Edit, Organize, and Share Digital Photos Like a Pro - O'Reilly Releases "Photoshop Elements 3: The Missing Manual"

Sebastopol, CA--Even Grandma wields a digital camera these days. Everyone appreciates the instant gratification, the email-ready photos, and the end to overstuffed shoeboxes. But people are also realizing something else, says author Barbara Brundage: "The image-editing and picture-organizing software that comes with most cameras can be pretty limited when it's time to spruce up your digital photos. Even if you're scanning in old prints and slides, you'll want a program that'll help you rejuvenate these gems and eliminate the wear and tear of all those years."

That's where Photoshop Elements 3 comes in. With most of the power of Photoshop--the tool of choice among graphics professionals--it lets people manipulate their digital images just as they like. But even though Elements is meant for "regular folks," says Brundage, "finding your way around the program has become a lot more complicated than it used to be."

And since it doesn't come with a trusty manual, she wrote the all-new, full-color "Photoshop Elements 3: The Missing Manual" (O'Reilly, US $39.95).

"The very best way to learn Elements is just to dive right in and play with it," assures Brundage. She helps readers do that by avoiding unnecessary technical jargon and delivering straightforward guidance and instruction on everything Elements newcomers--and even power users--need to know. She clearly explains why and when someone would want to use or avoid certain features of the program and delivers tutorials throughout the book with downloadable files for practicing.

From those futzing around with their first digital cameras to advanced photographers, "Photoshop Elements 3: The Missing Manual" delivers beginning-to-advanced tools, tricks, and tips for improving photos, keeping them organized, and making top-notch prints and other creative projects. Covering both Windows and Mac, the book includes:

-Elements introduction: Brundage gets readers oriented, helps them set  Elements up to best suit their working style, offers handy keyboard  shortcuts, and explains how to bring photos into Elements, organize them,  and back them up.

-Editing with Elements: Readers learn how to make the most of their photos with expert techniques for retouching, making basic corrections and adjustments, sharpening, removing dust and scratches, trying even more sophisticated fixes, RAW conversion, and more.

-Digital artistry: The book explains how to paint on photos, draw shapes, use countless filters and effects, and add type to images.

-Image sharing: Brundage helps readers best use their printer for high-quality output, create images for the Web and email, make slideshows and web galleries, and use Create.

-Additional Elements: Readers learn to customize Elements with plug-ins and additional tools and accessories.

With clear writing, snappy humor, and brilliant, full color throughout to demonstrate Elements' impressive features, "Photoshop Elements 3: The Missing Manual" will make an Elements master of anyone.