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 Customer Reviews
Superb for the beginner to DSLR, 28 Oct 2008
I cannot emphasise enough how well this book sets out the basics of DSLR photography. I am on my first DSLR and to be honest knew nothing about aperture, shutter speed and ISO and how the 3 interelate. This book sets these out so clearly that the layman can understand. Been wondering how/when to use the P, M, A or S buttons on your camera
?, This explains it perfectly, and gives nice glossy examples of a scene when you would use f/4 vs f/22. I also have the David Busch book to "replace" the manual, but this far exceeds what you can learn from that. Both good books in their own right.
Fantastic book for DSLR beginners!, 13 Sep 2008
In a nutshell - this is everything you need as a DSLR beginner. Concise, to the point, and, quite simply, well explained. You won't get better. Buy this book if you want to progress quickly and understand the manual settings on your DSLR.
Good starter text, 04 Sep 2008
While the bias of this book leans heavily towards 35mm film cameras, with a vague nod in the direction of digital, it's still a worthwhile read. The information on aperture, shutter speed and ISO may be familiar enough, but the material on metering and exposure compensation is extremely interesting, not to mention useful. While Peterson's tendency to boast gets a little tiring (his comments discussing how he took a particular shot would be fine, if he didn't insist on showing off how quickly/well he'd done it) and occasionally his tone veers into patronising, but he clearly knows his stuff and manages to put it across in an informative and practical way. The book is reasonably useless unless you have a camera that allows you a high degree of control over settings, but if you have either a film or digitial SLR, I'd recommend you start with this text as an introduction.
Definetly a Great Book for Learners., 27 Aug 2008
If you're new to digital photography or you think that you don't know the basics about exposure, which is very important for good pictures, you should definitely buy this book. I learned a lot about its theory. However it doesn't only tell about the theory itself but also gives practical tips and tricks, which help you understand how some wonderful pictures are taken. There are some exercises Bryan Peterson suggests doing and I found them very useful. Even if you are not able to do everything he says at the time of reading, there are pictures which show the results. So you can take it with you and read on the bus.
It almost tells about everything but if you need a night or low light photography book it only tells about it a few pages. So if I feel I need more information about it, I would buy a different book.
I'm very glad to buy it and it'll be always a good reference for me.
If you're advanced photographer, you should already know about exposure and you should already take most of your pictures with correct exposures. So this is not a book for you.
Excellent book, 18 Aug 2008
I bought this book only based on its good reviews and I was not disappointed. It is written in simple, easy to understand language, it is illustrated with amazing pictures and it is full of good tips. Buy it !
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Customer Reviews
Superb for the beginner to DSLR, 28 Oct 2008
I cannot emphasise enough how well this book sets out the basics of DSLR photography. I am on my first DSLR and to be honest knew nothing about aperture, shutter speed and ISO and how the 3 interelate. This book sets these out so clearly that the layman can understand. Been wondering how/when to use the P, M, A or S buttons on your camera
?, This explains it perfectly, and gives nice glossy examples of a scene when you would use f/4 vs f/22. I also have the David Busch book to "replace" the manual, but this far exceeds what you can learn from that. Both good books in their own right.
Fantastic book for DSLR beginners!, 13 Sep 2008
In a nutshell - this is everything you need as a DSLR beginner. Concise, to the point, and, quite simply, well explained. You won't get better. Buy this book if you want to progress quickly and understand the manual settings on your DSLR.
Good starter text, 04 Sep 2008
While the bias of this book leans heavily towards 35mm film cameras, with a vague nod in the direction of digital, it's still a worthwhile read. The information on aperture, shutter speed and ISO may be familiar enough, but the material on metering and exposure compensation is extremely interesting, not to mention useful. While Peterson's tendency to boast gets a little tiring (his comments discussing how he took a particular shot would be fine, if he didn't insist on showing off how quickly/well he'd done it) and occasionally his tone veers into patronising, but he clearly knows his stuff and manages to put it across in an informative and practical way. The book is reasonably useless unless you have a camera that allows you a high degree of control over settings, but if you have either a film or digitial SLR, I'd recommend you start with this text as an introduction.
Definetly a Great Book for Learners., 27 Aug 2008
If you're new to digital photography or you think that you don't know the basics about exposure, which is very important for good pictures, you should definitely buy this book. I learned a lot about its theory. However it doesn't only tell about the theory itself but also gives practical tips and tricks, which help you understand how some wonderful pictures are taken. There are some exercises Bryan Peterson suggests doing and I found them very useful. Even if you are not able to do everything he says at the time of reading, there are pictures which show the results. So you can take it with you and read on the bus.
It almost tells about everything but if you need a night or low light photography book it only tells about it a few pages. So if I feel I need more information about it, I would buy a different book.
I'm very glad to buy it and it'll be always a good reference for me.
If you're advanced photographer, you should already know about exposure and you should already take most of your pictures with correct exposures. So this is not a book for you.
Excellent book, 18 Aug 2008
I bought this book only based on its good reviews and I was not disappointed. It is written in simple, easy to understand language, it is illustrated with amazing pictures and it is full of good tips. Buy it !
An Amazing Read, 18 Oct 2008
What an amazing read. If you are new to DSLR or photography in general and you have the D40/X you must own this book. Full of concise step by step easy to read instructions on getting the most out of your camera. I can't put it down. Learn how to use the basic dials on your camera and take great shots. Then when you feel more comfortable with it move on to more indepth actions on exposure, lighting, composition etc. Each chapter lets you feel your way in to the subject so you don't feel rushed. This allows you to understand everything easier and that way you feel like you are actually learning something and remembering it. You really can't do without this book. An amazing read. I love it as much as the camera itself.I would pay double for this book. Get it now!
Very clear and easily worth the money.., 04 Oct 2008
Firstly - dump the manual that came with your D40 in the drawer - it is next to useless if you are new to a dSLR.
Then open this book and find your way around the extensive features that this 'beginners' dSLR offers. The book is well written with multiple supporting illustrations. It quickly unravels some of what seem at first complicated menus and sub menus.
I quickly found out as an example how to limit the ISO rating the camera uses on ISO Auto, I won't tell you here, you'll have to buy the book!!! but it solved for me the issue of noise that had crept into some of my pictures when using ISO auto.
Again quickly found out how to switch off the graphic representation of the shooting settings and get it to a 'classic' setting more akin to what would appear on a LCD menu had the D40 had one. This is essential for any one who bemoans the loss of the LCD screen settings on the D40.
This book is certainly a must have for any d40 user - certainly any one using one for the first time.
If there is any down side it is the book size making it a tad of a challenge to use 'in the field' but if it was any smaller it probably wouldn't be as easy to read and follow as it is.
Top notch, 27 Aug 2008
This book does exactly what it says on the cover, takes you through all the functions (with easy to see colour pictures)), working with light, exposure, photographing different subjects, etc. It explains your Nikon D40 and all of the features, I cannot recommend this highly enough. Between this and the Ken Rockwell website I have learnt so much about the D40.
Great, 03 Jul 2008
This book tell you all you need to know when starting out with the Nikon D40 in an easy and comprehensive way unlike the original confusingly laid out manual. Additionally this book give good photo taking techniques in a variety of situations. Nice!
for newcomers, 15 May 2008
This book is brilliant if you are new to DSLR photography and the manual that comes with the camera confuses you-like it did me! I have learnt so much and have already been practising with it. Things have made sense and I have to reread it to then put it into practice, i can see me taking this book on holiday and not the manual!
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Customer Reviews
Superb for the beginner to DSLR, 28 Oct 2008
I cannot emphasise enough how well this book sets out the basics of DSLR photography. I am on my first DSLR and to be honest knew nothing about aperture, shutter speed and ISO and how the 3 interelate. This book sets these out so clearly that the layman can understand. Been wondering how/when to use the P, M, A or S buttons on your camera
?, This explains it perfectly, and gives nice glossy examples of a scene when you would use f/4 vs f/22. I also have the David Busch book to "replace" the manual, but this far exceeds what you can learn from that. Both good books in their own right.
Fantastic book for DSLR beginners!, 13 Sep 2008
In a nutshell - this is everything you need as a DSLR beginner. Concise, to the point, and, quite simply, well explained. You won't get better. Buy this book if you want to progress quickly and understand the manual settings on your DSLR.
Good starter text, 04 Sep 2008
While the bias of this book leans heavily towards 35mm film cameras, with a vague nod in the direction of digital, it's still a worthwhile read. The information on aperture, shutter speed and ISO may be familiar enough, but the material on metering and exposure compensation is extremely interesting, not to mention useful. While Peterson's tendency to boast gets a little tiring (his comments discussing how he took a particular shot would be fine, if he didn't insist on showing off how quickly/well he'd done it) and occasionally his tone veers into patronising, but he clearly knows his stuff and manages to put it across in an informative and practical way. The book is reasonably useless unless you have a camera that allows you a high degree of control over settings, but if you have either a film or digitial SLR, I'd recommend you start with this text as an introduction.
