Book Description

This best-selling introductory photography text teaches students how to use the medium confidently and effectively by emphasizing both technique and visual awareness.Comprehensive in scope, this book features superb instructional illustrations and examples in its clear presentation of both black and white and color photography. London offers extensive coverage of digital imaging and the latest technological developments, such as Web page design and formatting photos on CD-ROMs. ... 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

Digital photography has arrived once and for all. No longer do photographers have to be defensive because they prefer digital. Thanks to new technologies, digital cameras at all ends of the price spectrum can rival their film counterparts. If you have shifted from traditional to digital photography, and need to know what's different about shooting digital, this is the book for you. Now in its third edition, this bestseller has been fine-tuned and updated to provide you with the most current information on today's cameras that you'll find anywhere. Whether you're new to photography, or new to digital photography, you'll learn how to take the best possible shots. Even though your camera may pack an image sensor instead of film, taking good pictures still involves understanding apertures, shutter speeds, and metering techniques, as well as a few other issues that film shooters don't face. Fortunately, digital cameras also provide some unique tools to help you get the shot right the first time.

Covering everything from the inner workings of your camera to the subtle intricacies of your image editing software, the book is divided into four sections. The first section provides a basic technical foundation that will prepare you for the rest of the book. It details the basics of how digital cameras work and gives you a quick photography primer. The second part explores everything you need to know to make an informed decision about which camera, computer, and software is right for you. In section three, you'll progress to the nitty gritty of shooting, including metering, choosing the right exposure, using histograms, flash photography, and much more. In the final section, you'll learn about digital editing and correction techniques, along with the various methods for outputting your images (print and electronic). If you're new to photography, you'll learn the basic theory that photographers have studied for decades, as well as the latest tools and techniques made possible by the shift to digital. If you're an experienced film photographer, you'll see how to translate the knowledge you already have into the digital realm.

Features:
* Includes completely revised and updated coverage
* Provides new, detailed coverage of camera evaluation, including the latest technologies and affordable SLR cameras
* Includes completely re-written explanations and examples of metering and exposure, including hands-on tutorials
* Covers Photoshop CS and of Photoshop Elements 2.0
* Includes many new tutorials on improved methods for correcting and enhancing photos, and addresses the most common types of corrections users want to make
* Provides new and expanded coverage of the basic questions camera purchasers have, including how many pixels are needed, how to reduce red eye, shooting inside versus outside, etc.

ON THE CD-ROM
• Tutorials: All of the files needed to use the book’s tutorials as well as additional QuickTime tutorial movies and PDF tutorial articles
• Software Demos: Adobe Photoshop CS, IView MediaPro, and PhotoRescue
• Images: Color versions of most of the images in the book to examine on-screen or to print

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
To work through the tutorials in the book, you will need Photoshop CS (a demo is included on the CD). WINDOWS: Intel® Pentium® II or better; Microsoft® Windows® 2000 with Service Pack 3, or Windows XP; 192MB of RAM (256MB recommended); 300MB of available drive space; Color monitor with 16- bit color card or better; CD-ROM drive. MACINTOSH: PowerPC® G3 or better; Mac OS X v. 10.2.4 or better; 192MB of RAM (256MB recommended); 350MB of available drive space; color monitor with 16- bit color support, or better; CD-ROM drive. Please check the individual demos for specifics ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Complete Digital Photography IS Complete
As an instructor of Photography and Digital Imagaging, I have found it difficult to recommend texbooks that incorporate ALL the most important points of capturing, transmitting, printing, storing, archiving, and retrieving digital images. I generally need to list several titles to cover these various topics. Ben Long not only does the job with the Complete Digital Photgraphy, but he does it in a very concise, logical and easy to comprehend manner. This book is timely, informative, accurate and thorough. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to jump into to the art of digital photography. I especially praise its use for instructional value. I am replacing next year's text with this one.

Very STRONG book
I'm a professional photographer, and when I decided to go digital, I bought about a dozen books on the subject. This one leaves the others in the dust.

One of its greatest strengths is that the author explains digital by referencing film photography. This allows quick understanding of the new by comparing it to the familiar.

But if you're new to photography, this book is still for you. The author has a real gift for explaining complicated processes in a way that makes them easy to understand and utilize. And he covers what you need to know, without putting the pro to sleep.

I read omniverously, but I'm rarely impressed enough to write a review. If I could only keep one book on photography -- digital or film -- this would be it.

And thank you to the author for insisting that digital photography is created with a digital camera, NOT a scanner. I am SO tired of books that are supposedly about digital photography which are really about digital manipulation of film photography.

Do yourself a big favor: if you're interested in this subject, buy this book. You won't be disappointed.

