Book Description

This highly respected text, now in paperback, has been thoroughly updated and revised. It introduces a logical theory of photographic lighting --- one that teaches beginning photographers to predict results before setting up lights. This is not primarily a how-to book with only set examples for photographers to follow. Rather, Light: Science and Magic provides the reader with a comprehensive theory of the nature and principles of light to allow individual photographers to use lighting to express their own creativity. Numerous photographs and illustrations provide clear examples of the theories delineated within the text, while sidebars highlight special lighting questions.

Although styles of photographic lighting continue to change, Light: Science and Magic does not go out of fashion because it is not based on style; rather it is based on the behavior of light. These principles will not change until fundamental physics does.

*Now in paperback
*Highly respected text on lighting theory covering the principles, applications, and equipment for informed lighting decisions
*Sidebars highlight special lighting questions ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Photography is all about light
Whether you're a beginner with a point-and-shoot or a professional with a huge investment in equipment, you need to know how light works. This book can teach you everything you need to know. It has both theory and practical guidance. The authors don't tell you which lights to use in a given situation -- they teach you how to determine what lighting to use to achieve the effect _you_ want. And they help you select lighting equipment.

To be fair, it's not always an easy read (there's a lot of theory and some math/physics to wade through), but it's worth the effort. I saw the difference in the next roll I shot. I only wish I had found this book a few years ago...

Outstanding and Essential!
Fil Hunter and Paul Fuqua have written a truly essential reference for product photographers and an outstanding educational text for all photographers. Light, Science and Magic teaches its readers the principals of lighting. It describes in detail how to light surfaces, metal, glass, liquids, extremes (black-on-black and white-on-white), and people for different effects. These subjects were chosen because they are reputed to be the most difficult subjects to light. But because the book emphasizes the principals of lighting, those lessons can be applied to all lighting situations. The examples in Light,Science and Magic are in-studio, but the principals apply out-of-doors and anywhere that there is light. You don't need to have a background in studio photography or a knowledge of lighting equipment to understand and benefit from this book. You need to have only a good understanding of exposure and camera operation. Information on basic lighting equipment is found in the appendices for those who are unfamiliar with studio equipment. Because the principals of lighting apply equally to film photography and digital image capture, most of this book's content will not go out of date. No photographer should be without the knowledge in this book. If you can absorb all of the book's content, there is nothing that you will encounter in all your photographic adventures that you won't know how to light to get the effect you want. It is well worth its price!

if you are a photographer - buy it!
Learn how light and lighting really work so thta you can create the looks and effects you want. This book explains the principles of lighting in a very easy to understand way. It does not contain a ton of lighting diagrams to copy.

Once you understand the principles, you own them. You will be able to light - with a little practice.

The Best Book On Studio Lighting Fundamentals
This is NOT a book with a bunch of recipes for lighting specific subjects.

Instead, this is a book on what photographers really need to know to effectively light just about anything in the studio.

This book talks about types of reflections and the nature of reflected light. You will learn how to light people, very reflective metal, transparent glass, and and various combinations.

I am a professional photographer and this book gave me a better foundation on WHY to light things a particular way. I feel much more confident in my lighting skills and I think my work has improved. (If only someone would write a similar book on how to get clients to pay faster!)

The book flows from simple to complex in a very logical and easy to follow way. There are plenty of relevent diagrams and example photos too.

If you do any studio work with artificial lighting this is the very next book you should by.

You realy learn ligthing with this book
The authors teach how the light works and its relationship with the objects that it illuminate in a plain language.
Using several examples, they teach how to light the most common and harder subjects.
You won't find recipes of how you must light, but you will learn how and why to light in a specific way.
Really a very good book. ... Read more

Book Description

Teach Yourself Photography is packed, from cover to cover, with priceless hints and tips on all aspects of photography. This book gives beginning and amateur photographers alike the complete lowdown on everything from buying equipment to developing film to presenting finished pictures. And it covers the latest developments in digital and Advanced Photo System (APS). The book's large, full-color format makes it an easy-to-use reference.

Reviews (5)

Incomparable! All you'll need to get head-start & keep going
If I had to pick one book for a beginner to learn the basics of photography, this would be the one. Whether film or digital, it presents the basics in logical easy-to-grasp order. The illustrations are not just works of art, but each make a point pertinent to the topic [like comparing depth of field with wide angle or tele lenses], stimulating the reader to give it a try. This author possesses that unique knack of presenting difficult material in an understandable, pleasantly conversational, manner - assisted by attractive sketches and relevant photo's. Not the least, the high quality paper makes reading easy, and the photo's glow. The occasional Briticism is good for a chuckle, and adds to the charm [yes, the author uses both metric and US measurements]. To repeat, whether you use film or digital cameras (or both), this book presents the basics, and presents them simply, attractively, completely, and very well indeed. It's a lot of book for a very modest price.

Although the fundamentals of photography remain unchanged, equipment changes over the years - and that's where the present (2003) printing shows it's 2000 origins. Digital cameras, in particular, have changed: an illustration of a "modern" 1.4 MP camera, and comments about memory 'as much as 256 kB', make the digital chapter seem undeservedly dated. Even so, the advice offered is as sound today as it was a few years ago. This superb introductory text deserves revision and updating -- keep it going Mr. Frost!

Great Book for Both SLR and Digital Cameras
I just received the book today and am amazed at how much USEFUL information is in this book. Having both SLR and digital cameras, this is the book that I've been looking for. The illustrations are simple, precise and very easy to follow. It's not written specifically for professional photographers, but for amateurs like me who just want to better understand my cameras.

