The Digital Photography Book

This is book 4 in the series and, just like the other books in this 5-part series (I own the full 5-part series in print) from Scott Kelby, this presents photos, with the detailed methods and equipment used to produce the final shot, which works wonderfully for teaching new photogs, as well as serves as inspiration to more experienced shooters. I have been a professional photographer, both as a news photojournalist and as a crime scene photographer, then later as a wedding and portrait photographer, for almost 30 years. These books by Scott Kelby, although written for beginner photogs, up to intermediate level shooters, should really be in every photographer's library. I, myself, keep these in my library, alongside other inspirational photobooks from well-known and not-so-well-known photographers throughout the decades and in different genres because, honestly, even I get into ruts where it seems like I've already shot everything under the sun and stars. When I do get into a rut, I reach for whatever book calls out to me, including these Kelby books, to peruse the pages and allow them to spark something within me that kicks me out of my seat to grab my camera gear and head out, good weather or bad, day or night, whatever the situation. Since the COVID lockdowns, I have gone back over many of the books in my library and flipped through the pages (traditional books and digital), getting rid of some and adding others, but Kelby's books are permanent residents in my library. Yes, they are that valuable. I have only loaned them out once, to my niece as she was starting her photography journey just prior to the lockdowns, and she loved them so much that she ordered them on Kindle. Scott Kelby is a wonderful teacher and his work inspirational.

Great book

First, I will admit up front that I'm a fan of Scott Kelby and own all three prior "Digital Photography" books 1-3 as well as more than my fair share of photography books in general. Several dozen at least with dozens more that weren't sufficient to rate as "keepers".Now, having said that, I actually was disappointed with the third volume in the set as it seemed redundant. Whereas 1 and 2 provided terrific basic information and seemeed to build up on it, the 3rd rehashed more than anything else. I'm thrilled to say that is NOT the case with this version (Part 4).If you are just getting started with digital photography, there is no better place to begin than the first books in this series and when I originally purchased them, that was exactly my situation. I had owned a nice camera years and years ago but hadn't made the transition to digital. It's now been several years and my skills - as well as the digital camera's - have grown considerably over the years. This book meets that need with ooodles of fun, exciting and interesting techniques that take an average photographer to the next level.I'm by no means a pro or anywhere near it but have improved enough that people are now commenting or even asking for photo's now and then. Still, I lack the bag of tricks to really make a shot stand out. This book gives great short, concise tips on how to achieve those nifty shots without all the confusion.For example, want to know how to get three or so images of the same person in one shot? IT's on page 7. Using Hot Shoe - ohhhhh THANK YOU! I've bought other books that seemed more like a course in terminology...this breaks it down into short, simple tips. Ditto for white balancing, star and light trails plus much more.The recipe section is superb but most importantly, this book answers many of the questions I have as someone who has gone beyond the absolute basics but is still far from pro. Over the last few years I've added several len options but always debate which is my best "walk around" option...it's in here! Why jpeg looks better than RAW - it's in here too. It's like Kelby walked around following me for the past several months and made a list of all my personal mistakes - then put them into a nice, easy to read, example filled volume.Without a doubt, this is my absolutely FAVORITE Of all 4 volumes and a def "keeper". Perfect timing for the spring season and can't wait to get out there and try out a few new tricks.GREAT book! However, if you are an absolute beginner, start with the earlier books in the set and go from there.

To be honest, I was afraid that Scott Kelby would come out with a crappy book because he can - it would've sold well, anyway. Thankfully, that's not the case - this book is as good as, if not better than other books in the same "The Digital Photography" series. Phew!********************************************************************************************************************************P.S. Please remember to actually go out and practice the book's tips and techniques - they don't magically travel from your bookshelf into your mind and camera at night while you are sleeping!P.P.S. Here is abbreviated Table of Contents for this book:Chapter One. Shooting People Like a Pro: Yet Even More Tips to Make People Look Their Very BestChapter Two. Using Hot Shoe Flash Like a Pro, Part 3: Picking Right Up Where the Last Book Left OffChapter Three. More Tips on Using Your Studio Like a Pro: In Volume 3, We Took It Up a Notch. Now, Let's Do It Again!Chapter Four. More Tips on Lenses: Going Way Beyond Which Lens to UseChapter Five. Pro Tips for Shooting in Natural Light: How to Take Advantage of the Most Beautiful Light on EarthChapter Six. Shooting Landscape Photos Like a Pro: Yet Even More Tips for Creating Stunning Scenic ImagesChapter Seven. Pro Tips for Shooting Travel Photos: How to Come Back with Images You're Really Proud OfChapter Eight. Shooting Sports Like a Pro: How to Get Professional Results from Your Next Sports ShootChapter Nine. Shooting HDR Like a Pro: How to Shoot and Process HDR ImagesChapter Ten. Pro Tips for Shooting DSLR Video: How to Get the Most Out of Your Built-In Video CapabilitiesChapter Eleven. Pro Tips for Getting Better Photos: More Tricks of the Trade for Making Your Shots Look BetterChapter Twelve. Yet Even More Photo Recipes to Help You "Get the Shot": The Simple Ingredients to Make It All Come Together

Having purchased Scott Kelby's first three books in this series, I thought I couldn't not buy number four. Unfortunately it doesn't contain a whole lot more new material, being more of a recap of many of the major subjects he covered in volumes 1-3.However, if you like Scott Kelby (and I do .. I refer frequently to his 'The Photoshop Elements 13 Book for Digital Photographers') then you'll probably cope okay with this fourth volume, in what has been a very informative series.

Scott Kelby has written a number of books on digital photography and also on 'How to use Photoshop'. His style is well written, easy to comprehend with photos to guide those that are just starting out. I am delighted with all of his material and find it a great help when I am approaching a subject that has not come across my path or need before. I am very happy to recommend this and all his other works to anyone who has the slightest interest in digital photography.

I have been dipping in and out of this and it's a well researched and through book which is easy to understand. A great book for beginners through to intermediate.

Scott puts the techniques he has learned over years as a professional photographer clearly and easy to read.His humorous writing leaves you with a smile as you read on.It's like being given a masterclass by a good friend.I recommend any of Scott Kelbys' books.Brilliant,easy to read and great ideas remembered easily too.

Enjoyed his last 3 books, jumped around a few other authors, some good some bad, but this latest book matches well with his previous work. This is a very practical and honest way of getting the informatiion across. wont suit all, but highly recommended. and i am usually quite a critical. but praise where its due.