2nd Edition issued December 2002
I plowed through the book in just one week of evening sessions. The author tried to keep the discussion of camera features in the first part of the book to to a generalized level that is fairly current (as of 1/03), It does a decent job helping both digital imaging novices and non-pro film photography converts grasp the fundamentals. I fall in both of these catagories so I felt it was well written for my level of pre-existing knowledge. In the second part of the book where he delved into photo manipulation software I was frustrated by the fact that the Photoshop Elements 2.0 tryout software included on the second edition CD did not have some of the tools that he uses in text and the tutorials, such as Curves and Channels. He kept mentioning that any brand imaging software should have all the tools he used so one does not have to get the full version of Photoshop. Not True. I now realize that the PS Elements 2.0 demo (30 days use) included must have been a last minute addition. I did find his beloved Curves tool on the limited version of Photoshop 5.0 that came with my camera but otherwise this version of PS was lacking in the layering features that the author uses in all his tutorials and was inadequate to follow his examples. The Video segments (about 30 minutes) on the CD provided a nice "over the shoulder" demo of several of the editing features as used by the author. His on the screen cursor disappeared at times while he was pointing out details which made it harder to follow his verbal explanations. This book is definately just an introductory guide to image manipulation software so I have ordered two more books and PS Elements 2.0.

Great book (1st edition)
Although I have the first edition, it is really excellent and explains the technical aspects of digital photography with great clarity. I am anxious to see the newer edition's updates on How To Choose A Digital Camera since so much has changed in the past 3 years, but otherwise the 1st edition is sufficient for my needs.

Great book!
I liked this book very much. It had just about everything I needed to know. I recommend it highly. ... Read more

Book Description

Almost everyone can "see" in the conventional sense, but developing photographic vision takes practice. Learning to See Creatively helps photographers visualize their work, and the world, in a whole new light.

Now totally rewritten, revised, and expanded, this best-selling guide takes a radical approach to creativity. It explains how it is not some gift only for the "chosen few" but actually a skill that can be learned and applied. Using inventive photos from his own stunning portfolio, author and veteran photographer Bryan Peterson deconstructs creativity for photographers. He details the basic techniques that went into not only taking a particular photo, but also provides insights on how to improve upon it—helping readers avoid the visual pitfalls and technical dead ends that can lead to dull, uninventive photographs.

This revised edition features the latest information on digital photography and digital imaging software, as well as an all-new section on color as a design element. Learning to See Creatively is the definitive reference for any photographers looking for a fresh perspective on their work.

* New edition of a best-selling title
* Updated to include digital
* All new artwork, and a totally revised and expanded text
* All-new section on color as a design element
* Written by one of Amphoto's bestselling authors ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Chiken Soup for the Photographer's Soul !!
I bought this book expecting to see rules of composition.Apart from one reference to the rule of thirds, I did not find anything. But I did find something else - "The art of looking at the picture through the viewfinder". As I had gotten into using more complex, advanced equipment, I had started looking at the picture instead of seeing. This book will make you think before you take your photographs. Most of the photographs in the book made me marvel at the guy's composition skills..even envy. But now when I take my pictures, some of the pictures from the book come to my mind, and I re-evaluate my composition. If this happens to you...youre well on your way to taking great pictures. The section on exposure is nice. The book is worth every cent you pay for it.

Banish those ho-hum, so-so compositions.
This is the most useful photography book I have read in a long time, and I have read a lot (and taken a few pictures along the way). True this is not a general book and does not cover the basics in film, aperture and shutter speed which of course are important (after all this author has written a book on these aspects), but lets face it there are plenty of these general books around already. What this book addresses in spades is what is often lacking in some others; composition.

If you are a beginner then this is a must read book. If you are more advanced and generally happy with your images then read this book anyway and look again. Were any of you images 'ho-hum, so-so'? Need to move on to the next level?

This is the best book on composition I have read. I believe this book has helped me and can help you improve your images no matter what level you are at. Yes, even if you are a point and shoot photographer. For me this one is a keeper. Enjoy. ASC.

A casual book for novices
Nice photo examples, although neither really inspiring nor stunning.
Technical details are superficial and sketchy.
Not worth keeping it as a reference book.

A must have book for reference, learning and enjoyment!
I own the previous edition of this book, so I waited with anxious expectation for its revision. This is more than a revision, it's a brand new book, a necessary addition to the theory and practice of implementing creative vision in making photographs. I recommend this book to all who wish to receive inspiration and mentoring in realizing their own creative vision in photography and even general artistic picture making. The text is written in Bryan Peterson's inimitable down to earth, friendly yet knowledgeable style. The photographs are truly inspirational. This book is a keeper!

Well worth the wait
When I heard that this book was going to be revised, I waited for it in anxious anticipation - it was well worth the wait!

Sometimes all that is needed to improve a composition is to change one's perspective, which is often pointed out in this book. This is something I'm learning to take advantage of, and can see the improvement in my pictures.

I was also happy to see a section added dealing with color and one on digital imaging.

If you've got a basic understanding of photography behind you, then I'd highly recommend this book! ... Read more

Book Description

The latest edition to join Martin Evening's bestselling 'Adobe Photoshop for Photographers' titles gives you completely updated and revised coverage providing a professional photographer's insight into Photoshop CS.

The main update is the latest coverage of all that's new in digital capture; also the numerous new tutorials and updated, top quality color images throughout make this edition a must have purchase. This edition also benefits from a new internal design that, along with a re-ordering of the contents, makes navigation even easier. Still packed with practical advice and even more hints and tips, this book will take your Photoshop up to a professional standard, guided by the 'Daddy' of Photoshop himself, Martin Evening.