Great for beginners
I bought this book because I just bought a Canon G2, and wanted to learn the basics to take advantage of the features of my new camera. Prior to this book, I have no idea what aperture or depth of field mean. I finished this book in one sitting -- very easy and engaging book to read for beginners. I like how it covers many of the common scenarios, such as shooting at night, shooting at mid-day and when to use manual adjustment to accommendate difficult shots. I can say now after reading the book, I feel confident to take on the many features of my camera, and I'll definitely come back to it for reference in the coming days.

There is no better book helping you to understand the basics
Two friends (who are professional photographers) were telling me that there are too many books on photography on the market that turn a comparably simple task into something complicated. Shrouding the relations of aperture, shutter speed and film sensitivity made it difficult for me to improve my skills. But this book explained the basics of proper exposure so easily, giving good advice for even the most difficult light settings that I now have the courage to use more and more often manual settings instead of the program mode of my SLR.
This is by far the best book on photography for people that want to learn the basics and move on from point & shoot to a more creative way of taking pictures.
This is a must have book!

To the point and beautifully Illustrated
This the one book that taught me more about how to use my SLR than the camera's manual itself. The step by step approach and the logical arrangement of chapters makes it a book that really teaches you photography. I also liked the way Mr. Frost uses two photographs to illustrate a filter. One take without the filter and then the same one with a filter. Also explained very well is how longer lenses reduce depth of the photograph and small helful tips on increasing your depth of field. An encompassing book, the last few chapters tell about how a slide show can be made more interesting and how to take care of your equipment. The peppering of photos and illustrations make you want to go out and take pictures using the methods shown. A good buy and money well spent. My only gripe is that I preffered the smaller size of the previous edition as it fit easily in my kit bag. ... Read more

Book Description

A best-selling author goes behind the scenes at a cutting-edge technology company poised to change the way computers see.

Thanks to the digital technology revolution, cameras are everywhere—PDAs, phones, anywhere you can put an imaging chip and a lens. Battling to usurp this two-billion-dollar market is a Silicon Valley company, Foveon, whose technology not only produces a superior image but also may become the eye in artificially intelligent machines. Behind Foveon are two legendary figures who made the personal computer possible: Carver Mead of Caltech, one of the founding fathers of information technology, and Federico Faggin, inventor of the CPU—the chip that runs every computer.

George Gilder has covered the wizards of high tech for twenty-five years and has an insider's knowledge of Silicon Valley and the unpredictable mix of genius, drive, and luck that can turn a startup into a Fortune 500 company. The Silicon Eye is a rollicking narrative of some of the smartest—and most colorful—people on earth and their race to transform an entire industry. 12 illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An Entrepreneurial Empire
Although I've been at George's side for much of the Synaptics/Foveon saga, when I recently read his latest book, The Silicon Eye, I found that I really didn't know the story. Fast paced and full of both personality and technology, George maps the fascinating and diverse paths of people and ideas that over a period of 40 years converge to yield a breakthrough invention. The teen-age camera buff from El Paso; the experimental carpenter from Vermont; the tragically brilliant female artist from Minnesota; and the two silicon seers who, as much as any two people, laid the foundations of today's global semiconductor industry. But for all their power and influence, they prefer to remain on the rocky road of the entrepreneur, refusing to enjoy the comfort they have earned but instead taking on one of the most established and insular industries in the world. Though the fate of Foveon is still uncertain, George shows that Carver Mead and Federico Faggin have embarked on a promising path of disruption, where the camera breaks apart and Foveon pixels diffuse throughout the world. Stretching now from imagers to speech recognition, from hearing aides to RFID, from iPod haptics to next-gen floating gates, The Silicon Eye tells the story of just one of the many companies that comprise Carver Mead's quietly growing empire of entrepreneurship.

Anyone interested in business, technology, cameras -- or that small number of people who just like a good story -- will love this book.

Bret Swanson ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (83)

Just take a chance
I recently purchased and have read about 90% of this book. It's very helpful in explaining the exposure triangle as Peterson describes it, as well as depth-of-field including when to use it, how to use it, and how to compensate for it.

Some of the most important advice that Peterson gives is to take some chances with your photographs by trying different techniques and types of film. He also notes that even the best photographers end up with two or three great photos out of a roll of film. This makes me feel a little better that most of the photos I take aren't fit for lining the bird-cage. It should also help keep things in perspective.

I'm looking forward to finding the time to attempt some of the techniques described in the book. There's nothing in it specific to Digital Photography, if that's your area of interest, but if you choose to shoot with film, this book will be invaluable.

Perfect for beginners!
For someone just starting the seemingly daunting journey into photography, this book is for you... I mean, let's face it... not only are there a plethora of cameras, films, lenses, etc... to choose from most of us are just drawn to images... we respond to images. This book really helps you understand what exposure is... at the core. I read this book over and over again when I was still an amateur and now that I'm a professional, I find myself handing as a gift to my friends that want to improve their photographic skills... let's just say I've given this book as a gift at least a half dozen times.
I think Peterson has done a great job of 'simplifying' the art of exposure. This is a must read for those starting out!

Not for a beginning photographer
This book is NOT for a novice. It is very confusing, and presents exposure to the reader as if the one reading it would already understand the concepts of light, metering, aperature and exposure. After reading about 6 pages, I put it down. This will be a dust collector until I can learn more about the basics.

