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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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Work Begins on Gene Autry/Palm Drive Interchange
Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:59:48 GMT - KESQ-TV Palm Desert
Work is expected to begin March 1 on the Gene Autry Interchange, which will include a new six-lane overcrossing, new ramps and a widening of the bridge over the railroad. [read more]
Anti-war poet to read from works at Palm Desert book store
Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:55:34 GMT - Desert Sun
Anti-war Poet Sherman Pearl is scheduled to read from his collection on Friday, March 5 at the Barnes & Noble at Westfield Palm Desert. [read more]
Great Britain, Canada in war 2 years before attack on U.S.
Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:32:53 GMT - Desert Sun
For most Americans, World War II began the day Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on Dec. [read more]
Third arrest in three months for Palm Desert man
Sun, 28 Feb 2010 17:19:15 GMT - Desert Sun
A man accused of harassing women across the desert is in jail for the third time since December following a monthlong investigation involving an undercover sheriff's deputy. [read more]
Pink Tanning & Body Spa Donating 20% of March Sales to Breast Cancer Effort
Sun, 28 Feb 2010 13:11:05 GMT - Desert Sun
During the month of March, PINK Tanning & Body Spa in Palm Desert will donate 20% of all sales to support programs coordinated by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Inland Empire Affiliate. [read more]
Palm Desert news briefs for Feb. 25
Sun, 28 Feb 2010 04:59:36 GMT - Desert Sun
The spotlight will be on Coachella Valley talent when the Arthur Newman Theatre at the Joslyn Senior Center launches a Summer Showcase, set for June and July. [read more]
Palm Desert man sentenced to 55 months in prison for fraud scheme
Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:43:26 GMT - Desert Sun
A Palm Desert man was sentenced Thursday to 54 months in federal prison for his role in a series of fraud-related crimes. [read more]
Benoit to hold open house at Palm Desert office
Sat, 27 Feb 2010 12:35:03 GMT - Desert Sun
Riverside County Supervisor John J. Benoit will hold an open house at his new Palm Desert offices from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. March 1 at Suite 222, 73-710 Fred Waring Drive. [read more]
Groundwater expert to speak at Cal State's Palm Desert campus
Sat, 27 Feb 2010 04:31:17 GMT - Desert Sun
William M. Alley, chief of the U.S. Geological Survey's Office of Groundwater, will speak on "Tracking Groundwater Reserves" at 2 p.m. March 20 at California State University, San Bernardino's Palm Desert Campus, 37-500 Cook St. [read more]
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