Book Description
Video Shooter is a guide to both the mechanics of the video camera and the craft of shooting. Written by a veteran in the industry and utilizing an engaging, conversational style (including illustrative anecdotes from the author's many years of experience), the book takes the reader beyond "button pushing" to teach the complete range of skills required to capture compelling images. Topics include equipment selection, camera setup and operation, shooting techniques, and working with lighting and audio. Although the techniques illustrated in Video Shooter are appropriate for users of a wide range of camera models, the book focuses on the most popular 3-CCD DV and HDV cameras. A chapter on issues and techniques relating to DVD output makes the book especially suitable for industrial, educational, and government video producers. The book also features a companion DVD with tutorials, footage demonstrating storytelling techniques, and technical matter such as a comparison of various filters.
Written by a veteran in the industry, Video Shooter is a guide to both the mechanics of the video camera and the craft of shooting.
Customer Reviews:
Listen to the wisdom of great experience.......2007-08-13
Video production is a complex and expensive process. Barry's book takes the mystery out of the craft and SAVES YOU MONEY by telling you just what you need...and what you don't. I loved his wonderful, meaningful stories and personal shooting experiences mixed within his narrative of the craft and its myriad toys, gadgets and gear, all laid out clearly for the reader's benefit. Those willing to take the plunge into this artform will find this book an indispensable companion. A gifted shooter giving us all the clues we need to tell real and compelling stories of our own, available at a glance...awesome. It's like having a DP angel on your shoulder. You will find other reference books out there, but none are so beautifully laid out, comprehensive or complete as this one. Buy it. Read it. You'll be glad you did.
A Must Have Item.......2007-08-12
For a video shooter this is a "must have book". Impaired vision is corrected with appropriate eye glasses, impaired video-knowledge with Video Shooter...
Fast shipping, affordable price. Thank you.
Lots of Real-World Insights.......2007-06-26
Although I'll never reach the level of shooter that Barry is, this is a great book for learning about the issues a real-world shooter faces. Lots of examples and stories, photos, and musings on equipment. This is probably the best of the many books I have on learning to shoot.
Excellent intermediate info -- glad I read it as a beginner.......2007-06-23
I'm a neophyte to videography, and although this book went a tad over my head at times, and was certainly more than I needed as an amateur who wants to make quality videos for personal use, I greatly appreciated the comprehensive introduction to this complex art form. Because of this book, I've jumped into my new hobby with more respect and appreciation for what's involved in a quality production. I did pick up some great tips that even a beginner can use, and probably more useful, I understand the point of hiring a professional. Now that I'm a MUCH more savvy consumer of video services I will know how to judge the quality of their work.
A book about hardware.......2007-06-16
The subtitle of this book is Storytelling with DV, HD, and HDV Cameras. What I saw, when I read that, was the word Storytelling. I thought it would be a book about how to tell a story with images and sound to get across a "message". I should have read further along the sentence. This book is not about storytelling. It's about DV, HD, and HDV Cameras and their supporting equipment. The book is aimed at amateur videographers who have aspirations of turning professional and think that professional equipment will make that happen. And who have a 5 or 6 figure bank account. There are equipment recommendations on all sorts of things that make a professional shoot. All of the equipment ranges from slightly expensive to horrifically expensive. Of course this tight focus on the latest equipment means that the book will soon be out of date. If you need some equipment, have a healthy bank account, and want to buy now, this book is a good choice. If you want to learn how to tell a story with video, keep looking.
Customer Reviews:
You can learn from the photos.......2007-08-16
Sort of a quandary here...if you're advanced enough in photography to be working with studio lighting, do you really need detailed, step-by-step instructions in lighting setups? It almost seems as if readers are expecting a beginners book that at the same time provides professional techniques.
That said, I will admit that the specifics are a bit lacking here, so if you do need a lot of hand-holding, you're better off with a different book. However, the illustrations are excellent, and you can learn a great deal just from Neubart's photos. If you're open to exposure to interesting lighting techniques, this book will surely add some valuable ideas to your repertoire.
Full of pretty pictures, but.......2007-05-12
There's not much to learn from this book. Maybe my expectations were different from what the book was trying to accomplish, but I was hoping for some different lighting setups for product photography, and those types of shots.
A much better book would be:
Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting
Not very educational!.......2006-11-02
This book has great images but lacks the helpful information on how to light these difficult parts and pieces. It wasn't working for me.
Absolutely Beautiful.......2006-04-01
This book is, without question, one of the best how-to photography books I've ever read.
You get real world walk-throughs from some of the best product and advertising photographers in the business. Each page is a meal in itself. Projects are broken down and explained in short bite size one- or two-page chunks. This is perfect for digesting each project's results and techniques and trying them out on your own. Tips include all the technical details you want, such as lighting instruments used, camera settings, lenses, distances from lights to subject to camera and more.