Definetly a Great Book for Learners., 27 Aug 2008
If you're new to digital photography or you think that you don't know the basics about exposure, which is very important for good pictures, you should definitely buy this book. I learned a lot about its theory. However it doesn't only tell about the theory itself but also gives practical tips and tricks, which help you understand how some wonderful pictures are taken. There are some exercises Bryan Peterson suggests doing and I found them very useful. Even if you are not able to do everything he says at the time of reading, there are pictures which show the results. So you can take it with you and read on the bus.
It almost tells about everything but if you need a night or low light photography book it only tells about it a few pages. So if I feel I need more information about it, I would buy a different book.
I'm very glad to buy it and it'll be always a good reference for me.
If you're advanced photographer, you should already know about exposure and you should already take most of your pictures with correct exposures. So this is not a book for you.
Excellent book, 18 Aug 2008
I bought this book only based on its good reviews and I was not disappointed. It is written in simple, easy to understand language, it is illustrated with amazing pictures and it is full of good tips. Buy it !
An Amazing Read, 18 Oct 2008
What an amazing read. If you are new to DSLR or photography in general and you have the D40/X you must own this book. Full of concise step by step easy to read instructions on getting the most out of your camera. I can't put it down. Learn how to use the basic dials on your camera and take great shots. Then when you feel more comfortable with it move on to more indepth actions on exposure, lighting, composition etc. Each chapter lets you feel your way in to the subject so you don't feel rushed. This allows you to understand everything easier and that way you feel like you are actually learning something and remembering it. You really can't do without this book. An amazing read. I love it as much as the camera itself.I would pay double for this book. Get it now!
Very clear and easily worth the money.., 04 Oct 2008
Firstly - dump the manual that came with your D40 in the drawer - it is next to useless if you are new to a dSLR.
Then open this book and find your way around the extensive features that this 'beginners' dSLR offers. The book is well written with multiple supporting illustrations. It quickly unravels some of what seem at first complicated menus and sub menus.
I quickly found out as an example how to limit the ISO rating the camera uses on ISO Auto, I won't tell you here, you'll have to buy the book!!! but it solved for me the issue of noise that had crept into some of my pictures when using ISO auto.
Again quickly found out how to switch off the graphic representation of the shooting settings and get it to a 'classic' setting more akin to what would appear on a LCD menu had the D40 had one. This is essential for any one who bemoans the loss of the LCD screen settings on the D40.
This book is certainly a must have for any d40 user - certainly any one using one for the first time.
If there is any down side it is the book size making it a tad of a challenge to use 'in the field' but if it was any smaller it probably wouldn't be as easy to read and follow as it is.
Top notch, 27 Aug 2008
This book does exactly what it says on the cover, takes you through all the functions (with easy to see colour pictures)), working with light, exposure, photographing different subjects, etc. It explains your Nikon D40 and all of the features, I cannot recommend this highly enough. Between this and the Ken Rockwell website I have learnt so much about the D40.
Great, 03 Jul 2008
This book tell you all you need to know when starting out with the Nikon D40 in an easy and comprehensive way unlike the original confusingly laid out manual. Additionally this book give good photo taking techniques in a variety of situations. Nice!
for newcomers, 15 May 2008
This book is brilliant if you are new to DSLR photography and the manual that comes with the camera confuses you-like it did me! I have learnt so much and have already been practising with it. Things have made sense and I have to reread it to then put it into practice, i can see me taking this book on holiday and not the manual!
DSLR made easy, 25 Oct 2008
This is a book for those who do not have an idea what is aperture (Av), shutter speed (Tv) or ISO. So if you have a compact point-and-shoot camera you know what these are. But it is a book that I bought before I even bought the DSLR camera. THe photos though in colour may not be the best but it is written to be read in a weekend.
D. Busch knows his stuff. At less than 10 quids it will sparkle your imagination and get your camera to go out an experiment.
Recommended.
Book, Camera, Action!, 14 Oct 2008
The big attraction of this series of "for Dummies" books is that we who buy these products have little respect for our own knowledge and plenty of respect for those who do and are able to write books like this.
I am currently converting from film photography to digital photography and some aspects are quite daunting. I have, therefore, purchased several books and tutorial DVDs on the subject and am working my way through them all. The title of this product suggests it is the right place to start and, on reflection, is exactly where I should have started. For those of you, who like me, are converting to digital for the first time, grab your camera and a copy of this book and work your way through from cover to cover until you are conversant with the new technology. It really will give you a good grounding.
That, however, will only work very well if you are already conversant with photography. If you are new to photography altogether and a digital SLR camera is your very first camera, you may have to learn a few basic lessons of, for example, the correlation between film speeds, shutter speeds and aperture settings - which really do need to be understood, before you study this book.
David Busch clearly knows what he is talking about and is able to put that knowledge into an easy-to-follow format for us Dummies to read and, as I say, I wish I had read this book before getting into some of the more technical tomes I also purchased.
NM
A worse dummy than I thought!, 17 Feb 2008
I think I must need a 'Total Idiot's Guide' as this was not what I thought it would be.
Being a complete beginner with dSLR, I thought this book would be a step-by-step guide on 'How To....' I was a bit wide of the mark - although the book says a lot about why you should do this over that, etc it left me lost on how to actually do it. So I'm using my camera on Auto until my Nikon book arrives. Let's hope I'll have more success with that one.
excellent book, 08 Feb 2008
Bought the book on the strength of the previous two reviews as I've not really been keen on the "dummies" books previously.
This one, though, is excellent. If you've spent a chunk of money on a new digital camera (like my EOS 40d!) you really should spend another £10 and read this, and actually start to understand how it all works! (If you're already expert then you won't be needing this, but understanding even how the digital sensor works is really interesting)
It's printed on good quality glossy paper (unlike some of the dummies books) and includes some really nice images.
Well worth it
The best book I've read for DSLR beginners, 09 Jan 2008
A real creative education from a proper photographer. Easy to read, and packed full of tips and tricks. Get this one.
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Customer Reviews
Superb for the beginner to DSLR, 28 Oct 2008
I cannot emphasise enough how well this book sets out the basics of DSLR photography. I am on my first DSLR and to be honest knew nothing about aperture, shutter speed and ISO and how the 3 interelate. This book sets these out so clearly that the layman can understand. Been wondering how/when to use the P, M, A or S buttons on your camera
?, This explains it perfectly, and gives nice glossy examples of a scene when you would use f/4 vs f/22. I also have the David Busch book to "replace" the manual, but this far exceeds what you can learn from that. Both good books in their own right.
Fantastic book for DSLR beginners!, 13 Sep 2008
In a nutshell - this is everything you need as a DSLR beginner. Concise, to the point, and, quite simply, well explained. You won't get better. Buy this book if you want to progress quickly and understand the manual settings on your DSLR.
Good starter text, 04 Sep 2008
While the bias of this book leans heavily towards 35mm film cameras, with a vague nod in the direction of digital, it's still a worthwhile read. The information on aperture, shutter speed and ISO may be familiar enough, but the material on metering and exposure compensation is extremely interesting, not to mention useful. While Peterson's tendency to boast gets a little tiring (his comments discussing how he took a particular shot would be fine, if he didn't insist on showing off how quickly/well he'd done it) and occasionally his tone veers into patronising, but he clearly knows his stuff and manages to put it across in an informative and practical way. The book is reasonably useless unless you have a camera that allows you a high degree of control over settings, but if you have either a film or digitial SLR, I'd recommend you start with this text as an introduction.
Definetly a Great Book for Learners., 27 Aug 2008
If you're new to digital photography or you think that you don't know the basics about exposure, which is very important for good pictures, you should definitely buy this book. I learned a lot about its theory. However it doesn't only tell about the theory itself but also gives practical tips and tricks, which help you understand how some wonderful pictures are taken. There are some exercises Bryan Peterson suggests doing and I found them very useful. Even if you are not able to do everything he says at the time of reading, there are pictures which show the results. So you can take it with you and read on the bus.
It almost tells about everything but if you need a night or low light photography book it only tells about it a few pages. So if I feel I need more information about it, I would buy a different book.
I'm very glad to buy it and it'll be always a good reference for me.
If you're advanced photographer, you should already know about exposure and you should already take most of your pictures with correct exposures. So this is not a book for you.
Excellent book, 18 Aug 2008
I bought this book only based on its good reviews and I was not disappointed. It is written in simple, easy to understand language, it is illustrated with amazing pictures and it is full of good tips. Buy it !
