Editorial Review

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

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

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

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

Reviews

How you can get professional results with your equipment., September 6, 2006
I have enjoyed photography as a hobby for 50+years. I own a Canon 20D and am a Scott Kelby fan. He is a great photoshop expert, yet emphasizes the importance of getting the best possible shot when taking the picture, to make your time in photoshop more enjoyable. You don't have to work as hard if you make the correct exposure to begin with.
Scott approaches each chapter with some humor, and really understands what you really need is a clear bottom line on how to approach the person or subject you want to photograph.
I received my book Sept 4th, read it and used some of his tips shooting 500+ volleyball pictures Sept 5th. I think I can see some improvement in my pictures already.
He has equipment recommendations and shooting tips for the person that has just bought a digital camera to the person that uses it to make a living.
He has worked alongside of professionals learning tips on how to process the digital photographs and how to best print them. Scott believes photography can be more fun if you get results you like by using some of the basic principles used by professional photographers.
I have unhesitatingly recommended this book to several of my friends.
This is one of the least expensive camera related purchases that I have made to bring my excitement of photography to a new level.
I am quite certain you won't be disappointed, especially if you own a Nikon or Canon digital SLR.
I expect my copy to become dog eared from use.

If you Own a Digital Camera You Will Benefit from This Book, September 4, 2006

This is the most practical and useful book on digital photography that you will find on the shelves. The book is Filled with tips and tricks of the trade that the professional photographers use every day to get wonderful looking pictures using nothing but a digital camera similar to the one you have. Why their photographs look better than yours? Well is not always the camera, most of the credit is to know how to take advantage of the camera you have: selecting the right settings for different situations, choosing the right location, etc.

Full of examples and straight to the point tips, this book will definitively improve the quality of every single shot you take. When I compare the pictures I took before I read the book with my latest pictures, it looks like I am know using a far better or more expensive digital camera, but the only difference is the know-how I gained from the book.

A Good Book That Begins Beyond the Basics, October 21, 2006
Since I'm offering an opinion (and review) on the book, The Digital Photography Book, I think a brief look at my background may give what follows a bit more veracity. I am an enthusiastic advanced amateur photographer with roughly 40 years of experience that includes a goodly number of awards and published photos. I shut down my wet darkroom a few years ago and have happily traded film and silver-based images for electrons, pixels and ink jet printing.
Enough about me; now let's look at the latest book by Scott Kelby (of National Association of Photoshop Professionals fame): The Digital Photography Book.
This is a different kind of animal in the world of self-help photography books. The author describes the experience of reading the book as having your good friend--who also happens to be an expert in digital photography--standing besides you while you're taking pictures.
The book lives up to Scott's description--complete with the frequent interjection of his quirky sense of humor. (Warning, watch out for the first page of Chapter One.)
I don't feel this is a book for complete novices--either in photography or in the use of digital equipment. Scott assumes the readers already know the basics of how their cameras work (what and where the controls are) and have used their cameras long enough to know what else they want to learn to take better photographs.
Another reason some basic knowledge of photography is necessary to get the most from this book is that Scott doesn't shy away from including the terms in common use by digital photographers today: ISO, white balance, focal length, lens aperture, etc. He also assumes the readers have the desire to move up in the ranks from point-and-shooters to at least competent amateurs. Therefore, Scott includes numerous suggestions about photographic gear he feels can help any photographer take better pictures--and, although he breaks his suggestions down by price range, much of the gear still comes with a hefty price tag.
A look at the chapter titles also confirms that Scott was not writing a teach-everything book for all readers. The 11 chapters include specialized topics, such as, Shooting Flowers like a Pro, Shooting Weddings Like a Pro, Shooting Sports Like a Pro and Taking Advantage of Digital Like a Pro. For me, the final chapter, Photo Recipes to Help You Get "The Shot", was the best part of the book. This is where Scott puts everything together and takes his readers into the field to practice what they've learned.
So, do I like The Digital Photography Book? More importantly, do I recommend it? Yes, to both of these questions; but, as I mentioned above, to get the most out of the book, the reader should have at least point-and-shoot digital experience and a basic vocabulary of photographic terms.
One final note. The book can be read front to back, or chapters can be sampled at random to learn just the techniques each reader needs. At the offered price, I think The Digital Photography Book definitely has a place in a well-rounded photographer's library.

Good Info, But Didn't Like Kelby's "Fooled Ya!" Sense of Humor, December 8, 2006
I really wanted to write a glowing review for "The Digital Photography Book"... I've been looking for a good tome of insider tips for digital SLRs for a long time, so when I found Kelby's book I was ecstatic! A quick skim showed many great tips; however, after reading the first page of chapter 1 where he carried on about the phrase "TACK SHARP" I began to lose faith.

Here is an excerpt (talking about the origins of the phrase Tack Sharp - meaning a "clear photo"):

"TACK stands for Technically Accurate Cibachrome Kelvin (which refers to the color temperature of light in photographs), and SHARP stands for Shutter Hyperfocal At Refracted Polarization. Now, these may seem like highly technical terms at first, but once you realize that I totally made them up, it doesn't seem so complicated, does it? Now, you have to admit, it sounded pretty legitimate at first. I mean, I almost had ya, didn't I? Come on, you know I had you, and I'll bet it was that "color temperature of light" thing I put in parenthesis that helped sell the idea that it was real, right? It's okay to admit you were fooled..."

Is this for real? Maybe his editor was asleep. He makes a lame joke out of trying to fool the reader, then carries on for half a paragraph laughing at how clever he is! I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, but he continued with this 'fooled ya' theme by writing fake subheadings on the next SIX sections:

The Real Secret to Getting Sharp Photos
"sorry about duping you with "The Real Secret to Getting Sharp Photos" headline..."

Perhaps Even More Important Than That
"Again, ignore that headline. It's just a cheap come-on to get you to keep reading."

If You Skip This, Throw Away Your Camera
"Still a fake headline. Don't let it throw you."

If You Do This Wrong, It Will Lock Up
"It's not as good as the last fake headline, but we're only one more page away from the real chapter content, so I'm backing it off a little."

It's Time to Get Serious
"I have good news: Not only are we at the end of this "fake headline" thing, you'll also be happy to know that from here on out, the rest of the book isn't laced with the wonderfully inspired (lame) humor you found on these first few pages."

Oh... Okay - so he's dropping the annoying stuff. Good. On to learn.

But NO! In Chapter 2, right away he's at it again! Below he describes ways to get around the problem of pollen dulling the color of flowers (???)

"Now, there is a special photographic filter (called the Flora 61B from PhotoDynamics) that can help reduce the effects of this pollination and both bring back the sharpness and reduce the graying effect, but because of U.S. trade sanctions imposed by the Federal Trade Commission, we can no longer buy this filter direct. Especially because I totally made this whole thing up. I can't believe you fell for this two chapters in a row. Seriously, how are you going to get good flower photos if you're falling for the old Flora 61B trick? Okay, I'm just teasing you, but seriously..."

I hate having to stay on constant patrol for full paragraphs of combed cr*p when I'm trying to learn something new! I don't care how good the "real" content is, I'm not going to sift through fertilizer to get to it!

If you find this type of humor funny, or wonder what I'm making such a big deal about, then you'll probably find this a very fun, interesting read.

If you don't like wondering whether or not the author is "pulling your leg this time, too", then you'll probably want to chuck this book out the window by the third chapter.

Good read for intermediate DSLR user, bad jokes aside, December 25, 2006
It's obvious Kelby's book was too short and he needed lots of fluff to get his minimum word count. The jokes are absolutely terrible. It's a classic example of someone who's not funny trying to be funny. Hey Scott, leave the jokes to Deke ok?

This is an intermediate book. Advanced users aren't going to get much out of it, just a basic reminder of what they already know. Beginners are going to enjoy it, but they'll also need another book such as Understanding Exposure by Peterson.

One thing I really liked is he didn't waste too much time on basics, especially aperture etc. This was a relief. The second thing I really liked is it was written as if we were out shooting together and I was asking questions. I love this casual format and the book was extremely easy to read (I read it all in one sitting). He also turned me on to some equipment I wasn't aware of (the stop down filter, which goes from 2 to 8 stops is very cool until I almost had a heart attack when I saw the $300 price). He really stresses the importance of a tripod and shooting at dawn & dusk. I've heard these before but for some reason am still disappointed with my hand-held midday photos. I think this is a big one, because most people want magazine quality photos but don't have the time for it (myself included).

The section at the end describes why some of the photos "work". I found myself thinking I don't want to take a photo like that on several of them (he is famous for his photoshop skills, not his photography skills) but it was a good wrap-up of the basics presented throughout the book.

Finally, there were a few bits of information that I found controversial. Such as using f11 for portraits. That usually puts the background in focus. Another, he recommends a shredder to shred your old photo CD/DVDs before throwing them away. Wouldn't a pair of scissors do just as well? But it gets more serious: He states that "you" (the reader) will never be able to get the types of shots you see in magazines. And why is that? Because even if you get up at 5:30am all the good spots will have already been taken. And I don't think this was another one of his bad jokes. I found it very negative and discouraging.

Overall, I liked this book much better than many of the others I've seen but it did frustrate me nonetheless. I think it's helpful for beginners and intermediate users. Even if you know all of that (who doesn't know one should use a tripod?) it's a good reminder with plenty of examples. I think the book could have went a little farther and gave some really useful information instead of describing all the Epson printer models.

It's a shame, because this book really had the potential to be a 5 star
book, but it falls short. Kelby brags about having written 37 books. I would prefer a few outstanding ones than 37 that are just good enough to get published.

Beginner to Intermediate Book for great results., October 18, 2006
This is a wonderful book for beginning and intermediate photographers who want to know the tricks of the professional photographers out there. Although this book could be useful to those with pocket digital cameras, I believe this book is best suited to owners of DSLR Camera's.

The chapters of the book are as follows:

1. Pro tips for getting really sharp photos.
2. Shooting flowers like a pro.
3. Shooting weddings like a pro.
4. Shooting landscapes like a pro.
5. Shooting sports like a pro.
6. Shooting people like a pro.
7. Avoid problems like a pro.
8. Taking advantage of digital like a pro.
9. Taking travel & city life shots like a pro.
10. How to print like a pro and other cool stuff.
11. Photo recipes to help you get "The Shot".

I found the chapters to be laid out in an easy to understand format and each chapter builds your knowledge for future chapters. This book is also small enough that I can shove it into my camera bag or backpack as reference material for those times when I just can't remember which aperature setting or lens I should be using to get "The Shot", as Scott calls it.

Overall, I can't see anyone except for professional or advanced photographers being disappointed with this book. At $15-20 for the book you really can't go wrong.

Disappointing, May 31, 2007
I have been taking digital photos for a few years and recently upgraded my camera to have more control over my pictures. I also read a few books to learn specifically about the differences between digital and 35mm photography. After reading the reviews of this book I expected to be dazzled with useful information. I was not. Here are some of the reasons.
*The author is not a very good writer. He tries to be funny and he is not (to my taste anyway). The author is very preoccupied by his own status. He is constantly talking about his famous photographer friends, blah, blah, blah. I thought this was going to be a book about hands-on technique...Show the photos and explain how they were taken.
*The quality of the book is poor. The book is small and the paper and printing are cheap. The paper is magazine quality.
*It seems that nearly half the photos in the book are stock photos, not taken by the author. That surprised me.

This book might be okay if you know abolutely nothing about photography but I found it simple and uninspiring. There was no single photo in this book by Mr. Kelby that made me say "wow".

I found The Betterphoto Guide to Digital Photography (Amphoto Guide Series) to be a far superior book; well written with great photos, all by the author.

THIS BOOK WILL STAY IN MY CAMERA BAG!!!, September 1, 2006
I have never written a book review before but after reading almost the whole book in one day I had no choice but to give my opinion. I just received this book today 01 Sep 2006 and I can't put it down. It covers so many aspects of shooting in various modes and makes it simple enough for me to understand. I use a Canon 5D and 20D and have been into photography for about 6 months. All I can say is that I have looked at several books and read several online forums and tutorials...etc. This book covers everything I need to know to get that WOW factor out of my shots. Scott Kelby you are the best and this book is more than GREAT. When does "BOOK 2" get released....Anyway, I hope others that get this book enjoy it as much as I do.

A Great book for improving you Photography skills, December 11, 2006
This is a great book for the average photo enthusiast. The goal of the book is to teach an average photographer to take great photos. Its relatively short and each point only takes a page to explain. Also the explanations are short and to the point. Kelby doesn't prattle on about optic theory or other mundane issues, instead he tells you that pros generally do this or that. As Kelby says in his intro, he giving you tips as if you were a buddy out shooting photos with him. Kinda like a photography mentor that is giving you pointers to improve you photos.

The book is arranged by the type of photography being pursued. Flowers, Weddings, Landscapes, People, Sports, and Travel. Kelby is considered a Photoshop authority, so he covers some of that and and also what to focus on to prevent problems in photos that can't be fixed with Photoshop. He also does something that few authors are willing to do; he makes suggestions about equipment and vendors. While this type of information gets dated quickly in a book, its interesting to hear what he thinks is a good product.

His writing style is casual and humorous, which I appreciate. The topic can be rather dry, but Kelby's style of writing and the quick pace of the book kept me awake and engaged. I have read many books on digital photography and most assume that you recently had your brain erased and therefore you know nothing about photography. Consequently, those books start at the most basic of information and don't seem to teach you how to get great shots. They also put me to sleep. This is the only book I have seen that is different.

Is some of the advice oversimplifying it to a degree? Sure it is. Not everything can be improved using the photo recipes that Kelby gives you, but for the average photographer, the general rules will help produce better photos and thats what its all about.

Useful, but poorly written, August 5, 2007
There's no doubt that Kelby knows Photoshop inside and out, and that he's got a lot of good general photo tips. But he spends so much time making jokes in this book that it quickly becomes annoying.

At one point, he literally spends an entire page with a convoluted explanation, only to say afterwards, 'I was joking.' Thanks for wasting my time, Scott.

This is not a bad book, but there are other, better ones -- and ones that are less about the writer's ego and more about taking good photos. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Design is the single most important factor in creating a successful photograph. The ability to see the potential for a strong picture and then organize the graphic elements into an effective, compelling composition has always been one of the key skills in making photographs.

Digital photography has brought a new, exciting aspect to design - first because the instant feedback from a digital camera allows immediate appraisal and improvement; and second because image-editing tools make it possible to alter and enhance the design after the shutter has been pressed. This has had a profound effect on the way digital photographers take pictures.

Now published in sixteen languages, The Photographer's Eye continues to speak to photographers everywhere. Reaching 100,000 copies in print in the US alone, and 300,000+ worldwide, it shows how anyone can develop the ability to see and shoot great digital photographs. The book explores all the traditional approaches to composition and design, but crucially, it also addresses the new digital technique of shooting in the knowledge that a picture will later be edited, manipulated, or montaged to result in a final image that may be very different from the one seen in the viewfinder.

Reviews

The Best Single Volume on Design and Composition in Photography, June 14, 2007
This is the best single volume on visual design and composition in years. Painters need a book this good. Freeman's earlier book from the 1980s, "Image," had long held the status, IMHO, of being the best single volume. His new book surpasses the older one by a significant margin.

Freeman is one of very few photographers, or artists of any ilk, who can articulate their art-related thoughts in concrete, accurate, analytical ways, and not in the jargon of so much of what is written about art that lacks any actual content. Not only is he an outstandingly gifted photographer, with dozens of books to his credit, but one who has mastered the grammar of images and is one of the few who can describe how and why visual phenomena work.

This is the most complete volume on this subject out there in terms of numbers of topics introduced and discussed at a reasonable length. It is also the most effective melding of the insights of current Gestalt perception theory with traditional design elements/principles in print. The first 60% of the book deals with the more concrete aspects of designing an image.

The last two chapters marry the other part of composing that is harder to articulate well: the message in a image, or the photographer's intent. Only in this book has an author attempted to define major categories of intent in making an image. And then categorizes the physical and mental aspects of how a photographer goes after, constructs, or recognizes an image - the process.

Throughout the discussions he introduces those aspects of digital imaging that a photographer can use to influence a picture's design. Perhaps the most powerful development is that digital in-camera and post processing technologies allow the photographer to apply to color images all those image control aspects formerly available only in the wet chemistry darkroom to monochrome images, as well as many more.

Make no mistake.... This is a book for readers. One cannot get all of this book's benefit from the illustrations alone, in the manner of so many "how-to" art and photography books these days that have pictures, but little text. But this is the book to which thoughtful photographers will return over and over for many years.

The only way it can be significantly better would be to have twice as many pages. It would make a wonderful textbook for any studio art, photography, art history, or art appreciation course in high school or college/university.

5 May 2009, update. The number of reviews, number of responses to reviews, and other sources of information indicate that this book is a certifiable best-seller among photography books. The response to this book indicates that there is a large market for information about the structure of images and for effective writing on that difficult, intangible interplay between design and content, or of structure and expression/message.

My hope is that Freeman and other capable author/photographers will publish books delving further into the composition problem. To date, the in-print situation is grim. This one, Mante's, and Hoffmann's books are about the only ones yet in English that deal with composing photographs at higher than the most elementary levels. Together these three books comprise quite a strong presentation at the intermediate level of image structure and of various approaches to imparting meaning and expression in one's images.

There is more, though, that can be said. To date there is no thorough look at the role of similarity and proportion in causing a viewer's eye to move through an image. That is to say, which characteristics among, shape, size, tone, color, direction, etc., assume priority in one's eye in which combinations, and how does proportionality, or violations thereof, work?

To date, this reviewer cannot find any published research that updates Alfred Yarbis's ground breaking insights into eye movement in images from the 1950s and 1960s. His work is quoted to this day as the definitive study in this field. His results seem to imply that many artists' assertions about the role of "leading lines" may be nothing but bunk.

Do light tones and bright colors really appear to project toward a viewer and darks recede? A Russian scientist has a considerable argument that, in fact, darks are what appears to "project" and lights recede. His work is not available in English.

Is the success or failure of an image still articulable only at the level of intangibles? At this point in the history of the arts and contributions from visual psychology and brain studies, one should be able to make specific assertions about structure and its role in the success or failure of carrying the artist's expression or meaning.

Unfortunately, there are very few artists or photographers who also write who can focus clearly enough on these nitty-gritty issues to make statements that have actual meaning. An inordinate percentage of writing about the arts still reduces to hand waving and ranting: always has, always will, it seems.

It is one of Freeman's gifts that he can write analytically and be a very successful, versatile artist. This book's success indicates that the demand is there for hard-hitting information on images. Three authors does not amount to much of a supply.

Easily the Best Photo Design/Composition Book Available, November 3, 2007
Let me start by saying that even though I write photo books for a living (including The NEW Joy of Digital Photography (Lark Photography Book) and Exposure Photo Workshop: Develop Your Digital Photography Talent, I don't know Michael Freeman and have never communicated with him. That said, this is easily the best composition and design book that you'll find--and that goes for professionals as well as hobbyists. This is the first book, in fact, that I can recall that covers these topics with such depth and clarity of thought.

Freeman has long been one of my favorite photo book writers and this book continues his long streak of great reads (his other recent book, The Complete Guide to Digital Photography is also worth owning).I sometimes laugh at how extremely British his writing is, but it's just amusing, not distracting.

The main thing that I like about The Photographer's Eye is that Freeman approaches the subject from a very thoughtful perspective. While the book covers the basic elements (lines, shapes, dynamic tension, balance, etc.) he also talks at length about more emotionally-related issues: chiaroscuro and key, the search for order, reactive thought, etc. These are the concepts that more experienced photographers (and artists) find themselves confronting once they have a solid feel for design elements and construction.

I often find myself wondering if design is more of a thoughtful process or an instinctive one--and I think it's a combination of the two. In reading this book, in fact, I can see better the value in taking an objective and analytical look a how great compositions are made and how we can take scenes that we react to instinctively and find quick and useful ways to turn them into dynamic photos. Very often when you find a great subject you don't have the luxury of time to decide how to construct the image to "get" what you see.

That is the value of studying composition and image design: to prepare you to make fast decisions. If you are hiking in the deserts outside of Tucson, for example, and you come across a great potential silhouette of a saguaro cactus at sunset, you have only two or three minutes to organize the elments, choose the best viewpoint, the best lens and then make the exposure. It's tragic to spend day after day exploring for powerful images and then only come close.

Freeman's book is crammed with an extraordinary number of great photos with a vast emotional and geographic diversity. These are world-class images, not just "how-to" examples and it's hard to imagine one photographer coming up with all of these great photos. As I said, I write and illustrate photo books myself and I am awed at times by Freeman's proflific work.

If you're looking for a book on design, don't let $20 stand between you and all of this great knowledge and hundreds of fine examples (something I might say of my own book, as well!). Just buy the book--or ask you library to order it.

A Master-Class on Photographic Composition, June 8, 2008
Freeman's journey through the the principles of photographic composition is eye-opening, eloquent, and beautifully published.

This is not a book on the basics of taking "better photos," so those who seek information on exposure, cameras, lenses will not find it here. Nor is such shooting information for any photographs included. In a general book on photography, this would be a major defect, but here such information would only distract from the book's primary subject: the composition of a visual image.

On the surface, photographic composition may seem to be a very subjective and idiosyncratic topic: you may like one thing, I may like something else. And if it's all subjective, merely a matter of personal preferences, tastes, and opinions, why bother writing a book about it? Most books on photography thread gently on this shaky, insecure ground, and their authors usually limit themselves to a few simple, predictable pointers: the rule of thirds, and golden section, with a particular emphasis on golden rectangle.

But Freeman quite clearly believes that, although ultimately each photographer makes their own choice about what composition works best for their photograph, good choices are those that are deliberate (not accidental), and informed by being aware of ALL the possibilities that are available. The Photographer's Eye will give any intermediate or advanced photographer a better awareness and grasp of choices that are to be made.

Freeman starts at the edge of the image (chapters about the frame) and moves inwards. Available formats, for example (4:3, 3:2, square, horizontal vs. vertical, etc.) are all carefully explored through numerous, and well-chosen examples. Unlike many books that show different images as examples of different formats, Freeman often selects one, single image and shows how its perception will change, depending on the selected format or compositional principle at play. In the chapters on framing I enjoyed particularly the sections focused on "going against the grain" or against the "natural direction" of an image, i.e., shooting typically "vertical" topics (e.g., a standing man) as horizontal frame, or the other way round (e.g., a sleeping man on a bench shot in a vertical format Freeman uses).

