Advanced Techniques Integrating Photoshop
Derek Lea offers good imagery and explanation to incorporate Photoshop with a variety of 2D and 3D applications.

This book demonstrates hows how artists can integrate Photoshop CS4, or CS5 with 2D and 3D applications into a comprehensive, creative environment. For example, Poser and Cinema 4D are 3D character animation environments that can be tied in with Photoshop. 2D images can be used as a basis to create stunning 3D composite images.

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Expert Lighting Techniques
This book offers a unique format in providing some great lightning techniques. Zeke Hamm’s Strobist: Photo Trade Secrets Volumes 1 and 2 provides great pictures and a unique approach to provide excellent lighting tips. Continue reading…

Class is in Session
Keeping up with technology requires discipline. Discipline requires interest, and let’s be honest, in some areas, fortitude. However, learning Flash Catalyst CS5 doesn’t require fortitude, because it’s pretty interesting! And I’ve been learning Flash Catalyst CS5 by following and applying the lessons in Adobe’s Flash Catalyst CS5 Classroom in a Book. Continue reading…

Learning Video Fundamentals
Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 is a sophisticated, video editing software for advanced amateur to expert video producers. Individuals interested in learning video editing may want to cut their teeth initially with Adobe Premiere Elements software. For experienced videographers, Adobe Premiere Pro provides advanced techniques and tools. And Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 Classroom in a Book (CIAB) offers key lessons and tips to enhance your video skills portfolio. Continue reading…

Composition
Composition is critical to making great shots that capture  emotion you wish to communicate. In Composition: From Snapshots to Great Shots, Laurie Excell with John Batdorff,  David Brommer, Rick Rickman, and Steve Simon do an outstanding job of communicating effective composition.
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What’s that Flying Phenomona Flitting By?
America is blessed with diverse ranges of habitat, and a plethora of bird species take advantage of our country’s bounty. Lucky for us, we can experience and identify the flash and splash, song and silhouette of our winged wonders using Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s (HMH) Peterson Field Guide to Birds.

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