As a director of photography for film and video projects over the last 15 years, I was inspired by the variety of styles and methods of working presented by the various photographers in this book. I'll take many of the lessons with me onto my next project.
This book will impress you with it's elegant layout, design, instruction and last, but not least, striking images.
Every photography instructional book should be as inspiring and usable as this masterpiece. A must have for every serious photographer and student of light.
Book Description
Hundreds of beautiful color photographs show how to master photography's most popular subject: the art of portraiture. By combining traditional photographic skills with the limitless possibilities offered by digital, this expert guide helps amateurs successfully portray people in the rituals of daily life, frame the figure in the image, utilize high-speed techniques to catch memorable moments, and create a picture essay to document an event. Find out a variety of ways to photograph groups, babies, and children; capture the fleeting expression; and get the right lighting for character and drama. Follow the tips for shooting unobserved on the street and doing reportage; for using wide-angle or medium telephoto techniques; and for dealing respectfully with other cultures. Be the photographer whom everyone wants to record family gatherings, weddings, and other special occasions. And, of course, there's also advice on taking a formal portrait, including how to set up a makeshift studio.
Customer Reviews:
Portrait Photography.......2004-09-30
It's no secret that I am a fan of the Lark Book's Digital Photography series. This is the third book in my library and the second one that I've reviewed for AAUG. The title of this book is a little deceiving. When we think of portrait photography, most of us think of a messy little room with a cranky old photographer or a makeshift studio with toys and stuffed animals and a woman with fake cheerfulness trying to get your munchkin to smile. In the introduction, Michael Frreeman explains that portrait photography is expanded to mean the relationship between the photgrapher and the subject who is saying, "This is who I am, and this is what I look like." Portrait photography encompasses everything that is involved in capturing the essence of the moment so it is preserved forever. The one constant is that portrait photography includes a subject which is almost always people, and, in some instances, a pet.
"Portrait Photography" is divided into three chapters: People Posed, Daily Life and Events and Occasions. Within each chapter are topics that include photo composition tips, equipment and software, post-production techniques and special projects. Each topic is usually a two-page spread which features two or more digital photographs. The main text explains how to create the best possible photograph. Then there is a checklist or hints and tips about the topic to assist the reader. The tips are concise and very helpful. I was thinking of a way to create little laminated cheat sheets that I could slip into my camera bag so I could pull it out for reference at the right time. The captions that accompany each photograph carefully explains both the composition and the background of the shot. To add a depth of realism, a few photographs are a little lacking in quality by being a bit blurry or washed out. I didn't see it as a fault but rather it helped reconfirm for me that not every photo is perfect and even the experts are human. Every photo in this book is almost an essay in itself: beautifully composed and full of life and meaning. I believe the author, Michael Freeman took most, if not all, of the photos and he is a phenomenal artist.
One of my favorite topics appeared at the end of the book and it is on picture essays. Freeman provides three good examples. The picture essay is a series of photographs that tell a story and it could be about an event or a series of pictures that tell a story. It reminded me of the Life and Look magazines I remember when I was a child that had beautiful photographs about people or events. Freeman's examples gave me inspiration and guidance to create an effective photo essay myself.
The one striking feature of all Lark Books is the quality of their products. From the accurately produced photographs, to the attractive page layout, to the heavyweight glossy paper, Lark Books are a notch above most other books. The quality of the photographs almost matches expensive coffee table photo books.
If you are serious about using your digital camera to create quality photographs, this book should be added to your library. Too many people with digital cameras take their cameras for granted and crank out endless photos lacking in quality. "Portrait Photography" will help take you to the next level of using your digital camera and equipment to create photos that truly tell a story and which will awe your family and friends.
His usual style.......2004-05-27
Most of his books have better than average images for illustrations, albeit they are mostly too small.
My biggest dissatisfaction with most of his books is the content: they tend to be shallow and nothing very inspiring. Most of the stuffs he is printing in all of his books have been talked about elsewhere and hardly anything is new.
Book Description
Whether you're a new photographer or an experienced pro, this book will guide you through the labyrinth of options and choices you face from the moment you see a photo opportunity to the time you share your final results. And it will help you minimize the time needed to fix your mistakes along the way.
Through step-by-step procedures based on years of experience, professional photographer Ken Milburn describes a complete workflow sequence that begins with essential equipment and preparation, takes you through detailed editing techniques, and ends with your finished images looking the way you want, ready to be shown to the world.
This completely revised edition of Milburn's original bestseller teaches you everything you need to do before, during, and after the editing process.
