Review by Quentin Cooper posted 05/15/06

    I was intrigued by this book's title, but a quick glance inside revealed that it was as much about film photography where I feel comfortable as about digital imaging into which I am just venturing.
    It is a terrific book either for the traditional film photographer crossing over to or the beginning photographer starting in the digital medium. The author doesn't waste much time getting into techniques of capturing artistic images, a concept that, in my experience, many new-digital only users have not quickly grasped.
    To explain, I have observed a number of new digital-only photographers approach our camera club seeking help in "learning how to operate my camera." Typically they lay down a handful of prints that have little interest or photographic merit, but freeze when , even with the greatest tact, we try to explain that they have to start with basics such as choice of subject and composition and exposure.
    That is rare with experienced photographers who do know a usable image when they get one, and that is where the book appeals to me personally. I have tried some references for programs such as Photoshop that are too thick in advanced technicalities for my tastes and experience, and I have watched demonstrations by experts who use advanced terms and operate so rapidly my old eyes and ears cannot comprehensibly follow. I don't want to spend hours and hours glaring at the computer screen practicing techniques I really do not care to use. If the image is so messy that it needs a complete facelift, I'll try a difference face.
    The author doesn't assume that the reader already is an advanced student or user. He shows images to be improved, then simply explains what can be done to improve them, and, in plain language, how to do it. I can pick things I feel comfortable doing and get on with it. If in time, I choose to do so for fun, I can go a little further.
    Unfortunately, the copy I have before me belongs in the club library, so I guess I'll just have to buy my own. The price seems reasonable.

Review by Tom Branderhorst posted 03/06/06

    I have been enjoying this book very much. There are topics on a wide variety of subjects. Even if some topics are not relevant to a specific person, there are many other topics available. The information presented is obviously available elsewhere, such as the camera manual, or other equipment manuals, but this book pulls a lot of information together in an organized way. It is very well written, and easily understood.
    Overall this is a very practical and useful manual for the digital photographer, and I would recommend it very highly...