It's no wonder that the announcement of John Shaw's new e-book, Photoshop Field Guide, caused such a stir among nature photographers. Shaw has been on one of the leading instructors and visionaries for years. I doubt that there is a nature photographer who doesn't have at least one of his books. Shaw's book The Nature Photographer's Complete Guide to Professional Field Techniques is considered to be the "Nature Photography Bible". His series of videos have taken many of us to a new level in our photography and made exposure simple to understand.

"Simple to understand" has been Shaw's trademark in all his work and this extends to his e-book as well. This e-book is written in the typical Shaw style with directions anyone can follow. The visual examples are an added benefit and allow the user to see exactly what screen is being worked with while reading the text. This allows the reader to work in Photoshop while reading the text. Not once did I lose my place while switching from the e-book to the Photoshop program.

Over the years I have only learned what is essential in Photoshop to work with my images. I never wanted to take the time to sit down with a Photoshop book and learn all the extras. While I have known that I was far from an expert, I felt comfortable with what I was doing. After reading and working with the Photoshop Field Guide I now know how much I have been missing!

The e-book begins by discussing equipment; computer equipment and software. Shaw explains the equipment and makes his recommendations. Included are the monitors he prefers and his views on selecting a computer for digital darkroom use. Operating systems, ram, and disc space are important considerations. Printers are a prime consideration in setting up the digital darkroom. These are all important topics, and Shaw shares just enough time to make the reader aware of this importance and how it affects the workflow.

Monitors setups are covered very quickly in the book. This is the basis for all the visual evaluation of your work, so it is necessary to not only use Calibration to color correct your work, but also to have your settings optimized. Shaw takes us through this process. While I hated giving up my own personal image that was saved for use as my desk top, it became clear early on that background tonality does affect the appearance of our work.

Next Shaw gave the settings and workflow he uses to do prints in Photoshop. I followed each direction given and then selected what I considered to be my most difficult slide to print. It all seemed too simple, and I was doubtful of the results that I would receive. I pushed the print button and waited. I was pleased and delighted to find that I had now produced a perfect print the first time! This perfect print is now framed and having on my wall.

• Photoshop Workflow
• Photoshop Tools, Palettes and Shortcuts
• Editing in Photoshop
• Dodging and Burning in large areas
• Four Ways to Tone Down a Sky
• Overall Contrast Control
• Removing a Color Cast by Setting Black and White Points
• Using The Clone Stamp and Healing Brush
• Darkening the Corners of a Print
• Sharpening
• Combining Two Exposures
• Final Touch: Stroking an Edge
• Final Touch: Adding a Matt Border
• Making Panoramic Images Using Photoshop
• Make a Print: Epson Printers
• Choosing a Printing Intent
• Scanning Images with Nikon Scan

Each of these well written, informative and easy to understand chapters contains valuable information. This e-book was written for the photographer. It has the information needed to make the most of your digital darkroom whether you are a film or digital shooter. This e-book explains how to make the most of the darkroom equipment many of you already own and explains why you might need to upgrade if you are considering it. Shaw never looses sight of the fact that not everyone can afford to purchase new equipment, and this guide is not encouragement to buy the newest and best. But it does tell you exactly what equipment you need to produce a good print.

In my opinion, this e-book is a must have for those wishing to utilize their equipment or to learn more about Photoshop. It's easy to follow, quick to read and will solve many of your printing problems. It will also teach you the essentials of Photoshop for the photographer.

To order your copy of the Photoshop Field Guide, visit http://www.johnshawphoto.com/news.htm

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