Book Description
Scott Kelby, the man who changed the "digital darkroom" forever with his groundbreaking, #1 bestselling, award-winning book The Photoshop Book for Digital Photographers,now tackles the most important side of digital photography--how to takepro-quality shots using the same tricks today's top digital pros use(and it's easier than you'd think).

This entire book iswritten with a brilliant premise, and here’s how Scott describes it:"If you and I were out on a shoot, and you asked me, 'Hey, how do I getthis flower to be in focus, but I want the background out of focus?' Iwouldn't stand there and give you a lecture about aperture, exposure,and depth of field. In real life, I'd just say, 'Get out your telephotolens, set your f/stop to f/2.8, focus on the flower, and fire away.'You d say, 'OK,' and you'd get the shot. That's what this book is allabout. A book of you and I shooting, and I answer the questions, giveyou advice, and share the secrets I've learned just like I would with afriend, without all the technical explanations and without all thetechno-photo-speak."

This isn't a book of theory—it isn't fullof confusing jargon and detailed concepts: this is a book of whichbutton to push, which setting to use, when to use them, and nearly twohundred of the most closely guarded photographic "tricks of the trade"to get you shooting dramatically better-looking, sharper, morecolorful, more professional-looking photos with your digital cameraevery time you press the shutter button.

Here's another thingthat makes this book different: each page covers just one trick, justone single concept that makes your photography better. Every time youturn the page, you'll learn another pro setting, another pro tool,another pro trick to transform your work from snapshots into galleryprints. There's never been a book like it, and if you're tired oftaking shots that look "OK," and if you’re tired of looking inphotography magazines and thinking, "Why don't my shots look likethat?" then this is the book for you. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (412)

Good Source for Photographers
This book is an easy laid back reading material.The writer puts some humor into the subject matter with enough technical information not to get you lost in the details.I find this book effective for those who are leaving the pocket camera setup and moving into the introductory SLR such as the Nikon D40 or Canon. The writer offers a wide range of picture taking situations and covers a lot of helpful camera features.I also like the advice this book offers on camera gear and digital support hardware.The author even touched upon some available software and editing programs.I find this book extremely helpful for those who want to get the best out of their first time SLR use.I may be buying the second "step up" book on digital photography from the same author soon.

Super book, I use it often.
I find Scott Kelby to be easily understandable and a good place to start. To gain a complete understanding of the art of capturing light by using a digital camera requires much study.Scott's books are a good place to start building a foundation.

Every thing you need to know ...
For a long time from podcasts, articles and books I was collecting tips on how to take better pictures. With this book, there is no need for that. Everything is in this book.
One tip per page, concise, like all Kelby books, this book will give you advise on how to take better landscapes, portraits, etc.
I only wish at the end the book it had a tip-per-line summary that you can carry in your camera case.
For that price, I highly recommend it. If at the same time you buy the volume 2 you get free-shipping from Amazon.

Great Reference
First book to own for Digital Photography.Nice layout with photo examples. No naked girls though :(

Great book
Using my hubby's Amazon account (sorry dear) I have to voice the following:

I am in agreement about the TACK SHARP - that REALLY annoyed me.I like Kelby's humorous conversational writing style, but there were two major "GOTCHA" attempts within the first two chapters of the book.

Keep up with the humor Scott, but, please stop patting yourself on the back over fooling the reader.This type of stuff makes your reader lose faith in you, and also makes your reader feel like an utter moron and not want to believe anything you write.It's almost like we're gun-shy, waiting for you, at any moment to say "HA! JUST KIDDING!" from that point on.

You are an amazing talent, and a WONDERFUL teacher.Please don't degrade your skills and gifts with these misleading and semi-insulting attempts at humor.Thrill us with your cornball puns and silliness, but dump the out-and-out false leads.

OK, off my soapbox.I didn't see the need for this book.Waiting for a kid to finish Karate practice, I went to the local B&N and got a coffee.I picked up this book, and began reading.I bought it so I could continue reading, and purchased book 2 as well.

Ya done good Mr. Kelby.There was many things here I didn't know, and some were embarrassingly simple - I felt ashamed that I did NOT know them.Lo and behold, I read the steps to sharp images.Tripod - check, cable release - check.Mirror lockup - yeah, uh, it's a custom function I've never used... uh ok, someday.

Last night, we had a lunar eclipse.I raced home 1/2 through, grabbed my camera, 500mm f/4, tripod, shutter release, and off I went to a PERFECT viewing spot (nice and DARK).Setting up, I remembered "Oh yeah... Kelby's mirror lockup... hmmm, yeah, lemme try that".OMGOSH!

I was thrilled with some of my exposures - the moon was beautifully sharp (admittedly I did shoot a few before I remembered his advice...)

OK Scott, I am officially un-mad at you for your poor choice of humor (but don't start it up again!). Here's a sample of an image using mirror lockup:
http://westernimagphoto.smugmug.com/gallery/4378171_ekuFx#257186474

YES, this was worth every penny - so much so that I've recommended it to six different photographers in the two weeks I've owned it, and they've found it very useful as well. ... Read more

Book Description
Scott Kelby, author of the groundbreaking bestseller “The Digital Photography Book, Vol. 1” is back with an entirely new book that picks up right where Vol. 1 left off. It’s more of that “Ah ha—so that’s how they do it,” straight-to-the-point, skip the techno jargon; packed with stuff you can really use today, that made Vol. 1 the world’s bestselling book on digital photography.

In Volume 2, Scott adds entirely new chapters packed with Plain English tips on using flash, shooting close up photography, travel photography, shooting people, and even how to build a studio from scratch, where he demystifies the process so anyone can start taking pro-quality portraits today! Plus, he's got full chapters on his most requested topics, including loads of tips for landscape photographers, wedding photographers, and there's an entire chapter devoted to sharing some of the pro's secrets for making your photos look more professional, no matter what you're shooting.

