10 Best Photoshop Books

Books give everything to ensure that you get all the necessary details. Therefore, learning photoshop by reading the best books can help you master it.

Here we provide a list of ten top picks. These books are worth your time and help you improve your design abilities.

These great books can teach you all you need to know about expert post-processing in Photoshop, whether you’re new to Photoshop or want to increase your creativity. Let’s dive into reviews!

1. Digital Photography Complete Course

Digital Photography Complete Course

Specification

  • Author: David Taylor
  • Language: 360 pages
  • Print length: English
  • Publish date: 2015

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Reason To Buy

  • Photo composing process
  • Use of actual digital camera
  • Fundamentals of photography and how cameras operate

Review

This is a fantastic book for those just starting in photography. I love this book because it divides an amount of material into easy-to-understand sections.

It begins with the fundamentals and provides one weekly lesson for 20 weeks.

However, you may go at your speed. Each module includes a pre-assessment, a conceptual explanation, and detailed examples of modifying the issue.

The book covers the actual digital camera and photo composing process. There’s a good chance you’ll notice some items you previously overlooked.

For instance, I was curious about why a greater ISO made my image lighter. I also understood how to modify the aperture and what that accomplished, but I needed to figure out how to use these skills in certain circumstances.

This book has hardcovers, lovely writing throughout, and is structured and illustrated. It has excellent explanations, and the graphics are vivid.

Overall, this book is the best one for someone who wants to understand the fundamentals of photography and how cameras operate. It might be a good substitute if you need more money to afford a course in photography at school.

However, Taylor only concentrates on DSLR cameras and various lenses. You will need the software he discusses to ensure your attempts to repair images are successful.

2. Adobe Photoshop Classroom in a Book

Adobe Photoshop Classroom in a Book

Specification

  • Author: Conrad Chavez
  • Language: 416 pages
  • Print length: English
  • Publish date: 2021

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Reason To Buy

  • Teaching how to fix and enhance digital photographs
  • Instructions for using the tools

Review

You may learn how to fix and enhance digital photographs with this book. Using content-aware tools makes it easier to remove backgrounds smoothly and restore photos.

Additionally, it investigates advanced filters that improve photos using cloud processing and machine learning. You’ll learn video editing, including how to add motion effects and transitions.

You can download the Adobe-provided online resources to use for practice. When more explanation was required, the instructions showed photographs showing what to do and how to accomplish it.

The book only delves deeply into some areas of Photoshop. However, it does cover most of this program’s compelling features.

Although the print quality is not a big deal, the content is vital. It is hard for me to correctly read the text on the printed photos.

Anyway, I enjoyed and learned a lot from the book. Though it contained a lot of information that I’ll likely forget, it will still be there for me to consult.

3. Photoshop Essentials for Photographers

Photoshop Essentials for Photographers

Specification

  • Author: Tony Northrup
  • Language: 300 pages
  • Print length: English
  • Publish date: 2016

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Reason To Buy

  • Logically organized, short, and easy-to-read content
  • Coming with images and offers succinct explanations
  • Assisting you in learning how to start using Photoshop productively

Review

Chelsea and Tony are skilled professionals who specialize in photography and post-production. Their presentations and writing reflect a familiarity with the tools of the trade.

This book’s material is logically organized, short, and easy to read. It is jam-packed with images and offers succinct, understandable explanations of Photoshop’s inner workings.

It delivers on what the title claims, assisting you in learning how to start using Photoshop productively. The book’s information is clear and well-organized.

I’ve always needed to improve at using the layers tool in PS. Tony’s explanation of mentioned layers’ principles and modifications I’ve come across is the best.

It also has several videos that will help you learn how to edit photos and videos. You may always pause, rewind, and read the book. It provides files for you to work on as you watch the video.

However, it will be challenging for people without prior experience to follow along. Tony’s book is too complex for complete novices.

4. Mastering Photoshop Masks

Mastering Photoshop Masks

Specification

  • Author: Robin Whalley
  • Language: 240 pages
  • Print length: English
  • Publish date: 2018

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Reason To Buy

  • Photoshop tricks
  • Use manual for Lumenzia
  • Various valuable strategies and practical examples

Review

The books by Whalley are perhaps not the greatest ones to start with if you’re a complete novice. But if you already know how to use PS yet want to learn more, use this book.

