Book Review: From Snapshots to Great Shots

If you had the opportunity to read my very first post, you probably noticed that I already have a nice little library going of books that I've purchased over the past 7 months. While I've read all but one in it's entirety, I can say that I've been pretty lucky in my book finds. There isn't one that I wouldn't recommend to anyone trying to learn photography.

Another one of my first books was from the series From Snapshots to Great Shots Nikon D5000 by Jeff Revell.   This book really got me thinking about taking my photography to the next level.  Remember now, I'm not looking to become a professional, but I am looking to learn to take some wow photos!  The great thing about this series is that they have several books tailored to your particular Sony or Nikon camera.  Then there are others that focus on a particular task such as composition. 

What I really enjoyed about this book was the simple language that it was written in. Once again, there wasn't a lot of jargon that I couldn't follow, it was simple english with lots of explanations and it was great to be able to have my camera at my side to practice a setting right away or look at that particular feature. 

My next favorite aspect of the book was the photos...lots and lots of photos, and with the photos came explanations that made me go "ooooooohh, I get it!"  In each chapter there were at least one or two, one or two page photos called "PORING OVER THE PICTURE".  Here the author would point out several aspects of the photo in text boxes explaining the how, what or when such as the next two photos:

And when he wasn't "poring over the picture" there were many more photos explaining the chapter's lesson such as this one below:

The focus here was taking wide environmental portraits. The author was explaining that sometimes the subjects environment is of great significance to the story you may want to tell, additionally he gives the camera settings used to capture the photo. The pictures here are a little exotic, and action packed, but there are may more everyday photos and lessons that you can really relate too. 

The rest of the book was full of great shots and wonderful learning and my favorite - assignments!  It covered everything from taking your camera out of the box to advanced techniques of the pros to include action, landscape, portraits, mood lighting and composition.

I can't say enough great things about this book and all of my yellow highlights and pencil notes tell you exacatly the same thing!  So, if you're looking for a great book to go with your new Nikon or Canon camera  get to the book store and pick up this great find! 

Unveiling great books,
Dee

What I'm Reading - The Digital Photography Book

As you may have already guessed from my first post...I love to read - especially when I'm learning something new.  Periodically I'll share with you some of my favorite photography books since I've been on this journey.  There are a couple of great websites out here as well, but with my book, I can highlight, turn pages, take notes, ets and that's exactly what I've done with one of my first books The Digital Photography Book Volume I by Scott Kelby.



Photo courtesy of Barnes and Noble Books

Not only is Scott Kelby a great photographer, teacher and writer, but he is very funny!  His witty humor and great personality immediately draws you into this 240 page book.  This book is packed with an abundance of information from start to finish.  Mr. Kelby's style of writing is so easy to follow. The book is written in english and actually reads in english...translated to mean -  it's makes sense! There's no jargon and language you won't understand, he gives a subject and tells you how to get it.  Want to take photos at night...not a problem, he'll tell you what to do and you won't have to understand how the cow jumped over the moon to get it!

In addition to the easy read and loads of information, there are photos...many photos that aid in the learning process and if that isn't enough...there are a ton of tips and tricks that he shares that works for the pros to make things easier, such as how to take better flower photos, faking rain drops on flowers, tips to keep your subjects from blinking and many many more.  The book covers major everyday topics that you want to know, like how to take better landscape photos, people shots, night photography, sports, weddings, etc.   

The photo recipe's is another great section.  Here you're provided a photo and the recipe to take that photo in plain english along with camera settings.  How easy is that? 

If you've struggled with how to use your new digital camera, and you want to learn how to use it better, and your itching to take better photo's I recommend starting with this book...you will not go wrong...I promise!  Priced at $13.99 it's a must have.

Unveiling,
Dee