Beginning Guides Books

The Digital Photography Book

Scott Kelby

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Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Digital Photography & Video -> Beginning Guides

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 477 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

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 take pro-quality shots using the same tricks today's top digital pros use (and it's easier than you'd think).

This entire book is written 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 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 d 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 isn't a book of theory—it isn't full of confusing jargon and detailed concepts: this is a book of which button to push, which setting to use, when to use them, and nearly two hundred of the most closely guarded photographic "tricks of the trade" to get you shooting dramatically better-looking, sharper, more colorful, more professional-looking photos with your digital camera every time you press the shutter button.

Here's another thing that makes this book different: each page covers just one trick, just one single concept that makes your photography better. Every time you turn the page, you'll learn another pro setting, another pro tool, another pro trick to transform your work from snapshots into gallery prints. There's never been a book like it, and if you're tired of taking shots that look "OK," 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.

Adobe Photoshop Elements 6: A Visual Introduction to Digital Photography (book with CD)

Philip Andrews

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

If you are an amateur or professional photographer who works with digital images and wants great results fast, this essential, easy-to-follow guide from world-renowned Adobe Photoshop Elements expert Philip Andrews is for you!

There are countless ways to use Adobes powerful Elements 6 software, and Andrews helps you with the skills to conquer them all; from turning ordinary photos into extraordinary scrapbooks, calendars, and albums to making business cards, flyers, and other promotional materials for your organization quickly and economically. Real-life examples and precise, easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions will help you get up to speed with Elements 6 fast for the results you want in no time, whether your photographs are from your digital camera or scanned images from film and slides.

If its in Elements, its in this book. Andrews covers tried and true tools which have been revamped to better suit photographers needs, such as the Adjust Color Curves and Convert to Black and White features, the Brightness/Contrast feature, and a smoother workflow for the creation of photo projects such as Photo Books, Photo Collage, Online Galleries, CD/DVD Jackets, and CD/DVD Labels. He also dives into the exciting, all-new features of Elements 6 such as:

*The Quick Selection Tool
*Fantastic Photomerge technology for group shots and faces, which lets you combine the best pieces from multiple images
*Direct copy to CD/DVD to speed up your workflow when you need to copy several images to disc quickly
*The Guided Edit Workshop with interactive technique tutorials
*Smart Albums, to automatically add photos that match certain criteria to your Album
*The Refine Edge feature, which allows you to control how smooth or feathered the edges of your images appear
*A Task Pane with five different Task Modes (Organize, Fix, Create, Share and Edit) to help you manage the processing of your images

and much, much more.

Whatever your organizing, editing, creating, and sharing needs are, youll find clear-cut, no-nonsense answers in this introductory book/CD/website learning package. If you find yourself getting stuck, Philip is just a click away with over two hours of superb video tutorials on the included CD. Or, visit the books website, www.guide2elements.com, for updates and more images that you can use to practice your new skills.

Written by a photographer for photographers, this book is for those who want to know the techniques that get results and can be put into practice immediately.

*Best-selling author and world-renowned Elements expert Philip Andrews guides you through the latest and greatest features in this incredible software with easy-to-follow, precise step-by-step instructions
*Think again before you hit that delete button - beautiful, full color images show you how to rework ordinary shots into extraordinary pieces of art
*Begin practicing your new skills immediately with over TWO HOURS of superb video tutorials included on the CD

Color Management in Digital Photography: Ten Easy Steps to True Colors in Photoshop

Brad Hinkel

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Facing the Color Management Challenge 4 out of 5 stars.
7 of 8 people found this review helpful.

What you see is seldom what you get when you make the arduous journey from digital image file to hard copy. It's a royal pain in the ASCII.

Most of us pass off the color difference between what we see on our monitor and what we get in our prints with a shrug of the shoulders. It's just one of those vagaries of computing, right?

Generally, that's a healthy attitude for the casual computer user/digital photographer. There are enough hassles in life without looking for new ones. On the other hand, if you're trying to make a living in graphic arts/photography, color management looms large in your professional life.

