The Digital Photography Book

First, I will admit up front that I'm a fan of Scott Kelby and own all three prior "Digital Photography" books 1-3 as well as more than my fair share of photography books in general. Several dozen at least with dozens more that weren't sufficient to rate as "keepers". Now, having said that, I actually was disappointed with the third volume in the set as it seemed redundant. Whereas 1 and 2 provided terrific basic information and seemeed to build up on it, the 3rd rehashed more than anything else. I'm thrilled to say that is NOT the case with this version (Part 4). If you are just getting started with digital photography, there is no better place to begin than the first books in this series and when I originally purchased them, that was exactly my situation. I had owned a nice camera years and years ago but hadn't made the transition to digital. It's now been several years and my skills - as well as the digital camera's - have grown considerably over the years. This book meets that need with ooodles of fun, exciting and interesting techniques that take an average photographer to the next level. I'm by no means a pro or anywhere near it but have improved enough that people are now commenting or even asking for photo's now and then. Still, I lack the bag of tricks to really make a shot stand out. This book gives great short, concise tips on how to achieve those nifty shots without all the confusion. For example, want to know how to get three or so images of the same person in one shot? IT's on page 7. Using Hot Shoe - ohhhhh THANK YOU! I've bought other books that seemed more like a course in terminology...this breaks it down into short, simple tips. Ditto for white balancing, star and light trails plus much more. The recipe section is superb but most importantly, this book answers many of the questions I have as someone who has gone beyond the absolute basics but is still far from pro. Over the last few years I've added several len options but always debate which is my best "walk around" option...it's in here! Why jpeg looks better than RAW - it's in here too. It's like Kelby walked around following me for the past several months and made a list of all my personal mistakes - then put them into a nice, easy to read, example filled volume. Without a doubt, this is my absolutely FAVORITE Of all 4 volumes and a def "keeper". Perfect timing for the spring season and can't wait to get out there and try out a few new tricks. GREAT book! However, if you are an absolute beginner, start with the earlier books in the set and go from there.

This is book 4 in the series and, just like the other books in this 5-part series (I own the full 5-part series in print) from Scott Kelby, this presents photos, with the detailed methods and equipment used to produce the final shot, which works wonderfully for teaching new photogs, as well as serves as inspiration to more experienced shooters. I have been a professional photographer, both as a news photojournalist and as a crime scene photographer, then later as a wedding and portrait photographer, for almost 30 years. These books by Scott Kelby, although written for beginner photogs, up to intermediate level shooters, should really be in every photographer's library. I, myself, keep these in my library, alongside other inspirational photobooks from well-known and not-so-well-known photographers throughout the decades and in different genres because, honestly, even I get into ruts where it seems like I've already shot everything under the sun and stars. When I do get into a rut, I reach for whatever book calls out to me, including these Kelby books, to peruse the pages and allow them to spark something within me that kicks me out of my seat to grab my camera gear and head out, good weather or bad, day or night, whatever the situation. Since the COVID lockdowns, I have gone back over many of the books in my library and flipped through the pages (traditional books and digital), getting rid of some and adding others, but Kelby's books are permanent residents in my library. Yes, they are that valuable. I have only loaned them out once, to my niece as she was starting her photography journey just prior to the lockdowns, and she loved them so much that she ordered them on Kindle. Scott Kelby is a wonderful teacher and his work inspirational.

Are you a pro, just getting started, or somewhere in between? I hear a lot of experienced photographers complain that Scott Kelby books are too simplistic and repetitive. I completely disagree. Scott Kelby does an excellent job at making the complex very simple and his style of writing is entertaining and engaging. It is true that 10% to 20% of the book has nothing to do with photography, but that is exactly what makes it an easy read. The humorous chapter breaks that Scott Kelby has become known for in his books provides for a nice break between the "good stuff". That said, as an experienced photographer there was not a lot for me to take away and use in the field. I knew that is what I would get going in to a Scott Kelby book. Still, I recommend Scott Kelby to every new and inspiring photographer that I meet. His books are an easy read, entertaining, and packed full of good, easy to understand information for the inspiring photographer.

To be honest, I was afraid that Scott Kelby would come out with a crappy book because he can - it would've sold well, anyway. Thankfully, that's not the case - this book is as good as, if not better than other books in the same "The Digital Photography" series. Phew! ******************************************************************************************************************************** P.S. Please remember to actually go out and practice the book's tips and techniques - they don't magically travel from your bookshelf into your mind and camera at night while you are sleeping! P.P.S. Here is abbreviated Table of Contents for this book: Chapter One. Shooting People Like a Pro: Yet Even More Tips to Make People Look Their Very Best Chapter Two. Using Hot Shoe Flash Like a Pro, Part 3: Picking Right Up Where the Last Book Left Off Chapter Three. More Tips on Using Your Studio Like a Pro: In Volume 3, We Took It Up a Notch. Now, Let's Do It Again! Chapter Four. More Tips on Lenses: Going Way Beyond Which Lens to Use Chapter Five. Pro Tips for Shooting in Natural Light: How to Take Advantage of the Most Beautiful Light on Earth Chapter Six. Shooting Landscape Photos Like a Pro: Yet Even More Tips for Creating Stunning Scenic Images Chapter Seven. Pro Tips for Shooting Travel Photos: How to Come Back with Images You're Really Proud Of Chapter Eight. Shooting Sports Like a Pro: How to Get Professional Results from Your Next Sports Shoot Chapter Nine. Shooting HDR Like a Pro: How to Shoot and Process HDR Images Chapter Ten. Pro Tips for Shooting DSLR Video: How to Get the Most Out of Your Built-In Video Capabilities Chapter Eleven. Pro Tips for Getting Better Photos: More Tricks of the Trade for Making Your Shots Look Better Chapter Twelve. Yet Even More Photo Recipes to Help You "Get the Shot": The Simple Ingredients to Make It All Come Together

