5 comments about Minimalist Lighting: Professional Techniques for Location Photography.

1. As the title suggests, the scope of this book is how to produce images without the burdensome lighting equipment and without sacrificing quality. The concept in itself drew me into this book as I found it hard to put down. Kirk Tuck always kept my interest as the ability and advantage of creating more with less is revealed. Advancements in camera technology and the clever use of flashes are two such examples of how this is achieved. An equipment overview, lighting set ups, techniques and case studies make this a well rounded book.



2. I really wanted to like this book. It has a very good mix of background material and informative case studies. However, the very first case study uses FIVE STROBES and two softboxes, triggered wirelessly. Certainly, the kit's small enough to carried by a single person, but it's also several thousand dollars of lighting gear that can hardly be called minimalist. Other case study examples are similar.



3. If you are looking for a book on super trendy hard lit portable flash photography this book is probably not what you are looking for, but if you are looking to to make bankable portraits without breaking your back or the bank than Kirk Tucks Minimalist Lighting is just the book for you.
   
   The first 88 pages are dedicated to giving you a solid understanding of how to incorporate these little Hot Shoe wonders into your shooting workflow by getting them off of the camera and getting them into a softbox, shooting through a light panel and all sorts of other small flash trickery. Other topics include chapters on A History of Photographic Lighting, Accessories, Modifiers and even a very thorough chapter on powering your portable flashes.
   
   The balance of the book is filled out with Case Studies of Kirks work over the years. Each page showcasing a different client and how the shot was achieved. Each study is complete with lighting diagram. This is the stuff I really love and I'm hoping Kirk's follow up effort to Minimalist Lighting includes many more of these Case Studies.
   
   My only real critique of Minimalist Lighting is that being a Canon Shooter, I wish the Canon Speedlite system was better represented. Kirk is a Nikon and Fuji shooter and most of the examples, including an entire section on using Nikon SB 600 and 800 flashes in remote mode were illustrated using the Nikon system. I wish there would have been comparable section showcasing Canon gear. Though not a deal breaker for me since both systems are very similar, it just would have been a nicety for beginners just starting out with Canon equipment.
   
   All in all I think "Minimalist Lighting - Professional Techniques for Location Photography" is a great addition to every photographers bookshelf, either seasoned shooter who wants to learn how to lighten their load while still capturing top quality images or the Weekend Warrior, who is just getting into lighting and doesn't have a 5k dollar budget for a traditional strobe lighting setup. I'm already looking forward to Kirks next book!
   
   Cris Mitchell
   Publisher
   ProPhotoResource.com



4. A book based on the Strobist practices of lighting professionally with strobes on location.
   
   I am 3/4 the way through this book and am loving it. He really breaks it down and explains everything well.
   What I like the best is that he tells you what strobes, reflectors, scrims, etc he used for each shot as well as a drawn out diagram explaining placement and power settings.
   It is really helpful to me as a newbie to lighting and I am enjoying it more than McNally's book , simply based on the teaching aspect of it.



5. Conrad Obregon and others have written what I think are spot-on critical reviews of this book.
   
   Obregon writes: "...unanswered questions were more difficult. What mode should one shoot in for best results? Why did the author use manual flash adjustments rather then TTL (through-the-lens)? How did he decide which flashes to put on which channels?"
   
   I share that impression exactly: Almost all of the info about 'expensive portable' lighting in this book is available on the strobist website _Minimalist Lighting_ does not provide enough details to be used as a reference guide. Just for example, in the schematics of how he set up multiple flashes for shoots, no arrow is used to indicate which direction the light is being directed -- bounced of the back wall? side wall? directly at the model?
   
   With so little detail, it seemed like a blend of an interview (a nice interview -- with an enthusiastic, principled photographer who wants you to check out some cool gear and gadgets...) and a brochure for his narrow, repetitive, highly competent approach to corporate / PR portraiture.
   
   Finally, it's not really minimalist. He's recommending expensive gear, which is unnecessary if you use Nikon's iTTL system -- the iTTL system involves free built-in infrared remote control system -- yes, your Nikon DSLR and flash units have this functionality built in already -- and which sidesteps all the add-on wireless radio frequency tranceivers, the need for manual adjustment of each flash unit, etc.
   
