Customer Reviews

Digital Photo Art: Transform Your Images with Traditional & Contemporary Art Techniques

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

In summary, this is a very insightful book, which works well on several different levels. First, it is clearly intended to be inspirational - to draw its readers into new avenues of image making and creativity. In this respect the book is wonderful, since it not only contains many intriguing and appealing images (and sets of ideas) worked through by the author herself, but also showcases work from other artists (many of whom have established high and worthy reputations in their own right). It's a digital visual feast! Secondly, the book is also intended to be instructional; to deal - essentially - with artist toolkit issues and specific project guidelines. Here the biggest depth of detail is centered on what will likely be the most unconventional of approaches to the majority of readers. For example, more information is provided on alternative physical media involved in many of the projects and categories of work - covering "non-standard" print media, materials for image transfers, pencils, fixatives, paints (including encaustic forms), etc. Photographic technique and imaging software procedures are covered less comprehensively (in any event, and despite the comments of an earlier reviewer, this is not a book about Photoshop expertise). Finally, the book is also a little bit of a memoir. The author describes herself as an image maker rather than a photographer; but, nevertheless, she includes little pieces of information on the context of the original photography - what she was trying simply to record in that place on that day. So, altogether, a splendid book - highly recommended.

Contrary to the previous review, I don't find Ms.Airey that proficient in Photoshop. Much of her artistic successes come from "Happy Surprises" in experimenting with various software and hardware. Which brings me to my next point. Be prepared to spend $1,000+ on such things as Nik Color Effects, AutoFX Photographic Edges, Wacom tablets and last but not least Studio Artist, which is only made for a Mac. So you'll need a Mac too if you want to try any of her "experiments". Nearly half the book is devoted to "Studio Artist" Inserts written by her compatriate artists use photoshop more than Ms. Airey. Some of her techniques are "way out there". I may as well bought a book written by Rembrandt on "How to Paint Pictures"

Ms. Airey says that she isn't an artist but an image maker. She has definitely made the switch to digital photography, and is a master at Photoshop. But she goes far beyond this. She sometimes uses traditional art techniques to take the basic photographic digital prints to a new level of creative expression. For instance she may decide to color the image herself using traditional paints and a brush. Perhaps she prints the image on canvas and uses this only as an outline for the painting she wants to do. Perhaps she wants an old fashioned appearance, complete with aging caused discoloration or a sepia tone.

There are a lot of books on using Photoshop to produce special effects. And what you can do with Photoshop is truly amazing. But what you can do with some special attachments such as infrared filters is far more.

This book adds an entirely new dimension because when you get right down to it, the whole world doesn't have to be handled digitally.

There's almost no one in the world of graphics or photography who wouldn't benefit from this book.

It's up-to-date, innovative and of a high standard both in its content and its production. Plenty of large colorful images and enlightening text make for a comprehensive journey through much of what's possible in the digital image world today.

This is a fabulous, creative treasure chest!!!! She gives step by step instruction for each of her works. Each one turns out uniquely different from the original photos. They become one of a kind art pieces. She lists all of the products she uses, the vendors & what each product does in detail. Artwork by other digital artists are sprinkled through as well. It's a great resource that generates inspiration & creativity!

I have been a photographer for 50 years, and a Photoshop user for 15. I read several reviews before purchasing this book. I noted negative some opinion that claimed this book was inferior because it was not a great Photoshop book. I have to take exception to this. reading this book inspired me to push myself beyond the confines of "Photoshopping" images.

There is so much more to photography as an artistic medium, than simply cleaning and perfecting an image, and then printing it on white paper.

This is a great book. I have used this book for a couple of years now and was surprised at a few of the comments of other reviewers.

For the reviewer that said there was some Photoshop in it, but was disappointed that it wasn't an in-depth how-to Photoshop book: Yes, it is fine art oriented, not a Photoshop class. Some Photoshop techniques related to fine art are explained well and clearly so you can use them without difficulty. The book uses Photoshop tools well, but it isn't a Photoshop book.

For the reviewer that said it was dated: In spite of it being published a few years ago, almost everything in the book is still up-to-date, with the exception of some references to Studio Artist. If you want completely up-to-date, get Airey's Beginner's Guide to Digital Photo Art. Don't be fooled if you are not a beginner -- this book is still for you. The techniques are clearly explained, so a beginner can follow it well -- but the techniques explained are wonderful things that an experienced fine art photographer will enjoy thoroughly. I believe it works well WITH this book, but if I had to get only one, it would be Beginner's Guide.

This form of book concept has a high potential for today's amateur artist. I'm glad I bought it because it does contain a lot of useful information. However, I will buy a few more books to complete my "schooling" in marrying digital to traditional art. I found this book offers only a small amount to that concept. Here's what I found.

Cons...

i. [deleted, now listed as a pro, as point #5 - see update below]

ii. The book lacks step by step details on how to do certain things. If you don't know how to do it, your left guessing or going on the internet to figure it out.

iii. Way, way too much filler (repetition, photo fillers, white space etc...)

iv. The author spends way too much time on things that really do not matter and are not helpful.

v. The overall format of the book is good, but it does get disorganized here & there.

vi. Not enough follow through on why facts are presented: you get a simple "data dump" in some cases.

Pros...

i. The author has an exceptional knowledge of paper variety. Before reading this book, I knew business grade white Xerox paper & bond...

ii. The author does present some very good ideas of converging digital to traditional art.

iii. The price for the book is cheap for the info you get from it. If it saves you an hour or teaches you a technique that you use, the book has more then paid for itself.

iv. It is a high quality book (paperback, but nicely printed).

v. [update 6/7/2010 - I recently tried some of the software the author writes about (downloaded via trial versions on the web). Nik software is actually superb and I would now list the author's recommendations as a plus. This was once listed as a con point #1].

Digital Photo Art: Transform Your Images with Traditional & Contemporary Art Techniques

I loved this book, and although I am not a traditional or professional photographer, it gave me a ton of ideas of how to improve my photography skills as well as what to do with the photos as far as effects and printing methods.

I would say that one thing to know about this book is that it is really geared toward serious photographers as far as equipment goes. The author talks about filters and lenses and if you are like me and have a cheap point and shoot digital camera, and don't plan on camera equipment upgrades, it is meaningless.

Don't let that discourage you however, the images were inspiring, the printmaking techniques intriguing and the software manipulation ideas really fun! I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Photo Art.

I was not impressed. It seamed old, outdated, and the art was basic at best. I would say keep looking there are MUCH better books on Amazon about the subject.