5 comments about Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT Guide to Digital SLR Photography.

1. Would be better to read this book, then read the Canon manual.
   Gives a little more in depth to the camera functions, as well as, good photography tips.



2. I found that the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT Guide to Digital SLR Photography went one step past the camera manuel in all aspects of camera operation and explains how to make all of the settings to produce a good photograph. Basically, it helps you to learn how to use your new camera.



3. While the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT comes with a thorough owner's guide that nicely fits in your camera case or pocket, this fantastic book serves as a great combination of an informative beginner's guide to digital SLR photography AND an excellent manual specific to the Rebel XT that goes way beyond the included owner's guide in both detail and quality. Unlike the owner's guide, this book is illustrated with large color photographs of the XT's specific features and menus, as well as actual photographs taken with the XT to demonstrate the results of various camera settings and techniques. Even if you are an experienced SLR photographer, but are new to the XT, this book will be a valuable addition to your professional library. Even if you are the owner of a different digital SLR, this book will serve as a good introduction to digital SLR photography; but, I warn you, it will make you wish you had purchased the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT instead.



4. Through, well written, and well illustrated for the Canon XT and Canon accessories.
   
   I have only one criticism: While the book does cover some items not made by Canon, it ignored other very useful accessories made by other manufacturers. For example, the Opteka BGRXT Grip for Canon XT. This grip houses twice the battery power in the form of either two of the stock batteries or six rechargeable NIMH AA batteries. More importantly, the grip allows much easier VERTICAL format picture taking.
   
   Putting this minor criticism aside, every XP owner should own this book.



5. I'm pretty new to SLR photography in general, but have used many point and shoot cameras. What I thought was great about this book is that if you are learning photography, it aids in giving you examples of what you can do with the different features of the camera. Its not just a re-hash of the manual, it gives examples. It is a great reference and I highly recommend it to anyone who isn't quite sure how you could use the features of the camera from a practical standpoint.

5 comments about Digital Nature Photography: The Art and the Science.

1. I attended the Gerlach's seminar 15 to 20 years ago and learned more from them than any other seminar or book. And their newest book is a fantastic continuation of their exceptional teaching skills. Techniques are insightful. Photographs are gorgeous, always improving over the years. Text is clear and concise, EXCEPT: FIRE THE EDITOR. The first few chapters are a mixture of typographical and grammatical errors, the phrasing is disorganized and distracting to the point of being almost unreadable, and they ramble.
   
   Buy the book, but skim very quickly the first few chapters.



2. I am amateur wildlife photographer (not beginner) and I have some practice in this field (www.natureblink.com) but this book is absolutely amazing! However some information are for beginner but I also found so many new information and tips for improving my photographic skill! These information are strengthen by excellent photos. I can recommend this book to any nature/wildlife photographer!



3. I attended a workshop with the Gerhardts and they are very talented and generous with their time and knowledge. This lovely little book contains much good information, real world practical advice with options for different budgets, and wonderful photographic examples. This is not a cookbook but a resource especially suited for those who are are looking for a well explained rather than highly technical reference.



4. The photographs in this book are superb. The instructional text is presented very clearly, is well organized, and contains truly practical information. The whole book, from cover to cover, is truly inspiring.



5. Digital Nature Photography: The Art And the Science
   
   Great Book! Very informative, beautiful photos! Authors use easy way to explain photo-tips and give priceless advises from they own experience...This book is pleasure to read and great manual to all who want to understand how to take the best pictures and enjoy Mother-Nature...

3 comments about Advanced Photoshop Elements 6 for Digital Photographers.

1. Phillip has written a very useful book for the intermediate to advanced Photoshop Elements user to take advantage of the latest features Adobe has added to Elements 6. I have a copy of this edition on my bookshelf and also have the previous edition of this book for Elements 5.
   As before, there are lots of colorful images and illustrations to complement the text and many of the images can be downloaded from his website. This edition seems to make more improvements towards showing step by step instructions along with concise explanations of image editing concepts, image capture, editing tools and features to help the reader know "how" and understand "why".
   For example, his step by step presentation of Camera RAW workflow and explanations of the Elements 6 RAW editor features are very clear and practical. He also explains a couple of methods for RAW editing of multiple images. Very well done, but one thing does seem to be missing, I couldn't find instructions on how to open a normal JPEG image for editing in the RAW editor.
   There are a few typos here and there that appear to have carried over from the previous edition/version, but they are of no major consequence. I've used elements regularly since version 2 and Adobe seems to be indecisive with parts of the program as they continually reorganize and rename different features from version to version, albeit most seem to help improve it overall after you adapt to the changes. All of this makes it more challenging for writers to keep up with their shuffle of terminology, menus and overall layout. Phillip seems to have done well at this game!