* Over 450 professional, color illustrations make this book stand above the rest
* New interior design and reorganised contents make this book even easier to use
* Master the power of Photoshop CS under the instruction of an internationally recognised Photoshop expert ... Read more

Reviews (8)

An Absolute Must Read if you Love Photoshop
I was a very early adopter of Photoshop and used it extensivly for 10 years until I decided to try something a little different (farming) a couple of years ago. Now I have decided to get back into the game and in preperation I read four of the most current books on Photoshop.

Martin Evenings book is truly incredible for both the level of detail and the breadth of the material presented. I read this book cover to cover and then picked it up a week later and read sections of interest again.

This is not a book for those who want to gloss over the subject, it is a book for serious imagers who want to play at the top of their profession.

Honestly this book put to shame the other books that I read which tended towards little nuggets of information and specific techniques rather then presenting a solid understanding of how Photoshop works and the implication of not only technique but fundamentals like workflow, color management, planning for re-purposing files and so on.

It is a little humbling to know that there are wizards like Martin Evening out in the marketplace. This book is incredible.

Photoshop CS for Photographers is highly inspiring
Photoshop for Photographers is highly inspiring for me. During the four weeks I posess a copy of it I hardly did other things then discovering more and more on Photoshop... It is like discovering the world (which is my second job as a tourleader and travel journalist/photographer, next to my daily work as a photographer and editor/desktoppublisher).

Although I am working with Adobe Photoshop for over ten years as a photographer and desktoppublisher Martin Evening showed me a number of new methods which I could not find in other books on this program. Especially the extensive chapters on Color Correction, Color Management and Output for Print were very interesting to me; but every chapter contains interesting stuff. I am convinced that there is no better book on this subject, with the things together that belong together (for example colorcorrection) and not a full technical description of menu-item by menu-item which in daily practice are used mixed up.

I am sure that Photoshop for Photographers is very close to the way photographers (amateur and pro) think and work. This is not such a dull computerbook, from which there are already too much. Even for a non-native English-speaker as I this book is written in a very clear and understandable language. The fullcolor examples and how to's that are mixed througout the book are very instructive and inviting to try it yourself.
Martin Evening tried to keep a highly complex program simple for his readers. Meanwhile his texts stimulated me to try to understand how Photoshop really works (those technical backgrounds are not inside, to keep the book understandable for starters. And that is how it should be).
I wish you a lot of photo-editing fun!

The 1 Star Ratings are Ridiculous.
This book is not *intended* for inexperienced users, therefore it's not surprise it might also be confusing to the same group. The last reviewer answered his own complaint: if you don't know Photoshop at all, buy a cookie cutter / how-to book like those from Deke McLelland or even Scott Kelby. If you're looking for a comprehensive view of the application from a professional photography perspective, buy this book. You're not likely to be disappointed.

Among all the Photoshop books which attempt to detail all aspects of the digital photography workflow (from hardware to color management to editing techniques), Martin Evening's books are among the very best.

He also does make a habit of updating content wherever practical from edition to edition. Obviously it's silly for an author to change every screenshot and example for every edition. When you find one that works well for illustrating a particular technique, you keep it until the tool in question changes. If it isn't broken....

And to say this is poorly written reflects more on the commentator's reading comprehension ability, than the author's writing ability. Evening's work is very accessible, assuming you already know the basics of Photoshop. The only complain I have about this book is that I would like him to focus a little more on facial retouching aspects, as it's obviously a big part of his business. I'm sure he has more to share on that topic. Hopefully next edition....

Don't Waste Your Money on Martin Evening's Book
This book is for the highly experienced photoshop user. Martin Evening can't explain simple concepts, his graphics are on different pages then his text (so you have to hunt for the graphic). Just very poorly written. If you want to really learn about Photoshop CS the buy Deke McLelland's, "Adobe Photoshop CS One-On-One". It is full of examples, has a terrific CD, very well written, easy to understand. Absolutely the best.

Excellent as usual from Martin Evening
Another very easy to follow and comprehensive manual for CS. I've owned them all since Mr. Evening's 6.0 for Photographers and this one will prove to be as invaluable as the others. Highest marks! ... Read more

Book Description

An updated bestseller, this book of extraordinarily beautiful photographs of nature contains state-of-the-art instruction on how any photographer can aim for equally impressive results every time a camera is focused on the great outdoors. Even highly skilled photographers are often baffled by the problems facing them when they work outdoors. But with this exceptional field guide in hand, every photographer-beginner, serious amateur, semi-pro, and pro-can conquer the problems encountered in the field. Using his own exceptional work as examples, the author discusses each type of nature subject and how to approach photographing it. Specific advice and information cover selection of equipment and lenses; how to compose a shot; how to get close ups; and other tips covering a range of techniques to enrich various types of nature photographs. ... Read more

Reviews (44)

Very useful information, irritating style
I've read this book cover to cover several times and I have to say it has greatly improved my understanding the technical aspects of photography and my results have improved rapidly. I highly recommend the book, especially to beginners like me. That said, I have to say that when I'm looking through the book for the umpteenth time for advice and technical information, the condescending, know-it-all tone that the author occasionally adopts to make his point gets really irritating and detracts from my enjoyment of the book. Also, although the brand-specific information is probably useful for Nikon users, and in the cases of some kinds of equipment like tripods, for people with large pocketbooks, it is of little use to people with other systems or limited budgets, and once again this makes me as a reader feel a bit like a second-class citizen. My point is that John Shaw is a very experienced photographer and decent writer who has collected a great set of useful tips into a handy book, but I wish he would stop bragging about himself and his equipment in the process.