The best book on photography I have ever read.
I have read sections of this book numerous times to continue
to understand all the aspects of exposure w/ a camera. I highly
recommend this book for beginning and experienced photographers.
I plan to purchase his new edition which comes out in August, 2004 as soon as it comes out. Go buy the book--you will not be dissapointed.

Book was a surprise. Indeed.
In my humble opinion:
Book is for: serious amateurs.
Pros:
1)explanation of every single photo in this book, including settings of the camera for each and description by author on the subject of the photo, technique and problems solved while gaining result.
2)Patient and deep description of photo essentials.

Cons: Lacks author's experience or arguments on equipment.

Personal touch: I chose it online and was pretty surprised on the print format of the book and tongue this book has, describing stuff with experienced, but not 'you know this already, so next one is..' point of view. It became very obvious to me, that author really wanted to Share his experience, describing stuff deeply and covering it with more than basic or typical examples. I would recommend it to anyone allready knowing basics and willing to move on. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A picture tells a thousand stories, but the one it doesn't tell is how the shot was made. Barbara London and John Upton's Photography is an all-inclusive look at the craft of photography. This book will help any amateur move up a few notches, and it serves as a refresher course for professionals as well. The sixth edition of this classic work (the first was published in 1976) includes a companion Web site with interactive activities, Web resources, and a learning archive. Amply illustrated with at least one photograph or diagram on almost every page, Photography is the one reference work every student of photography must have--even those who will never set foot in a classroom. --Brenda Pittsley ... Read more

Reviews (33)

The 3rd edition was nicer
After reading the third edition of Photography by the Uptons, Idecided to buy the sixth edition. There are new things in this editionnot found in the third but I was quite unimpressed with the mediocre graphics. Some of the illustrations look like they were done by a high school student learning how to do airbrushing. In this the third edition is far superior. I liked the profiles on living photographers in the third that is not found in the sixth. However, the section on problems with developing black and white film is exceptional. If you have any technical struggles this section can pinpoint immediately what the problem is. Also the book always has one entire theme or idea on the two full pages in front of you. It is an easy book to find your way around in and it really is one of the very finest books on photography available. It would be good of them to update some of the older photographs. I am tired of seeing models from the 70's in an almost year 2000 book. The book also is pricey. It should be available in hardcover for those who use it as a teaching manual or textbook. It would certainly last longer. I do recommend every student who enters college and majoring in photography to add this one to their library. This edition is also 28 pages shorter than the third edition. Why? It shoud have been longer!

Excellent reference guide & teacher, but expensive
This is a fantastic book that has something for beginners and advanced amateurs alike. I bought this book for my photography class at Temple University, and it will happily be on my bookshelf and referenced for a long time (or perhaps until the 8th or 9th edition)?

The book contains many useful lessons for beginners, if that is your level, for basic photography. I would have liked for there to be more about digital photography though, but I'm sure that will come in later editions as that medium evolves. There is also plenty to offer a budding photographer about lessons in the darkroom, and that was very useful and continues to be.

This is the ultimate photography book that will more than get a beginner started, or be a big help as a refresher to an amateur. However, the price is a tremendous drawback - it's a lot of bang, but for the bucks you pay, I'd try getting a used copy - there are many great dealers on Amazon that can help. This book is well worth owning though. It misses the 5-star mark because of cost.

Rating the seller
This book was said to have some highlighting!As is does, I purchased it used and just received it in the mail. Shipping was fast,BUT the seller NEVER mentioned the book also has water damage to the corners causing the book to lift and be stiff. I am NOT happy with this seller and would not trust their description on anything they sell used.

The book I would rate as a good beginners book and has lots of information for the beginner. Would also be a good book to keep around for reference. We can all use a reminder now and then.

MUST be on your bookshelf.
For those impatient enough: if you are to buy one book that would teach you photography - this should be the one. This book has survived seven editions and it has enough information to make your head hurt. Needless to say, this book does not offer a silver bullet that would make you Ansel Adams, but it has enough information to build a solid technical foundation upon which you could leverage your creativity.

Make no mistake: this book is first and foremost about film photography. While there is a somewhat obligatory chapter on digital photography, it is hardly more than a very brief introduction. The rest of the book implies film photography (needless to say, that information on exposure and lens is generally applicable to both film and digital photography techniques).

Furthermore, the book is seriously geared toward black and white photography. There is plenty of information about the color process but it feels complementary to the narration.

On the negative side, there are only a couple things to note:
- Having so many precise instructions, this book ought to have an appendix containing all data in one place (from reciprocity failure correction numbers, to N+2 development time increase, to film processing checklists). It is a shame, the book doesn't have such a reference chapter.
- The price of the latest edition is way too steep. While I am far from suggesting sacrificing quality for lower price (as unfortunately so many other books do), I still think that the price has risen way too high compared to older editions.

All in all, it is an excellent basic reference. It is unlikely to be the only book on your shelf, but it will definitely be an extremely useful one while you are mastering advanced photography. Bottom line: buy this book now.

Complete Photography, but change the size of the book.
The book is just "ok" when it comes to topics. I prefer not to have sections on developing but more on actual equipment and technique. I thought the digital section was well written but more should have been said since it's eventually be the main part of photography for the future.

I prefer to have a reference book written in a traditional school text book format. I don't care for the "chopped up" sections for every page. To me it's chaotic and not well organized. The first chapter is rather elusive and vague. I would have prefered a general introduction.

