Customer Reviews

Get the Picture You Want: Essential Digital Photography Techniques

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I'm a long-time digital camera user who is taking the hobby more seriously now. I was expecting (and hoping!) for different techniques for shooting digital photographs in various situations. What I got was a book that gives me "advice" like keep an extra set of charged batteries on hand, carry extra memory cards, use a tripod, etc. All valid, worthwhile advise but not the kind I was expecting from this book.

If you're new to digital cameras this might be the book for you. However, if you're trying to learn how to take better pictures with your digital camera I'd suggest something else.

Get The Picture You Want (Essential Digital Photography Techniques) was written for photographers who want to get more out of their digital camera and take better photographs. The audience level is for the beginning photographer. Note: The back of the book states that the audience level is also for Intermediate photographers. Intermediate digital photographers should already be familiar with most or perhaps even all of the topics/content covered in this book.

The full color pages contains clear photographs and screen captures with subtitles and descriptions. Visually the book is well written and easy to read. The book flows smoothly from one topic to the next and is a fast read (about 3 hours).

The book is divided into 11 chapters over four main parts.

Part 1 covers: Digital Photography and Camera Basics, Camera Accessories and Add-ons, Camera Care. This section is best suited for people who have not bought a digital camera yet. After reading this part you will have the necessary knowledge to buy the digital camera (and accessories) that is best for your needs and desires. Intermediate digital photographers may want to consider just scanning or skipping this section.

Part 2 covers: Shooting Techniques (People, Portraits, Pets), Speciality and Outdoor Shots, Improving Image Quality While Shooting, Technical Information. It is this section that greatly increases the value of the book. Just about every area of taking digital pictures in different settings and situations is covered (although perhaps somewhat briefly). After reading this part you will take better pictures by applying the shooting tips and techniques covered.

Part 3 covers: Storage and Output Options (Organizing and Archiving Your Images, Output Options), This part is a good summary of what to do with your digital photos/files after shooting. The section on prepping images for the web (Ebay) was
useful.

Part 4 covers: Turning Your Digital Images Into Tangible Pictures (Image Preparation, Paper Options, Printers, and Printing Methods). This part describes the various methods and possibilties of making hard copy prints that are best for your needs.

Summary: This book is best for the beginning photographer who is looking for a good description of the digital photography/camera workflow. Intermediate photographers who have been shooting only with film up to now and are
considering changing to digital photography will find this book beneficial as well. The book does a good job of comparing/contrasting film versus digital shooting techniques. Overall I recommend this book for the target audience just described and with an online discount price makes it a good value.

If you know nothing or very little about photography, you might want to look through this. However, if you have used a camera to take more than pictures of your pets and kids, look elsewhere. This book is only for the very beginners. I have been exploring photography for about 3 years now, and I saw nothing in this book that I didn't already know.