My recommendation: If you own a DSLR and want to improve your photographic technique and produce better pictures then you should buy this book (Part 4), even if you have Volume 1. I'm an amateur photographer and this book contains information on how I can improve travel photos (be ready at sunrise and sunset, which I knew from experience and from reading his other books), improve pictures of people (don't cut off their legs below the knees and elbows), and suggestions on landscapes (use a wide angle lens and get up close to capture something interesting in the foreground). For group shots get on a step ladder so that you can see all the faces and for head and shoulder shots, use a long lens (say 200mm) to get blurry backrounds and complementary facial proportions. These are just some of the recommendations the book contains that amateurs can use. For professionals there are lighting hints and methods for handling people that will produce better pictures. This book is written in the usual Scott Kelby style. Each chaper has a beginning page with Scott's humor which some may find tiring but is certainly clever. The rest of the chapter has suggestions usually one on a page with a color picture or pictures illustrating the point. The writing style is casual with the emphasis on DSLR photography since he discusses properties of different lenses. But even point and shoot camera users can learn something about technique and using different angles to improve their pictures. There is a reason that Scott Kelby has written so many books on photography: They are extremely helpful and direct. Now if only he could get his humor under control...

This is another stepping stone in the road to learning about digital photography. It has pages and pages of words that when joined together form sentences. The photographes while tasteful still border on boring, but informative without even coming close to being ubsurd. you find useful number at the bottom of each page that will help you know where you are. These number are know as "page Numbers" It helps to start at the number "1" page and go to "2" then "3" and so on....not "2" then 99 and 88 as one tends to do.. The cover is made of a laminated paper that while tough it is not bullet proof it will not en stop a .22LR at 10' I tried and trust me I am glad I didn't have mom hold it while I tried this. If you are a cop or prison guard It can help you in your job. just hold it against the skin of the criminal that you are hitting and it will protect your hand while leaving no bruises on your prisoner. I give this novelle two broken thumbs up!

Several years ago I wrote a review on Scott's Digital Photography Book, Volume 3. I gave it a 3 star rating and spoke as to how disappointed I was. I decided to buy Part 4 based on my experience with Volumes 1 and 2(Okay, naming is a little weird.. Volume vs. Part). I have to say, we're back on track. Again, a great educational tool full of many different tips. His writing style is and always has been very easy to read. The book isn't about amazing images, but the images he uses sum up the points he is making in the book. One could say he's "Name dropping" a little. But, I took at as Scott properly crediting some of the greatest photographers out there with many incredibly useful tips. As with all of these books, there may be pages that don't pertain to you. But, everyone from a novice to a seasoned photographer will learn something from this book. Highly recommended.

This is the fourth Scott Kelby book I have and I whole heartedly recommend his books to anyone wanting to learn the "fun" things their digital camera can do. He is easy to understand, gives great reviews and advice. I like how he gives his information and then will give an added comment at the bottom of the section that will make that shot or suggestion easier. I also like that he explains how to get the shot but also shows examples and gives details of the setttings of the shots. I have a hard time following the more technical manuals, but his have the right amount of tech explained in a way that can be understood and followed.

A must have just like every other Digital Photography book by the same author. I've read dozens of photography books and learned more from Scott Kelby than every other author combined. What I like about his books is that there's something for every level of photographer. Kelby has a knack for explaining things clearly in very little words. This particular trait of his is unmatched. The photography accompanying the information is convincing. The bottom line is that he will help you make better more engaging pictures.

写真の編集にはぴったりデス！どんどん活用して思いで作り・・・

Scott puts the techniques he has learned over years as a professional photographer clearly and easy to read.His humorous writing leaves you with a smile as you read on.It's like being given a masterclass by a good friend.I recommend any of Scott Kelbys' books.Brilliant,easy to read and great ideas remembered easily too.

The book is one among a serie of 4 books The author takes you through various trips and tricks and also sound fundamentals to put you on the track to professional photography. The unique methodology of instruction consists of one page for a new idea with all the information to achieve good results. Good for enthusiasts and semi-professionals.

Wie die anderen 3 Teile ist auch Part 4 gelungen. Wie immer bei SK ist es locker geschrieben, auch Technisches leicht verständlich erklärt. Allerdings drängt sich langsam der Eindruck auf, dass mittlerweile sämtliche Tipps verraten sind und sich nur mühsam Neues für ein Buch finden lässt. Irgendwie hat man vieles schon mal gehört oder gelesen. Doch letztlich ist auch Band 4 wieder gefüllt mit leicht nachvollziehbarem Wissen und vielen Tricks aus der Praxis. Am Ende ist ja dann doch der eine Tipp, der einem das Leben um so vieles leichter macht oder ein Problem löst, dass man ohne dieses Buch seit Jahren nicht lösen bzw. verstehen konnte - und dann hat sich der Preis wie immer mehr als gelohnt.