An Amazing Read, 18 Oct 2008
What an amazing read. If you are new to DSLR or photography in general and you have the D40/X you must own this book. Full of concise step by step easy to read instructions on getting the most out of your camera. I can't put it down. Learn how to use the basic dials on your camera and take great shots. Then when you feel more comfortable with it move on to more indepth actions on exposure, lighting, composition etc. Each chapter lets you feel your way in to the subject so you don't feel rushed. This allows you to understand everything easier and that way you feel like you are actually learning something and remembering it. You really can't do without this book. An amazing read. I love it as much as the camera itself.I would pay double for this book. Get it now!
Very clear and easily worth the money.., 04 Oct 2008
Firstly - dump the manual that came with your D40 in the drawer - it is next to useless if you are new to a dSLR.
Then open this book and find your way around the extensive features that this 'beginners' dSLR offers. The book is well written with multiple supporting illustrations. It quickly unravels some of what seem at first complicated menus and sub menus.
I quickly found out as an example how to limit the ISO rating the camera uses on ISO Auto, I won't tell you here, you'll have to buy the book!!! but it solved for me the issue of noise that had crept into some of my pictures when using ISO auto.
Again quickly found out how to switch off the graphic representation of the shooting settings and get it to a 'classic' setting more akin to what would appear on a LCD menu had the D40 had one. This is essential for any one who bemoans the loss of the LCD screen settings on the D40.
This book is certainly a must have for any d40 user - certainly any one using one for the first time.
If there is any down side it is the book size making it a tad of a challenge to use 'in the field' but if it was any smaller it probably wouldn't be as easy to read and follow as it is.
Top notch, 27 Aug 2008
This book does exactly what it says on the cover, takes you through all the functions (with easy to see colour pictures)), working with light, exposure, photographing different subjects, etc. It explains your Nikon D40 and all of the features, I cannot recommend this highly enough. Between this and the Ken Rockwell website I have learnt so much about the D40.
Great, 03 Jul 2008
This book tell you all you need to know when starting out with the Nikon D40 in an easy and comprehensive way unlike the original confusingly laid out manual. Additionally this book give good photo taking techniques in a variety of situations. Nice!
for newcomers, 15 May 2008
This book is brilliant if you are new to DSLR photography and the manual that comes with the camera confuses you-like it did me! I have learnt so much and have already been practising with it. Things have made sense and I have to reread it to then put it into practice, i can see me taking this book on holiday and not the manual!
DSLR made easy, 25 Oct 2008
This is a book for those who do not have an idea what is aperture (Av), shutter speed (Tv) or ISO. So if you have a compact point-and-shoot camera you know what these are. But it is a book that I bought before I even bought the DSLR camera. THe photos though in colour may not be the best but it is written to be read in a weekend.
D. Busch knows his stuff. At less than 10 quids it will sparkle your imagination and get your camera to go out an experiment.
Recommended.
Book, Camera, Action!, 14 Oct 2008
The big attraction of this series of "for Dummies" books is that we who buy these products have little respect for our own knowledge and plenty of respect for those who do and are able to write books like this.
I am currently converting from film photography to digital photography and some aspects are quite daunting. I have, therefore, purchased several books and tutorial DVDs on the subject and am working my way through them all. The title of this product suggests it is the right place to start and, on reflection, is exactly where I should have started. For those of you, who like me, are converting to digital for the first time, grab your camera and a copy of this book and work your way through from cover to cover until you are conversant with the new technology. It really will give you a good grounding.
That, however, will only work very well if you are already conversant with photography. If you are new to photography altogether and a digital SLR camera is your very first camera, you may have to learn a few basic lessons of, for example, the correlation between film speeds, shutter speeds and aperture settings - which really do need to be understood, before you study this book.
David Busch clearly knows what he is talking about and is able to put that knowledge into an easy-to-follow format for us Dummies to read and, as I say, I wish I had read this book before getting into some of the more technical tomes I also purchased.
NM
A worse dummy than I thought!, 17 Feb 2008
I think I must need a 'Total Idiot's Guide' as this was not what I thought it would be.
Being a complete beginner with dSLR, I thought this book would be a step-by-step guide on 'How To....' I was a bit wide of the mark - although the book says a lot about why you should do this over that, etc it left me lost on how to actually do it. So I'm using my camera on Auto until my Nikon book arrives. Let's hope I'll have more success with that one.
excellent book, 08 Feb 2008
Bought the book on the strength of the previous two reviews as I've not really been keen on the "dummies" books previously.
This one, though, is excellent. If you've spent a chunk of money on a new digital camera (like my EOS 40d!) you really should spend another £10 and read this, and actually start to understand how it all works! (If you're already expert then you won't be needing this, but understanding even how the digital sensor works is really interesting)
It's printed on good quality glossy paper (unlike some of the dummies books) and includes some really nice images.
Well worth it
The best book I've read for DSLR beginners, 09 Jan 2008
A real creative education from a proper photographer. Easy to read, and packed full of tips and tricks. Get this one.
Secrets from a 'shooter', 19 Nov 2008
Not many secrets here, thats just a sales come on. Some usefull beginners info but sadly let down by the appalling print quality, this is a PHOTOGRAPHY book you know, the quality of the images should be much better than this!! May appeal if you want to be a 'shooter' too!
Inspirational and an entertaining read, 18 Nov 2008
Each 2-page spread of this book is divided into three sections: a technical description of how it was done, the photo itself and an entertaining story about it. This approach works extremely well; you get the best of all worlds.
I found it technically informative though not dull, the photos are all very good and sometimes astonishing, and some of the stories are moving or laugh-out-loud funny. They also give an insight into the life of a hard-working travelling photographer. And you get to see a labelled picture of Joe McNally's photographic equipment that he takes around with him.
The language at times was slightly annoying though - after a while you start keeping a mental tally of the number of times a piece of equipment is "that puppy".
Nonetheless, five stars.
Enjoyable read and reference, 06 Nov 2008
Ive read it cover to cover and now read snippets out of it as well as just page through it looking at the images.
Overall it is inspiring, yes it does have some overview instructions, which are not laid out step by step. So don't expect it. If you want a beginners how to do it book there are some great ones around.
Very pleased to have this book in my library, Thank you Joe.
Gems from a Master, 07 Apr 2008
Great read - good anecdotes but definitely not for the beginner looking for technical info.
I couldn't put it down till I'd ploughed through it but I still keep diving in and picking up tips and techniques I can now use in my own (wedding) photography.
The references to how Joe uses the Nikon SB800's as slave units I found particularly useful.
Buy it now - great value for money.
Get inside the photographer's mind..., 10 Mar 2008
... and what a photographer! Joe McNally has a well-deserved reputation as a photographer and is only slightly less well known as a teacher. But for those of us on this side of the pond, attending one of his workshops is, let's face it, financially daunting. No matter. You can buy this book instead!
Here is much photographic wisdom in book form - and (unusually, given the subject matter) a book that can make you laugh out loud and yet teach you at the same time. OK, so some of the shots are ones you'd never get to take yourself as an amateur (hanging out of a helicopter over the Hollywood sign with Michelle Yeoh takes some beating, and as for getting to meet Kermit in the flesh...). But then for others you *can* try and emulate, even if you don't have all of the kit that Joe has available to him. And even if you can't, well, then, as the publisher's own blurb says, this book would look equally good on your coffee table.
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Customer Reviews
Superb for the beginner to DSLR, 28 Oct 2008
I cannot emphasise enough how well this book sets out the basics of DSLR photography. I am on my first DSLR and to be honest knew nothing about aperture, shutter speed and ISO and how the 3 interelate. This book sets these out so clearly that the layman can understand. Been wondering how/when to use the P, M, A or S buttons on your camera
?, This explains it perfectly, and gives nice glossy examples of a scene when you would use f/4 vs f/22. I also have the David Busch book to "replace" the manual, but this far exceeds what you can learn from that. Both good books in their own right.
Fantastic book for DSLR beginners!, 13 Sep 2008
In a nutshell - this is everything you need as a DSLR beginner. Concise, to the point, and, quite simply, well explained. You won't get better. Buy this book if you want to progress quickly and understand the manual settings on your DSLR.
Good starter text, 04 Sep 2008
While the bias of this book leans heavily towards 35mm film cameras, with a vague nod in the direction of digital, it's still a worthwhile read. The information on aperture, shutter speed and ISO may be familiar enough, but the material on metering and exposure compensation is extremely interesting, not to mention useful. While Peterson's tendency to boast gets a little tiring (his comments discussing how he took a particular shot would be fine, if he didn't insist on showing off how quickly/well he'd done it) and occasionally his tone veers into patronising, but he clearly knows his stuff and manages to put it across in an informative and practical way. The book is reasonably useless unless you have a camera that allows you a high degree of control over settings, but if you have either a film or digitial SLR, I'd recommend you start with this text as an introduction.