This book truly has a brilliant premise, and here’s how Scott describes it: “If you and I were out on a shoot, and you asked me, ‘When I use my flash, the background behind the person I’m shooting turns black. How do I fix that?’ I wouldn’t give you a lecture on flash ratios, or start a discussion on flash synchronization and rear curtain sync. I’d just say “Lower your shutter speed to 1/60 of a second. That should do it” Well, that’s what this book is all about: you and I out shooting where I answer questions, give you advice, and share the secrets I’ve learned just like I would with a friend—without all the technical explanations and techie photo speak.”

Each page covers a single concept on how to make your photography better. Every time you turn the page, you’ll learn another pro setting, tool, or trick to transform your work from snapshots into gallery prints. If you’re tired of taking shots that look “okay,” and if you’re tired of looking in photography magazines and thinking, “Why don’t my shots look like that?” then this is the book for you.

This isn’t a book of theory—full of confusing jargon and detailed concepts. This is a book on which button to push, which setting to use, and when to use it. With nearly another 200 of the most closely guarded photographic “tricks of the trade,” this book gets you shooting dramatically better-looking, sharper, more colorful, more professional-looking photos every time.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (40)

GREAT BOOKS!!!
I AM USING BOTH 1 & 2 OF THIS BOOK AND AS A NOVICE PHOTOGRAPHER THEY ARE GREAT!VERY USER FRIENDLY WITH REFERENCES AND ALOT OF EXAMPLES.I HAVE LEARNED MORE ABOUT USING MY CAMERA WITH THESE BOOKS THAN I DID WHEN I ACTUALLY TOOK A CLASS.I WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANYONE, ESPECIALLY THOSE NEW TO DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY.

Very Useful
I have found this book to be very useful.I am in the process of learning digital photography and the shot recipe pages prove to be most helpful.I consider it to be money well spent.

Super digital photo tips.
Provides the digital photographer with lots of great tips and tricks for getting super shots. Excellent layout and easy reading.

A Must Have if you're into digital photography!
I thought the first volume couldn't be beat.WOW -- I was wrong.The insights in the book are clearly presented and will forever change the way you capture and process your images.WONDERFUL!

Practical as ever
Engaging and practical, like the first book, but aimed at a less general audience than the first -- more like the enthusiasts than the masses, those more likely to buy an external flash, pick up a piece of studio-like equipment here and there. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (54)

Good book for beginners, but not what I wanted
This book is likea photography 101 class, with a little bit ofinformation on DSLR's , digital file formats, and digital enhancement. If you already understand aperture, ISO, shutter speeds, basic composition principles, depth of field, etc, you do not need this book. I would get this book for a novice photographer who wanted to generally improve their understanding of basic photography principles.

That being said, the book is easy to read with pretty good images to demonstrate the lessons, and it presents all concepts well. I do think it would be beneficial to someone who has n ever used a camera in manual mode.The "assignments" at the end of each lesson would be especially usefulfor getting more comfortable with the camera.

Just not what I needed; still a good book for the right level of user.

Digital Photography
Bought this and his other book on Nature Photography together, which I recommend doing. An excellant deal and both were well worth the investment. You can't get much more clear and easy to understand than this. Very down to earth written and everything is so well explained and simply put. It's almost like your sitting down over a cup off coffee with a good friend. I learned more from these books than any other material that I've read. AND from the first day started to notice a big improvement in my photos. A must read for anyone that is serious about photography! Book also provides a link to his website which is worth looking into.

An Excellent book
This book is execellent.I am a digital SLR novice and the book has helped me immensley it has great information that is well set out and logical.It has great pictures to demostrate what is being taught and it provides easy to learn techniques to improve your shooting.

great
This is a great book for people who are wanting to move beyond 'pointing and clicking' ... very informative, practical advice - with assignments to help reinforce what you are learning each step of the way.Highly recommended!

Great guide for someone thinking of going digital SLR
Lots of good information from selecting equipment into what does RAW, TIFF and JPEG mean and what is the advantage and disadvantage of each, into the creating aspect of seeing and capturing the photos you want.I bought it fora friend and she is enthralled. ... Read more

Book Description
Complete Digital Photography has become a classic book for helping traditional photographers move to digital! It's also the book of choice for many new digital photographers who want to learn how to take great digital photos. Now in its 4th edition, this bestseller has been fine-tuned and updated to provide the most current information available. Covering everything from the inner workings of the camera to the subtle intricacies of image editing software, the book is divided into four sections. The first section provides the basic technical foundation needed throughout the rest of the book. It details the basics of how digital cameras work and provides a quick photography primer. The second part explores everything needed to make an informed decision about which camera, computer, and software to choose. Section three has been thoroughly updated and expanded to cover the nitty gritty of shooting, including metering, choosing the right exposure, using histograms, flash photography, and much more.And the final section, teaches the latest digital editing and correction techniques, including new coverage of workflow and raw conversion. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (60)

user friendly
I got this book for a digital photography class and I love it.It is easy to undersand and well put together.

school book, not so bad
i got this for school, it was required. i've only had to read one chapter so far, and it was OK. i didn't fall asleep and it was not too hard to understand.

The Best Book on Digital Photography
This book reminds me of a college textbook but its easy to read and gives you information on everything you would ever need to know about digital photography. Ive already finished reading the book once and im almost done reading it a second time. I would recommend this book to any advanced amateur. It also gives you lessons in photoshop that are easy to understand! Dont buy any book before picking this one up first!!

Excellent overview
This book is awesome, especially if you're converting from film.He does a very thorough and comprehensive job.His writing style is interesting and the tutorials are awesome.

One thing I found frustrating is that he uses Photoshop CS2 and I have Elements.He says you can follow along with any image editor, but it's REALLY frustrating to follow the tutorials if elements doesn't have the function he wants you to learn.I would recommend having a manual or book about your own editing software sitting next to you so you can figure out if your program can do what he's asking.

The only other problem I had with the book is his obsession with printing on your home computer.I don't know why any serious photographer would bother printing on a home computer... there are so many inexpensive, high quality companies that print photos for you...

Other than that I highly recommend this book.

