Product Description
Digital photography has revolutionized the way people take, print, and share photos. But if you're wondering why your digital photos don't measure up to the terrific shots that some people take of sunsets, people, pets, and everything else, you probably need a little help from Digital Photography Workbook for Dummies.

With great, easy-to-follow instruction and lots of practice tasks, this roll-up-your sleeves workbook is packed with exercises to help you become a better digital photographer and photo editor. You'll learn the basics of classic photocomposition, find out how to capture and accentuate movement in action photos, and get comfortable adding even more pizzazz to your pics using Photoshop Elements. More than 100 step-by-step procedures, illustrated in full color, help you discover how to:

• Get familiar with your camera's features and tools
• Control depth of field
• Minimize reflections
• Photograph children and pets
• Calibrate your monitor
• Notice and remove stray objects from photos
• Take great landscape, cityscape, and nature photos
• Cope with adverse weather and lighting conditions
• Find, organize, and archive your images

Complete with lots of tips and suggestions on how to share your photos via email, create your own Web gallery, compose slideshows and flip books, and more, Digital Photography Workbook for Dummies offers all the help, instruction, and hands-on guidance you need to boost the quality of your digital photographs from so-so to sensational! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great Companion
Great companion to the manufacturers owners manual as you go hands on with your new digital camera.

Only a few pages into it and I love it!
I LOVE photography and I am usually envious of friends who have "the eye" for great pictures. I would say out of 10 pictures I take, I usually get just one good one in the bunch. So that was my reason for buying this book, I wanted actual exercises that would help me improve.

I'm only a few pages into this book, and already I have learned quite a few things, so it can only get better from here! I'm anxious to start the exercises.

good info
this was a gift for my son and he was very pleased with this magazine.

Great exercises to help understand your DSLR
After checking this book out several times from the local library I decided I had to have my own copy.Using the exercises provides invaluable help in understanding and effectively utilizing the many features of today's digital single lens reflex (DSLR)cameras.There are so many things to do, you can't cover them all in a couple of week loan from the library.One of the best features of the book is that all the example photos are in color and are right there next to the text.Other books have limited color sections that you have to continually flip back and forth to use. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Looking to take your photography to the next level? Need guidance on the basics, from choosing cameras to perfecting capture, managing files, editing images and developing a creative, critical eye?

Packed with quality images to inspire and enthuse, Digital Photography: Essential Skills takes a refreshingly practical, focused approach to cover exactly what you need to know develop a creative, competent style and a seamless photography workflow.

As a working photographer and teaching lecturer, Mark Galer is the perfect guide to take you through the skills and knowledge needed to take fantastic images. Now updated to cover file management and editing in Lightroom, Adobe's popular workflow software, for a stream-lined process from capture to output.

* Covers all the basics, from choosing a camera, managing files and editing images, to exposure, composition and lighting
* Clear, detailed explanations make understanding the concepts a breeze and activities help you to put theory into practice
* Packed with inspiring photographs to illustrate what you can achieve with skills and knowledge covered in the book ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Book required for Photog class
The book was required for my college photog class. I find it full of great information and use in class makes a good intro into the digital photography subject. I will keep it in my growing photog library. Amazon is great also, 45% lower than on campus book store for same book. :-)
If you ever get a chance, look up KenRockwell.com, his site is full of great photography information and he is my mentor when it come to photography... He is among the worlds greatest in imaging equipment and Nikon cameras source information!!

V/R

Kent M Whitney ... Read more

Product Description

Gardeners and nature lovers delight in taking pictures-especially close-ups of flowers, butterflies, and insects. And though advances in digital camera technology have made taking, storing, and sharing photos easier than ever, taking top-quality pictures requires familiarity with both digital technology and the general principles of photography. Macro Photography for Gardeners and Nature Lovers provides exactly the information that aspiring photographers—no matter their level of skill—need to take their photos to the next level. Clear and concise chapters cover the basics of macro (close-up) photography, explain the features of current digital single-lens reflex cameras, show the many ways images can be composed, and share tips on digital effects, storage, and manipulation of imagery. Throughout the text, helpful tips, definitions, exercises, and case studies serve to demystify digital photography. Each lesson is supported by examples of the author's stunning photography. Whether taking photos of flowers and insects, compiling a photographic record of your garden, or simply sharing beautiful images with friends and family, everyone can become accomplished photographers of the world's small-scale wonders.

Customer Reviews (14)

By A Photographer Who Loves Gardens
The book's title says it all! I was so happy to find a book by an experienced photographer with an in-depth knowledge of garden plants. As a fellow gardener and novice photographer, I was captivated after reading the preface and seeing the first few images in "Macro Photography for Gardeners and Nature Lovers".

This compact book has chapters on defining macro photography, equipment condsiderations, looking at (and seeing) those macro images, plus information on digital file basics and digital workflow, all in an easy-to-read style. Mr. Detrick walks us through his wealth of experience needed for envisioning those exceptional close-up shots before pressing the shutter release.

After reading his book I was fortunate to attend a macro photography workshop with Alan and his wife Linda at Maine Media Workshops in Rockport, ME. Alan's a thorough and patient teacher... I learned so much. I highly recommend the experience of a workshop with them.

Nice photos, limited information
The book has some very nice pictures, but also quite a few that didn't impress me, but that could simply be taste. The organization of the book was very irritating with a lot of pictures interlaced with the text often with no correlation with the subject. What information there was of limited use, I don't know why every author feels the need to cover basic stuff that is handled by other books.I don't buy a macro photography book to learn about workflows, JPEG and raw files.What I want is insights into things related to macro photography.Such as setups, lighting, tricks for making things easier.

I did get some ideas to help with my photography, but that was more from looking at the pictures to figure out how they were shot.I could have gotten that from looking at any web site specializing in flowers. Overall I wouldn't recommend the book.

Very disappointed
The copy I received was a pre-production issue in poor black and white print.I threw it out as it was a total waste of the paper it was printed on.Yhe final copy might have been of some use.

Macro Photography
A good basic review of the subject.Lots of carefully documented photographs.Also, several concluding chapters dealing with digital file basics.Much helpful information to be found here.My basic criticisms involves my need for more detailed digital file information.The author provides rather critical information for the intermediate photographer, but would have been nice to have even more detail, particularly raw file to PhotoShop work flow. How does the author handle typical projects? I encourage this purchase and am looking forward to an expanded edition.

Macro Photography for Gardeners and Nature Lovers: The Essential Guide to Digital Techniques.
This book is truly THE essential guide to digital techniques for macro nature photography.I have been applying many of the techniques Alan Detrick suggests, resulting in much improved images.His firsthand, detailed description of the many superior images in each sidebar add to the enjoyment and effectiveness of this guide.My visualization of an image before actual capture has become a key step along the path to successful capture, thanks to Alan's good example as described for each shot. The inclusion of technical information is also useful and treated at just the right level of detail and complexity; not distracting the reader from the essential message (for me), maintaining emphasis on making artful macro images. The author clearly is a master of his craft and an outstanding teacher.Thank you for making it available.

Mike Cirella
Juried fine art photographer member of the Cape Cod Art Association
[...] ... Read more

Amazon.com Review
Product Description

Shooting in low light and at night is challenging, but it can result in stunning images, so don't put that digital camera away after the sun goes down! Start capturing eerie and intriguing photographs at all levels of light with this information-packed guide from renowned photographer and author Harold Davis.

He provides pages of field-tested techniques to help you find the proper exposures, including the best settings for ISO, aperture, and shutter. Don't miss the intriguing examples of his own work, including cityscapes, landscapes, and more.

• Walks readers through the intricacies of night and low light photography
• Explores the fundamental rules of exposure, including creative settings for ISO, aperture, and shutter speeds
• Informs and inspires with the author's own breathtaking examples of night photography, including cityscapes, landscapes, exciting night events, and other photos that illustrate the concepts

Capture the visually exciting world after the sun goes down with this essential guide to night photography.