I did not like the physical size of the book. It's hard to hold and I would have prefered for a book of this cost a hard bound edition. If any of you old timers out there remember an excellent book, "The Amateur Photographer's Handbook", by Aaron Sussman, I would have liked "Photography- 7th Edition" to be similar in physical size and content. I have been using, "The Amateur Photographer's Handbook" for so many years and it's just too old for todays photography, that is why I purchased this one. ... Read more

Book Description

Photographers learn how to gauge the needs of their clients before placing them into a stale, preconceived "women's," "men's," or "children's" pose that hardly fits the client's personality or preferences. Provided with a two-pronged approach to fail-safe posing, photographers learn first to determine what the mood of the portrait should be and how to use an appropriate posing genre-traditional, casual, glamour, or journalistic. Photographers are then shown how that genre can be used as a basis to produce a pose that best suits the client, allowing them to create dynamic yet natural-looking pose that the subject-and the intended recipient-will love. ... Read more

Book Description

Here's the classic "bible" of forms and checklists for every situation a professional photographer may face.Thoroughly expanded and updated to cover the Internet, this brand-new Third Edition contains 31 forms, each ready-to-use as is, or easily tailoredto fit any situation.Photographers will find contracts for wedding, portrait, and assignment photography; property and model releases, assignment estimates, confirmations, and invoices; delivery memos; license for Web usage; nondisclosure agreements; and much, much more.An accompanying CD-ROM provides electronic versions of these forms, ready to use on both Macs and PCs. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Book!
Great book as a reference tool. Why reinvent what others before us have used? Using actual forms and a CD to personalize, this is a great tool for all photographers.

A very good resource.
This book, Business and Legal Forms for Photographers is a very valuable resource. I completely recommend this book for anyone getting into photography as a profession. ... Read more

Book Description

Suitable for all level of techniques, this is the ultimate photographic handbook for the 21st century! This handbook encourages traditional photographers to experiment with new technology while inspiring experienced users to reach new heights. Readers learn how to get the most out of this new technology that's transforming the world of photography. From improving casual snapshots to learning the secrets of lighting, composition, and digital image manipulation, this book provides a practical, yet in--depth approach on producing better photographs. The Digital Photographer's Handbook includes comprehensive information on the most up--to--date equipment, software, and accessories. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

One of the digicam/image editing books I've seen!
As a relatively novice photographer (haven't owned one since my old Brownie Hawkeye) with some knowledge of computers and a new digital camera, I've been working my way through as many books on digicams and image-editing software as I can find. Some are pretty general, some are more specialized, but most seem to repeat the same mostly superficial information and advice on both photography and digital editing. This book is the great exception! Ang is a very talented photographer and this lushly printed... volume is crammed with his work, but he's also a very good teacher. The first part of the book, under the heading of "Total Photography," is a mini-course in types of cameras and lenses, lighting, optical physics, and the essential practical differences in using film-based and digital cameras. (There's also a survey of information on specific models of cameras, printers, and scanners, which will soon be outdated and which might have been omitted.) The second section, "Photography for the Digital Age," leads you through such topics as composition, zoom, optical distortion, color balance, and how to avoid or at least fix the most common mistakes; I learned a great deal from his clear explanations and visual examples. "A Compendium of Ideas" is almost a separate book, being an excursion through all the major categories of subjects that interest people with cameras, from buildings and travel to microphotography and high-speed sports; you'll want to return to this section now and then for leisurely browsing. "Radical Conversions" and "All about Image Manipulation" are worth the price of the book all by themselves, with very clear and often very detailed discussions of issues which I'm sure are old hat to experienced shutterbugs but which are new and often perplexing to me, including proper cropping, burning-in and dodging, sharpening, blurring, cross-processing, color vs. black-and-white, and lots of others. Ang is quite good at balancing received photographic wisdom with new digital ideas. He also gets deeply into such computer-specific subjects as levels, cloning, and the differences and similarities between channels, layers, and masks. (He seems not to have much use for such glitzy effects-filter tricks as stained glass and embossing filters, with which I have to agree.) "The Output Adventure" is very good on getting the color on your monitor to agree with the color your printer produces, and there's a final section on portfolios, copyrights, and the business of photography. I can't recommend this one highly enough.

New to (digital) photography? This is a great book!
A large portion of my work entails dealing with image manipulation on computers. I am very comfortable with Adobe Photoshop and other similar software programs, but I have never used an SLR camera, let alone a digital one. Although the first chapter was information I already knew about the technology aspect of digital photography, it would be great reading for someone who is new to the subject. I'll agree, the software emphasis is on Macs, but that's because if you know anyone who does any publishing work, they use a Mac.

The most useful and easily the best reason to own this book are the example photos. They are all in exquistite color! Heck, even if you could care less about digital photography or how to get the most out of your camera, this would make an excellent coffee table book because of the beautiful pictures alone. Each concept is beautifully illustrated with great example photos and explained in detail.

More Great Amazon Service
This was my second photography book purchase from Amazon in a month and again, the book is very good, the price is great (good bye Barnes & Noble) and again, Amazon's service is EXCELLENT !!!

Sumptuous production; flawed attempt at trying to do it all.
This is a beautifully produced collection of digital images, deserving of a place on the coffeetable. The author - a wellknown photographer and teacher - made a valiant attempt at covering the entire digital imaging field. Unfortunately, that includes a (long outdated) discourse on digital cameras, computers (current crop of PCs does as fine a graphics job as do Mac's), camera and computer purchase recommendations (ie, get a Mac). Well-illustrated sections on how digital cameras transform light into pixels are diluted in impact by 'how a computer works' and so on. The section 'Image Manipulation' is very well done with good screen shots on quality paper and sufficient detail to take a stab at it. Yet a beginning digital photographer will find even that excellent section lacking in how-to-to-get-started advice. The exhaustive sections on various photographic techniques (landscapes, portraits, closeups, buildings, animals and humans in the wild, etc) again are sumptuously and lavishly illustrated, but speak in sweeping generalities rather than in detailed specifics. I also was put off by the substantial bookspace taken up by scanning of film negatives and prints - whereas the title leads one to assume the text exclusively addresses digital photography. Overall: a beautifully produced idea book for advanced photographers -- but it is neither a tutorial nor a teaching manual.