Excellent book
This review will be, by necessity, a little incomplete ,in that I read the whole book but the post processing part-I only skimmed
Nonetheless, I found this book to be highly readable, informative, and logically laid out.The author starts with basics- technical information on just what digital photography is.The second part is an outstanding treatment of how to choose the appropriate digital camera for one's needs, while the third part has tips on shooting & the last part on post processing.
The author accomplishes what I consider to be an extremely difficult task. What's that? Taking an extremely technical topic and explaining it in thorough but understandable way.
Some may think there is a paucity of pictures; just check out the enclosed CD. There may be other other equally good books out there-no doubt.
But my point is this is excellent choice and is money well spent. And it really doesn't matter your skill level-there is much in here to chew on regardless of your level of expertise. ... Read more

Book Description
Digital Photography: Top 100 Simplified Tips & Tricks 2^nd Edition has been totally updated for Photoshop Elements 3 and the latest digital camera features to provide adventurous users with 100 useful and surprising techniques that can be used to make better digital photos, prints, and photo-based projects. Organized into 10 chapters, with 10 tasks per chapter, this book provides the time-saving tips, cool secrets, and productivity tricks to help take a reader’s knowledge of digital photography beyond the basics. Full-color screen shots and numbered, step-by-step instructions show readers how to save time and boost productivity. InfoTrends Research Group says Digital camera unit sales will grow from 6.7 million in 2000 to 42 million in 2005, while worldwide revenue from digital camera sales is expected to reach $11.8 billion by 2007 with unit sales surpassing the 18.7 million mark. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Book Report
This is a great book on Digital photography......Pick a used one up like I did (looked brand new).The book has a lot of clever tricks and tips that will get you up to speed very quickly.
-Ray

Great starter book
Book is very visual explains all the basic a great help to starters and good basics recommended

Great Book - Excellent Value
This book is clear and concise in its layout and information presented. It's a valuable tool for me, a long-time 35mm photographer, transitioning from film to digital. I'd recommend this book to anyone.

Digital comments
Top 100 Simplified Tips and Tricks is a nice, user-friendly adjunct to one's digital camera's user manual. It gives simplified explanations with full color pages and LOTS of pictures to supplement the often compex instructions and explanations found in the user manual. The pictures REALLY help, and the explanations are easy to understand, so you don't have to be a rocket-scientist to take markedly better pictures. A definite must-have!

top 100 simplified tips & tricks by g. georges
i am a true beginner at digital photography and editing. i have looked at many books, but by far this is the one that helps me the most. it answers many questions in a simple and straight forward way for a novice such as me. it makes this new experience for me a lot of fun. ... Read more

Amazon.com
The title of Real World Digital Photography doesn't adequately indicate the scope and sheer practical usefulness of the information within. The book not only gives a clear breakdown of how to choose and use a digital camera, it also covers everything from sound photographic advice (lighting, framing, and cropping) to manipulation of digital images (primarily in Photoshop). This latter section is especially well-written, covering everything necessary for color correction: levels, histograms, the unsharp mask filter--all explained clearly but without an overwhelming amount of detail.

This book is aimed at neither the casual consumer nor the professional digital photographer with $50,000 to spend. Rather, it is perfect for several types of professionals: graphic designers, design students, real estate and insurance agents, and many others. It shows how digital cameras work (what makes both the inner workings and the output differ from that in traditional film cameras); which camera to buy for your needs and budget; and how to take, edit, archive, and store pictures.

Many basic terms get clarified--for example, how JPEG compression works--and there are lots of sidebar tips such as how to progressively downsample an image in a way that preserves the most detail. The book also explains how to print the images on inkjet or dye sub printers. (Did you know not to convert an RGB image to CMYK before sending it to the printer? Let the printer do the conversion.)

A lot of the information and explanations in Real World Digital Photography will still be useful long after the featured cameras are considered yesterday's technology. --Angelynn Grant

Topics covered: Types of cameras and which to buy, how they work, the mechanics of digital imagery, setting up a digital "darkroom" and desktop studio, the basics of good photography, Quicktime VR, digital correction of images, preparing images for print or Web, and archiving digital images.Book Description

Whether you're just making the transition from a lifetime of traditional photography or are looking to bring your digital photography skills in line with today's market, if you're serious about digital photography, you need this book. In the four years since the first edition was published, just about every aspect of digital photography has changed (often radically--and it's all covered in these pages. Organized in four major sections--Digital Processing Essentials, Digital Processing Techniques, The Digital Darkroom, and Output and Presentation--the focus here is on getting great pictures and spectacular printed output through a combination of smart techniques and the right equipment. As with all of the titles in the Real World series, the authors here realize that this entails learning not just techniques but the concepts behind them. For a professional-level understanding of the digital photography process--from how a digital camera works to advice on buying cameras and accessories, choosing hardware and software, downloading and outputting images, and more--this is the place to turn.

Customer Reviews (34)

Real World Digital Photography (2nd Edition)
Great for beginning photographers! It even talks about budget considerations. It gives all the basics you need to know. Easy to read and understand.

Excellent for beginners and amateurs
I am an amateur photographer, but this book really gave me a better understanding of not only the basics, but also some of the things that will help me take it to the next level.It also covers some of the business aspects as well, such as work flow, and attempts to make the connection here and there with cost and time.For the beginner, the book does a great job at explaining the basics.Although it tries to cover both point-and-shoot cameras as well as DSLR cameras, this book is definitely more for the DSLR user.I liked all the Photoshop lessons, tricks, and tips in this book.But if you're not using Photoshop then you might be a disappointed, especially if you're a beginner and do not intend to use anything but the editing software that came with your camera.There are huge sections of this book that talk about more advanced Photoshop editing that a beginner will not use.On the flip side, a professional will find most of this book to be basic material and just an interesting comparison to what other professionals do.

Good Book Over priced
I got a tick from the price of this book. The author does a great job organizing the book... the only problem everyones camera is diffrent

Professor: "Best Value for Digital Begginers"
My college professor had us return our texts and order this one instead, as the savings was substantial. He said that Real World Digital Photography was a great tool for undergrads interested in photo, and represents the best information at the best price he's seen. This book covers everything a beginner in the digital game needs to know: digital VS film, buying a camera, what to do in extreme picture conditions, even setting up a digital darkroom and a workflow.