Amazon Exclusive: Photography Tips and Techniques from Harold Davis

How to Use Shadows to Enhance Your Composition

How to Use LAB Color for Black and White Effects

Professional Photography Techniques from Harold Davis

Amazon Exclusive: Interview with Award-Winning Photographer Harold Davis

We hear you’ve written some new digital photography titles. What’s the story behind these books?
Wiley Publishing is releasing three new books of mine, Creative Close-Ups: Digital Photography Tips & Techniques,Creative Night: Digital Photography Tips & Techniques, andCreative Composition: Digital Photography Tips & Techniques. My idea with these books was to help people become better photographers by presenting the subject of digital photography in a different way.

What’s different about your approach?
They say that cameras don’t take photos, people do. It’s really true. Someone with a great eye can take masterful photos with an inexpensive camera. Therefore, it is important to know something about photo technique, but the really amazing thing is that we can conceptualize and come up with these bits and bytes that make up a photo—and they can be meaningful to people. I try to help people come up with images that are relevant and meaningful. Cameras and hardware are just tools.

What’s with all the photos in these books?
Well, everyone likes to look at striking images, so one thing my photos do in these books is get people’s attention. However, the photos play another role as well. Each photo in my book is accompanied by the story of how the photo was made and the technical data related to the photo. That way, if you’re not ready to dive into the text itself, you can learn a lot just by browsing the photos.

My feeling is that you truly do learn about photography by looking at photos. It’s much more important to look at images you admire and try and figure out why you like them than it is to read about photography. The photos in these books are baked into the DNA of the teaching strategy. By browsing through the pages, someone can learn a great deal and have an enjoyable visual experience at the same time.

What’s the most important thing that readers can get out of your new books?
I want to inspire readers to be the most creative and best photographers they can be. If you pick up one of my books, I hope you can make use of the technical content and see how the photos relate to some of your own work. The most important thing, however, is to take the ideas in the book, get out there, and do some really peddle-to-the-metal creative photography.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Too dark
In my opinion, the night image on the COVER of the book is not a proper night exposure.TOO MANY photographers make that same mistake of going too dark at night.

Interesting look at a challenging type of photography
Low light and night photography poses many different challenges for digital photographers, and Harold Davis addresses them all in this book.Wonderful examples, useful techniques, and the kind of encouragementyou really need to go out and attempt some of these subjects on your own.Great book.

Great book!
I have enjoyed and been inspired by Harold Davis's books for years.Harold's books are focused on creativity, visualization and an attempt to inspire the photographer.He sometimes includes a small Lightroom and/or Photoshop tutorial in his books but his books are definitely "just another how-to Photoshop" book.Harold is focused on the art of making great photos and the craft behind creating memorial images in a clear manner.

If you are interested in bringing your art to the next level, Harold Davis' book is a great place to start.Harold clearly describes how to approach your subject creatively and describes the tools and skills necessary to fulfill your creative vision.I highly recommend Creative Night.

Help you thruogh the night
Harold Davis had a great idea when he teamed with Wiley to write about different aspects of photography, and this is one of the best results of that collaboration.Virtually an encyclopedic catalog of ideas for night shots is offered with a plethora of tips on how to take them.The accompanying photos are a delight to examine.There are also pertinent charts.Technical information is accessible, in part due to the glossary in the back of the book.It's 239 pagesof fun.Interest is growing in this field of photography, one especially popular night subject being star trails.Harold covers this and other fascinating types of night photography--with cautions about safety he obviously learned the hard way!
Get your creative juices flowing and buy this book!

Embrace the dark side
Night photography is a huge subject. Harold Davis does a good job of covering many of its aspects in a clear and straightforward way. Since he is primarily a landscape photographer, many of the example photos are of landscapes, though he does cover many other areas of the subject such as cityscapes, light trails, light painting, moonlight photography, simple object photography and more. A short list of equipment is discussed and helpful extras are mentioned. While there is not yet a definitive book on night photography, Creative Night is my current favorite.

Davis also includes a section on post processing with Photoshop. Two night specific techniques that cover stacking multiple exposures to capture star trails and noise removal are very helpful.

While specific technique descriptions are mostly brief, all images include exposure details that provide a good starting point for personal experimentation. And experimentation is a main theme of this book. Less experienced photographers may want a bit more hand holding. There's very little fundamental photography instruction here. Davis has written this book for photographers who understand the basics of exposure and camera operation. That saves a lot of padding that many writers include in their manuals to increase the page count. If you're new to photography and want do do some night shots, do learn exposure basics and study your camera manual first.

In addition to photography how-tos Davis does offer important information specific to night photography, much of which seems like common sense. But it's easy to overlook a detail that means the difference between a successful and safe photo shoot and a disaster. For example: dress warmly, learn your camera control by feel and rote so you can operate in darkness, dress for visibility, get permission to photograph sites, scout your location by day, and so on. While some of this seems obvious, it's these details that help make for a safe, comfortable and hopefully successful shoot. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

Authors shouldn't be promoting their own books in Amazon reviews!
As far as I'm concerned, it should be against Amazon policy to have authors, such as Rob Sheppard, and contributing artists, such as Bill Fortney, promote their own books and give glowing ratings. To me, the review section is a place for the rest of us to comment on a particular item. I find it distasteful that the author and another person involved with this book chose to post self-promoting reviews.

I am aware that my opinion tells potential buyers absolutely nothing about the quality of this book. For that, I am sorry. I may still purchase this and Rob's earlier book on digital nature photography. Lark Photography Books are usually very well done. However, I feel quite strongly that authors need to stay out of the Amazon review section for their own works.

Thank you.

The Perfect Book for all things Nature Photography
I really found this book incredibly useful. It breaks the information down into very detailed categories and presents it in ways that are easy to understand and comprehensive. The author also really delves into areas of the DSLR that many books do not. I'm looking forward to my next photography outing as I think the tips and information from this title will really improve my images.

Introduction to Landscape
I would guess that at some time almost every photographer has tried to make a photograph of a landscape, and that often the results are disappointing.That is probably because, to paraphrase Rob Sheppard, the photographer tried to capture the scenery rather than take a photograph.Taking a landscape photograph is what this book is about in elemental terms.

The book starts with the usual gear discussion, including advice on how to set up one's camera. The author then discusses the nature of light and some simple rules of composition, followed by a chapter on the important elements of water and sky.After a brief discussion of capturing man's presence in the landscape, there is a chapter on special techniques like black-and-white photography, panoramas and high dynamic range photography ("HDR").The final chapter looks more closely at some of the themes of landscape photography like deserts, oceans and prairies, and includes a number of useful tips for different kinds of environments.The book concludes with a brief essay by conservation photography editor Miriam Stein on using landscape photos to change the world. Several profiles of noted landscape photographers are scattered throughout the book.

Even though the book is aimed at the beginning landscape photographer, there is little emphasis on technique so the reader should be acquainted with exposure, depth of field and the like.Instead Sheppard concentrates on the content of the image, although he does refer to technique as a method of explicating the image.Sheppard's writing and images are clear and will help those who are just connecting with landscape, but will be unlikely to help more experienced landscape photographers.

The chapter on special techniques will mostly serve to let the reader know that HDR and the like exist, but actual experimenting with these tools will probably require reading some additional materials. There is little instruction on post-processing, although it is occasionally mentioned.

For the beginning landscape photographer who knows how to use his camera, this is an excellent way to ease into landscapes.It will prove far too simple for the experienced landscape photographer.

Solid information-great images
I've ben a landscape shooter for many years and any book that after a good reading leaves me having picked up several new ideas is very worthwhile.
Rob explores a lot of aspects of the Landscape not covered in other books on the same subject.The images are first class and his writing style is easy
and straight forward.I highly recommend this volume join the other favorites on your bookshelf.I was honored t be included in the book as a
guest artist.