- Be prepared with the right equipment
- Get the basic shots right
- Organize your photos and find the gems
- Make reversible adjustments
- Refine your images with care
- Use special effects cautiously and tastefully
- Publish and share your images effectively
You'll also learn advanced techniques with Photoshop CS2 and Photoshop Elements, though this isn' t a typical Photoshop how-to book. Milburn's workflow strategy ensures that high-production jobs are done professionally with a minimum of frustration. With Digital Photography: Expert Techniques, you'll become a better (and more profitable) photographer.
Customer Reviews:
Who's an Expert?.......2007-02-16
This is a well written book that it's hard to put into a cubby. That's because one man's expert technique is another man's beginner's technique.
Milburn's style is to follow a workflow approach, starting even before capture and moving through the use of Bridge, Adobe Camera Raw and the main Photoshop program. Milburn emphasizes the importance of non-destructive adjustments and in the main program proceeds first with both overall and targeted adjustments which are made by adding layers which do not change the underlying photo. He recommends that only when these are completed should adjustments that effect the underlying image be made, and then only on image layers that have been created especially for this purpose. (Strangely, in creating this special layer, he recommends converting the background layer to Layer 0, selecting all the layers and then using Cmd/Ctrl-Opt/Alt-E. Most experts do not recommend changing the background layer, but rather just selecting the top layer in the layer stack and using Cmd/Ctrl-Opt/Alt-Shift-E.)
By the way if this last discussion of creating a new layer was incomprehensible to you, you are probably not one of the experts that Milburn is aiming at.
And of course there's the rub. In some chapters the instruction is quite suitable for beginning Photoshop users and in other chapters one would have to quite familiar with Photoshop to get something out of the discussion. Moreover sometimes this happens in the same chapter. For example, in the chapter on Camera Raw he gives elementary instructions on using the sliders on the adjust tab which would be quite suitable for a beginner, but not necessary for anyone with a familiarity with Camera Raw. Later in the same chapter, he discusses creating high-key and low-key images which I would consider closer to expert needs. Moreover, he sometimes leaves out what I felt was essential information. For example in the Camera Raw chapter he discusses the fact that there is a sharpening facility in Camera Raw, but doesn't mention that fact that it can be set to apply only to the preview without actually being applied to the image later opened in the main Photoshop program.
Some chapters are clearly aimed at more advanced Photoshop users and quite good. For example, the chapter on repairing the details was full of information that an expert user may never have encountered before or never appreciated the importance of.
Occasionally, I found that the author made reference to a particular chapter or a website that was inaccurate, but not fatal since the material was covered somewhere in the book.
Where does all of this leave one? Certainly, to get the most from this book, you will need to be experienced with Photoshop and Camera Raw. Many experts would then prefer to look for advanced information in more targeted books. But others who don't mind having their memory refreshed about things they already know will probably pick up several useful techniques from this book. I certainly did.
A long read - because it is that good.......2007-01-12
I was anxiously awaiting this title to arrive in the mail, particularly because of its emphasis on "expert" techniques. Though I didn't find every page riveting, the book on the whole fulfilled my expectations.
If you have jumped into the world of serious amateur or semi-pro photography, you no doubt own an SLR camera. It is a must. After continuing to shoot JPG for awhile, you venture into the world of RAW files. This is a whole new world with incredible possibilities. What you quickly find is your hard drive quickly fills up with RAW files and you have a hard time knowing how work with those files in any sort of time-conscious workflow. You let them pile up into a perpetual of backlog.
Ken Milburn knows his stuff, and has developed a highly effective workflow for processing, organizing, presenting and publishing his photos. His experience shows through in each chapter as he opens up his entire process for everyone who reads this title to learn from. Though I found some of my own workflow techniques already matched his suggestions, I found numerous suggestions I hadn't previously known or considered that have helped improve my effectiveness. Efficient and effective workflow is the overriding theme of this title.
Though much of the books training focuses on post production, namely in Adobe Bridge and Photoshop, a couple of chapters at the beginning get you optimizing and improving your in camera approach as well. Past the workflow theme, there is plenty of time spent on giving your photos the "wow factor" you have always wanted. What I enjoyed most was the improved techniques taught in the "non-destructive" phase of digitally developing your photos.
I recommend this book to anyone who is shooting a high volume of photos, particularly those that may be working their way into portrait photography for hire. Adding the habits and knowledge gained from this title will make you a much better professional as well as the ability to output top notch photos.
MyMac.com Book Review.......2006-12-19
With a plethora of digital cameras appearing in the marketplace, purchases of these cameras has exceeded even the most ambitious sales predictions. Everyone and his grandmother now has a digital camera. A lot of these models are of the point and shoot variety. They're small, lightweight, actually take great pictures, and have many features for the cost. There are lots of publications out there: magazines, how-to books, manuals, videos, and websites which help newbie photographers along the path to good quality photographs. If you're looking for something like that, may I pass along a suggestion from the Ken Milburn, the author of this title under review? Before reading this book try Deke McClelland's Adobe Photoshop CS2: One on One (O'Reilly). You will then be "up to speed" and more able to handle the various terms and maneuvers in Digital Photography: Expert Techniques.
