The Digital Photography Book 1st Edition

by Scott Kelby (Author)

1,335 ratings

ISBN-13: 978-0321474049

ISBN-10: 9780321474049

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In a definitive guide to digital photography, the author of the best-selling The iPod Book furnishes a comprehensive overview of the latest in digital technology, including cameras and equipment, as well as the essential techniques and skills of the photographic process--exposure, lighting, shutter speed, depth of field, and resolution--and tips on how to avoid hours of photo-editing by taking great photographs the first time. Original. (Beginner/Intermediate)

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Scott Kelby is President of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) and Editor-in-Chief of both Photoshop User and Layers magazines. Scott serves as training director for the Adobe Photoshop Seminar Tour and is the technical chair of the largest Photoshop gathering in the industry, Photoshop World. He has written numerous best-selling creative technology books.

Product details

ASIN : 032147404X
Publisher : Peachpit Pr; 1st edition (August 29, 2006)
Language : English
Paperback : 219 pages
ISBN-10 : 9780321474049
ISBN-13 : 978-0321474049
Item Weight : 13.5 ounces
Dimensions : 6 x 0.25 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,124,650 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #732 in Computer Graphics
- #1,111 in Digital Photography (Books)
- #1,146 in Graphics & Multimedia Programming

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1,335 ratings

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4 star		16%
3 star		6%
2 star		4%
1 star		2%

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Leo Hayes

Buy this when you buy your first camera

Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2018

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This book is great for beginners. You learn a lot of easy tricks without having to absorb a ton of theory. Start here and get better pictures. Then, when you are ready, move up to Tony Northrup's book to understand why these tips work and how to move from a shooter to a photographer. The DP book sets the table, particularly if you want better shots immediately and the why is a little less important. Start here. You can stick with just this one or move up later.

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E. B.

Extremely disappointed

Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2011

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With all the good reviews I figured this book had to be good, if not great. Yes I read some negative reviews and many people complained about the humor (even those who liked the book) but man...

I am very forgiving with nearly any type of humor. It lightens the learning process and even if it's not funny (to me) I don't mind it. But his is way over the top and way too much. It's like when you have a nerdy friend that says a dumb joke and nobody laughs. No big deal but the friend then extends the joke and still nobody laughs. The friend then continues on and on and on until you're extremely embarassed for him. That's what this book is like. Mostly in the beginning so I could overlook this if the rest of the book were good. But it's not.

Many people were right when they said it reads like an article (but longer.) It's supposed to be a beginner book but this book will leave you having to read other books or internet pages to understand things that he doesn't explain. Yes I know that his intention is to give you advice "like a buddy would" but you at least have to give some basic understanding. In order to easily understand this book you need to read first and have a good understanding of aperature, white balance, focal length,etc.,etc.

This would be better described as a stage II book. Or a stage I book where you were required to take an 01 prerequisite. It could still have value but there's really not much in it except tips. Tips I like. But you could put the content of this book in an 8 page pamphlet.

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JJ Catfinder

As always, the BEST information

Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2016

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As usual, Scott Kelby rocks! I learn so much from his stuff as he doesn't fill pages and pages with numbered lists of how to do things that are so tedious my eyes roll back in my head. 1. Take your camera out of the case. 2. Turn the camera on with the button blah blah blah -- none of that here (and, really, who needs that stuff anywhere). Just concise, concrete tips that will make sense to anyone who has the least bit of experience. If you don't know where the on button on your camera is, this might not be the book for you -- but if you want to learn the little extra techniques that make your photos ROCK, this is the book for you. Plus it is funny.
Olav Martin Kvern (not associated with this particular book) and Scott Kelby changed my life -- would not be half the graphics professional I am today without the things I learned from their books and/or workshops.

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L. Dippold

Not Bad For What It Is, But Nothing Exceptional

Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2013

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I read the rave reviews here on Amazon for Scott Kelby's The Digital Photography Book, so admittedly had high expectations for it. Unfortunately, it didn't really match up. I'm still debating whether to return it. Kelby's books in this series are each organized as a collection of tips, tricks, recipes, and other insights grouped thematically by chapter. Each tip/trick/recipe is contained on just one page. Kelby's approach is to strictly tell you how--like you're out together at a shoot, and ask him how to do something, his response wouldn't be a dissertation on the fundamentals of photography (the "why"), but just a quick "do this, this, and this, but avoid that" (the "how").