Bill Fortney

A Very Useful Tool!
Rob Sheppard's newest book, The Magic of Digital Landscape Photography, is a wonderful addition to the growing collection of works on digital photography.It is well organized and contains many useful features.Rob does an excellent job of sharing the basics--gear, camera settings, dealing with light, etc.--but for me the book's greatest contribution is what comes afterwards.Following a helpful chapter on composition Rob looks at landscape photography from a variety of perspectives.I especially liked his unit on "Themes" where he discusses how to approach different settings: mountains, forests, oceans, flower landscapes, wetscapes, prairies and small scale landscapes.It is obvious from reading this section that Rob cares about the things he photographs.
The book contains information on many of the latest trends in digital photography (HDR, panoramics, black and white conversion) and also, through "photographer profiles," insight from leading photographers such as George Lepp, Bill Fortney and Richard Hamilton Smith.All of this, combined with Rob's outstanding collection of illustrative images, makes this book an invaluable tool for those wishing to take their landscape photography to the next level.
Rob Sheppard offers in this book something for photographers of all levels.For years I have recommended his books to my workshop students.The Magic of Digital Landscape Photography will be no exception.I recommend it to you as well!
... Read more

Product Description
If you're a serious photographer, you know that no other camera offers as much sophistication and versatility as the digital SLR. The drawback to this sophistication comes in the form of tedious and lengthy user manuals that can make it difficult to find the essential information you need to get started. Quick Snap Guide to Digital SLR Photography provides you with a concise introduction to the most important features of your dSLR camera. Each topic is covered in two- or four-page spreads with plenty of illustrations and images, making it easy to follow along. Eliminating the frustration of timeconsuming user manuals, this book is the ideal guide for any new dSLR owner who wants to start taking great pictures right away. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Best beginners photography book
I am currently reading this book and have found out things that I might not ever have found out about digital photography.I consider this to be the best book for beginners to DSLR cameras.A lot of useful information to get here.

Great intro to dSLR concepts
This a very simple, easy to comprehend description of all the core concepts in digital photography.David Busch has a great ability to explain complex issues in simple terms without glossing over any of the necessary details.These concepts make it much easier to figure out camera settings using "first principles".

The only thing missing for me was the table of settings for dummies.It's great to be able to think things through from first principles, but I was also looking for advice along the lines of "In these circumstances, set this button to x, this button to y and click..."There are a few examples of that level of guidance and if there were more this would get 5 stars.

If you want to understand what's going on with your dSLR, this is a great easy-to-grasp intro.

Not quite start-up.
The information in this book is good, it starts almost at the beginning... but I am a beginner's beginner.Unfortunately, this book starts two weeks into the semester.The real "start-up" material is missing.It doesn't help the reader to know all of the terms that are being used.The glossary in the back only has some of the definitions.I am having to do some catch up just to know what is being said.It is a beautiful book with great touch appeal, however the book is literally falling apart on me.The binding is worthless, of course that would not be the author's fault.It is however very easy to read.

Too general to help.Save your money; you really don't need this book.
I am new to dSLR cameras and was looking for a book that would get me beyond the point and shoot world I had been living in for so many years.Basically, this book just tells you what buttons to look for on the camera and sort of what they do;but this is something my Pentax User's Manual already does in better detail.This book does try to present some principles of basic photography, but ends up doing so in broad vagaries, so do not buy it if you are looking for a clear discussion of aperture vs. ISO vs. shutter speed, etc.Buy it only if you want some direction on what buttons you should be looking for on your dSLR and nothing more.I checked out The New Manual of Photography by John Hedgecoe from the local library and found it to be infinitely more helpful and informative.I might buy that one instead, but I've already sunk $20 once, so this time I am going to be careful.

It's okay
This is extremely basic.Very vague.Save your money and google "photography for dummies".You'll get the same result. ... Read more

Product 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 (115)

Still a very good book.
I got this book when it first came out.It was a great book then, and after reading many other wedding photography books since then, I still think its one of the best.It might be a little dated in that it doesn't cover the latest digital cameras, but it is still a great book.There is no "ONE" single book to have on this subject.This is definitely one to keep on your top shelf with all your favorites.The information you learn from it is timeless.

Digital Wedding
This is a great book. Have given us the ideas we neededto take wedding photos of our Daughters wedding. A must for anyone wanting GREAT pictures at any wedding.

Not received the shipment
I have not received my shipment of this book even after 2 months.. absolutely lousy service... I wont be comming back for more surely !!!!!

Reginald Appings

Amazing book
This is an amazing guide to wedding digital photography. Not only does it share photography techniques, but also talks about building a wedding photography business from A to Z. It also shares experiences of some photographers and their style. Although I don't find the author's photos to be of superior quality.

Disappointing and outdated book
Having shot almost 30 weddings, I was looking forward to read some books in order to sharpen my wedding photography knowledge.After reading the reviews, it appeared that this book was for beginners and advanced wedding photographers as well.However I think this book is aimed for people who have never shot any wedding (or just a few) with have very limited computer literacy.

Be ready to get this kind of information:
- a SLR (single lens reflex) camera is better than a point and shoot camera to cover weddings (including an in depth analysis of strength, weaknesses taking a few pages)
- avoid drinking too much at a wedding (really???)
- 1go and 2go cards are a good balance between size and quantity (including several close-up pictures of memory cards of course)
- information about travelers'diarrhea and vaccination (was the author drunk while writing this?)
- a beautiful and large picture of a Sony Vaio desktop computer including this relevant reference: "Figure 14-4: A desktop system offers the most flexibility, speed, and cost effectiveness for the digital photographer"

Ok, that's enough. ... Read more

Product Description
Ansel Adams (1902-1984) was a pioneer of landscape photography, whose imagery-especially his iconic views of the American National Parks--is widely published and instantly recognizable. While he is undoubtedly one of the best-loved and best-known visionaries of American art, photographers also recognize him as a pioneer of technique, a theoretician, and as one of the great teachers of the craft of photography.

His zone system has been widely adapted, but Adams unique imagery also relied on his determination and application at every stage of the photographic process; he spent years in his darkroom, as well as out in the open air. For decades, this kind of attention to detail required the kind of equipment, time, and facilities that were out of the reach of most photographers--but now, in the digital age, technology has finally made his techniques accessible.

This book will show you what can be learned from Adams working process, and how these lessons can be applied today. The craft of Adams photography is discussed, and the ZONE SYSTEM is related to the digital age. Sections on light, composition, mood, and the darkroom all show what can be achieved today using and understanding his thinking. Michael Frye's own photography provides many stunning examples of the results that can be achieved and, as one of Adams' natural successors in the field, he is well placed to analyze the inspirational shots which open each chapter.

* Demystifies the art behind the iconic shots
* Contains a number of breathtaking works by Ansel Adams and other landscape masters such as Edward Weston and Elliot Porter
* Written by one of the most reputable fine landscape photographers, who (like Ansel Adams) uses Yosemite National Park most frequently as his subject
* Breaks the zone systems (famous to Adams) down in a way that digital photographers can use

Customer Reviews (37)

Extends traditional techniques into digital photography
Michael Frye analyzes the works of great landscape photographers and shows how the digital camera and "darkroom" can continue in this traditional style. His work relates to both color and black-and-white photography, and demonstrates the great range of creative controls that are now available to the photographic artist. Without getting bogged down in technical details, he demonstrates the steps in solving some common problems such as low or high contrast, color balance, practical applications of the Zone System to digital photography, and High Dynamic Range procedures. The discussion on composition and the art of seeing is particularly good.

This book is a necessary addition to the libraries of those who derive inspiration from the work of Ansel Adams, Edward Weston and Eliot Porter and who wish to move forward in digital photography.

Very good for photography enthuisiasts
I read through this book before a trip my trip to Utah and finished most of the book during my flight. The techniques illustrated in the book are very practical and easy to follow. I used some of them while shooting landscape pictures at Zion, Bryca Canyon and Arches national park and got very good results. If you are outdoors a lot and wish to improve your scenery shots, get this one.

Beginners may enjoy this book.
I have read two very similar photography books both published in 2010 by Focal Press.
Strangely enough, both have the same title: Digital Landscape Photography.
The one, reviewed here, by Michael Frye has a subtitle "In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams and the Great Masters" to help differentiate them.
(The other, by the way is authored by John and Barbara Gerlach). I have read the two books one after the other and I can not help comparing them.

Both are meant to be read by beginners and provide info on aperture values, shutter speeds, ISO values etc..
Frye's book is slightly shorter and smaller with less text.

If you are accustomed to digital SLR cameras and call yourself an advanced amateur, you are unlikely to find much new information in any of them.
If you have just bought your first DSLR with the kit lens, you may find these books worthy of some attention.
They both offer beautiful landscape images and some sound advice accompanying them.
Frye's book offer more software tips; if you are not familiar with the basic operations (levels, curves etc.) it may serve you better.
If, on the other hand, you think you want to know more down to earth (literally) advice on finding & selecting a location and need more advice on the use of a DSLR camera, the other book offers more.

