An Introduction to Photography for Amateurs

Advantages: Great fun, A hobby that can create an income, produces artwork for your home, etc etc!
Disadvantages: Can get expensive...

...This will cover the first things you need to know for photography, for example, what equipment to choose, where to show off your photos, what software to use, etc. Enjoy! I will first start off by listing three types of cameras that will probably appeal to you the most: • Point and Shoot Compact, (referred to as P&S) • Prosumer Camera, (SLR Like Functionality, but compact and more user friendly • SLR Digital Camera, (often a DSLR), referring to a 'Single Lens Reflex' These are the three main types of digital camera that you will probably be thinking about, particularly if you have no current camera, (or an old one that really does need replacing!). I will start off by talking about the P&S Camera, its advantages, what it could be used for, and what you can expect from it. Advantages: • Compact...

Chazzer3 26.10.2006 · Read review
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Review of Photography

Some of my observations on photography

Advantages: Pleasure, exercise and fresh air
Disadvantages: Rapidly becomes very costly

...want to photograph and get the appropriate equipment. If it fast reactions, then the monopod is better. I use a Manfrotto 334B professional for very fast reaction shots and an adapted Manfrotto 679b with added base for extra support. I also have a Cobra lightweight for use with medium weight camera and lens. You may want to set up a professional studio, in which case a heavy tripod would be more use as you are not going to be moving it around very frequently. There are these and all the gear for lighting there on the market. You will want to consider light and shade if you do portrait type photography Flashguns and standing lights. Depending on what camera you have bought and what you want to use it for will decide your lighting requirement. Most digital cameras have a built in flash. For most daylight shots you will not need any...

Coloneljohn 18.09.2005 · Read review
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Review of Photography

The Digital Photography Book by Scott kelby

Advantages: Superb nugget sized tips, fits the camera bag nicely
Disadvantages: None

...There are lots of big shiny books out there that tell you all about digital photography and while many of these are great books, they can be a little intimidating too. Scott Kelby, author of many of the better photography boooks out there has now come up with the antidote. The Digital Photography Book is a mere 200 odd pages and is just slightly bigger than A5 in size yet contains a whole lot of useful information that will almost certainly improve anyone's photography. I was initially wondering quite what Scott Kelby had been smoking as the first few pages were somewhat surreal. Even the author noted they included lame (his word, not mine) humour. After that somewhat shaky start the book morphed in to something far better. Each page is a self-contained tip or concept, often with an inspiring image for illustration. The text is...

ilaskey 20.12.2006 · Read review
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Review of The Digital Photography Book - Scott Kelby

Digital Photography at its best

Advantages: Very easy to read, informative, great workshops
Disadvantages: Aimed mainly at beginners and intermediates

...Total Digital Photography (TDP) is a monthly magazine brought to you by Archant Specialist, who also publish other magazines such as "Which Digital Camera" and "Photography Monthly". TDP is aimed at photographers with a wide range of capabilities. It is packed full of useful news, hints and reviews which I will look at in more detail. ~Package~ This magazine is A4 sized and has a glossy front cover. The issue that I am currently using as an example is the September 2003 issue, which has 147 pages. More often than not the magazine will be sold with a free CD which contains photo?s that have been used in the magazine, which comes in useful (to be discussed later on). The CD also often includes free software, plug-ins for photo editing packages such as Photoshop and various demos, freeware and shareware. ~Where to Buy~ Total...

gwarwick 22.09.2003 (23.09.2003) · Read review
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Review of Total Digital Photography

Stephen Johnson on Digital Photography

Advantages: Inspiring clear text, sample images, background stories
Disadvantages: Some sections could have been bigger

...There are a great many books on Digital Photography you can choose from. Some tell you how to use your camera. Others show you how to work with Photoshop and it's ilk. Others concentrate on specifics such as portraiture. This book is rather different. Stephen Johnson is a highly regarded photographer who has pictures in some of the top museums and galleries around the world. He has also acted as technical consultant to such names as Apple, Epson and Adobe. It's fair to say that when Johnson has something to write about digital photography, it's going to be worth reading. Stephen Johnson on Digital Photography is difficult to classify. The coverage includes a discussion on the history and evolution of digital imaging, colour theory, correction and management, fine-art printing, ethics and a whole lot on the creative process. In many...

