The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby
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Book Reviews of The Digital Photography Book
Book Review: Hit the ground running!
Summary: 5 Stars
I was almost thrown off by a couple of bad reviews here. I'm glad I decided to give it a look. I received this book this evening once I got off work, and by the end of the night my confidence as an amateur photographer has taken leaps and bounds. There are so many great tips and tricks in here for the amateur photographer that you'll be itching to get out and shoot some subjects using your newfound knowledge.
Yes, the jokes at the beginning of the book are lame, but they accomplish what the author sets out to do with them: build a friendly rapport with the reader and get the sense that you're getting camera tips from a trusted buddy. If you're already a pro, you probably have no business buying this book, except to hand it to your friends who are asking you for tips.
This book is a can't fail launching-off point for any budding photographer who might not yet understand exposure theory, but wants to hit the ground running. I intend to use it as a primer for each outing until I get so comfortable with the material that I no longer need it.
My first stop this weekend: The Oregon Coast in Seaside, Oregon!
Thanks for the great book, Scott! I feel like my trip will have some measurable purpose now, and I won't be just aimlessly shooting.
Book Review: Great book for Digital photography.
Summary: 5 Stars
So, after reading a few books, it was amazingly refreshing to read a book, JUST FOR digital photography. I noticed int he corner it says it works well for P&S cameras as well, and I have to question that. There is a lot of the concepts in the book that carry over, but not very well.
While I am currently using a P&S, I plan to rectify THAT situation in the coming month, so I am reading this book with the future in mind.
I really like how he explains concepts simply, like a buddy telling you how to do something, instead of having a book that tells you WHY... he just tells you WHAT. (with a few whys tossed in). I think this is a GREAT way for the absolute newbie to get their feet wet. It also has a LOT of wonderful tips for amatures and above.
I think the BIGGEST weakness, is how much Photoshop is shown throughout the book. I am an elements user, and really felt left out, except for a few spots. I don't know that his book is "high end" enough, to be discussing a $650 program, that he seems to base most things on. I think a heavier emphasis on elements would have been better.
I want to point out, overall, this book IS a 5... but I do have a few issues with it... I don't believe any are worth knocking the book down to a 4.
Book Review: Excellent Primer
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been casually shooting for years, but wanted to start getting serious. I got The Photography Bible, which is a good introduction to all the basics of photography, but that's about all. It doesn't really give you much practical knowledge or advice for how to get out there and take great pictures.
This book took up where the other left off excellently, though you could easily start using it as a complete novice and really start improving your photography. In fact this book is geared specifically for the complete beginner. The author's sole purpose is to get you taking better photos as quickly as possible and he therefore leaves out a lot of the technical jargon and explanation. He teaches you only what you need to do with your camera and setting to get a specific result. I could see this direct approach being a detractor for those wanting to know why to use a certain shutter speed, aperture , ISO or flash and if you want to know the science behind photography, this book is not for you, but it will be perfect if you're a beginner and simply want to get out there and improve your photos.
There are plenty of technical manuals out there for photography. This book is for everyone else. I highly recommend it!
Book Review: Great for a Starter Like Myself...
Summary: 5 Stars
I found this book to be a great starting point for someone like myself...I've been interested in photography for quite some time, but had never ventured much beyond the simple Point and Shoot. I had recently purchased a Canon 30D and felt I needed something to help me get some good shots and introduce me to the DSLR.
I really like the format of the book, essentially a 1-2 pages dedicated to each subject, telling you exactly what you'd want to know if you're just getting started. It had a number of great recommendations on products, tips, etc.
I enjoyed it so much, I've already purchased this for other friends/family getting started with DSLR. He's got a different sense of humor, however, I for one, actually enjoy it for a change of pace.
I recently rented his other book: The Photoshop CS2 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter) I was looking for a book that would give me the details of how to post-edit my photos in Photoshop, this book provided me with a lot of good details and how-to's.
Overall, I'd highly recommend this author.
Book Review: Great book for beginners and intermediates
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an excellent book about Digital Photography. I read it in one night, and now keep it in my camera bag for reference. There is a lot to sort out when attempting to take great photos, ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, white balance and colors, let alone composition and subjects. Scott does an incredible job of addressing all of these and much more. You can read it in a couple hours, but you will benefit from it for life. I have bought three photography books that were specifically geared towards digital and this was the least expensive, the most portable and by far the best.
This book is a great place to start if you are looking to move from snap-shots to great photos. As with most digital photography books it is really geared towards D-SLR owners, but it is all pretty applicable with my Panasonic DMC-FZ50. Many of the tips are not camera dependant, but it may be a little harder benefit from if you have a compact digicam.
One reviewer was really bothered by his "funny" openings to some of the chapters and some jokes. It didn't bother me, this is a complex subject adding a little humor can make the learning process more enjoyable.
Matt