There is nothing wrong if you buy both. However, their content overlaps significantly and they both use repetitions freely to stress the basics.
If you think you can buy just one of them, Gerlachs' book probably offers more scope and info. It is also organized better.
Frye's book offer many images of the Yosemite region and El Capitan including some by Ansel Adams.
HDR and exposure blending techniques, which are probably essential in landscape photography, are handled by both.
As you may expect, Frye's book devotes less space to these techniques.
The famous "Zone System" is dealt with only in Frye's book.

The image and paper quality is very good. The typeface is darker (good) in Frye's book; however, the font size is smaller.
Overall, the layout of Gerlachs' book is better but its letters are printed gray for some aesthetic reason that escapes me.

Certainly, this is a fine book on "digital landscape photography" for a beginner.
However, there are better ones and there will always be!

Moderately helpful...
This book is full of beautiful images that have been very nicely presented in this book.

Perhaps owing to my photographic experience and recent immersion in various books about digital photography and digital image editing, I found this book very light on any really substantive advice.

It covers the well-known tips about composition, relates some interesting information about Ansel Adams, Minor White, Weston, and others.It gives some very general and high-level advice about camera operation.And near the end of the book it goes into a few digital editing techniques.

The quality and quantity of images is generous.The information about digital photography is not.I read the book from cover to cover in one evening and lunch hour, and could pretty much recite all the info I gathered.

If you're new to photography, and new to digital photography, this will take a little longer to assimilate, and will provide a number of tips that will be very useful.But I was expecting a lot more meat than I found.Still, I liked the book for the images and the quality of the reproductions.And I did pick up a few little tid-bits that made it worthwhile.

Excellent resource
The pros: The book covers many topics and gives you insight into many variables which make up your image. The text is written is such a way as to not talk over your head, while the author also assumes the reader is beyond beginner status. (I would rank it intermediate.) There are many beautiful images throughout.

The cons: While on the plus side this book does cover many topics, on the negative end- it covers many topics. Since many topics are covered no one topic is gone into great detail (certainly enough to still be useful, however). It would have been nice to have exif info by the photos. In my opinion he could have skipped the sections on raw vs jpg and other such topics (been there, done that).

In conclusion I see myself returning to this book as a reference in the future, which I believe is the definition of a good book. He gave a method for obtaining the greatest depth of field in a way I had not heard before and found to be the easiest to perform. I also found the photoshop metering techniques very useful. All in all filled with great instruction. If you shoot landscapes there are sure to be great gems to be gleaned from this book, whether you are a novice to pro. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (16)

Technical Study of Panorama Construction
This is quite a technical exploration of panorama construction, focusing more on angles and planes perhaps rather than composition. Woeste shares the history and philosophy of the technique which provides a good background to the field, if not a practical one.
There is detailed information about the availability and use of panoramic equipment for professional/commercial photographers, which I think would be very useful for those moving into this field, but less so for an amateur. He looks at the theory for both two and three dimensional (spherical) projections.
His approach to stitching panoramas is similarily technical, rather than a recipe to follow. There is some critical information presented but again I think more suited for a well experienced photographer.
The projects and their progression shown are based on commercial rather than artistic tenents but the ability to follow his process behind the scenesis interesting.
Mastering Digital Panoramic Photography is a detailed look at the aspects of creating a technical image. Though I think an amateur would benefit from the information presented, it is more suited to a professional photographer who is interested in experimenting in the field.

Much Better Than The Rest
I was detirmined to make panoramic photography my specialty, so I bought every book on the subject and this was the only one that I needed to become an expert on this subject.

THE BOOK for panoramic photography
the book is full of very well explained examples. It was really useful to me beacause It really fullfilled the gaps I had in my selfmade panoramic photographer formation. I reccommend it for beginners and even for pro photographers who want to enter the panoramic photography world.

Great, general introduction
+3 Stars go to the satisfactory overview of history, equipment, techniques, & software available.

-1 Star because of *slightly, but still apparent* outdated equipment & software described.

-1 Star due to lack of in-depth techniques (keep in mind it's an introduction)

Book delves into each area briefly, listing benefits and pitfalls in non-bias fashion, and then continues on to a solid walk through of a few different pano setups. The latter is great to understand the workflow and decisions necessary before and after snapping the pictures. There is plenty of information for the beginner- though not as much as I had hoped. The former is truly an introduction and yields greatly to persuading the reader to try out techniques for themselves using the knowledge learned to ensure success. Paid ~$15 for this book, and would do so again.

Depending on what you want to learn...
... This book could be the best of all on the subject or not!

If you are interested only by tutorials about the stitcher you are using or interested only in a particular panorama category, you could find that there is too much theory or that the stitcher you are using is not covered (for example basic stitchers found on camera CD-ROM are not covered and there is no gigapixel-panorama in the 4 projects which are detailed.)

A full coverage of panoramic photography would require 1,500 pages rather than 150 and would be obsolete long before being printed. Harold Woeste opted for a much more sensible solution: the first part of the book describes the available tools and methods, the last part details 4 projects from shooting to printing or QTVR. Difficult subjects like stitching error correction and HDR are covered.

Choosing the right panorama head, choosing the right lens, choosing the right stitcher (or even the right tool from the stitcher your are using) take a long time and errors can be expensive: this book is both worth reading and kept as a reference.

... Read more

Product Description
Great food always elicits strong reactions-the smell of freshly baked bread, the taste of a perfectly prepared steak. The job of a food photographer is to elicit that same mouth-watering reaction, but without the benefit of scent or taste. A well-shot photograph can send crowds flocking to a new restaurant or boost the sales of a culinary magazine. Capturing the perfect image requires a trained eye, finesse, and photographic skill. Digital Food Photography gives you the ingredients to cook up your own recipe for success-with professional lighting techniques, composition, food and prop styling, retouching, and tricks of the trade. You'll learn how digital photography combines teamwork, creativity, and technology, and how to make money creating delectable works of photographic art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (45)

Extremely helpful
Love, love, love this book!As I am about to set up a bakery website, I needed sound, useful and easy to follow instruction on food photography for the amateur phtographer.This book is easy to follow and excellent!Got great tips, my photos are turning out great....all attributable to this book!Buy it if you have an interest in food photography and don't know much about it going in!Highly recommend it!!!

Should be titled "The Business of Food Photography"
I hate to say that I was disappointed with this book, but I was.As a photographer, I was looking for a book that really got into the nitty gritty of photographing food - the equipment, the lighting, the preparation, the thought processes of the photographer as he chose angles and shots and props and lights.With the exception of a few chapters (Chs 4, 5, and especially 6, which was a fantastic chapter for showing the thought process of getting the final shot), the book focuses almost entirely on the business of being/becoming a food photographer.

If you're completely new in the business end of photography and looking to make a career of it, I can see how this book would be useful to you, which is why I gave it 3 stars instead of fewer.It takes you through the process of choosing equipment, working with editors and art directors, choosing and working with stylists, back end office and image management, getting work, copyright issues, and even touches on PhotoShop techniques.

From a photography standpoint, however, I was disappointed.Out of 300 pages, only 35 of them were devoted to lighting food - and the first 13 of those went back to the extreme basics of shutter speed, aperture, and metering that any photographer with basic skills should already know.

And while Ch 4, on working with food stylists and the tips of the trade, was interesting, I really was hoping for more tips on learning to shoot real food, rather than learning how to substitute glue for milk in a cereal shot, or how to make fake fruit pie with mashed potatoes, or how to add soapsuds to coffee.

I also think that the book tries to be an all purpose "for everybody" book.As a result, it's too basic for anyone who has a decent photography background.There is too much time spent on basic photography skills and on choosing your basic equipment (camera body, lenses, and encouraging photographers to move past their pop-up flash).These are things that can and should be learned elsewhere, instead of trying to cram Photography 101 into a book about a specialty field of photography.

The images in the book are stunning, as Lou Manna's images always are. I just wish there had been more information about how those images were achieved, and less about the business of food photography.

