Customer Reviews

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)

5 star:		(38)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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).

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.

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!!!

I've actually read all 3 of these books.
I bought them to help my kid--a beginner with his SLR--in his Photo class in high school, and in my opinion, they'll help him a lot.
For me, however, the "basic" points in the books were like review of grade school (I learned to shoot back when everything, on every camera, was manual....)And yes, I could have skipped the humor and been just as happy, but it did not detract from the information in the books.
These books are stuffed with solid information.

For my kid, the beginner, a lot of the information was spot on--particularly the recommendation to read the book "Understanding Exposure" (by B. Peterson)--because if you don't understand exposure, you don't understand photography. Everything in this book is plainly spoken. No unexplained jargon. Nothing confusing.

Kelby covers a lot of ground, everything from techniques (which he calls "recipes") for photos to hardware (like lenses), and he spreads it around among examples drawn from travel photography, portraits, macro, sports.

The explanations are short and to the point. He shows you a photograph, then tells you how to accomplish the same effect; this is great for beginners.
Most pages contain tips--some in boxes--that you might otherwise spend hours trying to figure out, or end up sorry you didn't know to start with. (Like, oops, don't go changing your lens if it's at all dusty outside...)

Better yet, Kelby explains how to work your camera--admit it, digital dSLRs with all their knobs, buttons and overkill menus are a pain to figure out when you're a beginner--and he gives specific instructions for a few popular Nikon or Canon models; other books often show only one brand of camera and if you've got another, tough for you, you'll still be confused. These books include photos of the camera bodies/dials/buttons and menus. You won't be confused.

Bottom line: Easy to read. Easy to understand. Clearly illustrated. Excellent index. Great for beginners and less-experienced intermediates. Good for general intermediate photographers. Not necessary for very experienced or art-school-educated photographers.

I first read these books when a photographer friend of mine lent me her copies. I am an amateur photo enthusiast and immediately got hooked -- finally,, some straightforward tips that I can use right off the bat! I had just bought a Canon Rebel Xsi and after reading just a few pages of these books, I already got tips and suggested camera settings that I could use.I would strongly recommend these books for the beginner who wants to do more with their camera. (450)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)

I purchased the boxed set for my husband.
These books are great and helped here learn how to use better a digital camera.

Scott (Kelby) went to the every possible corner to get you up to speed and really ready to take GREAT pictures. Buy these beautiful guides and don't let ANYONE borrow them (or at least not take them out of your sight!) Well worth the money! Many reviews go on and on; I'll get to the point. You will not regret this purchase.

Scott Kelby created a great digital photography guide when he wrote these series of books. Volum one and two gives photography information that is in plain english without the Technical jargon that most beginners don't undersand. The helpfull tips in the last chapter of these books are designed to get the potential photographer to create the same conditions and adjustments on their camera to obtain the same results as Scott did when he achieved the displayed photo on the particular page. I recomend these books to all who want to learn photography.

Great down-to-the-point digital photography set. Gave me new insights on various aspects of setting up my shots.

These books are fantastic. There even more helpful if you have a Canon or Nikon. You'll pick up tips that will help you as you want to improve your photography. Everything is practical and hands on. It's fun reading. I dogtagged and earmarked many pages for re referencing. It's from the pros to you. Nothing technical, just here's how you do it so go give it a try. I highly recommend these books for your photo library.