Great for beginners as well as advanced photographers.
A year ago I transitioned into digital photography, prior to which I used regular cameras (pocket as well as sophisticated) for years. I found Mr. Ang's book perfect for a mixed audience, as it covers basics as well as advanced concepts, all well illustrated with pictures. The color pictures really trigger ideas about what is possible with your own photographs.

A full 20 -30 percent of the book is devoted to what technology can help you do once the picture is taken i.e. using software. That is so critical in digital photography - and Mr. Ang gives umpteen examples and tips.

This is the kind of book you will use as a reference constantly. It is not for sitting down and reading from beginning to end - but using different parts as you mature into digital photography.

I borrowed it from my local library, and eventually bought it - even though I have several digital photography books already.

I definitely recomend this guide - especially at the fantastic Amazon price (cheaper than the store). ... Read more

Book Description

COMPLETELY REVISED AND UPDATED, THIS ESTABLISHED CLASSIC REMAINS THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE WORLD OF PHOTOGRAPHY!

2004 Edition

For nearly three decades, The Basic Book of Photography has been the ideal handbook for beginning and experienced photographers alike.This comprehensive edition has been expanded to include the latest technological innovations in digital photography and the most modern methods and products used in traditional film photography.

So whether you use a single lens reflex (SLR), compact, APS, single-use, instant, or digital camera, you'll learn everything you need to know about how to operate your equipment successfully to produce the most striking pictures.

This greatly enlarged edition includes:

* An all-new chapter on digital cameras and imaging
* Indoor and outdoor lighting techniques
* Descriptions of all color andblack-and-white films
* Procedures for processing your own pictures
* Ways to enjoy your photography on the Internet

With more than 395 instructive illustrations and an extensive glossary, The Basic Book of Photography will help you become the photographer you always wanted to be. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

A great comprehensive introduction to photography
This book simply is the most well-written and approachable all-in-one guide to photography that I've ever read. It goes from from beginning (picking a camera) to end (basic developing). The book is written in a very no-nonsense down-to-earth style that is very approachable. While it's certainly longer and more wordy than books like 'Photography for Dummies' and 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Photography' there is no fluff. My only very minor quibbles with the book are these: (1) no specific equipment recommendations are made, though brief mention is made of camera brands, (2) no comparison of APS versus 35mm quality is made and (3) while there are quite a few pictures in the book, I wanted more examples (some in color would've been nice).

Buy this before the camera
In a word, this book is excellent. It covers everything you need to know about photography in order to start producing good pictures in almost all conditions. It doesn't delve into a lot of composition, but there is certainly enough to get you started, and that's the goal of the book. It has one of the best sections on filters I've seen, and while it is dedicated mostly to SLRs, even a point and shoot user can derive some value from this book(and after reading this, or any photography book, you will be wondering why even expensive Point and Shoot cameras don't have tiltable flashes). Color pictures would have been nice, but then the book would have been either skimpier in text or more expensive. As it is, for $20, you get A LOT of bang for your buck.

Great for beginners!
This book is well written and thoroughly explains the fundamentals of photography. I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning about photography. The only thing better is taking a class where hands-on experience and instruction are combined.

Worth the investment, but...
The Basic Book of Photography (2004 Edition) is a superb and comprehensive reference for beginners who want to learn about the technology available to improve their images--particularly their film images. It presents a tremendous amount of information in a manner that is highly accessible.

I have only one quibble: the cover states that this edition has been "Fully updated to cover the latest advances in film & digital photography." Well, one chapter and a few sidebar references to digital imaging doesn't really constitute a full update in my mind, especially in 2003-2004, when digital sales surpassed film for the first time.

If you need to learn about lenses, filters, flash, and photographic accessories--and particularly about film--this is the book. If you are looking for information about digital photography, you'll learn a lot indirectly, but eventually the experience is dissatisfying.

Very good intro
This is a great book for those who know nothing about photography outside of "you stick film in here and you press this button." The book was logically organized and flow logically. ... Read more

Book Description

• An 816-page All-in-One guide designed for both beginning and experienced digital photographers, offering seven minibooks on everything from buying a camera and choosing the right equipment to editing with high-end tools and restoring photos digitally
• Includes chapters on basics such as point-and-shoot photography, with later chapters exploring editing, printing, and shooting portraits or high-speed action
• This new edition covers the latest technology changes in digital photography, including Photoshop 7, new low-priced SLR cameras, updated storage and output options with DVD technology, and how each of these changes affects photography techniques
• David Busch is the author of more than fifty technology books, most covering digital photography, image editing, and digital restoration

Reviews (22)

Takes Digital Photography to the Next Level!
Dummies books always make good introductions to a topic, but this thick book really dives deeply into digital photography. Most digital photography books ignore the photography aspect in favor of techie discussions of hardware, sensors, and gadgets. Either that, or they expend most of their pages discussing image editing rather than photography.