Good but not perfect
I bought this book because it seems to be the only one on the topic of food photography around and the reviews were quite good. I learned a lot about composition. I liked how visual the book was, going through the process of choosing photos by sharing thumbnails of the photographs and the thought process behind the selection of the final photo. The photos themselves were good and the history of how food photography has changed over time was enlightening.

Unfortunately, the book comes across somewhat dated because the author no longer has to convince us how great digital photography is and that it is the "way of the future." In 2005 when the book was printed, perhaps this argument needed to be made. Today? We are all believers and the constant little comments about how liberating digital photography is become tedious.

There is also an entire section dedicated to doing tricks with food such as adding soapy bubbles to bacon to make it "sizzle" for the camera. This again feels very out of date, these days there is a movement towards "real food" and away from fake "treatments" that results in the inedible. Most of all what disappoints me is this is not a book for people who just want to take really good photos of food. It is for people who want to make a career of food photography who work with food stylists and their own design staff.

As a food writer, photographer and blogger, this books can only help me so far. I do not have a fancy photography studio with expensive lights working for clients who hire me to photograph their food. I make my own food, photograph it and eat it. I take the photos in my living room with my own dishes. I am photographer, designer and stylist rolled into one. As a result, this book is almost useless to me as a food photographer. This is not the writer's fault, I am not the writer's market but I wanted to mention this issue just in case other at-home food photographers and bloggers are looking for a book that will help them. When it comes to composition, photo editing, photo selection.. yes, it is helpful. When it comes to choosing backgrounds, working with natural light, choosing props... this book offers very little. For the person who wants to become a magazine photo photographer, this book will be perfect for you. Enjoy!

The best book available on Food Photography
This is such a wonderful book! If you have an interest in Food Photography, then you need this book! If you put just a few of the techniques that Loudiscusses in this book in to practice, your Food Photography will improve greatly.I know, because I am currently using his techniques on my food blog.I still have a long way to go to be able to call myself a pro, but my photo's look so much better with just a few small changes that I learned from Lou.

A Good Read but Wanted More Detail
I really enjoyed this book, especially the photographs.I would have liked to have seen more detail, however.For example, the author talks about using macro and telephoto lenses.I wanted to know which lenses, focal lengths, apertures, etc. were used to produce the photographs. ... Read more

Product Description

Master the art of digital photography

"Jay Dickman and Jay Kinghorn again have brought an insightful book on digital photography based on creating your best digital photographs, regardless of the rapid changes in the digital technology... From cover to cover, this book is filled with priceless information on how to get the great photos, and how to make sure they are your best." --John Knaur, Senior Marketing Manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America

In this completely updated, full-color work, a Pulitzer Prize-winning National Geographic photographer and an Adobe Photoshop Certified Expert guide you through the entire photographic process, from composition to printing and archiving.

The expert techniques inside this masterful guide help you greatly improve both the quality of your photographs and your proficiency in the digital darkroom. Perfect Digital Photography, Second Edition covers the latest technologies, including digital SLR cameras, Adobe Photoshop CS4, and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, and offers tips for developing an efficient workflow. Stunning color photographs throughout the book show you the results that you too can achieve.

Customer Reviews (46)

Great book, I learned a lot
I needed this book to get me up to speedon digital photography.The illustrations are great, and the information useful for someone who doesn't have a lot of experience in digital photography.

A must have reference book
Jay Dickman and Jay Kinghorn are wonderfully talented men. This book is an inspiration and I found, a necessary technical text to have in my, library as a reference. It has taught me post capture skills in photoshop and lightroom and about equipment and accessories for in camera work. It is a book for the serious amateur and those looking for advanced, in camera and post capture technique. Jay Dickman gives wonderful insight into the power of photography and the techniques that help to make it so. His Images are inspiring and make you want to go discover the world and do a better job photographing it! He gives great advice in dealing with people, as well as equipment, technique, some amazing ways to use lighting and how to shoot some zany situations, I was awe struck by his police car shot and how he accomplished it, amazing! you certainly learn how the pros do it! Jay kinghorn gives step by step instruction into post capture, in Lightroom and Photoshop. You will learn about colour management, the art of printing, editing, file types, image resolution, creating great black and whites and much, much more! I found this book informative and inspiring, it's not a book to sit and read from cover to cover in one hit, its an inspiring text book and a must have, for me anyway, as a guide, reference and inspiration!

Good for widening horizons
Sure there are different ways to see things, but as the first book I read about photography, I really enjoy it. Funny, I feel like reading it and have a hard time stopping once I started (enjoying photography very much, in fact; maybe it's not just because of the book). The author presents some useful hints and explores interesting shooting possibilities, although somehow briefly. There are chapters about exposure, light, picking your equipment etc. The photoshop part is also great (and we sure should learn it), although I personally like the action part better... :) If you're looking for a book that contains everything and in a detailed manner, this one is not it; it's nice to read, but superficial, and doesn't bring too much technical (boring?) details, which is good for me as a beginner, in my point of view; you may think otherwise. (There are other books that deal specifically and deeply with light, exposure, composition and all that, with lots of details.) Well, although it will definitely not make you a National Geographic photographer just by reading it, I really think it's a good all-in-one to start with. Five stars for a beginner's book.

Perfect Digital Photography
I use this book for classes I take at college...it has good information about how to usethe camera, lighting, photoshop, etc.

The perfect digital photography book. Period.
I love this book.First it brings together the talents of my two photography heros, Jay Dickman and Jay Kinghorn and second it makes you better as both a photographer and in the digital darkroom.
As a returning college student majoring in photography I was leary about taking Adobe photoshop class.I have CS4 on my PC, but had no idea how to fully utilize it until I got this book.Now I'm not only ready to take the photoshop course I can't wait to do so and apply what I've learned in this book.Jay Kinghorn is an Adobe certified photoshop expert and what he shows you is like taking a course.He leaves nothing uncovered in teaching photoshop and I love to use my CS4 now.Jay Kinghorn has some outstanding photos in this book.It's not a wonder that both he and Jay Dickman are Olympus Visionaries.
Jay Dickman teaches you about the camera, how to choose it and use it. Jay is a Pulitzer Prize winnning photographer and he shares his talent with us.My photography has improved 100% and people have noticed thanks to this book.I shoot in RAW something I hadn't tried until I read Perfect Digital Photography. since my courses are still covering JPEG.
Perfect Digital Photography covers it all.It's easy to use and understand.Color photos through out which are not only amazing, but will inspire your photos, I know they did mine.
Add this book to your photography collection, I promise you won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Product 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 (49)

Excellent, detailed description of DSLR concepts
This is quite a heavy read, but David Busch has done a great job of explaining complex issues in easy to comprehend terms.In this book, he refuses to gloss over any details and consequently arms the reader with a deep understanding of photography's "first principles".

One minor criticism would be that this is a very long book.That may be an inevitable consequence of covering so much ground in such detail, but at times I felt he might have shortened some of the sections without losing any of the insight.Nevertheless, this was a great introduction for me and whetted my appetite to experiment and to try to develop some photography skills.

If you want a much simpler table of settings for different needs, try Scott Kelby's digital photography books.If you want a detailed understanding of the concepts behind those settings, read this.

New to Digital SLR
I have been shooting film with Canon SLR's for over twenty years and have only explored digital pictures with non-slr cameras for certain applications. As I now feel that digital has gotten to a professional level at an affodable price and I am getting ready to move to full frame digital SLR, I found this book to be very informative as to what differenses I can expect with digital photography, the pluses and minuses compared to film, and a very good reference.

If you are familiar with technical aspects of SLR photography and want a good technical reference to digital photography, I would recommend this book.

DSLR photography in details starting with very basics
After purchasing my first DSLR camera, I knew I had to buy a book about Digital SLRs since I had very limited knowledge about them.

This book does a great job by starting off with the very basics including the history of digital cameras, how a digital sensor work comparing to a film, how the lenses work (physics class, anyone?), and how camera measures points for focusing and light metering etc. This kind of low-level (in computer terms) information helps you understand how your camera's hardware work to produce a picture. With this knowledge, you can later understand better why using certain technique or supplying a specific condition gets you a better picture.