Along with all the less expensive point and shoot cameras, digital SLRs (single lens reflex) have also grown up. Most of these cameras will be purchased by serious amateurs, or "enthusiasts," and professionals. DSLRs have interchangeable lenses, more megapixels, and larger, more noise-free sensors. In other words they're more suited to professional and "prosumer" photography.
DSLRs also are capable of producing high quality RAW files which are, in large part, what this book is all about. It's also about workflow rather than procedures. If you're interested in what it takes to make true professional quality images in the most efficient and cost-effective way this book is for you.
The first thing I loved about Digital Photography: Expert Techniques is its organization, and the chapter outlines at the beginning. Here the author tells us what's in store for each chapter from start to finish. I also appreciate the way Ken Milburn writes. It's almost conversational, like having a good buddy who happens to know almost everything there is to know about what goes into a professional digital photograph, and being a professional photographer.
He starts us off with an overview around which the rest of the book is structured. There is a quick guide in the form of suggestions (some are common sense, others are anecdotal) like getting your camera ready, computer equipment and its configuration, image downloading, backing up originals, presentation for client approval, winnowing, preliminary editing, and the final output. He includes logical common sense tips about equipment, settings, and more. He even provides a comprehensive list of what's available -- suggesting hard drives, backups, monitors, and DVD writers. Efficiency is always the byword in workflow, and Ken Milburn leads the way.
Milburn teaches us how to connect to DNG (digital negative), a nonproprietary RAW format which anyone can use. He suggests that it may become a universal format which means that even if the RAW file format in your software becomes obsolete you will still retain your RAW files through DNG. Safety. Efficiency. Smart.
Since the author has been a professional photographer for decades he has learned through experience and study about being prepared in the field for both seen and unforeseen circumstances. He passes along sage advise and counseling in his chapter BE PREPARED.
One of the great features which has separated Adobe Photoshop CS2 from the rest of the pack is Adobe Bridge. It is a browser, but so much more. Ken Milburn gives the reader an excellent primer on how this feature works and its many advantages. He shows how simple it is, and at the same time it is scriptable, customizable, has variable thumbnail sizing, and has multiple browser windows which can be opened at the same time.
Want to create and use panel layouts to sort as you wish? How about creating a meta data template including all your camera info like settings, history, status, and even IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council) info? He shows you how to do all this, and more.
Once we get into Camera Raw, Ken Milburn shows us how to streamline the process. Once it's set up you're ready to rip. For you Photoshop Elements 4 users he shows the differences between Camera Raw in Elements 4 and CS2. He also tells us the why and how of it all so we understand why all this is a good thing. Take for instance the aforementioned DNG files. The author implores the reader to strongly consider filing using DNG and lots of backup. It's possible that either through technical improvements, marketing considerations, mergers, or even dissolution of a manufacturer that a proprietary RAW format could become obsolete. It is certainly something to consider.
There are some clients out there who need their photos quickly. Wedding and sports photographers can attest to this. The author shows us that Camera RAW defaults to "smart" Auto adjustments for Exposure, Shadows, Brightness, and Contrast. So there's a good chance of getting a publishable image right out of the camera. Sweet! Milburn demonstrates how to open and adjust multiple RAW files quickly when the files have the same exposure, brightness, range, contrast, and color balance. He introduces us to HDR (High Dynamic Range), and High Key images.
Layers have been around for quite some time, and here we are shown a system for non destructive editing. There's a great chart listing in three columns Layer Name, Purpose, and Advice. It's like a quick check on WWKD (What Would Ken Do) for using Adjustment Layers. Even for those of us who might be new to Layers he gives us a quick rundown of Layers and Features in Adobe Photoshop CS2.
Ken Milburn's friend, Doug Sahlin, came up with an interesting idea which the author includes in Digital Photography: Expert Techniques. It's called the Magic Workflow Layers Action. It allows us to include the layers in the workflow for almost every image automatically, ensuring the photographer will follow a properly layered workflow for most basic steps. You can either get this in the book or download it from the sites provided. This alone could shorten the learning curve in learning layers workflow.
All of the general repair tools are reviewed but the author goes way beyond the characteristics of the tools and into the world of commercial photography and how these tools can work for the professional photographer. This includes Glamor Tips, Architectural Tips, Still Life, lighting from behind, and more.
Are you into montages or collages? Ken Milburn can help, and does he ever. We've all tried to string together various shots in an effort to create a panorama of a scene too vast for one shot, but with varying degrees of success. The author talks about exposure, tripods, and framing. There are several example photos showing what a professional panorama looks like. I've made all the mistakes he mentions, and then some. Thanks, Ken, for straightening me out.
