If you live close to Portland, Oregon I would recommend taking Mark's class. I just completed his class and we went over this book from beginning to end.
I could not be any happier taking this class and having this book.
I learned a lot from Mark. He covered all that you needed to know to get familiar and fluent with Photoshop CS4 in this book. Mark guides you from the beginning of the process (importing your photograph, organizing your photograph, etc) all the way to the end of the process (printing on ink-jet, preparing your work for print lab, to web output).
He shows you the alternative approach to non-destructive edits.
After reading this book, you will understand how the professional photographers do it. You will understand the concept of color correction, tonal adjustment, layers, masks, and many essential tools in the Photoshop CS4 arsenal.
I am very comfortable with Photoshop CS4 because of Mark. After completing his class and this book I am now very confident in learning the advance technique in CS4. Mark and his book have built a solid foundation to my Photoshop skills.
Taking his class and purchasing this book was one of the best decision I've made.