ilaskey 12.02.2007 · Read review
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Review of Stephen Johnson: On Digital Photography - Stephen Johnson

Practical Photography

Advantages: Great magazine for photographers
Disadvantages: Only comes out Monthly

...I just love this magazine lots.. This magazine I feel rates much better than a lot of the other photography magazines out there today. It offeres lots for both the film ansd digital photographer. I feel since starting to read this magazine it has become like a friend and a personal tutor to me and has really helped me to improve my skills as a photographer. Before getting my first Practical Photograpy magazine my photography was very poor.. Following the tips and advice given by various individuals my skills with the camera has improved in leaps and bounds. The editor Will Cheung always seems to hold his readers to heart. Last year he had even put a very helpful short 20 minute tutorial video together helping photographers of all levels improve thier skills with a camera The title of the video presentation was called Shoot...

Pictoria 09.12.2003 · Read review
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Review of Practical Photography

Digital Photography: The Missing Manual

Advantages: All you need to know to get going in this field
Disadvantages: More on photography tips would be nice!

...Are you struggling with the change from film to digital photography? Unsure about printing, backing up or memory cards? This newish title from O'Reilly could be just what you're looking for. Unlike many books, it doesn't just cover taking pictures but instead covers a whole range of issues and options that you may encounter with digital photography. It is however rather Windows-centric. As is common with the series, Digital Photography The Missing Manual has an easy going style full of subtle humour and plenty of anecdotes and tips. It provides a thorough grounding in the subject and despite being reasonably thick, isn't at all intimidating and given the subject matter, it is good to see the book is in full colour throughout. It's safe to say the rate at which digital has taken over has caught many people off guard, not least...

ilaskey 13.02.2007 · Read review
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Review of Digital Photography: The Missing Manual - Chris Grover, Barbara Brundage

New book of photography

Advantages: Plain English
Disadvantages: Not quite advanced enough for inermediates

...No longer a "New" book of photography, I've owned this book for more years than I care to remember. When I first got it, I couldn't put it down I was learning so much from it. I find that John Hedgecoes books are simple to understand, written in plain English rather than jargon and this particular one is great for beginners. All aspects of photography are covered, whether you want to learn about landscape photography, portraits, still life or whatever you are interested in photographing, if you're a beginner, you'll learn about it here. Like most of John Hedgecoes books, he uses his own photographs to demonstrate technique and explains them well. Having said that, I have to say that I find it a bit too basic now. It's not really advanced enough for the intermediates of you out there. For beginners, this book is a must. If...

vwelsby 14.01.2009 · Read review
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Review of New Book of Photography - John Hedgecoe

~It is practical if it is applicable~

Advantages: One of the cheapest mag available
Disadvantages: Back issues are available on-line but quite expensive

...IT IS MY ULTIMATE DESIRE to capture stunning photographs from my digital camera that other people could see and admire. I always search for other people?s works either on-line or in prints to improve my craft, consequently to update my own photo gallery website. And someday to meet my goal - the launching of my first photography book and exhibit! Photography has always been an expensive hobby, but on the other hand, it is a rewarding experience for possible financial gain from it in the long term. Well, it is not a ?big cash? but it will give extra cash to maintain/upgrade my camera, or to some extent (like joining competitions) gives me the opportunity to acquire a new set of accessories from the prizes as stake. PRACTICAL PHOTOGRAPHY (Take Better Pictures) magazine or PP is one of the monthly best-selling local publications in...

digitalenvironmentalist 19.04.2007 · Read review
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Review of Practical Photography

Why Not Make Your Hobby Pay

Advantages: very popular hobby
Disadvantages: can be expensive

...Photography is an extremely popular hobby, where competent amatuers can certainly make their 'addiction' pay, if they only knew where to start. Well you've possibly started by getting yourself kitted out with the latest and greatest piece of digital equipment. Not always a good choice I'm afraid, unles you either want to produce snaps, pics for a home website or just as a bit of fun. The 'old fashioned' 35mm format is a much better way to start and most real enthusiasts will go that route, believe me. But what about when you have passed the stage of being an enthusiast, you've joined the Camera club and feel that time has come to start to make your 'talents' pay rather than your hobby costing you money. I suppose the dream of a competent amateur photographer at some time, is to turn professional. But what kind of "professional...

flashpointz 30.01.2001 · Read review
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Review of Electronics & Photography