| Natural selection |
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! |