Great advice for all photographers
John Shaw is a master photographer who excels at communicating his knowledge in very clear and concise language. This book is a marvel of efficiency as he covers topic after topic in highly succinct fashion. While keeping each section brief, he manages to teach a lot in the clearest way possible.

Many tips on how to get correct exposure and strong composition are in here as well as techniques for macro photography. Also, a significant portion of the book is devoted to considerations when purchasing equipment and the information is invaluable.

As others have pointed out, the equipment he favors is not cheap but some seem to miss the entire point of those chapters. Shaw does not give the reader a shopping list. He discusses the pros and cons of various equipment and encourages you to weigh the trade-offs to develop your own equipment list. Since much of the better equipment is expensive, this may mean rationing your money to get the best bang for the buck.

This is an excellent book. It covers a variety of topics with a rare clarity that makes it a must have for any serious photographer.

Excellent Author
I won't dwell on this topic, but I've consumed many photogrpahy books in recent years and John Shaw is an excellent writer that gets his point across. I wish I had read it earlier than I did because it is fantastic. He writes exceptionally well and drives his point home from multiple angles. He starts with the essentials like exposure and.... I just can't say enough about the way John is able to communicate photographic concepts and photography in general. The best I have ever read. Second to John's book is, Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs With a Film or Digital Camera by Bryan F. Peterson; Bryan is also excellent. If you buy two books, buy these.

Very nice for advanced and beginner
Great information and reference. Yes, the gear he discribes is pricey pro stuff but its guide to what is best, and from there you can judge what you need or can afford. At least you know that you need a ball head, or that composite tripods are really not worth the price, and how to test tripods in a store.
Nice tips on conditions that I did not know even existed, like snow, there are 3 or 4 different ways it will expose film, all different. Snow is not white like you think, it depends on the weather. Great tips through out the book. I don't read it cover to cover. When I pick it up I just open it and read a few pages on that topic. Great stuff and great examples. Shoting images for over 35 years. I have already used some tips and my outdoor pictures are a notch better. And thats the bottom line, right?

Excellent book
A lot of practical techniques, very easy to follow ... Read more

Book Description

Aimed at photographers who pack away their cameras as soon as light levels fall, this brilliant book shows how, with just a little skill and imagination, even amateurs can produce breathtaking photographs in nighttime or low-light settings.The guide begins with a clear explanation of technical aspects that must be considered, such as the best equipment to use for low-light indoor or nighttime outdoor shots, which color and black-and-white films to choose, how to ensure correct exposure in tricky situations, and details relating to both natural and artificial light. The book then tackles a wide range of themes and lighting situations, presenting specific guidance for shooting low-light landscapes, portraits, buildings, carnivals, fireworks displays, and weather phenomena such as lightning, sunrises, and sunsets. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Excellent Choice
Must say that this is a very well written book. I am not among the ones who can concentrate enough to complete any book end-to-end, but this one really got me glued on.
The book takes you through the nity-grities of the camera and its accessories like the lens, the filters, the tripods, etc. After this, it has dedicated chapters that will explain shooting techniques in various situations like Christmas, Times Square, Night landscapes, etc. Plus, a good section on painting with Flash light is really interesting.
Been halfway thru the book and already started workin my Nikon in Manual mode with great results.
Proud of myself for having bought this book. ;)

Great book for those starting up in low-light photography
Quite a valuable addition to my photo books collection. For a beginner in the night-time photography, a must have, full of tips, techniques and actual useful numbers, such as shutter speeds, apertures, reciprocity breakdown correction values etc. in different low-light situations. Those guys who say the actual numbers are not there did NOT read the book - they flipped through it without paying attention. To sum up - for a beginner in low-light picture taking, a good buy for the money. (...)

fantastic book
one of the best books on the subject i have come across, very well structured with chapters starting from some basics, passing into the choice of equipment, and films, then a thorough exhusting chapter on exposure and metering, it also contains excellent chapters describing different situations and how to handle them...
the pictures are really stimulating, but in order to get similar results you need a heavy weight pocket, as most of the photos were taken with fast lens that are not cheap basically, but thats not the books' fault!!
i highly recommend it and i am glad i baught it, at a price so low for it's real value.

