Mastering the Basics of Photography (Paperback)

by Susan McCartney (Author) "If you understand how cameras operate, and how the lens and shutter work together to control exposure, it will make learning the basic photographic skill..." (more)
Key Phrases: hyperfocal distance law, see camera manuals, slow synch, New York, The Pentax, Tad Crawford (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
“A complete novice could take this book and be making fine photographs within a week and without going broke on expensive gizmos...” -- Frank Van Riper, photography columnist, The Washington

Product Description
The perfect camera-bag companion for every serious novice photographer who shoots on location in the field, this clear, nontechnical book shows how to achieve desired effects every time.

The basics of camera function are explained in language that's easy to understand, giving complete coverage of film, light, lens apertures, shutter speeds, exposure, metering, and focusing, with printing, storing, and showing of work also included. Fully explored are composition and training the photographer's eye to handle light and contrast, with many sample assignments offering fledgling photographers practice shots to sharpen skills. The full range of popular subjects includes adults, children, events, and travel; flowers, gardens, nature, and animals; landscapes, seascapes, sunsets, and sunrises; abstractions, graphics, impression, and closeups; buildings, interiors, and still lifes.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press; Revised edition (May 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581150547
• ISBN-13: 978-1581150544
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #252,312 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mastering the Basics of Photography, July 15, 2001

By	audrey gottlieb (New York, NY and Ogunquit, ME) - See all my reviews

From the moment I began leafing through Susan McCartney's latest book, I knew I had hit upon the perfect teaching tool. This book, from start to finish, is clearly written and uses good examples of photography to illustrate the subject matter. The ABC's of photography, cameras, lenses, flash and other useful tools are easy to understand and accurately reflected. I will definitely recommend this book to my students and to anyone who wants to learn or to refresh the basic knowledge of photography.

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterful Book, September 24, 2001

By	M Heron (Claryville, New York USA) - See all my reviews

Finally, here is a book clear enough for the beginner yet serious and thorough enough for an advanced novice to use for honing photographic skills. Susan McCartney's book "Mastering The Basics Of Photography" gives that and so much more. The book is complete and technically accurate but does not try to intimidate the reader with complicated jargon. You can find everything you need to achieve technical excellence and also gain an understanding of the creative process. The author's clear, friendly writing style makes the information easy to grasp and enjoyable to read. For years I've been looking for a book to recommend to newcomers and this surely is it!

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Most of it is still relevent and that part is excellent..., December 31, 2004

By	Joseph S, (NY, USA) - See all my reviews

I agree that a true, totally green, beginner is not the target audience for this book. This is not "photography for dummies" nor "introduction to the basics", it is "mastering the basics". If you already take pictures, this book will help you take better pictures. The information about lighting, metering, composition, photographing people and other subjects are all relevent and informative. The self-assignments are great (in my opinion). The positive attitude of the author is welcome. I appreciated that author uses a functional but limited set of lenses; the equipment does not seem out of reach.
No one's work is best represented as 100 line/inch (or so) screen black-and-white. Even so, I thought the illustrations were all good, all educational, and some were excellent.
My only complaint about this book is that a new version is needed for digital cameras. There too many pages about selecting a film and using filters to match light source to the film; digital cameras don't use film, and can auto or manual white balance. I still have a Pentax K1000 so this section was a nostalgic look back at film photography for me, but I don't see what value the information about film could have for a beginner with a digital camera.
My advice: at this price, I believe this book is worth getting for its photographic guidance. If you're starting with a digital camera, you should also get a book that focusses on that. I particularly like Digital Photography Pocket Guide, 2nd Edition by Derrick Story. It's a very small, concise book crammed with information specifically about photography with digital cameras.