Definetly a Great Book for Learners., 27 Aug 2008
If you're new to digital photography or you think that you don't know the basics about exposure, which is very important for good pictures, you should definitely buy this book. I learned a lot about its theory. However it doesn't only tell about the theory itself but also gives practical tips and tricks, which help you understand how some wonderful pictures are taken. There are some exercises Bryan Peterson suggests doing and I found them very useful. Even if you are not able to do everything he says at the time of reading, there are pictures which show the results. So you can take it with you and read on the bus.
It almost tells about everything but if you need a night or low light photography book it only tells about it a few pages. So if I feel I need more information about it, I would buy a different book.
I'm very glad to buy it and it'll be always a good reference for me.
If you're advanced photographer, you should already know about exposure and you should already take most of your pictures with correct exposures. So this is not a book for you.
Excellent book, 18 Aug 2008
I bought this book only based on its good reviews and I was not disappointed. It is written in simple, easy to understand language, it is illustrated with amazing pictures and it is full of good tips. Buy it !
An Amazing Read, 18 Oct 2008
What an amazing read. If you are new to DSLR or photography in general and you have the D40/X you must own this book. Full of concise step by step easy to read instructions on getting the most out of your camera. I can't put it down. Learn how to use the basic dials on your camera and take great shots. Then when you feel more comfortable with it move on to more indepth actions on exposure, lighting, composition etc. Each chapter lets you feel your way in to the subject so you don't feel rushed. This allows you to understand everything easier and that way you feel like you are actually learning something and remembering it. You really can't do without this book. An amazing read. I love it as much as the camera itself.I would pay double for this book. Get it now!
Very clear and easily worth the money.., 04 Oct 2008
Firstly - dump the manual that came with your D40 in the drawer - it is next to useless if you are new to a dSLR.
Then open this book and find your way around the extensive features that this 'beginners' dSLR offers. The book is well written with multiple supporting illustrations. It quickly unravels some of what seem at first complicated menus and sub menus.
I quickly found out as an example how to limit the ISO rating the camera uses on ISO Auto, I won't tell you here, you'll have to buy the book!!! but it solved for me the issue of noise that had crept into some of my pictures when using ISO auto.
Again quickly found out how to switch off the graphic representation of the shooting settings and get it to a 'classic' setting more akin to what would appear on a LCD menu had the D40 had one. This is essential for any one who bemoans the loss of the LCD screen settings on the D40.
This book is certainly a must have for any d40 user - certainly any one using one for the first time.
If there is any down side it is the book size making it a tad of a challenge to use 'in the field' but if it was any smaller it probably wouldn't be as easy to read and follow as it is.
Top notch, 27 Aug 2008
This book does exactly what it says on the cover, takes you through all the functions (with easy to see colour pictures)), working with light, exposure, photographing different subjects, etc. It explains your Nikon D40 and all of the features, I cannot recommend this highly enough. Between this and the Ken Rockwell website I have learnt so much about the D40.
Great, 03 Jul 2008
This book tell you all you need to know when starting out with the Nikon D40 in an easy and comprehensive way unlike the original confusingly laid out manual. Additionally this book give good photo taking techniques in a variety of situations. Nice!
for newcomers, 15 May 2008
This book is brilliant if you are new to DSLR photography and the manual that comes with the camera confuses you-like it did me! I have learnt so much and have already been practising with it. Things have made sense and I have to reread it to then put it into practice, i can see me taking this book on holiday and not the manual!
DSLR made easy, 25 Oct 2008
This is a book for those who do not have an idea what is aperture (Av), shutter speed (Tv) or ISO. So if you have a compact point-and-shoot camera you know what these are. But it is a book that I bought before I even bought the DSLR camera. THe photos though in colour may not be the best but it is written to be read in a weekend.
D. Busch knows his stuff. At less than 10 quids it will sparkle your imagination and get your camera to go out an experiment.
Recommended.
Book, Camera, Action!, 14 Oct 2008
The big attraction of this series of "for Dummies" books is that we who buy these products have little respect for our own knowledge and plenty of respect for those who do and are able to write books like this.
I am currently converting from film photography to digital photography and some aspects are quite daunting. I have, therefore, purchased several books and tutorial DVDs on the subject and am working my way through them all. The title of this product suggests it is the right place to start and, on reflection, is exactly where I should have started. For those of you, who like me, are converting to digital for the first time, grab your camera and a copy of this book and work your way through from cover to cover until you are conversant with the new technology. It really will give you a good grounding.
That, however, will only work very well if you are already conversant with photography. If you are new to photography altogether and a digital SLR camera is your very first camera, you may have to learn a few basic lessons of, for example, the correlation between film speeds, shutter speeds and aperture settings - which really do need to be understood, before you study this book.
David Busch clearly knows what he is talking about and is able to put that knowledge into an easy-to-follow format for us Dummies to read and, as I say, I wish I had read this book before getting into some of the more technical tomes I also purchased.
NM
A worse dummy than I thought!, 17 Feb 2008
I think I must need a 'Total Idiot's Guide' as this was not what I thought it would be.
Being a complete beginner with dSLR, I thought this book would be a step-by-step guide on 'How To....' I was a bit wide of the mark - although the book says a lot about why you should do this over that, etc it left me lost on how to actually do it. So I'm using my camera on Auto until my Nikon book arrives. Let's hope I'll have more success with that one.
excellent book, 08 Feb 2008
Bought the book on the strength of the previous two reviews as I've not really been keen on the "dummies" books previously.
This one, though, is excellent. If you've spent a chunk of money on a new digital camera (like my EOS 40d!) you really should spend another £10 and read this, and actually start to understand how it all works! (If you're already expert then you won't be needing this, but understanding even how the digital sensor works is really interesting)
It's printed on good quality glossy paper (unlike some of the dummies books) and includes some really nice images.
Well worth it
The best book I've read for DSLR beginners, 09 Jan 2008
A real creative education from a proper photographer. Easy to read, and packed full of tips and tricks. Get this one.
Secrets from a 'shooter', 19 Nov 2008
Not many secrets here, thats just a sales come on. Some usefull beginners info but sadly let down by the appalling print quality, this is a PHOTOGRAPHY book you know, the quality of the images should be much better than this!! May appeal if you want to be a 'shooter' too!
Inspirational and an entertaining read, 18 Nov 2008
Each 2-page spread of this book is divided into three sections: a technical description of how it was done, the photo itself and an entertaining story about it. This approach works extremely well; you get the best of all worlds.
I found it technically informative though not dull, the photos are all very good and sometimes astonishing, and some of the stories are moving or laugh-out-loud funny. They also give an insight into the life of a hard-working travelling photographer. And you get to see a labelled picture of Joe McNally's photographic equipment that he takes around with him.
The language at times was slightly annoying though - after a while you start keeping a mental tally of the number of times a piece of equipment is "that puppy".
Nonetheless, five stars.
Enjoyable read and reference, 06 Nov 2008
Ive read it cover to cover and now read snippets out of it as well as just page through it looking at the images.
Overall it is inspiring, yes it does have some overview instructions, which are not laid out step by step. So don't expect it. If you want a beginners how to do it book there are some great ones around.
Very pleased to have this book in my library, Thank you Joe.
Gems from a Master, 07 Apr 2008
Great read - good anecdotes but definitely not for the beginner looking for technical info.
I couldn't put it down till I'd ploughed through it but I still keep diving in and picking up tips and techniques I can now use in my own (wedding) photography.
The references to how Joe uses the Nikon SB800's as slave units I found particularly useful.
Buy it now - great value for money.
Get inside the photographer's mind..., 10 Mar 2008
... and what a photographer! Joe McNally has a well-deserved reputation as a photographer and is only slightly less well known as a teacher. But for those of us on this side of the pond, attending one of his workshops is, let's face it, financially daunting. No matter. You can buy this book instead!
Here is much photographic wisdom in book form - and (unusually, given the subject matter) a book that can make you laugh out loud and yet teach you at the same time. OK, so some of the shots are ones you'd never get to take yourself as an amateur (hanging out of a helicopter over the Hollywood sign with Michelle Yeoh takes some beating, and as for getting to meet Kermit in the flesh...). But then for others you *can* try and emulate, even if you don't have all of the kit that Joe has available to him. And even if you can't, well, then, as the publisher's own blurb says, this book would look equally good on your coffee table.
Photoshop CS3 for photographers, 24 Oct 2008
This is quite a big book, and comes with a very informative DVD. It goes into a lot of detail and this sometimes makes it hard reading, it probably best to not try and read it "cover to cover", but rather use it like I do as a "reference" book. Some excellent techniques are shown, and the book is very well laid out and it is normally easy to find the information you require.
The Next Level, 18 Sep 2008
A Professional photographer shares his knowledge with honesty and clarity. I recommend this book 100 % for digital photographers of all levels.
Simple to understand, so you can learn with dexterity.