Gradually, the author moves inwards, discussing the content of photographs in the context of forms (curves, lines, etc.) and compositional principles (e.g., symmetry, or a very complete discussion and listing of types of contrast). The closing chapters go totally "outside" of the single image, considering the impact of external framing and space around the photograph (e.g., matting), as well as multi-image compositions (such as book or magazine spreads).

As some readers have correctly pointed out, some of the information has been published before in the author's own previous books, and in other sources; but here, all the observations have been systematically, and very elegantly brought together, in one comprehensive and complete volume.

This book doesn't read easily, or fast. It forces the readers to engage both sides of their brain, since paying close attention to the images is as important here as carefully reading the words. But it is well worth the effort, and the reward, in addition to access to the authors' extensive knowledge, is a new, different way of seeing things which in themselves are not new. For me, this is the function, and definition, of a master-class, and this book certainly deserves to be called that.

Good content, poor writing style, December 17, 2008
This is a good book for someone looking for a guide to composition theory in photography. It covers a lot of ground and actually teaches you compositional principles, however it's also really hampered by the mediocre writing style. The language just isn't very concise/clear, and at times you are wishing the author would get to the point instead of writing 10 convoluted sentences, which essentially say one thing. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be anything else close to this book available, so if you want to learn composition and design, this is probably your best bet at the moment despite the writing style.

Must have book on understanding photographich comp, July 30, 2007
Ok anytime you talk aboutPhotographic composition and rules for it, you get into a grey area since art is subjective by nature. What the author does here is show his photos and explain what composition techniques he used and why he thinks they work. The book is very comprehensive and offers numerous example. The print quality is excellent as it is in most Focal press book. If you want a book that explains photographic compositional theory and offers great examples to demonstrate the concepts, then this is the book you need.

Better than a new camera, August 15, 2007
You should NOT buy this book, because I want to dominate the Photographic Art world by myself! It is a straightforward treatment of compositional principles as they apply to Photography. The book was cheap, the knowledge priceless. It would be nice if there was a workbook along with it, though. I will have to reread this book several times because the book is thick with rich content. Ever read a book that had only one or two concepts to contribute? This guy covers a lot of ground - and he does it effectively.

Wonderful mix of good writing and GREAT pictures - just what I needed, September 7, 2008
I had been looking for a book on design for ages, since they tend to be expensive, I looked in second-hand book stores first, but it seems that all I found there was way too boring and tedious for me: starting with basic shapes only to build up to how to incorporate them into photography half way through the book at best. That could very well be the way to go for serious design/photography students, but I do not have time or interest in something that detailed and technical. I wanted a nice overview of the techniques that are available to a photographer, and not just a "follow the rule of thirds" kind of advice that you get from most online photography tips, but a more profound discussion on why the rule of thirds is even important, how it tends to affect the viewer, and when is it appropriate to break it.
And this book provides exactly that - a brief but concise overview of the most prominent design theories, based on the research on the way we see/interpret things. I am definitely not a design expert after having read this book, but I know as much about it as I need/can afford to learn at this point, being an amateur with no ambition to go pro in the observable future.
The illustrations in the book ARE extremely well-chosen and beautifully reproduced, which is not always the case in photography books, alas. They are a treat to look at.

To address some of the critiques voices here in the respect to this book:
1) No, it does not cover ISO, shutter speed and aperture, and you are better off buying the book by Peterson if that is what you need. I read Peterson first, about a year ago, and it felt right to read this book second, they are not in any way complementary, their focus is totally different, but combined, they provide you with a deeper understanding of what you do when you look through the viewfinder.
2) I find the book very well written. It's concise, clear and well-illustrated and I even found it a pleasurable read. I would definitely not say it is hard to read, it is not the most fun and light-hearted thing you'll ever read, but it's not fiction, it is technical writing, so it will hardly come as a surprise to you. It is definitely among the least convoluted technical books I've ever read.
3) As to "it adds nothing new to the matter"... Well, first of all, it IS a book that basically summarizes the last 100 years of research in the design and its perception, so it does not claim that it is ground-breaking and new!
Second of all, this is a valid criticism only for those who already have dozens of photography books and are looking for more (but then again, if that is the case, why are you even looking into Freeman? he is clearly not geared towards a seasoned pro). If this is your first book on design, as it was for me, pretty much EVERYTHING in this book is going to be new for you to a degree (yeah, I've heard of the rule of thirds before, but never read a detailed overview of how it came about and why).

At last, a genuinely practical book on Photography., December 2, 2007
I was led to this book via The Digital Photography School website and having bought many good photographic technique books, this is the first to explain why and what to do. It covers every aspect of the subject in a positively illuminating way. It doesn't just talk about the "Law of Thirds" it explains and shows why this rule helps your photography; it gives specific examples of everything it mentions and also what you can do about breaking the rules. It is highly readable, is not patronising, it is totally expanding. If you want to get the best results, get this.

Finally, A Book With Detail On The Visual Art Of Photography..., November 2, 2007
I have attended school and read many books on visual arts and photography. This book by far was one of my favorites. Although this topic has been done so many times before, this book in particular tends to be reader friendly and interesting. The chapters are rich with text, yet not overly written as to create reading bordum. The photo examples are clear and very easy to understand. When I purchased this book I was looking for something different than the usual redundant photography jargon manuals. I found myself reading slower and completely concentrating on the detailed concepts Mr. Freeman writes about. This is not a book you read with a camera in your hand, instead this is a book to help you understand the visual concept of design and composition when dealing with an empty rectangle (or square} to your eye. This book is for anyone that knows their camera, yet wishes to know more about what the thought process is before pressing the shutter release.Beware! You will find yourself reading this book twice.

The ultimate textbook on photography, August 8, 2007
If I were to keep only one book on teaching photography, it is Michael Freeman's "The Photographer's Eye" that I would choose. Nothing much has to be added to what he teaches in there, most of the other things are easier to learn than the art of composition. So this is the natural choice. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Editorial Review

This attractive boxed set includes:
The Digital Photography Book (ISBN 0-321-47404-X)
The Digital Photography Book, Volume 2 (ISBN 0-321-52476-4)
The Digital Photography Book, Volume 3 (ISBN 0-321-61765-7)

Scott Kelby, the man who changed the "digital darkroom" forever with his groundbreaking, #1 bestselling, award-winning book The Photoshop Book for Digital Photographers, shows which button to push, which setting to use, when to use them, and hundreds of the most closely guarded photographic "tricks of the trade" to get budding photographers shooting dramatically better-looking, sharper, more colorful, more professional-looking photos with their digital camera every time they press the shutter button.

Scott tackles the most important side of digital photography--how to take pro-quality shots using the same tricks today's top digital pros use (and it's easier than you'd think). Each chapter is packed with plain English tips on using flash, shooting close up photography, travel photography, shooting people, and even how to build a studio from scratch, where he demystifies the process so anyone can start taking pro-quality portraits today! Plus, he's got full chapters on his most requested topics, including loads of tips for landscape photographers, wedding photographers, and there's an entire chapter devoted to sharing some of the pro's secrets for making your photos look more professional, no matter what you're shooting.
... Read more

Reviews

Tips and tricks 'from a friend', October 28, 2009
In the usual Scott Kelby style he write these books as a collection of pointers to a friend photographer. Every page in all three books are written with one pointer or tip on each page. As Scott writes in the prelude:

"If you and I were out on a shoot, and you asked me, 'Hey, how do I get this flower to be in focus, but I want the background out of focus?' I wouldn't stand there and give you a lecture about aperture, exposure, and depth of field. In real life, I'd just say, 'Get out your telephoto lens, set your f/stop to f/2.8, focus on the flower, and fire away.' You would say, 'OK,' and you'd get the shot. That's what this book is all about. A book of you and I shooting, and I answer the questions, give you advice and share the secrets I've learned just like I would with a friend, without all the technical explanations and without all the techno-photo-speak."

This being said, this also means that he doesn't dwell deeply within each tip or pointer explaining _why_ everything works as it does. This is for the reader to find out researching the topic further in other reference books.
Surprisingly to me, this works very well! I thoroughly enjoyed reading these books and I would say that I have become a much better photographer reading through all the tips.

Book one is quite general in topic, spanning from how to create really sharp photos to a description of wedding photography. This book is, according to me, a must have in every digital photographers bookshelf. This book is also clearly aimed at beginner photographers.

Coming to book 2 and 3 they differ a bit, especially of how they are written. These books also have the 'pointer and tip' layout, but more detailed information can be found here. Book 2 for example describe thoroughly which gear to use when using flash and how to set up your mini-studio and book three goes even further on how to shoot specific subjects.

This box set offer any digital photographer a helicopter view of how to use your digital camera in the best way to get 'professional' photos. Primarily these books - as all Scott Kelby books - offer small insights of what to think about when shooting digital photos. Kelby also does this with a huge amount of humor, making all his books a joy to read.

Good info for DSLR Beginners, October 21, 2009
These books are aimed a novice DSLR users. If you've done much photography or read up on the subject, you won't find much real new material in here. Fortunately, Scott Kelby avoids the traps of getting bogged down in the operational specifics of the equipment he is discussing (this is not a rehash of the Owners Guide). The books are to the point, light hearted and fun (with lots of the usual Kelby humor).

Great for beginners, December 14, 2009
These books are great for beginners who've usually invested in fancy camera gear and would now like to know - how does this damn thing work? And why don't my pics (weddings, babies, landscapes, flowers) look anything like the pros? Well, Kelby provides quick cook recipes for a host of usually occurring subjects and topics and enough info to get better than average shots. Enough to please you and your subject without getting into the tech details. And that's great for starters and for most people ...

Kindle Version Difficult to Use, December 11, 2010
This review is specific to the Kindle version of the box set. These are great books. So good, in fact that I bought the Kindle version for my iPad even though I already own a set of print edition. I intend to use this as a reference while traveling with my camera.

Despite my enthusiasm for the content, the Kindle edition set is very difficult to use. All three books are delivered as a single file, but the table of contents pulled up by the menu only refers to book one. To find the contents of book 2 & 3, one must search or manually scan the pages. This issue renders the Kindle book very difficult to use as a reference.

Updated: Amazon informs me that the only option is to contact the publisher or take a refund. With regret, I have accepted a refund and will continue to use the print edition. I cannot recommend that you buy the kindle edition of this set.

Great set of books, November 24, 2009
I purchased this set after reading the previous reviews for it. I must say that this set is amazing. I've only read the first book and about half of the second book and the results are incredible. I've used this book as it should be, a reference. It is nothing more and nothing less. If you want to know how to set you camera up to shoot a sunset, then it tells you. It explains a little bit about the different settings such as aperature, shutter speeds, etc. But it doesn't get too deep. Just enough for you to understand what is being explained. I recommend this book to anyone that is ready to take the next step in digital photography.

Don't wait...it's a definite keeper!, May 13, 2010
For the longest time, I kept this book series in the back of my mind and continued to look at other titles. However, none of the other books had the ease of use, practicality, and tips that Scott Kelby provides in "Digital Photography"! After several months, I finally broke down and bought it. If I had purchased them at the beginning, I would have saved myself the time and effort of trying to find something better than Scott Kelby's series. To others out there that are procrastinating: "Get it while you are first thinking of it. That way when just about any "shoot" (expected or unexpected) arises, you won't be lacking at the moment of truth!"

If you can get past his DRY humor, the books are perfect., March 30, 2010
I've had a camera in my hands since I was 5. And there are many tricks I've picked up along the way to make my photos all the more enjoyable. I decided to get really serious about photography during the film to digital crossover. But there wasn't enough information to help that could get through to me. Having dyslexia makes learning through text virtually unbearable. All too often, I have to have someone read it to me. And then a couple months ago, I came across Vol. 2 of this collection at the local library. I flipped at the structure Kelby put his lessons into...

Each page is a different lesson. Each lesson includes a photo. And it's all great information--much of which I could apply immediately--written as a conversation he'd be having with me while out on a shoot. Knowing all the technical jargon isn't as important as getting the shot. And with his instruction, I FINALLY understand what my owner's manual and all those magazine articles have been trying to explain!

Kelby found a way to teach with hands on learning right out of a book. And when it comes to learning how to take great pictures, it's really the only way to go. After making it halfway through Vol. 2, I hopped on Amazon and bought the 3 volume set so I could start from the beginning. And lemme tell ya, my photos have never been better! Applying what I'm learning to photos I share with my friends just shot me into semi-pro status. Once I can financial tackle the suggestions he's made, going Pro doesn't sound so daunting anymore.

I recommend this to every person I know with a DSLR camera; whether they're hobbyists, semi-pro or pro. This collection should be in every digital photographer's home.

Straight forward...very helpful, November 24, 2009
This set of books is very helpful and to the point. Scott's humor is tolerable and actually quite humorous at times. But the main thing is there is a lot to be learned from these books for people who are less than Pro's. They can write their own books! My opinion is that it is a must read for anyone with an interest in photography who is looking for a guide for "how to do it and with what".

Fabulous photography books! Fun AND informative!, September 8, 2010
There are so many photography books out there that it can be a daunting task to choose one. This set by Scott Kelby greatly exceeded my expectations. The content ranges from beginner to what I would call advanced/intermediate. I've been an DSLR user for almost 2 years, but was new to any photography terms/skills beyond point and shoot cameras. These books are set up to offer a variety of topics in small chunks. Each specific subject is on 1-2 page - Easy to read a little bit at a time. I always have one of these books with me to read at appointments or when waiting on kids in carpool lines. I can't emphasize enough that these books are both a valuable resource and a pleasure to read. My husband probably thinks I'm crazy when he sees me laughing out loud, holding a book on Digital Photography. Kelby's skill combined with a good dose of humor makes these books great. Hobbies like photography have so many technical aspects that, if taken too seriously, can be overwhelming to the kinds of people who actually need to read a photography book. I have learned a lot from this series. I would suggest reading them with page markers in hand to mark the pages you want to remember and reference later. My set has colored flags sticking up all over them.

Digital Photography Guide for ANYONE, September 3, 2010
I purchased the three book set of Digital Photography by Scott Kelby. Book 1 is written in plain language, without a lot of technical terms that make you feel like a dummy. He explains how to get most any kind of shot you want, with helpful hints to guide you along. The other books are a bit more complicated, but I am able to understand and love all his advice. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Since Lightroom first launched, Scott Kelby's The Lightroom Book for Digital Photographers has been the world's #1 best-selling Lightroom book. In this latest version for Lightroom 3, Scott uses his same step-by-step, plain-English style and layout to make learning Lightroom easy and fun. Scott doesn't just show you which sliders do what. Instead, by using the following three simple, yet brilliant, techniques that make it just an incredible learning tool, this book shows you how to create your own photography workflow using Lightroom:

1) Scott shares his own personal settings and studio-tested techniques.� He trains thousands of Lightroom users at his "Lightroom Live!" tour and knows first hand what really works and what doesn't.

2) The entire book is laid out in a real workflow order with everything step by step, so you can begin using Lightroom like a pro from the start.

3) What really sets this book apart are the last two chapters. This is where Scott dramatically answers his #1 most-asked Lightroom question, which is: "Exactly what order am I supposed to do things in, and where does Photoshop fit in?" Plus, this is the first version of the book that includes his famous "7-Point System for Lightroom," which lets you focus on mastering just the seven most important editing techniques.

The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 Book for Digital Photographers is the first and only book to bring the whole process together in such a clear, concise, and visual way. ... Read more

Reviews

Cleverly painless and copiously illustrated introduction to LR3 and workflow basics, July 10, 2010
About as complete, smoothly-paced and effortless an introduction to LR3's rather daunting interface as this oldtimer has come across. Continues its predecessor's (LR2) step-wise breezy familiarization with the Lighroom 3 interface to shape a basic - but perfectly sufficient - workflow for busy digital photographers. Easily followed step by step full color screenshots, printed on top quality glossy paper, speed the reader towards a solid grasp of the essentials; helpful tips are provided once you have the basics under your belt. The tutorial is equally helpful to the (nearly identical) Windows and Mac versions of LR3; where the two diverge (as in the file system), unique Windows and Mac screen presentations are treated separately with OS-specific screenshots. Not the least, the focused "Seven Point System" concentrates your time and effort on Lightroom's must-know photo editing strategies, without wandering too far afield.

This book is a Godsend for new users -- less so for intermediate skill level users seeking answers for optimizing speed, when to use 32-bit or 64-bit mode, unraveling buried settings, or troubleshooting performance issues and program malfunctions.


In Short: Expertly paced, easy to follow and richly illustrated starter tutorial for Lightroom 3 -- a bumpless ride for newcomers. Upgraders might find it too basic for troubleshooting.

This is a must have book, especially for new or moderate skill users of LR, July 23, 2010
I buy a lot of tech books but after purchasing this one 3 things really stood out to me, having bought his previous 2 books on same topic:

1) the extensive helps in the back - particularly the framing example and "collag-ing" layouts will be very helpful to people.
2) the generous section on full work process - shooting to prints.
3) Among the best in this book though is on pages IV and V - because software always becomes obsolete, but gratitude stirs the soul. You get a feel for the writers desire to be helpful and not just drop facts - it's written in a running narrative form as he leads you through good processes and organizational strategy.

If you have or are considering purchasing LR 3, this book will save you extensive searching and frustration in self discovering all the nuances with features and their intent. A new user could sit with this book and walk themselves through a complete work-flow - beginning to end and experience all the major functionality of the tool.

Kelby is a readable, entertaining writer, clear and concise but the real value is that he is a working photographer/graphics professional who knows how to do exceptional work efficiently - and that approach saves everyone, including the serious hobbyist whose time may be limited just as much as the working pro.

The money spent on this book will be recouped within a couple of hours use of the tool. A must buy book for beginner or current user - there are that many tips and techniques in it. I found something new about LR3 at least every other page and I've been using the tool for a couple of years (versions 1 and 2). Glad I spent the money.

Round 3, July 26, 2010
Don't blame Scott Kelby if his Lightroom ("LR") instruction books keep getting larger. Blame Adobe for adding more and more capabilities to this piece of software. But at least the software hasn't yet become "bloatware". And the new capabilities really do add something to the digital photographer's ability to more easily create art. Unfortunately, the on-line help only works when you already have some idea of the function for which you are looking, so it's not useful for learning LR.

"The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 book for digital photographers" more or less follows the same format as earlier versions. There are chapters on importing images; using the library module to organize images and customize what you see; editing your images with both global and local adjustments; fixing common problems; exporting the images from LR; moving them into Photoshop; editing black and white images; creating slideshows; printing; creating web galleries; and a case study on portrait workflow. New is Kelby's 7 point system for LR, and gone is the case study on travel photography. Pages usually start out with a definition of the task, like "Creating and Using Multiple Catalogs" with step-by step instructions down the outside of the page and screen captures of the related LR window closest to the fold. (Sometimes the screen saves are unavoidably small for people with poor vision, so you might want to keep a magnifying glass handy for detailed examination.) At the end of each chapter are a number of quick tips that will help the user squeeze the most from LR's capabilities. One other change is a further reduction in Kelby's sophomoric humor which some readers will probably find a relief.

The instructions are easy to follow and are ideal for someone just learning LR. The more experienced user, reading page by page, is bound to get bored reading about techniques that haven't changed. It would have been convenient if a page, listing the instructions for new features only, had been included for those folks. Better yet, since LR has become a mature piece of software with many users, it might be time for the publisher to put out something like the old "Up to Speed" books that only showed the changes in Photoshop. (Given that there is no "Up to Speed" book for Photoshop CS5, this kind of help doesn't appear to be in the cards. The publisher will certainly lose part of the business to on-line videos.)

LR now offers so many capabilities that it is not a surprise to see that some are not even mentioned, like the ability to prepare an entire keyword list in a word processor and import it (although to be fair, the inference of this possibility can be derived from the material).

One should also note that that although the use of all of the sliders and buttons is well explained, there is little that talks about how to apply the capabilities to create more artful images. For that, I recommend another book from the same publisher, "Vision & Voice: Refining Your Vision in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom (Voices That Matter)" by David duChemin.

This is an excellent book to learn LR and to keep next to your computer as a reference.

Great book for beginner and intermediate LR3 users, July 25, 2010
I like the organization, layout and illustrations in Scott Kelby's book. He leads you step-by-step, with illustrations next to each step, through all the major functions of Lightroom 3. I've been able to validate all but one of his activities but that's due to a bug in the new Lightroom 3. Chapter 1 of the book covers "Importing Photos in Lightroom." When following his procedures, which are the same as shown in the Lightroom help menu, the application freezes and no importing takes place. I researched the Adobe Forums and found a thread that started in Jan 2006, which tells me this problem has been going on for some time and Adobe released version 3 knowing it was not fixed. It is apparently caused by the XP and Vista "/3GB option," which has to be removed for the Lightroom 3 import to work correctly. Based on the specifications provided by Adobe my Dell Studio duo CPU 64-bit should have worked OK.

Scott does an excellent job of covering workflows as well. One chapter I really liked was Chapter 6, "Problem Photos - fixing common problems." I have a lot of landscape photos with backlight problems and without Lightroom it would take a lot of photo-editing to bring out the shaded foreground. He shows how to do this in four easy steps.

And at the end of the book he provides three examples of how he uses his "7-point system" to illustrate how to get the most out of Lightroom every time. He provides three projects to illustrate his 7-point.

There may be some advanced functions in Lightroom 3 not covered in this book, but for the beginner and intermediate user who does not use Lightroom with Photoshop or CS5, this book works fine.

Good reference book, don't like his workflow, September 18, 2010
I am making the rather painful transition from Adobe Camera Raw(ACR) and Bridge to Lightroom(LR). Yes, all the functionality of ACR is still present, but everything is presented in a distressingly different manner. I studied ACR intensely and have used it probably to a fault, not taking things into Photoshop until absolutely the last minute possible.

This book will help you find all those controls and features. He will even tell you how to rename the files so they include the date, which frustratingly LR does not do automatically.

