Customer Reviews

David Busch's Digital Infrared Pro Secrets

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Actually, as the author points out in several places in this book, digital infrared photography is exclusively near infrared (NIR)photography, and should not be confused with heat/thermal photography, which, as Busch says, is something else entirely.

Indeed, the technical accuracy and depth of coverage are one of the strengths of this book. It explains the process of IR photography in enough detail that even those new to this type of shooting will be comfortable with the technical demands, which, after you've read the book, aren't that complicated at all.

There are two other aspects that I particularly enjoyed. First, unlike most other books in IR photography, this one doesn't deal exclusively with landscape photography. Instead, the author invites you to explore architectural photography, close-ups, even sports (!) and other varied subject matter. If you thought of IR photography as a quirky special effect, you'll discover that it's a genre of its own.

Second, the do-it-yourself parts of this book are commendable. The author shows you how to build an auxiliary viewfinder from parts salvaged from a single-use film camera, how to make your own IR filter on the cheap, and how to convert your own camera to full time infrared shooting. There are even step-by-step illustrated instructions for converting a popular camera model.

None of the other IR books I've read touch on all the topics found here. This is highly recommended.

As an advanced Infrared shooter, this book did not deliver enough advanced information. It also did not showcase much of the beauty that is possible with fine Infrared photography. BUT - if you are a beginner or intermediate practitioner, then I would say this is a great and highly recommended primer into a very sparsely documented subject. The information is clear and well documented.

I am about three-quarters through the book and find it very good. It is not an Advanced book on the subject but is the exact right gradient for me and takes you through the basics of the subject and you can build from there. I personally like the way he writes as he doesnt assume that you know it all already and then leave you with questions as has happened with other books on photography that I have read.

To be fair about this book, I need to mention that I am an Industrial/Scientific Photographer and I was looking for a little bit more technical information then what is generally presented in this book.

I did fined this book to have some good parts. That is, the parts of the book that deal with what is happening technically, I found to be somewhat interesting. But, over simplified for my needs. But, remember, I like technical things.

If you are looking for a book for getting started in Infrared Digital Photography for fun and not doing anything technical with the images, I think this would be a grate book for you. It takes you from what is IR radiation, how to modify your camera to work with IR radiation and then talks about how to artistically manipulate the images for a grate looking affect.

This book is great. The information provided will help anyone that is thinking about trying infrared photography. Digital cameras make the process so much easier without the hassle of trying to find a pro lab that will develop infrared film. This was a good purchase and I intend to get lots of use out of it.

Digital photography has made infrared photography a viable option, but I have not been able to find a book that covers this subject well. I was a bit disappointed that there was not more information given the price of this book. One can find more on the web for free. I had especially hoped for a bit more advanced material on post-processing, but it wasn't there. The photographs used to illustrate are also uninspired; there are much better to be seen on the web. So the right book has yet to be published, in my opinion.

The overwhelming majority of this book is devoted to photography basics. There are no pro secrets. Everything in this book is available on the Internet at a number of IR photography web sites. It's unlikely that a pro photographer would be clueless as to figuring out which filter sizes a specific lens requires (it's printed on the lens) or that a tripod is a must for long exposures. His section on post-processing is limited to telling the reader to purchase expensive Photoshop plug-ins. It gives the impression the author is a shill for the plug-in authors. Don't waste your money on this book.

I picked up this book after already being really interested in IR photography, or as David corrects, is near IR photography.

He shows you how you can convert your camera, but also recommends LifePixel for conversion, which I had done. He does not steer you wrong there with that suggestion. I do have some sample images on my blog at [...]

David gives you several ideas for dIR photography and more than just typical IR subjects as well. This is a definate keeper.

Overall: A horrifically bland, misleading, and poorly presented book!! The information was VERY basic in nature and the author either felt a need to cover non-IR related basics just for the heck-of-it or he needed fill. Either way this book was not even close to earning its title as virtually nothing written fell into the "Pro" catagory. Not by a long shot! In fact, looking at the photographs used in the book as reference and examples one would have to question this mans introductory biography highlights. The photographic work is terrible and only acts as a tell tale warning as to the quality of the writing. Wow, what a waste of a book and of my time! I read it page to page hoping that something was just around the next corner. Call me a glutton for punishment but I really wanted to believe that something was going to pop up and save the book.... I ended in dissapointment to say the least.

I am new to infared photography and this book has really helped me get a better understanding of what I need to do to get great pics. I have several other of David Buschs' books and have really enjoyed them. If you are just getting started in infared then this is the book for you.