So, the good: There actually are some really interesting and useful gems buried in the book. For example, the recommendation to turn off Vibration Reduction or Image Stabilization if you're using a tripod was new to me (or maybe it was just never really prominent in the other photography books I've read), how to apply for permits to use tripods in some indoor locations like museums, and the suggestions for taking photos of newborn babies (really, this seemed a lot like common sense after reading it--BUT I'm not sure it would have occurred to me if I hadn't seen it spelled out explicitly). You can read the book straight through, skim it, or really just review the Table of Contents (which is excellent in its level of detail) when there's a specific kind of tip or insight you're seeking. The recipes for producing specific kinds of shots/photos are also pretty helpful--IF you happen to be interested in the dozen or so specific shots included.

The bad: Most of the info in here can be found in other, far more useful books; if you own a few good ones (like Bryan Peterson's Understanding Photography Field Guide ), then this book is superfluous. A lot of the tips are common sense ("don't change lenses in dusty areas"--really? you wasted an entire page telling me that?). Kelby's awkward sense of humor, especially in the chapter openers, can be grating at times. The tips don't really seem to gel together as a collection. For example--some tips will really rehash stuff that's clearly targeting people brand new to DSLR photography (like the VR/IS tripod tip, or the don't change your lens in dust tip), but others seem to be more appropriate for people who are the very advanced "amateurs" contemplating taking the plunge into pro photography, or who are just starting out in the business of photography. The back cover clearly describes this book as "USER LEVEL Beginner"; so why do beginners need an entire chapter on how to shoot a wedding? Some of the tips could easily be reframed so that they aren't wedding specific and could fit in the other chapters in the book. But how many "beginners" will be shooting a wedding? Write a book for beginners, or write a book that provides practical business advice for aspiring professionals, but don't try to combine the two. And many of the tips in the book basically boil down to this: use a tripod. Want your photos tack sharp? Use a tripod. Want to shoot people like a pro? Use a tripod. Want to shoot a great landscape? Use a tripod? Looking to capture that perfect sports moment? Use a tripod. If there's a way to restate this one tip, Kelby finds it.

Many of the tips are very equipment intensive; for example, many of the tips on taking photos of people like a pro focus on using reflectors or buying the right backdrops. They make sense, but again, really aren't what I'd expect in a book targeting beginners. Realistically, how many beginners plan to set up a portrait studio in their home? There's just a general lack of awareness about his audience. More usefully, peppered throughout Kelby sometimes makes recommendations on equipment. Where possible, he provides a "budget friendly" option, a pro option, and the "money is no object, best in class" option. In concept, this is really helpful. What's amusing is how frequently the "budget" option is not really all that budget friendly. For example, his budget tripod is $100; surely there's one he's willing to recommend that comes in closer to $50 or $70? For a true beginner, $100 on a tripod is probably not the best use of their limited photography budget.

So, the verdict? For me, this book is a complete wash. I will probably return it, since (for me) there's not enough good to outweigh the meh. I do think the approach is promising, as is the one-tip-per-page format, but the execution here was pretty poor. If you're on the fence, try flipping through the Table of Contents to see if the different tips interest you. I wouldn't recommend purchasing this book unless you know for certain that it contains tips on specific topics of interest to you.

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watercolourfan

Excellent book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 26, 2015

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I would have given this book 5stars (or 5.9) if it was'nt for the first 3 or 4 pages of strange humour, which nearly put me off,and I nearly did'nt continue reading. That would have been a bad move, as the rest of the book is excellent. Very well organised, especially for me (a novice), with each page concentrating on a single feature, and the pages grouped into subjects. His approach gets right to the nitty gritty, is well explained and somehow inserting a lot of extra information for what equipment to buy and where, and how to save money by using simple (low cost) items to aid shooting better photographs, all in one page. He has written this book as if he is alongside you whilst you are taking photos,and giving direction and helpful tips. If I don't improve my photographic skills now, then I never will.

One person found this helpful

Tish

A MUST HAVE FOR THE BUDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 30, 2012

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Having read conflicting reviews on this book I was a little hesitant in my purchase, but took the plunge. So glad I did! Other reviewers have harked on about the lame humour; well, if you are an absolute Novice, this lame humour brings you in to the concepts of the book without terrifying you with unnecessary jorgan and technicals, it makes you feel more comfortable............. and the Author is American, so you have to take that into account in relation to his humour.