The book can be slightly dry and dense in parts, but never so much where I'd want to put it down. If someone read this book cover to cover, they would have a fair grasp on the basics of taking a digital image, editing it, and printing it. For anyone just starting to get "serious" with their digital photography, or just starting out, this book is highly recommended.

basic photography
This book gives you an introduction overview of digital photography on a very basic level. Not enough if you want to learn more in depth about photography or how to use your digital SLR camera.
... Read more

Book Description
Understanding exactly how a digital SLR (dSLR) works can help you use its exciting capabilities to their fullest potential. Whether you aim to become a serious photo hobbyist, are interested in turning pro, or want to take advantage of the improved control that dSLRs give you over your photography, this fun and friendly reference will show you how to maximize everything a dSLR has to offer so that you can improve your photography skills, increase your picture-taking and image-editing knowledge, and ultimately, take better photos.

Written with just the right balance of technology and techniques in mind, this guide provides you with the know-how on everything from getting acquainted with the basic key features of the technology (lenses, sensors and image processors, and exposure and focusing systems) to the nuances of various dSLR techniques (setting up speedy continuous-shooting burst modes to capture fast action, applying selective and sharp focus, and shooting under the lowest levels of light). Other topics explored include:

• Composing your shots with an accurate viewfinder
• Deciding how many pixels your camera needs
• Cleaning the sensor yourself
• Choosing between a tripod or monopod
• Adjusting exposure and improving shutter speed
• Creating time-lapse sequences
• Fixing murky or contrasting photos

With so much subject area covered, Digital SLR Cameras & Photography For Dummies, 2^nd Edition not only introduces you to the fundamentals of great picture-taking with a dSLR, but goes beyond the basics. Some of the more advanced topics discussed include working with the various formats of digital photos, minimizing shutter lag and first-shot delays, and fixing up your pictures with various image-editing programs. This is just the book you need to progress from getting started with a dSLR to actually improving your dSLR photography!Download Description
Walks readers through the hardware, software, and techniques needed to take top-quality digital photos with a digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameraOffering more coverage than any other book on the shelf, this full-color guide presents a fun and friendly approach to understanding how an SLR works and how to operate the various controlsCovers choosing the right equipment for specific needs, working with lenses, selecting the right format and composition for a shot, editing images using Photoshop, and maximizing print qualityMore than 300 example photos taken by professional art photographers offer inspiration for first-time or inexperienced SLR users ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

A Must Read Resource...
..for the beginner digital SLR photographer. I am sure an expert could take a little something from this book, as well. I used this book as a research tool to help decide which camera to buy. It has enough substance that I keep it handy as a ready reference while taking pics in the field. The author does a great job keeping the attention of the experienced and the inexperienced photographer.

Happy Holidays,
Smacka

Good to further refine your questions
I took this book out of the library, because I find technology books to be hit or miss.After reading the first chapter, where he explains his assumptions that you understand the concept behind digital photography and want to learn what a dSLR (digital single reflex lens) camera can do, I nearly bought it, because it sounded EXACTLY like what I was looking for.I've been using digital point-and-shoot cameras almost since they came out.

Unfortunately, I ended up finding this book to be less than helpful. I'm glad I read it, because it does give a great sketch of all the things you can do with a dSLR (and also mentions some of the things you can't and why).Unfortunately, I don't feel like there's anything I can do now with my camera that I couldn't have done before.Since using Aperture priority and Shutter speed priority is where most amateurs will end up using a dSLR (once they get off point and shoot mode) I thought there would be more information about how to conquer everyday problems using different settings.For example, you're trying to get pictures of your son on a bike on a cloudy day: suggestions?Instead, I found very little information about dealing with unusual conditions, and even fewer photographic or other examples.

The rest of the book covered things like the composition of a good photo, the structure of a dSLR, and how to edit images on the computer.Frankly, I have my hands full just learning to use my camera and I have no interest right now in advanced image editing on the computer.And while I appreciate that understanding the inner workings of the camera does help explain the concepts of aperture and shutter speed, I also don't think he used those sections in the best way to get people to taking better photos.

In the end, I thought the book was worth glancing at, because it has really helped me better understand what my questions really are, and that is definitely a helpful step.Nevertheless, I mostly found the book to cover too much information in too little detail, and frankly, I do not think this book will help many people take better quality photos than they were taking with the P or Auto modes already.

Reading
I am not really a big fan of for dummies books, but my husband is. He has enjoyed it. thanks. Excellent service by the way.

Exactly what I was hoping for
I'm completely new to cameras, whether SLR, film, or digital.So I was hoping for something I could read that would really help be build a foundation without having to spend hours and hours cluelessly playing around, hoping for epiphanies.

The Cons:

1.I can understand how someone who has shot film for a long time might be disappointed in the book, because it seemed to me a lot of the content was photography-centric, not digital-photography-centric.Though usually with dSLR slant.

2.Nothing is ever covered in depth.But hey, it's a Dummies book, it's a primer for the rest of your adventures.

3.I would really have liked to see some tables in there to help with shutter-speeds/f-stops their combinations and effects.I learned a lot, but I am still struggling with f-stops in particular.

The Pros

1.It is simply amazing how many different facets of the photo world (digital or otherwise) are touched.

2.The book does a great job of highlighting all the different tools new people like myself would not really understand, like the differences between file types (JPEG/RAW/TIFF) or filters, and giving you enough information to get started without going overboard.

3.Constantly discussing the differences in grades of equipment, from what a new person would need compared to a professional is very useful.The discussion of what you're getting for your extra dollars between that $100 tripod and the $500 tripod is really helpful when you're just starting and scratching your head going "Isn't a tripod a tripod?".

4.The flow of the book is excellent.You never delve too deeply into a concept nor do you ever really just skip right off the top.

5.There are even a number of goodies in here including websites the author finds useful (which helps given the 1,000 of sites out there) and even how to create your own filters (I'm looking forward to creating a pinhole filter)

****

Bottom-lining it - If you're switching from film to digital, there will be large chunks that you will already know, so you may want to search for a book that specifically discusses the differences between film and digital.

If you're completely new to photography and your first camera is a dSLR, this is a great book.I would recommend it in a heartbeat.

