Chapter 5, "Image Editing in Photoshop," begins with an overview of the best practices in non-destructive editing in Photoshop such as Adjustment Layers. It also describes the new features in CS3. Because Photoshop is such an extensive program, it is impossible to cover all types of adjustments. Here you will learn how to monitor your adjustments by using the histogram. Then you work with levels and curves, setting black and white points, dodging, burning, neutral density filters, vignetting, working with film grain effects and digital infrared. You will also work with hand coloring black and white, toning techniques, split toning, and duotones.
Chapter 6, "Printing," describes techniques for getting the best out of your digital printing. Because of the new technological advances in the quality of digital, the darkroom has been replaced and in that photographers must now embrace change, not by replacing the old, but by integrating the new. In this chapter you will learn about ink and how it affects your printing, about paper and profiles that work with your printer. You will then be introduced to a printing workflow that includes setting size and resolution, soft-proofing, sharpening and setting your printer driver for best effects. There is even a section on printing from within Lightroom.
Black And White In Photoshop CS3 And Lightroom explains in clear and easy to understand steps what it takes to generate quality black and white images using Photoshop and/or Lightroom. It is really geared for the intermediate to advanced user who is looking to understand both workflow and color management techniques.
There are a number of thing that I like about Black And White In Photoshop CS3 And Lightroom. First, I like the fact that it takes you down a number of paths on creating black and white images. It doesn't just say this is the best way and so that is all you learn. Second, I like the step-by-step approach to guide you through what you need to do to get results like this.
The only problem I had was that there were no image downloads that I could find to use in following the instruction. I understand the copyright issues that can be involved with some of the images in the book, but it seems that some non-proprietary images could be created and used for some of the more advanced concepts. Other than that, I think that if you want to become a master of Black and White photography then Black And White In Photoshop CS3 And Lightroom is highly recommended reading.
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