Customer Reviews

Through the Eyes of a Pro: Advanced Techniques for Nikon DSLR Photographers; Volume 2

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

 

 

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.

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.

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 1 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.

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 what it is, is "beyond me".

Yes Tim appears to be a pretty good professional, however, both this and volume 1 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 things 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.

One last thing, the final 45 minutes are about as boring as it gets, 10,000 shots of the same two models. He even shows an assistant changing his media card (how exciting). I gave volume 1 two stars, but this was simply a rehash of it...

This dvd was okay,though somewhat repetitive. You can learn some from this but I really enjoyed the Creative Lighting dvd w/Joe Mcnally and Tony Sweets Visual Literacy much more.

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.