There are very helpful points like a detailed explanation of how long it takes to download 14 Raw images at various previews:
Embedded & Sidecar: 19 seconds
Minimal: 21 seconds
Standard: minute, 15 seconds
1:1; 2 minutes, 14 seconds

But then there's the workflow, which I don't like. He uses a simplistic pick or reject method of evaluating, and tells you to delete all your rejects. Yikes, with today's inexpensive storage, that really isn't necessary. He doesn't like the star rating system at all. I was taught to use the star system in the old fashioned way the way you would dot negatives in the darkroom. The first round through you select everything you like and give it one dot, or star. The second time you are more selective, and give a second star. I rarely make it as far as five stars, usually three is all in need for the excellent photos to bubble to the top. But the advantage of this method is I have photos to pick from for head swaps, and sometimes I just need to dig deeper into my pile for a photo. If I delete everything but the perfect photos, I'm stuck. Granted he keeps a backup of everything, but I just don't see the need to be throwing things away, or being so black and white.

He also uses this complicated organizational system using collections. I don't see how that is any improvement over organizing by date or event. I heard several speakers at Photoshop World in Las Vegas who say they set up a separate catalog per event, and keep the catalog in the same file/directory as the photos. LR slows down at about 40,000 photos, and if a wedding photographers shoots 4,000 images in a weekend, it doesn't take long to clog LR up.

All of that being said, it is a great reference book to find what you need to know, especially if you are switching from ACR, because you probably already have the skill set, now you just have to get back to doing it without thinking. I just don't like his sometimes simplistic, sometimes too complicated workflow. But maybe you already have that part figured out!

As expected--the best, August 6, 2010
I don't know what it is about Scott's style, but the book seems like an easy / quick read, but manages to convey a huge amount of information. I have the two previous versions, and Scott has managed to improve an already great product, especially with the collections of killer tips. I learned on the 2nd version to read the book from cover to cover, even though I'm an experienced Lightroom user: there are shortcuts, tricks and workflow ideas embedded throughout the book.

Scott takes a highly technical subject that could be mind-numbingly presented and makes it a fun read with plenty of ah-ha moments, and in a single book that works for beginners and experienced users. The format is to take example photos and use the processing of those to cover specific Lightroom functions. The photos Scott uses are available on his website so you can follow along, and he does some amazing things with the photos--my favorite being his manual processing of a black and white photo conversion compared to Lightroom's auto convert function. Awesome difference, and he explains why the differences improve the photo.

Bonuses include the chapter intros that read like Chuck Lorre end credits, a cool gray card at the end of the book, and lots of settings for imports, print layouts, etc. that can be used to jumpstart your own custom settings.

If you've invested in Lightroom, pony up the $30 or so for this book--it'll pay for itself in productivity improvements.

Solid, Thorough, Informative--But Get to the Point!, September 5, 2010
Author Scott Kelby, an accomplished commercial photographer and renowned PhotoShop expert & lecturer, is extremely well versed in virtually every aspect of Lightroom 3. So this book is a great source of information about how to best use this latest version of Lightroom. But sometimes as I'm trying to find the answer to a question, I want to scream, "Stop with the jokes and entertaining stories Scott, and get to the point"!

Scott's presentation style is friendly, breezy and unique. This helps separate Scott and his book from so many other "how to" manuals. But, there are times I wish he's cut to the chase with an outline or bullet points to explain how to get LR3 to do what you want it to do!

Great Resource, September 20, 2010
What I like most about Scott Kelby is his ability to structure his books around how the reader uses the software product, rather than than simply documenting the technical aspect of each product feature. He also chooses to write his books in the order of how the reader is most likely to use it. So, one can simply start reading and begin applying new knowledge. He also establishes a great rapport with the reader, speaking in a common voice, and not a technical one. In these respects this Kelby book is no different than previous ones.

In several ways, he has improved his technique. In previous books, he might spend a lot of time, rambling on about some unrelated subject, because I think he likes to write almost as much as he loves photography. Fortunately, he has resisticted this process to the first page of each chapter only. I enjoy his ramblings, as long as he gets down to work after a short break. He also takes a few sentences at the beginning of each section to explain the purpose and use of the particular section. His book covers a lot of territory, and after a few weeks of reading, I am just beginning to learn how much there is to Lightroom 3. In general, I think each new writing, is a modest incremental improvement over the previous book. So at this point Lightroom3 for digital photographers is pretty flawless.

One of the few gripes I have about this book is "Step" approach to basic functions. Firstly not all "steps" are an actual step. In some cases, he simply reinforces or adds more information on the previous step. More imporantly, the Step approach does not lend itself to a quick reference tool. As a user, I find I can follow along and do the process once with the book. The next time, I might remember most of the steps, but need to review others. Unfortunately, I pretty much have to reread the entire section, to find the mini-steps I am missing. I have started to highlight the key points in each step as well as create a label for each step in the margins to help make referencing easier. I think the editor could have done the same thing, to make it less work for the reader. I like the screenshot references, but the detail is pretty small, and difficult to read when needed.

In general, I think that when Scott Kelby first hit the market, he was a bit of a maverick. With this book, he is becoming the standard which his competitors seek to emulate. This book is not perfect, and there is still plenty of room for improvement, but he more than succeeds at making a difficult and technical subject, palatable even enjoyable for the average joe.

Great Guide, September 22, 2010
Never mind the jokes. They are deadly serious, part of the "personal" marketing approach that sells Kelby's books. They have little to do with humor. Even when they are not working, they are diverting from the daunting nature of the task of mastering LR and give the impression that Kelby is a regular guy and if he can be good at it so can you. Aside from the psychology of its approach, the book is worth every penny for its competent and clear step by step demonstration of how to get the most out of your shots. If you want to understand LR and its ramifications for managing and developing photos, get Martin Evening. He writes in detail and at great length about its features, like an expert geologist describing a landscape. An amazing reference. If you want to get to the summit taking concrete routes, Scott Kelby is your man. Fully illustrated. Quirky by design, but none are better.

Excellent Book at an excellent Price, July 30, 2010
Clearly the author has listened to what users of Lightroom want to know and has set out this book in a clear and detailed way.
If you are new to Lightroom or have limited knowledge in it's use then this book is a must.
Another must is to purchase it through Amazon as the discount (plus free P&P) makes it an excellent bargain.
A disk is not supplied with the book but there are links to the website if you wish to download some of the photographs to use with any of the adjustments described in the book. ... Read more

Editorial Review

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

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

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

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

Reviews

Lessons from the Masters, January 31, 2010
Ansel Adams, Edward Weston and Eliot Porter were amongst the greatest landscape photographers of the twentieth century. Unlike many of today's photographers, they used film. The book "In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams and the Great Masters: Digital Landscape Photography" tries to translate their techniques into the language of modern digital photography.

The first part of the book, called "Technical Foundations" deals with the basic techniques of digital photography with emphasis on how those techniques might be applied to landscape photography. Experienced users may find little new here, although the explanation of the zone system may introduce people who have mastered the histogram to another method of calculating exposure. At the same time, the explanations of the fundamentals may prove much too pithy for beginners. Perhaps the section will most help those already familiar with the basics to understand how to apply these techniques like the masters.

The second part of the book, entitled "Light, Composition and the Art of Seeing" evokes the masters, mostly by quoting their words. The images presented are primarily those of Frye, but those familiar with the masters will recognize that much of his work is clearly derived from their style, except for being captured digitally and usually in color. Although this aspect of photography is the most amorphous to describe in writing, Frye does a good job, and his lovely pictures, taken mostly in Yosemite and other favorite locations of Adams, are well worth studying.

The final part deals with "The Digital Darkroom: Editing, Processing and Printing" and it is here that Frye shows how I imagine the masters would use modern image processing software and hardware rather than the chemical darkroom. Although quite extensive, it is certainly not a Photoshop primer. Instead those who already know how to use such software will see examples of how Frye uses it to emulate the style of the masters. Since most Photoshop manuals do not show many examples of actual applications, this can be quite useful.

My only complaint with the book is that I would have liked a few more photographs by the masters included, with some deeper analysis of the images to reveal the techniques they used to fulfill their vision. There is still plenty of room for the photographer to view and analyze their works in other books.

No photographers should expect (or fear) that after reading this book they will take pictures like the masters. Instead, they should expect that some of the techniques, if adopted, will be incorporated into their own style and add to the quality of their images.

Not for novices, but also not beyond mid-level amateurs, January 26, 2010

Editorial Review

Reviews

missing manual, November 5, 2010
This book is what it is - the missing manual. If you are looking for creative uses then you probably want another book (although there are many creative use features in the book). When I think of a manual - it covers all the major parts of the program and gives insights on how to use the program and this book succeeds. I keep this "bible' on my desk as a quick reference to trouble shooting and how to use different tools of this feature laden program.

Super Informative Manual, November 10, 2010
I found this book to be super informative and extremely easy to navigate. It begins with a great description of Elements for the novice and users of previous editions. Within each chapter there are relevent tips, frequently asked questions, loads of information and plenty of photos. The Table Of Contents is very extensive, as is the index, making it very easy to find sought after information quickly.
It really is "The book that should have been in the box"

Missing Manual, November 2, 2010
Being a first time user of elements this book is a godsend. However there is so much information that I needed to read it first and now I am using the book as a guide as I try new opertations. My only comment is I wish it was a bit more graphic and has more screenshots. However it is a great book.

Falls Short, October 28, 2010

The book falls woefully short in it's treatment of Adobe Elements 9.
The only reason I bought it was to see if there was anything I might be "missing" since my last version of Elements was version (5).
I use Adobe CS4 extensively, but also use Elements when its a simple job for layers.
My image prep is done with Nikon Capture NX.

The book is probably ok for the first time user with little or no experience with image editing.

The treatment of color management in this book should be largely ignored as it could lead one to believe color management is not at all that important. This is something that should have either been left out entirely or covered more in depth.

The same holds true for the authors rather poor explanation of file types.

Most of what is in the book can be found for free with some google searching.

If you are new to image editing, I don't recommend this book since this information is already freely available.

If on the other hand you want a way to use Elements 9 creatively, you will have to search out another book as this one does little to show the real power that can be had in Elements. "Masking" which has been missing in Elements is now available. This is a pretty big deal for Elements, but again, the book doesn't go into the power of masks.

review of Photoshop Elements 9 book, December 9, 2010
This book is great. I had just bought the Photoshop Elements 9 software. As the program didn't come with a manual I bought this book. It is easy to understand and walks you through pretty much everything connected to the program. There are pics you can download from their site to work on if you want. I still haven't made it to the end of the book but I have learned alot from it. I strongly suggest buying this book if you haven't had any photoshop training.

Photoshops Elements 9 (O'Reilly), November 24, 2010
From O'Reilly comes the latest in the `missing manual' series, "Photoshop Elements 9. For photographers who like the streamlined lightness that comes the Photoshop Elements program, Barbara Brundage's manual covers all the basics of the ever popular program including more recent developments like photomerge and more. A five-dollar upgrade gets you a companion CD and there is a 45 day free membership to the online edition as well.

Great Accessory, December 15, 2010
This is a great item to have if you do not like reading manuals on line. The index is great for finding the solution to your problem. I would highly recommend this book.

Very helpful resource, November 15, 2010
This book is extremely helpful, filled with tons of information that is easy to find. Just what I was looking for. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Are you ready for an amazing new version of The Photoshop Book that breaks all the rules?

Scott Kelby, Editor and Publisher of Photoshop User magazine—and the best-selling Photoshop author in the world today—once again takes this book to a whole new level as he uncovers more of the latest, most important, and most useful new Adobe Photoshop CS5 techniques for digital photographers.

This major update to his award-winning, record-breaking book does something for digital photographers that’s never been done before—it cuts through the bull and shows you exactly “how to do it.” It’s not a bunch of theory; it doesn’t challenge you to come up with your own settings or figure it out on your own. Instead, Scott shows you step by step the exact techniques used by today’s cutting-edge digital photographers, and best of all, he shows you flat-out exactly which settings to use, when to use them, and why. That’s why the previous editions of this book are widely used as the official study guide in photography courses at colleges and universities around the world.

Learn how the pros do it
Each year, Scott trains thousands of professional photographers how to use Photoshop, and almost without exception they have the same questions, the same problems, and the same challenges—and that’s exactly what he covers in this book. You’ll learn:

• The sharpening techniques the pros really use.
• The pros’ tricks for fixing the most common digital photo problems fast!
• The step-by-step setup for getting what comes out of your printer to match exactly what you see onscreen.
• A whole chapter on how to process HDR (High Dynamic Range) images using CS5’s new Merge to HDR Pro.
• How to master CS5’s new Content-Aware Fill.
• How to color correct any photo without breaking a sweat.
• How to process RAW images like a pro (plus how to take advantage of all the new Camera Raw features in CS5!).
• How to use the included gray card to make color correction just a matter of three clicks.
• How to show your work like a pro!
• A host of shortcuts, workarounds, and slick “insider” tricks to send your productivity through the roof!

Reviews

The Mother of all things Photoshop!!!!!, August 12, 2010
I'm not new to photography, but I'm fairly new to Photoshop...CS5 in particular. In the interest of quickly getting up-to-speed, I signed up a few weeks ago with an Adobe Certified Instructor to provide personal Photoshop mentoring to me on a once-a-week basis. To supplement these sessions, I also joined NAPP and have watched dozens of their video tutorials; Adobe TV, etc. At the same time, I also picked up another highly respected author's book on CS5 (lets call it the "me" book) to try and put things together. The videos have helped, but I must candidly say that I quickly got lost in complexities of the writing in the "me" book and found it quite frustrating to say the least! Thats not to say that the "me" book isn't well done, but it is clearly written for someone that has had a fair amount of Photoshop experience in the past. IMHO, it's just way too detailed for the neophite user.
Then WOW...fast forward to Scott's new book which arrived at my home earlier this week. What an amazing book this is indeed. BANG...just open up to any Chapter and there you have a very straightforward, concise, step-by-step tutorial to guide and fast-track even the most inexperienced user through the process of getting the very best results out of his or her images. Photoshop frustration has been replaced with Photoshop fun. Trust me, using this book is like having Scott looking over you shoulder as you go through his easy-to-follow methodology. Even the complete novice can process some amazing images the very first time through.
Without reservation, I highly recommend you BUY THIS BOOK!!! Thanks, Scott, I'm having an absolute blast.

My Favorite Photoshop Resource, August 11, 2010
Scott Kelby keeps writing great books about Photoshop and somehow he makes each new book about the newest release of Adobe Photoshop better than the last. This book is no exception. Whether you are brand new to Photoshop or have been using it since Photoshop 2.0, like I have, you can quickly pick up the book and in a matter of minutes put to use some new technique or learn a new and better (i.e. faster and simpler) way of doing things. If you are a Photoshop user this book is a must have reference to have by your side.

What make Kelby's writing so effective is that he clearly walks you through each step of the process with photos, menus and directions - including before and after photos. His discussion of Camera Raw both basic and advanced is especially useful. His chapter on B&W is awesome. (I'm a former photojournalist with a predilection for Black & White images). But the chapter I refer to over and over, is the common problems chapter. He covers all of the ways to help you improve common image problems - backlit, removing reflections, group photos, and many more. Also not to be missed is his Photoshop Killer Tips section at the end of each chapter. If you are a photographer and a Photoshop user you won't be dissapointed with this book.

Great--but not if you have the last edition, August 13, 2010
I'm a big fan of Scott's books--so clear, practical, and fun to look at. I loved his previous version for CS4. However, this book is virtually identical, with the exception of some material on CS5's excellent new features, such Content Aware Fill. But these are easy to learn from Adobe's online video tutorials. If you already have this book for CS4, there's no reason to get this version. But if you don't have the last edition, you're in for a treat. I heartily recommend it!

Re-ignite Your Passion for Photography, August 20, 2010
I have purchased all of Scott Kelby's books. I keep them all. This one is no exception.

Does your photography need a "kick in the pants?" Buy Adobe Photoshop CS5 and then get this book.

Try his recommendations on black and white photography, Content-Aware Fill editing, and High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography.

Then press the "restart" button on your photography. Your passion is back.

End of story.

Simply the best.

Good but...., September 23, 2010
very good book, gives a lot of tips and useful information on Photoshop for all things photography related.


But here comes the drawback....If you have the previous version there is really not much difference in the two editions and is not worth the price tag for basically an "update" on some new functions.

Wil still read it and keep it handy for references, but I am a bit disappointed.

Scott Kelby does it again, October 5, 2010
Once again, a book by Scott Kelby has demystified photography and broken it down into easily understood terms and concepts, this time with Photoshop CS5. Rather than bury the reader with tech-speak he speaks to you as if he was sitting right next to you, showing you how to do various things in Photoshop. I went to an airshow in Virginia Beach in September and had processed about 1/2 of the shots I took over the two days I was there but after reading just the chapters dealing with Camera Raw I deleted them and started from scratch, and the difference is amazing.

To anyone just starting with Photoshop CS5, I highly recommend this book. It, along with his Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Boxed Set, Volumes 1, 2, and 3, should be required reading for any photographer.

A Digital Must have!, September 20, 2010
The Adobe Photoshop CS5 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter)This is the second in the series by Scott Kelby (previous one was the CS4 book)which I have purchased. The presentation is simple, yet very thorough in covering every aspect of the CS5 product, and it is FUN! Scott Kelby is clearly not only an absolutely unbeatable expert in the subject, but also witty and fun to walk with when working one's way, step by step, through this extremely efficient software Adobe product. It is amazing that he can take one through the complexities of the product so thoroughly within a mere 736 pages (I would have expected a couple thousand pages!). Easily worth every cent of the small price it costs. What is the value of the fantastic product if one does not know how to use every aspect of its capabilities? Thanks again, Scott!

valuable fun-filled cs5 book, September 10, 2010
I enjoyed reading Scott Kelby's step-by-step problem solving approach that applies CS5 to a subset of issues and difficulties commonly encountered by digital photographers.

Overall judgment:

PROS:
1. Outstanding coverage of CS5's new Mini Bridge. While I am currently satisfied using regular Bridge, this book would be an invaluable reference if I ever switch to the mini version.
2. Very good coverage of CS5's innovations with HDR, Content Aware Fill, Camera Raw, and Refine Edges. (Its coverage of innovations involving Lens Correction is adequate.)

CONS:
1. I could not find material on CS5's new Puppet Warp.
2. I found Kelby's attempt at scatological humor on page 1 to be inappropriate and off-putting. (Throughout the remainder of the book, however, his humor makes for fun reading.)

Concurrent with my recent upgrade from CS2 to CS5, I bought three books: Evening's Adobe Photoshop CS5 for Photographers, Kelby's Adobe Photoshop CS5 Book For Digital Photographers, and Smith's Adobe Photoshop CS5 Digital Classroom. Evening's book is the most useful of the three, and will serve as my primary CS5 reference. At the same time, I expect to give Kelby's valuable, fun-filled book a heavy workout.

Wow! Wow! Wow!, September 4, 2010
I have been using Photoshop Elements but am totally new to CS5. I was about to buy another book when I read a review saying it was great for those with previous Photoshop experience. Then I read the reviews for this book which said it was easy to follow.

I got the book today and in just a little over an hour I have learned to do so many things with CS5. I am amazed. I am at a new level.

The only criticism of the book is that he is a little hokey in his introductions and here and there. But this is easily forgiven by the ease with which I can read the book and implement his instructions. BUY THIS BOOK. It is terrific. I am already a third of the way through the book and have learned so many fantastic things which I was never able to do in Elements.

Another winner from Scott Kelby, November 24, 2010
Like the other books in this series, the CS5 Book for Digital Photographers is another winner from Scott Kelby. This is the perfect addition to your library if you've upgraded to CS5 and want to be able to take advantage of all the new features without spending a ridiculous amount of time climbing the learning curve. Scott explains step by step how to use the new features in his usual, easy to follow format, and you'll be up to speed with a lot more editing tricks and skills at your disposal in no time with this latest book. The format is the same as previous editions so you can browse through the book and start reading anywhere you see something that interests you. None of Scott's books require you to read the sections in order, and this is one thing that makes his offerings so easy to use and so valuable as reference tools.

Also of great value is Scott's direction on some features to avoid in the software package. One example is using noise reduction in Adobe Camera Raw and avoiding the noise reduction feature of photoshop itself. Noise reduction in camera raw is far superior to the alternative and some experimentation with both quickly proves this out. You will learn so many more features in camera raw in CS5 compared to previous versions, that you find yourself using camera raw for most of your editing with this latest book, saving both time and effort. Note that even if you are shooting JPG, you can still open the image in camera raw and use the ACR noise reduction feature.

Another great feature is the "Photoshop Killer Tips" section at the end of each chapter. As if you didn't learn enough in the chapter itself, Scott throws in 8 to 12 more killer tips at the end. I've been using this software since the introduction of the CS series, and I still find things in Scott's tips that I never knew were there.

I purchased Scott's book for each of the Photoshop CS software upgrades I have purchased, and have found each and every one of them to be invaluable. I actually pre-purchased this CS5 book on Amazon prior to its release because I knew it would be another winner and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it (Amazon also had the lowest price). With each book I have found that I learn enough new skills in the first 15 or 20 minutes to justify its cost. In my opinion, Photoshop CS5 is the best software upgrade yet in the CS5 series. If you are a Photoshop CS5 user, you are cheating yourself if you don't get this book. ... Read more

Editorial Review

The source of any photograph is not the camera or even the scene viewed through the viewfinder--it is the mind of the photographer: this is where an image is created before it is committed to a memory card or film. In The Photographer's Mind, the follow-up to the international bestseller, The Photographer's Eye, photographer and author Michael Freeman unravels the mystery behind the creation of a photograph.

The nature of photography demands that the viewer constantly be intrigued and surprised by new imagery and different interpretations, more so than in any other art form. The aim of this book is to answer what makes a photograph great, and to explore the ways that top photographers achieve this goal time and time again.

As you delve deeper into this subject, The Photographer's Mind will provide you with invaluable knowledge on avoiding cliché, the cyclical nature of fashion, style and mannerism, light, and even how to handle the unexpected.

Michael Freeman is the author of the global bestseller, The Photographer's Eye. Now published in sixteen languages, The Photographer's Eye continues to speak to photographers everywhere. Reaching 100,000 copies in print in the US alone, and 300,000+ worldwide, it shows how anyone can develop the ability to see and shoot great digital photographs.

• Written by the author of The Photographer's Eye.
• Provides you with invaluable knowledge on avoiding cliché, the cyclical nature of fashion, style and mannerism, light and even how to handle the unexpected.
• Contains over 400 breathtaking images from real photographic assignments, with schematic illustrations of how and why the images work.

Bathed in light: composition, pose and lighting all move in the same direction--up towards the sun.

