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Review: iPhoto 6 - The Missing Manual

Submitted by jcost on Wed, 09/13/2006 - 16:32.

I think by now you should know I am a fan of the whole Missing Manual series. If I had my way, I would read everyone of them from cover to cover.

My latest undertaking has been iPhoto 6: The Missing Manual. Written by David Pogue and Derrick Story (fitting name for an author, eh), we are brought into the witty pages of 'The Missing Manual' series once again. iPhoto 6 is a premiere photo management tool in the iLife 06' suite from Apple. With more and more features added to each iteration of iPhoto, you need a tangible guide to help keep your pictures looking great on your Mac.
Content:
The newest release is broken into 5 major sections covering: Digital Cameras, iPhoto Basics, Meet Your Public, iPhoto Stunts, and Appendixes.

Each one of these sections get very granular, getting right down to the nitty gritty of the iPhoto 6 application on your Mac. Take for example, Chapter 6 'Editing Your Shots'. This is where I usually get very lazy and turn out lackluster pictures. With the help of this book, I was really able to turn out some very impressive photos from a recent vacation.

Did you know you can straighten photos, retouch blemishes on your skin, and adjust the exposure? No, I wasn't using Photoshop, I was using iPhoto, and doing it well. All of these features are right in there, you just need some instruction on how to bring out the best in them. The full color tutorials and well written instruction make it easy to do everything I mentioned.

I challenge you to take this book and go through it chapter by chapter, following the tutorials, and not end up with great looking photos.

I consider myself intermediate with my knowledge of iPhoto 6. Since I don't use iPhoto day in and day out, I tend to use only the features that are front and center in the user interface. There is so much to know, it isn't possible for me to remember everything, so I have found myself relying on the answer to be in 'the book'. Not only has the book provided me with knowledge, it now also doubles as a reference book.

Vaguely Familiar, but refreshingly New
Some of the book is just a rehash from previous versions, but there are so many new features in iPhoto 6, the extra coverage the book provides is certainly worth an upgrade to the newest version. I can't name everything, but some of my favorites are sections on: sharing your library with multiple users, creating photocasts, making spectacular photo books, and making adjustments, such as how to properly use the histogram.

I read Pogue's manuals from cover to cover, because they are so entertaining. His style of writing puts the beginner at ease, and doesn't make you feel like such a 'beginner'. Don't get me wrong, Pogue' also writes for the advanced user. There is plenty of content to get you teeth into: Automator, Applescript, Network sharing, Raw, and Multiple photo libraries come to mind.

Conclusion:

With iPhoto 6: The Missing Manual in your hand, you will be astounded by the features you will discover. Led by the expert tutelage of Pogue and Story, you will gain confidence, laugh out loud, and be well on your way to creating amazing photos that everyone will enjoy. Don't short change yourself by not leveraging all of the power iPhoto 6 has to offer. If you use iPhoto 6 - you need this book.