2. Written by the same author as 'Adobe Photoshop Elements 6 - A visual introduction', but covering more advanced topics as the name suggests.
   
   The book starts with some basic concepts of digital imaging and leads on to some pretty complex projects which can be undertaken in Elements.
   
   At the moment, it's firmly based around Windows version - all the screenshots and keyboard shortcuts refer to this and there's no indication of any proposed updates when the Macintosh version is released later this month - as a user of the beta version of the software I didn't find it difficult to navigate the menus and tools.
   However, it's not restricted to users of v6 - each process has indicators showing which versions of Elements it can be applied to and they could equally be applied to Photoshop CS3.
   
   It's written in an easy style to read - I found even the most complex of projects pretty simple to follow. However, no CD is provided as with his other book - not a major issue, but sometimes seeing a process in a video is helpful. Resources in the form of the images used in many of the chapters are available from the book's dedicated website along with some videos, but these are not particularly related to the contents of the book.
   
   Good layout with clear graphics, before and after shots and staged walk-throughs.
   
   The book is split into sections which are easy to navigate via a comprehensive contents page and index. A good book for dipping into when you need to figure out how to do digital hand colouring!
   
   The sections dealing with colour management were particularly useful as this is a concept I've always
   struggled with...



3. Another good book by Philip Andrews. Where his Adobe PSE6 Visual introduction is the appetizer, this Advanced PSE6 for Digital Photographers is the entree. Mr Andrews covers what's happening in your camera and scanner and how you can control image output, fully covers RAW processing; and then goes into workflows that work. He then speaks to the application and projects and really gets into the detail of making the PSE tools work for you. The way Mr Andrews has written this book it is easy to understand and you feel like you have a mentor that really wants to see you succeed.

3 comments about A Short Course in Nikon D300 Photography book/ebook.

1. This is a "cookie cutter" copy of the book I purchased for my Nikon D80. All the author did was update the information from one camera to the other. Very dissapointing, not to mention overpriced. The features of the D300 were not covered very throughly and a lot were left out completely. A much, much better book is David Busch's "Nikon D300 Guide to Digital SLR Photography" and is also less expensive.



2. Since my husband has a new Nikon D300, I bought him this manual. It has been very informative for him.



3. Every time a major new piece of camera equipment is introduced, books explaining how to use the equipment are a few months behind. The Nikon D300 is a marvelous new camera that was introduced in November. This book is one of the winners in the D300 camera book race.
   
   The book itself is a nice combination of e-book in PDF form with a hard text copy. The PDF file includes the use of color and buttons one can press to connect to short animations on the publisher's web site. (You'd better have a high-speed connection to use this facility.) The text copy is in black and white, 8.5 by 11 inches form, with a spiral binding, similar to what you might get by taking the disk to your local print shop and having them print it out and bind it. There's may be no savings in cost by getting a disk and printed copy, but it's a lot more convenient, especially if you don't take to reading books on-line.
   
   Curtin starts his book by getting the reader up and running with his camera by describing how to put the camera into program mode so you can just get out and shoot right away. The initial chapter then describes the buttons and dials of the camera. The book is particularly useful for individuals new to a digital SLR in all chapters because it explains the principles behind the settings, such as when the author explains what pixels and formats are before explaining the quality controls. He offers subsequent chapters on exposure, sharpness, color, lens selection and flash in which he first explains the relevant theory and then how one can apply it with the camera. A nice feature for beginners is that he often points out how to deal with problems that might appear to be caused by a broken camera, when all that has happened is that some wrong button has been pressed.
   
   Although there is a lot of fundamental information here, there is nothing about how to apply the D300 to actual picture taking, and few recommendations on which options to select when offered by the camera. For example, Curtin mentions the continuous-servo auto focus mode, but does not describe the various options offered by that mode such as 9, 21 or 51 point focusing. (These options are mentioned in the chapter on menus but the material provided in that chapter is even more abbreviated than the Nikon D300 User's Manual.)
   
   More advanced users who already understand exposure, focus, white balance and similar subjects will not find much information that will help them use their D300. For example, the D300 can be used as a part of the Nikon Creative Lighting System, but there is no mention of that in the chapter on flash. (Strangely enough, that chapter contains information on studio lighting systems but not with Nikon flashes.)
   
   Occasional errors have crept into the book. Curtin says that the D300 viewfinder offers 95% coverage of the image area but the coverage is actually nearly 100%. (The D200 offered 95% coverage.) Similarly the description of the auto-focus area mode selector positions is reversed. However these errors are not substantial and should not interfere with the new user's ability to learn to use the camera.
   
   The publisher offers a web site where materials dealing with other aspects of digital photography are available.
   