A hidden landscape: inside a conch shell, but with none of the clues to suggest what it might be.

A moment:the culmination of seven minutes and almost forty frames.

Another Moment . . .: but an uncertain one.

Dear Amazon Readers,

Well, I’ve written and photographed many books, and I was a little shocked when last month the 150th one appeared. A third of these are about photography, and you might think that’s rather too many for one person to write. I mean, don’t I have anything better to do? Valid question, but I like books--no, more than that, I have a strong belief in them--and as my work involves a lot of travelling, I have a great deal of time to think and write when I’m on the road. In fact, I’ve always spent a little more than half of each year travelling, and usually on long trips. Five or six weeks at a time is my ideal, though it’s sometimes longer by necessity. This isn’t packaged tourism, of course, and many of the places I’m in are a little quieter and more remote than you might expect. Perfect for thinking about writing, and this writing is also about what I’m doing--shooting.

Two and a half years ago I published The Photographer’s Eye, a book which at its core is about composition. This evolved from a much earlier book, long out of print. It always seemed to me that the word "technique" was usually being applied to the wrong things in photography. Technique was taken to mean twiddling knobs and working the controls, not to mention the arcana of imaging software. All very well, but what about the result? You could train yourself to fit a flash unit to the camera faster than a weapons expert could change magazines on a Kalashnikov, or learn to despise anyone who doesn’t use Smart Objects in Photoshop, but if the image is boring at the end of it, what was the point?

The techniques that always engaged me (and to be frank, most of the other professionals I know) have to do with image making, regardless of camera model or Photoshop version. My background is editorial assignment photography, usually features, so the pressure is always on to make the shot interesting. It’s quite often about storytelling, and if I’m trying to tell a part of that story clearly, I might (for instance) need to find a viewpoint and framing that relates one thing in the frame to another. Or, can I find a composition and scale that somehow encapsulates the mood and essence of the scene? Or, did another photographer I know already shoot this in a particular way, and how can I be different and better?

Composition isn’t about the Rule of Thirds (spare me, please!) and getting the framing perfect. There is no perfect. But neither is it vague and happy-feely. There are real techniques that involve knowing what the frame shape is doing to you, how the eye and mind tend to respond to visual stimuli, and how to create the right balance between surprise and comfort simply by the proportion you allocate to elements In the frame. And because these techniques involve choice of subject and being certain of what you’re trying to achieve (for instance, make the scene lush and lovable, or shock the pants off the audience), composition reaches much, much further than placing points and lines in a rectangle.

Well, if I go on much more, this will begin to be a book! And there already is one . . . it’s the sequel to The Photographer’s Eye, and it’s called The Photographer’s Mind. It exists because there was much more that I wanted to say than I was able to in Eye.

There’s even a little bit more that I couldn’t fit into this, either. One thing I touch on in the book is the deep effect of frame shape, and in particular a new trend towards wider. 16:9 is rapidly gaining ground as a "natural" format (aspect ratio, actually) because of HDTV, and a few cameras offer this framing. And of course, its shape alone has an effect on composing that is noticeably different from 3:2 and 4:3. Here are four examples, each illustrating a different effect:

Pushes the attention outwards to left and right--gives a panoramic feeling.

Squeezes top and bottom--less foreground, less sky.

Encourages the "two-shot"--one object left vs. one object right.

Strengthens any left-right movement that the scene may already have.

1. More or less
2. Fairly well, and I’m getting better all the time
3. Of course! What a nerve to ask!

1. Trent Parke
2. Irving Penn
3. Ansel Adams
4. Myself

1. A year’s invitations to opening nights at the photo gallery of your choice
2. A coffee-table book on grand American landscapes
3. The latest Ukrainian software to do something amazing to your image

1. People
2. Landscape
3. Fire hydrant
4. Detail of a wall
5. Gas station

1. 0-10
2. 10-50
3. 50 plus

1. An 85mm ƒ1.4
2. A 105mm Macro
3. A lens that bends, swings or tilts

1. Interesting contrast between elements
2. Rule of Thirds
3. Getting it all inside the frame
4. It’s more important to get it sharp, because you can fix the composition later

1. Anything unusual
2. Backlighting
3. Sunset and sunrise
4. Frontal and crisp
5. Flash

1. The camera is irrelevant
2. He understood exactly how the camera works
3. This camera is a miracle of modern engineering

How did you score? Add up the numbers for each answer you checked . . .

10-16
Either you have a passion for shooting, or you cheated because you guessed that a low score would be best. Even if the latter, at least you wanted to look like a photographer rather than a techno-geek, so you won’t be disappointed to find that this new book is completely about thinking and shooting pictures, with not a piece of a camera kit or a computer screen anywhere in sight!

17-24
What a balanced, reasonable and moderate individual you are! The alternative would be that you couldn’t really make up your mind, but that can’t be true, can it? Anyway, I really envy you for steering clear of extremes. Guess what . . . you’ll find an equally balanced view of the range of photographic expression and style in this book!

25-33
You just might need a little more excitement in your photographic life. Moreover, you’ll go pasty-faced from sitting in front of the computer screen. Recommendation: close it down, spend an hour reading this book, then go out with the camera and take at least two photographs of a kind you’ve never tried before.

Funny how this book seems to be good for everyone, isn’t it? Admittedly, you’ll still need the camera manual. But please don’t write to me saying how unfair and opinionated the test was, because that’s what these quizzes are all about!

Reviews

The First Book on Advanced Topics in Photographic Composition/Design, October 10, 2010
This is the first book in English to look at topics in photographic composition and visual design in a practical manner from an advanced standpoint. It is the current approach for digital photographers to Ansel Adams's concept of "previsualization."

It is difficult to overstate the importance of this book to the literature on the composition/design (c/d) problem, not only in photography, but also in the drawing/painting arts. For the first time a potential text is available that provides the basis for a spiral curriculum in practical imaging, starting from the elementary writing that dominates the topic, through the intermediate level of Freeman's earlier "Photographer's Eye" (PE), and Mante's and Hoffmann's books, now to "The Photographer's Mind" (PM) at the advanced level. Throughout the text, actually a number of essays, Freeman weaves insights from the standard and highly regarded theoreticians, such as Arnheim and Gombrich, to the more current insights from visual psychology and brain studies on visualization, to art history and other writing on the c/d problem.

PM is a very worthy extension of PE, taking analysis of the structural components of an image done in PE to the next level - the photographer's intent, or the purpose of an image and how to define that and use the work flow of digital photographing to achieve a desired reaction from or convey a message to viewers. The material in PE needs by now to be second nature, done without conscious deliberation for the most part.

PM starts where PE left off, but in inverted order. The fifth chapter in PE on "Intent" is now an entire first section in PM. Freeman examined different kinds of "intent" in PE as contrasting pairs, starting from the most basic, conventional versus challenging. In PM, he moves on to considerations the photographer should make of a photograph's presentational context: what is right in one context may be less effective in another, which may require a whole other "look." He does National Geographic's commentaries on photographing more than one better in his initial chapter on the "layers of subject." Freeman examines this topic in more textual depth and with more illustrations than NG does among most of their books and photographers' commentaries put together. Other topics look at beauty, clarity versus ambiguity, and ending with hiding in plain sight, the visual delay.

The second part of PM, "Style," is not really a continuation of the first several chapters in PE on the nuts and bolts of compositions, but on using those techniques to create a particular style of image. Yes, that's right, a style for potentially each separate image, as opposed to a "photographer's style." Why this approach? Well, digital photography has democratized the act of photographing to the extent that it is a universal activity. It now may be easier to notice who does not photograph or video than who does. It is, therefore, ever more difficult for a photographer to stand out over the long haul based on a "style," but more necessary for one to have mastered the old and the new to meet the need or intention of the moment, assignment, or project. Those who have invested the most in mastering composing and manipulating new technologies to individualize the effects of each image will win and be noticed. Training and mastery count here; this is not the stuff of the "I'm OK, you're OK" art training that prevails today. "Getting closer" eventually becomes a prescription for boring photos, if that is as far as one takes creating stronger images, despite what Capa said.

In the "Style" section, one highlight is the finest, most detailed, comprehensive essay on classical, static, and asymmetric balance I have seen anywhere, especially paired with the one on "opposition." I was stunned with how he managed to apply the musical harmonic measures covered in Bouleau's book to practical photographing in the essay on harmonics - not something I had figured out how to use in quick photographing. He wraps up this section with essays on the main range of styles in contemporary photography defined into four categories. This grouping covers the lens-timing-lighting aspects of composition inherent in the debates and conflicts between modernist and post-modernist adherents who may to greater or lesser degrees operate from behind a manifesto or within a philosophy.

The third section returns to the "process" by which, at least, this photographer solves creative, compositional problems at the time of shooting. In PE, he looked at reactive shooting in depth. He returns to that for a while in the essay on "interactive composition," wherein he examines his own reactions to changes in a situation and his reactions to them. The final set of topics he considers in this section is to define and analyze an image's "look." This concept, with the infinitude of hyper-precise digital processing techniques, is now a much more evident characteristic of one image or a collection of images. Freeman categorizes and examines in detail the stylistic components of what can be manipulated to achieve a certain "look" in a manner that was not feasible to any similar degree with film.

Freeman, among all photographers and painters, is almost alone in his ability to articulate in precise, meaningful ways his thoughts on composing and, in particular, how he manages the task. There is no art critical jargon and hand waving here. Each page is packed with information, often presented in novel ways and using differing emphases. Beyond using text, pages of captioned illustrations, and some of the best instructive diagrams I've seen anywhere to make his argument, he also summarizes or restates a topic or isolates a specific point in boxes - a sort of Power Point presentation within the book, and gives the reader tiny boxes with lists of web search terms pertaining to the subject at hand.

As a first entry in the literature of advanced topics in composition/design, this is a most worthy contribution, on its own merits and for opening a new level of discourse. Both Freeman and his publisher, ILEX, are to be commended for taking the risk to publish this level of material, not aimed at the beginning amateur market, where the publishing numbers are. PE is a best seller by any reasonable measure, and PM is a worthy next step for those who are hungry for objective, well-stated assistance in improving their photography, or, in fact, their image-making in any medium.

Bravo, Freeman and ILEX. May risk in this arena continue to be worth taking. We want more writing on this level and quality.

Few and Far Between, November 14, 2010
As some reviewers have noted, Freeman has written a lot of books. Okay: all thinly disguised envy to one side, this much is true, but hardly anyone has put out a book like this. Once you're done digesting the differences between P,A,Tv and M modes that every other book out there is going to put you through. Once you've gotten your fill of photography manuals that always seem to be more about Photoshop than photography, BUY THIS and read it again and again. This is not a how to do, it's more of a how to BE and how to SEE. This book along with Freeman's "The Photographer's Eye" should be on the shelf of every dedicated professional and amateur out there. As photographer's we're all chasing "the defining moment," and no modern photographer out there other than DuChemin ["Within the Frame"] who's actually writing books understands this impulse and its importance and the road to get there better than Freeman.

Sure, if you don't buy this book, you won't regret it because you'll never know what you missed. And if you never take your camera off AUTO there's a lot of other things you won't regret because you won't know what you missed. But the tragic fact is that you will have missed nearly everything. Don't continue to wake up in the middle of the night, screaming "OhmyGod! My entire portfolio is filled with high resolution snapshots!" Buy this book and it will repay you in ways you can't yet imagine.

Intellectualizing Photography, November 13, 2010
In the introduction to "The Photographer's Mind: Creative thinking for better digital photos", Michael Freeman notes that art criticism, photography or otherwise, seldom addresses itself to the practitioners of the particular art, photography or otherwise. He sets himself the ambitious goal of explaining how technique can be used to make a photograph "good" (whatever that means). Although he does not say so, if he could accomplish that task his book would be highly useful not only to photographers, but to viewers of photographs who want to increase their understanding of the art.

He begins his exploration by considering a question that has engaged aestheticians since the time of Plato, "What is beauty?" From this jumping-off point he explores ideas like clich�, and techniques like the reveal, which slowly makes the viewer aware of the subject of a photograph. Fortunately the language he uses is far more accessible than that of, say, Immanuel Kant. Next he moves on to the question of style, which consists of the package of tools a particular photographer uses repeatedly to express his or her vision. He does this by discussing concepts of composition that experienced photographers will be familiar with, like the rule of thirds, but his exploration examines why these concepts work, rather than just describing the concept. This work seems to follow up on the ideas presented in his earlier work, "The Photographer's Eye" but a prior encounter with that book is not necessary to understand this book. Generally he focuses on techniques that draw the viewer's attention to the subject of the image. He does discuss styles that vary from the traditional, like what he calls "low graphic style", and others that characterize the more avant-garde photography of our time. In the final chapter of the book he describes what many photographers call "working the subject", that is capturing successive images of the subject, each one hoping to improve on the last, or at least, varying the composition from the prior capture. He also examines "the look" of images, concentrating on approaches that have been made easier through digital processing, like hyper-realistic and luminous images.

Ultimately he fails to clarify what makes a photograph "good" and I am not surprised because this seems an almost impossible task. What he does do is to heighten a photographer's sensitivity to techniques, many of which a photographer may already use. This heightened sensitivity can help the image-smith make an even "better" photograph.

At the risk of criticizing Freeman for not writing the book I would have wished, I think he failed to capitalize on the controversial work of many modern art photographers, like Andreas Gursky or Jeff Wall. It seems to me some further discussion of what makes this kind of work "good", at least in the eyes of some viewers, might have illuminated the techniques that Freeman discusses, even for those readers who find contemporary art photography unattractive.

Reviews seldom comment on the bibliography of a book that is essentially about technique, but if one pursued the books referenced by Freeman, one could make a significant beginning into applying a more intellectual approach to making photographs. Freeman's book is certainly a step in that direction.

An amazing creative tour de force, November 24, 2010

teaching you to SEE!, December 8, 2010

Not exactly what I was expecting., December 16, 2010

A Priceless Resource, December 14, 2010

Get The Basics First, December 10, 2010

Freeman has another winner here!, December 7, 2010
Everyone talks about composition, but few manage to distill its essence down to a set of concepts that anyone can grasp and apply to their own work. Freeman has done it here. I loved THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S EYE, and this book goes the next step in showing you how to visualize your images before you take them, and fine-tune your compositions. Every photographer should own this book. If you don't, then you can only blame any failings in your imagining on yourself.

The art of seeing and thinking through good photos, December 2, 2010

Editorial Review

The Canon EOS Rebel T2i/550D is the most advanced entry-level digital SLR camera that Canon has ever introduced. David Busch's Canon EOS Rebel T2i/550D Guide to Digital SLR Photography shows you how to make the most of your camera's robust feature set, including 18 megapixel resolution, blazing fast automatic focus, the real-time preview system Live View, and full HD movie-making capabilities, to take outstanding photos and videos. You'll learn how, when, and, most importantly, why to use all the cool features and functions of your camera to take eye-popping photographs. Introductory chapters will help you get comfortable with the basics of your camera before you dive right into exploring creative ways to apply the Canon EOS Rebel T2i/550D's exposure modes, focus controls, and electronic flash options. This book is chock full of hands-on tips for choosing lenses, flash units, and software products to use with your new camera. Beautiful, full-color images illustrate where the essential buttons and dials are, so you'll quickly learn how to use your Canon EOS Rebel T2i/550D, and use it well. NOW AVAILABLE, David Busch's Canon T2i/550D Camera Companion App for the iPhone and iPad. Buy it today from iTunes. ... Read more

Reviews

This is the book you need for the T2i, June 7, 2010
I love Busch's books because they are the only camera guides that aren't just rehashes of the vendor's manual, with some pictures added. I tend to upgrade my camera every year or so, and I always buy the author's Guidebook to help me get up to speed quickly with my new purchase. This one, like the others I bought, is both easy to understand and comprehensive. In the first three chapters, you'll learn about setting up your camera and choosing Menu options (including advice not only on what each option is, but why you might want to use it.) This section alone is 134 pages and, because it is a full-size book rather than a pocket-size book, has more information that you find in entire manuals of the rehash variety. Each button, dial, and menu is illustrated with large full color illustrations. This is really a "road map" that gets you started using your T2i very quickly.

After that, the author devotes 250 more pages to explaining how to optimize exposure, sort out the camera's autofocus features, choosing lenses, and working with flash and available light -- all applied directly to the T2i. Busch omits the "padding" you find in other Guidebooks, and I am grateful for that. It does not have sections on how to shoot a generic "sports" picture or "landscape" picture, etc. Everything relates to the T2i. The whole book deals strictly with photography and techniques, too, so you won't find it padded with chapters on how to use the EOS Utility or Digital Photo Pro. All in all, Busch manages to fill this book with an amazing amount of useful information.

There are other books for the T2i out there, but if you want the whole story in words you can understand, this is the one you should buy.

Why aren't all camera guides this good?, June 8, 2010
Busch is the world's best-selling camera guide author for a reason. His books are a cut above the other books, which all repeat what you see in the book packaged with the camera, without going into any depth on how to use them. This one is different, with Busch's trademark friendly introduction to the Canon EOS Rebel T2i, accessible to anyone -- novice to veteran -- who wants to learn how to use the camera quickly. In that respect, it's great for beginners. But the author is especially skilled at taking you beyond the basics to explain exactly how to apply the features of the T2i to improve your photographic skills.

Individual chapters of the book explore the finer points of exposure, including the use of histograms, understanding the T2i's autofocus options, HD movie-making, and creative ways to use lenses and light. There are nine chapters in all, each of them dealing with a different aspect of using the EOS T2i. Even the general material on topics like f/stops and exposure all relate directly to his camera.

This book is especially good for those who feel they are "visually oriented." These folks tend to gravitate to DVD instruction, not realizing that such productions are basically audio programs with images, and aren't really visually oriented at all. With a DVD, you're basically using your ears to listen to a talking head explain the camera, and what you hear may not sink in immediately. Busch's guide takes the right visual approach, using large full-color illustrations accompanied by the text you need to quickly understand what the author is explaining. We've reviewed several of Busch's guides, and, after reading this one, still wonder why all camera guides aren't this good.

The Scott Kelby of Camera Guides is Back!, June 7, 2010
Busch has raised the bar again, producing a thorough guide to the Canon EOS Rebel T2i that combines an in-depth look at every feature, technical insights, and the friendly, accessible style of Scott Kelby. As with the other books that have made him the gold standard among camera guides, Busch explains the camera from every level, satisfying the curiousity of both newcomers and old hands.

The author divides his coverage of the T2i into two parts. The first section covers what you find in the other manuals, but with more detail and guidance. The first chapter is a quick start of all the basic features of the T2i. The second chapter is a 20-page examination of each and every control, button, and dial of the T2i, showing how and when to use them. The next chapter pores over every menu entry and option, explaining in detail what happens when you select each one, and detailing why you'd want to use these settings. This first section of the book is an introduction that every T2i owner -- newbie or pro -- needs to read.

But that's just the beginning. Busch continues where the other guides leave off, with individual chapters on understanding exposure, mastering the T2i's autofocus options, and working with Live View, full HD movie-making, and other advanced techniques. He devotes many pages to an exhaustive examination of Canon's extensive line of lenses, based on his personal experience with all of them. Other chapters talk about techniques for using light and electronic flash with the T2i, choosing software, and troubleshooting your camera. This book is more than a replacement for Canon's manual: it's a photo course on using the T2i to take better pictures.

Explains everything!, July 14, 2010
I bought this book and the Dummies book for my new camera. The T2i is my first dSLR, so I had a lot to learn. I really like this book, as it goes beyond just the basics and shows you why you want to use or care about some of the things the camera is capable of doing. I consider myself a fast learner, so this was just the right book for me, as it spends just the right amount of time on the basics, and then goes deeper to help me use my camera to the fullest of its abilities. The book even warns of a few things that should be left alone until you become a better photographer.

I really like the full color pictures that show the effect of many of the parameters that you can change on the camera.

Canon T2i DSLR Book, August 28, 2010
A very nicely done book. I like the color illustrations and diagrams which make it easier to understand than the small black and white manual that comes with the camera. The camera has many, many features and this book does a good job of explaining how to use them. The book is printed on quality, coated paper that should last a lot longer than the stock manual.

David Busch's DVD on EOS REBEL T2i/550D, September 25, 2010
I found the DVD very helpful. I have used a point and shoot camera for years while my kids were little. My last "real" camera was the Canon AE1 and I have not remembered much of what I learned years ago. I will have to watch this video many, many times to get it all. But David teaches to you and not AT YOU. David's teaching reminds me of my old photography classes. I would tell anyone who is just starting out or going back to what we thought we knew or know... This is a WONDERFUL tool. I just wish I had endless funds to get all the bells and whistles that go with it. Thank you.

Excellent Book, September 3, 2010
This writer is right on the money. The author obviously has photographic experience and has used this particular camera. So often I have found these "manuals" to be generic and not very specific to the product, padded with extraneous information, and poorly organized. I was very satisfied with this book; it's detailed, organized, clear and comprehensive. If you have a specific question it's easy to get the answer using the index or table of contents. Lots of good tips. And- get a load of this- it is well written. Like listening to a very knowledgable buddy.

Excellent for SLR Beginners - Good for Some Upgraders, December 18, 2010
By and large, David Busch's EOS Rebel T2i/550 Guide . . . is simply an upgrade of prior Canon Rebel books by the same author. This is not to say that it isn't excellent. Practice makes perfect. And this book is perfect for the beginner. And it is good for up-graders from lessor Rebel cameras to the T2i who want a review of earlier camera features that have been preserved. This might help some previous Rebel camera owners to better integrate all the new features of the T2i.

The book has very little to say about video. Yes, all the video functions are covered. It's just that a great deal more than functions of the YT2i camera is covered in this book. Their is lens choice, flash, print editing, etc. Much of which is rehash of earlier books by the author. Again, I have no criticism of the usefulness and accuracy of this book. I just would have liked more video instruction. I guess video deserves at least one whole book of its own. After-all, David Busch's book already has 324 pages plus Glossary and Index. There isn't room for much more.

While the book is very well written, and contains both accurate and extensive information on the T2i, I would think that long-time owners of cameras in the
Rebel series simply do not need it. The instruction manual that comes with the camera should be enough.

I write to give perspective to shoppers, not to sell the book, and not to detail what is in it. I hope this approach is beneficial. Please rate this review for usefulness. Helpful comments are also appreciated.

Thanks.