Excellent resource, 10 Aug 2008
As a graphic designer and an amateur photographer, I find this book one of my most useful resources. If I'm looking learn a new technique or improve an old one this is the first place I turn to for help. The way the book is written allows me to either see quickly how to do something or, go in to some real depth. This is the third of Martin Evenings books I own and all of them have proved invaluable, and now doubt once CS4 is available, Martins book (which I'm sure will appear), will be where I go to learn new skills and techniques.
Deeeeeeelighted, 04 Aug 2008
In a moment of extravagance I bought both Scott Kelby's and Martin Evening's books on Photoshop CS3. I have since sold the Scott Kelby book after giving up halfway through ! If you want to make friends with a needy, middle aged man, then his is the book for you. I just got sick of the corny jokes and the lack of focus. In contrast Martin Evening's book is up to his usual high standard. It's beautifully organised and has a clear focus on each aspect of the program in turn.
Easily the best, and not only for professional Editors, 10 Jul 2008
I am finding this CS3 guide extremely helpful. I'm not a professional photographer, but working with graphics from camera to finished publications in the charity sector made a clear and concise guide to CS3 essential when I upgraded. I won't need all of the chapters but those which do relate my needs provide expert advice with a clarity and precision that is often lacking in user guides of this kind. The DVD which comes with the book is an absolute bonus and really accelerates the learning process. The photo samples provided support the explanations of new CS3 features admirably and many of the images are simply stunning. I also like the author's detached frankness when explaining occasional CS3 features which disappoint. I am similarly reassured by the same, detached comments when the writer draws attention to competing products.
An excellent guide. I just wish I'd purchased it from Amazon on line and saved myself ten quid!
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Customer Reviews
Superb for the beginner to DSLR, 28 Oct 2008
I cannot emphasise enough how well this book sets out the basics of DSLR photography. I am on my first DSLR and to be honest knew nothing about aperture, shutter speed and ISO and how the 3 interelate. This book sets these out so clearly that the layman can understand. Been wondering how/when to use the P, M, A or S buttons on your camera
?, This explains it perfectly, and gives nice glossy examples of a scene when you would use f/4 vs f/22. I also have the David Busch book to "replace" the manual, but this far exceeds what you can learn from that. Both good books in their own right.
Fantastic book for DSLR beginners!, 13 Sep 2008
In a nutshell - this is everything you need as a DSLR beginner. Concise, to the point, and, quite simply, well explained. You won't get better. Buy this book if you want to progress quickly and understand the manual settings on your DSLR.
Good starter text, 04 Sep 2008
While the bias of this book leans heavily towards 35mm film cameras, with a vague nod in the direction of digital, it's still a worthwhile read. The information on aperture, shutter speed and ISO may be familiar enough, but the material on metering and exposure compensation is extremely interesting, not to mention useful. While Peterson's tendency to boast gets a little tiring (his comments discussing how he took a particular shot would be fine, if he didn't insist on showing off how quickly/well he'd done it) and occasionally his tone veers into patronising, but he clearly knows his stuff and manages to put it across in an informative and practical way. The book is reasonably useless unless you have a camera that allows you a high degree of control over settings, but if you have either a film or digitial SLR, I'd recommend you start with this text as an introduction.
Definetly a Great Book for Learners., 27 Aug 2008
If you're new to digital photography or you think that you don't know the basics about exposure, which is very important for good pictures, you should definitely buy this book. I learned a lot about its theory. However it doesn't only tell about the theory itself but also gives practical tips and tricks, which help you understand how some wonderful pictures are taken. There are some exercises Bryan Peterson suggests doing and I found them very useful. Even if you are not able to do everything he says at the time of reading, there are pictures which show the results. So you can take it with you and read on the bus.
It almost tells about everything but if you need a night or low light photography book it only tells about it a few pages. So if I feel I need more information about it, I would buy a different book.
I'm very glad to buy it and it'll be always a good reference for me.
If you're advanced photographer, you should already know about exposure and you should already take most of your pictures with correct exposures. So this is not a book for you.
Excellent book, 18 Aug 2008
I bought this book only based on its good reviews and I was not disappointed. It is written in simple, easy to understand language, it is illustrated with amazing pictures and it is full of good tips. Buy it !
An Amazing Read, 18 Oct 2008
What an amazing read. If you are new to DSLR or photography in general and you have the D40/X you must own this book. Full of concise step by step easy to read instructions on getting the most out of your camera. I can't put it down. Learn how to use the basic dials on your camera and take great shots. Then when you feel more comfortable with it move on to more indepth actions on exposure, lighting, composition etc. Each chapter lets you feel your way in to the subject so you don't feel rushed. This allows you to understand everything easier and that way you feel like you are actually learning something and remembering it. You really can't do without this book. An amazing read. I love it as much as the camera itself.I would pay double for this book. Get it now!
Very clear and easily worth the money.., 04 Oct 2008
Firstly - dump the manual that came with your D40 in the drawer - it is next to useless if you are new to a dSLR.
Then open this book and find your way around the extensive features that this 'beginners' dSLR offers. The book is well written with multiple supporting illustrations. It quickly unravels some of what seem at first complicated menus and sub menus.
I quickly found out as an example how to limit the ISO rating the camera uses on ISO Auto, I won't tell you here, you'll have to buy the book!!! but it solved for me the issue of noise that had crept into some of my pictures when using ISO auto.
Again quickly found out how to switch off the graphic representation of the shooting settings and get it to a 'classic' setting more akin to what would appear on a LCD menu had the D40 had one. This is essential for any one who bemoans the loss of the LCD screen settings on the D40.
This book is certainly a must have for any d40 user - certainly any one using one for the first time.
If there is any down side it is the book size making it a tad of a challenge to use 'in the field' but if it was any smaller it probably wouldn't be as easy to read and follow as it is.
Top notch, 27 Aug 2008
This book does exactly what it says on the cover, takes you through all the functions (with easy to see colour pictures)), working with light, exposure, photographing different subjects, etc. It explains your Nikon D40 and all of the features, I cannot recommend this highly enough. Between this and the Ken Rockwell website I have learnt so much about the D40.
Great, 03 Jul 2008
This book tell you all you need to know when starting out with the Nikon D40 in an easy and comprehensive way unlike the original confusingly laid out manual. Additionally this book give good photo taking techniques in a variety of situations. Nice!
for newcomers, 15 May 2008
This book is brilliant if you are new to DSLR photography and the manual that comes with the camera confuses you-like it did me! I have learnt so much and have already been practising with it. Things have made sense and I have to reread it to then put it into practice, i can see me taking this book on holiday and not the manual!
DSLR made easy, 25 Oct 2008
This is a book for those who do not have an idea what is aperture (Av), shutter speed (Tv) or ISO. So if you have a compact point-and-shoot camera you know what these are. But it is a book that I bought before I even bought the DSLR camera. THe photos though in colour may not be the best but it is written to be read in a weekend.
D. Busch knows his stuff. At less than 10 quids it will sparkle your imagination and get your camera to go out an experiment.
Recommended.
Book, Camera, Action!, 14 Oct 2008
The big attraction of this series of "for Dummies" books is that we who buy these products have little respect for our own knowledge and plenty of respect for those who do and are able to write books like this.
I am currently converting from film photography to digital photography and some aspects are quite daunting. I have, therefore, purchased several books and tutorial DVDs on the subject and am working my way through them all. The title of this product suggests it is the right place to start and, on reflection, is exactly where I should have started. For those of you, who like me, are converting to digital for the first time, grab your camera and a copy of this book and work your way through from cover to cover until you are conversant with the new technology. It really will give you a good grounding.
That, however, will only work very well if you are already conversant with photography. If you are new to photography altogether and a digital SLR camera is your very first camera, you may have to learn a few basic lessons of, for example, the correlation between film speeds, shutter speeds and aperture settings - which really do need to be understood, before you study this book.
David Busch clearly knows what he is talking about and is able to put that knowledge into an easy-to-follow format for us Dummies to read and, as I say, I wish I had read this book before getting into some of the more technical tomes I also purchased.
NM
A worse dummy than I thought!, 17 Feb 2008
I think I must need a 'Total Idiot's Guide' as this was not what I thought it would be.
Being a complete beginner with dSLR, I thought this book would be a step-by-step guide on 'How To....' I was a bit wide of the mark - although the book says a lot about why you should do this over that, etc it left me lost on how to actually do it. So I'm using my camera on Auto until my Nikon book arrives. Let's hope I'll have more success with that one.
excellent book, 08 Feb 2008
Bought the book on the strength of the previous two reviews as I've not really been keen on the "dummies" books previously.
This one, though, is excellent. If you've spent a chunk of money on a new digital camera (like my EOS 40d!) you really should spend another £10 and read this, and actually start to understand how it all works! (If you're already expert then you won't be needing this, but understanding even how the digital sensor works is really interesting)
It's printed on good quality glossy paper (unlike some of the dummies books) and includes some really nice images.