Easy Read
Easy book to read.Good to read for short blurbs or sit and read chapter after chapter.It is detailed and show lots of examples. ... Read more

Book Description

Customer Reviews (8)

Did not meet expectations
Could be that as a novice photographer, my expectations were unrealistic. Was hoping to get ideas on how to take better b/w photo's.Perhaps I should have paid more attention to "Advanced" printed on the cover.

Not what I had hoped for.
This book has some good points and techniques which will aid any photographer in converting digital color photographs to workable B&W. With that being said, let the buyer beware; you will have to read between the lines (frequently) and make many of your own assumptions in order to really get to the bottom of what this author is trying to convey in the book.

I am extremely disappointed with the numurous typo's and vocabulary errors in the book. Also extremely disappointing are the assumptions made (by the author) as to the readers knowledge of Photoshop and being very experienced at using Photoshop myself, I am constantly shaking my head in dismay at the author's obvious lack of knowledge with Photoshop. His attempts to describe how to accomplish a task or technique using Photoshop many times lack accuracy and also lack adaquate description for even an advanced user to know what he is trying to convey.

Bottom line, if you are inexperienced using Photoshop, don't buy this book. If you have experience using Photoshop, then be prepared to accept the fact that you probably have more experience than the author of this book and undoubtedly you too will notice the many inconsistency's and errors. I could give many examples, but what I am referring to are very evident through out the book.

My general consensus is that this was a quick throw together book, with no real proof editing, and no real concern for accuracy and worse of all, written by someone with no real writing skills. I will not buy another book written by this author.

black and white
very good book for digial black and white my teacher is also useing it now

Outstanding Book -- Buy It
I am a technical book addict. While I have only had this book 5 days, it has already paid for itself in improvement of my BW work. It is finely crafted, and to the point. It draws you in and it delivers for real world artists.

As a writer, I am struck by how well this book is structured and written, and the very fine layout of illustrations and methods. When you encounter an excellent technical book and find yourself immersed in it, sometimes you fail to notice the ease that essential information is being conveyed to you. Then suddenly it hits you, wow!, this is the gold standard. This is one of those books. It covers historical BW methods up to the present version of Photoshop, and then provides an outstanding and practical work flow in CS3. By understanding what has gone before, you understand better how CS3 takes BW to another level.

The book is written by a person who is technically competent, a fine writer, and a BW artist. He understands how to frame the issues, and pragmatically deal with accessing the Photoshop tools needed in real world work flow. It is easy to write a huge book that is just a grocery list of features. It is very difficult to write a book like this that is supremely competent, focused, concise, and outlines strategies of interest to real world working artists. I rate it as one of the finest books I have ever read on using software. If there are any other books written by this author, I will buy them on strength of this one.

I would say that someone with basic photoshop skills can easily use this book. If you lack these skills, I think this book would point you to what you need to learn. One of the challenges of learning photoshop is figuring what you need to know and what to ignore. This book finds that focus and is obviously written by a working artist. It is a tool unlike the bloated books that I own, that mostly collect dust and are consulted grudingly. Buy it, you will be pleasantly surprized.

Outstanding manual
I've been doing photography for over 40 years, read lots of books, taken lots of workshops.Advanced Digital Black and White Photography is the best, most informative, educational experience I have ever had in photography.Period. ... Read more

Book Description
* Step-by-step lessons cover every aspect of digital nature photography
* Clear text and helpful photos demystify digital photography
* Miotke has taught hundreds of photo workshops

From the tiniest ladybug to a towering glacier, from a horse running in a field to a leaf falling slowly from a tree, nature subjects offer some of the greatest challenges and the greatest rewards to photographers. In the Better Photo tradition, here's a complete photo course in a book. Hands-on lessons cover every aspect of digital nature photography, from buying the right camera for close-ups, landscapes, and movement, to understanding how the camera works, to taking great pictures. Author Jim Miotke uses straightforward text and inspiring yet informative photos to show the best ways to approach nature photography. Everything a beginner or intermediate photographer needs to know is here, including a buyer's guide, full information on camera features, file formats and settings, exposure, low-light photography, filters and white balance, composition and lens choice, creative ideas, manipulating, and printing, along with a glossary and list of useful websites. The Better Photo Guide to Digital Nature Photography helps photographers everywhere get great photos in the great outdoors. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Digital Nature Photography
Excellant written. I bought this and his other book Digital Photography together. Not only did I get an excellant deal but both were well worth the investment. You can't get much more clear and easy to understand than this. Very down to earth written and everything is so well explained and simply put. It's almost like your sitting down over a cup of coffee with a good friend. I learned more from these books than any other material that I've read. AND from the first day started to notice a big improvement in my photos. A must read for anyone that is serious about photography!

Reads like a conversation
I love this book.Jim is not only an excellent photographer, he is also an excellent writer.His style is conversational, and his book is well organized and easy to read, while not being too "simple" sounding.No corny humor either (I like Scott Kelby, but his humor annoys me after a while).He also clearly put thought into what he covered.He first ASKED people WHAT they wanted to know about digital nature photography and then wrote his book guided by those needs.He covers topics that other authors would not have thought to cover (like what to pack for photo trips and peripheral tools that can be helpful in the field).
Excellent reading.I am now looking at digital photo books based on author, and Miotke is one of my search words!

My recent Amazon purchase
I've recently purchased two of these books from Amazon. They are the equivalent of new books. I'm very satisfied. So are the two people to whom I gave them.

Excellent book.
I bought this book and I want to learn how to shoot nature and landscape.
This book is excellent and highly recommended.

it works!!
i havent finished reading the book and i already learned a lot about nature photography. ... Read more

Book Description
8 books in 1 - your key to terrific digital photos!

Your one-stop, full-color guide to creating digital images with "wow"

From picking your camera to posting photos on the Web, here's what you need to know about digital photography in eight easy-to-use minibooks! Packed with full-color examples that will get your creative juices flowing, this guide helps you take better pictures; edit, organize, and share them; restore vintage prints; and more.

