Equipment Books - Page 3

Picture This: How Pictures Work

Molly Bang

Amazon Price: $10.39 List Price: $12.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Chronicle Books Amazon Marketplace: 48 new & used starting at $6.49

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Children's Books
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Reference -> Study & Teaching
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Design & Decorative Arts -> Graphic Design -> Commercial -> Illustration

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Photos tell more than thousand words-here is the answer why! 5 out of 5 stars.
22 of 22 people found this review helpful.

Using the story of Little Red Riding Hood this book is focusing on the basic principles of composing images.

Reduced to the maximum and using simple colors and arrangements of basic elements like circles or triangles, the drawings as well as the short, precise text within this book are pointing out, how simple and complex arrangements within pictures work, transfer obvious (and hidden) messages, how philosophy and psychology witin pictures works. Therefor its a book telling the story why pictures may lie, may influence, may manipulate an observer even though obviously just showing "reality".

Whether you are taking photographs, drawing or designing - this book is a absolute must! A photo/image tells more than thousand words - here you will find the answer how and why. Great to read and watch, easy and fast to understand - even though dealing with a most complex matter.

Finally a personal statement and hint for an esthetes: if you like to possess a book with an outer shape and appearance that promises, what the contents keeps, than you have to buy the nice hard cover version instead of the cheaper soft cover version - it will pay off for sure.

Editorial Review:

Everyone knows that a picture tells a thousand words. But what about the elements that make up a picture? Using the tale of Little Red Riding Hood as an example, Molly Bang uses boldly graphic artwork to explain how images--and their individual components--work to tell a story that engages the emotions: Why are diagonals dramatic? Why are curves calming? Why does red feel hot and blue feel cold??First published in 1991, Picture This fans will welcome the new edition's striking redesign and introduce its insights to many other artists and art appreciators alike.?

Digital SLR Cameras & Photography For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

David D. Busch

Amazon Price: $19.79 List Price: $29.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: For Dummies Amazon Marketplace: 50 new & used starting at $16.03

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> General
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Digital Photography
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Equipment

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 34 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Understanding exactly how a digital SLR (dSLR) works can help you use its exciting capabilities to their fullest potential. Whether you aim to become a serious photo hobbyist, are interested in turning pro, or want to take advantage of the improved control that dSLRs give you over your photography, this fun and friendly reference will show you how to maximize everything a dSLR has to offer so that you can improve your photography skills, increase your picture-taking and image-editing knowledge, and ultimately, take better photos.

Written with just the right balance of technology and techniques in mind, this guide provides you with the know-how on everything from getting acquainted with the basic key features of the technology (lenses, sensors and image processors, and exposure and focusing systems) to the nuances of various dSLR techniques (setting up speedy continuous-shooting burst modes to capture fast action, applying selective and sharp focus, and shooting under the lowest levels of light). Other topics explored include:

• Composing your shots with an accurate viewfinder
• Deciding how many pixels your camera needs
• Cleaning the sensor yourself
• Choosing between a tripod or monopod
• Adjusting exposure and improving shutter speed
• Creating time-lapse sequences
• Fixing murky or contrasting photos

With so much subject area covered, Digital SLR Cameras & Photography For Dummies, 2^nd Edition not only introduces you to the fundamentals of great picture-taking with a dSLR, but goes beyond the basics. Some of the more advanced topics discussed include working with the various formats of digital photos, minimizing shutter lag and first-shot delays, and fixing up your pictures with various image-editing programs. This is just the book you need to progress from getting started with a dSLR to actually improving your dSLR photography!

Magic Lantern Guides: Nikon D300 (Magic Lantern Guides)

Simon Stafford

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Magic Lantern - Model: 1600593054 Amazon Marketplace: 29 new & used starting at $11.20

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> General
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Reference
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> How-to -> Magic Lantern Series

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Technical 5 out of 5 stars.
15 of 15 people found this review helpful.

The Nikon D300 is a complicated piece of machinery, with at least 100 top-level options for how it will work, with many sub-options. All these choices mean that one can tailor the way the camera operates precisely to one's needs. It also means that getting exactly what's best for you requires a lot of research. This "Magic Lantern Guide" is designed to ease the process, but if you really want to get the D300 to fit your style of shooting, it still won't be easy.

The book starts with a general discussion and a quick start guide and then goes into detail on the various functions. There is a menu by menu review of each of the options, with the author's recommendation for each setting. The book finishes up with chapters on resolution, flash, lenses and processing.

This book is for the person who wants to understand all the technical aspects of using the D300. For example, almost every book I've read on the D300 tells you how to use long exposure noise reduction, and points out that the noise reduction process take as long as the exposure. But this is the first book that told me that the noise reduction process will terminate after 109 minutes, even if the exposure is longer. I never expect to take a 110 minute exposure, but I'm certain there is someone out there for whom this information will prove useful.