In his chapter "Creating the Wow Factor" we get into the details of the various tools and how, using layers, the photographer can enhance just about any aspect of lighting, colors (or black & white), and even using what he terms a "fictitious imaging tool," liquefaction, which can remove unwanted pounds from a model, or add bulk to anyone or anything. He has many suggestions and techniques using Lighting Effects which are especially dramatic when used inside of layers. We learn how to make homemade backgrounds as well as Knockouts. If you like the look of hand coloring or tinting Ken shows us how to do it effectively and easily.
Milburn's experience as a pro for many years becomes a windfall for us readers as, in the last chapter, "Presenting Your Work to the World," he talks about some of the many ways to become recognized, and even paid, as a photographer. He starts by showing us how to get the prints we need by calibrating the printers and even LCD monitors. There are tips to show your images on the web, making portfolios, binders, contact sheets, and much more. And let's not forget the all-important Copyright protection using watermarks.
While our author is certainly a huge fan and user of Adobe Photoshop CS2, he is by no means married exclusively to that software. He lists alternatives and even talks about the differences and some advantages of software like Capture One Pro, Raw Shooter, Aperture (which can be used with Photoshop CS2), iView Media Pro, and Adobe Lightroom. All of these programs have their high points and are not to be dismissed as second only to Adobe Photoshop CS2.
If you've ever wondered what it takes to be a pro in the photo biz, Digital Photography: Expert Techniques will give you a good idea of the dedication, knowledge, and work it takes to do it right. One has only to look at Ken Milburns pictures to see why this book makes so much sense. His photos are pristine. He seems to be able to connect with the very vibrations of the colors, shadows, and details which are all part of an image, but are often times skirted over by photographers, if only for the lack of knowledge it takes to recognize these things and bring them "up" in the image. His techniques, to be sure, are always pointed toward one thing, and one thing only. Making the best image possible with the least amount of effort and expense. And here it all is, in this wonderful and smartly instructive book.
MyMac.com Rating: 5 out of 5
SMILE: YOU'RE ON DIGITAL!!.......2006-12-06
Are you a photographer who is serious about producing the highest quality photographs in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible? If you are, then this book is for you. Author Ken Milburn, has done an outstanding job of writing a 2nd edition of a book that focuses on digital SLR cameras that have higher megapixels of noninterpolated resolution, interchangeable lenses, and larger, more noise-free sensors.
Milburn, begins by putting the organization of the entire book in perspective. Then, the author covers how to set your camera to be prepared for shots. Next, he discusses the Bridge in relation to Photoshop and to the myriad ways that it helps to keep your workflow organized. He also gets into more depth about streamlining your processing while in Camera Raw. The author then continues by describing in detail, how layers can be used to isolate destructive operations, so that they can be carried out without affecting anything else you've done to the image. Then, he shows you how to use adjustment layers, which are completely nondestructive, to make overall image adjustments. Next, the author discusses making and using selections, masks, and other means of making adjustments that pertain only to portions of the image. He also covers all types of image repair, including retouching. The author continues by discussing the making of one image from multiple images using techniques of both collage and montage. Then, he presents the next stage of progressively more destructive editing: special effects. Next, the author covers specialized image processing. Finally, the author shows you how to prepare your image for output and then how to use that output to show off your talents in an efficient and cost-effective way.
This most excellent book is more about workflow than it is about procedures in a specific program. Perhaps more importantly, this book contains most of the information you'll ever need as a professional digital photographer.
Make Your Digital Photos Stand Out From The Rest.......2006-12-06
Reading many of the other review already posted, I couldn't help but chuckle at some of the 'complaints' regarding this book:
- there is too much emphasis on DIGITAL and not PHOTOGRAPHY
- there is too much emphasis on using Photoshop
- pictures chosen aren't of the best quality
Folks, the title of this book headlines the words DIGITAL and TECHNIQUES. This isn't a book that is meant to teach you how to become a better photographer or headlines a collection of great photographs, rather it is a book that is meant to teach you how to take digital images and turn them into BETTER pieces of work for whatever purpose you see fit.
Printed on very heavy stock paper, this is a guide that is full of color and has plenty of screenshots to help any user find their way through digital enhancement with Photoshop (or any other image editing software that utilizes the same words for the techniques that are presented here).
Packed with nearly 400 pages of material, this book presents topics in a clean, concise manner, spread over the following 12 chapters:
01. Basics
02. Advanced tricks
03. Using Bridge
04. Streamlining Camera Raw
05. Nondestructive Layering
06. Nondestructive Overall Adjustments
07. Making Targeted Adjustments
08. Repairs
09. Collage and Montage
10. Adding 'Wow' to your images
11. Special Purpose Processing
12. Saving for the web
I find Ken Milburn's book to be an excellent resource for all digital photography afficiandos that want to get the most out of their images and learn how Photoshop can fix or repair nearly any problem that can be found and viewed on a computer.
