Customer Reviews

Rick Sammon's Complete Guide to Digital Photography 2.0: Taking, Making, Editing, Storing, Printing, and Sharing Better Digital Images Featuring Adobe Photoshop® Elements®

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm giving this book four stars based almost solely on Rick Sammon's enthusiasm. He is obviously a person who enjoys what he does and likes interacting with others. His writing was lively enough so I read the book in one afternoon. The bottom line problem with this guide is the same bottom line problem I'm finding in all digital photography guides I've encountered. The first thing they want to do is teach you a little basic photography knowledge and the next thing they do is tell you how to use Photoshop tricks to create "artful photos" that, in effect, minimizes the need for knowledge of basic photography. Photography is more than tricks and "secrets of the pros" and Photoshop is a fine tool for photographers to augment their work. Unfortunately, most digital photography teaching vehicles today emphasize the ghastly and tasteless manipulations in Photoshop and fail to emphasize learning basic camera technique. To Rick Sammon's credit, he does provide a measure of how to use tools available for in-camera control as opposed to relying solely on Photoshop corrections and manipulations in post production. But when the chapters on the various Photoshop tools and manipulations come into play, it's still a lot of ghastly and tasteless trickery that takes center stage.

The higher quality, professional and advanced amateur digital cameras that are available today are so sophisticated, it's difficult to really screw up your pictures if you have a basic grasp of photography and how to use the camera's features. Despite this, a lot of people are screwing up their pictures in post production by relying on photo editing software. Sammon's examples in the Photoshop Elements portions of this book point this out very clearly. The "before Photoshop" photos are often preferable to the "after Photoshop" photos. I'm not speaking of basic operations such as minor color corrections, cropping, sharpening, etc. I'm speaking of the use of filters and borders and the cut-and-paste collages that Sammon often refers to as "artistic" which are, in fact, perfect examples of over-processed pseudo-art.

I'm not really picking on Rick Sammon here. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I've enjoyed Sammon's writing and photography in other publications as well. It's just that we really don't need more people playing around with their computers to create the photographic equivalent of black velvet paintings.

Lots of people claim to be digital photography experts and will sell you a book. However, Rick Sammon actually IS the expert. This book is written in a down to earth manner but addresses photographers at all levels and makes some more difficult concepts very easy to understand with a laid back approach. Part of the magic in this very large and all-inclusive book (almost 500 pages) is that Sammon has "been there" and "done that." The author has traveled far and wide and is considered an expert in travel and wildlife photography. Many of his shots are used to illustrate key concepts throughout the book and are presented in vibrant and accurate color. The book comes with a tutorial CD as well. All in all, this book is a great value and great addition to the libraries of photographers of all skill levels.

I may be judging this book a bit harshly by giving it only 3 stars.

The reason I say that is because I feel that it covers a lot of ground but never seems to go beyond the basics. Whether or not this is a good thing you will have to judge for yourself.

Given that I've been involved in photography for over 40 years, I probably should never have purchased the book. However, I would certainly recommend it to someone with very little experience who is interested in learning more.

I've read a lot of Rick Sammon's articles over the years and he is one of the most enthusiastic proponents of digital photography that you will ever come across.

Just be forewarned. If you are an experienced photographer with no need to review the basics, this book is not for you. However, if you are new to digital photography and want to improve your skills, this would be a very good source of knowledge and inspiration.

I really feel that this book is full of excellent tips and lessons for digital imaging. He covers an incredibly wide range of topics that would be useful to people of any skill level, but he has a wonderful way of addressing these techniques in a straight-forward and uncomplicated way that makes it easy for beginners to learn. I had the opportunity to listen to him speak and the breadth of experience he has behind him is impressive. If you get this book, you truly are learning from the expert.

I found this book to be fantastic and would give it more stars if I could. The interesting things about books is that they have different impacts on people, and I can't guarantee that this book will work for you. So, I want to explain what I like and why so you can make a good decision for your own needs. First, the production, layout, concept, and execution of the book are all outstanding. The book is printed on glossy paper (and takes a highlighter very well), and the font is thin but very attractive and readable. This book for me was a perfect textbook for composition, exposure, white balance, and other technical aspects on the shooting side.

