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BOOK REVIEW
7 Point System For Photoshop
Posted 12/28/2008 by John Palmer
Over the years as a web developer I will admit I have become a bit of a Photoshop highbrow, while others may find the application overwhelming I cannot work in anything else. The more layers the better, I have created many commercial images composed of over 100 layers with various masks and blending modes. While I appreciated Scott's answers without back story in his photography books the "magic numbers" approach to post processing in this book is not appreciated. In programming the idea of arbitrary values used within code lacking a contextual explanation is referred to as magic numbers and is looked down upon greatly by the development community. The reasons behind this apply as much to Scott's Photoshop book as they do to programming. Simply using an arbitrary number with no explanation implies it will always work, and provides no perspective for follow up users beyond the original author and their own memory. In general the book was an easy read for me, but the depth of each of the "7 points" sounds simple, but I expect might overwhelm people who have not worked with Photoshop professionally.Rating: 6/10
BOOK REVIEW
The Digital Photography Book Volume 2
Posted 12/26/2008 by John Palmer
After such a positive experience with Scott's first book I was excited to read volume 2. The fun style and quick paced tips from the pro continue in fine fashion in this intermediate follow up. While the concepts in the first book were all new and I could incorporate into my shooting almost immediately, the concepts and tips from this book extend to setting up your own studio and portrait techniques both of which I look forward to as my skills in photography grow. While the first book was entirely tangible and ready for immediate incorporation, this book serves as a nice stepping stone for the next level of photography. For such a value packed book Scott does not hold back on quality information and hints you would only learn after trying things the hard way.Rating: 9/10
BOOK REVIEW
Complete Digital Photography
Posted 11/23/2008 by John Palmer
There are many books on digital photography and I had no intention to buy this book, until I signed up for the digital photography class at College of the Desert. Photography teacher Maile Klein assigned this as the book for the fall 2008 semester, and now after finishing the book I can appreciate this selection. While on the expensive side the book is very comprehensive. The writing is clear and easily understandable while still conveying enough information to keep the aggressive analytical part of me satisfied. While I never took part in advanced film photography the consistent contextual methodology used to convey concepts effectively taught me even more than I was expecting to learn which is always a pleasant surprise.Rating: 9/10
BOOK REVIEW
The Digital Photography Book
Posted 11/04/2008 by John Palmer
I got the photography bug after getting a nice camera for my birthday in 2008, as with any topic of interest I turned to the Internet for some book suggestions to help jump start my skill set. Suffice it to say the positive feedback and recommendations I found on-line for author Scott Kelby's digital photography books is spot on. Many introductory books focus on the history and a slow gradual progression of information, in contrast this book was quick paced and the instant tangibility of this book was refreshing. Scott keeps the dialog light and humorous which makes the book a real pleasure to read. The methodology of conveying tips in this book is the best aspect, rather than walk you through the entirety of digital photography Scott's approach was to summarize real world issues you might run into and provide direct solutions like you had a pro right there with you. Rather than drag on about the reasons and science behind decisions the book gives you the insight only years of experience can produce. The appreciation for the readers budget when making equipment suggestions was also a stand out characteristic of this book. When a solution involves purchasing hardware Scott suggests 3 variations to help cover a realistic spectrum of budgets.Rating: 10/10
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Local Stores Doing Better Than Big Box Retailers
Sat, 26 Dec 2009 23:39:36 GMT - KESQ-TV Palm Desert
Linda Athey of Rancho Mirage says she does 15-20% of her shopping on El Paseo. She credits the beautiful streets and shops with good quality items for the dollars she spends shopping on El Paseo. [read more]
Palm Desert news briefs for Dec. 24
Thu, 24 Dec 2009 23:33:40 GMT - Desert Sun
A drive to meet the area's increased need for food will take donations through Dec. [read more]
Palm Desert education briefs for Dec. 24
Thu, 24 Dec 2009 15:17:55 GMT - Desert Sun
Eight students and two staff members from Palm Desert High School were honored as students and staff of the month for December. [read more]
Peabody's cafe sign reflects the eclectic spirit of Palm Springs
Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:40:32 GMT - Desert Sun
Once again the proverbial anti-business forces are rearing their heads along our pretty Palm Canyon Drive. [read more]
Palm Desert may pay $2M for park parcels
Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:20:38 GMT - Desert Sun
Palm Desert could be using $2 million in city redevelopment funds to buy three parcels of land in the Cahuilla Hills to be preserved as open space and improved with trails, benches and other amenities. [read more]
Help the Living Desert
Tue, 22 Dec 2009 07:17:21 GMT - KMIR 6
Dine on the first and third Wednesday of each month between 4-9pm and Denny's in Palm Desert will donate 15% of a customer's paid receipt to The Living Desert. [read more]
Local Law Enforcement Cracking Down on Drunk Drivers
Mon, 21 Dec 2009 07:11:31 GMT - KESQ
Palm Desert Police are out making the streets safer ahead of the holiday weekend. [read more]
Three Indio CHP Officers Honored With Medal of Valor
Sun, 20 Dec 2009 16:53:06 GMT - KESQ-TV Palm Desert
Three California Highway Patrol officers stationed in Indio were awarded the governor's Medal of Valor, this week, for helping to save a suicidal man in Palm Desert. [read more]
Palm Desert news briefs for Dec. 17
Sat, 19 Dec 2009 16:41:49 GMT - Desert Sun
The Braille Institute will offer a support group for people who have been affected by a friend or family member's vision loss at 10 a.m. Friday at the institute, 70-251 Ramon Road, Rancho Mirage. [read more]
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