McClelland

Deke McClelland presents an entirely new way to approach masking in Photoshop CS4 Channels & Masks One-on-One.  The idea of using an image to select itself is a wonderful concept and can significantly reduce the amount of time put in to creating selections.  Deke starts out thoroughly explaining the existing selection tools, such as the magic wand and magnetic lasso, even giving special advice on when and how to use them properly.  The real meat of the book comes a few chapters in, starting with composting with blend modes and going on to selecting with channels and other more advanced techniques.  I had the privilege to sit through Deke's tutorial on making selections with the calculations command at Photoshop World 2010.  He explained in great detail how to properly use the technique, it is explained equally as well in this book.