It is also as good a text on working in the digital darkroom using Photoshop Elements, which makes it a rare resource. It does not cover all the Elements tools and would not be the only Elements book in your library, but that is not his purpose. The Elements issues apply the most important tools and his advice on which to use under different circumstances.

You could call it an applied shooting and Elements book. Rick Sammons provides a large set of photos, with before and after shots to illustrate his points, whether about shooting or the use of Elements in the digital darkroom. I found that I was aware of a lot of his tips and suggestions, which helped reinforce what I already know. And there were many new ideas and observations that will help me improve my photography on an end-to-end basis, from planning and equipment through printing.

He has divided the book into several parts to cover his themes. There are 98 short lessons that are designed almost exclusively so that you can read without needing to refer to either your camera or Elements. Once you have absorbed the lessons, you can use the book as a reference while you shoot or work in your digital darkroom. In many cases, Rick combines several important points in a lesson focusing (no pun intended) on before and after shots. For the shooting aspects, he is brave and open enough to show some of his shots that are clunkers, or at least not his best work, explaining why they fall short of good photos. He will then show the same shot or scene using the correct techniques for the reader to compare.

He always gives information about the shutter speed, focal length, ISO, and other information to help readers understand his point and how to improve their work. He also is genuine enough to point out that pros are not perfect. He also points out that he and virtually every pro he knows use autofocus for the most part and that they even use program modes under certain circumstances. He makes it plain when to use the auto features and when to move toward taking more control of the camera. I tend to write reviews of the books I really like, so my average ratings are high, but this book was fun to read (he has a good sense of humor but is more controlled than Scott Kelby). If you are looking for a comprehensive text for DSLRs and Photoshop Elements, this is fantastic. I hope it works as well for you as it has for me.

I bought this book about 3 months ago . This book as well as its earlier edition changes my concept about digital photography. One thing that I am missing in the 2nd edition is the absence of Adobe photoshop CS2 treatment. I think that would be more attractive option. The approach of Rick Sammon is wonderful. He covers picture for almost all the remote corners of the world, specifically Asian and South American countries. I strongly suggest this book for everyone involved in digital photography.

First let me say that I enjoy Mr. Sammons's style of writing. It keeps one interested even when covering dry material.

This is a large book full of information that will not appeal to all readers. This book (I would assume) covers the broad spectrum of digital photography in a general way. For example the printing section was of no interest to me as I do not print my own photos. It will help other readers I'm sure but not me.

I saw other reviews that commented about how this book was laid out. I would guess that Mr. Sammon's had his reasons for doing it this way. I had no problem with it because when in doubt check the Index!

It's still a worthwhile read for beginners and for intermediate photographers.

Rick Sammon's Complete Guide to Digital Photography


reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS: (dreric1kansas@aol.com)

Authors: Rick Sammon
website: www.ricksammon.com
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; Pap/Cdr edition (October 2003)
Released: 2006
Pages: 512 pages
$ 40 USA
50 Canada

ISBN-10: 0393325512
ISBN-13: 978-0393325515
Strengths: Very easy to read for all levels of photographers. Superb photography and examples to illustrate examples how brilliant photos were made along with comparison and contrasting view, ideas and perspectives which give the user much to think about in terms of photography in general. Utilizes Adobe Photoshop Elements but regular Adobe Photoshop can used as well.
Weaknesses: None found.