As for the contents of the book; it is easy to read and understand, it covers topics that the beginner needs to understand without going into too much detail which would only serve to confuse. Prior to reading the book I had produced one or two good photographs without ever knowing how; equally I produced a lot of real rubbish, again without ever understanding how - now I do.

Since reading the book, actually immediatley afterwards, I produced a brilliant picture; in fact I am still basking in the compliments. It is now framed and displayed in a prominent place in my home.

I like the fact that each chapter is concise, basically the Author is having a conversation with the reader; explainng how results are achieved; including the cheats that the professionals use along with more useful tips at the foot of the pages.

I don't use either camera that the Author uses to explain things, but the way he explains things means that all information can be applied to vertually any camera and many concepts covered can be applied to mobile phones with camera's. It's all about getting the best from what you have.

I would definitely recommend this publication, so much so that I have now ordered the remaining books in this series, which apparently build on the concepts of this first book. I can't wait for them to arrive.

So, if you want a book to encourage and inspire you that doesn't over do the jargon and technicals; if you want a book that will give you the confidence to attempt and achieve great pictures, if you want a book that will instill you with confidence, this one fits the bill in my opinion.

Scorpio

The Digital Photography Book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 9, 2014

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Brill, I like Scott Kelby's work, and his book on basic photography on DLSR's is well informed easy to read and I have mine downloaded onto my iPad as a quick reference guide. Handy for those "senior moments" when out shooting!

He writes like he is standing next to you, OK his humour proves his chosen career as a photographer is the better choice, opposed to him being a comedian! But he gets the message across, makes the understanding your DLSR easy, good tips on settings for different scenarios, and as stated a great quick reference guide.

A good book for beginners and the more experienced amateur photographer, as you never stop learning.

If you are new to photography I would strongly recommend this book as must have reading. This and "Tom Ang's - Digital Photography Masterclass" are the only two books you will ever need - but like me you will or ably end up with 100's!

This book is a good start though!

Mr. R. J. MacRae

Here's my tip...start at the back!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 19, 2010

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I was browsing one of the big chain bookstores and flipped through this book starting at the back, as I often do. It made a difference in me deciding to buy it, because the back is full of simple explanations of how to achieve certain shots. I didn't notice the 'humour' that other people complain about in their reviews here. If I had started at the front, which has endless lame jokes and zero information, I would have passed on buying it.

Despite using a DSLR for about 5 years and being a Photoshop user for twice that, I discovered lots of useful tips that will make a big impact on how I take photos. I found out why my flower shots are dull. I learnt why most of my forest shots have failed. It never occurred to me panoramics should be shot with the camera in a portrait position. I've never put much thought in the paper used for my prints, but I will now.

Some of the tips though are very basic and the one tip per page approach means the overall content is a bit low for a book of this length. What I've done is made a bulletpoint list to use in the field, then flog the book on as it has a high resale value.

Another gripe about the book is how many of the illustrative shots have been bought through royalty-free websites. This means those photographers have earned a few measly dollars to have their work featured in what trumpets itself as 'the best-selling photography book of all time.' If your photos are good, you deserve good prices for them and it's a shame the author chose to go cheap.

3 people found this helpful

Olly

Great Book, Great Advice, a little too much humour padding...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 5, 2010

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This book is aimed squarely at the beginner however even the more experienced photographer is likely to find a few useful tips contained within.

Firstly a caveat to this review - why I gave it 4 stars and not 5. Unfortunately, the book contains a great deal of Scott Kelby's humour padding out the pages. Some may find the friendly tone helpful, others (such as myself) will find this unnecessary. Either the editor should have made the book smaller with less pages or asked Scott to include more tips.

With that out of the way, I can honestly say this book is generally excellent throughout. Most of the advice given in this book is sound, the American slant on sources of equipment will be of little use to International readers, but everything else is great.

For new Digital SLR users this book is probably required reading. Users of Compact Digital cameras will not gain as much, though a large amount of the advice is common to either camera type. Compact users may find the improvement in skills and technique this book offers gives them to confidence to advance to using a Digital SLR. A note of caution, SLR photography can get expensive in a hurry!

One part of the book worth singling out for particular praise is "The Recipe for getting this type of Shot" section. Flick through the back of the book and find the photo of a picture type that you would like to take (eg. a portrait or architecture or landscape shot) and you will find concise help on taking that type of shot. This section alone makes the book worthy of being kept in your camera bag ready at all times.

To Sum Up: For Beginners to Digital SLR photography, required reading. For Advanced Digital Compact users, still useful.

3 people found this helpful

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