Essential For All EOS T2i Photographers, June 28, 2010
I just purchased the Canon EOS T2i Camera and wanted more instructional informational information than was provided with the camera. The book is head and shoulders above all others.

T2i Photo Guide, December 1, 2010
Excellant book. I have not yet picked up the camera, but I have a great guide to using it. I have been studying this guide. It is well written, in easy language, and well worth the money. Now I just need to have the camera in stock, and get started. I can't wait. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Photography has been the business and the passion of LIFE since the original weekly magazine's inception in 1936, and it continues to be the business and passion of LIFE Books and LIFE.com in the new millennium. But photography has surely changed during these many decades. The rigs and gear of old have given way-first slowly, then all at once-to sleek miracle machines that process pixels and have made the darkroom obsolete. The casual photog puts eye to lens, sets everything on auto and captures a photograph that is . . . perfectly fine.

One of LIFE's master shooters-in fact, the final in the long line of distinguished LIFE staff photographers-was Joe McNally, and he has always believed that with a little preparation and care, with a dash of enthusiasm and daring added to the equation, anyone can make a better photo-anyone can turn a "keeper" into a treasure. This was true in days of yore, and it's true in the digital age. Your marvelous new camera, fresh from its box, can indeed perform splendid feats. Joe explains in this book how to take best advantage of what it was designed to do, and also when it is wise to outthink your camera or push your camera-to go for the gold, to create that indelible family memory that you will have blown up as large as the technology will allow, and that will hang on the wall forevermore.

As the storied LIFE photographer and photo editor John Loengard points out in his eloquent foreword to this volume, there are cameras and there are cameras, and they've always been able to do tricks. And then there is photography. Other guides may give you the one, two, three of producing a reasonably well exposed shot, but Joe McNally and the editors of LIFE can give you that, and then can show you how to make a picture. In a detailed, friendly, conversational, anecdotal, sometimes rollicking way, that's what they do in these pages.

Prepare to click. ... Read more

Reviews

Amazing photography with insights on how to improve your own, October 15, 2010
Joe McNally (the author) creates captivating images, photos that make you think "How did he do that?" Reading this book is like spending time with him. While yes, he gives you basic instruction such as an introduction to the exposure triangle of ISO, f-stop and shutter speed, he is sharing his fabulous art with you at the same time discussing some technical aspects such as lens, focus, color, timing or aperture that contributed to the final product. While he recommends always shooting in Raw so you can correct a photo, he is definitely a "Get it right in camera" guy. Below are summaries of a few of my favorite sections. Which is hard, because I loved them all.

The Almost Silhouette
In this example he has a photo of a young girl in a dark room looking out a lighted window. Which is a tough exposure situation. Expose for the highlights on her face. If you expose for the window other areas go totally black, if you expose for the dark shadows, others go nuclear. Look for a middle ground. (The photo example helps quite a bit.)

Fireworks
Shooting fireworks with a wide open lens will drain the color, it is quite easy to over expose them. An aperture of f/8 is a good start. Use a cable release, because the shutter will be open 4 to 15 seconds. The foreground object (the anchor) can determine the shutter speed. Don't shoot all night long with the same exposure (This goes for any situation).

Flash
This author is a Master at flash and makes the point that if you intend to take a lot of pictures, you will eventually have to shoot some with a flash, probably more with than without. Light, no matter where it comes from has quality, color and direction. All three of those things are important in the light that is already present and in the light that you add with a flash.
Moving the light off camera is essential. He shows examples of a pop-up on camera flash, a hot shoe flash, a hot shoe flash that is connected by wire and is off camera in studio, same situation in studio further away from the wall, and finally hot shoe, off camera, subject away from the wall and light bounced off (a neutral colored) ceiling. The final shot was lovely, the first, not so much.

Portraits and DOF
In this section McNally points out that every button and dial affect your photograph. Yes, you can let the camera decide for you, but do you really want an average vanilla photo? In this example he has a lovely photo of a Hawaiian dancer posed in front of a waterfall. Everything is crystal clear. I thought it was great until I turned the page, then, Wow! Now this is what we're talkin' bout! Same dancer, same waterfall, but she's in the water, he's up close (lens wise) and dropped his f-stop from 14 to 2. It is gorgeous! The leaves on the wreath she is wearing are blurry in front because of the narrow DOF (depth of field). It is spectacular, and communicates his message perfectly.

These a just a couple of the diamonds forged from years of being in the pressure cooker. If you love this book as much as I did you will also want to read The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes which is a hysterical and incredibly educational book about using speedlights (hotshoe flashs) to improve your photography. I also enjoyed The Moment It Clicks: Photography secrets from one of the world's top shooters another classic McNally book, but with a few more photos that were shot on film. They are still great examples that are relevant to the digital era, and you will no doubt learn things from this fabulous book.

Educational and Inspirational, October 25, 2010
Finally, a book that puts it all together. Over the years, in my never-ending quest to snap a decent picture, I have purchased literally hundreds of books on photography. Generally speaking, these books have been a disappointment; I've always felt that there's one crucial step that I've either missed, not understood, or the author has left out. Many of my 'How-To' photography books remain half read, put down in frustration because I just don't get the concept.

In other words, those books made me feel dumb. This book doesn't.

McNally has an incredibly easy-to-read style, explaining everything from how to turn the camera on to the most advanced techniques in a very down-to-earth manner. Concepts are explained in detail, but without technical jargon. The book is also beautifully illustrated with fantastic photos that illustrate each concept perfectly. A small caption under each photo explains the F-stop, shutter speed and ISO used, which I found very helpful. The "Everything You Need To Shoot Like The Pros" part of the title is extremely accurate.

For fledgling photographers, avid hobbyists and aspiring pros, this book is an indispensable resource.

Great for beginning and intermediate photographers, October 19, 2010
I wasnt wanting a photography how-to, but when I saw that this was written by Joe McNally, I had to have it and I'm not disappointed. Joe is an experienced and successful professional and this book is clear and well organized.

Even better, it's profusely illustrated with his beautiful pictures that enhance and exemplify the explanations.

And best, there are easy tips that will improve over 90% of the photos taken by casual amateurs. The tips in the camera holding section alone will help most people's pictures. i wont spoil it, but you dont see many people using these easy techniques to steady their cameras. A steadier camera is a sharper picture.

You dont have to be using an SLR to benefit from this book. Even camera phones and point 'n shoot users will benefit from the light and color and texture composition sections. He also covers finding the shots that most people dont see.

A Photography Book You'll Actually Read, November 14, 2010
I found this book excellent. I've read The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes and other works by Joe McNally and I like to lump him into my small category of "photographer-writers that don't give me the Zzzzs" (this category also includes Scott Kelby). While there are many excellent books on photography, I struggle with most like they are math text books. Joe keeps things interesting and entertaining which equals to me actually retaining easily what he writes.

The book was full of great tips and reminders to help me improve my photography, which is hopefully what you are looking to do as well. It's a hard call for me if this book would really digest well with the "I just took my DSLR out of the box, now what" beginning photographer. However I still say give this book a shot as it's hard to find writing more engaging to the novice then Joe's.

On a side note I couldn't help but think while reading the "Joe's Tip" sections that they were under the directive of LIFE to be lumped into a book of "Everything You Need to Not Make Your Adorable Children Look Awful with Your New Expensive Camera." A lot of the tips I felt were directed to the throngs of parents buying the best camera they can afford and crossing their fingers for studio level results on the playground. As I've noticed literally everyone and their mother has a DSLR in hand for any daily event, I can't help but think this is where the tips were generated from. And for my other facetious comment, not exactly in love with the subtitle of "Everything you need...". I hope you know this book isn't everything you need to shoot like the pros (nor should that be a goal IMHO), but it can be a small part in getting you towards taking better photos.

Fantastic book, fantastic images, fantastic prose, November 7, 2010
Great book. Shows what goes through the mind of a pro at the top of his game everytime he picks up his camera. And, what goes through his mind of all of the permutations and combinations of possibilities, no bank of computers could ever reproduce.
Bp

GUIDE TO DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY, November 28, 2010
Excellent book for the novice and also great tips for the professional from a professional. The techniques described in this book have already improved my photography, taking a shot from a "snapshot" to a "photograph". Highly recommend this book to anyone who is serious about their photography.

Great book by a serious pro, November 22, 2010
I work with thousands of photographers in my business, and Joe McNally is one of the top. He is especially adept with teaching techniques that benefit all levels, from the beginner to the advanced shooter. There is something in here for everyone, a must-have!

Joe McNally, not LIFE Magazine is the star here, November 26, 2010
Hey, we miss LIFE Magazine since it finally ceased publication in its third incarnation in 2007. But it's good to see that the imprimatur that is a hallmark of excellence in imaging lives on in special publications, Internet activity, and the expertise of ace photographer Joe McNally. He's the real star of this book, and his photos, experience, and advice are priceless. Savor this book for the excellent photos, and remember a day when photography in print was king through magazines like Life and Look.

(suggest this not be published), November 15, 2010
I had need for a book to instruct my grandchildren. I could not find guidance for understanding the basics of digital imaging.
The book was not what I had expected. Too much emphasis on one person's joy of being a photographer. Been there, done that.
... Read more

Editorial Review

This book breaks new ground by doing something for digital photographers that’s never been done before—it cuts through the bull and shows you exactly “how to do it.” It’s not a bunch of theory; it doesn’t challenge you to come up with your own settings or figure things out on your own. Instead, it does something that virtually no other Elements book has ever done—it tells you flat-out which settings to use, when to use them, and why.

If you’re looking for one of those “tell-me-everything-about-the-Unsharp-Mask-filter” books, this isn’t it. You can grab any other Elements book on the shelf, because they all do that. Instead, this book gives you the inside tips and tricks of the trade for organizing, correcting, editing, sharpening, retouching, and printing your photos like a pro. You’ll be absolutely amazed at how easy and effective these techniques are—once you know the secrets.

LEARN HOW THE PROS DO IT
Each year we train thousands of digital photographers and, almost without exception, they have the same questions and face the same problem—that’s  exactly what we cover in this book. You’ll learn:

• The real secrets of how the pros retouch portraits
• How to color correct any photo with out breaking a sweat (you’ll be amazed at how they do it!)
• How to use Camera Raw for processing not only RAW photos, but JPEGs and TIFFs, too! (And you’ll learn why so many pros like it best—because it’s faster and easier)
• The sharpening techniques the pros really use (there’s an entire chapter just on this!)
• How to deal with common digital camera image problems, including removing noise and avoiding halos
• The most requested photographic special effects, and much more!

Reviews

Not for Beginners, December 25, 2010
Although there is a hint of a warning in the book's description, I think it's important to emphasize that this is not a beginner's book. The authors assume you know about how "layers" and other key aspects of Elements work. I was lost when it came to the editing portions of the book.

Another great book by Scott Kelby, December 26, 2010
If you've read any of Scott Kelby's other books, you'll know why I bought this one. He offers excellent, concise, easy-to-understand instructions for using Photoshop Elements 9 to fix common specific problems with digital photos. Unless you're already an expert with Photoshop Elements, this is a very good book to have on your bookshelf to help you get your digital photos looking their best if you're planning to use Photoshop Elements for that purpose. ... Read more

Editorial Review

With the new edition of this proven bestseller, Photoshop users can master the power of Photoshop CS5 with internationally renowned photographer and Photoshop hall-of-famer Martin Evening by their side.�In this acclaimed reference work, Martin covers everything from the core aspects of working in Photoshop to advanced techniques for professional results. Subjects covered include organizing a digital workflow, improving creativity, output, automating Photoshop, and using Camera RAW. The style of the book is extremely clear, with real examples, diagrams, illustrations, and step-by-step explanations supporting the text throughout. This is, quite simply, the essential reference for photographers of all levels using Photoshop.

* Learn Photoshop the Martin Evening way! Everything you need to know�for superb photographic results�using Photoshop CS5

* Accompanying DVD includes the images used in the book, as well as QuickTime movie tutorials that show you how to get results fast

* Packed with diagrams, step-by-steps, and over 750 color images

Reviews

A Photographer's guide to Photoshop CS5, June 8, 2010
This is arguably better than the missing manual to Photoshop CS5. The author has a clear writing style and the illustrations are first rate so that you can actually see the modifications he is discussing. This book also includes a DVD with movies showing some of the new features of CS5 including content aware fill and puppet warp. There is a significant discussion of using raw to preprocess pictures even if they were not captured in RAW format. He even covers color management in considerable detail, well beyond the usual display profiling and calibration.

Of course every book can be improved and even though I gave this book the maximum number of stars I believe that there are short comings that some other authors can and will address. For example, the index seemed a little hard for me to use, at least at first, and I wished that the entire book, rather than selected chapters was on the DVD so I could search for what I wanted. Nevertheless the DVD does include a help guide that complements the book and provides some desktop assistance. Also, even though the book contains numerous specific examples of photographic modifications and repairs and the DVD contains the original photographs when possible for your practice, I think that there are other Photoshop books that provide more fully illustrated examples with the steps more clearly outlined. I also have the Scott Kelby Photoshop CS4 book for digital photographers as well as the CS3 book and these guides teach by example, with the books organized as a series of photographic fixes. As I am writing this review, however, the CS5 book is not yet available and I've been temporarily saved from having to read through Mr Kelby's humor to get to the good parts.

So to sum up. Martin Evening has created a tour deforce explaining the features you need to run Photoshop CS5 that is better illustrated than the Adobe Photoshop CS5 user's guide available on the Adobe web site! (see it's not really missing and you can Google photoshop CS5 user guide to find it like I did) He has also included a DVD and movies illustrating his skills, a nice touch. And he has left room for other authors to provide illustrative examples in guides organized differently.

Very informative, well written, June 18, 2010
I recently upgraded from PSE7 to CS5 and was a bit overwhelmed with all the new tools and options now available to me. Martin Evening's CS5 book is fabulous! It does assume some prior PS knowledge, so I wouldn't recommend this book to someone completely new to PS, but it is very informative and full of practical tips for someone relatively familiar with Photoshop. I had a question about one of the techniques in the Image Retouching chapter and emailed the author. I received a prompt reply in less than 24 hours from Mr. Evening clarifying his description in the book and pointing me to some other resources. I have many pages earmarked already and will continue to use this as a reference whenever using CS5. Highly recommended!

Great reference book, DVD is excellent., June 29, 2010
This book is a great deal. The book itself is quite thorough, and the DVD has so much material in it that it alone is worth the cost of the book. The DVD has tutorials, tool detailed descriptions, and my favorite, which is a 33 page PDF of all the Photoshop keyboard short cuts. I printed this out and keep it at my desk.

The book was originally written for intermediate to advanced users, and although he says it is now written to include beginners, I'd say it's still a book for people who know their way around Photoshop.

I have his previous book for CS4, and I thought it was quite good, so I was really excited to see this one come out so soon. At first glance, I wasn't impressed, because it uses his old material, but as I took my time and studied the book, I found it was quite updated for CS5. He does a great job of explaining the aspects of CS5, and I love the fact that he goes into such great detail for Camera Raw, which he obviously uses quite extensively.

I consider this an excellent reference book, while I've read it and watched all the tutorials on the DVD, this is a book I keep by my computer, and refer to it when I need detail on a particular aspect of Photoshop. This is my favorite Photoshop book, and I have many.

So why didn't I give it 5 stars? Many of the photos he uses as examples are not well shot or good quality, and that always influences my impression of a book about photography or Photoshop. He's also a curves snob saying you can do just about anything with curves, but without going into detail as to how he would do so. This is a problem throughout the book as he doesn't always explain himself, for instance he mentions about how you can deactivate and activate a computer to use Photoshop so that you don't exceed the license limit of two computers, but he doesn't tell you how. (You find it in the help menu, and Adobe really only lets you license 2 computers)

Those weaknesses aside, this is a great investment.

By a photographer, for photographers, June 7, 2010
Martin Evening set the standard for Photoshop books aimed at photographers several releases ago, and continues to produce the most comprehensive guides for those who spend a lot of time behind the camera. It may seem odd that photographers need a special version that relates to their needs, but too many Photoshop books are written by graphic artists who also take pictures, or by amateur photographers who develop skills in Photoshop and fancy themselves "real" photographers. Martin Evening is one of the rare breed that has both amazing photographic skills and is adept at applying Photoshop to optimizing his images. Unlike books that simply show you how to repair ill-captured images in Photoshop, this one will help you take great shots and make them even better.

Growing complexity met with clarity we can understand, July 7, 2010
Martin Evening may be the last best hope of comprehending the infinite complexity of Adobe products. There are those of us who are giving up on use of all the things Photoshop can do. Adobe doesn't seem able to manage them very well, either, so an early and unusual update on CS5 was sent out to cool the nerves of many jangled users.

Because of his very close relationship to Adobe Mr. Evening has an overview few of us can match. An accomplished photographer, his book is based on an eye long sharpened to photographic effect rather than "just another pretty shot." The material on shooting raw images is urgently required reading for every serious photographer.

And, because he has been at it for so long, Mr. Evening can ferret out new complexities that have crept into the coding on more than just new additions to Photoshop's burgeoning bag of tricks. This 746-page book and a superb DVD with video and text-with-illustration have answered every question I've raised since CS3 when I first discovered Mr. Evening's
abilities. Every new issue by Adobe has been met with the careful language and detailed explanations that have brought him is well-deserved fame.

On-line training is always very helpful but it is frequently necessary to have printed material to open and read for full understanding of the inner workings that make Adobe great to use but extremely difficult to 'grok.' This is the way to do it, with Adobe Photoshop CS5 for Photographers.

Classic resource for pro or am - but wordy, September 2, 2010

Absolutely the Best, June 9, 2010
If you have any interest in photography, and therefore in Photoshop, this is the ONLY book you'll ever need. I've read every Martin Evening book since the issue of Photoshop CS, and each book has been extensively re-written to accommodate all the new features of each edition of Photoshop. These books are not exhaustive, but then they're not supposed to be. Only the tools a photographer is likely to need are discussed.

This latest edition has been broadened to appeal to even beginners using Photoshop. The emphasis is on digital, of course, because that's where the future of photography lies. There are new sections here (among others) on converting to black and white, and an extensive section on the new "Merge to HDR Pro" tool in Photoshop CS5.

Evening himself is a successful professional photographer, and is also a respected advisor to Adobe Systems, Inc. This book is excellently written and painstakingly illustrated, and is a joy to read. The book is also highly unusual in that you can read it from cover to cover, and you can also use it as a reference guide. Once you examine this book (and heft it), I think you'll realize that your money is very well spent. So buy it, and you will indeed realize that this book is the most comprehensive and readable treatise on Photoshop (for photographers) that you'll find out there, and the only one you'll need.

In my eyes, the gold standard of Photoshop books, October 19, 2010

The Necessary Companion to Kelby, October 4, 2010
Put this on your bookshelf right next to Scott Kelby's, "The Adobe CS5 Book for Digital Photographers."

The latter is the "how to" guide; Evening is that plus the "why."

As are all of Evening's books, this one is excellent.

Great CS5 Photoshop Overall Guide!!, June 13, 2010
I'll make this short & sweet. This is a well written, and very imformative book, touching on many new techniques. There is something for every level of expertice in photo retouching....from the beginner to the pro! I haven't gotten too far into the book, but so far I'm very pleased! I'm always looking for more ways to learn and develop skills in the very facinating hobbies of Photography & Adobe Photoshop! As I read I take notes, that I can later refer back to. As with any learning experience these can be helpful. We all can afford to skip certain KNOWN keypoints and the other things we will probably never need or use. This will help condense our studies and make them more manageable. In conclusion, from what I have read so far, I highly reccommend this book & DVD. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Perfect your photos and images with this “focused” guide to the latest version of Photoshop Elements

For most of us, the professional-level Photoshop is overkill for our needs. Amateur photographers and photo enthusiasts turn to Photoshop Elements for a powerful but simpler way to edit and retouch their snapshots. Photoshop Elements 9 For Dummies, fully updated and revised for the latest release of this software product, helps you navigate Elements to create, edit, fix, share, and organize the high-quality images you desire. Full color pages bring the techniques to life and make taking great photos fun and easy.

• Introduces you to the work area
• Shows you how to upload images to your computer
• Reviews ways to view, find, organize, and manage your photos
• Details how to modify your photos to your specifications
• Distills working with layers, contrast, color, clarity, filter, effects, styles, and type
• Explains how to print your creations, create a slide show, and optimize images for the Web

Written by veteran digital imaging and print authors Barbara Obermeier and Ted Padova, this handy reference is a highly readable and enjoyable way to learn this powerful image editing application. ... Read more

Reviews

poorly illustrated and disorganized, December 4, 2010
For a book about visual editing, this one is woefully lacking in helpful illustrations. The few screenshots reproduced are of such poor quality that the names on the taskbars and menus can hardly be read. The more abundant but still too few photos used to illustrate features of the software are almost useless since they fail to show the element of the feature. For example, in the section on selecting parts of the photo to edit, the lines to mark the section of the photo selected are almost invisible and things like the lasso cursor are about the size of a pinprick. Other reviewers had mentioned these shortcomings but I thought the book would be worthwhile at a discounted price since I had liked the "For Dummies" books purchased in the past. I was wrong wrong wrong. Even the text proved to be too frustrating to be of much help. The instructions were constantly referring the reader to an earlier or later section of the book to explain something or other. If this is where the Dummies series is headed, then they really are for dummies like me who waste their money on poorly illustrated, poorly organized and generally useless manuals.

Excellent for beginners to digital photography!, November 19, 2010
I had never done any more with photography than automatic point and shoot cameras, both film and digital. I had no idea what f stops and ISOs were. This book introduced me to the concept of exposure and what the factors affecting exposure are. Then it got into more detail, all with great reference to the digital camera's buttons and bells have on them. The organization of the book was extremely well done, beginning with basics and then going on to more complicated issues. It is one of the best Dummies books that I have read.

Good Purchase!, December 16, 2010
Unless you are already familiar with the details of digital photography, and I'm talking about pixels, bits, file types, etc, you will need a guide to steer through this complex software. Although I haven't read the entire guide yet, it is laid out very logically and the first few chapters give you the basics of what you have to know. From there, you can skip around and get creative. Recommended!

not for photoshop elements 9, November 29, 2010
I am a longtime used of photoshop elements I know that Adobe does not have a manual for the additions to the new release, This is not that book It spend hundred of pages to get to a few of the new additions, It has yons of scripe on general photography I already have over 15 books in that use, I wanted a manual to use the new items in elements not general info, This is mislabeled as to what it covers I am going to have to order the missing manual for what I want I hope ... Read more

Editorial Review

Absolutely anyone can take better photos!
 
