This section contains information about, and samples of, Software we have reviewed. Our reviews are rated on a 5 Star system.

Ok, let's get this out of the way right up front. I'm a big fan of Rick van Koert's work and Rick has used some of my photography in his photo manipulations. Rather than give me a biased point of view, I believe it has given me a greater appreciation of his work.

I began using a computer in conjunction with imaging in 1984 and image presentations in 1987. I have articles and book chapters to my credit as well as acting as an instructor and presenter for several of the well-known graphics programs in the PC world. In addition, I have attended many seminars and used other tutorials over the years. With that in mind, I'm making the following statement about Rick's CD-ROM PhotoShop Tutorial "How Do I Do That?" (HDIDT). It is the best one I have ever used or seen.

Some may feel the focus is limited, with only 10 to 12 of the important features of PhotoShop (depends on how you keep score) covered. They are the most in depth and thorough lessons I have run across. The CD HDIDT contains more usefull information that some 1000+ page manuals I've had the misfortune to try to use. Rick's CD brings a new benchmark to the term step-by-step. While Rick's work deals primarily with attractive females in skintight outfits, the lessons on the CD can be applied to any type of photomanipulation. I have always had trouble with editing/using paths in PhotoShop. Well, after using HDIDT I feel I can now use paths to the their fullest extent. If you need to enhance or alter colors HDIDT brings that into play in both altering and matching colors and textures. Jaclyn Smith Copyright 1997 Rick F. van Koert

The CD tutorial runs from within your Internet browser(s). Each page is a lesson or part of a lesson. There are 287 of these HTML pages and most contain real gems, both in ideas and step by step how to. Rick isn't shy about including the little "tips" that make you feel included in the creative process as each lesson progresses. Rick takes time to include advice that will make an altered image more real looking and ways to avoid a painted or filled look. Shortly after posting this review, I received an e-mail from Rick indicating that Mark S. Lowe from www.stimulus.com had been very nice in going through and correcting Rick's spelling and adjusting the Dutch to English phrasing. Now I can raise the rating to 5 stars, where it belongs. Mark also replaced the forward and back buttons with his own design. Annita Copyright 1997 Rick F. van Koert

As a caution to parents, Rick is a professional artist who is used to working with the female form. There is a section that shows techniques Rick uses for exchanging body parts and blending a new torso into his sample. The new body part is shown in the nude. In the context of the tutorial this is done to show the techniques needed, not a sexual conotation. If this bothers you, then this CD tutorial is one you will have to pass-up using. Rick's web site does set behind an age 18 warning page. As the CD continues Rick begins to build the background around the standing figure. All the parts used in the lessons are supplied so that you can work along. As the different "tips" are shown you will find that they can be applied to any type of photomanipulation. Commercial photography today is always faced with the request from a customer about "fixing" a portion of an image. "Can you touch up the grass and make my parking lot look cleaner?" is just one example of using Rick's techniques in a normal commercial assignment. Annita Copyright 1997 Rick F. van Koert

As the model's outfit is finished you begin to understand how small details and "finishing touches" are both created and necessary. Rather than show some of these steps as examples, you might spend some time studying the beginning and final images that are included in this review. The only true way to appreciate this fine tutorial is to buy it and use it.

Rick also stays within the PhotoShop program rather than bringing in plugins to use in the lessons. Rick uses a MAC as his work platform. I found no problem converting his ideas and techniques to a Windows 95 based PhotoShop environment. But, I am rather familiar with PhotoShop.

There is not much else to say about this great CD Tutorial, except go out of your way to buy it, and learn from it. At Rick's low, low (too low) price of $30. US ($37.50 if you use a US funds check) you get the tutorial and a copy of his online Portfolio archive. The CD ROM is nearly full, containing the HTML code, samples, tutorial support, Portfolio archive, more than 990 files in all. This disk should sell for between $80 to $130 dollars. I've attended and instructed in seminars that cost upwards of $195 - $295 that didn't cover as much material or cover it as well. Great job Rick. Buy the CD folks.....

Well, that was interesting, where is Rick's site?

Ok, I'm Convinced, How Do I Buy Rick's CD-ROM?