This one covers all the bases. I loved the extensive chapter on shooting sports and action photos, the detailed coverage of portraiture, a very nice discussion of useful tricks for getting the best travel pictures, and an in-depth discussion of close-up photography. All of it relates to the special capabilities and needs of digital photography, too.

There's plenty of information on image-editing, too, for those who want to know how to fine-tune their digital images. I even liked the chapter on scanning.

Everything is well-organized into separate "books" which each have meaty chapters dealing with a specific topic. It's easy to zip through the table of contents and find the exact information you need. This is one of my favorite Dummies books!

True All-in-One Reference for Digital Photography!
This is one all-in-one book that is truly comprehensive! I was surprised at both the breadth and depth of coverage. I really liked the approach, too. The first section, "Book I" contains chapters that quickly summarize the essentials of digital photogaphy and image editing, providing both overviews and helpful advice. This part would make a pretty good stand-alone pocket reference on its own. The same topics are covered in more depth in later chapters of the book, but without needless repetition. The later sections pick up where the introductory chapters leave off.
Book II is a useful set of chapters on building your own digital photography studio, with lots of advice on selecting equipment and accessories. Book III has pro-level advice on taking great photos, with long, detailed chapters on close-up photography, sports, travel, portraiture, and shooting for publication. The other books show you how to edit and restore digital photographs with applications like Photoshop Elements, Photoshop, and Paint Shop Pro.
All in all, I loved this book. If you're going to buy only one book on digital photography, this is the one you need.

I'm using this as a textbook in my classes.
I teach digital photography at a community college, both for college credit and in evening adult education classes, and have found this book to be the perfect textbook for my beginner and intermediate courses. The first Overview book is about 82 pages long, and provides a good introduction to digital photography. My students learn a little about digital equipment, how to acquire photos, do simple editing, organize them, and make prints. I generally either skip the second book or assign it for extra credit, because it talks about choosing a camera and accessories, setting up a computer, and working with printers and scanners.

The Taking Great Pictures chapters in the third book are the core of my curriculum for both the beginner and intermediate classes, as the content is easy to understand, explains photographic techniques clearly, and can be applied by any digital photographer. The beginner classes simply receive less challenging picture taking assignments, as they work with composition, close-ups, portraits, and sports photography. They also get a lot of use out of the section on scenic photography, as the landscapes here are spectacular.

The beginner classes stop when they finish the fourth book on the Basics of Image Editing. The more advanced image editing chapters, which use Adobe Photoshop Elements, are reserved for the intermediate classes. I do put both groups to work learning to restore old photos, because everyone seems to enjoy this.

All in all I have found this book to be a wonderful learning tool, and like it better than traditional textbooks for teaching digital photography.

Excellent whether you're a beginner...or not.
This book is easy to read, has plenty of examples, tells you what to do to get good composition, talks about how digital cameras can get great photos, and much more. I have read the "Complete Idiot's" version of Digital Photography and while that book was OK, this one covers more information that I was looking for, particularly how to store and archive/organize digital photos as well as go into impressive detail on a lot of basic photography stuff. While this book isn't perfect, it's very, very good for a beginner to intermediate user and is fun to read. I have learned a lot so far. Also, it helps to have different books to read on the same subject of digital photography and this is a welcome edition to that learning "package."

I've looked at other books besides the Dummies and Idiots guides, and this may be the most complete reference to date for digital photography. There's lots of stuff in the book that pertains to ANY kind of photography. If photographers use the book the way Dummies books are really meant to be used--by turning to the topic that most interests them at the moment, or the part that will help them with a specific (photographic) problem--they'll find plenty of valuable information. One thing they won't find, however, is much about setting f-stops and shutter speeds (though there's quite a bit about the connection between film speed and shutter speed). But then most digital photographers just put their cameras on "P" (for program) and let the camera make those settings for them! While the reading and presentation is easy, the depth of material is actually surprisingly thorough. Beginning, or even some advanced photographers, will be referring to this book more than once, over time.. Hey, where was this book when I started in photography?

More like 3 books in 1, but all are good!
This book purports to be "7 books in 1" but that's stretching it a bit. There are actually three solid books within its 686 pages, all of them pretty darned good. One deals with getting started in digital photography, with lots of information on selecting a camera, setting up your computer, getting photos from your camera into your computer, and using accessories including tripods, scanners, and printers. The second book is a thick collection of chapters that deal with basic photography. Beginners will love this introduction to picture taking techniques, with how-to advice on close ups, sports, portraits, travel, and other topics. The third book deals with image editing, primarily using Adobe Photoshop and Elements, but also mentioning some competing programs so you can decide which one is best for you.

All three "books" are very complete and written in the usual entertaining Dummies style. After you've gone through this material, you'll probably want a more advanced book to really immerse yourself further, but I felt that this Desk Reference lived up to its name. It's a great volume to have sitting on your desk when you want to refresh yourself about a particular topic. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Must-Have Reference
As with all his books, Lee Frost writes in a clear and easy to understand manner. This book covers an excellent range of techniques making them very applicable to everyday photography. This is one book I have recommended several times and will continue to do so. Worth every penny.

Very Practical Tool for Novice - Intermediate Photographers
I purchased this book 3 years ago when I first became interested in photography and have thoroughly enjoyed it since. The layout of the how-to sections are easy to understand and even make enjoyable reading. The section on exposure is excellent-IMHO.
I really enjoyed the "shooting floodlite buildings" section. The shot of the Eiffel Tower at night was so inspiring, that I told myself if I ever get to Paris, I wanted to shoot a similar picture. Well this past September 2001, my wife and I went to France and thanks to Mr. Frost, who told me the time of day to shoot, the film to use and to shoot at f8 for 20 seconds, I finally got my shot and have had a few offers for it! I uploaded it to a website known for desktop pictures for PC's. Excellent for those who want to improve in making pictures.