I never expect to print directly from a card, but I wondered why the DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) menu on my D300 was always grayed out. Stafford explained that it was because DPOF requires JPEG images, and I only shoot in the RAW/NEF format.

Stafford not only explains what each menu does and why, but gives his own reasoned recommendations. By the way, he generally recommends not using functions that can be controlled later in post processing, reasoning that one should not turn over blind control of an image to the machinery.

The book is small enough to fit into a gadget bag, but thick enough that one might not want the extra burden. To help photographers anxious to lighten the load, the book includes a quick reference card that can be slipped into a wallet, although it obviously doesn't cover everything in the book.

The book is not without faults. There are occasional typos, although none that would mislead. The photographs are all in black and white, and many of them have absolutely no relation to the topic to which they are attached, but rather seemed to be included because this is a book about photography.

The book inevitably invites comparison to the excellent "David Busch's Nikon D300 Guide to Digital SLR Photography" by David D. Busch. That book includes photography instruction, with subjects like the times when long exposures might be appropriate and an excellent discussion of the use of the histogram to control exposure. It is aimed at the photographer who wants to learn how to use his or her D300. Many of the options are not covered in detail of Busch's book. Stafford's book doesn't tell you anything about taking pictures. It presumes you know how to take pictures and just want to know how to set up your D300 to the nth degree. I don't see the books as competitors. Decide what you want to learn, and then choose (or buy both if you are as compulsive as me.)

Editorial Review:

Simon Stafford, the Technical Editor to the Nikon Owners' Club International's Nikon Owner magazine, tells all about the company's new semi-pro camera, the D300. He explains how to make the most of the model's up-to-the-minute attributes, including the 12.3 effective megapixel Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor with integrated A/D converter and the increased bit precision of selectable 14-bit NEF (RAW) output.

2008 Photographer's Market

Donna Poehner

Amazon Price: $17.81 List Price: $26.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Writers Digest Books Amazon Marketplace: 37 new & used starting at $15.98

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Professional
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> General
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Reference

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

The growing digital photography trend has led many amateur photographers to become professional or at least semi-professional. In addition, there are still many film photographers looking for markets for their work.

New to this edition is information on the portrait and wedding photography business.

With 2,000 market listings, 2008 Photographer's Market is the resource freelance photographers need to find markets for their work. No other book contains as many market listings. Readers will find listing for magazines, newspapers, book publishers, greeting cards companies, stock photo agencies, design firms, galleries, art fairs and contests all over the world. Clearly marked sections and four indexes aid in narrowing down the markets and inspiring articles about successful photographers will give readers real world advice on how to succeed in a business that is always evolving due to technology and changing market trends. This up-to-date information is crucial for anyone wanting to establish themselves as a working photographer.

Photoshop CS3 Essential Skills (Photography Essential Skills)

Mark Galer, Philip Andrews

Amazon Price: $24.39 List Price: $36.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Focal Press Amazon Marketplace: 41 new & used starting at $23.09

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> General
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Reference
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Equipment

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 19 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Brimming with beautiful pictures, this successful book guides you through a project-based, progressive curriculum so that you can build all the essential skills to enhance photographs creatively and professionally with Photoshop CS3. If you are an aspiring professional, enthusiastic amateur photographer, or a student learning photography, digital imaging, art and design, or design graphics, you'll be amazed at the stunning results you can achieve!

New! DVD is included FREE. Additional learning materials include * full-resolution, royalty-free images to download for trying-out your new techniques * over 8 hours of QuickTime movie tutorials to support the practical projects * Presets from layer styles to curves, shapes, and gradients * indispensable RAW files for editing practice

And dont miss the companion website with updates, practice material, and more at www.photoshopessentialskills.com!

"The perfect companion guide for Photoshop users of multiple levels."
Photoshop Creative Magazine

"This book provides excellent coverage of Photoshop as a digital darkroom tool, as well as covering a truly amazing amount of background information. It is very readable and is truly a gem."
Mark Lewis, Director, Mount Saint Mary College, USA

The Essential Skills Photography Series from Focal Press uniquely offers a structured learning experience for photographers of all ages, with both the underlying theory and loads of invaluable 'how to' and real-life practice projects - all from the most talented photography practitioners/educators in the world.

Each subject includes:

* learning objectives for each section for class use or self-study
* color images of student and teacher/author work
* activities to check learning outcomes
* assignments to put theories into creative practice
* full glossary of terms

Other titles in the series:
Studio Photography: Essential Skills by John Child, Photographic Lighting: Essential Skills by John Child and Mark Galer and Digital Photography in Available Light by Mark Galer.