   If you, like me, prefer relying on that much simpler and less expensive wireless option (all you need is a couple SB-600's, one SB-800, and some odds-and-ends...) then this is NOT the book to help you get started.
   
   Instead, there's terrific a book that spells out the Nikon system's details perfectly. It's a self-published PDF book called "Using The Nikon Creative Lighting System" by Mike Hagen. Brilliantly clear step-by-step "how-to". It explains things like why to use slow rear sync instead of front sync, how to program master/remote 'banks', and shows the results with copious illustrations -- and well-labeled schematics! If you're a Nikon-only person, and can only have one initial book on ultra-portable lighting, Hagen's book will get you started much more clearly and stepwise than will this one. It's well worth its weight in bandwidth. Hagen's book moved me 'to the next level' with the iTTL system in a way this book can't.
   
   The author of _Minimalist Lighting_ appended a complaint to Conrad Obregon's review. The author called Obregon naive for expecting more than a single style to be demonstrated in any how-to lighting book, since 'real' photographers don't use more than a single style. I have three responses to that. First, he's simply incorrect about the best photography texts: They demonstrate the full range of lighting techniques. Second, if you aren't personally competent in more than one style yourself, you can get a co-author. Third, a *limited* range is one thing, but this photographer uses, basically, *no* range at all. All of his photos look the same to me. Very good corporate / PR portraits, but that's all. (You know, the annual photos taken at our kid's elementary school are quite competent. But I sure wouldn't want to read a whole book based on that photographer's approach to those nearly identical cookie-cutter photos.) What about freezing motion? Night photography? Etc.
   
   BOTTOM LINE: If you've got a ton of money, I'd definitely add this to your lighting book collection. Why not? Nice pictures. Cool equipment overview. Great pep talk.
   
   But if you're saving your dollars for equipment, and want to buy as few books as possible, I'd rely on the Strobist website plus -- for Nikon iTTL fans who don't want the expense or manual constraints of outboard radio frequency tranceivers -- the Hagen e-book.
   
   
   
   -----------------
   P.S. Full disclosure: I have absolutely zero connection with any of the books, websites, or other products I've mentioned in this review. Except as a consumer!

5 comments about Canon EOS 40D Guide to Digital Photography.

1. I bought this book at the same time as the Blue Crane Canon 40D Video. I spent and hour or so going through the book before I left on a business trip. I took the video on the trip. I thought that the book was OK and will make a decent reference source but the Blue Crane video is a better introductory source. If a picture is worth a thousand words this video has dozens of pitures. The advantage of the book is no player required.
   
   If I could only have one (and had a DVD player and power) I would take the video.



2. I read about half the book and it has been very helpful for me to review and learn things I fined helpful in using my new Canon 40D . It is good to know different setting in using the camera.



3. Excellent resource. Strongly written with more than plenty large color pictures. I highly recommend buying this.



4. This book covers a lot of what's in the owners manual but presents it in a personal manner that makes for much better interpretation then the owners manual.
   
   It's easy to read and even entertaining something you can't say for the Canon owners manual and rightfully so of course since the owners manual has to be as concise as possible to fit into your pocket.
   
   In additional this book provided solutions to problems the author had while using his 40D both hardware and software that really came in handy.
   
   I heartily recommend "Canon EOS 40D Guide to Digital Photography!



5. This is a great expanded guide book for the 40D but I was hoping to get more examples of how to use settings for different situations. I would love a recommended list of customized functions and their applications from someone who has experimented with this camera. The book is easy to read for the most part. I just wish it would tell you more why than just how.

5 comments about Understanding Shutter Speed: Creative Action and Low-Light Photography Beyond 1/125 Second.

1. This book is a winner! I have read all of Bryan Peterson's great photo books and this is his best work. In my opinion,this is must reading for the intermediate/advanced level of photographer.



2. I have read all of Bryan Peterson's informative books on the technical aspects of photography - they are incredible! His method is simple, detailed and beautifully illustrated. A must read for all who want to learn the technical aspects of digital and film photography.



