Basic Scanning Guide: For Photographers and Other Creative Types [Paperback]

Rob Sheppard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2000

Designed to help photographers understand how a scanner works and how best to use one, this book offers advice on what to look for when purchasing a scanner and tips on achieving high-quality results. Covering the basic terminology of scanning, this book also discusses various types of scanners and what additional equipment is needed to set up a scanner at home. The basics of scanning are explained, from preparing images to selecting the resolution to using a preview scan. The differences between image formats (TIFF, JPEG, and EPS) are discussed. Also included is information on manipulating scanned images and displaying them on the Web or in print.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rob Sheppard is Editor of PC Photo and Outdoor Photographer magazines. He has worked as a naturalist, a photojournalist, a commercial photographer and a video producer. His photographs have appeared in everything from annual reports of Fortune 500 companies to national magazines.

Product Details

• Paperback: 150 pages
• Publisher: Amherst Media, Inc. (December 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584280395
• ISBN-13: 978-1584280392
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,870,646 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Rob Sheppard is a naturalist, nature photographer and videographer who says his favorite location is the one he is in at any time. He is the author/photographer of over 30 books, as well as a well-known speaker and workshop leader. He was the long-time editor of the prestigious Outdoor Photographer magazine and helped start PCPhoto (Digital Photo). Presently he is editor-at-large for Outdoor Photographer. He does workshops around the country for all levels of photographers.

As author/photographer, Sheppard has written hundreds of articles about photography and nature, plus books including the Magic of Digital Landscape Photography, The Magic of Digital Nature Photography, the Digital Photographer's Complete Guide to Shooting HD Video, Top Tips Simplified: Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 and the National Geographic Field Guide to Digital Photography.

His website is at www.robsheppardphoto.com; his blog is at www.natureandphotography.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars If you've never used a computer, buy this book, February 15, 2001

By 

R. Sandridge - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Basic Scanning Guide: For Photographers and Other Creative Types (Paperback)

I bought this book after seeing it recommended in Outdoor Photographer magazine. I didn't notice at the time the conflict of interest (the auther of the book, Rob Sheppard, is the editor of Outdoor Photography). I would only recommend this book to someone who has never used computers before (perhaps that is what the subtitle of the book was trying to hint at, "For Photographers and Other Creative Types").

For a suggested retail of $17.95US, you get 188 paragraphs (not pages). Many of the paragraphs are repeated many times, for example paragraphs 67, 76, 88, and 100 all have almost identical text reminding the reader to pay attention to where the scanned image is being saved. Paragraphs 68, 77, 89, and 101 all have almost identical text telling the reader to start the scan and throw it away and start over again if it doesn't come out as desired. And there are more examples of this.

I think that most people who buy scanners will only find at most 20 paragraphs in this book usefull, and it can all be found for free online.

I was hoping for a book that discussed color management and workflows. A book that described in detail all of the common controls that most scanners have such as gain, color, histigram, focus, more discussion on resolutions (there is some), etc.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Basics for Beginners, January 15, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Basic Scanning Guide: For Photographers and Other Creative Types (Paperback)

This is just the kind of book that I needed. I've been photographing for a long time with 35mm camera, and have considered going digital. But, this book has helped me understand how a scanner works, and shows me how I can get great quality scanning my 35 mm prints and slides. The step by step photos and simple explanations are very helpful.I think that the book is a little overpriced for only 96 pages, which is why I rate it 4 stars.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Out of date, September 11, 2008

By 

Robert J. Deffeyes "Amateur photographer" (Georgetown, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Basic Scanning Guide: For Photographers and Other Creative Types (Paperback)

This is a well written book, as are all of Rob Sheppard's books. However, scanning has changed a LOT since the book was written. So, I would class this as a great reference, but not up with the current technology.