If you are a graphic designer or work with digital images on a daily basis, you owe it to yourself to pick up this great book that will most certainly add to your skillset... no question!!
***** RECOMMENDED
Book Description
• Big ideas? Little time? Take this photography course in a book!
• Accessible, assignment-led approach to creating great nudes
• Teaches digital basics and much more
Practical assignments and a clear, step-by-step approach make Digital Photography Workshops: Nudes the essential course-between-covers for any photographer who has big dreams and little time to accomplish them. Nudes guides readers through all the stages of taking a great nude, from working with people, to setting up flattering lighting, to ideas for poses and stunning compositions, styles of imagery, and creating mood with the camera. Each step is presented with easy-to-follow assignments, how-to tips, digital basics, and complete image-editing projects. Core skills are taught as part of the process of learning to photograph nudes, so the photographer can learn the basics while working toward taking professional-quality shots in the specialty.
Customer Reviews:
Educational.......2007-06-14
This book is full of great tips for beginners. I highly recommend it.
The Book Delivers.......2007-06-11
I liked the instructional/assignment approach. Although already an accomplished fine art nude photographer, I like the stimulation provided by the author to attempt new approaches to a familiar subject.
Book Description
Packed with more than 400 photographs, technical tips, and personal insights, this inspirational guide helps outdoor photographers make the most of their digital camera. With a concentration on the different techniques required by the digital format, each page explains how to create professional quality photos of all the popular subjects: urban and rural photography, street portraits, architecture, and more. Manage such challenges as excessively bright skies and find out how to take full advantage of nature’s beauties, such as the warm golden light found at daybreak and dusk. Expert information reveals how to enhance the image by using filters such as grads and polarizers, along with computer and image-editing software. There’s added advice on composition, framing, and setting the scene.
Customer Reviews:
Hodge-Podge.......2005-01-31
You would think that a book whose title includes the words "Digital Photography Expert" and the "definitive guide for serious digital photographers" would give you hints about using digital cameras. This book doesn't do that.
It has a few good points. The typography is excellent with plenty of white space and clean layout. The pictures are good. And several times the author uses a series of pictures to build up to the best picture of a subject, just as a photographer in the field might develop his vision of a subject.
Now the bad points. The book is thrown together by mixing a lot of different learning points without relationship to each other and treating them in a superficial manner. It's as if no one ever told the author about making an outline of his teaching points before starting to actually write.
Then there is the approach to digital, or rather a lack of it. One would expect that this book would suggest a way that the digital aspects of photography could be used to enhance the taking of nature and landscape photographs. Instead the author completely ignores the nature of digital cameras. For example one of the most important devices a digital camera may contain is a histogram to allow you to adjust exposure. (A histogram is graphic representation showing the distribution of light values in a picture.) A good book would tell you how to use the histogram. The author's only reference to a histogram is to tell you that shots of the sea can be tricky and one should check the histogram. In the glossary, the author does explain what a histogram is in language similar to the parenthetical expression used a few sentences earlier in this paragraph but he never tells you how to use the histogram.
But wait. There's more. Often he perpetuates myths that are just wrong, or at least require more information to be useful. For example he says that telephoto lenses have less depth of field then wide angle lenses, which is not true if the image size of a subject on the sensor is the same, or that split neutral density filters don't work with telephoto lenses. And the essential nature photography skills he leaves out are legion. There is no mention of the use of flash or any of the so-called "rules" of composition.
I can't suggest a single book that will provide you detailed information on both landscape and nature photography and digital photography. However for a comprehensive, well-organized approach to nature photography nothing beats John Shaw's "Nature Photography Field Guide" even though he doesn't mention digital. To see how to capitalize on digital cameras' characteristics I recommend "Shooting Digital" by Mikkel Aaland. And if you are interested in wildlife photography, which Freeman purports to explain, but ends up ignoring, you could do a lot worse than reading the late Bill Silliker, Jr.'s "Master Guide for Wildlife Photographers."
Don't waste much time with "Digital Photography Expert Nature and Landscape Photography"
Pretty pictures only - very little information.......2004-09-13
I'm not sure how this book (and author) can state that this is the "Definitive guide for serious digital photographers". If I went on useful content it would only rate 1 star (the lowest rating allowed) but I liked some of the pictures, so I was generous and gave the book 2 stars..
Here's a sample of what "Serious Digital Photographers" will find interesting about this book. The terms "f-stop" and "shutter speed" are mentioned 4 times each in this book. Could it be that these aren't things that serious digital photographers care about? Perhaps they just aren't important when it comes to taking landscape photos. Oh well, the author probably thought we wanted to just look at his pictures instead of taking our own.
