The Betterphoto Guide to Digital Photography (Amphoto Guide Series) by Jim Miotke Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $13.15 You Save: $11.80 (47%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $12.69 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Betterphoto Guide to Digital Photography (Amphoto Guide Series)
Book Review: A MUST-READ FOR BEGINNERS !
Summary: 5 Stars
If you've been thinking about digital photography as a hobby, but aren't quite sure where to begin, then this is the book for you! Even if you don't have the camera yet(such as myself) and you're not sure if taking that leap into serious photography is the thing for you, then you can be rest assured that this book will help de-mystify the wonderful world of digital photography.
This book is, for the most part, for those thinking about or just starting to delve into photography as a hobby, be it casual or more serious. It is not a highy technical book that makes you shy away from all that camera jargon, but it does explain everything in easy-to-understand detail . It teaches you how to take photos the right way, so you don't have to spend all your time "doctoring" up your photos on the computer. It is, in the most pleasing form, an informative book that teaches you everything you do need to know about photography without talking down to you nor assuming you already know a lot. A perfect balance of information that is very easy to grasp.
Jim Miotke starts from the beginning, from getting to know your camera to all the basics such as exposure, lighting, and composition. He doesn't just tell you how to take great photos, but actually explains why some photos don't work and what comprises great shots. All the topics are accompanied by photographs to help the reader understand what is being taught. Each and every picture has a purpose and is essential in getting his explanations and points across.
What really impresses me are all the tips and side notes that are throughout the book. It's a perfect blend of enough text and information along with these great tidbits of info that will keep you reading and reading(You may find yourself reading the entire book in only a few sittings!)
Another plus are his "assignments" he has in each chapter. These are practical things that you can actually go out and do to put to test what you just read and learned. He understands that just reading about something doesn't quite make an impact as actually doing it.
In summary, there is a lot to be learned from this book for beginners or soon-to-be beginners. This is a very easy book to get caught up in, and is sure to be a great reference book. It will inspire and encourage you. It shows that with enough passion, patience, and know-how that great shots are not beyond the reach of us beginners and novices.
(For those who are interested in nature photography, you have to get Jim's other book, The BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Nature Photography . Written in the same style, it's the perfect companion book, focusing more on landscape, wildlife, and macro photography, also available here on Amazon)
Book Review: Just what I was looking for
Summary: 5 Stars
Two Points:
1. Excellent book for those who have just bought a digital SLR and want to know how to use it. The author doesn't patronize or irritate. It's simply, here's how I shoot, this is the result, this is how you can do it too.
2. The author lives in Seattle close to me, so some of his examples are places that I'm going. For me, this book is like the ultimate field guide to the subjects and lighting I come across all the time.
Book Review: An Excellent Basic Text
Summary: 5 Stars
I am an advanced amature who holds a degree in photography and I was looking for a book to use as a basic text for an introduction to photography class that I wanted to teach. I looked at several dozen and I settled on The Betterphoto Guide to Digital Photography. This is an easy to read, reasonably organized book with exemplar photographs to assist in illustrating the author's topics. For my purposes I wanted a supplimental text that the student could use to help understand basic concepts (exposure, depth of field, shutter speed/motion relationships, with some discussion of the digital aspects of photography such as file types and white balancing)
Any reviewer can find some error, missing information or other criticism of even the best books. When I read reviews, I am interested in the reader's objective for reading the book, because this puts the review in perspective. From the perspective of introducing novice photographers and first time digital users to basic elements of photography, this is about the best I could find that matched my style of teaching.
I found particularly useful the tips and personal assignments scattered throughout the book to encourage experimentation (a very useful learning tool). A small but useful glossery of photographic terms and questions first time digital camera buyers should ask are additional benefits of this book.
My final input comes from my observations of my students. At breaks I found many of them reading the book and refering to the sections as they followed along in the class. I had enthusiastic reports from students that they found the chapters easy to read and they were also quick reading. I incude a text evaluaton question in my class evaluation and the overwelming response was that they found this book very helpful to learn concepts that they had never been introduced to. The book dovetails well with basic class instruction and field assignments.
For the beginner, looking for an easy to follow, simple introduction to the concepts of basic photography, this is a good book. I am very happy I decided on The Betterphoto Guide to Digital Photography for my class.
Book Review: My Vote For This Book
Summary: 5 Stars
Like many other reviewers that have commented on this book ..... I also purchased Scott Kelby's book (vol.2). I think that this book wins hands down between the two excellent books.
I have been interested in photography for many years, but I just recently purchased a higher-end DSLR camera. Thus, I enjoyed the content of both books. I really enjoy the simplicity of this book. This book utilizes very effective teaching tools that result in the readers quickly learning new techniques and methods of achieving better results.
There really should be no debate.... Both books are excellent learning tools. Enjoy,
DPerez
Book Review: Digital Photograpy
Summary: 5 Stars
One of the very best books I have read regarding Digital Photography. Ben Long is an expert in his field and is a very good communicator of his acquired knowledge. I have learned many good points from reading his book.I am not a professional photographer but I like knowing how to take great photographs. I am taking a college course in photography and this book is an excellent companion to the concepts being taught.