It also has a nice glossary at the end where you can check the definitions of terms such as "Shutter Lag","Parallax Compensation", or "Matrix Metering"

If you are a new DSLR owner, and you have no problem reading/understanding some technical explanation, I highly recommend this book.

Covers all the bases... barely
I've been into photography since December '07 and I purchased this book hoping to improve my technique somewhat.But in all 300 pages of this book I really didn't learn anything that would improve my skill.
Some of the things he talks about in the book ARE interesting, but completely not relevant to photography. For example, page after page he explains different image compression techniques, or how a CMOS works vs a CCD. Great.. how does this help me master how to use a dSLR?If you've JUST bought a dSLR (say, within the last week or two) and want to move up from Green Box mode then this may be for you. Otherwise look elsewhere.

Mastering Digital SLR Photography
This book was the single book I read from cover to cover to find out all the bells and whistles on my Canon XT!From a - z, I learned how to take better pictures before putting them into a photo editing program.Mastering Digital SLR Photography gave me a better appreciation of taking pictures with confidence.Easy to read and understand, this single book took me from being just an amateur to begin my road to becoming a professional photographer.Mastering Digital SLR Photography 2E ... Read more

Product Description

The ultimate reference for aspiring and established natural history photographers.

Digital photography has quickly become the norm for all photographers. For those shooting wildlife in particular, it has opened new realms of expression and technique. This comprehensive and easy-to-use guide is suitable for photographers of all levels of experience and covers all aspects of using digital equipment for wildlife photography.

Wildlife photographer David Tipling explains how digital equipment has changed the art of photography and shows how photographers can adapt their craft to exploit this new technology. He guides the reader carefully through every aspect of digital wildlife photography, referencing his own stunning photographs with technical notes and detailed captions. Concise instructions are provided for cameras and lenses, field craft, locations, composition, post-processing, image manipulation, publication and more.

Chapters include:

• Getting started
• Taking pictures
• Field techniques
• Creative techniques
• The digital darkroom
• Working in RAW
• Basic image adjustments inside Adobe PhotoShop™
• Storage and backup
• Printing and scanning
• Examples from the wild
• The business of wildlife photography.

The author addresses those challenges unique to wildlife photography and offers solutions and advice based on years of field experience using both conventional and digital equipment.

Customer Reviews (1)

Read this one before your next safari!
"It ain't braggin' if you can do it"--and David Tipling clearly is a professional who can!More importantly, Tipling freely shares his knowledge and encourages the reader to get the most out of today's digital photography technology.He laces the text with easily understood explanations and helpful tips as he works through the process from selecting the best equipment for one's purposes to the final editing and publication of the finished images.He reveals "secrets" of successful wildlife photography that most professionals would hold close to the vest.Refreshingly, he also includes several notes regarding the ethics of capturing and publishing images.A great read and an especially useful tutorial that significantly enhanced my recent photo-safari to southern Tanzania!I would recommend this book as essential preparation for any such adventure. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

Superbtips that help immediately
I am at a point where, after doing photography for more than 50 years, if I find one useful tip in a lesson or book or video or seminar, I think it to have been well worth my time to have investigated it.

I have made notes on over 20 pages in this book. I keep it by my bed and use it as I would a reference guide. It has been that helpful in understanding what my digital camera does, how it does it and why it helps me with my images: theoretical to practical. That is a rare, valuable book to me.

I am not usre how it would be for a beginner to read this, but for advanced amateurs or photo-artists, it is worth having. It is techy, without be too techy...

101 Top Tips from the Pros.
Almost in similar fashion to Scott Kelby's "The Digital Photography Book," Michael Freeman provides the reader with 101 tips of how to get better pictures. It practically summarizes almost everything you need to know in photography. Its a great book that I would recommend to any beginner photographer, or an intermediate who just wants to make sure that they have got everything covered.

A good summary
Michael has written too many books. Even though I wished, I cannot keep his pace in reading them (and probably my pocket won't allow it). This one is an honest and comprehensive mix of two other books I reviewed in these pages: Pro Photographer's D-SLR Handbook (A Lark Photography Book)and The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos. Both got 5 stars from me. This collection of tips covers a large part of the digital world, and it also includes some of the ideas and recommendations from "The Photographer's Eye". I truly recommend it to the vast majority of photographers. You may find extremely useful tips put in a very simple, plain way. Reading is easy. Depending on your level of expertise, you may as well find that you knew 70/80 tips out of the 100 hundred reported in the book. However, why do you buy a book? To improve your expertise, to broaden your knowledge, to refine your art and your perception. Whatever is the reason, if you found just only one tip that could make the real difference, wouldn't it be worth the money and the time?
Max

101 Top Tips
As reviewers before me have pointed out, Michael Freeman is a very talented and indeed very highly respected photographer and with "Michael Freeman's Top Digital Photography Tips" he has brought a bit of his immense knowledge closer to all the rest of us.

The book is written in roughly the same format as Scott Kelby's "The Digital Photography Book" with one tip taking up one or two pages and all with excellent photographs to illustrate the principle being described. In stark contrast to Mr. Kelby, however, Freeman writes about his subject, photography, in a sincere, easy-going way, omitting the irritating, superfluous 'humour' of his colleague. The language is easily understandable, and you get a feeling that the author speaks to you, not down to you. The advice given is not for professionals, but rather aimed at the novice-notsonoviceyetnotpro. Even though some of the advice may seem a bit trivial or 'basic', I think it never hurts to go over them again every now and then. It just might give you a new perspective on things. And then again, the format of the book makes it entirely possible to skip whichever piece of advice you want or just look up one particular bit of interest. The tips are just that, tips. They're not a formula to succes, but a suggestion as how to go about handling many different situations in photography. It covers a lot of ground and in the back you'll find an appendix of suggested literature and websites covering the subjects treated in this book in more detail.

There are, however, quite a lot of spelilng errors, which just bothers me. It seems unprofessional and, to a degree, sloppy. This is not, I'm sure, the fault of the author, but that of the editor.

Having compared this book with Scott Kelby's "Digital Photography Book", I'll say that, unless you are absolutely camera-just-out-of-the-box new to photography (in which case you should get both, I think), this is the superiour volume.

This book has been my first Michael Freeman book, but it will certainly not be the last.

Exactly what I needed!
There's nothing new about a list of tips, but of course it depends on who's making it. I too am getting frustrated with an increasing number of books about photography by NON-photographers. If I want to learn a skill, a craft or an art, I want to learn it from a professional. Michael Freeman is one of the very few writers who actually IS a renowned professional photographer. More like this, please! Can't wait for the next 101 great tips. ... Read more

Product Description

Create amazing HDR photos with this full-color, plain-English guide

Your secret is safe with us.Even if you don't have the latest high-end high dynamic range (HDR) camera equipment, you can still create striking images that appear as if you do with the tips, tricks, and techniques in this helpful guide. Discover how to use bracketing effectively, get the most out of a tripod, finesse your photos with Photoshop, and make it all go easier with this practical and inspiring book.

• Shines a light on HDR-what it is, how it's done, and what tools you need
• Walks you through how to take good photographs, from using the right settings to choosing good HDR subjects
• Demonstrates how to put all your images together in a single photo, including selecting the software, establishing workflow, and creating files
• Covers how you can clean up digital residue, how to create HDR in black and white, and much more
• Packed with beautiful and inspiring full-color HDR images to fire your imagination

Get fresh ideas, avoid mistakes, and produce memorable images with this essential guide. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Best reference I have found for learning HDR.
This book is very in depth and easy to understand. I was impressed that the author explains how to create HDR even from simple point & shoot cameras. After reading thru this book I feel I will be able to attempt without out to much stress the HDR process.

Great HDR guide!
If you are interested in HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography, and you plan to use Photomatix software, this is the book for you! One of the most thorough explanations of HDR principals and techniques I have come across, especially if you are using, or plan to use Photomatix for your HDR tone mapping. Since Photomatix is, by far, the most popular and comprehensive HDR software available (at a reasonable price) I suspect that this book will be very valuable as it focuses mostly on using that program. I, personally, was delighted with that! It does explain, in a limited manner, several other HDR software programs, but the main focus is Photomatix - and they state that right up front. They are very thorough with their explanations and techniques. The differences between realistic, and over-the-top HDR interpretations is fairly discussed. I see a lot of beauty in both interpretations in my work and believe there is room, in an artistic sense, for both points of view. Their explanations of the many tone mapping options in Photomatix is the best I have seen - and I have many HDR books! I highly recommend this book.