Well worth it
The best book I've read for DSLR beginners, 09 Jan 2008
A real creative education from a proper photographer. Easy to read, and packed full of tips and tricks. Get this one.
Secrets from a 'shooter', 19 Nov 2008
Not many secrets here, thats just a sales come on. Some usefull beginners info but sadly let down by the appalling print quality, this is a PHOTOGRAPHY book you know, the quality of the images should be much better than this!! May appeal if you want to be a 'shooter' too!
Inspirational and an entertaining read, 18 Nov 2008
Each 2-page spread of this book is divided into three sections: a technical description of how it was done, the photo itself and an entertaining story about it. This approach works extremely well; you get the best of all worlds.
I found it technically informative though not dull, the photos are all very good and sometimes astonishing, and some of the stories are moving or laugh-out-loud funny. They also give an insight into the life of a hard-working travelling photographer. And you get to see a labelled picture of Joe McNally's photographic equipment that he takes around with him.
The language at times was slightly annoying though - after a while you start keeping a mental tally of the number of times a piece of equipment is "that puppy".
Nonetheless, five stars.
Enjoyable read and reference, 06 Nov 2008
Ive read it cover to cover and now read snippets out of it as well as just page through it looking at the images.
Overall it is inspiring, yes it does have some overview instructions, which are not laid out step by step. So don't expect it. If you want a beginners how to do it book there are some great ones around.
Very pleased to have this book in my library, Thank you Joe.
Gems from a Master, 07 Apr 2008
Great read - good anecdotes but definitely not for the beginner looking for technical info.
I couldn't put it down till I'd ploughed through it but I still keep diving in and picking up tips and techniques I can now use in my own (wedding) photography.
The references to how Joe uses the Nikon SB800's as slave units I found particularly useful.
Buy it now - great value for money.
Get inside the photographer's mind..., 10 Mar 2008
... and what a photographer! Joe McNally has a well-deserved reputation as a photographer and is only slightly less well known as a teacher. But for those of us on this side of the pond, attending one of his workshops is, let's face it, financially daunting. No matter. You can buy this book instead!
Here is much photographic wisdom in book form - and (unusually, given the subject matter) a book that can make you laugh out loud and yet teach you at the same time. OK, so some of the shots are ones you'd never get to take yourself as an amateur (hanging out of a helicopter over the Hollywood sign with Michelle Yeoh takes some beating, and as for getting to meet Kermit in the flesh...). But then for others you *can* try and emulate, even if you don't have all of the kit that Joe has available to him. And even if you can't, well, then, as the publisher's own blurb says, this book would look equally good on your coffee table.
Photoshop CS3 for photographers, 24 Oct 2008
This is quite a big book, and comes with a very informative DVD. It goes into a lot of detail and this sometimes makes it hard reading, it probably best to not try and read it "cover to cover", but rather use it like I do as a "reference" book. Some excellent techniques are shown, and the book is very well laid out and it is normally easy to find the information you require.
The Next Level, 18 Sep 2008
A Professional photographer shares his knowledge with honesty and clarity. I recommend this book 100 % for digital photographers of all levels.
Simple to understand, so you can learn with dexterity.
Excellent resource, 10 Aug 2008
As a graphic designer and an amateur photographer, I find this book one of my most useful resources. If I'm looking learn a new technique or improve an old one this is the first place I turn to for help. The way the book is written allows me to either see quickly how to do something or, go in to some real depth. This is the third of Martin Evenings books I own and all of them have proved invaluable, and now doubt once CS4 is available, Martins book (which I'm sure will appear), will be where I go to learn new skills and techniques.
Deeeeeeelighted, 04 Aug 2008
In a moment of extravagance I bought both Scott Kelby's and Martin Evening's books on Photoshop CS3. I have since sold the Scott Kelby book after giving up halfway through ! If you want to make friends with a needy, middle aged man, then his is the book for you. I just got sick of the corny jokes and the lack of focus. In contrast Martin Evening's book is up to his usual high standard. It's beautifully organised and has a clear focus on each aspect of the program in turn.
Easily the best, and not only for professional Editors, 10 Jul 2008
I am finding this CS3 guide extremely helpful. I'm not a professional photographer, but working with graphics from camera to finished publications in the charity sector made a clear and concise guide to CS3 essential when I upgraded. I won't need all of the chapters but those which do relate my needs provide expert advice with a clarity and precision that is often lacking in user guides of this kind. The DVD which comes with the book is an absolute bonus and really accelerates the learning process. The photo samples provided support the explanations of new CS3 features admirably and many of the images are simply stunning. I also like the author's detached frankness when explaining occasional CS3 features which disappoint. I am similarly reassured by the same, detached comments when the writer draws attention to competing products.
An excellent guide. I just wish I'd purchased it from Amazon on line and saved myself ten quid!
Lee Frost just delivers, 11 May 2008
This is a great little book. Yes it does largely apply to film, but it doesn't take much know-how to translate the info into digital setting. The camera just takes the picture, after all, and it's the person behind the eyepiece who makes the image. Lee Frost gives very good advice, and this book is well worth the money. Highly recommended.
unremarkable book, 11 May 2008
The many positive reviews do not reflect how I have found the book.
If you are an amateur like me who wants to seriously learn how to take better photographs this is not a worthwhile book.
It addresses the various styles of photography (landscapes, wildlife, interiors, people) and makes you aware of numerous fundementals that exist in photography, but as the book valiantly wants to cover everything it actually teaches you little about anything.
Too little information, teachnique, detail or help is given on any subject and you end up feeling as if you've just read a closed book.
Compared to the other jack-of-all-trade offerings out there it is decent, but it still feels as if it could have been cut and pasted from anywhere.
If you want to be aware of the various fundementals of photography it will do that, but I don't think it teaches anything and you will be discarding it very soon.
More of a reference book, 10 Jul 2007
I now own 3 books by Lee Frost which surprises me because I was not a big fan of the first one I received as a present (Photos that sell). This one however is much better in my oppinion because it concentrates more on how to take good pictures rather than what you should use.
First, forget the idea that this is a handbook as it's almost A4 in size. The first section of the book contains chapters on lighting, composition, focusing, colour and the darkroom (ok so a darkroom is not relevant to digital photographers but it is a short chapter).
The second section of this book is what I was looking for as a digital photographer as it has usable chapters on how to photograph people, landscapes, nature scenes and movement effects. By concentrating on the content of the images rather than the equipment used, Lee shows what makes a good photo, not just one that's technically perfect.
Reading this book inspired me to go out and take more pictures which is what a good photography book should do.
Great stuff!, 19 Mar 2007
This really is an inspiring book, worth returning to again and again, the photographs alone are worth buying this book for!
Whether you shoot film or digital the information in this book is excellent, clearly and simply written with good examples and interesting photographs which demonstrate his point... Lee Frost is top class I recommend you buy all his other books, I intend to!
Aimed at the film rather than digital photographer, 01 Feb 2007
Whilst I blame myself for not choosing more carefully, I have only given this book one star because I feel that it is out of date in that it makes no mention of digital photography or processing.
There are over 200 photographs, all of which were taken on film and mostly on large format cameras. Nearly all involve long exposure and small aperture, using a tripod, cable release, and filters. There is advice on film selection, print-toning, hand-coloring prints, creating lith prints etc. in a 'wet' (as opposed to digital) darkroom. The author does take himself and his subject very seriously.
Of course many of the ideas and examples can be used to advantage by the digital photographer. Nonetheless the book is aimed at the serious film photographer who is willing to spend time in researching locations and then set off before dawn with tripod, selection of lenses, filters etc to get that perfect light. If that is you then the book may well suit you.
For people like me who simply want to take more interesting photographs with their digital camera, but without devoting the rest of our lives to the hobby, then there are probably better choices.
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Customer Reviews
Superb for the beginner to DSLR, 28 Oct 2008
I cannot emphasise enough how well this book sets out the basics of DSLR photography. I am on my first DSLR and to be honest knew nothing about aperture, shutter speed and ISO and how the 3 interelate. This book sets these out so clearly that the layman can understand. Been wondering how/when to use the P, M, A or S buttons on your camera
?, This explains it perfectly, and gives nice glossy examples of a scene when you would use f/4 vs f/22. I also have the David Busch book to "replace" the manual, but this far exceeds what you can learn from that. Both good books in their own right.
Fantastic book for DSLR beginners!, 13 Sep 2008
In a nutshell - this is everything you need as a DSLR beginner. Concise, to the point, and, quite simply, well explained. You won't get better. Buy this book if you want to progress quickly and understand the manual settings on your DSLR.