This book by Robin Whalley distills a potent arsenal of Photoshop tricks. Tools that let you produce intricate and beautiful photographs quickly.

This book also introduced me to more sophisticated methods. I was glad that it recommends Lumenzia to make luminosity masking considerably simpler. Robin Whalley does provide easy-to-follow examples. So now all I have to do is practice.

I recommend Robin Whalley’s book to experienced Photoshop and Lightroom users. By learning various valuable strategies, this book will assist you in developing your talents.

5. Adobe Photoshop CC for Dummies

Adobe Photoshop CC for Dummies

Specification

  • Author: Peter Bauer
  • Language: 432 pages
  • Print length: English
  • Publish date: 2021

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Reason To Buy

  • Knowledge about colors and tones, filters, and layering
  • Lessons on how to edit videos and animations
  • Priceless advice for adjusting brightness and enhancing color quality

Review

The book has in-depth information that provides crucial insight into the minor details that could puzzle a Photoshop user.

Peter Bauer demonstrates how to improve your abilities and broaden your creative palette with improved colors and tones, filters, and layering. The book also includes lessons on how to edit videos and animations, as well as how to combine text and graphics.

Additionally, you’ll get priceless advice for eliminating unnecessary background objects, adjusting brightness, enhancing color quality, and addressing typical photo defects. This helpful manual outlines all the procedures for using the program to obtain excellent results.

6. How Do I Do That in Photoshop

How Do I Do That in Photoshop?: The Quickest Ways to Do the Things You Want to Do, Right Now!

Specification

  • Author: Scott Kelby
  • Language: 288 pages
  • Print length: English
  • Publish date: 2016

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Reason To Buy

  • Amusing writing style
  • Step-by-step guide for beginners
  • Concise directions and lots of amusing stories

Review

This book is unquestionably helpful for novices who want to learn quick, simple Photoshop skills. The recommendations are superbly organized into a handy reference by Scott Kelby.

He speaks about subjects that you genuinely require. He provides you with clear, concise directions and lots of amusing stories.

The book is elementary to read, almost as if you have Scott Kelby sitting in front of you instructing you. He makes it simple to understand and follow.

It is not a book with complicated terminology. This book explains how to utilize each button, setting, and workflow in Photoshop, so you never get stuck again.

It is an enjoyable book, in contrast to the scary textbook Photoshop books. The author injects comedy into the book, making the technical words enjoyable.

I’ve had it for a long time, and it has provided me with all the information I need. However, this book is too simple if you are familiar with Photoshop.

7. Beginner’s Guide to Digital Painting in Photoshop

Beginner’s Guide to Digital Painting in Photoshop

Specification

  • Author: 3dtotal Publishing
  • Language: 288 pages
  • Print length: English
  • Publish date: 2020

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Reason To Buy

  • Teaching you how to utilize Photoshop for making art
  • Simple and easy-to-understand writing style
  • Advice from many famous artists in the industry

Review

This book teaches you how to utilize Photoshop for making art, not the basics of painting. The basic principles of art are briefly explained, but this book focuses on showing readers how to use Photoshop and its tools to create final products.

It is the product’s second edition print. I owned the first edition printing of this volume. Both versions were excellent, but this one was much better. The structure is simpler to follow, and everything is presented more clearly.

This edition’s approaches are more emotional, and the participating artists are well-known industry members. However, this book was created for experts rather than for novices.

8. Digital Painting in Photoshop

Digital Painting in Photoshop: Industry Techniques for Beginners: A comprehensive introduction to techniques and approaches

Specification

  • Author: 3DTotal Publishing
  • Language: 288 pages
  • Print length: English
  • Publish date: 2018

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Reason To Buy

  • In-depth, step-by-step tutorials
  • Essential procedures and methods of digital painting
  • Interesting suggestions and illustrations

Review

This book guides you through three in-depth, step-by-step tutorials that thoroughly examine essential procedures and methods, allowing you to explore the virtually limitless possibilities of digital painting.

It also teaches you how to make picture textures gently, makes unique brushes, and produces stunning effects to create your fantastic artwork.

The information in this book has astonished me. It has a lot of guidelines, suggestions, and illustrations that I find interesting to learn from.

I’ve learned a ton about the program and tips for creating artwork. The authors helped me to explore beyond the book’s bounds to grasp all the functions’ potential fully.