Not so bad, but there is better
This book has received some flak from other reviewers for being too basic and I can't say that I completely disagree. I think it works well as a complement to Andrew Sanderson's "Night Photography," which I purchased at the same time as this book. When it comes to actually learning about the "How" and "Why" of night photography, this book lacks solid advice about taking quality pictures. If you're looking for those things out of a book, go with the Sanderson book and not this one. My feeling on this book is that it can be a creative tool... something to help get ideas or inspiration, but when it comes to learning new stuff, it falls a little short. I give the author credit because it isn't a terrible book by any means, but I think the title is a little misleading.

Wow
This book is worth the price of admission just as a book of photos. They are fantastic.

But if you are interested, it is full of very practical knowledge of the subject matter. If you take the time to read it all, you're on your way to becoming an expert low light photographer. ... Read more

Book Description

Providing a concise look at the foundations of posing, this guide illustrates the ways in which key posing strategies flatter the lines of the body, creating definition, dynamic lines, and a camera-friendly posture. Photographers learn how to analyze the facial features of their subjects to ensure the most flattering positioning, how to finesse fingers for delicate or strong hand positions, and how to adapt a pose for a man, woman, or child. Strategies for artfully posing couples, large groups, under- and overweight clients, the elderly, and everyone in between are detailed. With techniques and images from nearly 50 of the industry's most notable artists, this valuable sourcebook offers something for every film and digital photographer. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A great instructional book with stunning photographs
Upon opening The Portrait Photographer's Guide to Posing I was presented with a stunning photo of an exuberant bride and I realized immediately that I could learn much from this book. I was not disappointed as I learned many subtleties about positioning the face, placing the hands and fingers and identifying flaws and working around them, etc.

The book is illustrated with extraordinary photography from many masters of portrait photography. The work is so beautiful and the text so insightful that it pulled me along turning pages like it was a new Dean Koontz novel.

I didn't think that posing was a subject that warranted an entire book but I am proved wrong by the Guide to Posing and I look forward to applying what I learned in my work. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I wish I'd known...
This is a very useful book for anyone trying to refine their lighting skills. Each section features a large number of finished shots, and on the opposite page is an easy-to-understand lighting diagram, and a few paragraphs about how the shot was done.

I wish I'd known before buying this book, however, that it includes the complete contents of three Pro Lighting series titles (i.e., Nudes, Erotica and Provocative Shots). The Pro Lighting Series books are great, but you don't need to buy those three if you buy _Lighting the Nude_.

One of the Best in this topic
I like this book very much for several reasons:

1. Great photos - interesting techniques on topics ranging from classical nude to outdoor nude, accessories/props to hair/makeup.

2. Good taste - this is NOT a book filled with sleazy / low-class photos of naked women. I find all of them tending towards modern, fine art types.

3. Superb format - Minimal text with essential descriptions, simple diagrams showing the studio setup, camera settings

4. Good value - Hardcover with 400 over pages (each with clear examples), printed in in full color on glossy paper.

I use this book as a source of ideas and to experiment with different lighting setups.

Comparisions:
There are numerious books on this topic, and I've read many others. This book is similar to "Lighting for Nude Photography" (also by Rotovision) - "Lighting The Nude" is twice as thick and provides more ideas/techniques. If you like Prolighting series books - which has great illustrations and simple instructions, you will love this. But if you like long-winded, text-intensive book, telling you stories about each picture, then this is not for you. Another book I like is "Successful Glamour Photography" by John Kelly but this book is a little old now. ... Read more

Book Description

Now in its seventh edition, View Camera Technique is a unique, comprehensive book that presents clearly and precisely the features, operations and applications of view cameras. It details camera movements, image formation, exposure control, and information concerning lenses and accessories. Diagrams, comparison charts, and more than 500 photographs and illustrations by distinguished professional photographers provide the reader with the tools necessary to analyze a picture situation, set up and manipulate the camera, and portray the subject to meet the expectations of the professional photographer.



This text has been completely revised and updated to include over 100 brand-name view cameras, and offers comparison tables to assist readers in choosing cameras, lenses, and view-camera digital backs. This latest edition offers expanded coverage of the newest technology, including electronic features that simplify the use of view cameras for conventional photography and digital view cameras that eliminate the need for film and make it possible to modify the digital images with image-processing computer software programs

Over 500 photographs and line drawings

Expanded coverage of the newest technology

Updated comparison tables for 111 brand-name view cameras and accessories including over 50 specific features ... Read more

Reviews (6)

THE authority.
This is THE reference standard for view camera photography. Prof. Strobel fully explains the different types of view cameras and how to best take advantage of the bellows and various camera movements. This book first appeared in 1967 and has only gotten better with each printing. Prof. Strobel was one of my professors at RIT 30 years ago and I still find myself using his excellent book as a reference.

Required reading
This is THE work on view cameras. Probably the most comprehensive single-volume work, it should be required reading for everybody.

It does not cover all the latest models (use the internet for that) but view cameras have not changed fundamentally in decades. The work covers all basic and intermediate topics, as well as many advanced techniques.

A book to read and re-read several times.

Not many books on the subject.
There are not many books on the subject and this one is probably one of the best, along with "Using the view camera" by S. Simmons. The camera brands presentation part summs up into a hard to read table, not really helpful; but otherwise, this is a very good book for learning and perfecting large format techniques, even if the inside layout is slightly in retreat from what the cover would let us expect.