Great book for learning about HDR photography
I've always been a fan of the dummies books, and this one is no exception.

HDR Digital Photography for Dummies
I am not going to go in to the part of this book and try to explain the how's or why's of why I like this book. But I am very pleased that I spent my money on it.
I spent 3 months working on a few pictures that I thought were worthy of HDR efforts on my part to come up short of expectation. I went half way through the book. Took one large JPEG photo followed the easy to follow instruction and came up with the best HDR that I have done so far.
I am looking forward very much to using his direction on photographing an old barn that is close to my home.
Thanks Robert!
Jim

Getting into HDR
I've always had a problem with the "For Dummies" brand.I often read on the subway and I didn't want strangers thinking I was dumb.If you suffer from this syndrome and want to learn the basics of High Dynamic Range photography (HDR) get over it, or you'll miss a good introduction to an important aspect of photographic technology and even art.

HDR is a method of combining multiple digital exposures of a subject to create a range of tones in a photograph closer to what the human eye sees than a single camera shot reveals.In "High Dynamic Range Digital Photography for Dummies" Robert Correll explains the process of creating such images.While he doesn't waste page space explaining photography fundamentals, he does cover the process in small easily accessible steps for the photographer who already understands how to capture images with his camera.After describing the equipment and software involved, the author tells the details of capturing HDR images and then processing these images, first in HDR software and then in post-processing software, like Photoshop Elements, including so-called pseudo HDRs.He also discusses creating HDR panoramas and black-and-white HDR images.

The book follows the usual jocular style of the "For Dummies" series (does the publisher have a special "wiseacre" editor?) including the cartoons and the usual "Part of Tens".Correll demonstrates computer processing using Photomatix Pro, which is becoming the standard for HDR software, and Photoshop Elements.Photoshop users will not have much difficulty making the translation from Photoshop Elements but users of HDR software like FDRTools, which uses a different paradigm, may have a harder time.(Demo versions of most of the software are available for download.)

Although the book discusses each of the sliders and buttons in Photomatix Pro and what it does, it was almost impossible to tell the subtle differences from the tiny illustrations often provided.I also felt that the author should have spent a little more time explaining the wide range of image outcomes possible in HDR processing from realistic to surrealistic, and which sliders effect those results.I suppose there is no substitute for sitting down in front of the computer and playing with the sliders in Photomatix Pro with live images.Even though I've used HDR software successfully for several years, I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around exactly what some of the controls in Photomatix Pro do.But for someone new to HDR, this volume is one of the best ways presently available to step into the process.


... Read more

Product Description
It’s easy to get started in digital photography and take great photos with Digital Photography All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies!   This fourth edition helps you choose the right camera, compose and capture great photos, load them onto your computer, enhance them with Photoshop, and share them online or as prints. Here’s how to compare digital camera features, choose accessories, and explore digital SLRs; get great close-ups, sports and action shots, and portraits; and use image editors including Paint Shop Pro, Corel PhotoPaint, PhotoImpact, and Adobe’s popular Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. You’ll also discover how to:

• Compose pictures that communicate
• Make the most of macro photography
• Get great candid photos
• Create the right lighting and use cool lighting gadgets

Take advantage of six cool improvements in digital SLRs

• Follow great ideas for getting your photos published
• Take great shots in a wide range of situations
• Learn to repair and restore treasured heirloom photos
• Turn your images into greeting cards, T-shirts, online albums, or prints

You’ll quickly find what you need in one of the seven minibooks:

• Your Digital Studio
• Using Digital SLRs
• Taking Great Pictures
• Basics of Image Editing
• Editing with Photoshop/Photoshop Elements
• Restoring Old Photos
• Printing and Sharing Digital Images

Digital Photography All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies, 4th Edition gets you up to speed on digital cameras and all the tricks, so you can truly enjoy your digital photography experience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (38)

Good beginners SLR photography book.
As the title suggests, a good book for dummies, people who have no idea what DSLR cameras are about.

A 'must' for any general lending library
The fourth updated edition of Digital Photography All-in-One For Dummies is a winner, packing in details on everything from using a digital SLR and studio techniques to image editing with various programs, restoring old photos, printing and sharing digital images, and more. From breaking into newspaper photography to travel photography techniques, this is packed with everything needed to produce winning results, and is a 'must' for any general lending library.

Very good
Very good guide on how to use your camera to get really good shots, with color images and many technical tips
on how to manipulate your photos in Photoshop

Wonderful Book
This book is has everything you need to learn digital photography.I am very happy with the purchase and would recommend the book to anyone who is just starting to learn digital photography or has just purchased a digital SLR.

Digital Photography Overview
If you have a question about digital photography, there's a very good chance it's covered in one of this books 8 chapters.It's an excellent reference source and if after reading you would like more indepth information on a topic, you'll have learned enough here that you can easily track down further detail.I'm an advanced amature digital photographer and consider this book an excellent reference source for special situations that periodically arise. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (51)

A Must Have Instructional Guide
A must have if you're trying to learn about HDR photography. Tons of details, but very simple to follow.Well presented

Artistic with Superb Explainations + Comparisons
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED if a introductory to mid-level HDR book is needed!

This is a solid read! My experience and knowledge of HDR prior to reading this book was limited at best. This has changed greatly as I now have a very good understanding of the technique, and how to apply it in a given any given situation. Lighting is thoroughly covered along with subjects albeit macro, landscape, & everything in-between. The information about software & post-processing is great stuff! The rationale behind the specifics are covered in a non-bias fashion yet is very in-depth. The book is lined with photo comparisons to illustrate how software treats a specific situation differently. These comparisons help tremendously to show how different post-processing techniques will react. There are also plenty of explanations for working around common errors of HDR- before and after they occur. Workflows are also clearly & rationally defined, and help to keep one out of the weeds before wading in.

Great for Do's and (some) Dont's
Just working my way through a number of Photography books trying to gain some more insight and knowledge. Read the "Complete Guide to HDR Digital Photography" and although not a 'complete' in the sense full and unabridged from A-to-Z the book is a very useful starter to advanced book for HDR. It provides a wide range of examples, describes several different programs with pro's and con's, describing their use with settings etc., practical enough to let you get started and advanced enough to suggest towards some directions for further trials. Very straight/simple, very practical and very easy to read/use, and also as a reference book. I will recommend the book to any HDR interested photographer.

HDR is Great
If you are new to HDR this book is a great introduction to this exciting new technology. This book is an easy read. Please keep in mind that a basic understandind of photography is needed. You will also need to under steand the operation of your camera, and you will need your camera's manuel. Dont be discouraged, amateurs and pros will both enjoy this book. Go on give it a shot. It will be fun.

No book needed
While I like this book and found it useful as someone new to HDR, in retrospect I would advise against buying this book or any HDR-specific title. The reason is that there simply isn't that much to HDR itself to warrant an entire book. HDR is more properly the subject of a book chapter IMO, although no doubt there are those who would disagree. What I got out of this book is mainly an understanding of the various software tools available for HDR processing as well as an understanding of the general HDR workflow, all of which I suspect I could have gained with minimal effort directly from web sources. ... Read more

Product Description
• Readers love Peterson’s easy-to-grasp bad image/good image pairings—and every photo in the book was taken with a digital camera

• Covers every popular genre: nature, people, sports, interiors, travel, and more

Using his popular bad image/good image pairings of real-life examples, Bryan Peterson takes the reader through all the techniques need to succeed with digital photography in every popular genre: nature, people, sports, interiors, travel, low-light conditions, travel, weather, commercial portraits, macro, and wildlife—even how to use creative tricks such as reflections. As a bonus, Peterson explains, in straightforward text, the techniques of Photoshop as well as the basics of publishing, printing, and archiving and storing for personal or professional use. Full of great examples for beginners and serious photographers, Understanding Digital Photography makes it easy to create great digital pictures every time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

Getting Started
I did not find this book to be as helpful as I hoped. But this might be just me, If you new to Digital Photography or just the Digital World then By all means get this book.I have been working on Digital equiment for 15 years now and I was looking for a more in depth guide.But if you are just starting to take pictures with this new digital world then this is for you.

