Photoshop

Navigating the CS4 Adjustments Palette

Submitted by deke on 30 November 2008 - 11:01pm.

Adobe is very proud of the new Adjustments palette in Photoshop CS4. And I can see why. It permits you to access any and all adjustment layers--which rank among the most powerful and forgiving features in Photoshop--from a consistent and convenient launch pad. Plus, there's a small chance that the palette might encourage newbies to switch from static color adjustments to dynamic ones. Okay, so that's hopeful thinking but that's Adobe--always hopeful.

But as your representative in the Phar Phlung Phield of Photoshop Aphairs, I can likewise see how you, as a long-time Photoshop user, might not be so crazy about the Adjustments palette. The classic adjustment layer is one of those it-ain't-broken-so-don't-go-fixin'-it features. The dialog boxes were familiar and they worked just fine as was, thank you very much. From this perspective, quite frankly, the introduction of the Adjustments palette has gone and thrown a money wrench into everything.

The Adjustments palette

But here's the thing: Virtually everything that used to work still works. The shortcuts are different, but every one of them is still there in some way, shape, or form. The old functions are there, if displaced. In fact, just one actual feature has been put out to pasture (tho I hope to see it one day exhumed). And fortunately, we get something even better in return.

You know, on second thought, this might work better if you ask the questions and I just answer them. So shoot. Read more » 

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Chuck Joiner Interviews Me Again

Submitted by deke on 15 November 2008 - 4:28am.

First of all, I have to say, Chuck Joiner of MacVoices.com is a gem. If you haven't heard of him, you got to check out his site. Because the guy is the most congenial, warm-hearted, patient host you could hope for. And his list of interviewees reads like a who's who of the Mac community.

In my case, he's content to say about three words and listen to me rattle on like a mental patient for one 70,000-word sentence, and then act like I said something insightful and ask his next question.

If nothing else, it's a wonderful experiment in word conservation. Chuck makes his extremely wise points in as few words as possible, and I make no point whatsoever using up as many words as I can possibly utter without punctuation.

MacVoices titles

Based on this podcast, my favorite words include: "Uh," "um," "we-a," "but-a-but," "the the," and "and and." You owe it to yourself to check it out, if only because freakish things peak your curiosity. Read more » 

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How to Be A Cover Girl after 40

Submitted by colleen on 9 November 2008 - 1:51am.

1. Make sure time and budget constraints require you to hire yourself.

2. Make sure the author of your latest book is not only a great photographer but also a kickasss Photoshop retouching genius.

3. Cover wrinkly bits with camera.

Voila (new from O'Reilly):

Read more » 

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The Masks Palette

Submitted by deke on 22 October 2008 - 12:30am.
Killer palette

Episode 008: 'Tis the season for dark and terrible creatures. Mindless teenage slashers, horrors that come alive when you dream, insane devil dolls. Photoshop CS4 has just such a dark creature living inside it: the Masks palette. It pretends to be small, unassuming, even helpful. Until you try to actually use it. That's when it slices at you and chants its taunting catchphrase, "No mask selected!" But there are ways to make the Masks palette submit to your imaging will. Secret ways, peaceful ways. And Deke is privy to them. Here's the official marketing description: Read more » 

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CS4 Videos @ lynda.com

Submitted by deke on 15 October 2008 - 6:26am.

My goodness. CS4 appears to have shipped. Here in the dekeCave--where we keep the dekeCopter and the darkly tinted dekeMobile--we have long heard rumblings that October 15 would be the day. But we also heard that October 23 might be the day. And possibly a push-back to November. With a launch event on the fiery noxious planet Venus.

the planet venus

(Don't you think, if CS4 ever recorded an album, this should be the art?)

Thankfully, Adobe has chosen to scale back its extraterrestrial ambitions and launch CS4 here on Earth. And as usual, I have your back. And when I say, "as usual," I mean, for the first time ever. Of course, I always have your back. But this is the first time I have so much of your back from day one.

(Yes, that explains why you've been reduced to just your front. B/c I have your back. It says "hi," by the way.)

Colleen's post tells you what's up with the new books, all three of them, including the revamped and expanded Adobe Photoshop CS4 One-on-One. Read more » 

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