Nuts to Bolts - Everything you want know
When anyone asks me what book they should read about how to use a view camera, I recommend Stroebel's View Camera Technique. I have a third edition and the 7th, while maintaining many of the original illustrations, the 7th edition is even better. If you are like me and want to know the how and why of view cameras. This is the book to read.

A great reference source.
An essential reference source, not only for view cameras, but for understanding all types of photography. You will use it frequently. Certainly one to own. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Medical Photography ? techniques and equipment
Sections on patient photo-techniques, type of camera and flash equipment are very well detailed, are excellent and very well illustrated. However, chapter on digital photography was poor and not consistent with the quality of the information found in the rest of the book. In summary, this is a very good resource for interns/residents/fellows, medical photo technicians and physicians in practice. ... Read more

Book Description

This absorbing book, by professional photographer and author Ken Milburn, offers a ton of expert advice to those who are ready to move to the next level with digital photography. Rather than a general discussion of photography principles, Digital Photography: Expert Techniques focuses on workflow: time-tested, step-by-step procedures based on hard-nosed experience by and for genuine practitioners of the art. The book's conversational tone presents detailed information about what to look for in today's affordable high-end digicams, how to use simple techniques and equipment to shoot breathtaking shots, instructions on shooting great panoramas, dos-and-don'ts for creating better Photoshop masks, and professional digital darkroom techniques for everything from knockouts to restoration to transforming your photos into watercolors. It even shows you how to get your most prized photographs printed and ready for exhibition.

Contents include:

Understanding your digital camera from the inside out.

Creating effects with the camera: making panoramas, high-resolution matrixes, infrared photos, and more.

General composition and managing your workflow.

Using the digital darkroom and Photoshop CS to make your images professional caliber.

Understanding the power of Photoshop CS selections and masks.

Using special effects to save what's good, and get rid of the bad and the ugly.

Creating fictitious photos: bend and wrap images to fit an object, insert a more interesting skyscrape, and more.

Professional color and tonal management

Creating portfolios and presenting your images on the Web.

Digital Photography: Expert Techniques is in four-color front to back, allowing you to see each step in the Digital Photographer's workflow, including the steps in-between.Serious photographers, including professionals, who want to take advantage of the unique creative powers available through digital photography and digital image processing will find this problem-solving book invaluable. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Above and beyond the typical digital photography book
There are many books available explaining how to make the most of Photoshop or how to get everything you can out of your digital camera. While this book goes into some of these topics, it goes a step further by looking at it from the point of view of a professional photographer. This insight is particularly welcome, which shifts the focus of the book from knowing how to use Photoshop to how to be a better photographer.

The author takes the professional photographer's perspective (although this book can really be read and enjoyed by anyone serious about digital photography), which includes discussing issues such as storage, cataloging, CCD basics, and software. The author discusses some of his file naming techniques, shows some of the tools he uses, and provides recommendations for camera purchases.

Rather than simply rehashing the same Photoshop tricks available in every other digital photography book, the author shows what professional photographers do (bracketing photographs) as well as different software that might be better suited for a specific task (stitching software to combine many individual photographs into one large image). Naturally, many other image manipulations are discussed, however, the central point of the discussions are always how to make a better photograph. I found discussions that focused on the photograph rather than the software tool very refreshing and quite interesting and useful.

The author wraps up the book by providing some ideas on how to break into the business as a professional photographer. There is a discussion on printing photographs and how to create some beginning marketing materials. In all of these discussions, the focus remains on the photograph. I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to individuals interested in a book that gives you more than the rest of the digital photography books out there.

Great advice from a seasoned professional
I'm impressed with Ken Milburn's insight into producing top-quality digital images. His tips are not always those found in other books on Photoshop or digital photography. For example, Ken recommends slightly underexposing all photos you shoot. Too much light, he explains, can wash out details. But if the subject is slightly underexposed, then lighting can be adjusted in Photoshop without loss of fine details. That's a very useful tip that I had not read anywhere else (in my PS books, at least). He also affords readers sufficient photographic evidence to convince them to use RAW format whenever possible. I shoot in RAW mode all the time now.

Not all of Ken's techniques will be new to digital photographers. The need for a fill flash, uncluttered backgrounds, and a good photo printer are ideas that seem a bit incongruous in a book offering much more advanced advice in later chapters. I think the author was just trying to target as broad of an audience as possible.

Upon reading this solid guide, you will probably notice Ken's preference for 3rd party plugins/filters. He's the first Photoshop author I've read who so strongly advocates the utilization of extra plugins instead of the direct use of Photoshop's built-in technologies. While Scott Kelby would tell you to add a duplicate layer, apply Gaussian blur, and then reduce opacity to accomplish a given task, Ken touts the power of $200 plugins that accomplish the same goal more quickly and sometimes more effectively. Fortunately, comparison photos are often provided to illustrate the differences between the results of Photoshop techniques vs. 3rd party plugins.