Great Price and Fast Shipping !
We bought thhis item at a great price and Fast Shipping , would buy from this seller again !

A good book.

For beginners mostly. Lots of good pictures by a great photographer and digital tips. For more advanced students there is not much more. I was not disappointed in the book.

Understanding Digital Photography: Techniques for Getting Great Picture
Unfortunately its a bit old now and out of date. The basic information os there but it lack relevance. Anyway you live and learn!

Understanding Digital Photography
Love Bryan Petersons Photography books,He is a fun and easy read with instructions and good ideas to make your Photography turn out better. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (10)

Another Gem
I'm hooked on these authors and there's SO much I like about this book.This book not only teaches what it says it will, but it inspires and helps the photographer to become an "artist" and to develop our vision pushing the boundaries past average results.One lesson that shows how to go beyond average is teaching the importance of graphic tiers and how to light them, I loved this throughout the book.There are important "walk-throughs" for various set-ups, that open the door to a wide array of creative options.I loves this book because I love being able to harness the beauty of the outside world, instead of being caged in a stuffy studio, and this book offers the steps to do that.Though the results of some of my latest images have been more advanced than my regular work, the basic instructions in this book 1) what gear is needed 2)where to get it 3) how to connect 4) where to begin lighting, has afforded me the process quite easily, and achieve the look I wanted.Another affordability this book offers is doing all the leg work for sourcing out equiptment that's inexpensive and does the job.The worth of this book is well beyond what it costs and I will definitely look for other titles by these frontier authors.

Perfect for photo reference collections
Multiple Flash Photography: Off-Camera Flash Techniques for Digital Photographers provides a fine survey from two photography instructors who show how to use multiple off-camera flashes to improve lighting. From selecting the gear and syncing it with camera and environment to blending existing light with flash, this is a pick no photographer should be without, and perfect for photo reference collections.

Create photographic art
This book provides a means to see what is possible as well as to learn / fine tune your photographic skills in ways that you probably haven't thought of before.That's really the bottom line - throw away your previous conceptions and become absorbed in what this book has to say, the message is very simple... but quite powerful.I guarantee you will want to read their other books to explore Rod and Robin's insights into other areas of photography.This is not your 'usual' photographic book, you will not find the information or the insights presented this way anywhere else.

As I read this book, one of the early sentences caught my attention and stuck "A flash is used to illuminate ideas, not just to eliminate shadows."This one sentence embodies what this book does a masterful job at explaining and illustrating, don't simply take snapshots... you can use your camera and flash(es) to do so much more that will be meaningful and beautiful to you years hence. Do not read this book hoping to have it tell you how to take pictures of the world as you see it with your eyes.It tells you how to take those pictures as you see them with your heart.

What is so pleasurable is that this book is not written to impress with overly technical camera-speak, it's written in down to earth language with just a touch of humor to make it fun. If you're someone like me (who is not an experienced photographer with years behind them), you will get something out of this book and it will change the way you think about flash photography. It is not written as a recipe book, several of which I have owned as they were highly recommended when I looked for resources online. You won't find Rod and Robin saying, in this situation... set your camera and flash settings up thusly. Who wants to try and memorize all that type of detailed information? Not me.That doesn't help me create my images that reflect my personal view.I read those books, put them on my shelf... and more recently when I picked them up and flipped through them, I thought "there is really nothing in here I need any more" and I donated them.It was a very different experience with Rod and Robin's books. Those I pick up and page through to find my inspiration, and "re-sync" myself if you will, fairly regularly.I own the first two and they're already becoming dog eared, the badge of honor for a well loved book.

One of the main things that draws me back to the book is that it is not simply a book on flash photography of people or landscapes or macro or animals... or whatever... the images and the multiple flash techniques described cross all those boundaries.SO, whatever type of photography you love, there is something here for you.There are a lot of 'before' and 'after' shots as well as diagrams in reasonable amounts to show you for the particular situation, how the light was set up, where it was directed and what impact it had on the image.THIS is probably the most profound information, definitely a case of a picture paints a thousand words.Also, this book gives you useful insights into composition... a way of thinking about putting your image together and lighting it that makes it work as a whole.You'll no longer be taking just photographs of a subject. Snapshot? pshaw... not any more.The entire world looks different to me now.It's really weird, just driving down the freeway and everything I notice is different.I am seeing things that I didn't see before.That's very, very cool.You will see in the images how light is used to communicate feeling, it can be bright and happy, moody and dark, soft... each different situation makes an image feel differently.

You'll also get information on what equipment you do need, how to find it inexpensively... as well as the trade-offs you'll encounter when faced with a myriad of choices in flashes and flash accessories.There are also DIY ideas... and trust me, I've never been so fond of tin foil, oatmeal cans, tissues... and other 'found' objects.In using whatever I happen to have, like when I'm wayyy out camping or backpacking or ? and didn't want to carry a lot of equipment but now want a particular image... I have found that the resulting images are often some of my favorites, that the quality of the light in them is particularly unique.It's a lot of fun.It also gives some hints on saving battery life in your flashes, a nice cost-savings (as well as helping in the camping and backpacking arena, camera stuff can get heavy).

Of course, the book concentrates on what you can create using two or more flashes.If you're just starting out with flash photography you may want to read "Off-Camera Flash: Creative Techniques for Digital Photographers" first.

A note. The book is targeted for photographers that prefer to use their cameras on manual and thus retain artistic control of their images.If this is a precipice you've thought about stepping over, the book gives many reasons that using cameras on automatic is not only limiting, but often more expensive. This type of photography requires a LOT of practice... but my mistakes have made me stronger, so to speak, and like driving a manual car, you sometimes find that there is a great deal of fun in controlling things that were previously done for you. I found a certain... artistic validation... in this book and was definitely a good read.

The incentive to experiment
Basic premise of this book is the photographer should envision the desired final image and create it.Do not let ambient light dictate your photo's appearance.With clear, concise examples the authors go through the steps from concept inception, equipment (el cheapo to moderate price), and camera settings to putting it all together.The result is how to create images rather than record the scene.The approach works, I gathered two flashes and one camera.With some experimentation the image I've wanted for three years was created.

Multiple Flash the simple way.
Rod and Robin Deutschmann have done it again with their second book, "Multiple Flash Photography: Off-Camera Flash Techniques for Digital Photographers."Building on their first book, "Off-Camera Flash: Creative Techniques for Digital Photographers:" the book's specialty is the use of several flashes to improve the look of your photography.When you follow their instruction, you are able to obtain the control of light that you would get in a studio setting, outside in other venues.This book teaches you the basic of lighting technique.

In chapter after chapter, the authors provide cost-effective, inexpensive ways to bring this message to your audience as photographers, through flash photography.By even using different makes and models of speedlights, and even homemade solutions; you can have professional results, without the professional expense.The beautiful pictures inspire and move the reading and learning process along.The technique is explained, and your mind goes to "how do I do that?"

While much of the book concerns flash photography, this book is so much more.It articulates the zen of photography.You are able to think in a different way, beyond a simple snapshot mentality.The difference between documenting your world, to interpreting your world.From the comfort and complacently of automatic settings, to the accountability and freedom of going fully manual.

To Rod and Robin, each picture can be a message.Within the book, Rod and Robin provide a checklist to allow the message to "sing" as the authors tell it.This becomes a simple process of how to feel about a photograph, rather than just how it looks.For me personally, this book really spells out the process.

Another great feature in this book is the yellow post-its of truths and tips located throughout the book.They are from "No Shortcut" to "Optical Slaves Indoors" to "Six Steps to Artistic Freedom."These post-its are easy to remember in the field while shooting.

Being an experienced beginner, I am beginning to see how flash photography could impact my photography.While the fear of "washing" things out by using my "pop-up" flash on my camera, and the learning curve for good flash photography has intimidated me; Rod and Robin's two books have made the process much less frightening for me.I look forward to applying what I have learned through their books.

But the books aren't just for me and my skill level.People from every skill level can apply and adapt the lessons and tips in this book.Even the most experienced can readily the authors' MacGyver like techniques to their shooting.
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