Customer Reviews

Through the Eyes of a Pro: Advanced Shooting Techniques for Nikon DSLR Photographers; Volume 1

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

 

 

A professional photographer discusses the critical elements he believes makes a great photo. The interviews must have two hundred examples of his work that reinforce his concepts. Everything is about developing (no pun intended) the photographer and his skills. Little or nothing is about the technology, advanced camera controls, or cheerleading about Nikon. Be sure to watch volume 1 before volume 2, or you won't get much out of it. This DVD is full of great photography, examples, and exercises. It's exactly what I needed.

From The Editorial Review:

"Tim uses a variety of equipment from different manufacturers during this presentation including Nikon and Canon" (yep, 128 minutes of Canon, 2 - 3 minutes of Nikon). Why this title is "beyond me". Yes Tim appears to be a pretty good professional, however, both this and volume 2 are quite boring, especially for someone that has "been in the game" off and on for more than forty years. I maybe learned one or two thing in the two hours, but not much more, ESPECIALLY about any of the NIKON DSLR's. Sorry, the title should have used the word "Canon" instead. For all of you that really want to use the Nikon system, stick with the stuff by Bob Krist, Joe McNalley, et al. Just wish I could return this and get my money back.

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.

Advanced? Not hardly. I found a couple of new ideas, but they are few and far between. This DVD and Vol 2 might be suitable for beginners, but not for advanced shooters. If you understand how and why to use aperture vs. shutter speed what the rule of thirds is and how to bounce light off of a reflector, you're probably past this set. It's that basic.

Also, please be aware that, if you have any interest in nature, landscapes, etc., this will leave you absolutely no better than it found you. Instead, proceed directly to Tony Sweet's DVDs.

Note that Vol 2 is NOT more advanced than Vol 1. They just get you twice for one DVD's worth of learning.

Also, forget about Nikon-specific info. There's practically nothing. That didn't bother me, because I care much more about new insights and techniques than I do about the gearhead stuff. But, it might really bother you if you are legitimately looking to understand your Nikon gear better.

Finally, be prepared to see a single stock photo shoot milked to death for two volumes and the "sporting event" turns out to be the photographers son at a T-ball game. No kidding. Wow ... not.

I don't fault Tim Mantoani for the shortcomings of this set. He's a wonderful photographer, and if they really let him talk to advanced photographers, this set would be a great resource no doubt. But, Blue Crane dumbed most of it down to entry level and labeled it "advanced".

Very disappointing and certainly NOT worth the money.

I recently purchased a Nikon D300. After struggling through the technical manual..it was so refreshing to just stand back and look and the really important concepts needed to become a better photographer..and Tim allowed me to do JUST that! Solid presentation and completely motivating work. Thank You.

I dislike bad acting and perhaps that's why he does it this way, but I also dislike stumbling and "ya know's" all through a presentation. Tim's shooting and tips are all worth getting through the rest, but I wish he'd either practice first or that once the product is complete, they'd go back and re-shoot some of the "talks" with Tim to get the wording better. It would be a five star DVD with just that simple change.

I feel like this movie was a waste of money. First of all he isn't shooting with a Nikon; he is using a Canon. Not that it matters because he doesn't give camera specific advice. I didn't really learn anything. And I didn't like the way he talks to his kid when posing him for a picture. I would not recommend this video.