   In summery, this a good book for the new digital single lens reflex camera owner who has purchased a D300. Advanced users will have to hope upcoming books will address their needs.

5 comments about Adobe(R) Photoshop 7.0 Classroom in a Book.

1. Takes you step by step, just like a classroom. Covers items you can't figure out on your own!



2. Bought this ages ago, when I was considering Adobe Photoshop Qualification. Now, Photoshop integrates tutorial videos into its newer Photoshop models, but the Classroom in a Book was an excellent way to learn. It provides images on a disk to work with while you follow along in the guide book.



3. For the most part it covers the basics of photoshop, nothing to complicated. It explains the ground-level functions in a way that anyone can understand. If you want to become a image master then this is a great starting place for the Photoshop beginner.



4. 
   I was expecting a guided class ,instead I found no instructions at all, no exercises to practice on the CD.
   I was sitting in front of the photoshop screen with a picture and that's it.
   I guess it would be better that the publishers explain somehow that you need a previous knowledge of the program.
   It must be good for people who just need to upgrade previous knowledge, but I won reccomend it if you don't have it.



5. One thing I have learned after using Photoshop for over 15 years is, there is always something else to learn. The Photoshop 7.0 Classroom Book is a great tool for this purpose.

5 comments about Real World Nikon Capture NX (Real World).

1. so far, i like what i'm reading and i special like that it an easy book to learn from.



2. I found Capture NX to be a confusing program for the first-time user, and this book helped explain how to use it in slightly different words than the Nikon manual. It's adequate for a beginner, but probably won't satisfy advanced users of the program. Most of the "Real World" series are much better and contain more depth than this book. Also, the binding is no good. Unleashing the RAW Power of Capture NX (3 Tutorial DVD set) is a much better resource.



3. Capture NX is a terrific digital image processing program, being almost as capable as Photoshop but much easier and more efficient to use. However, the Nikon manual and help functions are quite superficial. The Long book fills a wide gap as the only secondary book source re Capture NX. Although a bit expensive ($35)for the size of the book, I consider it to have been a very good investment. With this book and some concentrated effort using NX, I have been able to learn a lot and get much better images than with Photoshop CS2. Incidentally, I have no connection with Nikon or Mr. Long.



4. Having had Capture NX for over a year, I decided to purchase this book. I had earlier purchased Jason Odell's eBook and wanted to supplement with a "diverse" opinion.
   
   Overall, this book will get you started with NX. However, don't expect it "dive-in" to some of the deeper abilities of NX.
   
   What dissapointed me the most was that the first half of the book is wasted on material that the reader is already going to know. It appears to me this was filler material in order to make the book thicker.
   
   Again, to get started, this book will fit the bill. If you want to get a bit deeper, go with Odell's book



5. It was slow but was recieved on time. Book binding came loose but book still great.

5 comments about Best Business Practices for Photographers.

1. I read John's excellent book on business twice and then met him at the ASMP seminar in LA. This is not a how-to take good photos book rather a how-to negotiate effectively and stay in business and MAKE MONEY!
   I have applied all his techniques and can promise it increased my income! I learned to price on usage and value.
   Highly recommended to professional photographers and starting out photographers that would like to learn the business side of photography.
   Jason
   www.wallisphoto.com



2. I am always a little suspicious of reviews of books, since so many of them are made by friends of the author, but this book is definitely a "must read" for any photographer that is serious about making it in this business, regardless of what sector you are interested in. It definitely is an eye opener on some subjects, and makes you aware of things you never thought of, on others. Regardless of whether you are a working pro now, or thinking about it, buy this book, period! This book pretty much covers it all from a business standpoint. I'm glad I choose this one over all of the others.



3. If you're looking for a behind-the-scenes view at what it takes to be a truly successful commercial photographer, this book offers about the best picture you're going to get. I don't think John leaves one stone unturned in detailing all the facets of the business. Here is a sampling of some of the topics covered:
   
   - Tactical decision making and serving the overall strategy
   - Importance of proper equipment
   - Being prepared for the unexpected
   - Working with employees, contractors, interns, and apprentices
   - Pricing and licensing your work to stay in business
   - A real cost-of-doing-business approach with a photography-tailored CODB calculator
   - Proper bookkeeping and accounting
   - All types of insurance needed, and the importance of a COI (certificate of insurance)
   - Everything about legal issues including copyright registration, infringements, and contract breaches
   - All types of contracts and negotiations with real-life examples, and when to say "no"
   - Why you need an accountant and an attorney, and what to ask them
   - Great methods for dealing with slow and non-paying clients
   - The power of email and professional writing along with the use of proper signatures
   - Great advice on proper storage archiving, redundancy, security, and the importance of backing up both onsite and offsite in this new digital age
   
   John also offers ample recommended reading at the end of each chapter, and sites excellent references from other sources throughout the book. There's no question John has been around the block multiple times in this industry. Some of the stories he tells are invaluable lessons and give real insights into the rapport of the business. The book is also up to date with discussions on the new and various methods of tapping into that extra stock revenue using the latest stock portals such as Digital Railroad and PhotoShelter. Through all of this, John does not lose sight of the importance of the human aspect, covering everything from the proper care and feeding of your clients to ongoing education, networking, charity, and giving back. And in case you are wondering, he explains how it is possible to do what you love and still have time for your loved ones.
   