If you can press a button, you can take great pictures. It’s as simple as that. In BetterPhoto Basics, Jim Miotke, founder of the popular online photography school BetterPhoto.com, shares tips and tricks to improve your photos right away, no matter what camera you’re using. Too busy to read a book? No problem—flip to any page for an instant tip to use right away! Learn to compose knockout shots, make the most of indoor and outdoor light, and photograph twenty popular subjects, from sunsets and flowers to a family portrait. Those who want to go further get tips on controlling exposure and the secrets behind ten advanced creative techniques. And everyone will appreciate Jim’s breakdown of easy fixes to make in Photoshop. No matter what your level of experience, you’ll be amazed how easy it is to start taking photos like the pros.   ... Read more

Reviews

Helpful, easy to use book for any photographer who wants to improve their skills., July 30, 2010
I really appreciate this book! I have been taking photos for several years but desire to improve my photography skills. Jim Miotke does a wonderful job of introducing his readers to the many features of today's digital cameras. The 40 tips for better photos and 20 assignments are very helpful for beginning and experienced photographers. I am working through the assignments with friends which provides an even better learning experience as we discuss our photos. I recommend this book highly!

Excellent photography book for beginners, August 24, 2010
BetterPhoto Basics by Jim Miotke is an excellent resource for those just delving into digital photography. Unlike many other "beginner" books, Miotke doesn't spend page after page on techniques or explanations, instead keeping his descriptions short and to the point. My students find this book to be a great beginner's book, helping them go on to the more advanced books by Kelby, Evening, and others.

Full-color throughout, Miotke's book will take you from "Don't Get Too Close" to what lens compression is and how it affects your images. He explains why you should or would need a tripod, when to turn on the flash, what focal length is, composition, framing, and more. For a beginner, this is the book I would recommend to get you started. If you have a good grasp of the basics, this is NOT the book for you.

Packs in all the basics on how to take superior photos, August 14, 2010
BetterPhoto Basics: The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Taking Photos Like the Pros offers a guide packed with tips and inspiration to help new photographers take better photos quickly. From getting close to a subject and turning off a flash to locking auto-focus and dealing with a camera's automatic settings, this packs in all the basics on how to take superior photos. Filled with color photo examples, any lending library needs this.

Loved BetterPhoto Basics!, September 18, 2010
I am a beginner in digital photography. This book is a great help to understanding basic photography! I have a much better idea of what my camera can do! Thank you!!!

Great 1st book to pick up, June 19, 2010
Looking for a quick guide?

This book has lots of picture to word comparrisons to go by. Ex: "Taking a picture of waterfalls like this? Taking pictures at the zoo? Taking pictures in a dark auditorium? (Insert picture) Then use "this" setting with "this" shutter speed.

I'm pretty sure I'll end up purchasing this book - just not from Barnes and Noble. Thank you Amazon. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Now that you’ve bought the amazing Canon EOS Rebel T2i/550D, you need a book that goes beyond a tour of the camera’s features to show you exactly how to use the Rebel to take great pictures. With Canon EOS Rebel T2i/550D: From Snapshots to Great Shots, you get the perfect blend of photography instruction and camera reference that will take your images to the next level! Beautifully illustrated with large, vibrant photos, this book teaches you how to take control of your photography to get the image you want every time you pick up the camera.

Follow along with your friendly and knowledgeable guide, photographer and author Jeff Revell, and you will:

• Learn the top ten things you need to know about shooting with the Rebel
• Use the Rebel’s automatic modes to get better shots right away
• Move on to the Creative zone, where you have full control over the look and feel of your images
• Master the photographic basics of composition, focus, depth of field, and much more
• Learn all the best tricks and techniques for getting great action shots, landscapes, and portraits
• Find out how to get great shots in low light
• Fully grasp all the concepts and techniques as you go, with assignments at the end of every chapter

Reviews

Must-have book for those upgrading from a point-and-shoot, August 2, 2010
I'm no pro photographer, but simply got tired of the slow response times and sub-par quality from the various point-and-shoot camera's I've owned over the years, and bought the Canon T2i. The camera is excellent and was well worth the investment. To go beyond the "full-auto" most everyone uses with the point-and-shoots, I wanted something to teach me about all of the features of this powerful camera. I looked at several books, and this one caught my eye, especially based on it's review for the T1i camera. I took a chance and bought it, and am extremely impressed. This book not only goes through all of the camera's photo features, but it actually teaches you the what, how, why, when, and where to use them all, with great examples, and even assignments at the end of each chapter. It's very well written, with sample photos, and descriptions of how they were each taken. There are a lot of tips, with easy-to-follow instructions for every feature and menu. After only going through a few chapters, I've already started taking better photos that I ever would have without this book. If you're a pro, you already know what's in this book. For those like me who just wanted to upgrade, this book will help you greatly to learn what you want to know about photography, and how to use the T2i to achieve the great results you want and need. What's a histogram and what does it tell you about the picture you just took? What is ISO and why is it better to turn off auto-ISO and use the ISO button on the camera instead? This book has the simple and easy to use answers. I was excited when I bought this camera, but this book has made me even more so since I'll now be able to use all of the cool features this camera has to offer. One thing to note: this book only touches upon the video features of the camera, but I didn't buy the camera for that anyway. The manual that came with the camera tells you how to shoot video, and that's good enough.

Excellent in the paper form, okay for the Kindle, September 6, 2010
I do not take pictures for a living, but have take a photography class in college. I've used SLRs in the past and just upgraded to a Canon T2i and I was looking for a book to help me get back into thinking like a photographer. This book caught my eye in the bookstore and I checked to see if it was available in the Kindle app for the iPad. Trying to go digital in my bookshelf because of the iPad and i thought it would be better to have digital reference books with me when I am out taking pictures.

In general the book is amazing. The one thing I appreciate most is the photography assignments at the end of the chapters. This is helping me to keep focused in practicing a specific subject with my new camera. The book is laid out very nicely with great photos and helpful instruction throughout. The author focuses on photo, buy touches on video, and gives you access to two additional chapters on using the camera for film. A very nice, unexpected bonus. I think the author says it best when describing his book is that it is for those wanting to go beyond the manual. Knowing the functions of the camera is important, but putting them into practice results in amazing photos. The book focuses on the latter.

Kindle owners beware - while I rated this 5 stars for the paper version, I would have to give it a 3 for the Kindle. I am disappointed that all the photos in the book are too pixilated to be useful. If you look at the paper version the photos used as examples all have text callouts highlighting areas of the photo to consider when taking your own photo. I took a chance with the Kindle verision because I wanted a portable reference guide. Since I can't read the author's notes about the photos on the images I feel i am missing something. I plan to write the publisher and author to see if they can correct this for future readers of the Kindle version.

Note to iPad owners, October 17, 2010
A note to iPad owners who are interested in the Kindle version of this book. The photos in the book are just fine on the iPad. So the comments of the other reviewer who downrated the Kindle version of book because of poor graphics do not apply. The Kindle version is great.

In addition, there is a bonus chapter on shooting video with the Canon t2i that is available online.

Awesome book for people just start to learn photography, October 30, 2010
This is such a great book to learn photography and make the best use of your equipment.

A must have for any T2i owner, November 4, 2010

Found this to be a great buy! Goes over quite a few things with detailed instruction as well as examples of the work produced. There are many photos and each one has the settings used for the end result. Really helped me understand the camera and many features that I was not aware of.

Both Technical and photography oriented, September 21, 2010
The book is quite inclusive In most aspects of photography even though it emphasis a bit more on the technical side of photography , if you want a book about the thirds rule , where to look in ur surroundings , how to make the best snapshot of the environment your shooting , you might consider other options though some of this is mentioned yet not as detailed as I wished for .
Yet I'm very glad I got this book , and I still think it's recommended for any canon eos 550D owner. ... Read more

Editorial Review

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

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

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

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

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

... Read more

Reviews

Outstanding digital photography book, January 15, 2008
The digital photography handbook,

This is the most helpful book on digital photography I have seen in a while. Each page of the book has some scenario and a ways to work with is to get the best possible shot. It's also covers many different ways to overcome what ever adverse shooting situation you might be. Kelby Talks about cheap ways to overcome situations. He also talks about more expensive ways to overcome situations. On each subject where he discusses a scenario there are usually multiple photos to show you each effect of each solution will have on the photo. Each subject is covered very well in about two pages. The photography is outstanding and in color.

Kelby covers all types of digital photography from portraiture to landscape, lighting flashes, different types of digital cameras.

Kelby covers using a flash, building a studio from scratch, shooting portraits like a pro, shooting landscapes like a pro, shooting weddings like a pro, shooting travel like a pro, shooting macro like a pro, pro tips for getting photos and more photo recipes to help you get the shot. All of these subject are covered very well.

The book is written in an easy to understand, easy to read and with some humor. Each topic is about one page in length.

I consider myself to me an intermediate photographer and I can say that this is and continue to be very helpful to me. I This is a must for the beginner to intermediate photographer. The book is small enough to carry in your camera equipment bag. This book is packed with information and extremely helpful tips.

Expert Techniques Made Simple, January 11, 2008
This book truly has a brilliant premise and here's how Scott Kelby describes it: "If you & I were out on a shoot & you asked me, `When I use my flash, the background behind the person I'm shooting turns black. How do I fix that?' I wouldn't give you a lecture on flash ratios, or start a discussion on flash synchronization and rear curtain synch. I'd just say, 'Lower your shutter speed to 1/60 of a second. That should do it.' Well, that's what this book is all about: you & I out shooting where I answers questions, give you advice, and share the secrets I have learned just as I would a friend-without all the technical explanations and techie photo speak."

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

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

Table Of Contents:

CHAPTER 1
Using Flash Like A Pro


10 Things You Wished You Had Known Before Reading This Book!
Here Are Those Last Three Things
Pop-Up Flash: Use It As A Weapon
The Advantages Of A Dedicated Flash
Get Your Flash Off With Your Camera
Making Your Flash Wireless
Going Wireless (Nikon), Part I
Going Wireless (Nikon), Part II
Going Wireless (Canon), Part I
Going Wireless (Canon), Part II
"Drag The Shutter" To See More Background
How To Soften The Light From Your Flash
Softer Light By Bouncing It
Softbox-Quality Light From Your Flash
Tip For Shooting Through A Diffuser
Putting That Nice Twinkle Of Light In The Eyes
Why You Might Want A Stand For Your Flash
Mounting Flashes Anywhere
Rear Synch Rocks (& Why You Should Use It)
The Fourth Secret To Pro Flash Results
Using Gels (& Why You Need Them)
Using Gels To Get That SI Look
If You Have To Use Pop-Up Flash, Do This
Using A Second Flash
Controlling Your Second Flash (Nikon)
Controlling Your Second Flash (Canon)
How Far Back Can You Stand Using Flash?
How To Stand Back Even Farther
Controlling Light To Add Drama
Shooting Sunset Portraits With Flash

CHAPTER 2
Building A Studio From Scratch


Studio Backgrounds
Using Studio Flash (Called Strobes)
Softening Harsh Studio Strobes
Why I Prefer Softboxes To Umbrellas
What A Speed Ring Does (& Why You Need It)
Using A Molding Light
Firing Your Studio Strobe
Firing Your Studio Strobe Wirelessly
Using Contiguous Light Instead
Choosing The Size For Your Softbox
Why You Really Need A Light Meter
How To Use A Light Meter
Adding A Hair Light
Where To Position Your Hair Light
Testing Your Hair Light's Position
Keeping Your Hair Light From Spilling
Which Mode To Shoot In
Where To Position Your Main Light
Using A Fan For Windblown Effects
Want Softer, More Even Light? Feather It?
What That Extra Panel In Your Softbox Does
Using A Pop-Up Collapsible Background
The Least Expensive Extra Light
Three Backgrounds For The Price Of One
Using Off-Camera Flash To Light Backgrounds
The Advantage Of Shooting Tethered
Getting Super-Saturated Background Color
Lighting A White Background
Which Color Reflector To Use
Where To Position A Reflector
Reflectors Without An Assistant
Seeing The Light From Your Reflector
Keep Light From Hitting Background

CHAPTER 3
Shooting Portraits Like A Prayer


Don't Leave To Much Headroom
Shoot In Portrait Orientation
Shooting Portraits? Get A Battery Grip!
The "Sun Over Your Shoulder Rule" Is Bogus
Shoot Wide & Zoom In Tight
Shoot Profile Shots In Horizontal
Shoot Long For More Flattering Portraits
Why Diffusers Rock For Outdoor Portraits
Making A Better Background For Portraits
Trendy Composition Tip
Cropping Off The Top Of Their Head
Group Photos Are Easier Outdoors
Tip For Posing Group Portraits
Great Tip For Casual Group Shots
Don't Light You Entire Subject Evenly
Want Better Portraits? Don't Count Down!
Window Light: Where To Position Your Subject
Window Light: Where You Should Shoot From
Six Quick Tips For Fixing Facial Challenges
Don't Shoot With Their Shoulders Straight On
Making Your Subject Look Slimmer
Using A Poser Chair
Keeping Your Subject "In The Zone"
Avoid Dappled Light
Window Light: Where To Position Your Reflector
Get Couples Really, Really Close
Which Color Reflector To Use
Shoot Outdoor Portraits Shallow
Minimizing Shadows Under The Eyes


CHAPTER 4
Shooting Landscapes Like A Pro

The Secret To Shooting Sunsets
Cutting Reflection In Water
For Landscapes You Need A Clear Subject
Using Your LCD Monitor Outdoors
How To Shoot A Panorama That Works
How To Have Photoshop CS3 Put It Together
Shoot Fast When Shooting Landscape Panos
A Timesaving Pano Trick
The Trick To Using A Fisheye Lens
When To Shoot Streams
Don't Stop Shooting At Sunset
How To Shoot Fog
Getting Shots Of Lightning (Manually)
Getting Shots Of Lightning (Automatically)
A Trick For Shooting Great Rainbows
Removing Distracting Junk
Where To Focus For Landscapes Shots
Find The Great Light First
How To Shoot On A Gray, Overcast Day
A Trick For Great-Looking Flower Shots
The Full Frame Camera Advantage

CHAPTER 5
Shooting Weddings Like A Pro


Create A Shot List
Have Backups For Everything!
Silencing Your Camera's Beep
Backlighting Your Bride
Don't Change Lenses, Change Cameras
Bring A Stepladder For A Higher Vantage Point
Why You Want A Second Shooter
When To Shoot In RAW
Where To Aim Your Flash
Shoot In Lower Light Without Raising Your ISO
A Recipe For Balanced Flash In Church
Add B&W To The Album
The Advantage Of A Flash Bracket
Tip For Posing The Bride
Keeping The Detail In The Bridal Gown
Getting More Flashes Per Wedding
How To Lessen Noise In Your Photos
Tips For Shooting The Brides Profile
Wedding Zoom Effect Made Easy
Read David Ziser's Digital Pro Talk Blog Daily


CHAPTER 6
Shooting Travel Like A Pro


In This Case, Less Gear Is Good
Working People Into Your Travel Shots
Getting People To Pose
What To Shoot On Overcast Days
Shooting From Your Hotel Room
The Magic Time For Cityscapes
Get These Shots Out Of The Way First
Shooting Famous Landmarks
Air Travel With Photo Gear
Shoot The Food
Get A GPS For Your Digital Camera
Shooting Where They Don't Allow Flash
Look For High Vantage Points
Give Yourself A Theme


CHAPTER 7
Shooting Macro Like A Pro


Maximize Your Depth Of Field
Why You Should Turn Auto-Focus Off
Don't Touch That Shutter Button!
Which F-Stop Works Best
Point-&-Shoot Macro Photography
A Tip For Visualizing Macro
Why You Might Want To Shoot Indoors
Buying A Macro Lens
Perfect, Even Light For Macro Shots
Making Your Lens Into A Macro Lens


CHAPTER 8
Pro Tips For Getting Better Photos


Which Mode To Shoot In
Choosing The Right ISO
Which Format To Shoot In (RAW, JPEF, Or TIFF)
Which Size To Shoot In
WHIMS Will Keep You Out Of Trouble
How To Lock Focus
Zooming In Close? Use A High Shutter Speed
When It's Okay To Erase Your Memory Card
Why You Need To Get In Really Close
What To Use Your Histogram For
Leave Your Lens Cap Off
Removing Spots & Specks After The Fact
What Looks Good In Black & White
Recompose, Don't "Fix It" In Photoshop
Want To Be Taken Seriously? Start Editing
Label Your Memory Cards
Go Square
Tips For Shooting At Night (Long Exposure Noise)
The Very Next Book You Should Get


CHAPTER 9
More Photo Recipes To Help You Get "The Shot"

If you take photos, you'll love this book--and use it!, January 7, 2008
Like Mr. Kelby's best-selling first Digital Photography Book, this book is a gem. Every page is a single tip, clearly explained and illustrated. It's like sitting next to the best photographer you know while he explains what gear you need, and when and how to use it. No matter what brand your camera, what level your experience, or how big your budget, you're sure to find this book useful.

Highlights of Book 2 include how to set up and use studio lighting, flash, macro photography, weddings, portraits, and much, much more. At the end are sixteen "recipes" for getting specific types of shots, with all the details you need to know.

Keep this one in your camera bag. Not only is it full of information, it's inspirational. And a great gift for the photographer in your life.

Short Cuts, May 23, 2008
A photography tip is a short instruction on how to do something in photography - "put the softbox as close as possible to the subject for the softest light" - without trying to put the instruction into any larger context.

This is a short book of photography tips that contains tips on using flash, studio photography, portraits, landscapes, weddings, travel, macro, and what should probably be called miscellany. There is a final section in which Kelby shows particular pictures and indicates his considerations in taking them. Each tip is less then a small page in length and includes an illustrative photograph.

Kelby is a Photoshop guru turned photography guru, and his images while nice, certainly are not inspiring. Be warned: many people are put off by his sophomoric sense of humor, which he displays throughout the book (e.g., the Committee for Creation of Complex Sounding Studio Gear Names).

I dislike tip books because they don't put photography technique within a larger context so that the reader learns a principle which he can apply to any circumstance. "Give a man a fish...." might have been written about tip books. For example, in the space of a few pages, the author tells us to shoot portraits with wide angle lenses and then tells us to use telephoto lenses. What might be called a comprehensive book would help us to understand the considerations involved in making a choice of focal length for portraits.

Most of the tips that Kelby provides are really quite basic, and will be familiar to anyone who has spent any time at all learning techniques. (I acknowledge there is some value in being reminded about a small technique, although one could be reminded as well by reading a more comprehensive book.) Some of the tips are repeated, like telling us to keep shooting after sunset, or to buy a fast normal lens to shoot in dim places where you can't use flash. Some of the tips are even contradictory, as when he tells the reader not to cut off the chin in a close-up portrait and then does just that later on. I particularly resented a so-called tip to buy a book that Kelby just happens to have edited and which I found to be interesting but not essential reading.

On the other hand, this is a book that you can pick up, read for a few minutes, and then put down. If you feel that's an essential quality for an instruction book, this certainly fills the bill.

Great for intermediate-advanced DSLR beginners, June 5, 2007
The Good:
- the book contains all-new info and picks up where vol.1 left off
- written in the same "let me show you how it's done without going too deep into "why" style" - great for DSLR newbies like me
- lottsa "aha!" and "oh, so that's how the pros do it" moments
- Scott Kelby is a great teacher and writes in casual, easy-to-read style (although vol. 1 is by far funnier)

The Bad:
- Big section on Wedding Photography - I know these tips could generally be applied to shooting people indoors; however, at times the book is too detailed for regular folks like me who don't shoot weddings.
- For $24.95 the book could've been thicker, and some tips are repeated either from vol. 1 or throughout the book.
- When will we see a dedicated section on how to shoot fast-moving small kids (i.e. toddlers) ?

Conclusion:
If you are a DSLR newbie or intermediate-advanced beginner this book is perfect for you. Scott Kelby is the best!

You need both..., January 16, 2008
Kelby is one of the best when it comes to letting the rest of us in on the techniques of good photography. His first book lead to a quantum (perhaps an exaggeration) improvement in my own pictures, both from a composition and execution point of view. This book adds to the first, updates a couple of things, and gives a broader application.

In my opinion this book functions more as completing the set than as a stand alone work. If you do not have the first book then buy them both together and read them serially. Kelby's writing style is a bit (excessively?) "homey" and that can be a bit off-putting for some people. I personally don't mind and even enjoy his humor. There is no denying the effectiveness of his teaching though... short, pointed articles, each of which stands alone on its own but which add incrementally to the others. You can bounce around in his books to your hearts delight, pick up something and start using it right away and then go back and read something else which may add even more.

This book, along with his first, should be standard items in serious amateur photographers' libraries.

The BEST photography book I've read in a long time., January 10, 2008
I picked this book up about a week ago and have been pouring over it reading it over and over again. I just ordered Scott Kelby's The Digital Photography Book as I found this one really great. I recently picked up a few photo books to try and gain some insight to what other photographers do. I don't have the money to spend on the Nikon Mentor courses and I think this pair of books would come pretty close.

Scott's information is laid out in easy to read one or two page tips. The lighting sections are great and the tips for landscape photography are first rate. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is just beginning or all the way to semi pro/pro.

Scott Kelby's The Digital Photography Book, Volume 2 is a must have for anyone with a digital camera and wants to get more out of it.

Pete

Good reference book for the price, January 19, 2008
It's a good book for the price but I guess I was looking for a bit more.

There are some good tips but the book is incredibly short. I went through the whole thing in about 2 hours. He gives some good advice on using a flash and setting up a studio for about 1/3 of the book. The last 2/3 are filled with photography tips showing pictures and then explaining how to get the same picture. Most of the advice I found was pretty basic although I did learn a few things here and there. This would have been a good book if I was brand new to digital photography. It's well written and his tips are good but I was looking for something little more in-depth than this,

Great Photography book!!, January 14, 2008
This book is really refreshing because it tells you how the pros get some of the shots that look great. What really impressed me is the focus on taking a great shot, not the Photoshop fix which Kelby is a well known expert on. He explains lighting better than any of the books I have purchased. Great information on how various types of flashes and lighting works, price ranges to get the items he mentions with high low and middle pricing. Good explanation of what lens to use for certain shots and how to get the right shutter speed and aperature. I think I have a better understanding of why my flash cost so much and what all those settings mean and it says wireless too which is a very good thing! Good advice on portrait shots, vacation pics and wedding shots to name a few. Very easy to understand and down to earth on some complex equipment.

