Slr Photography Books

What’s the best way to get educated about photography in general?

I just got an SLR. I wanna learn about photoshopping and taking photos, different lenses, whatever. Anything you need to know about photography. Or what’s a good book to buy?

It would be beneficial to know if you have a 35mm film SLR or a digital SLR when suggesting books.

The absolute best way to learn about photography is by attending photography classes. Since I realize this isn’t always possible I’ll list a few books for you.

Digital

“Understanding Exposure: How To Take Great Photos With A Film or Digital Camera” by Bryan Peterson

“Hands-On Digital Photography” by George Schaub

“How Digital Photography Works, Second Edition” by Ron White

The Magic Lantern, a division of Lark Books (http://www.larkbooks.com/catalog) offers instructional DVDs and paperback Guides for most DSLR cameras.

Film

The Peterson book.

“Object & Image: An Introduction To Photography, Third Edition” by George M. Craven

You will find that as you learn more about light and composition and f-stops and ISO and shutter speeds the less you’ll need Photoshop. The idea is to “Get it right in the camera” and minimize any post-processing. If you fall into the “Oh I can fix it in Photoshop” trap you’ll find yourself getting more computer time and less camera time. Seriously, which would you rather be doing? Trying to make an average picture out of a mediocre one or out with your camera taking pictures?

Another trap that I believe many digital users fall into is the “machine gunner mentality”. This is where you take 100 pictures and hope 10 or 15 are worth keeping. I’ve seen people say that if they took 100 pictures or 1,000 pictures and got 1 good one they were happy. IMO that’s a ridiculous attitude. You’d probably get better results if you just gave the camera to a chimpanzee. I encourage people to develop the “sniper mentalty” – one exposure, one good picture.

As Ansel Adams said: “Pictures are not taken, they are made.” This means that you need to slow down, think about the picture you want to make and then use your skills with light and composition and shutter speed and ISO and f-stop to make the picture. Slow down and take your time. Think. Look at the scene standing, sitting, after moving right or left. Pay as much attention to the background as you do to your subject.

Visit your library and look at the photography magazines they subscribe to. Read them. Then subscribe to the one you like best. My personal favorite is Shutterbug.

Go to http://www.adorama.com and check out AIRC – Adorama Imaging Resource Center. You’ll find articles/tutorials covering several topics.

“Best wide-angle lens? Two steps backward. Look for the ‘ah-ha’ “. Ernst Haas

Head & Shoulders Portraits By Jeff Smith

Nikon Accessory Pack for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras $130.00 The Nikon accessory pack for digital SLR cameras gives you what you need to protect your digital camera and enhance your picture-taking abilities. The kit includes a deluxe ballistic nylon Nikon gadget bag, a Nikon EN-EL3A Li-ion rechargeable battery, a 52mm UV haze-protection filter, and a Nikon School Guide to SLR Photography. Gadget Bag The spacious gadget bag features rugged ballistic nyl…

Understanding the Nikon Speedlight: SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 $11.68 Understanding the Nikon Flash SB800 and SB600 – A thorough overview of the the Nikon flash system featuring these two excellent flash units. Covers details on all functions and how to use them. Owners of Nikon flashes are often bewildered about how to use the flash unit effectively to produce the type of shots they want. Although the supplied manual does provide some technical assistance, flashes…

Nikon School DVD – Understanding Digital Photography $6.00 Understanding Digital Photography – DVD allows customers to take their digital SLR photography even further by providing insight about the fundamentals of digital SLR photography. Understanding Digital Photography makes it easier than ever for customers to learn why, how and when to go beyond their Nikon D-SLR’s automatic setting mode….

Magic Lantern DVD Guides: Nikon D80 $14.47 Created by photographers for photographers, this in-depth, high-quality DVD makes it simple to learn to use the D80 by demonstrating live-action camera handling. It covers: features and controls, menu banks, image quality and formats, exposure and white balance, flash photography, playback and editing, and much more….

Pearstone AA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries (2300mAh, 8 Pack) $18.50 Pearstone’s AA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries (2300mAh, 8 Pack) are both budget and environmentally friendly. Easy on your pocket book, these batteries pay for themselves time and time again with up to a 1,000 charge cycle. That means whether you’re powering a flashlight, toys, or a camera you can use your device without worry – knowing that you can charge the batteries up whenever it’s needed. And …

David Busch’s Nikon D5000 Guide to Digital SLR Photography, Softcover Book by David Busch $19.29 Welcome to the D5000, the most advanced upper-entry-level digital SLR camera that Nikon has ever introduced. David Busch’s Nikon D5000 Guide to Digital SLR Photography shows you how to maximize your camera’s robust feature set, including 12 megapixel resolution, 13 versatile new Scene modes, blazing-fast automatic focus, the real-time preview system Live View and even HDTV movie-making capabilitie…

Lowepro Fastpack 250 Camera/Laptop Backpack $68.99 Go all day with the lightweight, comfortable Fastpack 250 backpack. It protects your digital SLR and 15.4″ wide screen notebook compactly while providing generous storage for your other gear. Side-entry compartments let you quickly grab equipment and accessories, even while you are on the move….

Kata KT D-3N1-22 3 In 1 Sling /Backpack with Laptop Slot $90.88 Kata 3N1-22; 3in1 Sling Backpack…

Lowepro Pro Runner x450 AW DSLR Backpack (Black) $239.95 The Lowepro Pro Runner x450 AW DSLR rolling backpack delivers a convertible, streamlined and urban-inspired solution for pro photographers and photojournalists who carry their gear through crowded airports and busy city streets. It’s purpose built for superior protection and maximum flexibility as photographers work and travel. This easy-to-convert design fits up to a pro-sized body with grip and …

AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR Cameras and Accessories (Black) $39.95 The AmazonBasics Backpack for SLR Cameras and Accessories offers multiple storage options for your camera, lenses, tripod, cables, flashes, and other accessories. This durable black polyester/nylon backpack features nine inner compartments to store and protect your equipment. For further convenience, Velcro dividers let you adjust and even remove the compartments according to your needs. …