3. This is another great book by Brian Peterson, the quality of the book, the amazing sample pictures and the well explain of them it worth every cent. But that's the great I consider this book a bargain when you consider all the good things that contains. It is a must have.



4. I have found Bryan Peterson's previous books, Understanding Exposure and Learning to See Creatively, extremely helpful as I was developing my skills in photography.
   
   The title of the current book did not entice me that much. However, once I read it, I found it extremely helpful from a creative point of view.
   
   The author continues his easy to ubderstand style of writing and the excellent images to illustrate his points. This will help you to improve your creativity significantly.
   
   I recommned it highly.



5. I followed the author's photography course on line and have several of his books. His books are fun and easy to read. Can recommend this to anyone who is interested in photography

5 comments about The Adobe Photoshop CS3 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter).

1. This is a MUST-BUY book for annyone who has upgraded to Adobe CS3. Scott Kelby, the author, is THE #1 expert when it comes to Photoshop and digital photography. I swear buy his books... get them all!



2. I'm enjoying this book very much. The steps are laid out in a way that is easy to follow and understand. Still learning and working with this.



3. Thanks, Scott, for a fun book that takes all the technical outta manuals! Your quick-wit draws attention and I often found myself answering the questions you were posing to yourself! Some of my favorite techniques you teach in this book are about the high-contrast b/w editing and the color with b/w. My brides are happy, their mothers are happy and that means my pets can eat for another week! Now, if you can only teach me how to dance to "Soulja Boy" for all these receptions as easily I'll buy ya a cocktail!:-)



4. Kelby is the best. If you want all the mind-numbing explanation of what makes something work in PS, go elsewhere. But if you just want a guy to walk you step by step through how to get results fast without a lot of hassle, buy everything you can by Kelby.



5. I am a fan of Scott Kelby's work, and this text is very useful to those who want to "hit the ground running" with PS CS3. The layout of the book itself could use some tweaking (there's no step 1... step 2... step 3..., just conversational dialogue and pictures), and Scott's priorities may not be yours, so break free from the need to go "front to back" and just skip to the sections you need, especially if you're already familiar with Photoshop. He does provide some useful tricks and tips and his sense of humor is, as ever, firmly intact. It's a little jarring at first when you're expecting your standard dry textbook, but once you get used to it, Scott's humor helps you actually remember what he's teaching you.

5 comments about The Moment It Clicks: Photography secrets from one of the world's top shooters (Voices That Matter).

1. Inspiring!
   
   Joe is one of my favorite photographers.In this book you are able to go into Joe's mindset when he shot the image. But not only that, but he shares with you what he learned as a photographer as well as a human being.
   
   I love his philosophy on lighting and flash... he uses whatever light is available... be it flash or available light. Joe is very practical, down to earth and honest. Great Book!
   
   It is formated into short two pages chapters, with charts, definition of terms, and the image itself. So it is an easy and enjoyable read,



2. I read a ton of photography books. This is one of the best in the last several decades. Great personal stories and filled with incredibly useful information that's boiled down to useful little nuggets rather than running on for page after page of dribble.
   
   As a professional photographer I only expect a single "aha" from any book I read. This had dozens! I'm so impressed I may attend one of his workshops.



3. I'm in awe of people who can take great pictures with seemingly little effort. But in reality, those pictures are a combination of skill, knowledge, and not a small measure of luck. Joe McNally, a very well-known photographer who has shot for Time, National Geographic, and others, "converses" with the reader in The Moment It Clicks: Photography secrets from one of the world's top shooters. You'll find out how his mind works to control lighting and scene to make those famous images.
   
   Contents:
   Shoot What You Love; Keep Your Eye in the Camera; The Logic of Light; There's Always Something to Bounce Light Off Of; Joe's Lighting Tips; Joe's Camera Bag; Joe's Grip and Lighting Gear; The Barroom; Glossary; Index
   
   This book was born from a workshop where McNally was presenting. He was sharing gems of experience, when it dawned on one of the attendees that capturing these nuggets of wisdom could be a perfect method for letting everyone get into the mind of a great photographer. The format of the book consists mostly of two page spreads. The right side shows the photo, and the left side is McNally sharing the story behind the image. Not only does he share what it took to get the picture, but he also gets into the technical aspects of how it was lit and shot. So much of what he does is based on lighting. Too much, too little, bouncing off items, focussed lighting, ambient, etc... When you get done, you'll never look at light in quite the same way again.
   
