29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
If you have the budget for just one...., November 24, 2008
This review is from: Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Boxed Set, Volumes 1 and 2 (Includes The Digital Photography Book Volume 1 and The Digital Photography Book Volume 2) (Paperback)
Okay, this is perhaps the best venue to compare the two volumes.
So, in a nutshell... if you have the budget for just one, get volume 2.
Vol 2 is perhaps three times stronger, and Scott Kelby repeats most tips that was said in Vol. 1 anyway.
In Vol 2 reflectors, diffusers, softboxes are discussed. In volume 1, pages are somehow wasted on superficial, commonsensical things like the purpose of lens hoods.
The quality of pictures are likewise better in volume 2.
The few solids that I got in vol 1 are Photoshop settings (values to input for sharpness) and the weblinks especially created to supplement the one page lessons; in volume 2, the tips on building up a studio from scratch, the great use of flash, and 'photo recipes' are truly superb.
But if you are really a beginner, budding photographer, entirely new to dslr perhaps, then these two combined in one set is perfect. The one-point-lesson format is a noble idea and they really would help!
There are still plenty of topics for Volume 3, such as how to wield the picture styles embedded (color saturation), and illustration on the differences between white balance, more techniques applicable to studios, panning, more urban travel photography, more on flash work,... so Im awaiting that one as well (Scott says it will be out next year).
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Scott Kelby's Digital Photo books are great, November 28, 2008
This review is from: Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Boxed Set, Volumes 1 and 2 (Includes The Digital Photography Book Volume 1 and The Digital Photography Book Volume 2) (Paperback)
I have read other books by Scott so when I saw this set I knew it would be a smart buy. He "talks" to you in his style of writing. He is a bit of a ham at times but truly gets the point across while injecting humor now and again. Many how to books will put you to sleep but this set shows you how to easily produce the shots the professional photographers create. I also love the ending chapters where Scott gives you the "recipe" for many shots and you can go out and try them for yourself with great success.
I have been a Photoshop user for several years and have read several other books by Scott. I have never been disappointed by his books. This set is a great source for quick reference when I have ideas on a shot I wish to take. I am sure they have and will continue to quicken the process of going from a beginner to intermediate and even higher levels of photography.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great idea to get these books!!, April 20, 2009
This review is from: Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Boxed Set, Volumes 1 and 2 (Includes The Digital Photography Book Volume 1 and The Digital Photography Book Volume 2) (Paperback)
Ok i have seen complaints about these books so here is the skinny from my view.....
If you are an awesome photographer with years of experiance, these are not the books for you!!!
Now if you are learning and getting started with this subject these both are a must read! You will not be bombarded with terms you dont understand. Its like what he says it is. Just a buddy telling you simply how to take the pictures you want. He explains the tools you might want to invest in, and how to get the type of shots you want. It is even entertaining. I laughed alot reading these books, they're filled with humor.
I am just getting started in digital photography. These books where a HUGE help for me! I got some great shots, and learned about the nifty things my complicated camera can do. It gave me nudge and encouragement to learn more without overwhelming me. I can't wait for the next one!!!
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