   In summary, a fantastic book, and one that will have a lasting impact on both your business and your personal life. Thanks John for paying it forward.



4. I am a photographer, and as one, I(at least I think) am great at photography, but terrible on the business side. I provide arbitrary (and some times unecessarily large) discounts, or price some of my services at very low rates.
   
   This book provides very useful information for someone like me. Reminds me that in addition to the "art" aspect, photography is also a business that must be self sustained in order to support me...
   
   Very well written, and inspirational in its own unique way.



5. If you are in any way interested in striking out on your own as a freelance photographer--or any other kind of independent professional photographer--just buy this book. It's got all the information you will need to get your business up and running. Of course, if your pictures such, this will do nothing to help you, because there is not information about exposure, lighting, etc. It's strictly business, so you might not need to buy this... yet.

5 comments about On This Earth: Photographs from East Africa.

1. Amazing BW pictures. Very nice and a good edition. Very interesting for all photo-africa lovers....



2. This is a collection of beautiful photographs. The prints are warm, with good blacks. This made a great gift for our friends that had travelled in Africa.



3. Nick Brandt's collection of photography is absolutely stunning. His work is much more akin to portraits than traditional wildlife photography. There is an intimacy between Brandt and his animal subjects which resonates in each photo. Page after page, "On This Earth" shows us the humanity and soul of these animals. Brandt has made a brilliant case for why these creatures have the same right to live on this earth as we do.



4. The day I got this book I spent almost an hour flipping through the pages and soaking in the beauty of these photos. It was then that I decided Nick Brandt was my new favorite photographers. He captures the African wildlife with so much power and natural beauty that it's almost unreal and his post-processing adds a whole other layer to the photos. I would suggest this book to any photo or animal enthusiast, it is quite simply one of the best photography books I have found.



5. This is one of the most beautiful 'coffee-table' books I have in my collection. The photos are outstanding, with clear, strong shots of the subject. The book is filled with full-page, high quality photography that will make you wish you'd bought 2 books...one to keep on the coffee table, and one to deconstruct and frame.

2 comments about Peace: The Biography of a Symbol.

1. This is a great book that shows the history of the peace symbol. Nice photos and is well written. I bought a few copies to hand out to teachers for their classtrooms. A good history lesson.



2. A readable history of the peace sign, well-illustrated. Baby Boomers will enjoy this look at the origin and uses of that thing they used to draw on their notebook covers during health class.

5 comments about Adobe Premiere Elements for Dummies.

1. Great book for someone new to the software. It was a huge help. Excellent index for the beginner.



2. I found the book well written and quite enlightening! Unfortunately, the product Mr.Underdahl is 'teaching' us about is a faulty one at best. After following the book, word for word, I attempted to 'cut my show'. BTW, I am NOT a 'hobbyist'. The book addresses the 'Windows XP' platform and there are a few differences with the newer "Vista". Still, the book describes the many 'functions' of this software with understated humor and precision, but it doesn't address the multitude of problems one will encounter while right in the middle of a delicate 'cut' or transition. The 'error' message pops up and literally shuts down your project. I thought it was just me until I visited the 'user to user' Adobe forum and discovered that many, MANY people experience the same frustration and ultimate problems with this program. Oh yes, I as well as the others have downloaded the '3.0.2' patch...not good enough as yet another 'error' will subsequently appear and mess it up. Sorry folks, the book is fantastic but the product is not. Adobe simply wants us to upgrade for yet more money. Not acceptable. Good luck!



3. Both books that I ordered were handled in an excellent manner and arrived on the date specified. Very good documentation was provided as to the departure and arrival. I was impressed with the efficienty of the order. Thanks very much.



4. I was looking for a manual for Premiere Elements 3.0 but this book doesn't cover this version. Maybe it is good for version 1.0



5. I bought this book because I found the Premiere Elements user guide less than helpful. Adobe Premiere Elements for Dummies does contain a lot of helpful information and tips, but my impression is that I'll need to read the book cover to cover rather than using it as a reference guide. Be aware that this book's screen shots do not reflect Premiere Elements 2.0. I don't know how different 2.0 is from previous versions, but this was a source of frustration for me when I was trying to find out how to "single step" through a clip.