   Will this book allow you to replicate the same types of shots that have made McNally famous? No. For one, he has hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment, and often has a budget to do things like renting elephants and hanging people from helicopters. My guess is that you don't have that working for you. Also, he doesn't use a "do this, then this, then this" approach. He does talk about the equipment and settings, the lighting and circumstances, but it's more as if you were sitting in a pub talking to a best mate. If you're not experienced on camera technology and terminology, you'll also miss a fair amount of the value. But if you've done some work and become more than just a tourist with a camera, this can take you up another level or two.
   
   Or you can just look at the pictures and marvel that it's possible to do those kinds of things with a camera...



4. Novice to professionals will benefit from Joe McNally's experience as a photographer with Life, National Geographic, and Sports Illustrated. There are basic photographic tips for those that want to point and shoot with a little more flair. But more, there are very technical tips on how to use professional lighting systems to achieve very "unlit" natural results. This is by no means a dry step-by-step how-to book. It's written in a very conversational style: "oh, you want to know how I took that photo of Michelle (Pfeiffer), pull up a chair and let me tell you." It is an easy read, filled with humor and tales of a journeyman photographer. The first read took me just a couple days at a few pages a day. A few weeks has gone by and I realize that I want to commit many more of McNally's tips to memory, that will take me a couple more rereads. I'm looking forward to it. The book is 50% fantastic photos (of who's who in sports and pop culture) and 50% how to make these photos.



5. This book is filled with superb tips on photography lighting, setup and so much more! Each two-page spread on a unique photo-shoot is written so that it makes sense and sticks.

5 comments about The Photoshop Elements 6 Book for Digital Photographers (Voices That Matter).

1. Scott Kelby's books, this one included, are the essential conpanion to PS Elements. He shows you how to use all of Elements features and work arounds to accomplish some tasks only available in the big brother version of Photoshop CS. This book is a "how to", not a "theory of" book. Kelby tells you what settings to use for specific tasks, then encourages you to explore further. I have used PS Elements from PSE 1 thru the current PSE 6, so I am very familure with Elements, but I keep Kelby's book handy to help me do new things. I shoot almost exclusively in "RAW", and this book walks you thru each step in processing your images. DON'T TAKE ANOTHER PICTURE WITHOUT THIS BOOK!



2. This is a very nice book and well written. I've enjoyed Scott Kelby's books on digital photography and gave this book a shot.
   Well, I am brand new to Photoshop Elements and started with version 6. This book assumes that the user is already fairly well versed in Photoshop Elements previous 5 versions.
   Wouldn't recommend to the brand new user.



3. The absolute best PSE 6.0 book today! Scott Kelby proves once again that his books are always worth waiting for. Scott and Matt Kloskowski have produced the best, user freindly instruction book ever on Photoshop Elements 6.0! Step by step, and always in the order you need the information. A real must for developing the skills you need and want in mastering PSE 6.



4. I find this book very helpful as I have not fully explored the Elements program previously - by reading ahead and then following the tutorials with the book in front of the computer, I find I can make a difference to my photos.
   
   I do not particularly like the language of the preamble, but the important bits are clearly written and easy to understand.



5. As an Elements newbie, I needed a lot of help on all its great photo-editing features.
   
   I ordered the book somewhat blind, doing so at the same time as purchasing Elements itself, so I wasn't sure as to what I would be getting (however the other reviews obviously helped!). What a nice surprise.
   
   This book has helped with meaningful step-by-step instructions on all the areas I needed to have covered. It has an easy-going style, without too many attempts at humor - just enough to keep a good balance.
   
   Its layout and structure help as well, with each section being complete, so you don't have to refer to earlier sections for instructions.
   
