An introduction to Photoshop's selection tools, from the basics up to Replace Color and advanced QuickMask techniques.Includes the Quick Selection and Refine Edge features found in Photoshop CS4.

Transformation & distortion

Getting the most from Free Transform - including its little-known Step and Repeat feature, with a good look at the Image Warp technology. Now includes a look at the new Content Aware Scaling feature of CS4.

Hiding and showing

How to make layers interact with each other. Includes layer masks, grouping, layer modes and blending options, including the new CS4 masking tools.

Image adjustment

Improving and correcting images using Curves, Unsharp Mask and more, as well as looking at the Hue & Saturation enhancements in CS4.

Composing the scene

Arranging elements in a montage so that they tell the story you want to tell.

Getting into perspective

One, two and even three point perspective made clear: how to work with horizons, how to use the Vanishing Point filter, and how to correct wide angle distortion.

Light and shade

Everything to do with light, including shadows, visible light sources, Dodge and Burn, and specialist effects such as neon.

Heads and bodies

All you need for working with heads, from how to place them on bodies to making (and removing) hair, ageing, and moving eyes.

Shiny surfaces

Water, glass, reflection and refraction - and a dollop of blood and gore.

Metal, wood and stone

How to make plastic look like metal, and how to make it rusty; and how to make objects look like they're made of wood or stone.

Paper and fabric

Piling up the cash - and how to add folds, wrinkles and tears to make fabric look more realistic.

The third dimension

Making flat objects look three-dimensional, with examples of how to open doors and drawers. Includes detailed looks at the new 3D layers features in CS4.

Hyper realism

When reality just isn't exciting enough... explosions, chaos and blurring.

Advanced techniques

A selection of techniques to speed up your Photoshop work and make you more productive. Includes tutorials on creating custom brushes, Background Eraser tricks and creating multiple stroked objects.

Print and the web

Working in Photoshop is all very well - but at some point, you're going to have to get your work onto paper or a website. The mysteries of color space and resolution explained!