Good starter text, 04 Sep 2008
While the bias of this book leans heavily towards 35mm film cameras, with a vague nod in the direction of digital, it's still a worthwhile read. The information on aperture, shutter speed and ISO may be familiar enough, but the material on metering and exposure compensation is extremely interesting, not to mention useful. While Peterson's tendency to boast gets a little tiring (his comments discussing how he took a particular shot would be fine, if he didn't insist on showing off how quickly/well he'd done it) and occasionally his tone veers into patronising, but he clearly knows his stuff and manages to put it across in an informative and practical way. The book is reasonably useless unless you have a camera that allows you a high degree of control over settings, but if you have either a film or digitial SLR, I'd recommend you start with this text as an introduction.
Definetly a Great Book for Learners., 27 Aug 2008
If you're new to digital photography or you think that you don't know the basics about exposure, which is very important for good pictures, you should definitely buy this book. I learned a lot about its theory. However it doesn't only tell about the theory itself but also gives practical tips and tricks, which help you understand how some wonderful pictures are taken. There are some exercises Bryan Peterson suggests doing and I found them very useful. Even if you are not able to do everything he says at the time of reading, there are pictures which show the results. So you can take it with you and read on the bus.
It almost tells about everything but if you need a night or low light photography book it only tells about it a few pages. So if I feel I need more information about it, I would buy a different book.
I'm very glad to buy it and it'll be always a good reference for me.
If you're advanced photographer, you should already know about exposure and you should already take most of your pictures with correct exposures. So this is not a book for you.
Excellent book, 18 Aug 2008
I bought this book only based on its good reviews and I was not disappointed. It is written in simple, easy to understand language, it is illustrated with amazing pictures and it is full of good tips. Buy it !
An Amazing Read, 18 Oct 2008
What an amazing read. If you are new to DSLR or photography in general and you have the D40/X you must own this book. Full of concise step by step easy to read instructions on getting the most out of your camera. I can't put it down. Learn how to use the basic dials on your camera and take great shots. Then when you feel more comfortable with it move on to more indepth actions on exposure, lighting, composition etc. Each chapter lets you feel your way in to the subject so you don't feel rushed. This allows you to understand everything easier and that way you feel like you are actually learning something and remembering it. You really can't do without this book. An amazing read. I love it as much as the camera itself.I would pay double for this book. Get it now!
Very clear and easily worth the money.., 04 Oct 2008
Firstly - dump the manual that came with your D40 in the drawer - it is next to useless if you are new to a dSLR.
Then open this book and find your way around the extensive features that this 'beginners' dSLR offers. The book is well written with multiple supporting illustrations. It quickly unravels some of what seem at first complicated menus and sub menus.
I quickly found out as an example how to limit the ISO rating the camera uses on ISO Auto, I won't tell you here, you'll have to buy the book!!! but it solved for me the issue of noise that had crept into some of my pictures when using ISO auto.
Again quickly found out how to switch off the graphic representation of the shooting settings and get it to a 'classic' setting more akin to what would appear on a LCD menu had the D40 had one. This is essential for any one who bemoans the loss of the LCD screen settings on the D40.
This book is certainly a must have for any d40 user - certainly any one using one for the first time.
If there is any down side it is the book size making it a tad of a challenge to use 'in the field' but if it was any smaller it probably wouldn't be as easy to read and follow as it is.
Top notch, 27 Aug 2008
This book does exactly what it says on the cover, takes you through all the functions (with easy to see colour pictures)), working with light, exposure, photographing different subjects, etc. It explains your Nikon D40 and all of the features, I cannot recommend this highly enough. Between this and the Ken Rockwell website I have learnt so much about the D40.
Great, 03 Jul 2008
This book tell you all you need to know when starting out with the Nikon D40 in an easy and comprehensive way unlike the original confusingly laid out manual. Additionally this book give good photo taking techniques in a variety of situations. Nice!
for newcomers, 15 May 2008
This book is brilliant if you are new to DSLR photography and the manual that comes with the camera confuses you-like it did me! I have learnt so much and have already been practising with it. Things have made sense and I have to reread it to then put it into practice, i can see me taking this book on holiday and not the manual!
DSLR made easy, 25 Oct 2008
This is a book for those who do not have an idea what is aperture (Av), shutter speed (Tv) or ISO. So if you have a compact point-and-shoot camera you know what these are. But it is a book that I bought before I even bought the DSLR camera. THe photos though in colour may not be the best but it is written to be read in a weekend.
D. Busch knows his stuff. At less than 10 quids it will sparkle your imagination and get your camera to go out an experiment.
Recommended.
Book, Camera, Action!, 14 Oct 2008
The big attraction of this series of "for Dummies" books is that we who buy these products have little respect for our own knowledge and plenty of respect for those who do and are able to write books like this.
I am currently converting from film photography to digital photography and some aspects are quite daunting. I have, therefore, purchased several books and tutorial DVDs on the subject and am working my way through them all. The title of this product suggests it is the right place to start and, on reflection, is exactly where I should have started. For those of you, who like me, are converting to digital for the first time, grab your camera and a copy of this book and work your way through from cover to cover until you are conversant with the new technology. It really will give you a good grounding.
That, however, will only work very well if you are already conversant with photography. If you are new to photography altogether and a digital SLR camera is your very first camera, you may have to learn a few basic lessons of, for example, the correlation between film speeds, shutter speeds and aperture settings - which really do need to be understood, before you study this book.
David Busch clearly knows what he is talking about and is able to put that knowledge into an easy-to-follow format for us Dummies to read and, as I say, I wish I had read this book before getting into some of the more technical tomes I also purchased.
NM
A worse dummy than I thought!, 17 Feb 2008
I think I must need a 'Total Idiot's Guide' as this was not what I thought it would be.
Being a complete beginner with dSLR, I thought this book would be a step-by-step guide on 'How To....' I was a bit wide of the mark - although the book says a lot about why you should do this over that, etc it left me lost on how to actually do it. So I'm using my camera on Auto until my Nikon book arrives. Let's hope I'll have more success with that one.
excellent book, 08 Feb 2008
Bought the book on the strength of the previous two reviews as I've not really been keen on the "dummies" books previously.
This one, though, is excellent. If you've spent a chunk of money on a new digital camera (like my EOS 40d!) you really should spend another £10 and read this, and actually start to understand how it all works! (If you're already expert then you won't be needing this, but understanding even how the digital sensor works is really interesting)
It's printed on good quality glossy paper (unlike some of the dummies books) and includes some really nice images.
Well worth it
The best book I've read for DSLR beginners, 09 Jan 2008
A real creative education from a proper photographer. Easy to read, and packed full of tips and tricks. Get this one.
Secrets from a 'shooter', 19 Nov 2008
Not many secrets here, thats just a sales come on. Some usefull beginners info but sadly let down by the appalling print quality, this is a PHOTOGRAPHY book you know, the quality of the images should be much better than this!! May appeal if you want to be a 'shooter' too!
Inspirational and an entertaining read, 18 Nov 2008
Each 2-page spread of this book is divided into three sections: a technical description of how it was done, the photo itself and an entertaining story about it. This approach works extremely well; you get the best of all worlds.
I found it technically informative though not dull, the photos are all very good and sometimes astonishing, and some of the stories are moving or laugh-out-loud funny. They also give an insight into the life of a hard-working travelling photographer. And you get to see a labelled picture of Joe McNally's photographic equipment that he takes around with him.
The language at times was slightly annoying though - after a while you start keeping a mental tally of the number of times a piece of equipment is "that puppy".
Nonetheless, five stars.
Enjoyable read and reference, 06 Nov 2008
Ive read it cover to cover and now read snippets out of it as well as just page through it looking at the images.
Overall it is inspiring, yes it does have some overview instructions, which are not laid out step by step. So don't expect it. If you want a beginners how to do it book there are some great ones around.
Very pleased to have this book in my library, Thank you Joe.
Gems from a Master, 07 Apr 2008
Great read - good anecdotes but definitely not for the beginner looking for technical info.
I couldn't put it down till I'd ploughed through it but I still keep diving in and picking up tips and techniques I can now use in my own (wedding) photography.
The references to how Joe uses the Nikon SB800's as slave units I found particularly useful.
Buy it now - great value for money.
Get inside the photographer's mind..., 10 Mar 2008
... and what a photographer! Joe McNally has a well-deserved reputation as a photographer and is only slightly less well known as a teacher. But for those of us on this side of the pond, attending one of his workshops is, let's face it, financially daunting. No matter. You can buy this book instead!
Here is much photographic wisdom in book form - and (unusually, given the subject matter) a book that can make you laugh out loud and yet teach you at the same time. OK, so some of the shots are ones you'd never get to take yourself as an amateur (hanging out of a helicopter over the Hollywood sign with Michelle Yeoh takes some beating, and as for getting to meet Kermit in the flesh...). But then for others you *can* try and emulate, even if you don't have all of the kit that Joe has available to him. And even if you can't, well, then, as the publisher's own blurb says, this book would look equally good on your coffee table.