   The task choices cover a wide range, so there isn't too much focus on a single area. The balance has prompted me to try most of the tips/tasks - I'm still working my way through them.
   
   Great paper and print quality as well.
   
   With this as an introduction to their work, I'll be looking at the authors' other books in the near future.

3 comments about David Busch's Nikon D300 Guide to Digital SLR Photography.

1. I've been shooting Nikon cameras since 1960. When I look at the collection of buttons, dials, switches, screens and menus on Nikon's D300 digital SLR, I wonder if I would have become a photographer back then if faced with so many choices.
   
   All these choices are good. They let you customize the D300 to be used exactly the way you would want. And the embarrassment of riches means that one camera can do many things, for many different photographers, so that ultimately a highly sophisticated machine can be delivered more cheaply to photographers whose styles vary markedly.
   
   Some of the choices seem really important. Do you want to set up focus so that you are better able to capture a sitting portrait subject or a flying bird? Other choices seem more trivial. Would you rather review the last image you captured by pressing on the left side or the top of a multi-selector switch?
   
   To deal with all these choices, Nikon provides a manual of several hundred pages that explains the options that are offered with some very small, sketchy illustrations, but without explanation of which options might be better for a particular type of photographer.
   
   David Busch set out to bring a little more clarity to the bewildering field of choices, and does a relatively good job of it. Unfortunately, that means going through each menu and selection step by step. The illustrations are larger than the manual and in color, and Busch actually makes recommendations about items to select. For example the D300 allows you to elect to have either 51 or 11 focus points available (which is different then selecting a focus point, once you've made the choice). My first instinct after reading the manual was to ask why everyone wouldn't select the maximum number of focus points, but the author pointed out that 11 points is faster for selecting a focus point for large subject matter, like photographing some sports.
   
   After going through all of the options, Busch returns to several key subjects that usually require the integration of several choices, like getting the right exposure or the best focusing for particular kinds of photography. There's a chapter on lenses that experienced photographers can skip, but that any beginner bold enough to purchase a D300 for his first digital single lens reflex will find useful. The chapter on lighting contained a good explanation of Nikon's Creative Lighting System that allows for an integration of electronic flash in a more useful way then ever before. I only wish Busch had been able to convey the joy of being able to dance around the subject without any kind of tether while your flashes responded. It's easy to feel like David Hemmings with Veruschka in "Blow Up", without all that hot continuous lighting.
   
   The book finishes up with a quick glance at the software available for post processing, which, other than listing the names of software, really didn't provide much help in making a choice, and then covers some maintenance issues like updating firmware and cleaning the camera's sensor.
   
   By its nature this is not an exciting book, since the author eschews any effort at telling us about the artistry possible with the camera, but that's the nature of manuals. One should also note that occasionally Busch falls from grace in small ways, as when he suggests that the D300 can control up to four groups of lights in CLS, when what he probably means to say is that you can transmit your signals on four separate channels, or that four groups can be controlled if you use an external flash. These errors are small and quickly identifiable to anyone trying to use the menus. On the other hand there are a few subjects on which I would have liked to see more material, like AF Fine Tune, where a discussion of the use of targets to select the tuning would have been useful. And I was sorry the chapter on lenses didn't mention the use of focal length to control perspective, especially since there was a set of full page illustrations that showed this so well.
   
   All in all, this is an excellent introduction to the options that are available to photographers with the D300. Although early adopters may already have figured out most of the possibilities, there is probably still something for an experienced user to learn, and, if you've just picked up a D300, this is lot easier to use then the Nikon manual.



2. I purchased my Nikon D300 in December and at that time bought the Nikon D200 Digital Field Guide because nothing else was available for my camera. I went with the same author, David Busch, for my first D300 book, and I am glad I did! As good as the D200 Digital Field Guide was, the approach taken in this book is much, much better.
   
   Compared to the Digital Field Guides, this book has much more depth and a lot more information on how to use the camera. It's a 450-page full size book with roughly twice the content of a Digital Field Guide, and it features large color illustrations rather than postage stamp sized pictures. To give you the idea of the depth of coverage, this book devotes 117 pages just to menus and setup options, with exhaustive descriptions of how each menu entry works, and why you'd want to select a particular setting. And that doesn't even count a half dozen pages in a later chapter with tables that provide recommended Shooting Menu Bank and Custom Setting Menu Bank settings for particular types of photography.
   
