Beyond Snapshots: How to Take That Fancy DSLR Camera Off "Auto" and Photograph Your Life like a Pro [Paperback]

Rachel Devine (Author), Peta Mazey (Author)

Book Description

Release date: March 20, 2012

Ready to Capture Your Story with Beautiful Photos?
 
Let professional photographers Rachel Devine and Peta Mazey show you how to use that fancy DSLR to photograph the story of your life, from falling in love and having a baby, to the everyday moments that are no less precious. You’ll learn:
 


   • Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them
   • How to take portraits of your children, friends, pets—even yourself
   • How to capture light to make your photos more dramatic
   • How to make colors pop, eyes sparkle, and skin tones more realistic
   • How to capture the uniqueness and wonder of your family, friends, and world
 
After all, why trust your memories to regular snapshots when with just a little knowledge, you can create beautiful photographs?
 
Be inspired to see the beauty around you, every day.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rachel Devine is a professional children’s and lifestyle photographer, award-winning blogger, and superstar on Flickr, where her photos have earned more than ten millionviews. Her images have appeared in publications such as People, Parenting, Popular Photography, and the book Photojojo. Clients include General Mills, Fox Studios, phil&teds, and Target. While you will often find Rachel traveling the world with her camera and family in tow, she calls Melbourne, Australia, home. Visit Rachel at www.racheldevine.com.
 
Peta Mazey counts herself lucky to have a job that takes her around the world shooting photographs and meeting awesome people. When she’s not roaming the globe, she calls Wellington, New Zealand, home, where she lives with her family and the cutest little dog around, Ruby. She takes photos of adorable kids and happy families and shoots campaigns for commercial and editorial clients, including Bobux International, Cherry on Top, and Free Range Baby. Her photos have appeared in My Child, Studio Bambini, and Oh Baby magazines, and the blog Style Me Pretty. You can find her work on Flickr, her Facebook fanpage, and at www.petamazey.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Amphoto Books; Original edition (March 20, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0817435808
• ISBN-13: 978-0817435806
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 0.8 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,404 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > Children
  • #6 in Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > Portraits
  • #12 in Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > Equipment, Techniques & Reference > Reference

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Picture Is Worth 1000 Words March 21, 2012

By booklover30

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book shows in vivid color, in easy to understand narrative, and in detailed technical labels on each photo, exactly what you need to know to get the same types of effects I've admired in Rachel Devine and Peta Mazey's photography since discovering them on Flickr years ago. Just received the book today, and already finally understand what is meant by "framing the subject in a doorway" in shade, while standing in the sun to take the photo, because the book includes the portrait taken, along with a behind the scenes photo of Rachel taking it. As a visual learner, I will always see this image in my mind when approaching this scenario, while just reading the words wouldn't have done it! Yay! Lots of examples of many techniques, set forth in a compelling page-turner! Superb read, and reference for anyone wanting to take their photography to the next level!

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't bear to give it away! May 14, 2012

By Kelsey

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I am a photographer and I purchased Beyond Snapshots as a gift for my sister in law to help her learn a little bit more about her camera. However, once I got it in my hands and started to read it myself I knew I was going to have to keep it! Rachel and Peta take the most gorgeous, light-filled, and FUN photographs and they let you in on so many amazing tips and tricks (including, of course, all of the basics, too) to help you take amazing photos yourself. Seriously, I couldn't believe how much insightful information the book contained! If you are looking to get more creative and take better photographs of kids, loved ones, family, friends, dogs, whatever - this is the book you want. You won't regret it!

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great resource March 22, 2012

By Liberty

Format:Paperback

Like many other photography technique books, the first section of the book contains the technical aspects of good photography; ISO, aperture, shutter speed, composition, etc. While others might just give you the technical details of a particular photo, this book stands out by taking the reader through the thought process of making each of those decisions. Why each setting was chosen and how it contributes to the overall effect. I found that extremely valuable in helping it all finally "click" for me. Also valuable were the pictures that show how a shot was set up, alongside the finished photo. After reading that section I immediately got out my camera and spent some time learning how to change each of the settings.

The second section of the book focuses on capturing moments in life, both the large ones and the small ones. The pictures are beautiful and inspiring and really challenge the reader to look around and see the beauty in life and capture it in an image. People who are frustrated that their pictures don't come out the way they want, and people who want to take their photography to the next level will all find something of value to take away from this book.