A must have for the amateur photographer, January 15, 2008
Of his two books, I found this one the most helpful and useful. He covers portrait and group photography, the proper use of flash and studio lighting, and many other topics in a very clear and concise manner that simply changes the way you approach these areas of photography.

Highly recommend this book...found virtually every page to be incredibly useful in my attempt at amateur photography.

If you've read some of his other books, he has toned down his humor quite a bit so its not as 'overbearing' as some others have portrayed it in reviews of his other books. I find him funny for the most part...others don't care for his brand of humor...so if you don't, pick up the book anyway because its 'toned down' and contains 'to-the-point' hints tough to find anywhere short of a photography class.

Excellent work Mr. Kelby! ... Read more

Editorial Review

THE FIRST BOOK WITH ONE FOOT ON THE COFFEE TABLE, AND ONE FOOT IN THE
CLASSROOM
Joe McNally, one of the world’s top pro digital photographers, whose celebrated work has graced the pages of Sports Illustrated, Time, and National Geographic (to name a few), breaks new ground by doing something no photography book has ever done—blending the rich, stunning images and elegant layout of a coffee-table book with the invaluable training, no-nonsense insights, and photography secrets usually found only in those rare, best-of-breed educational books.

When Joe’s not on assignment for the biggest-name magazines and Fortune 500 clients, he’s in the classroom teaching location lighting, environmental portraiture, and how to “get the shot” at workshops around the world. These on-location workshops are usually reserved for a handful of photographers each year, but now you can learn the same techniques that Joe shares in his seminars and lectures in a book that brings Joe’s sessions to life.

What makes the book so unique is the “triangle of learning” where (1) Joe distills the concept down to one brief sentence. It usually starts with something like, “An editor at National Geographic once told me…” and then he shares one of those hard-earned tricks of the trade that you only get from spending a lifetime behind the lens. Then, (2) on the facing page is one of Joe’s brilliant images that perfectly illustrates the technique (you’ll recognize many of his photos from magazine covers). And (3) you get the inside story of how that shot was taken, including which equipment he used (lens, f/stop, lighting, accessories, etc.), along with the challenges that type of project brings, and how to set up a shot like that of your own.

This book also gives you something more. It inspires. It challenges. It informs. But perhaps most importantly, it will help you understand photography and the art of making great photos at a level you never thought possible. This book is packed with those “Ah ha!” moments—those clever insights that make it all come together for you. It brings you that wonderful moment when it suddenly all makes sense—that “moment it clicks.”

... Read more

Reviews

It About the Light., February 10, 2008
Picture this. You meet one of the world's great photographers in a bar. He has a stack of pictures with him from his portfolio. As you go through the pictures, he talks about them, about the people in the photographs, and how he made each of them. About a third of the way through you realize that when he talks about the technical details he talks mostly about the lighting, and you are sorry you didn't pick up on that right from the beginning, but now you listen avidly to try to learn his lighting techniques.

Then, about two-thirds of the way through, he stops talking about the lighting, and starts meandering about the photo editors he knew, and how he may have sacrificed some of his family life to be a photographer, and how he came up through the ranks, and that's interesting too.

When Joe McNally talks about lighting a picture of James Brown, or Sophia Loren, or Larry Tisch, the techniques he uses seem to be ones you could use. But when he talks about getting a bunch of masks from the Smithsonian to shoot Michelle Pfeiffer, or five full length mirrors set up on the field for a picture of shortstop Ozzie Smith, or using 10 or 15 2400 watt lights to light fielder Eric Davis, you may hope that you can at least get inspiration because you are never going to have that kind of equipment, or if you are, then to quote McNally, "you don't need my advice". And don't take a peek at McNally's equipment until you come to that page in normal reading or you may decide the book is not for you.

If you are looking for instruction, it's here amongst the stories, even if it's delivered in a non-structured sort of way. I haven't invested in a dozen Speedotrons, but after reading this book, I did decide to upgrade my umbrella to a couple of softboxes. On the other hand if you are interested in looking at a portfolio of great pictures, McNally has them. And if you like to listen to photographers tell stories about photography, often at their own expense, you'll probably love this book.

Other then the lighting there is little of a technical nature here. There's nothing about exposure, or depth of field or Photoshop. I am certain that the people that talked the author into writing this book loved the stories and the way they were told and how they related back occasionally to transforming a vision into an image by using equipment. McNally's personality comes through. Whether this is the way for you to learn some lighting tricks will depend on what you feel about winnowing them out of the stories and pictures. On the other hand, Joe McNally is a great guy to have a drink with.

If you love photography, this book is a must have, February 3, 2008
This book is written in such a way that photographers of every experience, style and age will gain huge value.
This is now my favorite book to date on photography.

My one line summary:

It will teach you "how to have a single photo tell a real story", with emotion and from different perspectives. In my opinion it is a must for amateurs through pros.

Pros:

The books is written simply with no unexplained jargon. If the author mentions an industry word (e.g. Ripping Film), he goes on to explain what it means. You learn some of the industry street terms and get a feel for the authors experience shooting.

Every turn of the page has a compelling photo which is the subject of the lesson. Some lessons are technical such as how-to on lighting, while others are lessons on approach, demeanor or attitude.

The book is emotionally engaging. You want to put the book down and immediate try some of the approaches.

The author isn't demonstrating ego - this book is NOT about him! It's about the the world around him. You turn each page and learn how he captured an amazing picture of someone like James Brown, or how he found the real story in Augusta.

It will give you ideas on how to have a single photo tell a real story.

Cons:

The only real complaint: This is a soft cover and Amazon shipped it in an envelope instead of a box. The edges of the cover got crimped a bit.

Feedback for the author:
I'd love for more - just simply put - I want the second volume. I'd love to figure out how to get this signed :)

This is a real gem and I would have loved it in perfect condition for my office desktop.

Great job to the author.

Beware - and have realistic goals for buying this book, February 11, 2008
I am writing this review from the perspective of someone who is known as the "Eternal Optimist". I got the book for the purpose of gaining a serious insight into "how he did it" - kind of like Scott Kelby's How-to books - which by the way, are all very good.

When Joe McNally's photos are seen, one can only wonder, "how did he do that?", so naturally, we are all inclined to want to get our hands on his book, so we can reproduce his shots, and ultimately learn by doing.

Sadly, this book just doesn't come close to providing that end! Half the entire book is simply a full page of his glorious shots. The other half of the book is "supposed to be showing you how he did it".

Each photo is supposed to represent a single element that he wants to stress as the critical component necessary for that particular shot. But seriously, those glorious shots consist of a constellation of critical factors that can NOT be explained on the basis of one "hint" only.

Most of us are buying the book so that we can fully reproduce his shots, but this will never be accomplished by his book alone. Truly, he is providing only a "miniscule hint" as to the thought processes behind each shot. Some of the hints are useful, but the majority of the book simply represents the interesting story behind the shot, without providing much useful information as to how we can accomplish the same scenario.

After reading the book, one has to ask, Does Joe, himself not know how he got the shot? Or is he intentionally just trying to keep us all in the dark, hoping that we'll buy more of his books so that one day we'll come a little closer to a better understanding? Is he afraid that if he tells us too much we may all become his competitors?

If you want a pretty "picture book" then this is it! But if you're desiring a critical guide to reproducing his shots, you'll finish this book very disappointed, wondering what his motive was for writing the book? Was it simply to make a buck? Or did he really think we were going to get much out of it?

While there is something important that can be learned from all photography books, I tend to believe that this book falls into the category of other similar books, which is to say - If you finish most books and come away with 2-3 seriously important points, that change your philosophy and actions, then your money has been well spent.

If your goals and intent for reading this book are appropriate, then you won't be disappointed. However, if you think that you'll be reproducing Joe's shots after reading this book, you'll likely come away angry or even feel betrayed - sad to say.

This book underscores the fact that there is no simple solution to creating great, world-class photographs. The more you read, the more you'll know. This book is simply one small step on the road to a lifetime of perpetual self-education.

Do I recommend this book? I will reservedly say yes, but understand that realistically, you'll come away with more questions than you had before you started, and you'll still be asking yourself the eternal question, "I wish I knew just how did he did it".

Addendum - 3-14-10

I would like to emphasize, that I have no negativity towards Joe or his books / DVDs. There is no question that he is an exceptionally talented photographer, but that in this book, he doesn't do a very good job at explaining his workflow.

For those of you who are interested in other works that Joe has authored, I would strongly recommend you consider his DVD published by Nikon, "Nikon School presents A Hands-on Guide to Creative Lighting".

The information presented within this DVD, is extraordinary and prodigus! He clearly is able to present all of the techniques and rationale behind the photographs, and does a very good job with explaining his various thought processes.

For all inquiring minds, Joe has done a first rate job with this DVD, and I highly recommend it to all students of photography!

Straight Info, straight from the best, February 5, 2008
If I could choose a career in Photography, it would be the one Joe McNally has had. And since my Photography is more for creative purposes and an adjunct to my 3D work, rather than the primary part of my work, I feel that I can live vicariously through Joe thanks to "The Moment It Clicks." When I first heard about this book, I was excited because Joe's work is outstanding, if not iconic. For Joe to do a book on his career, you can really get a sense of what drives him, what motivates him, and soon you get a complete understanding of how he got the shot. What I particularly like is that he discusses, in straight talk, the situation behind various images. Imagine sitting down with Joe McNally, looking through his portfolio, and asking him about the shot. Everything from using a fill flash, to making your pictures "shout", to finding your way into a lunch with the head of Disney, simply to get the shot you want.

When I started writing books for 3D animation, people often asked me why I would do such a thing. How could I "give away my secrets." I told them that it's just software instruction, technique, and tips. I can't teach anyone to be a 3D artist, but only how to use their software and help guide them. So when I started reading Joe's book, I thought to myself "how can he give us all this valuable information..." Suddenly I caught myself. I realized that I was asking the same question people had asked me. Joe can't teach you to be an photographic artist. But it's his insight, experience, and outlook that can help you see better, and perhaps, become a better photographer - if you allow it.

This book is a welcomed addition to the arsenal of photo books on the market that continually talk about the same thing. Exposure, perspective, types of lighting, etc. Only a few books come along that you can refer to time and time again, once you know the basics. Joe's book is one of those books and it will remain on my bookshelf for years to come. I'm so glad I signed up for Moose Peterson's Digital Landscape Photography Workshop next fall, as Joe is one of the instructors!

How to use $10,000 worth of lighting, June 24, 2008
I was expecting a well written book by a expert in his field. This book was well reccomended by Scott Kelby which was good enough for me. I was highly dissapointed. The entire book was based around how he used thousands of dollars worth of lighting to get ordinary pictures. I understand lighting is important but 240 pages of how he lit his pictures was to much. No real insite to how he composed or planned the pictures. Or even the camera set up he used. I am no expert but I do know when something is written to make a couple of dollars. The last 14 pages of the book is a glossary of the terms he used in the book (some made up). I read the entire book in a evening. Some comments were interesting but woke up the next morning trying to remember a single thing I liked about the book. Only thing I can remember is that he uses a lot of very expensive lighting for his shots.
Shame on Scott Kelby for reccomending this book.

A blast of fresh air for photographers at all levels, February 7, 2008
In a world filled with digi-cams behind every latte cup and legions of enthusiasts who upload their latest masterpieces to Flickr every night, `The Moment It Clicks' is a huge blast of fresh air. Joe McNally is a photographer's photographer who, fortunately for us, has taken the time to candidly share the most important insights gained during three decades as a professional shooter. Every spread in the book is a mini-course, both technically and aesthetically, on the creation of an amazing photograph.

More importantly, `The Moment It Clicks' reaches well beyond the genre of how-to books. It's a book on what its like to BE a photographer. I've no doubt that 20 years from now, the new captains of the photography world will look back and point to the `The Moment It Clicks' as being the turning point when they started down the path of becoming great photographers.

Consider `The Moment It Clicks' to be a must-have - regardless of your skill level. If you are an armchair enthusiast who reads more than he shoots, you'll be entertained with Joe's stories from the front lines. If you are a student contemplating a life in our profession, you'll gain more insights from this book than from any teacher (unless, of course, you're lucky enough to get into one of Joe's workshops). If you are a professional, set aside your cynicism and buy the book. Joe's candid stories will re-kindle your creative fire and help bolster your courage in this challenging market.

Many books, magazines, and DVDs can teach you how to compose, light and expose. You may even have a gear bag full of the latest equipment that's worth more than most cars on the road. Yet, having the right gear and knowing how to turn it on does not make you a good photographer any more than having the right golf clubs will get you into the PGA Tour. But reading the right book, this book, will give you wisdom well beyond your years. It certainly did for me.

If you are not a portrait photographer, not the book to buy!!, April 8, 2008
Save your money!! This is definitely not a "one foot in the classroom" type of book. Quite honestly, I don't know what to make of it!!! I was looking forward to getting it from Amazon as I had read quite a few very positive reviews of the book. Anyway, I start to read it. Looked at some of the photos/snapshots. I started to laugh!! There is absolutely no rhyme or reason to this book. It completely blew my mind! Honestly, here are a few examples of those "photography secrets: "This is a shot with available light-late afternoon, using a 20mm wide angle lens" (p.120) Here's another "This shot was taken outdoors at dusk in Jaipu, India, during the Festival of Lights using available light. It was taken with a 180mm lens at f2.8. The soft glow through the veil was provided entirely by the candles" (p.88) Wow, thanks for those tips Joe. And most don't even mention that much technical information. Oh sure, there are some decent photos, and some good tips, but I was expecting a helluva lot more. "Photography secrets from one of the world's top shooters"????? Most of non-portrait/artificial lighting topics are common sense. The text consists of way too much dribble with little of the pertinent information which the book advertised. Most importantly, if you are not a portrait photographer and do not do a lot of work with artificial lighting, you could spend your money and time on something better. I was actually thinking of returning this book to Amazon, but have decided to give it to a friend for his birthday. He gave me a crappy gift for mine!!

Mostly about lighting, March 2, 2008
I read this book and found it interesting, although somewhat limiting in its practical application for mere enthusiasts. This is a great photographer no doubt, but I found that the book is 80% about lighting for magazine shoots (think expensive). And unless you're a professional photographer with a large budget, you will never own the lighting gear he uses for those shoots. Since my focus is mainly on nature photography, I found only sporadic tidits of useful advice here. The rest is intriguing in its own right (hey, it was cool to learn how he rented and lit a circus elephant for a studio shoot), but it's not something I can use. I like my books to be more pragmatic. This one is for highly paid pros.

A Very Big Disappointment, February 18, 2008
The Moment It Clicks: Photography secrets from one of the world's top shooters


I cannot see the big hype about this book. Joe McNally is a fantastic photographer yes, I agree, but this book is just a biography about his life and career as a photographer and about light. It's all about the light. If you are a big time lighting fanatic then I would consider purchasing this book. The images he uses in the book are nothing to write home about. I am sure Joe has much more impressive photos he could have shared in his book. Seeing Winona Ryder in her pj's sprawled on a bed as a teenager (at least that what she looked like in the photo) is nothing to write home about. Joe has a story to tell with every single photo in the book. I really did not care about how he rented an elephant for $6000 or a dog for $1000 or even invest some $3400 in some angel wings in order to get "the shot" How many of us could afford or will actually be in a situation like that? If your pay scale is the same as Joe's, maybe.... I have learned so much more from Scott Kelby books like his digital photography books 1 and 2. They are technical and actually have a real world use. (No, I do not have any affiliation with Scott Kelby whatsoever. I am just stating a point so anyone who is thinking about buying this book for some really in depth technical knowledge should look somewhere else) How many of us will actually take a ride in a helicopter in this lifetime and snap a photo of an Asian actress dangling from a rope? Even the pointers Joe provides are nothing more than common sense. "If a strobe blew up and flames starting shooting out of the softbox, stay calm and show your client you have everything under control." Or "be persistent, persistence pays" Or"straight flash is disaster light" This review is just to express my disappointment as I expected much more from one of the world's top photographers.

Wow! One Click "The Moment it Clicks"!!, February 6, 2008
If you're like me, your bookshelf, nightstand, coffee table as well as your desk, and probably your floor are strewn with photography books (if you have a passion for something, you'll pay to learn more). Some good, and some, well, not so good. Rare is the book that has value cover to cover. Most have some nuggets here or there and for the most part, we feel pretty good about our purchase decision when we can cull 2 or 3 of those nuggets for our own use.

Then Joe wrote "The Moment it Clicks" which has a nugget ON EVERY PAGE! Trust me, if you were listening to Joe speak, you'd pay $20 for 1 or 2 of those gems. Incredible. You just can't past the second page without being BLOWN AWAY! By the 20th page, this had become my all time favorite book on the subject of photography. Yes, it is that good.

That said, take a look for yourself. Or go out to Joe McNally's website (it is his name). Talk about gifted! If I can take 1 shot in the next six months that even approach's Joe's stuff, I'll be absolutely thrilled.

So if you want to get better as a shutterbug, then gift this book to yourself. And in short order, you'll be as blown away as the rest of us... what are you waiting for... Just One Click "The Moment it Clicks".

... Read more

Editorial Review

Creative professionals seeking the fastest, easiest, most comprehensive way to learn Adobe Photoshop CS5 choose Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book from the Adobe Creative Team at Adobe Press. The 14 project-based lessons in this book show readers step-by-step the key techniques for working in Photoshop CS5.

In addition to learning the key elements of the Photoshop interface, this completely revised CS5 edition shows readers how to edit images with precise selection control, correct a wide range of lens-based errors, interactively transform their images with the new Puppet Warp tool, and easily remove or replace image elements with the new Content-Aware Fill mode. The book also covers new powerful painting effects to artistically enhance images and shows how to combine multiple exposures into a single HDR image.

For the first time, the companion DVD will feature, in addition to the lesson files, 2 hours of free video tutorials from Learn Adobe Photoshop CS5 by Video by Adobe Press and video2brain, a great added value!

“The Classroom in a Book series is by far the best training material on the market. Everything you need to master the software is included: clear explanations of each lesson, step-by-step instructions, and the project files for the students.” —Barbara Binder, Adobe Certified Instructor, Rocky Mountain Training

Classroom in a Book®, the best-selling series of hands-on software training workbooks, helps you learn the features of Adobe software quickly and easily. Classroom in a Book offers what no other book or training program does—an official training series from Adobe Systems Incorporated, developed with the support of Adobe product experts.

... Read more

Reviews

Some great information gems, and some not so great exercises, August 14, 2010
There are things I really liked about this book and things I really didn't like.

The primary thing I didn't like was the approach they took to the exercises. For instance in the section on adjusting color in Camera Raw, they tell you specifically (by number) where to move the temperature, tint, exposure, blacks, contrast, clarity, vibrance, and saturation sliders, but there is no discussion as to why these amounts for this image work. This problem goes on throughout the book. I'd say that's a pretty huge weakness.

On page 118 there is a pull out box with the headline "About layer-comps" that has 3 paragraphs talking about how great layer comps are. (It's a way to look at different versions of complicated multi-layer PS file.) But it doesn't tell you how to create one, or even mention that there is a complete discussion of the subject that begins on page 242.

But the things I did like make this book worth purchasing. At the end of each section are review questions and answers. The answers are wonderful, brief and to the point. And there are other golden nuggets of information sprinkled throughout the chapters and book. For instance in the section on Working with channels it says, "To avoid confusing channels and layers, think of channels as containing an image's color and selection information; think of layers as containing painting and effects." While I knew that intuitively from working with them so much, I could never have explained it so simply.

The section on creating paths using the pen tool that starts on page 202 is the best description I have read. I've used the pen tool a lot, and I've been putting too many points in because I didn't really understand it. I dog-eared this section so I can find it quickly. I ended up adding 9 such dog-ears throughout the book.

The section on the mixer brush was also very well done, and another area I was not up to speed on. I had been going over to Corel Painter for most of my painting issues, and it looks as though that may not be necessary.

So while this book has examples that I didn't find useful, it is worth reading every word because you never know when there will be some wonderful explanation that you hadn't heard. I mean it was written by the people who created Photoshop

Adobe should be ashamed to put their name on this book, August 27, 2010
I am an advanced photographer and have used Photoshop for years. This is the third edition of Classroom in a book for me and I was disappointed. The authors used several of the same old photos. Worse from my viewpoint is that several of the lessons were quite complex with no explanation of the reason for each of the steps. It is like a cookbook which is only useful for making the included recipes but not for learning how to cook. I think the Scott Kelby books are much more useful (and fun). Even the Martin Evening books which I don't like because the print is too small for my tired old eyes and can be rather dry are better than this effort.

Maybe a designer would find the book more useful but in my opinion Photographers should avoid it.

Students seeking an at-home course will find this a winner!, August 14, 2010
Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book comes with a fine DVD-ROM for Windows and Mac OS filled with 2 hours of tutorials, and provides the easiest way to learn Photoshop CS5. The 'classroom' format centers around 14 lessons covering the basics of learning Photoshop and provides tips to become more productive with the program. It can be viewed in a progressive learning environment or referred to as a reference by skipping around: either way, students seeking an at-home course will find this a winner!

Adobe Certified Instructor, Rocky Mountain Training, August 30, 2010
Speaking as an Adobe Certified Photoshop Instructor, I think the Photoshop CS5 book is terrific. If you don't understand workspaces, selections and layers, you will not get very far in Photoshop. This book does an excellent job of teaching the basics, and then allows you to continue on to learn masking, working with type, compositing and more. Sure, there are some areas that could use a little more explanation, but that's why we choose to use them in our online Photoshop classes. When you combine this book (or any of the Classroom in a Book titles) with an experienced instructor, there are simply no better materials out there. I've been using the series since I started teaching Photoshop version 3, and my students have always loved the exercises and given very high ratings to the books. So far, Adobe Photoshop CS5 Classroom in a Book has been very well received by our students at Rocky Mountain Training.

