The O'Reilly 5-Step Plan for Evaluating Photoshop CS4... For Free

The number one question I get from photographers about Photoshop CS4 is, "Why should I bother to upgrade?" If you haven't seen the application, it's a totally reasonable query. So, we've put together an introductory package that will show you the highlights (for photographers) in CS4. It's a great plan, and here's how it rolls out.

Step 1: Attend the Webinar Introduction to Photoshop CS4

Of all the different ways to get to know something, a personal introduction is often the best. That's why we're rolling out the plan with an online event titled, Five Things Photographers Need to Know About Photoshop CS4. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 16, 10:30 am PST / 1:30 pm EST.

During the presentation, you can watch via your web broswer five new things in Photoshop CS4 that are targeted for photographers. After the presentation, there will be a Q&A session where I'll field comments from the audience.

Seats are limited, but you can register right now at this site. We already have a lot of signups, so I would take care of registration today.

Step 2: Access Free Online Version of Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers

Another benefit of signing up for the webinar is that all attendees receive 45-days complimentary access to The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers via Safari Books Online. That means you'll have an online reference book that walks you through the entire Photoshop workflow, including how to use: Photo Downloader, Bridge, Adobe Camera Raw, and Photoshop itself. I'm thrilled that the good folks at Safari are going to make my book available as part of the event.

Step 3: Participate in the CS4 Forum Event

After the webinar concludes on Tuesday, Dec. 16, we're launching a forum event on O'Reilly Digital Media where I'll host an ongoing conversation about CS4 for Photographers. The forum event runs through Friday, Dec. 19.

Everyone can participate in this, and everyone can post comments and answers as well as ask questions. We'll pool our collective knowledge here. The forum thread is already in place. So you can start posting questions now, or comments, so we have a head start on Dec. 16. If you're not already an O'Reilly Member, you can sign up here so you're ready to go.

Step 4: Download the 30-Day Trial of Photoshop CS4

It's important that you have the application on your computer so you can take full advantage of this comprehensive introduction. You can download Photoshop CS4 at the Adobe downloads site. It's fully functional with no limits for 30 days.

Step 5: Watch Our Screencasts Showing Photoshop CS4 Techniques

I've put together a series of targeted screencasts that show you various techniques in the overall CS4 workflow for shooters. Take a look, for example, at Snapshots and TAT in ACR 5.2: Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers Screencast 5. The other screencasts are there too, just follow the links.

Make Your Decision

Once you've had a chance to really get to know CS4, then you can make a decision about if it's for you or not. And since others probably depend on your opinion, you can help them too.

If you have any questions about this "program" we've assembled, feel free to post a comment here.