Product Details

• Actors: Tim Mantoani
• Directors: Blue Crane Digital
• Format: Dolby, NTSC
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Number of discs: 1
• Studio: Blue Crane Digital
• DVD Release Date: November 7, 2007
• Run Time: 100 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 2.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000XB2CSO
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #180,567 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

In Volume 1 of this series, Tim explains the building blocks for making great photographs. Tim uses these fundamentals throughout the DVD to demonstrate how specific elements contribute to making the best image. We also follow Tim through an outdoor portrait session, and to a sporting event. Tim also discusses his approach to lens selection. He reviews several lenses and discusses what level of investment makes sense for the serious hobbyist and professional. Tim also discusses simple light manipulation techniques that can make the difference between a passable photo and a stunning image. In Volume 2 of this series, we follow Tim though a professional stock photography shoot. As we point our video cameras over his shoulder, Tim explains how the elements he has brought together contribute to the final, salable result. He also discusses other accessories that can help lift the quality of images to the next level. Last, but not least, he explores the human and business elements that must be understood for a photographer to be consistently successful as well as the attributes that make each photographer's work unique and important.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Close to worthless, January 11, 2008

By 

Kinky Kerri "Kinky Kerri" (Southern Cailfornia USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Through the Eyes of a Pro: Advanced Techniques for Nikon DSLR Photographers; Volume 2 (DVD)

First off, it's not for Nikon DSLR photographers, the video is generic. Equally of use (or not of use) regardless of camera brand. The video is primarily "talking heads," and much of it is simply a talking head while the photographer drives around and the video shows the view out the windshield(! Yes, I kid you not!). There is very little useful information, technical or otherwise. The philosophy about professionalism is useless to a professional, while the amateur doesn't need that; he needs step-by-step help with lighting shots, setting up shots, and often getting the most out of his camera. Regardless of brand.

The video is also marred by slovenly talk by the photographer. He has developed a habit of interspersing "garbage words" such as "ugh" and "you know," constantly. The problem is irritating after a while, maddening by the end of the DVD.

I understand that unprofessional speech habits can develop; I do not understand why he doesn't bother fixing the speech defect, a matter which would take about one evening at Toastmasters, or one session with widely-available speech therapists.

As a writer for several camera magazines, I reviewed hundreds of instructional books and probably close to a hundred instructional videos and DVDs. This one is about a D+. As for the bottom line question, "Is it worth getting?" the answer is "no." I recommend spendng the $20 or so on something useful instead. Like a lens hood. Or a good video. Or a Chinese dinner for two.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Info is there, if you have the patience, May 26, 2008

By 

PrpleGophr "prplegophr" (Juneau, AK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Through the Eyes of a Pro: Advanced Techniques for Nikon DSLR Photographers; Volume 2 (DVD)

I tried very hard to like this DVD, as it does have some interesting examples. As others have mentioned, this DVD is brand generic and not just for Nikon shooters. In fact, it would appear that the photographer's personal pro gear consists of high-end Canon gear. However, for the purposes of creating this DVD, it seems Nikon and Tamron lent him some entry-level gear in order to create a brand presence.

In any case, it was nice to see a pro in action and there was one interesting tidbit of positive vs negative fill lighting. There are some other (very basic) hints that might be of interest to beginning shooters who would rather not read a photography fundamentals book.

Unfortunately, (you know) you have to (you know) get past the constant (you know) use of the phrase "you know" by both the photographer (you know) and the host. In one 60 second segment, I counted no less than 19 uses of "you know." Also, there are blatant spelling and grammar mistakes present. Considering you are paying for the priviledge of watching this somewhat mediocre production, I would highly recommend looking elsewhere.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NEW Nikon D80 User- Very Helpful DVD!!!, January 23, 2008

By 

M. Sean Schmidt - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Through the Eyes of a Pro: Advanced Techniques for Nikon DSLR Photographers; Volume 2 (DVD)

After having purchased my Nikon D80, I then bought these two new DVD's to get more than the basics about shooing with my new Camera. While they did not specifically cover buttons and other details of my particular camera, I thought that the techniques covered were excellent, especially the lighting techniques which I really wanted the most help with. Getting the point of view from a professional helped me think about how I approach my own shooting. I don't plan on making a living from my photography, so some of the discussion regarding building a portfolio and how to manage a pro shoot didn't really apply to me, but there was enough other useful information in the DVDs that I really didn't mind a bit. It turns out that I probably should get the Introduction DVD as well because these advanced videos made me realize my camera has tons of functions I am not familiar with.