Aperture 3 books??

[KirbyKrieger]

Any recommendations on books for learning Aperture 3?  The _only_ English-language book I've found is sold only in England.

I know it just came out, but I'm surprised.  Can anyone recommend something from Ap2 which is likely to be updated?

[StuartOnline]

Any recommendations on books for learning Aperture 3?  The _only_ English-language book I've found is sold only in England.

I know it just came out, but I'm surprised.  Can anyone recommend something from Ap2 which is likely to be updated?

Apple does have a manual online for Aperture 3: http://support.apple.com/manuals/#aperture called Exploring Aperture.
This maybe of some help.

[KirbyKrieger]

Apple does have a manual online for Aperture 3: http://support.apple.com/manuals/#aperture called Exploring Aperture.
This maybe of some help.

Stuart -- Thanks for the link.  It is helpful.  It would be much more so if Apple made the Aperture sample library on which the tutorial is based available on-line.  (It is only available with the purchased copy.  I am evaluating the software using the Aperture 3 Trial.)  There are some other Aperture 3 PDF's available at the link, and there is the built-in Help file, which seems reasonably complete.

What explains the enormous difference in the amount of secondary literature surrounding Lightroom and Aperture?  There are already Lightroom 3 _Beta_ books available on-line, and yet 2-3 weeks after the release of Aperture 3 (a bug-fix release has already been shipped) there are no books available on Aperture.  The way people speak of the two programs made me assume they were somewhat matched competitors.  Judging from the amount of secondary literature and support, calling it "David v. Goliath" would be exaggerating the size of David.

[StuartOnline]

Stuart -- Thanks for the link.  It is helpful.  It would be much more so if Apple made the Aperture sample library on which the tutorial is based available on-line.  (It is only available with the purchased copy.  I am evaluating the software using the Aperture 3 Trial.)  There are some other Aperture 3 PDF's available at the link, and there is the built-in Help file, which seems reasonably complete.

What explains the enormous difference in the amount of secondary literature surrounding Lightroom and Aperture?  There are already Lightroom 3 _Beta_ books available on-line, and yet 2-3 weeks after the release of Aperture 3 (a bug-fix release has already been shipped) there are no books available on Aperture.  The way people speak of the two programs made me assume they were somewhat matched competitors.  Judging from the amount of secondary literature and support, calling it "David v. Goliath" would be exaggerating the size of David.

Here is another link you may like to give a try if you have not already found it: http://documentation.apple.com/en/aperture/usermanual/

I am sure there are books coming out soon.
Found one via Barnes & Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Apple-Ape...USRI=aperture+3
However the release date is not until May.

Also ran across this e-book: http://shop.maccreate.com/collections/aperture-3-ebooks
There are also videos on the site you may purchase: http://shop.maccreate.com/collections/aperture-videos

[JonRoemer]

Any recommendations on books for learning Aperture 3?  The _only_ English-language book I've found is sold only in England.

I know it just came out, but I'm surprised.  Can anyone recommend something from Ap2 which is likely to be updated?

Apple's Pro Training Series books in the past were very good.  I had the Aperture 1 book. It was written from a professional perspective, very workflow oriented.

Looks like the new book will be available in April.

[StuartOnline]

Apple's Pro Training Series books in the past were very good.  I had the Aperture 1 book. It was written from a professional perspective, very workflow oriented.

Looks like the new book will be available in April.

This book looks interesting as it also includes: "DVD-ROM includes lesson and media files for over 20 hours of training".

[KirbyKrieger]

Apple's Pro Training Series books in the past were very good.  I had the Aperture 1 book. It was written from a professional perspective, very workflow oriented.

Looks like the new book will be available in April.

Jon & Stuart -- many thanks for the links!  Certainly enough to get going.

Adding to Stuart's comment, the Peachpit training book also includes this blurb:

Chapter review questions summarize what you’ve learned and prepare you for the Apple Certified Pro Exam

I'm just trying to decide between committing to Lightroom or Aperture.  Since LR3b was available for free before the Ap3 Trial, I have been using that and and now stand with bruised shins looking back at the rocky foothills of the interface.  Ap3 I'm still deciphering.  The choice of one of the two -- for raw conversion and DAM, at least -- will be final:  I have two libraries of over 10,000 images I need to import and maintain.  (One is in iPhoto -- which, through use, I got to know well -- and the other is simply raw shots from the last few months which I'm waiting to commit to either LR3 or Ap3.)  The disadvantage I face in making this selection is that I never used either program before (most people in my position are currently using one or the other).

Apologies for deflecting this thread towards the LR vs. Ap chasm.    

Thanks again.

[JonRoemer]

Given that you can test out Aperture for 30 days for free and that you already have a free copy of Lightroom - there's no excuse for not having a good sense of each prior to making your decision.

Apple has free videos you can watch plus pdf's and supporting docs to get you started.  Lightroom has similar.