Some days, when I'm working on several computers, each with it's own color quirks, it gets frustrating. The book nicely bridges the color management gap with thorough explanations of color space and how to calibrate and profile your monitor.

Obviously, a good monitor is going to be an important component of the management process. Hinckel covers the related subjects as well as making some specific recommendations. He also looks beyond the monitor and discusses a good work environment.

There are specific software packages like Monaco OPTIC and Monaco EZcolor that are more powerful than the color management programs that come with printers and photo/graphic editing software. There is a good explanation of how these work.

Hinkel explorers numerous printing option, tells how to test your system, and then he moves into Advanced Printing.

This book presents a comprehensive, easy-to-understand overview of color management. Hallelujah. This book may actually inspire all of us color-management-procrastinators to jump in and get this vital area of graphic arts under control.

Editorial Review:

Color management is one of the essential elements, yet major stumbling blocks in digital photography. The vast majority of digital photographers really wish they didn't have to be concerned with color management, yet the basic process of moving images from capture to print becomes impractical without it. And the more sophisticated the photography workflow becomes, the more important it is to manage colors from capture to print.

In this book, Brad Hinkel simplifies the language of color management. It is based on classes and workshops the author has given to hundreds of students of digital photography. His process for color management is intended to provide enough information to create a simple and effective system allowing the user to get on with photography - focus on creativity instead of technology. However, the fact that this book suggests a simple approach to color management does not mean it sacrifices quality and effectiveness. Simpler is usually better - if it works.

Digital Portrait Photography 101 (Digital Quick Guides series)

Bill Hurter

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Redeye, poor lighting, and awkward poses—elements that can ruin any photograph—are eliminated with the tips provided in this portrait handbook for amateur photographers. Organized in highly visual two-page spreads, the 43 detailed lessons show beginning photographers how to create everyday portraits with a professional flair. Using the camera's portrait-friendly automated features along with a few manual settings, photographers learn how to correct exposure and focus for refined, colorful images. Unflattering flaws, such as eyeglass glare, double chins, and excess weight, can be minimized by following tips on proper posing, finding the right location, and using the best light. A section on digital imaging software teaches photographers how to "erase" blemishes, turn a color image into a classic black-and-white portrait, and even add color through digital toning. A gallery of professional images provides the perfect blend of technique and inspiration to help amateur photographers attain the mastery and photographic artistry they desire.

Digital Photography Made Easy

Don Lindich

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Digital Photography Made Easy by Don Lindich 5 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

At less than $10, this book and CD is a real bargain!! If you're a novice to digital photography, it has everything you'll need to know for a good long time, without overwhelming you with too much information. And if you do get stuck, you can email the author at the website address he provides and ask him for further explanation - at no cost! What a deal! I wish this book and this expert had been available when I was shopping for my first digital camera.

Great book 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 8 people found this review helpful.

This book if perfect for everyone that owns or plans to own a digital camera!

Great layout and VERY easy to understand!

Digital Photography Made Easy by Don Lindich 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

Simplicity! Excellent content! Unique design! Best $9.95 value today for learning how to operate a digital camera. Not only does one learn about the types of digital cameras, their controls and accessories and how they operate but also what can be done with the photos such as burning onto a CD, emailing photos, printing, software editing, etc. The unique design lets one flip from page to page while comparing their camera controls to the photos in the book. A CD comes with the book that gives a short course in general photography basics. "Digital Photography Made Easy" is truly well worth $9.95.

Editorial Review:

Tips and techniques for creating better pictures and enhancing the quality of the pictures that capture those memorable moments in life. Includes all the new digital camera terms, plus expert advice for taking better pictures on the Better Pictures in Five Easy Steps Bonus CD-ROM course.

Quick Snap Guide to Digital Photography: An Instant Start-Up Manual for New Digital Camera Owners

David D. Busch

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Excellent Prosumer reference new and prospective owners! 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 7 people found this review helpful.

I would describe myself as a committed amature or a prosumer photographer. In the next few months, I will be upgrading to a digital SLR in the 6-10 MP range. But which one? I consider myself knowlegeable about photography, but the array of features of dSLR cameras was overwhelming. Which are going to be important to me, given my typical needs?