Photoshop CS3 for photographers, 24 Oct 2008
This is quite a big book, and comes with a very informative DVD. It goes into a lot of detail and this sometimes makes it hard reading, it probably best to not try and read it "cover to cover", but rather use it like I do as a "reference" book. Some excellent techniques are shown, and the book is very well laid out and it is normally easy to find the information you require.
The Next Level, 18 Sep 2008
A Professional photographer shares his knowledge with honesty and clarity. I recommend this book 100 % for digital photographers of all levels.
Simple to understand, so you can learn with dexterity.
Excellent resource, 10 Aug 2008
As a graphic designer and an amateur photographer, I find this book one of my most useful resources. If I'm looking learn a new technique or improve an old one this is the first place I turn to for help. The way the book is written allows me to either see quickly how to do something or, go in to some real depth. This is the third of Martin Evenings books I own and all of them have proved invaluable, and now doubt once CS4 is available, Martins book (which I'm sure will appear), will be where I go to learn new skills and techniques.
Deeeeeeelighted, 04 Aug 2008
In a moment of extravagance I bought both Scott Kelby's and Martin Evening's books on Photoshop CS3. I have since sold the Scott Kelby book after giving up halfway through ! If you want to make friends with a needy, middle aged man, then his is the book for you. I just got sick of the corny jokes and the lack of focus. In contrast Martin Evening's book is up to his usual high standard. It's beautifully organised and has a clear focus on each aspect of the program in turn.
Easily the best, and not only for professional Editors, 10 Jul 2008
I am finding this CS3 guide extremely helpful. I'm not a professional photographer, but working with graphics from camera to finished publications in the charity sector made a clear and concise guide to CS3 essential when I upgraded. I won't need all of the chapters but those which do relate my needs provide expert advice with a clarity and precision that is often lacking in user guides of this kind. The DVD which comes with the book is an absolute bonus and really accelerates the learning process. The photo samples provided support the explanations of new CS3 features admirably and many of the images are simply stunning. I also like the author's detached frankness when explaining occasional CS3 features which disappoint. I am similarly reassured by the same, detached comments when the writer draws attention to competing products.
An excellent guide. I just wish I'd purchased it from Amazon on line and saved myself ten quid!
Lee Frost just delivers, 11 May 2008
This is a great little book. Yes it does largely apply to film, but it doesn't take much know-how to translate the info into digital setting. The camera just takes the picture, after all, and it's the person behind the eyepiece who makes the image. Lee Frost gives very good advice, and this book is well worth the money. Highly recommended.
unremarkable book, 11 May 2008
The many positive reviews do not reflect how I have found the book.
If you are an amateur like me who wants to seriously learn how to take better photographs this is not a worthwhile book.
It addresses the various styles of photography (landscapes, wildlife, interiors, people) and makes you aware of numerous fundementals that exist in photography, but as the book valiantly wants to cover everything it actually teaches you little about anything.
Too little information, teachnique, detail or help is given on any subject and you end up feeling as if you've just read a closed book.
Compared to the other jack-of-all-trade offerings out there it is decent, but it still feels as if it could have been cut and pasted from anywhere.
If you want to be aware of the various fundementals of photography it will do that, but I don't think it teaches anything and you will be discarding it very soon.
More of a reference book, 10 Jul 2007
I now own 3 books by Lee Frost which surprises me because I was not a big fan of the first one I received as a present (Photos that sell). This one however is much better in my oppinion because it concentrates more on how to take good pictures rather than what you should use.
First, forget the idea that this is a handbook as it's almost A4 in size. The first section of the book contains chapters on lighting, composition, focusing, colour and the darkroom (ok so a darkroom is not relevant to digital photographers but it is a short chapter).
The second section of this book is what I was looking for as a digital photographer as it has usable chapters on how to photograph people, landscapes, nature scenes and movement effects. By concentrating on the content of the images rather than the equipment used, Lee shows what makes a good photo, not just one that's technically perfect.
Reading this book inspired me to go out and take more pictures which is what a good photography book should do.
Great stuff!, 19 Mar 2007
This really is an inspiring book, worth returning to again and again, the photographs alone are worth buying this book for!
Whether you shoot film or digital the information in this book is excellent, clearly and simply written with good examples and interesting photographs which demonstrate his point... Lee Frost is top class I recommend you buy all his other books, I intend to!
Aimed at the film rather than digital photographer, 01 Feb 2007
Whilst I blame myself for not choosing more carefully, I have only given this book one star because I feel that it is out of date in that it makes no mention of digital photography or processing.
There are over 200 photographs, all of which were taken on film and mostly on large format cameras. Nearly all involve long exposure and small aperture, using a tripod, cable release, and filters. There is advice on film selection, print-toning, hand-coloring prints, creating lith prints etc. in a 'wet' (as opposed to digital) darkroom. The author does take himself and his subject very seriously.
Of course many of the ideas and examples can be used to advantage by the digital photographer. Nonetheless the book is aimed at the serious film photographer who is willing to spend time in researching locations and then set off before dawn with tripod, selection of lenses, filters etc to get that perfect light. If that is you then the book may well suit you.
For people like me who simply want to take more interesting photographs with their digital camera, but without devoting the rest of our lives to the hobby, then there are probably better choices.
At last a manual that helps, 29 Apr 2008
I have bought a number of camera manuals over the years from Lantern guides to Hove foto books, and they have all really done little more than re-hash the camera manual. The Digital Field guide starts with the manual and simplifies it and pulls out lots of useful customisation settings on the D80. It very quickly helps you around all the key featrures of the camera, then digs deeper into some key areas of operation. It is clearly and logiclly written and with lots of clean illustrations. The latter half is made up of a lot of general photography tips and an experienced photographer may skip a lot of this section, although I have to put my hand up and admit it refreshed me on a couple of key elements around flash. If you have bought a D80 and have spent hours poring over the manual this will be a welcome aid to getting the most out of what is a very capable camera, I can highly recommend it.
Good book for a Beginning and Experienced Photographer, 08 Apr 2008
I am always weary of instruction manuals etc. I much rather go out with my new camera, take photo's and learn from my own mistakes with photograhy.
I found this book extremely useful. He wrote the book extremely well.
It is good for both beginners and experience photographers, that you were not 'idiots' nor being 'thick'.
D80 Owner (amateur!), 24 Mar 2008
Great book for anyone starting out with a D80! I'm usually the type of person who doesn't have the patience to sit down with an instruction manual or book. I'd rather just get my hands on the hardware and mess around until I've figured it all out. So David Busch's D80 digital field guide was a first.
Despite my phobia of instruction manuals and guides, I have really enjoyed studying all the useful information in this book. I would certainly recommend this book to any new D80 owner (or to a D80 owner who wants to polish up on their photography skills). It not only gets into the nitty-gritty of the D80 but also provides a great introduction to photogrpahy in general.
Worth it, 15 Jan 2008
This is a really useful book - I am very glad I got it. I found the manual that comes with the D80 to be extremely limited and hard to use, this takes everything much further and has some really useful explanations and tips. The D80 has so many functions and settings and intuition alone is not going to enable you make the most of all of them. As you've spent £500+ on the camera package, I think it's worth a few extra pounds to really know how to use the camera, even if you're experienced in photography. As it says on the label, this book explains how to use the D80's multitide of controls to achieve what you want while also being small enough to fit in your bag.
Helps to get beyond the essentials, 20 Oct 2007
I am usually rather wary of books that offer to illustrate the camera manual and make it easier to understand. Sometimes they do no more than that and don't help to widen one's knowledge. This book, however, goes well beyond the manual. Following, as one would expect, a clear presentation of the technical features of the D80 and their efficient use, there are chapters dedicated to exposure, lenses, and working with light that help to give a better understanding of the many elements the photographer will have to juggle in order to achieve his aim. I found the section on "Photo Subjects", presenting the "rules" of good composition in different settings, helpful, though perhaps a bit too similar to what so many other publications offer in this regard. All in all, this book is a good investment if you are starting to use a D80 and learning to hone your photographic skills.
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The Photography Book
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Product Description
The concept for this book is simple: 500 photographers, 500 pages. Arranged alphabetically, each of the photographers--from contemporary Dutch cameraman Hans Aarsman to mid-century New York shutterbug James Van Der Zee--gets a full, oversized page. On it is a large, expertly reproduced image and a concise caption packed with information about the photographer and his or her work. The coincidental alignment of photos of different eras and aesthetic sensibilities provides unusual and exciting contrasts that add an extra dimension to readers' perception of the work. Rineke Dijkstra's color-saturated shot of a bikini-clad beachgoer in South Carolina faces a Mike Disfarmer portrait of a rural Arkansas couple in 1943. Imogen Cunningham's inimitab | | |