Customer Reviews

Digital SLR Photography with Photoshop CS2 All-In-One For Dummies Reference For Dummies (For Dummies (Computers))

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In one way, the advent of digital cameras has made photography easier. No more running out of film; better exposure control; no changing film for sensitivity or light balance. But for the serious photographer, digital has also made life a little harder. One can just drop off one's capture card or a CD with pictures on it for printing but the serious photographer is now more likely to manipulate the digital image in a computer to squeeze the best out of it.

More and more photography books have recognized this by covering the digital photography process from capture to post processing, but until recently these total process books have been a little weak in discussing what happens in the computer. This book seems aimed at shifting the balance of instruction towards post-processing, while instructing on the entire process.

Like many of the books for people who mean to be serious about digital photography, Ames presumes the reader will be using a digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR). He starts out talking about the nature of DSLR's and then describes techniques for controlling exposure and using different focal length lenses. He talks about transferring the images from camera to computer, using a tripod, and even about cleaning the sensor on the DSLR. He then tells the reader what to do once you get the image into the computer, from Photoshop adjustments to output. The range of subjects is comprehensive.

There seems to be a fashion in what's emphasized in digital photography books. Ever since the publication of "The DAM Book" by Peter Krough, there's a lot more talk about naming, sorting and archiving files, and this book is no exception. There is even an explanation of cataloging using Extensis Portfolio as a tool, and I must confess that even though I've used that software for several years to keep track of my images, I learned something new from Ames.

The book claims to be five stand-alone books in one but that seems a marketing ploy. In fact, one of the strong points is the integration of the different processes throughout the book.

Despite these good features there were several areas in the book that I found wanting. For example, in the discussion of camera exposure there was no discussion of the use of histograms or "blinkies" to control exposure.

When it comes to using Photoshop, there are often several different ways to accomplish a task. However Ames approach is certainly idiosyncratic. For example, his approach to adjusting tonality in Photoshop (which is the only image adjustment program he describes) recommends relying upon setting neutral highlights using the color channels of Levels as a first step in a Photoshop workflow. My practice and that recommended by most experts is to start the Photoshop workflow by adjusting RGB levels.

Ames devotes no attention to selections or sharpening, but has excellent instruction on the use of layer masks to accomplish tasks.

Ames spends an inordinate amount of time recommending the use of nik Color Efex Pro, a plug-in whose use seems out of place in a general digital photography book.

The book contains a number of exercises involving the use of images that one must download from the author's website. The registration requirements for the site seem to require undue disclosure of information about the registrant, and seem more complex than necessary.

I feel ambivalent about this book. For most people, this is not the first book I would recommend to learn digital photography, although I don't know of any one book that is as comprehensive. (Of course it may be that comprehensiveness is not what one should be looking for.) Many people might find another "For Dummies" book, "Digital SLR Cameras & Photography for Dummies" by David D. Busch, a more useful introduction. Individuals interested in a more traditional introduction to Photoshop will find Tim Grey's "Photoshop CS2 Workflow" helpful. People interested in using the Adobe Camera Raw function of Photoshop won't find a better book than Rob Sheppard's "Adobe Camera Raw for Digital Photographers Only".

Still, for the new DSLR user, who has read one of the more traditional books, this book may prove useful.

For those not fortunate enough to attend one of Kevin Ames' workshops, as I recently did, this "Dummies" book is the next best thing. Whether you are a beginner to digital photography or a practicing professional, Digital SLR Photography with Photoshop by Kevin Ames is a valuable addition to your "toolbox."

Ames is that rare combination of artist and teacher, and this book is one of the most comprehensive, clearest and easiest to follow "how to" books that I have come across.

I've been a photography hobbyist for more than fifty years and the early chapters on fundamentals were still a worthwhile refresher. As a serious amateur my pictures are important to me, so I found Ames' unique approach to non-destructive image processing, disciplined file organization and foolproof archiving to be extremely valuable and essential information.

What a wonderful book! Turns out the book goes above and beyond the great description that I read. I'm very happy with my purchase and will purchase 30 more for my photography students! It really breaks down a complicated hobby into easy and understandable information.

Although not new to digital photography I have found this book reveals many aspects of the subject which in many other books are frequently not explained fully enough to totally grasp the concepts or are explained in such detail that one has to fathom what it's all about.

Explanations are clearly detailed on how to optimize such subjects as exposure, balancing white point, controlling color, archiving images and numerous others aspects of digital photography.

Kevin gives readers the opportunity of trying a number of exercises relating to the contents of the book and even offers images which can be down loaded from his web site.

This book is well illustrated with explicit explanations and the setting out of topics makes for easy understanding. A book well worth reading for both the enthusiast and experienced photographer.

After much thought and reluctance I finally have made the transition from film to digital and purchased a DSLR. I needed a book to help me make the transition and decided on Kevin Ames' book. A very fortuitous choice on my part indeed. He writes in a fashion that is interesting, informative, to the point and most importantly easy to understand. As a result of using the book as a guide I have enjoyed the digital transition thoroughly and have come to realize I have made the right decision.
What impressed me the most was when I had a problem registering for downloads from his website and I emailed him. I was expecting an email in return. Got not an email but a personal phone call from Kevin to help me with the problem!! Kevin was extremely helpful. He not only took the time to solve the original problem but gave some very good advice on other issues as well. His enthusiasm for photography and willingness to share with others his knowledge and expertise is evident in the book and was borne out by a personal phone call from him. I am very impressed. Buy the book, you will not be disappointed.

I have enjoyed this book which provides a good blend of 'understanding your camera' with 'how to work magic with it' in CS2. I have recommended the book to others; especially those confused with all the camera and CS2 technologies. I refuse to lend it as I'm afraid I won't get it back.