A Comprehensive Guide to Digital Close-Up Photography (Digital Photography) (Paperback)

~ John Clements (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Without expensive specialized equipment, novice and advanced photographers alike can capture extraordinary digital images of the hidden details that make up our world. More than 300 images are explored using a method called "Shoot, Enhance and Enjoy." During the "Shoot" phase, photographers learn the technical and creative steps required to best capture the desired image. The "Enhance" stage offers insight into using photo editing software to modify and process the image. And finally, "Enjoy" shows how to print and share images with maximum impact and minimum fuss. From setting up basic macro shots of flowers and insects to obtaining more advanced images through microscopic water imagery and digital process enhancements, this full-color illustrated guide provides quality technical instruction.

About the Author

John Clements has practiced cut-and-thrust swordsmanship for almost 20 years and trains regularly in long-sword, sword and shield, sword and buckler, sword and dagger, Medieval spear, and rapier and dagger methods. He lectures on historical weaponry and is an ardent promoter of contact-weapon sparring with historical replica swords.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: AVA Publishing (August 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 2884790624
• ISBN-13: 978-2884790628
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 7.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,004,100 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A waste., September 24, 2005

By	etalieninaz (goodyear, arizona) - See all my reviews

You have to wonder exactly who is this book directed towards.

It was certainly not directed towards the average digital camera user who might be interested in taking some close-up or macro shots and were hoping to get some creative ideas from this book. The majority of the shots in the book were taken with a professional (or standard) DSLRs, often with micro/macro lenses.

Unfortunately, the book provided very little information on how each shot was set up nor did the authors attempt to present any creative ideas on close-up/macro photography. Instead the book focuses almost entirely on the post processing technique of each picture as 90% of all of the shots were extensively processed with Photoshop, often with various plug-ins. Conclusion: if you haven't been using Photoshop CS to post-process your pictures, you bought the wrong book.

Believe it or not, a few of the 40+ shots in the book were taken with film cameras, then scanned. And to top it all off, several of the pictures are not what the average person might even consider to be a close-up.

On the plus side, if you had just laid out $700+ for Photoshop Creative Suite and wonder what you can do with it, then this book might be of value to you as it is well organized and very well written. I am sure the authors can do much better.