   I particularly enjoyed the 40 pages devoted to lenses, including reviews of all the key lenses available for my Nikon D300. There are another 40 pages on working with light and using the confusing Nikon Creative Lighting System.
   
   Is there anything left out? This time, Busch does not devote a third of the pages to checklist recipes for common shooting situations, as he did with his D200 Digital Field Guide. I think that the owner of a camera this advanced probably doesn't need a couple pages of summaries on how to take photos of seascapes or sunsets. I'd rather have the solid information in this book, which equipped me to go out and take any kind of picture I want to.



3. I received my D300 in December 2007 and as of the end of April 2008, I've shot 15,600 photos. This book is the perect guide for any D300 owner. Some of the menu options are different from D200 or D80 and the author does a very good job explaining what is different and why.
   
   The book covers all the camera features and gives you ideas about how to best use the features. The book is over 400 pages and larger in size than previous guides of this type. It makes it easier to read. The book is full of color examples.
   
   There is a great section on lenses, flashes. advanced shooting tips, etc.
   
   The manual that comes with the camera is okay to a point, but it has no dicussion. David's book dicusses why you should do something a certain way rather than just listing the options and letting you figure it out.
   
   I learned a lot and will keep reading it to learn everything I can to improve my photography.

5 comments about Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition).

1. I have read many photography books, and this book is my photography bible. It is suitable for beginners and intermediate. Both novice and intermediate photographers should not miss...
   
   It contains theories and clear examples with clear explainations. Following assignments in this book provided, you will get more understanding on taking pictures.



2. The book is good, it tells you how to properly expose for different scenarios and effects but its explained too much. Its aimed for begginers so it can be a little boring for the ones that already know the basics. The pictures in the book look old and I didnt like that. Overall its a good book for learning from scratch or maybe catch a few extra tips that you may not already know as an intermediate photographer.



3. this book helps alot when it comes to the effects of exposure in photography. I'm still lost though. I can't seem to get my camera off the automatic setting yet. The book shows what happens at different settings it even gives examples of subtle changes. It clearly shows the results of changing the exposure settings and demonstrates alot of photos where the exposure is just OK but how to get the same photo to POP by adjusting exposure settings.



4. Having just made the jump from digital P&S to a dSLR, I bought this book on a friend's recommendation.
   
   The author does a good job of explaining the basics of photography, something most of us using P&S cameras have little clue about.
   
   The book was very informative and helpful. The pictures in the book are stunning (especially Bryon's smoking hot wife!), as should be expected in a book about photography.
   
   If you're already knowledgeable about exposure, shutter speed, f-stops, etc, then this probably isn't the book for you.
   
   However, if you're just getting started in real photography, I would highly recommend this book.



5. This book has improved my shooting skills. I rarely if ever ventured to the manual setting on my D300 before reading this book. Now I embrace the ability to have more flexibility then just shooting in Aperture or Shutter Priority modes.

5 comments about The Digital Photography Book.

1. An excellent photography book with excellent tips. A must read book. Anyone can get something out of this book. A must read book and a must keep book to read again later.



2. Scott Kelby makes fun of his own lame humor however, in an approximately 200 page book, you don't need 25% in lame humor, making fun of lame humor and repetition of his pontificating.
   
   While there is some good information here, there isn't much that one can't find in the most basic references or for free online.
   
   I've never read one of Kelby's books before and looked forward to getting this one due to his reputation. However, if his style is consistent with this edition, I won't be reading or purchasing any others.



3. For anyone who has ever thought to themselves, "Just tell me what I'm supposed to do...never mind all the technicalities", this book is for you. I have never been disappointed by a Scott Kelby book and recommend several of them to both my photography and graphic design students.



4. I downloaded a sample of this hoping to get a chapter or two, and all I got was the Table of Contents. Not enough to see if I wanted to buy it.