This reference was just what I needed! Using a generic composite illustration created (through the magic of Photoshop) from three or four different popular dSLR cameras, this book walked me through common features located on the camera body, as well as typical menu options. It explained what each feature does, in what situations you'd typically use/need that feature, and the advantages and disadvantages of "tweaking" that particular adjustment. Then, it moved on to different popular flash options, including different kinds of flashes, common settings, and how each works with the camera.

Finally, this book discussed various types of lenses, advantages and disadvantages of each, which are typically most (and least) expensive, and situations in which it does and doesn't make sense to purchase that lens. It also discusses ways in which a dSLR can work with lenses and flashes you might already own - even manual ones from film days.

This is not a book on how to compose a photograph, but rather, on the mechanics of actually setting the camera to capture your shot. It doesn't dumb things down, but it doesn't get into anything too mechanically or scientifically technical. (I don't want to BUILD a camera - just USE it!) It explains options in language that should be easily understandable to anyone who is a sophisticated enough photographer to want a dSLR in the first place.

I still don't know what model dSLR I want to buy, but, with this reference, I am now equipped to comparison shop. BUY THIS BOOK!

Editorial Review:

You've just purchased your first digital camera and you're ready to start taking great pictures right away! Unfortunately, your basic reference-the manual that came with your camera-is full of cryptic information that’s either difficult to understand or too basic to translate into great photographs. You've just found your solution. Quick Snap Guide to Digital Photography gives you a concise introduction that covers not only the most important features of your digital camera, but also explains their function and purpose, detailing how to use them and, more importantly, why. Each topic is covered in two- or four-page spreads with plenty of illustrations that make it easy to see how to apply the techniques described. Appropriate for owners of basic, intermediate, and advanced digital cameras, new users will be shooting prize-winning photos in no time at all.

Absolute Beginner's Guide to Digital Photography (Absolute Beginner's Guide)

Joseph Ciaglia, Barbara London, John Upton, Peter Kuhns

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Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Digital Photography & Video -> Beginning Guides

Editorial Review:

You have a digital camera, now what? Thanks to memory sticks, docking stations, computers, image editing software, and printers, using your new digital camera can be frustrating and intimidating. With Absolute Beginner's Guide to Digital Photography, you'll learn everything you need to know to take great digital pictures and share them with friends or family.

Author Joseph Ciaglia, a teacher and award-winning landscape photographer, first gives you a quick start guide to using a digital camera so you can read a few step-by-step pages and then go from picture to print in moments. He then uses everyday, easy-to-understand language to explain exposure, focus, lighting, file formats, file storage and organization, how to use Adobe Photoshop Elements and iPhoto to edit and improve images, printers, specialty photo papers, and how to get your photos on the Web and in email messages. After reading this book, even the most digitally challenged shutterbug will be able to produce high-quality digital photographs!

Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0: A visual introduction to digital photography

Philip Andrews

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

If you are just starting to work with digital images and want great results fast, this complete, easy-to-follow guide is the one for you. As you take your first steps into the magical world of digital imaging, you'll rapidly gain mastery. Everything you need to make your once-in-a-lifetime photos look like a pro shot them is herewith real-life examples and hands-on projects from author and professional photographer Philip Andrews. Become skilled at how to capture superb images from the start as Philip guides you in plain-English through real-life examples.

Then get the most out of your digital camera with this thoroughly updated book on Elements 5.0. Its a snap to prepare your photos for email, your website, or top-quality printoutswhether your shots are from a digital or traditional camera. Packed with tips, hints, hundreds of visual examples, and step-by-step tutorials, this book shows you exactly how to:

Color-correct skin tones, isolate foreground subjects, extract people and objects from their backgrounds, create slide shows, fix red-eye, share images online, and more
* Create Album pages quickly and easily with new Elements 5.0 only features
* Create, customise and upload your own professionally produce web gallery in under 5 minutes
Create stunning effects with easy, step-by-step techniques to get results fast
Compose amazing panoramas, create slide shows, or design fun greeting cards
Print, back up, and organize your pictures for best results.
Achieve proficiency with techniques like selections and layers, text, and painting and drawing tools
Demystify all the new features in Elements 5.0 to fine-tune your photography, including Photo Creations and the Artwork and Effects palette, with essential new information on using Raw files

And much, much more.