Biginner Photographer
This book is excellent for the techniques and tips to better photographs. The Lighting/Exposure and Grain chapters are excellent. Reading is easy to undesrtand and photographs for illustrating the technique are very inspiring. I really recommend this book to those who are just begining to learn the art of photography.

Good Idea Generator
I've read some of Lee Frost's other books, and really have enjoyed them. This book is probably best suited to the casual photographer who's wants to try a few things, but doesn't want to seriously pursue technique. At least, that's my best guess, judging from the format and subject coverage.

I can't say it's my favorite photography book. Other options would be Frost's excellent book on low light photography, or the National Geographic Field Guide series.

Excellent but a little bit outdated
This is a very good book, provides very detailed instructions how to do some tricks. It has plenty of superb illustrations, so everything is great. There is just one but. A picture taking techniques part is still very valuable, but most of special effects and image manipulations now can be done much easier through digital processing. If you want to add grain to your picture it's so much easier just to scan it and use software then mess with reprints, special contrast materials and processing etc. ... Read more

Book Description

In this comprehensive guide Lee Frost offers clear answers to the many questions raised about this popular, but largely misunderstood, area of photography. Through easy-to-follow reference charts, specially commissioned comparison shots and inspiring images, beginners will see what filters are available and how to use them: the more experienced can use the images as a source of inspiration. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

This is it !
when i search for filters book i found this book,
it's what really every one looking for,dont think
just take and you will thank me, it's very well
explained and good color photos and examples.

Lee Frost's writings are in an understandable format
I own other books by Frost, and I've always enjoyed his writing style. His writings are easily understood so the average person can apply his methods and see improved results. Frost show before and after results of filter use, giving full details on the filters and camera settings used.

Filters, The must have Book.
I have read several books on the subject and found this one to be very helpful.

A Refreshing Presentation
I've read several other books on the subject of photographic filters. Most concentrate on the physics of light and how filters affect light. Lee Frost's book finally got it right. He avoids a lot of technical detail and concentrates on the practical applications of filters, grouping them by their use: polarizers, ND's, color correction, B&W, etc. This format makes it easier to gain an everyday working knowledge of filters.

I own other books by Frost, and I've always enjoyed his writing style. It's down to earth. The photos in the book are excellent. Most show before and after results of filter use. In addition, Frost always includes complete exposure data for each photo, making it simple to duplicate his efforts.

If you are at all interested in how filters can improve your photography, I highly recommend this book. The photos alone are worth the price of the book!

he knows the filters
perfect explanations, clever advices.The author uses the filters, and he knows how to enhance photos.
One of the most required book. ... Read more

Book Description

This new edition of an all-time best-seller is completely revised and updated and details the components and step-by-step use of over forty of the most widely used film cameras. Significant new topics include time code and time code slates, video assist, and the Steadicam film stabilizing system. Among a few of the new camera systems are the Aaton 16mm; Arriflex 535, 35-3, 35-BL3 and -BL4, and 16BL; Fries 35R3; and the all new Panavision Panaflex 35mm and 16mm. The book teaches basic film camera procedures and troubleshooting techniques. It also looks at all the components, accessories (including lenses), and support systems.

Details the step-by-step use of most film cameras.
Updated to cover the newest cameras.
Describes both the technique and equipment necessary to be an efficient cameraman. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Best source for camera specs
Because it hasn't been updated Professional Cameraman's Handbook is missing some newer equipment, but it is the best source for information for pre-1994 camera equipment. I'll buy the 5th edition as soon as it isavailable.

EXCELLENT ,BRILLIANT AND A REAL HELP
I have bought this book in 1995 and it was a real help for me.I live in greece and most of the times d.o.p. stands as a camera operator too.I have made lot's of films since then but there was two of them with second-hand16 mm Eclair bought from two old filmakers.(no operators manual in it and ihave never heard this machines before!).As cinematographers know, manythings depend of the expirience someone have on specific equipment that isusing.this cameras was one Npr and one Acl (S16patend).My assistand getscared when he saw the Acl!! I JUST GIVE HIM THE BOOK AND EVERYTHING GOPERFECT!! THE AUTHOR IS A REAL PRO AND WE GET TOO THRU HIS KNOWLEDGE.THANKYOU. ... Read more

Book Description

INSIDE HIMALAYA features over 300 breathtaking photographs taken by Basil Pao during his adventure with Michael Palin through some of the world's most inhospitable terrain, from the deserts of Afghanistan to the sheer slopes of Mount Everest. Covering seven countries, Pao's photographs expertly capture the magical appeal of the region, and the extraordinarily diverse range of landscapes, cultures and peoples it is home to. Intimate shots of Michael and his film crew at work and relaxing 'off-air' give a fascinating insight into the making of this TV series. The photographs are preceded by an introduction written by Michael Palin. ... Read more

Book Description

With the over 50 at-a-glance pricing charts that this smart companion offers, photographers are sure to tailor their pricing to any sales or licensing situation, including new media and niche market deals. Plus, this classic trade reference tool provides a wealth of time-tested information on everything from estimating prices, identifying pricing factors, negotiating fair deals, and much more.

