The air in the print shop always smelled of ink and impending deadlines. I remember, years ago, watching a nervous intern – wide-eyed, probably barely out of college – sweat over a magazine spread, wrestling with Photoshop. He’d learned the basics, sure, but his grasp of layers, specifically blending modes, was… shaky. Back then, it was all trial by fire. Now? Well, things are considerably less chaotic. And that’s due, in no small part, to resources like Adobe’s Photoshop Classroom in a Book.

This latest 2024 edition, I just finished putting it through its paces. Honestly, I approached it with a certain amount of cynicism. I’ve seen a lot of tutorials. Most fall short, promising the world and delivering… a glorified screenshot. This one, however, is different. The project-based learning approach? It works. You’re not just passively absorbing information; you’re actively creating, experimenting, and, yes, making mistakes. Which is precisely how learning happens.

The book’s structure itself is a strength. It methodically moves through the fundamentals: selection tools, color correction, masking. Each lesson builds logically on the previous one, reinforcing concepts with practical application. I especially appreciate the focus on non-destructive editing, a critical workflow technique that allows you to make changes without altering the original image data. It’s something the old textbooks often skimmed over. Now, a novice can easily grasp the concept. Contrast this with some of the online video courses I’ve seen, which often overwhelm with advanced techniques before a solid understanding of the basics is established. That’s a recipe for frustration, not mastery.

Speaking of advanced techniques, the book doesn’t shy away. The lessons covering compositing and retouching are particularly strong. They delve into the more complex functionalities – the pen tool, the use of adjustment layers, and even some smart object workflows. This is where the magic truly happens, where you move from basic photo manipulation to artistic creation. There’s a decent section on generative AI features, although those are always in flux, because… well, you know.

But here’s a tiny quibble: While the accompanying files are well-organized, I’d like to see more emphasis on smart filters in the earlier lessons. It’s a small issue, easily remedied. Encourage beginners to experiment. They can simply duplicate a layer and then use that duplicated layer to apply the filter. Then they’re free to keep the original untouched. Or simply go back and change the settings!

So, who is this book for? The aspiring graphic designer? Absolutely. The hobbyist photographer looking to elevate their work? Without a doubt. If you are serious about mastering Photoshop, and want a guided, structured approach, this is your bible, well, maybe not a bible, but a crucial roadmap to photographic prowess. Forget random YouTube rabbit holes. Go buy the book. Seriously.