Discover how to

• Choose the right camera and software
• Compose and shoot great pictures
• Edit images with Photoshop and Photoshop Elements
• Scan old prints and repair them
• Print your photos or share them online

Customer Reviews (27)

"Aim" is off
The book is filled with info, but it "focuses" on the digital SLR, rather than the point and shoot.There should have been a warning in the description.It's still useful.

Digital Photography for Dummies
This book is huge and covers most anything one can think of on this topic.I bought it for my husband who has recently acquired a digital camera.He hasn't begun to even scratch the surface but has already found it helpful and knows it will as he tries new things.

Great book for beginner through expert
I'm a beginning digital photographer and not particularly techno- proficient, yet I've been able to understand the information in the early chapters of the book.As I get more proficient and curious, I will be able to delve into the later chapters and learn about photoediting, etc.This book really represents 7 different digital camera for Dummies books.

I got this book for the great price of $9.67 from CBC-Sales, and it is worth every penny.If you are a beginner in digital photography who hopes to increase your photography skills, then this book is for you.

This book has everything!
This book is a delight for me, an amateur photographer!It is very well written and has lots of great illustrations.The author covers complex information with basic, easy to understand explanations and subtle humor make it more entertaining.Along with useful information about expensive photography equipment for best results, I really appreciate that he offers simple and inexpensive means to achieve the same professional results.

7 in 1 has it all. A total encyclopedia in one.
This is truly an excllent reference book. I was in the process of buying a scanner and upgrading a digital camera. It was helpful on both counts.

A great reference as well as instruction book.
Only one suggestion I would make to the author when he updates.
Explain the pro's and con's about 3 or 4 in one machines. For instance is the scanning as good as a stand alone scanner.

All in all a wonderful investment. Makes my other books on the subject obsolete. ... Read more

Book Description
Even film diehards have a tough time resisting the instant gratification of the digital camera. Today's digital cameras are more affordable then ever before, and they deliver high quality images that are a snap to share. Plus, you can take risks with a digital camera you never would with a film camera. You waste nothing; there's no film required, and because you only print the pictures you need, digital photography is cost effective and environmentally friendly.

But to take full advantage of a digital camera, you need to be an experienced photographer and an expert at digital photography too. With more than 15 years of experience as a photojournalist, author Derrick Story brings you Digital Photography Pocket Guide, 3rd Edition. For everyone who owns or will own a digital camera (and that pretty much means everyone!), this is the perfect on-the-go guide for taking top-notch digital photos.

In this third edition of the bestselling pocket guide, Story expands on the basic photography techniques that he introduced in earlier editions, including an explanation of each camera component and what it does, tips for choosing just the right settings for your needs, and much more. This indispensable guide covers everything from how to shoot sports action, close ups, and night shots, to dealing with image resolution, archiving, and memory cards.

Affordable and portable, Digital Photography Pocket Guide, 3rd Edition offers full-color photographs, screen shots, and line art illustrating all the topics in the guide's three main sections ("Digital Camera Components," "Standard Camera Functions," and "How Do I?"). Contents are labeled A to Z for quick reference. There's also a comprehensive table of contents and index so you'll waste no time flipping to the specific information you need--whether you want to transfer images, make a QuickTime movie, or just figure out what purpose that mystery setting on your camera serves. There's even a section of easy-to-read reference tables for quick look-up of white balance settings, exposure compensation, camera mode explanations, and plenty more.

Customer Reviews (26)

This guide is too simple
If you have used point-and-shoot camera for a while and want to learn more tricks like me, I would not recommend this book because two third of the guide gives the basics you should already know, and the last third has few tips you might think useful. In addition, this book is B&W print that makes the example photos not standing out between different settings.

A Good Beginner's Guide
This book is pretty decent for a beginner's guide, but not as in-depth as you might expect. Overall, I'm happy with it, but if you really want a great photography book, get Understand Exposure by Bryan Peterson.

good reference
This book is a good reference pint to start with for beginners or intermidiate. Cover many topics and list many functions. Good book to have

Very very very BASIC!!!
Even though it is a Pocket Guide, I was expecting more from this book. I'm not saying it is a bad book but it is very very basic; practically focussed to those who have never EVER used a digital camera. The only chapter (to my taste anyway) that I find with relevant/interesting/good information is the 3rd chapter where the writer describes some tips on "how to questions". In summary, if you have some experience on digital photography this book won't be that usefull and if you want to learn about aperture, shutter speed and so on..there are better books to learn those subjects.

Happy with this purchase.
I feel this is a perfect little guide for beginning digital photographers.I've been taking photos with my digital for about 3 years now and this little pocket guide still comes in handy and is very useful.It's size is perfect for carrying it with you in your camera case and it gets right to those frequent questions that come up.

A good little book to own! ... Read more

Amazon.com
If you're comfortable with the concept of photography but find the digital part a stumbling block, Digital Photography for Dummies will get you over the hump.

Author Julie Adair King, a photographer and graphics-software specialist, deftly explains such concepts as resolution, f-stop, and compression. She is also refreshingly upfront about the differences between film-based and digital photography, spelling out the latter's shortcomings early on. Her advice on all aspects of the field is well thought out and simple without being condescending. She informs readers, for example, that you needn't use high-pixel resolutions simply for placing images on a Web page. Such tips will come as a relief to fledgling photographers on a budget, or novices who may have thought they had to use the highest-quality settings at all times.

Aside from the technical concerns of working with the camera and computer, King also gives sound tips on composition and lighting. And since retouching is one of the principal benefits of digital photography, she spends a fair amount of time discussing photo-editing software. And while most of the examples are in black and white, the most important examples, gratefully, are included in a 16-page color plate section in the middle of the book.

For those of you considering jumping into the world of digital photography, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better guide to getting started than Digital Photography for Dummies. --John Frederick MooreBook Description
You'll be smiling behind the camera after you master all the tips and tricks exposed in the second edition of Digital Photography For Dummies by photographer and digital imaging expert Julie Adair King. This updated guide to taking great pictures with a digital camera -- whether you're shooting for fun or for profit -- delivers up-to-the-minute advice on everything from selecting the right camera to using advanced image-correction techniques, all written in clear, concise terms and presented with easy-to-follow steps.

