reader's trust and building their confidence before moving onto the next topic, Canfield is able to make new concepts feel familiar and tricky subjects seem uncomplicated.  Canfield's easy communication style gets even the most complicated points across with ease. 

Not only does Canfield explain each concept with the skill of a master instructor, he also assists the reader with handy screenshots and images that illustrate his instructions.  It is delightful for a reader to be able to read about a concept and then see the same concept illustrated to ensure understanding. 

The layout of RAW 101 couldn't be better.  There is plenty of white space, so that the reader is not overwhelmed by text.  Helpful notes are included throughout the book, which are highlighted in a yellow bar for convenience.  Occasionally, the reader will come across a violet text box where the author pulls out a brief, but important, discussion to which he wants to draw the reader's attention.  There is even an appendix of keyboard shortcuts at the end of the book.

From the novice photographer to the more advanced user, this book is an accessible and engaging read.  Novices will learn and become confident in their new-found skills, while advanced users will have a handy, easy to use reference guide always on hand.

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	Very timely for my needs. This appears to be the book I've been looking for to learn about shooting RAW prior to a one month trip to Iceland, Scotland and Ireland. Thanks for the heads up. Posted by: Brendan Holohan May 23, 2007 @ 4:7 PM EST
	This artcle does NOT explain how to use raw....only to sell me a book!!!! Posted by: charles May 23, 2007 @ 6:56 PM EST
	It's a nice review, though seems to written by publicist. Needs basic information, such as cost, publisher, where available, pages, etc. Posted by: Rod May 24, 2007 @ 4:11 PM EST
	Very useful in choosing a good intro manual for working with RAW images. This article is quite helpful in providing a detailed, in-depth look at Canfield's book. An excellent explanation of topics covered in the book, as well as layout and the author's instructional style, this review gives the reader a complete picture of what to expect out of RAW 101. N.B. This is a book review, not a how-to article. Posted by: Kim May 28, 2007 @ 12:26 PM EST
	An excellent review of a book useful to digital photographers. I would think they would definitely want to read the book after reading the review. Posted by: Veda Bell Jun 21, 2007 @ 9:38 PM EST
	this is nice i like it :) cool Posted by: simona larka Feb 9, 2008 @ 6:40 AM EST

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