*An affordable resource that distills the complexity of Photoshop CS3 to the essentials
* Retouch photographs, create makeovers, produce sophisticated montages, and create special effects with clear, step-by-step projects
* Practice with activities that show the 'why', along with the 'how-to'
* Follow a structured learning approach to gain fundamental skills...and more

How to Cheat in Photoshop CS3: The art of creating photorealistic montages (How to Cheat in)

Steve Caplin

Amazon Price: $25.14 List Price: $39.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Focal Press Amazon Marketplace: 47 new & used starting at $23.00

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Digital Photography & Video -> Adobe Photoshop
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Web Development -> Web Design -> Web Graphics
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Graphic Design -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 25 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Great concepts but very hard to replicate 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

There are a lot of good ideas and concepts provided in this book for some very cool effects. However, please know that many of the effects/settings are very specific to the images they use in the examples. For example, the section on "chroming" any image they use an image of a computer monitor and use the levels adjustments to make it look chrome. If/when you apply the same sort of settings to any of your own photos you will not get any results even remotely close to what they got. Your results will vary greatly with your own photos so it will take quite a bit of tweaking and trial/error to replicate.

Editorial Review:

With his in-depth knowledge of the little-known secrets used by the pros to produce awardwinning illustrations, Steve is THE go-to guru for professional designers, graphic artists, illustrators, retouchers and students of design media and illustration who want to create photorealistic effects using Photoshop. Updated for Photoshop CS3, this must-have resource unlocks your creativity and helps you save time in the software so you can spend more time creatively. The book is also relevant to any version of Photoshop. * Create convincing smoke effects and make effective explosions the simple way * Take years off someone's appearance * Turn a photograph of someone looking straight into the camera into a different perspective with the entire head (not just the eyes) * Modify a statue so it looks like a living person or paint hair directly on any surface * Produce the perfect cutout in the shortest time with Photoshop CS3's new Quick Selection tool... and more

David Busch's Nikon D60 Guide to Digital SLR Photography

David D. Busch

Amazon Price: $19.79 List Price: $29.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Course Technology PTR Amazon Marketplace: 21 new & used starting at $18.32

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> General
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Reference
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Digital Photography

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Top Nikon Guru Does It Again! 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 9 people found this review helpful.

I was familiar with Busch's work from his many articles in Popular Photography and other photo magazines, as well as books like Digital SLR Pro Secrets,so I grabbed this huge introduction to photography as soon as it became available. I was not disappointed. His expertise really shows in this huge introduction to photography with the Nikon D60. Virtually everything you need to know about this camera is included between the covers.

The level of detail and clarity of explanations far exceeds that of the traditional camera guide. He devotes 65 pages to a thorough explanation of each control and feature of the D60, and how to use them, illustrated with large color photos. Then, beginners and more advanced photogs alike are treated to 81 pages that clear up the mysteries of the D60's menus, and when to use particular options. There are 40 pages of advice on exposure and advanced shooting with the D60, and 30 wonderful pages describing Nikon lenses and the author's extensive experience with each of them. There's 30 pages of tips on using Nikon's CLS flash system that should be enough for any strobe shooter.

Only 10 pages are devoted to introducing Nikon software, but I wouldn't want more than that, anyway. I'm glad that nearly all of this book directly relates to photography with the D60. Who wants a book padded with general photo advice, software descriptions, etc.? Heck, the 20 page trouble shooting chapter alone was worth the price of the book, as it includes instructions for cleaning the sensor, which I discovered is sometimes required even with a camera that has built in sensor cleaning.

All in all this book showed me why when I want the last word in Nikon expertise, David Busch provides all the answers.

Editorial Review:

Have you unpacked your new Nikon D60 digital SLR camera and want to get started right away taking great pictures? "David Busch’s Nikon D60 Guide to Digital SLR Photography" will show you 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 D60’s exposure modes, focus controls, and electronic flash options. More comprehensive than any of the pocket-sized camera guides, this book is chock full of hands-on tips for choosing lenses, flash units, and software products. Beautiful, full-color images illustrate where the essential buttons and dials are, so you’ll quickly learn how to use your Nikon D60, and use it well.

The Photographer's Eye

John Szarkowski

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: The Museum of Modern Art, New York Amazon Marketplace: 37 new & used starting at $15.65

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Artists, A-Z -> ( D-F ) -> Evans, Walker
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Collections, Catalogues & Exhibitions
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Criticism & Essays

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The Photographer's Eye by John Szarkowski is a twentieth-century classic--an indispensable introduction to the visual language of photography. Based on a landmark exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art in 1964, and originally published in 1966, the book has long been out of print. It is now available again to a new generation of photographers and lovers of photography in this duotone printing that closely follows the original. Szarkowski's compact text eloquently complements skillfully selected and sequenced groupings of 172 photographs drawn from the entire history and range of the medium. Celebrated works by such masters as Cartier-Bresson, Evans, Steichen, Strand, and Weston are juxtaposed with vernacular documents and even amateur snapshots to analyze the fundamental challenges and opportunities that all photographers have faced. Szarkowski, the legendary curator who worked at the Museum from 1962 to 1991, has published many influential books. But none more radically and succinctly demonstrates why--as U.S. News & World Report put it in 1990--"whether Americans know it or not," his thinking about photography "has become our thinking about photography."

Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D Digital Field Guide

Charlotte K. Lowrie

Amazon Price: $13.59 List Price: $19.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Wiley Amazon Marketplace: 33 new & used starting at $10.69

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> General
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Digital Photography
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Equipment

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Excellent resource for the amateur photographer 5 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

I recently upgraded to the Canon Rebel Xsi (previously using a point and shoot) and wanted a book to help explain the many features on the Xsi and how to use them in different shooting situations. This book is exactly what I was looking for. It offers a good explanation of concepts and as well as showing me how to use the different features my camera offers.

The first half of the book details the different features and settings of the Xsi with step by step instructions on how to access the settings along with explanation for when and why you would use the different settings. For me there is just enough detail to help my understanding without being overwhelming.

The second half of the book focuses on more general photography fundamentals (light and exposure, using flash); discussion of canon lenses; and discussion of different subjects with tips for shooting each (action/sports; children; nature/landscape; night/low-light; portrait; travel; etc.)

There are color pictures throughout the book that illustrate most of the concepts being explained which I found to be very helpful. The chapters discussing the fundamentals of light and exposure are excellent, especially for the beginner without an understanding of aperture, shutter speed, ISO and how they work together to create exposure.

Here's the table on contents (at a glance) since Amazon does not yet have a preview of the book available:

PART I: USING THE REBEL XSI/450D
Ch. 1: Exploring and Setting Up the Rebel Xsi
Ch. 2: Using the Rebel Xsi
Ch. 3: Using the White Balance and Picture Styles
Ch. 4: Using Live View
Ch. 5: Customizing the Rebel Xsi

PART II: CREATING GREAT PHOTOS WITH THE XSI
Ch. 6: The Fundamentals of Light and Exposure
Ch. 7: Using Flash
Ch. 8: Exploring Canon Lenses
Ch. 9: In the Field with the Xsi

PART III: APPENDIXES
Appendix A: Downloading Images and Updating Firmware
Appendix B: Exploring RAW Capture
Glossary

Editorial Review:

Your Digital Rebel XSi/450D, with its 12.2 megapixel resolution, 3-inch view screen, and the option for "Live View" shooting, is designed for simplicity without sacrificing creative freedom. This guide is ideal for helping you use that creative control and get great shots anywhere, anytime. If you’re new to dSLRs, it makes the transition easy. If you’re already comfortable with the various modes and settings, the book helps you make the most of every one.

• Set up your camera and learn when to choose automatic, semi-automatic, and manual modes
• Understand the camera's controls, menus, and when to use different metering and autofocus modes
• Explore Canon Picture Styles and custom functions
• Learn to manipulate ISO, exposure, depth of field, and shutter speed
• Create intriguing night and low-light images, capture sports action, portraits, and get tips for better macro photography

Minimalist Lighting: Professional Techniques for Location Photography

Kirk Tuck

Amazon Price: $23.07 List Price: $34.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Amherst Media, Inc. Amazon Marketplace: 24 new & used starting at $21.60

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> General
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Lighting
Subjects -> Arts & Photography -> Photography -> Equipment

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 22 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Minimalist Lighting 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Finally a book that not tells you but shows you with diagrams to match the photos. Real unbias info on portable strobes and gear. Kirk really embraces the portable approach with real people on real locations.Shot on location, not in a pro studio. If you want to bring the photograher to the subject this is how you do it.
Info on what you need and don't need and a section on color correction filters that is worth the price of the book alone. I had a friend who is just starting with stobes and he saw it on the coffe table and ask to borrow it, after reading it he said "now that make sense" Thanks Kirk you saved me hours of helping him. Looking forward to the next one.
Jim Mucklin

Editorial Review:

Packed with incredible images and step-by-step techniques, this book is a must have for commercial, wedding, and portrait photographers working on location who want to maximize their time behind the camera and minimize their time spent hauling cumbersome lighting equipment. The tips show how to select easily portable and versatile equipment for location shoots, cutting down on the packing and porting of expensive equipment. With techniques and information on the latest technology—including battery-powered flashes and accessories—this reference shows photographers how to work with smaller and lighter-weight lighting equipment without sacrificing quality. Whether shooting portraits, landscapes, or interiors, whether indoors or out, photographers will embrace the portable approach offered in this valuable resource.