With traditional 35mm cameras, after your picture is taken, that's it. But with digital camera images, the fun is just starting. Run your digital images through a variety of special effects, from adjusting the color balance to cropping out unwanted elements or sharpening the focus. Create new images for your Web site, send your pictures to friends and family over the Internet, or print your suitable-for-framing pix on high-quality paper. Plus, Digital Photography For Dummies, 2nd Edition, comes with a bonus CD-ROM loaded with image-editing utilities, such as Kodak Picture Easy 3.1, Spin Panorama 1.0, and trial versions of several popular tools and programs, including Adobe's award-winning photo-manipulation program, Photoshop 5.Download Description
Get the picture with these great color illustrations Here's how to choose the right camera, take great shots, and make 'em even better Can't wait to see what you and that digital camera can do? Packed with beautiful color examples of what you can accomplish, this book gives you the inside scoop on cameras, memory cards, accessories, setting up shots, using exposure and focus, editing, downloading and printing your photos, and a whole lot more. Discover how to Choose a camera, memory cards, and add-onsUse the right camera settings for your subjectControl exposure and focusCompose great shotsShare and print your photos online ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Digital Photography for Dummies
An excellent book for beginners and intermediate photographers.Clear, concise and easy to read.10 of 10 ... Read more

Book Description
Are you ready to use the new breed of digital SLR to go beyond point-and-click snapshooting and explore what it has to offer the world of photography? If you have already conquered most of a digital camera's basic capabilities and now wonder what to do with the enhanced features found in digital SLR cameras, this is a dream guide to pixel proficiency. Mastering Digital SLR Photography, Second Edition includes extensive updates that cover the vast improvements in technology in the last 2-3 years, including new camera models, raised bar on resolution, vibration reduction, new kinds of lenses, and more. It goes beyond the standard coverage offered in most general camera books, covering features and techniques specific to digital SLR photography. From initial discussions on hardware selection to professional-level tips and techniques for sports and action shots, this is the comprehensive guide that any photographer needs for refining their digital SLR skills. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (44)

Mastering Digital SLR Photography 2E by David D. Busch
I am new to the digital D-SLR world and moving from point and shoot to composing my own picture. Searching for all books that can help me in this process and this book is certainly one of the best I've read. It's easy to read and even provides some chuckles. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars for what information I'm looking for.

Mastering the slr camera
This book is very informative for an amateur.Too much detail on the technical workings of the camera.I would like to have seen more examples of composition, depth of field ,etc but I don't think it was designed to be that type of book.It is a great reference tool when trying to understand the components that make of a slr camera.

Good intermediate guide
I bought three of the books by Busch, the Quick Snap Guide, this one & Digital Pro Secrets.Very happy with them all & would recommend them all.This one covers the middle ground, & I have learned a ton of things from it. While it covers the basics, it also covers a lot of the more technical aspects of how the cameras, & techniques actually work.The author is a photographer first & author second, which I found extremely helpful.Excellent guide for the advanced amateur who want to improve their photography.

An excelent book
It's the first book I have read about digital photography in which all the chapters are dedicated to digital photo and not on how to work with digital images on a computer. It was very useful for me as a newcomer to digital SLR world. I hightly recommend it.

Good, here's better
Packed with useful information to help you understand your camera and how it works, illustrated with uninspiring photos. For a fast track to better photos, an introduction to exposure, a quantum leap in the percentage of keepers, and stunning photos that teach each concept, Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition) is more effective, more inspiring, and an easy read, to boot. ... Read more

Book Description
Capture unforgettable moments of that special day

Professional wedding photographer Glen Johnson knows there's a huge difference between being able to take good pictures and being a good wedding photographer. In this exquisite, full-color book, Glen dispenses sage advice and solutions for taking impressive digital wedding images — posed or candid, in any weather, in any setting, at any locale. You will also learn the secrets of creating a successful digital wedding photography business, and much more. Whether you're an aspiring professional or an amateur who wants to improve your skills at digital wedding photography, this book will help you succeed.

Discover what makes wedding photography a unique specialty

• Find out how to make people feel relaxed and comfortable while you're shooting
• Explore ways to capture the emotion as well as the moment
• Understand different photographic styles and adapt to your client's wishes
• Prepare for all types of lighting situations
• Learn appropriate etiquette for shooting in dressing rooms and during the ceremony
• Know what to take when traveling abroad
• Set up the perfect digital studio to process your images
• Find out how to price your work realistically
• See why your business skills may be more important than your photographic talent

Beautifully illustrated with full-color photographs, each showingthe camera settings and other details used to create the image ... Read more

Customer Reviews (63)

Great Information!
I purchased this book when one of my friends asked me to shoot his wedding. Having never done one before, I took the opportunity to expand my library. This was a good decision. Glen Johnson breaks down the essential elements of, not only the wedding day shoot, but the entire business aspect of digital wedding photography. I didn't want to put it down, I was learning so much. I was able to incorporate his tips into the final product and my results were more than pleasing. I still go back to it from time to time as a reference. Johnson has provided web sites and product names that have proven very effective for any photographer. Before reading this book, I foresaw owning my own photography business as something that would only be feasible years down the road. With Johnson's suggestions and resources, I am launching my own site and making profit on something I love! Highly recommended whether you're a professional photographer or someone who's just starting out and wants to learn more about the highest paying aspect of photography.

A keeper!
This is my first time writing a review on Amazon, but I really wanted to give this book the kudos it deserves. I've bought and browsed through many photography books, and this one is a standout. Johnson advises readers on so many things--from traveling with equipment, to meetings with clients, to setting up a workspace, to work flow and options for retouching He goes over the different types of lenses and what kinds of shots each one isgood for.It's also in full color with great examples/illustrations.Johnson gives you tips for getting great candid shots and on finding locations for portraits. He addresses common challenges (as well as situations and practices to avoid) and provides solutions. I've been re-reading this ever since I bought it. Aimed at baby wedding photographers, I'd think that the material would benefit more experienced pros as well. It's an invaluable reference and a great addition to any library.