5. This book is so valuable I would have paid three times its current price. Kelby reveals the common sense behind the mystery of f-stop, shutter speed, ISO, exposure, aperatures, and every other alien thing that tends to intimidate beginning SLR camera users. He shows example pictures of what the camera settings discussed will produce, and provides the "recipe" for many of the common kinds of shots people go for. It's very readable, even "front to back" like a novel. I highly recommend this book!

5 comments about The Digital Photography Book, Volume 2.

1. I purchased both Volumes 1 and 2 at the same time. Both of these books are great!! Volume 2 builds on the subjects listed in Volume 1, going into more detail about certain subjects like shooting for weddings, landscapes, etc. As I wrote in my review of Volume 1, I really like not having to wade through tons of theory to get to the meat of the subject. The book itself is very nice, with great example photos of each subject along with Scott's commentary, instructions, and advice. I also enjoy his brand of humor. Being able to get the type of photo I want, with minimal figuring out of things, frees me to take Scott's instructions and advice and go a step (or more) beyond, thus learning the theory itself. Think of this book (as well as Vol 1) as a sort of "learn a foreign language while on the plane" type of book. And don't scoff! You'd be surprised at what the brain retains during a plane flight.



2. If you have a digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera and you want to learn how to take the camera out of "auto mode" and get great pictures, then this book (and its predecessor) is for you. If you don't know how to use that flower on the mode dial, this book can teach you. Even people with point-and-shoot digital cameras will find valuable tips throughout this book.
   
   The Digital Photography Book Volume 2 by Scott Kelby is not an update of his previous work, but rather it starts where Volume 1 left off with a whole new set of topics. Written with Scott Kelby's dry sense of humor, the book explains how to use a flash, improve shots using the standard flash that comes with the camera, how to set up a digital photography studio, and how to get great shots. For example, if you want to learn how to take macro shots of a flower, rather than explaining depth of field and apertures, Kelby tells you the settings you need to adjust on your camera to get the shot; this is when to use that flower mode button on point-and-shoot cameras. This step-by-step formula is repeated in the section on how to take great travel photos "it won't be long before you friends are overcome with emotion (jealousy)," portraits, landscapes, macro shots and even how to shoot a wedding. However, once you've read that section, you might be more inclined to tell Cousin Jennifer that your camera is broken when asked to shoot her wedding. In addition, there are tips on using your camera's features to get better shots, and, like Volume 1, recipes for getting a particular shot. Each page shows a photo of a scene or the camera and a short explanation of how to achieve the desired shot. The book is written as if Kelby is standing next you giving you how-to tips.
   
   Kelby is a professional photographer, designer, and podcast star. Volume 1 is the best selling digital photography book of all time. However, most digital photographers know Kelby for his work with Adobe Photoshop users. He teaches on-line photography and Photoshop classes, and he participates in photo walks and teaches at photo workshops in locations like Yosemite and Santa Fe, New Mexico. He has an on-line blog and asked his loyal readers how to convince people to read the introduction to his book. He incorporated their suggestions and rewrote chapter 1 just prior to the book's publication.
   
   The Digital Photography Book Volume 2 by Scott Kelby is an entertaining read for those for whom photography is a serious hobby or for wanna-be pros. It is well-written with easy-to-understand instructions. You can literally open the book to a particular page, grab your camera and go shoot a great scene. A word of warning, though, if you think all you need is a digital camera, a memory card and this book to achieve professional results! You will soon learn that to get the "good" shots like the pros, you need more camera accessories - like an external flash, remote shutter control, polarizing filter, a flash screen and of course, a tripod... and I could go on. Scott Kelby gives away the pro's secrets. With practice, an alarm clock (the best light is at dawn) and a few accessories, you can wow your friends and family with some amazing photographs. This book should be carried right alongside Volume 1 in your camera bag.



3. EVERYONE can learn something from this book. Easy to read and understand too. Buy it!



4. Great information and takes up from where Vol. One left off. SK did an awesome job in putting the reader next to him in casual conversation about the how to's in getting great shots.



5. Excellent book with excellent tips. Simply a must read and a keep to read again later. Anyone can get something out of this book. Great photography tips. A must read.