Overall, it’s a fantastic book with lots of helpful material. I recommend it for those who have much expertise drawing both traditionally and digitally.

You will struggle and be dissatisfied with your work if you are a beginner. But keep in mind that you need a serious learning process to master photoshop.

9. The Photoshop Toolbox

The Photoshop Toolbox: Essential Techniques for Mastering Layer Masks, Brushes, and Blend Modes

Specification

  • Author: Glyn Dewis
  • Language: 256 pages
  • Print length: English
  • Publish date: 2018

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Reason To Buy

  • Explaining three-component structure
  • Free files downloaded to work with the author
  • Workflow of editing a photo from start to finish

Review

Glyn Dewis, the author of The Photoshop Toolbox, divides Photoshop into three key components: layer masks, blend modes, and brushes.

He has often observed that if people fully comprehend these three tools, nothing can stop them from using Photoshop to do any task they have in mind.

The author recommends taking the first chapter since it explains how to use layers. That was useful. This book deconstructs procedures and provides concise explanations. Not to mention, it gave me fresh photography inspiration.

A link to free files that may be downloaded to work with the author is also provided in the book. He is very clear about what to do.

The last chapter describes a workflow demonstrating how to edit a photo from start to finish. This book is an absolute need if you enjoy Photoshop and creative endeavors.

10. The Photoshop Workbook

Photoshop Workbook, The: Professional Retouching and Compositing Tips, Tricks, and Techniques

Specification

  • Author: Glyn Dewis
  • Language: 288 pages
  • Print length: English
  • Publish date: 2014

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Reason To Buy

  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Theory and Practice go Hand in Hand
  • Logically-presented and easy-to-follow content

Review

Glyn Dewis teaches not just his special Photoshop skills but also how and when to use them so that you may elevate your photographs to a new level. The book is divided into two sections.

The first is referred to as Techniques, and the second is Projects. The Techniques section teaches many of the photoshop features. After that, you may apply those techniques in the Projects section.

The book’s Techniques section dives right into the techniques used to make wise picks and cutouts in various circumstances. Twenty-four pages are devoted to this subject.

The text runs along the left side of the page, followed by screenshots and images, in the pattern of the instructional content. The reader doesn’t have to look for visuals that correspond with the text they are studying.

The reader is expected to use the numerous lessons gained in the Technique part to accomplish various projects in the book’s Projects section. A broad range of themes is available, enabling full use of the tools outlined in the book.

Please don’t buy this book expecting you’ll read it in a day or two. Most of the content is written as step-by-step instructions on utilizing specific Photoshop capabilities, so it takes a long time to comprehend the course thoroughly.

It covers a decent number of instances. I’m delighted to have this book, and I wholeheartedly suggest it.

Buying Guide

Read Reviews

Once you’ve chosen a few books, find out what reviews they received. To better understand what individuals liked and disliked, read both the positive and negative evaluations. Find reviews on well-known websites such as Amazon, or go to a website that focuses on book reviews.

Ask For Recommendations

Ask friends who enjoy reading whether they’ve recently read anything worthwhile. Ask staff at your neighborhood library or bookshop for recommendations depending on your interests.

Posting on social media that you’re seeking book recommendations may help. You may even provide your preferred genre and subject for more targeted offers.

Read content

Read the book’s first chapter to get a sense of the writing style. If you are eager to read more, you probably found an excellent book.

FAQs

Is there any book to learn Photoshop?

The most straightforward approach for you to learn Photoshop is according to the official Adobe Photoshop handbook. Adobe Press offers project-based classes with detailed walkthroughs to learn how to generate, edit, and distort digital photos to your liking.

Which Photoshop is best to learn?

The comprehensive course Adobe Photoshop CC covers everything from Photoshop’s fundamentals to its more complex capabilities. This course is for you if you want to learn everything about Photoshop.

Can I learn Photoshop by myself?

You can learn Photoshop by yourself. However, mastering all of its aspects will require effort, time, and patience.

The easiest learning method is to take an online course or lesson that thoroughly goes over the fundamentals before going on to more complex concepts.

Conclusion

We’ve already covered the top ten photoshop books in this article. I hope you’ll find my suggestions helpful.

Whatever book you choose to read, begin with Beginner’s Guide to Digital Painting in Photoshop. Most importantly, it would help if you persevered in practicing what you have learned to bring the best results.