EXCELLENT STARTING POINT!
As an advanced amatuer photographer, I became interested in doing wedding photography after attending several weddings for friends and family in a single year.Most of them had paid photographers, so I was free to practice without pressure.A couple were so informal that I was actually asked to be the impromptu photographer.I found that really I enjoyed the work, and was actually pretty good at it too!Somehow word of mouth landed me three paid jobs for weddings in the following year.Having no formal training or experience, I was terrified!So I decided to hit the books.

I bought Glen Johnson's "Digital Wedding Photography: Capturing Beautiful Memories" at the same time as Bill Hurter's "The Best of Wedding Photojournalism: Techniques and Images from the Pros."Though Bill Hurter's book had some nice pictures and ideas, I was more impressed with the comprehensive business approach that Glen took in his book.He covered all the basis: from developing your own style and business model, ettiquette & attire, equipment & tools of the trade, ceremony/reception logistics, photo tips & pitfalls to avoid, techniques for working with people, the right camera settings for different scenes, and post-processing workflow.He uses photos to complement his text, but it doesn't appear to be a portfolio for him to show off his beautiful pictures.You can see that on his website.

As some have complained, he doesn't attempt to cover every topic in boring depth.Instead, he provides an overview of key points, supplemented by useful references and WEBSITES where you can learn more.His own website is a comprehensive learning site, with all kinds of tips.He even has his contract online for you to reference when developing your own.I also liked that he interviewed several other professional photographers on their ceremony techniques, workflows, and software preferences to show how different approaches can work.

It isn't his job to teach you how to use Photoshop, or how to design your webpage.So he instead highlights where you can get tools (i.e. Actions, templates, and programs) to make them work better for you.If you need to learn how to use Photoshop or how to design a webpage, there are plenty of other great books out there on that.

I have now successfully shot all three of those weddings, and see a bright future ahead for my new business.I owe a majority of my success to Glen's book, for giving me a solid ground to start on.

Review
If there was a course in photography dedicated to wedding photography this would be the text book. It is written like a college course book and not only gives the opinion of one man but several wedding photographers. It tells of the history of wedding photography as well as the different types that are out there today. It gives techniques, advice, and insight. I would suggest this book to anyone trying to break into the business.

-David-
Beautiful Union Portraits

One of the best
As a teacher of Photography , including wedding Techiques , and an avid reader on the subject as a whole, I found this an interesting well set out and I love the logic shown. The author and I share the same thoughts and techniques . ... Read more

Book Description
Over 50,000 photographers cant be wrong! John and Barbara Gerlach finally write the book their workshop attendees have been asking for!

Digital Nature Photography is a how-to guide for photographers who want to take their work to the next level. Written by professionals with over 20 years experience, the Gerlachs reveal enlightening techniques for shooting nature images in the field. The combination of artistic approach and impeccable technique will help you capture your next great image.

·Learn what equipment works best in the field, and why, as well as tips for superb shots
·Create sharp images at capture with detailed instructions for digital exposure
·Master the three factors that lead to excellent images: technique, subject and situation ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Real "treat" for all people who love photography and nature!
Digital Nature Photography: The Art And the Science

Great Book! Very informative, beautiful photos! Authors use easy way to explain photo-tips and give priceless advises from they own experience...This book is pleasure to read and great manual to all who want to understand how to take the best pictures and enjoy Mother-Nature...

Too many typos and grammar problems
While I enjoyed reading this book and found many useful tips, the number of typographical errors (e.g. punctuation) and poorly crafted sentences diminished the experience. This book is worth recommending for its photographic content, but you will have to ignore the quality of writing in order to truly enjoy it. It is obvious that the editor spent little to no time working with the author and simply accepted the content as drafted. Too bad because Gerlach has a lot to offer and could deliver more effectively with better writing.

Fantastic Book
This book is straight forward, comprehensive and well written--a great addition to your reference library. I enjoyed the book so much that I ordered more copies as gifts.

I read this book after attending a week-long photograhpy workshop with John and Barbara in Michigan. What a one-two punch (both the book/workshop and John/Barbara). As you will discover, they love to teach and are very willing to share their expertise right down to each piece of equipment they use and why they use it.

Great book, poor printing
This is a very enjoyable book to read for inspiration and learning some photography tricks and tips as well as developing a photographic workflow. As a graphic designer, I was shocked at the quality of the printing of this book. The title on the front cover is enough to send anyone who has an interest in typography, screaming. Other than the poor print quality, the book is filled with photographs that are not only inspirational, but tend to make the reader very envious of the photographic opportunities of this pair of authors who are husband and wife.
This is a smallish book that you can take with you many places if you just want to occupy a few minutes while reading. It will make you want to get outdoors and experiment with your camera. I find the horizontal format of the book a little clumsy to hold. It is good nonetheless for displaying the landscape format of many of the photographs.
Anyone who has an interest in nature photography should definitely check out this book.

Gerlach covers it all
John Gerlach has hit a home run with this book. It covers all aspects of digital photography in just the right amount of detail; not cursory and without mind-numbing detail. The text is interesting, well written and easily understood. For the beginner or advanced hobbyist. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

Reaching for perfection with"Perfect Digital Photography"
This book deserves a 10 star rating, as it is not only well-written, but the information is worthy of continual review.It doesn't talk about non-essential gimickry, but instead how to caoture and transform the essence of light.Examples include using GRAD filters, scrims, reflectors of gold versus silver, and black to absorb light --creating shadows when there are no shadows. Gold and silver reflect 80 to 90 percent of the light into shadowed areas of the face or body, depending upon the size of the reflector. The black "absorbers" also come in various sizes depending upon the subject at hand.

I've been in film photography for a long time and am familiar with the photographic terms that span both mediums.However, I'm a begineer when it comes to digital processing and digital photographic terminology.

This book is inexpensive and chock full of important information that was barely touched in two local digital courses on which I spent over $200.If I learn how to use levels, curves, and layers properly, the book will surpass those local courses tremendously.But, there is more important information in the digital processing lab that I know nothing about and a world to explore.

Therefore this is a book with which to grow and improve my photographic skills and to use as a digital photographic bible.It is definitely worthy of more than the inexpensive sticker price.

I thank the authors and editors for making "Perfect Digital Photography" available, and my daughter, Heather, for giving me this book for my 65th birthday.