Chapter 4, "Using Camera Raw 5.0" examines why it is better for photographers of all levels to use RAW files. No matter the quality level of your equipment, if it can generate RAW, you should use it. Raw retains all the information captured by the camera. This gives you much more control in processing your images, and once you get the hang of it, it is really no more intimidating than the stuff you have already learned.
Chapter 5, "Adjustment Layers" explains a method of image adjustment that does not change the image itself. Unlike a direct adjustment, which physically changes the image, an Adjustment Layer is used when you want to experiment with the image but may want to undo the changes. Combined with layer masks and blending, it is a very powerful combination.
Chapter 6, "Sharpening" is a necessity for images, since almost all images start off looking slightly soft. By using a variety of techniques such as channel sharpening and the Smart Sharpen filter, you will learn how to clean up noise, remove grain, and in general make your images sharp.
Grayscale, Color, and Print
Chapter 7, "Setting Up Images for Final Output" examines the other end of what you do as a photographer: generate images for output. Whether you print your own images, send them out for processing, or share them on the Web, you need to make each image the best it can be. Here you will gain an understanding of color and grayscale values within your image and how to get the best out of them.
Chapter 8, "Color Manipulation" examines the wide range of color manipulation tools and methods within Photoshop. Which ones you use depend on your particular image. Here, you begin with the color wheel, and progress to Hue/Saturation, color balance, Levels/Curves, Channel mixer, Gradient maps, and more.
Creative Techniques
Chapter 9, "Enhancement and Masking" is really all about the many Blending modes available in Photoshop. You are only limited by your willingness to experiment. In this chapter, the Blending Modes menu is broken down into its individual sections and each one is detailed according to its functionality.
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