Run some tests, see which conversions you like better, see which interface and workflow appeals to you.  There are other options as well if you don't need the DAM features.

You're hardly at a disadvantage when each can be tried for free and when you can find more than enough free "getting started" resources online.

[StuartOnline]

I just gave this video a try since the book will not be out until April:
http://shop.maccreate.com/products/apertur...-video-03-24-10
Now there is a small cost for purchasing this Webinar. It is about 1.5 hours long.
It was close to 520 meg file to down load.
I have only watched about 10 minutes but it is pretty interesting.
Even talks about 64 bit vs 32 bit.

[KirbyKrieger]

I just gave this video a try since the book will not be out until April:
http://shop.maccreate.com/products/apertur...-video-03-24-10
Now there is a small cost for purchasing this Webinar. It is about 1.5 hours long.
It was close to 520 meg file to down load.
I have only watched about 10 minutes but it is pretty interesting.

Stuart -- could you give us an update after you've seen some more of it?  The price wouldn't stop anyone who has Aperture (it's $6).

I downloaded the (free) intro video but haven't had a chance to look at it yet.

Thanks.

[StuartOnline]

Stuart -- could you give us an update after you've seen some more of it?  The price wouldn't stop anyone who has Aperture (it's $6).

I downloaded the (free) intro video but haven't had a chance to look at it yet.

Thanks.

Kirby,

For the 5.99 it was well worth it.  It ran for about 1.5 hours.  He starts of explaining 32 bit vs 64 bit.  People would ask questions about Aperture 3 (they where text questions). This was taped as a live session. Many good questions where ask. Went over a number of the brush features. Also how to merge libraries between two computers. Again it was well worth the 5.99.

[KirbyKrieger]

Kirby,

For the 5.99 it was well worth it.  It ran for about 1.5 hours.  He starts of explaining 32 bit vs 64 bit.  People would ask questions about Aperture 3 (they where text questions). This was taped as a live session. Many good questions where ask. Went over a number of the brush features. Also how to merge libraries between two computers. Again it was well worth the 5.99.

Stuart -- Thanks for the report.  I'll ante up.  Fwiw, I am _very_ much liking Aperture now that I've surmounted the initial awkwardnesses; I look forward to learning much more.

[StuartOnline]

Stuart -- Thanks for the report.  I'll ante up.  Fwiw, I am _very_ much liking Aperture now that I've surmounted the initial awkwardnesses; I look forward to learning much more.

You really can't go wrong with it only being 5.99. I have purchased a couple of the others videos from that site also. Even though I may be ahead of curve with some of the videos I am always up for learning something new. I have also purchased many of Michael's videos from this site. I find those videos very educational.

[shutterpup]

Here's a link to an e-books site by R Boyer; I've looked at his website regularly. I find he writes clearly and concisely; he himself uses Aperture and likes it.   http://photo.rwboyer.com/

[StuartOnline]

For those who are interested sreencastonline.com has posted a free video on Aperture 3.
Aperture 3 - Part 1:
http://www.screencastsonline.com/index_fil...9-aperture3.php
Just look for "Watch the free show from this web page by clicking on the videos below".
This full video is found near the bottom of the page on the right side.

He covers most of the following:
 
Installation & Setup
Aperture 3 Introduction
Aperture Libraries
Importing Digital Media
Import Settings
Viewing Images in Aperture 3
Split View
Comparing Images
Rating Images
Browser View
Using Stacks
Viewer
Full Screen View
Using the Loupe
Using Metadata
Allocating Keywords
Metadata Views
Exporting & Merging Libraries
Exporting Versions
Exporting Masters
Exporting Projects

[StuartOnline]

lynda.com has added Aperture 3 Essential Training: http://www.lynda.com/home/DisplayCourse.aspx?lpk2=59221
This training is over 8 hours long. I have now watch the first chapter and it does get into pretty good detail.

They also now have Photoshop CS5 New features: http://www.lynda.com/home/ViewCourses.aspx?lpk0=811

Also there is one on Photoshop Lightroom 3 Beta Preview: http://www.lynda.com/home/DisplayCourse.aspx?lpk2=58482

[thomasrboyd]

Here's a free video on adjusting images I put up last week:
http://aperture.maccreate.com/2010/05/26/t...erture-3-video/

[thomasrboyd]

Here's a free video on adjusting images I put up last week:
http://aperture.maccreate.com/2010/05/26/t...erture-3-video/

I haven't watched it yet, but I can tell you Jim Richardson is a great photographer and has some great insights into Aperture. He's taught me a lot over the years.

http://aperture.maccreate.com/2010/06/01/a...dson-available/

[Kenneth Sky]

Back to the OP's request. Aperture 3:Organize, Perfect, and Showcase Your Photos by Dion Scoppettuolo is a great book.

[james_oliver]

Not a book but I would recommend the following DVD

Aperture 3 Essential Training