Novice/Intermediate/Advanced

Rating: 5/5

I found an article by this author in a photography magazine. I was intrigued by his clarity of thought and ideas. After contacting him, I found out about his website and this great book. Now in the second edition, I decided to review his ideas related to digital photography. As an educator and photographer, I always have more to learn and this book has everything I want.
Ricj Sammons is an award winning photographer. I thought it most interesting to read how and when he started with his photography and developing his skills. This information in this insightful book, introduces basic technical picture. At the same time, the tutorials and information, convey information about the art of photography while communicating advanced digital techniques. If you think that this book is only for advanced photographers, you are wrong.
This second edition includes all the image editing tips while using the features for the popular Adobe Photoshop Elements application. Of course, users can use regular Adobe Photoshop for the lessons but knowing all these lessons can be applied with the lesser but still very capable Elements, is really good to know for all users but especially those who can't afford the full version of Adobe Photoshop.
File format discussions now has information about Camera RAW files which is most helpful because more and more photographic enthusiasts are trying to use and work with RAW format. These hands-on instructions and insights by the author are especially welcome to all who are working their way to creating better photos by using RAW.
Each "lesson" has one to two pages. Within the 526 pages, there are 170 new color images that have been added from the previous 1000 color photographs. These spectacular photo are great stimuli for visualizing what the author is " talking about. " In addition the author brilliantly compares photos and succinctly adds wisdom with each sentence. He points out the many ways and manner with which the photos are better with a different view, angle, idea or adaptive use of the camera. With the easy reading style, the reader can identify how the author has made the photo better. Then the user can adapt and utilize their own photographic in a similar situation or endeavors.
This is a great book for novice to advanced users. It is for anyone who wants to upgrade their photographic techniques, no matter what level you are presently involved. The price is right and the book is filled with ideas and helpful views. The author not only handles the tutorials in a easy to read fashion but allows the reader to focus on the reasons for making the photos better. The author allows you to "think" and "peer inside his mind." In this way, the user "sees" how the photos were originally taken but also how the next "version" improved the photo to a higher level. In the same way that the author has taken his photographs to different levels, he is also " communicating to you how to come along for the ride." That way when you are in a similar situation or environment, these new found methods can be practiced.
The author has completed a masterful visual and composed text that is stunning in many ways. The photos and the book are not only a "journey for reading, " they are a feast for your eyes, learning and making better photos for now and in the future. What more could you want for improving your photographic skills? The title says that it is a " complete guide." I can't fault him for that part of the title. I am still reading the book to learn more myself to complete more of my photographic education.

This book was fantastic from Page 1!
(... All the way to page 161.)

Then I'm afraid the author spends about 200 pages on topics clearly outside his expertise. He seems a good and enthusiastic photographer and while most of the photography sections were review, I found them engaging and full of useful reminders.

But I couldn't stomach his spouting on the digital side.

He seems clearly out of his element. Most of the information was at least somewhat wrong, and some was laugh-out-loud silly. (For example recommending using PDFs to e-mail images to friends instead of the pervasive JPEG standard.) His advice on choosing Mac versus Windows was balanced (good), but missed the salient points like tolerance for errors, desire to be more "mainstream", and what your friends have. Virtually all the technical content is extremely pin-point dated, as well, which makes the book useless in this area about 12-months later.

His product mentions are the other offensive point.

He omitted any mention of alternatives! I can understand the strong (if unmerited) weight placed on Photoshop Elements--after all, it's in the book's title. But to only mention one specific name-brand plug-in filter or some specific memory-card rescue software without ANY mention of the dozens or so other options is unforgivable. It's either lazy or a sell-out to sponsored product placement. (I expected him to say things like, "Your camera uses a device called 'Sandisk Extreme II' to store its pictures...") I would not be surprised if Adobe Marketing had first crack at editing this 450-page advertisement.

I don't review things often. And it's usually when I find something so disappointing that I must warn people against it.

Bottom line: (a) I would find the book worth the read, for the first 160 pages or so, if you can borrow it from a friend or library. But skip from page 161 to about 350 where he gets back into some useful (albeit lightweight) photography tips.

Better yet, (b) get a separate good book on photography (there are hundreds), and get some *other* dedicated book on just digital workflow or Photoshop, or whatever.

I've only recently begun shooting pictures digitally. I took a short class on Crime Scene Photography that scratched the surface, but I wanted to learn more. Rick Sammon writes in a very conversational way that makes his book fun to read and easy to understand. This book is great for the beginner and the advanced alike. There are countless tips on general photography as well as editing your photos in PhotoShop. This book is certainly worth the time to read and re-read. I keep it around now as a reference.