The Best Photoshop Classroom in a Book Ever!, August 13, 2010
This is the best Photoshop Classroom in a Book ever. We didn't have the first one (Photoshop 4, I think) but we've brushed up our Photoshop skills with just about every other Photoshop "CIB" (as the regular readers call them). We are honored to be part of a group of Photoshop professionals and educators around the world who make a deep dive into this app. A fair number of us get the latest Classroom in a Book plus watch the videos on [...] every time a new version is released. However, this book is also perfect for someone who has never used Photoshop, before. No offense to my fellow authors but if there was just one Photoshop learning package you could buy, this should be it. This version of the book includes a great video series on the DVD. From the video, I picked up a few things I never heard anyone discuss anywhere (and we go back to Photoshop 2.0). This isn't just a how-to book. It's inspirational. The examples get our creative minds in gear. In addition to Photoshop, you'll gain essential insight into Adobe Camera Raw and Bridge. Part of what draws some of the best and most brilliant in Photoshop to this book, version after version, is that it provides clever application of the newest features. These are things Adobe cannot be expected to cram into the users manual. Therefore, Ps CS5 CIB is a perfect complement to the manual. We're pleased to see the inclusion of special feature spreads such as one on professional workflow and the continued insights from Photoshop evangelist, Julieanne Kost, one of the original Photoshop users even before version 1.0 shipped. An entire chapter on new type uses is appreciated along with the often overlooked vector techniques. We have been posting articles to [...] on painting with Photoshop and the new mixer brush and are pleased to see a complete chapter on this, too. Many photographers initially think they do not have the ability to change a photo into a painter. This chapter assists in demonstrating how easy it is. The same can be said for how quickly you will learn about the ease of use there is to Photoshop's 3D features. This chapter makes you feel you "can do." The authors of this book have even found a means of revving you, creatively, with a chapter on color consistency including samples on gardening visuals and text. Everyone knows this app as "Photoshop CS5." The splash screen tells the full story: Photoshop 12. It has been over 20 years since Photoshop 1.0 debuted. Adobe's Photoshop team just keeps packing more and more features into it. The manual is 613 pages. Attempting to even approach mastering Photoshop is a daunting task. Classroom in a Book is not going to teach you every single feature; no book can. However, by the time you get to page 366 and watch the entire video, you will have significant proficiency in all key areas of Photoshop. At that point, nothing about the app will seem foreign. You should feel comfortable enough to go anywhere and do anything in Photoshop CS5 with competency. I'm pleased with accuracy of the written information and exercises. They are easy to follow and produce satisfying results. Whoever designed the video screen layout did an excellent job. Janet & I have begun to explore Illustrator CS5 CIB and hope to post a review, next week.

A Must Have Book, July 22, 2010
This is the second Classroom In A Book series that I have purchased. The first was on Adobe GoLive. In my opinion, this books in this series are a MUST HAVE item for anyone working with Adobe programs.

No light reading..., July 11, 2010
This book, or another like it, are for me necessary to even partially understand the capabilities of a massive program like PS. A "lessons" CD comes with it; I wouldn't recommend buying any book without that assist.

Computer Art, September 23, 2010
I bought this book because I needed it for class, but if you don't have to buy it, I am sure there might be better options out there. The book has exercises and shows you how to do certain things, but if you are a beginner, like me, this book is not very helpful. On the other hand, the videos on the DVD are really good and helpful but they are not that many and they only cover like the first three chapters.

VERY INFORMATIVE, August 22, 2010
I have been using Photoshop since 1998. I upgraded to CS4 but never had time to learn all the new features. Now I have upgraded to CS5 and I needed to get educated about all the amazing new features. I bought this book and I was going to skip over a few sections but decided not to. I am very glad i did not. I learned something from each section even the simple selecting section.

I especially love how they gave thorough descriptions of color corrections and what all the adjustments do. LOVE this book, and also bought the InDesign Classroom book. I had bought the Adobe Design Premium Suite, so I will be buying Flash, Illustrator and other Classroom books. I had gone to a B&N and looked through other books and nothing was as good as these series. AND it from ADOBE not another Author.

CW from MASS ... Read more

Editorial Review

Veteran author Julie Adair King demystifies the high-end features of the new Canon T1i.

The Canon EOS Rebel T1i is the newest camera offered in Canon's popular Rebel line of digital SLRs-and sells for less than $900. Packed with page after page of full-color images, this hands-on guide is aimed at helping you make the most of the Canon T1i's controls and shooting modes. Get ready to maximize the camera's main functions in order to create effective digital photos.

Bestselling author Julie Adair King brings her expertise in the areas of digital cameras and photography and combines it with her fun and friendly writing style to offer you helpful explanations and advice. Plus, examples walk first-time users of a digital SLR camera through the basic features as well as the software that accompanies the camera.

• Selling for under $900, the Canon EOS Rebel T1i is a consumer-friendly digital camera, ideal for first-time owners
• Shows you how to shoot in auto mode, use live view and playback modes, and explore the on-board controls
• Demonstrates techniques for dialing in exposure and lighting controls, manipulating focus and color controls, and handling situational shooting
• Covers printing, posting online, and other ways to share images

Picture this: taking better digital photos than you ever thought possible with your Canon EOS Rebel T1i! ... Read more

Reviews

Great book, but not as funny as other "Dummies" books, July 24, 2009
This is a great book for anyone who owns a Canon Rebel T1i/500D, especially if this is your first DSLR. I just bought my T1i at the beginning of June. The manual, while good, left me confused in a number of ways. This book gave me the info I needed, along with some great pictorial examples, to really let me learn to use my camera. While I doubt I will ever be able to use everything the author taught, I will start to use a lot of the advanced features that I might otherwise have put off using. I am already playing with the aperture settings and changing the ISO.

My only complaint is that this book is not as funny as the other books in the "Dummies" series. I have gotten used to a certain level of humor that just was not present more than a couple of times. The cartoons were funny, but there were fewer of them than there used to be. I can remember when every chapter of the book had a cartoon. (Ah well.)

Over all this was a great book. I read it cover to cover and I finished it yesterday. It is well worth the money for anyone who wants to really learn to use their T1i. By the way, I highly suggest having the camera with you when you read the book. It is great to be able to read about a feature and then snap some pictures and see how it works in your own hands.

"Almost as good as a personal tutor!"..., October 1, 2009
Unlike other similar books, this one, I'm actually reading page by page. Why?....because of the way the author
has written it, and by that I mean I CAN UNDERSTAND IT!... and after reading a page, I know that I've learned
something quite necessary about this camera.

What I do is, I HIGHLIGHT various KEY WORDS with a highlighter pen and that I find very
important for my learning process, especially when I want to go back and refer to the book
about something...

So, I'm still in the process of reading the book and I even look forward to that, knowing
that I can read, and LEARN stuff about this wonderful Canon T1i camera!...

Just buy the book, and I really don't think you'll be sorry you did!..

This book helps you get the most out of your T1i, July 17, 2010
I am a very casual photographer and to be honest I have very little experience with photography in general. I have had almost no experience with aperture or ISO. I bought the Canon EOS Rebel T1i/500D for Dummies simply because I wanted to learn more tricks and tips about the camera as well as how to change the camera settings. I knew that I wouldn't get the information I wanted, or possibly needed, out of just the user manual that came with the camera. This "For Dummies" book is my first foray into these types of self-help books and I have been very pleasantly surprised. This book is extremely well written and is most definitely not written in a condescending way treating the reader as if that person is a child. I found this book very easy to follow and it handled very complex information in a way that can be understood and practised by the user. The numerous pictures showing step-by-step instructions make this book more easily understandable. This book gives the reader a much better understanding of features that are hard to grasp as well as features that can be easily missed. If you are an experienced user you might not get too much out of this book other than a reference guide. However, if you are new to (Digital SLR's) like I am, then this book is an incredible tool to help you progress. Its important to note that you will not learn everything overnight because there is so much information, but in time you'll be thrilled at what you have accomplished with the help of this book. I have had this book for three months and I find myself referring to it as a reference guide quite often and I am slowly trying new things, things that I would not have known about on my own. There are quite a few parts of this book that I have not attempted to learn because I am not proficient enough yet, but for my abilities this book has continued to be very useful.

Very useful and easy to understand, May 18, 2010
I have used film SLR cameras in the past, but this is my first foray into the digital SLR area. I am probably of intermediate knowledge in photography. I found the book answered almost all of my questions regarding the use of this particular camera. There was an element of redundancy in feature review, but this was actually a plus because it takes me a lot of repetition before things stick. The book was laid out logically and well cross referenced. It was easy to skip around to the portions of interest, especially when re-reading or reviewing actual things I needed to do with the camera but couldn't remember how to do them.

In the tradition of "dummies" books, the text was easy to understand and intertaining, but still was efficient in delivering the information. I found the emphasis was just right in relating all the important stuff for beginners through intermediate users, though some pre-existing knowledge of photography is helpful. Would like to have seen more on taking video with this camera.

Overall a good book and I would recommend it to new digital SLR users.

Rebel T1i for dummies, February 2, 2010
I received a Canon T1i for Christmas - my first DSLR.

Although thrilled with my gift, was a bit hesitant on how I would learn the ins and outs of DSLR photography and all of the manual settings that this camera has to offer.

I'm about half way through the book (in 1 reading) and already have a much better understanding of my camera and the features it offers.

As with all "for dummies" books, this is written in plain easy to understand english and makes learning a breeze.

Couldn't have been better!, April 15, 2010
I was just starting out with photography and my husband bought me the canon rebel T1i. It's a rather advanced camera and I felt completely out of place using it, so I was soo excited to see this book is actually available. I've never used a 'for dummies" book and it was amazingly easy. They have pictures for you to see what it's supposed to look like as you are doing it on your camera, which is really helpful as well as side notes that are extremely easy to find and very useful! I haven't gotten everything down pat yet,but there is a lot to this camera..im sure with more practice and having this book as a reference, it's only a matter of time. I would suggest it for anyone just started out with the camera! Also,Amazon had the book to me in a little under a week so that was great because i got free shipping for spending $25, most places I pay for shipping and it takes a lot longer.

Fantastic information, February 1, 2010
A must have for the amateur photographer, explains all the features in easy to understand text and pictures.

T1i owner, September 1, 2010
Anticipated a good camera. Got an excellent camera. Can't put the camera down. Downloaded the book on my blackberry and can't put it down. Would recommend to another DSLR newcomer both the book and camera.

GREAT HELP FOR NOVICES, March 22, 2010
This is my first time owning a camera like this, the book was well worth the money. After reading I feel more confident in being able to use my camera and take advantage of all it has to offer. I received my shipment quickly on top of it. Thanks to all the people who wrote reviews it helped me to decide to try this book.

Excellent Book!, March 8, 2010
Just got my new Canon EOS rebel T1i and wanted to get a much better manual than what came with the camera. This book is very good because it's written by someone who actually knows cameras and has used every single one she's written about! She writes in a very easy style and you can't help but grasp the concepts and instructions because she uses so many examples. It may not be that humorous as other "...for dummies" books are, as some critics have suggested, but if you want to learn all the features of this outstanding camera, then get this book. You won't be sorry. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Amazon.com ReviewBlack-and-white photography poses unique challenges; without color to guide the eye, contrast, lighting, and composition take on even more importance. Renowned photographer Harold Davis explains these elements and demonstrates the basic rules of black and white photography as well as when and how to break them. He breaks through the complexity of this photographic medium, explores opportunities for black-and-white imagery, and shows how to capitalize on every one.

Richly illustrated with the author's own images, this beautiful guide presents the skills needed for great black-and-white photos while encouraging your confidence and creativity.

• Goes beyond basics to teach photographers how to conquer the challenges posed by black-and-white photography
• Appeals to professionals and serious amateurs who are interested in exploring creative black-and-white imagery
• Presents photography fundamentals and shows how black and white requires some of the rules to be bent
• Encourages creative thinking and confidence
• Lavishly illustrated with Harold Davis's outstanding monochromatic photos

Whether you're a professional just venturing into black and white or a serious amateur, Creative Black & White will both educate and inspire you.

Black-and-White Photography Tips from Author Harold Davis

Black-and-White Photography Tips

Photos by Harold Davis

Tips for Seeing in Black and White [PDF]

Reviews

Great book! Lots of Digital B/W techniques! Great for Beginners!, May 31, 2010
I love this book!

Since the advent of digital, B/W has become a "choice" rather than a limitation. As a result a lot of creative thought has to go into making great B/W photographs.

As a beginner in this area of photography (especially in digital post-processing), I found this book was perfect in two aspects.

First, Harold Davis has a great way of explaining the intricacies of this art-form. It is easy to understand and follow things like
a) why would a particular picture be best converted to b/w
b) why would a particular composition work best in b/w
c) what are the various types of b/w compositions and which one would work best for a given object/person to be photographed etc
d) how to do HDR in B/W via multi-raw processing

It is a sign of a great master of an art that (s)he can convey his/her knowledge in a simple and easy to understand way. Harold accomplishes this in the book.

The second great aspect of the book are the photoshop steps. For a photoshop newbie like me, this book is a godsend as far as digital b/w is concerned.

Overall, I highly recommend the book for anyone who wants to start their journey in, or enhance their understanding of Digital B/W.

Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, and Edward Weston Made Digital, May 10, 2010
If you know beauty of the great black and white photographers of the twentieth century, Mr. Davis has for the first time made their vision available to the digital photographers of the twenty-first. As Weston said, "The camera should be used for ... rendering the very substance and quintessence of the thing itself, whether it be polished steel or palpitating flesh." As color photography is representational, black and white is "as it is." Mr. Davis knows the difference and explains how their vision might be yours.

Digital photography has always suffered in the realm of black and white. The most sophisticated digital sensors do not have the dynamic range of the photographic print. That is, the sensors are unable to detect at the same time the whitest of whites, the blackest of blacks, and the grays between. The classical photographers could tease out those variations with experimental photographic papers, homemade concoctions of chemicals, and innovative lab techniques. Only recently has digital post-processing equaled those same results.

In this seminal work, Mr. Davis explains, in a step-by-step, fully illustrated, style how the photographer with basic knowledge of post-processing programs is capable of obtaining those results. From ACR or Lightroom or Photoshop or specialized programs the perfection of the black and white image is explained. From simple procedures to the most sophisticated.

As the cherry on top, Mr. Davis finishes with specialized techniques such as high-key, low-key, toning, duotoning, solarization, and much more.

Black and white photography, as in those famous words, "try it, you'll like it."

A primer on creative black and white - from conception to completion, June 4, 2010
If you've seen some of Harold's long-exposure night images, you know the high level of expertise and creativity this West Coast photographer and educator brings to his work. This book is an extension of all that and a must-have for anyone with a serious interest in black and white digital photography. Beautifully illustrated, well-organized, and clearly presented, it allows the reader to follow a logical progression----from concept to creation to postproduction. I loved (and would even like to see more of) those examples where the reader is allowed to get inside the author's head (and heart) as a scene or challenge presents itself. He talks about creating abstractions out of elements or combinations of commonplace items by seeing behind preconceptions and focusing on things like shape and texture. Technical aspects of shoots are carefully noted, along with step-by-step instructions on how to pull the most out of these images through Photoshop and other specialized software. While he pays his respects here and there to black and white masters such as Adams and Weston, the book is more for converts who have already been mesmerized by the range of tones and singular beauty of classic black and white. One thing I might have wanted to see is at least some discussion about digital printing. High-quality, affordable inkjet printers have made the printing process a key element of the creative process for any serious digital photographer. Paper choices alone can dramatically impact the look and overall feel of an image. But Harold no doubt has all of that on a back burner for another book, which I anxiously look forward to reading.

Get Creative With Your Black & White Photos, May 2, 2010
Harold Davis' new book on taking digital color photos and transforming them into creative black and white pictures is an inspiring read with a lot of examples and many ways to achieve your vision.

A focus of the book is to help you learn how to pre-visualize what the world of color that surrounds us in blank & white. To se the contrasts of light and shadow that are left when the color is removed from an image and I think the book does a good job of describing how to do that.

I really like the different ways that are covered in the book to transform your color images into blank & white, Photoshop, Lightroom, Silver Efex Pro, and Photomatix are all covered. Creating images with high-hey, low-key, split toning, HDR, hand coloring, and noise are all explored with examples and tips.

I found the HDR example especially interesting, using HDR methods to create a photo with a extraordinary range of shadows is really appealing to me and I plan on giving it a try soon.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in making amazing black & white photos.

I want to thank the author for the chance to review this book before its release.

Wow, did this book deliver!, May 4, 2010
I couldn't wait to open up my copy of Harold Davis' book, "Creative Black and White". At first glance I thought this book was going to enable me to convert color photos into Black and White, but also know when I'm taking the photo the settings I choose will make it a `great' Black & White. This is not a medium I had any appreciation for before I read this book.

In the Introduction; "My goal in Creative Black & White is to be your companion. . . Together we'll experience what it means to think in black and white. I'll show you many of the visual ideas that can work well with black and white, and share my expertise and the technical approaches that can be used to create high quality digital black and white photos." Boy did he deliver! Throughout the book he gave example after example of Black & White photos and showed us the settings in the camera he took of those photos to achieve the desired result.

I'm a dentist by trade and consider myself an `Advanced Hobbyist Amateur'. I'm the president of the local photography club; even write a daily blog for the club. I submit photos on a monthly basis and take photos for different organizations around town, but never thought about Black & White as a medium that was `artistic' in my hands. "Creative Black and White" teaches the basics behind any good photograph, i.e. Contrast, Shape & Form. . . Shades of Gray. Check out the `Contents' page and see how complete Harold covers the subject of Black & White and how simply he teaches you how you can do it.

He teaches how to convert color photos to Black & White using multiple techniques; Camera Raw, Photoshop, Lightroom and different Photoshop Plugins. He gives us many ways to achieve the desired result; he's not married to one particular method. I'm anxious to try my hand at Black & White Photography. "Creative Black and White" has given me the confidence to expand my knowledge base on what subjects make great Black & White opportunities, how to properly `step by step' convert from color to Black & White and also shows `before and after' examples.

This book is the complete `how to' book for those of us that had NO idea that Black & White photos had so much promise. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to use it at our teaching sessions at the photography club. This will be a great opportunity for us as a club to try our hand at a subject only one or two have ever used.

Journey I've Been Waiting to Take, June 15, 2010
Harold Davis takes a subject that is extremely broad in range and puts it into an understandable topic without leaving anything out.

He says that we need to learn to see and to think in Black and White. He then gives guidelines for training the eye to search for areas of high contrast or if the subject is a landscape, we need to look for different textures and forms. He suggests subjects that lend themselves to monochrome, but always leads us step by step through the creation and includes examples from his own work. He reminds us that although pixels are free, pre-vizualization is a critical step in creating beautiful B/W photos.

Every line is a story of information in itself. He states that we need to be familiar with the broad array of post processing possibilities. Although Harold did not suggest this, I could not wait to try a few images in Lightroom. I used some RAW captures that were actually disappointing to me. They became very acceptable B/W photos following Harold's clear directions for the HSL/Color/Grayscale.

He leads us through Adobe Camera Raw, Lightroom, and Photoshop. For the first time I understand the value of adding Silver Effects Pro to my software collection.

He offers numerous creative processes to try from low-key, high-key, solarization, film, and more. It had never occurred to me to work with my infrared shots in monochrome.

Harold lets us know exactly what he did with each photo to obtain his stunning effects, but reminds us that this is just a starting point for our own creative process.

Harold Davis says that he will be our "companion and guide" to create Black and White. He is the best guide anyone could hope for.

Great book for all creative mediums!, May 15, 2010
I am a graphic designer and a watercolorist, and the wealth of information in Harold Davis' book will be fantastic for me in both disciplines. As a designer, I work with photography in Photoshop all the time, and Harold's descriptions of various Photoshop techniques will allow me to take my skills to a whole new level. Thank you, Harold!

But I am especially excited about his information on "seeing" and composing in new creative ways. This will be incredibly helpful to me as an artist, for it is the ability to visualize subjects in unique ways and paint them that way that takes one's artistry to unexpected and exciting places.

I highly recommend this book. It is visually stunning and highly informative, and worth every penny. You won't be disappointed.

Magnificent techniques, May 12, 2010
I have been a fan of his ideas and images for sometime.
This book clearly and consicely shows the reader how to make excellent B&W images in the digital world.
This has been a real revelation to me, as I didn't think I would ever get the quality of B&W from my digital files.
A must-have text for the serious photographer.

Creative Black and White: Digital Photography Tips and Techniques [Paperback], May 6, 2010
Harold Davis came up with one more book from Creative Photography series. And this one dedicated to black and white photography in great depth. Anyone who already know and read other books from H. Davis is well aware that book is full of examples, inspiration and ability to build your skills on another higher level. This particular book contains of first class material for everyone: beginner or advance photographer. There are many pages in the book on specifics of black & white photography composition and pre-visualization, on how to see the world in monochrome and how monochrome is actually convey light. Davis made a great deal also on showing up technique on converting color digital images into black & white image using Photoshop and some other plugins especially NIK software.

The way Davis teaches is the best one can have, he does not push reader to do just what is in the book he freely shares his experience and ideas to inspire reader and that is the best way to learn. He shows the way to use camera and/or software post-processing an image and emphasizing that there are many other ways to achieve the result of making B&W image. Another important feature of the book is that every photos accompanied with detailed exposure description, so that is easy to replicate and learn the techniques. The book requires slowly reading since it is needed to be used as tutorial as well as good reading material. The last thing I wanted to mention is that anyone should visit H. Davis web site and subscribe for his Newsletter and if you live around Bay Area you should participate in his workshops (me personally is not that lucky - I live on the East coast). Once more I would like to say that this is the latest installment in his series of Creative Photography series and all other books are very much written the same good way and must have for every serious photographer.

Comprehensive Black & White photography in digital era, August 7, 2010
Before the invention of color film, black and white film is the only medium to capture the moment. However, after color film and digital camera are invented, black and white photography seems to be lost.

However, black and white photography is not dying, it is still there and growing steadily. In this digital era, all digital cameras are designed to capture and process color images instead of black and white images. Therefore, in this era, it is crucial to understand the concept and techniques how to capture and convert color photo to black and white image effectively.

This book is the answer of the problem. In the beginning of the book, Davis discusses about the history about black and white photography, what kind of scene that is ideal for B&W photography, and how to process B&W images.

Many B&W digital photography techniques are discussed in the book, including high key, low key, HDR, toning, tinting, duotone, etc.

The book also provide step by step tutorial on converting and processing B&W images in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop.

It's a very comprehensive B&W photography book and I recommend beginner and B&W enthusiasts to add this book to your collection. ... Read more