Another of the author's valuable suggestions include taking pictures in the morning or at twilight for more interesting light effects. I'm sure rare nuggets like this are sure to come as a big surprise to photographers everywhere. Do yourself a favor and skip this book. Try John Shaw's landscape photography if you want a much better book.
Book Description
An acclaimed professional photographer, with a display of more than 400 beautiful color images, shows how to get close-up and personal with a digital camera. Michael Freeman teaches amateurs how to meet the challenges of this very special type of photography, with plenty of information on the ins and outs of magnification, parallax control, and depth of field. See how to apply selective focus to enhance the subject and make it stand out from the background. Such issues as using found and commonplace objects and capturing the beauty of shadows, all receive detailed attention. With technical tips and software retouching projects too, this guide is simply an indispensable resource for the avid digital photographer who wants to take great close-up shots.
Customer Reviews:
Good overview. Too general as intro. instuctional resource. .......2007-07-30
As another reviewer who gave it 2 stars, I agree that this is more of an "overview of the field" than a practical "how-to" book. For example, I picked up this book to find info about choosing the best macro lens(es) for flower close-ups, and to learn about the differences among most popular options (50 mm vs. 100 mm. macro properties); instead, the author goes into detail about using elaborate setups with lens extension rings (p. 14-15) and even provides a table with extension types and magnification each provides, but does not discuss the basic macro lenses available on the market to advanced amateurs and professionals alike...
The diagrams that explain different lighting setups are helpful, but much of the book deals with setups and types of photography that will only interest specialized professional studio photographers (e.g. sections on museum reproduction and cataloging photos of coins, shells, gemstones and pearls, and reproduction of manuscripts / prints and paintings). Even in those cases, it seems that this is way too complex for an amateur, and yet not specific / detailed enough to be of use to an experienced (or aspiring) specialist. I was hoping this would be the same level of detail and quality as the same authors excellent book on black and white photos (in the same series), but it's not even close. It is certainly worth a look, if you can find it at the local library, but not something I would recommend buying.
Far Off.......2005-02-09
This is a book that attempts to cover the entire range of close-up photography from close-ups of gems to close-ups of insects. As I read this book I kept wondering what audience the author was trying to reach and what he was trying to teach that audience.
The book is laid out in individual sections of two facing pages. Each page contains text and photographs or diagrams. The layout resulted in beautiful typography but almost seemed to interfere with a coherent development of any subject because of the desire to shoehorn the material into the two-page format, when clearly some subjects required extensive development that couldn't be so limited.
Moreover the level of detail was not enough to help a beginning close-up photographer in the basic tasks or an experienced photographer in complex tasks. Instead the book was most useful as an idea book about what is possible in close-up photography.
Often the author offered opinions without any substantiation. For example, he regularly indicated that single lens reflex cameras were best for close up work, but never explained that that was due to the difficulty of framing a close subject due to parallax errors with a camera whose viewfinder is not on the lens axis.
There is also a lot of bad information here. For example at one point he suggests manually calculating exposure for a flash picture. I found this incredible given that fact that most digital cameras provide for some sort of automatic, through-the-lens, metering of electronic flash.
But then I should not have been surprised. Undoubtedly every publisher now wants photography manuals pitched at digital photographers. Indeed the title of this book is "Digital Photography Expert Close-up Photography", and the cover states that it is the "definitive guide for serious digital photographers". And yet there is not a single mention of what I consider to be the most useful tool offered by digital cameras, a histogram of light values to aid you in calculating exposure.
Finally, much of this book is devoted to something other than close-up photography. For example, the discussion of rocks and stone features pictures of a slot canyons and petroglyphs all of which appear to be at least 10 feet distant from the camera.
I don't want to suggest that this book is totally without merit. Scattered throughout the book are tips that a close-up photographer might find useful. For example the author suggests it may be possible to achieve depth of field by compositing several pictures of a small object in editing software, each with a different focus point, to create the appearance of sharpness where a single image would not succeed. But for someone looking for a well-conceived, total approach to the art of close-up photography, using a digital camera, this book is not a help.
Close Up Work is a Different World.......2005-01-16
Cameras and lenses are normally designed for and indeed used for standard photography at standard distances. When taking pictures at normal distances standard equipment, standard techniques work well. When you move into pictures where the image is the same size or larger than the object being photographed the whole picture changes. The equipment, the lighting, and the techniques are different.
Michael Freeman is a consummate master of close work. In this book he goes into the equipment and more important the concepts that become important in photographing things may be too small to be seen through the naked eye. He is a professional photographer and has had numerous difficult assignments to photograph. In this book he discusses several of his projects and the extraordinary efforts he had to go through to get the final result.