Overall, this book is worth owning if you would like some useful tips and tricks from a pro. Just keep in mind the author's bias toward 3rd party products, and expect a few sections on topics that are perhaps too elementary for the rest of the book (e.g., "Take Good Care of Your Printer").

Beautiful book, and excellent techniques...
O'Reilly has a book out called Digital Photography Expert Techniques by Ken Milburn. If you're ready to take your digital photography to the next level (close to professional grade), this is a book you'll want to see.

First off, the chapter contents: The Digital Photographer; Be Prepared; Bringing Out The Best Picture; Panoramas; Photoshop Selections, Masks, and Paths; Basic Digital Photo Corrections; Converting Photos to Paintings; Special Photographic Effects; Retouching and Rescuing Photos; Creating Fictitious Photos; Color Printing; Use Pictures to Sell Yourself; Sell It on the Web

This book targets the professional, or serious, digital photographer who is using an SLR digital camera with at least six megapixels and plenty of memory. It also assumes the use of Photoshop as the base editing tool for manipulating the images. But rather than stick with Photoshop as the only tool, the author will also educate you on other tools or plug-ins that will give spectacular results beyond what you could get by sticking with the base software. Another target for this book is the film photographer who wants to move to the digital realm, but doesn't quite know how best to set up the workflow of processing images. Because a digital photograph can take many forms after image enhancement, there are a number of good ideas here to help you know what to save and what to delete.

Each chapter is made up of a series of "tips" on how to do something interesting with your images or with your camera. For instance, in the retouching chapter, you'll find tips with the following titles: Restore Youth; Remove Stains; Eliminate Junk from the Landscape; Cosmetic Emphasis; Focus the Light on Points of Interest; Punch Out the Paunch; Proboscis Pruning and Changing Expressions; and Clone Detail from Another Photo. Each tip or technique is well documented as to the steps necessary in the software to accomplish the effect. He also usually shows before and after full-color comparisons so that you can visually grasp how the effect works and how you can use it in your own work.

Now, if you're like me, puttering around in the consumer world of digital cameras, you can still get some great ideas from this book. The tips on composition, image correction, and other basic skills are valid regardless of what level you're at. Your final result may not be quite as good as his due to not having an original image of the same resolution, but you can still end up with some stunning shots that will wow your friends.

Bottom line... quality information, well written, beautiful book that should be considered by any serious digital photographer.

Digtial Techniques
This book covers both the Mac world and the PC world. Since I use both systems it was great for me. I am a function/short cut key addict and this book certainly delivered in that area. It would list the command in Mac language first then PC talk. This book might be a bit advanced for the first time Photoshop user a good recommendation before embarking on this book would probably be Deke McClelland, "Adobe Photoshop CS One-on-One". This book is definitely designed more for Photoshop CS but users of Photoshop 5.5, 6 and 7 should have no problems.

The layout style was pretty easy and logical to follow. You start with the basics like what equipment would best suit your needs, etc. It explained a bit about the difference between film and digital cameras in terms of the focal length and magnification that occurs with digital cameras. Followed by how to get great images in the field, plus taking care of your equipment and other practical information. Along the way it would discuss strategies about when to use a particular filter or effect. Sometimes it's best to get the color correction and other assorted manipulations out of the way before you use some of the filters.

While this book primarily covers Photoshop it does discuss other programs and plug-ins like Corel KnockOut, nik Color Efex, KPT Collection plus many more that create some of the same effects found in Photoshop but without the steep learning curve.

The full color photo samples and easy to follow steps made this book just great to read. The helpful tips and expert advice really had some great useful information. They would show you the original, the adjusted image and sometimes and over adjusted image so you could really get an idea as to the point that they were making. Sometimes you look at a photo and it looks good but it lacks something kind of subtle. They showed what some of those subtle changes could be to lend your image more punch. More of a professional edge. So you could have an image that was O.K. add some of these effects and get a pretty knockout photo.

This book certainly got my creative juices flowing. I have some landscapes and flowers that have been sitting in my to do something with box while I wait for inspiration to hit me. It did after this book. I have to admit it was a bit overwhelming with all of the choices with the different plug-ins and third party applications besides Photoshop that are out there. So I'm just going to take a few of the tips and start using them on my photos and adding more and more as time goes on. This book will be very well sticky noted by the time I add all of the new tricks to my little but soon to be big bag of tricks.

Finally, an O'Reily quality digital photography editing book
I like this book a lot. It brings O'Reilly's quality in research and editing to digital photography books. They spent some time on it, and it shows. The example photos are excellent and clearly demonstrate the points. The book is well organized, and has lots of handy tips. Chapter nine, on touching up photos, is particularly good, going through common photo problems and then applying fixes to them digitally.

On the downside, the book is mainly about windows, and it spends much more time talking about digital editing and touch-up then it does in getting a good picture in the first place, which is 90% of the battle.