If youre looking for a book written by a computer pro from a computer book company, this book isnt it. Written by a photographer for photographers, this book is for those who want to know the techniques that get results and can be put into practice immediately.

Full color, step-by-step projects walk you through how to transform your shots into professional images for everything from your family photo album, scrapbook pages to CD slide shows to business presentations and literature, restaurant menus, and more. You can even create posters for holidays and birthday parties.


Avid amateurs, family photographers, and small to medium-sized businesses or organizations that need to customize a message in collateral or websites rely on this essential book to learn how to transform photos into breathtaking results.

Hone your skills for professional-quality images with the associated website (www.guide2elements.com) that allows you to put each technique into practice with free images to edit and enhance as you follow step-by-step book projects. And theres more. printable lesson plans, useful links, video tutorials, and updates give you everything at your fingertips to get the best out of your digital camera and Elements 5.0. No more searching for an accompanying CD, as long as you are web connected, the resources and video tutorials are always available via the website no matter where you are.


* Save valuable time with this successful introduction to digital imaging written in Philips trademark no-nonsense style
* Fully updated to cover all the new Elements 5.0 features
* See how to put each technique into practice with real-life examples
* Be inspired with hundreds of full color, high-quality illustrations


Praise for previous editions of this title:

"With Philip providing you with such a good street index to our Photoshop Elements 3.0 software you will be creating fantastic digital images in next to no time at all."
Judith Salonga, Adobe Systems

"If you need to manipulate digital images this is the book that will not only show you what can be achieved but inspire you to develop your skills even further."
Computer Arts Special

"Whether you are into manipulating photographs, wishing to build better websites or produce better looking prints, this book will help you to master all the necessary tools contained in the program. The learning curve just got shallower!"
Martin Evening

"Philip Andrews' knowledge and enthusiasm shines through."
Royal Photographic Society Journal

* Save valuable time with this successful introduction to digital imaging written in Philip's trademark no-nonsense style
* Fully updated to cover all the new Elements 5.0 features
* See how to put each technique into practice with real-life examples
* Be inspired with hundreds of full color, high-quality illustrations

Digital Photography Visual Quick Tips

Gregory Georges

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Editorial Review:

Would you like a quick, visual way to learn how to take better digital photos, edit and enhance them, make eye-popping prints, and create photo albums, slideshows, and online galleries? Then Visual Quick Tips are for you. Visual Quick Tips will increase your productivity by providing you with shortcuts, tricks, and tips to help you work smarter and faster.

* Straight-forward task descriptions
* Succinct explanations
* Full-color screen shots
* Numbered steps

Learn How To:
* Choose the best lighting conditions
* Control focus and depth of field
* Create photo greeting cards and calendars

Digital Photography for Dummies, Quick Reference

David D. Busch

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Great pocket introduction for beginners! 5 out of 5 stars.
13 of 14 people found this review helpful.

I've read the author's "Digital Photography All In One Desk Reference for Dummies" and "Mastering Digital SLR Photography" and feel fortunate that he is one of the few photographers writing these books among the glut of computer book writers taking a stab at it. So, I purchased this book as an introductory guide for my wife, expecting to find the same clear, accurate coverage of digital photography. I was not disappointed.

All the basics are here, general enough to cover any brand of digital camera, but specific enough to be of use. Because it really is a "quick reference" it will not be the only digital photo book you need. However, it has good information for the beginner and can be used as a reference to answer quick questions. More advanced photographers should avoid this book, because it really is just an intro.

Editorial Review:

Learn about the latest equipment available, from cameras to printers, and how to use that equipment to compose better pictures, edit images, and inclue photos with your e-mail. Perfect for the beginning digital photographer, this easy-to-follow format helps anyone take the best picture possible.