PRICING PHOTOGRAPHY enables photographers and photography buyers to * know which fees and expenses may influence the price of a picture or licensing deal
* structure prices to fit any type of market and usage
* respond to offers/demands professionally and from a position of strength
* define prices in a way that guarantees long-term profitability
* negotiate with an understanding for the other side’s needs and goals
* create up-to-date model releases, contracts and other legal documents,based on the legal forms included in this book. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

an invaluable guide for photographers
An invaluable guide for photographers providing information on pricing, negotiation and business behavior with clients, A very good book

An essential book for pro and would-be pro photographers
I'm called a veteran photographer these days, but I learned a lot from the newest edition of this book. It's easy to forget expenses when estimating or billing, and the book shows you how to avoid such pitfalls. There are many new stock uses relating to the web etc. and I now have a basis for pricing such uses. If you are starting out, read the book carefully, it's as good an introduction to the business end of photography -- that is of course about making money -- as you will get. If you know a photo student, give it to him or her as a graduation present. Highly reccommended.

Gold mine of information
I'm a professional photographer so I have experience in pricing, but until I read this book I didn't realize how much more there was to learn. I have picked up a lot of subtleties in negotiating techniques which has given me increased confidence in dealing with clients. Another plus for me was the language rights section. By using the careful, precise language when writing an invoice I am now avoiding some pitfalls in the permissions I grant to clients. The pricing charts are a great reference so I can see where my rates fall in comparison to the national average. Sometimes I even show the price charts to my clients so they can see what a good deal I'm giving them! The book is a gold mine of information -- all spelled out in photographer-friendly language.

Practical Pricing
"Pricing Photography" is the perfect book to take the mystery out of charging for your photo assignments and stock sales. As a staff photographer for a university, I know my photography techniques. However, I have been wanting to branch out into some commercial jobs without being sure how to handle the business and pricing aspects. This book opened my eyes.

The tips on negotiating really remove the intimidation of talking money with a client. The price charts are helpful, but it's the advice that makes the book such a boon for me -- it is friendly, practical and usable.

Title and abstract are misleading
When I bought this book, I was looking for info on how to price a photo assignment for sale. The title and short abstract of the book led me to believe this would be a great reference for my purposes. However, when I got the book, the first few paragraphs pointed out that its focus was on assignment stock photography, not for pricing photo assignments in which the finished prints are to be sold to individual clients. If I were submitting stock photos to publishers, it would be a great reference for me. It gets 2 stars only because it didn't suit my purposes at the time. ... Read more

Book Description

This book/eBook package is your guide to getting more interesting and creative photos with your Nikon D100 digital camera. If you want to learn more about the concepts of photography, this book/ebook is for you. It discusses every camera setting in a clear, well-illustrated style, but it also does much more. You'll see why and when you use specific settings, not just how to set them. You’ll find that this guide helps you quickly master your camera so you’ll be getting the kinds of photos you hope for. The book is printed in black & white and has a well-liked spiral binding that lets the book lie flat or be folded back. The accompanying eBook on a CD disc is a full-color version of the same book in Adobe's popular PDF format. It can be read on a PC or Mac using the included Acrobat reader or any current Web browser. The CD also includes trial versions of a number of the author's favorite programs. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Cheapest book I every paid too much for
One of the cheapest production. This book is a total rip off. For the amount one pays, one would expect a properly bound color copy of the book. This is a cheap reproduction(B/W Photocopied)with cheap sprial bounding. There is no way to to pick up any photography color information since it's in black and white. I whould estimate that the copying of this book cost about $3 max.

A Great Value
If you have a Nikon D100 this book is a great investment.There's much to learn about the D100 and it's covered in this publication.In fact, all of the Short Course publications are well thought out and very useful.

I consider this particular publication the missing manual to my D100!

I like this book
Contrary to some of the negative reviews I have read, I have to disagree.I am not a beginner, and yet I have found this book most helpful.While it does talk about some of the basics in photography, I think everyone can benefit from a little repeat on exposures and other things from time to time, and the book also does a wonderful job in relating a photography concept to the way to accomplish it with the D100.For example, today I went out to take snow pictures, and just what I learned from glancing through the book has made the difference between night and day in the pictures!I have just gotten this book a few days ago, and I know that when I have time to read all of it, my photography will improve dramatically, so will my knowledge of the D100 camera.The book is also written in an interesting and readable manner.

Read the description carefully before you buy!!
I just received this book, and while I haven't read the printed material yet to judge its value, the mere fact that it is printed TOTALLY in black and white including the example pictures, makes it only worth about 1/3 of the 34 dollars (plus shipping) that it costs!! While the accompanying cd does include a full color version of the book which I originally expected to be the print version, now if I want a color, printed copy, I will have to take the cd to a printer and probably pay another 35 or 40 bucks to have it printed. It does state in the description of the book that it is printed in black and white and I foolishly didn't read that far down before I bought it. So buyers, read the description carefully and be aware that the printed copy you will receive is in BLACK AND WHITE. The author should have offered the book at a much lower price than this when he purposely printed it this way.

A beginners book for a professional camera
I expected a BOOK... for 34 dollars, and in color not a photo copy with Black and White pictures. I wanted to know details of the D100 camera not the basic's. Not worth the money at all. Sorry... better information for free on the Web! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

The book is like taking course in photography
Brenda is a terrific teacher. Her book is written in easy to understand language. Her variety of techniques discussed and beautifully illustrated will keep a photographer busy for a long time. For the beginner it is like taking a course in creative photography. For the more experienced photographer it is a wonderful review.

Creative Nature and Outdoor Photography
Brenda Tharp is a gifted nature photographer and teacher. Her images bring a sense of freshness and unique p