Even with the downside this book is still well worth the price for amateurs looking to get heavily into digital photography. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Comprehensive, informative and readable
I found this to a great book for the budding close-up photographer. First, it is very comprehensive, covering all areas of macro know-how in enough detail to get you going. It takes you through, step-by-step how to control your macrophotography to achieve various effects, with lots of sage and practical advice along the way. As other reviewers have noted, his writing is incredibly clear and easy-to-read. I found his explanations to be very intuitive, and several times whilst reading I thought "yeah, but what about...", and, boom, there was the answer in the next paragraph. Impressive. Some suggestion its getting out of date, but really (aside from some equipment examples, which are precisely that anyway) this stuff doesn't get out of date. Its written for film photography, but even if you're doing digital macro, the majority of this book (exposure,tripod use, flash, framing, background control, etc, etc) is still equally relevant. Gripes? Hard on the credit card - I know I need a decent tripod each time I refer to it (and a new lens, and a...)! And spending too much time reading it rather than taking the bloody photos! Its really good.

An Inspirational Book
This book is worth the price for the breathtaking images alone. More importantly, John Shaw's ability to explain complex photographic issues and techniques with clarity makes this one of the best "how to" books I have ever read on any topic.

Here are a few of the book's features that I especially appreciate with each re-reading:

1. Thorough technical details beside each shot; 2. Emphasis on appreciating nature, and enjoying nature photography; 3. Appreciation of good photo gear for its effectiveness and convenience, combined with suggestions for improvising to reduce expense (such as how to shoot arresting closeups without investing in a macro lens); 4. Lots of Nikon-specific equipment references, but mentions Canon equivalents; 5. Ethical, urging photographers not to harass creatures or damage plants in the wilderness; 6. Did I mention the breathtaking images?

His newer "Nature Photography Field Guide" is also brilliant,and equally full of superb images, valuable tips, and further inspiration. There is little overlap between the two.

"Closeups in Nature" opens up a new world of perception and expression for photographers. Treat yourself or a photographer friend to a copy.

Close up on Closeups in Nature
One of the most readable books on closeup photography has to be Closeups in Nature. Each chapter, while dealing with the subject, goes into very understandable detail on how to go about taking photographs of the little things. Each chapter describes using different types of equipment, from the most simple and inexpensive products, to the very precise and obviously costly. Most of us, I'm sure, fall somewhere in between. He also covers not only types of film, but the differences in film brands. If you truly have a passion for this type of photography, Mr. Shaw's book is a "must read."

All you need to know and more
Like all of his books excellent text with clear, easy to understand concepts and instructions. This has definitely improved my close up work or at least removed several of the mistakes I use to make.

Excellent Book, Well Written, Awesome Photographs
John Shaw's were the first books I read on photography, after the Canon camera manual, and his books are the absolute best you can find.
The photographs are brilliant, no doubt. But what makes this book special is that almost each photograph is explained. You not only get to see great photographs, but also get an insight into what went into the composition of the photograph itself. Small things like using a tripod, not relying too much on filters, and the use of macros rounds off this excellent book.
This book, John Shaw's Landscape Photography, and 'Nature Photographer's Complete Guide to Professional Field Techniques' make it a must-have for any budding as well as experienced photographer.
If you have read some of his other books (like the ones I mention above) you may find some concepts being repeated, but they are so essential to good photography that they are well worth being read and re-read.
Go ahead, beg, borrow, or buy this book. (No, do not steal :) ... Read more

Book Description

Avoid the time-consuming task of image editing by taking great pictures from the get-go.Dave Huss walks you through the fundamentals of taking great digital photographs by dispelling digital photography myths and teaching you how to maximize all camera features available to you. Discover how to take clear, sharp, professional-level photographs every time; use light wisely; use flash photography to your advantage; match your camera to your computer; share your photos, and much more. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent Guide for the Beginning Photographer
This book is a great resource for someone looking to learn more about digital photography. It is especially helpful if you have a camera that is more than just a "point and shoot" and can change your settings manually. The chapters are very well organized by topic and are filled with professional tips for getting the most out of your camera. Everything is explained in language that an inexperienced photographer can understand, and the text is accompanied by many full-color illustrations. While many other books that purport to be overviews of digital photography devote a lot of pages to "post-processing" images with software (like Adobe Photoshop), this book focuses almost entirely on the art of composing and taking good pictures.

Superb Resource for all Digital Photographers
I bought this book for my son, who is new to digital photography. After receiving the book, I quickly realized that it would be a superb single-volume resource for all persons interested in digital photography, whether newcomers or more experienced professionals. So, I immediately ordered a second copy for my own use. The book is well-organized and packed with helpful hints, notes and warnings. The reader can quickly locate a topic of particular interest and find numerous photo images which portray the finer points of digital photography. At the same time, the novice will find the text very readable, user-friendly and easy to follow. ... Read more

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

"Digital Wedding Photography" offers readers an introduction to wedding photography, assuming that they have some familiarity with their cameras and computers but are not experts. It provides readers with information about the skills they will need to take great wedding photos in the digital age, including selecting the correct lenses and digital equipment, as well as the most appropriate digital imaging techniques. This book also looks at the various ways of presenting the material to the happy couple and their friends and relatives. It presents the material in a step-by-step format, ideal for photography topics. Weddings offer limited opportunity for aspiring photographers to prove and improve their skill. Preparation is everything and thats exactly what this book focuses on. ... 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