The book is less a tutorial than a series of examples of pictures and the detailed setup required to produce them.
A Great Reference & Learning Tool.......2004-09-19
This book has examples of any type of close-up photography you can imagine, plus tips on how to take pictures of each type of object. It also reviews some of the basics of the techniques behind it. It is very light however on talking about the tools, especially the lighting tools.
Book Description
• An accessible, assignment-led photographic "course in a book"
• Teaches core skills and technology
• Ideal for ambition-rich, time-poor novice photographers
Digital Photography Workshops is a unique "course in a book" series featuring practical assignments to guide the aspiring photographer logically from basic to advanced digital techniques. It is perfect for those enthusiasts who have neither the time nor the inclination to join a photography class, but who want to learn at their own pace. Practical assignments encourage photographers to put what they learn into practice. Portraits is an accessible, entry-level course book for the novice photographer who wants to learn how to take great portrait shots. From the basics of digital camera operation to the principles of good portraiture and lighting for different scenarios, through digital editing and manipulation, output, and storage, this book is both a step-by-step guide to confident photography and a quick-reference troubleshooting tool.
Customer Reviews:
Poor Excuse for a Portrait Instruction Book.......2007-02-07
I bought this book and after reading it, I kept wondering what it was about it that bothered me. It finally occured to me that nearly every single picture in this book shows beautiful people in their early to mid twenties. There are only a handful of people who are any older. What good is this to anyone who is taking portraits of real people? It's easy to make a good portrait of attractive young people. The real challenge is to make a nice portrait of someone who is older. That's where real talent shows through. So unless you plan on only photographing beautiful young people, it's best to pass this one by.
Customer Reviews:
2nd Edition! - What did you update Barry?.......2007-06-30
I went through both the 1st and 2nd editions and all of the text is the same and the example photos are all the same (some of the screen shots and pictures print better and some worse in the 2nd edition). The only differences are in the appenidix dealing with shortcuts!
I think the author (and publisher) have done a grave disservice to their customers by claiming this is an update!
What will you do for the Photoshop CS3 update?
Good techniques but lacks photos to help you practice.......2007-01-29
Overall, this book shows a lot of neat tricks into special effects. The downfall of this, is there are absolutely no pictures the consumer can practice on. This book is suited for intermediate, and not novice. The step by step instructions can be confusing if you don't know where the tools are located. In addition, some of the pictures are next to each other, and it would be helpful if the step by step instruction labeled which picture belonged to each step; this causes confusion. I believe that teaching should be hands on. It would really be nice if the CD with pics were included so the person reading could follow it more clearly.
If this book had a CD, then I would give it 5 stars, but it doesn't.
the techniques shown are suited for those specific pics.
If you are a beginner or novice, I do not recommend this book. I have 10 years experience as a graphic design, and although I understand what the author is saying and writing, there are some areas that are confusing and not detailed enough.
Save your money and learn to light..........2006-06-06
Looking at the images in this book is akin to watching a bad magician at work: the secret "moves" are anything but. Some of the effects like fire and smoke are obviously fake. Others, like casting shadows from blinds and plants are less so, but still "feel" wrong in the way the shadows often have the wrong density and falloff, or fail to follow the curves and shapes of foreground objects.
If you're serious about your photography, I'd advise getting a good book on lighting by someone like Barrister, and learn to light for real. Many of the "effects" presented in the book can be done in seconds with some rudimentary equipment and a little practice.... or you can spend hours in PS "perfecting" an image that, like the magician's tricks, fools no one but himself.
Missing Images.......2006-04-25
I like to go through a book and follow the techniques exactly. Then I go back and try with my own photos. Only problem here is that not all the photo's in the book are available for download. This is the main reason I give this book 1 star. I tried to search the internet for similar images just like the ones in the book, but got frustrated after a couple of hours. Now my book just sits on the shelf. I tried emailing the publisher and the website where the images are at. No one has replied to me.
Why I did not buy the book.......2006-03-26
I saw this book in a bookstore. It looked interesting. I thought it would be a good tutorial to have but there was no CD with the images to practice on. There was not even a link to a site where the images could be downloaded. Not very practical.
Just now, I found out in a couple of reviews below this one that pictures can actually be downloaded at http://www.web-linked.com/PhotoLightingTech/uk/index.html
I downloaded one image. Such poor resolution and tiny size with a huge water mark right across it. I could never practice on this type of image.
So, first no mention of images download or CD anywhere in the book. Second, if by chance or a miracle, you manage to find them, they are unusable. To me that is adding insult to injury.
Why would I buy such a book when its author/publisher don't care about the user/reader?
Average customer rating:
|
Digital Photography Expert
Michael Freeman
Manufacturer: Ilex
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Still Life
| Painting
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 190470526X |
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