Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 for Photographers
by Ken McMahon
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Book Summary Information
Author: Ken McMahonEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-12-21
ISBN: 0240520890
Number of pages: 320
Publisher: Focal Press
Book Reviews of Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 for Photographers
Book Review: photo editing
Summary: 4 Stars
How many times have you thought you took the perfect picture only to discover that there were flaws in the photo I recently tried out Corel's Paint Shop Pro X2 software which retails for $ 99.99. One disclaimer, I have used the various earlier Paint Shop versions in the past. This software is economical to purchase and fairly easy to use. The learning curve is too not difficult to grasp.
The included Photo X2 printed manual provided is complete, but has no illustrations. Photo editing is very color intensive and in some ways your finished photo is artwork. Fortunately, I had assistance learning Paint Shop Pro X2. Two excellent books are Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 by Ken McMahon published by Focal Press and Picture Yourself Learning Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 by Diane Koers published by Cengage Learning. These both retail for $29.99 each. Ken McMahon's book is very complete and a great tool for a beginner to intermediate photo edit. Ken's book has numerous graphics and is an easy read and lays out different options a photo editor can implement. Diane Koers book's is 392 Pages and written as a text book for a classroom, it is for more intensive learning and it comes with a sample CD. Both books bring added information to the Pro X2 software and a different point of view on how to use it.
There are multiple things you can do to enhance your photo with Photo X2.
The number one reason is a one step photo fixer which is like taking your photo to a lab. I was somewhat skeptical of this until I used the photo fixer. I tried this option on a group photo, where the lighting was all wrong. There were dark areas and areas with too much ambient light. I clicked on one step photo fixer and corrected the lighting of the photo and the result was spectacular. The other problem I had was the group of people were in a semi-circle in the photo not in a straight line. I used a tool called a perspective tool and adjusted the group to a straight line. I now had the perfect photo with a lot of help from Paint Shop Pro Photo X2.
The hardest concept to understand with Photo X2 photo software is the use of layers. The first layer is the background and then additional layers are placed on top of the first. The photo editor has the option to change layers around and make them more transparent or opaque. A good visualization of this is a group of transparent plastic sheets with designs on them. They layers are all stacked on top of one another for a finished photo. A use of this if you want to add text to a photo, another person to the photo or item. The photo editor will allow you move the layers around much like shuffling a deck of cards.
For a Cub Scout function, I needed to print out some special photos. I didn't have a matt for the photos but X2 has a photo frame option which became my matt. The next step I used was adding the names of the Scouts in color. The finished photo was a big hit with the parents and the Scouts. Parents complimented me and asked me how I was able to make the photo.
My last project was one of field expediency. I needed wrapping paper for my wife's Valentine Day gift. I opened X2 and selected a red background for the paper. I typed in Happy Valentines in different font sizes and type faces. I used the picture tube options for added effect. . There are different designs of tubes. I used the flower tube and laid down different flowers on the paper and printed it out. By the way, my wife liked the paper and thought I bought it at the store.
There are more things that X2 can do like coloring black and white photos, removing red eye, scratches in photographs, 3D effects, and painting your own photograph than I have space to write about.
If you are the market for fairly reasonable and easy to use photo software Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 is well worth the investment. To get the most out the software I would recommend Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 by Ken McMahon and Picture Yourself Learning Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 by Diane Koers.
MAJ (ret) Eric Shuler NJARNG
Summary of Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 for Photographers
Great pictures don't just happen, you make them.Unleash your creative potential with this essential guide to the myriad of features in Paint Shop Pro Photo X2. Written specifically for photographers by a working professional, it tells you exactly what you need to know to master the powerful creation and editing techniques of this award-winning software.
* Unlock the full potential of your photographs to get professional-looking results every time, turning everyday images into exceptional ones
* Let your creativity flourish, seeing every tool, feature and technique of this powerful package through a photographer's eyes
* Log on to the accompanying website, www.guide2psp.com, to follow along with the projects in the book as you learn.
Packed with a wide variety of real life workflow projects, eye-catching visuals and numerous tips and tricks, Paint Shop Pro X2 for Photographers shows you how to:
* expertly utilize Express Lab to quickly view and fix several photos at a time
* use Layer Styles to apply a wide range of effects including embossing, drop shadows, and reflections
* enhance your workflow, organize your files, and easily share your photos
Every chapter in the book is methodically organized and easily accessible, so you can pick and choose to get the effect you need, when you need it. No matter what your skill level, this lavishly illustrated resource provides detailed, step-by-step instruction that guarantees stunning results every time.
Ken McMahon is a graphic designer, freelance journalist and best-selling author. He runs Pelican Graphics, a digital design consultancy specializing in design and artwork production for print media and the web.
* Unlock the full potential of your photographs to get professional-looking results every time, turning everyday images into exceptional ones
* Let your creativity flourish, seeing every tool, feature and technique of this powerful package through a photographer's eyes
* Log on to the accompanying website, www.guide2psp.com, to follow along with the projects in the book as you learn.
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