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Beginner's Digital SLR Crash Course: Complete guide to mastering digital photography basics, understanding exposure, and taking better pictures.
Who Else Wants To Take Better Pictures? That's what this guide is all about; making the most of your digital camera, so that you can create beautiful photographs. You won't find all the complicated technical jargon that fills other books and blogs. I was like you at one point - I was just a guy who had no clue how to use all the fancy features of my new digital camera, and it was an extremely frustrating experience. My pictures were awful, and I was starting to question why I spent so much money on a DSLR. Sound familiar? I decided I wouldn't settle for mediocre results, so I spent years of trial and (mostly) error to figure out all the tips and little known tricks that I'll help you learn in this concise digital photography guide. Give Me 24 Hours - And I'll Make You A Better Photographer I'm going to teach you how to take better photos today. You'll see an improvement in your photos right away and they'll keep getting even better as you practice. Students in my digital photography workshops pay $100 per hour to see drastic improvement in their photography, and you get all the same information at a fraction of the cost. I believe in the 80/20 rule; I'm going to give you 20% of the tricks that will get 80% of the results so you can spend more time doing what you love. Are You Harnessing The Creative Power Of These 3 Camera Modes? Shooting in automatic mode can produce a decent photo every now and then, but you have zero creative control. The digital SLR cameras on the market offer several better modes to create beautiful photos. I'm going to walk you through each one of those modes, one at a time, so that you know exactly how and when to use them. The camera modes we'll master together Aperture Priority mode (Av, A) Shutter Priority mode (Tv, S) Manual Mode (M) If You Shoot In Auto Mode, You Have Wasted $1000 Prices have come down significantly, but cameras are still really expensive. There's no point in having an expensive camera if you're just shooting in Auto mode, because you could have spent a tenth the money for the same results. If you don't take advantage of the more advanced modes that you'll master with this guide, you've wasted hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a tool you can't use properly. 11 More Things You'll Learn About Your Digital Camera In addition to all the shooting modes, I'll teach you everything you need to know Image size Image quality Memory cards Color space ISO speed Digital noise Histograms White balance Composition tips Photo storage tips Camera accessories for the (not so) beginner Scroll up, click the BUY NOW button and get started right now! 5 Simple Ways To Be A Better Photographer Than 99% Of Beginners Once you understand the basics in this book, it's really not hard to be a great photographer. I'm not promising that you'll sell out galleries in New York, but I guarantee if you follow these five simple principles that are covered in depth within this guide, you'll stand out from the crowd of beginners.
73 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2013
637 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
November 19, 2021
A Start, but Could Have Been Better
This a a good starting point, but the images are low resolution and the content is sorely lacking meat. Continuing the food metaphor, this is a small plate. A great taste of photographic knowledge, but it is missing the depth of details to really make you better.
The exposure triangle is presented, but there is no explanation of how to use the elements to improve exposure. I also prefer more examples of how to apply knowledge in the real world.
I might have given another star if the graphics didn’t suck. I really find it unforgivable for any graphics professional to use low res graphics. The impact of the sample photos was severely diminished for me because they were fuzzy. We’re they out of focus when taken? If so, can I really trust this advice. If not, can I trust an author who is incapable of creating a document with the proper resolution settings?
I also would have liked more illustrations and sample photos. Several sections don’t have any at all. Photography is a visual medium, and I would expect a lot of visual learners.
This a a good starting point, but the images are low resolution and the content is sorely lacking meat. Continuing the food metaphor, this is a small plate. A great taste of photographic knowledge, but it is missing the depth of details to really make you better.
The exposure triangle is presented, but there is no explanation of how to use the elements to improve exposure. I also prefer more examples of how to apply knowledge in the real world.
I might have given another star if the graphics didn’t suck. I really find it unforgivable for any graphics professional to use low res graphics. The impact of the sample photos was severely diminished for me because they were fuzzy. We’re they out of focus when taken? If so, can I really trust this advice. If not, can I trust an author who is incapable of creating a document with the proper resolution settings?
I also would have liked more illustrations and sample photos. Several sections don’t have any at all. Photography is a visual medium, and I would expect a lot of visual learners.
July 20, 2018
Nicely and easily explains all the basics you need
Much less cumbersome than reading a giant manual that you don't understand. This guide even includes some of the common images and abbreviations used within cameras to distinguish what is what.
Some of the images included are not the easiest to see and certainly cannot fully be enjoyed if your reading on a smaller device since there is no easy way to zoom in on just the included reference images. Some also seemed oddly sized or placed which made it hard to fully grasp the intended demonstration of the images.
Outside of that though the hook was great.
Much less cumbersome than reading a giant manual that you don't understand. This guide even includes some of the common images and abbreviations used within cameras to distinguish what is what.
Some of the images included are not the easiest to see and certainly cannot fully be enjoyed if your reading on a smaller device since there is no easy way to zoom in on just the included reference images. Some also seemed oddly sized or placed which made it hard to fully grasp the intended demonstration of the images.
Outside of that though the hook was great.
February 27, 2019
Extremely basic, outdated
As of late Feb 2019, this book is dated in several respects. Some other kindle books on this topic are more detailed and accessible
Next edition should enlarge diagrams. Details of specific setting navigation only apply to Canon and Nikon. The market is now bigger.
All in all, some useful tips. Thank you for writing the book; I know it’s a great effort.
As of late Feb 2019, this book is dated in several respects. Some other kindle books on this topic are more detailed and accessible
Next edition should enlarge diagrams. Details of specific setting navigation only apply to Canon and Nikon. The market is now bigger.
All in all, some useful tips. Thank you for writing the book; I know it’s a great effort.
February 6, 2020
Super helpful
Great book for a newbie like myself to understand how to use the different functions on my camera and not just use the auto mode. I have always been interested in photography but felt so overwhelmed by all the features. Now I feel more comfortable with my camera. Very informative and easy to understand book and I highly recommend it to anyone starting out who wants to get the most out of their camera.
Great book for a newbie like myself to understand how to use the different functions on my camera and not just use the auto mode. I have always been interested in photography but felt so overwhelmed by all the features. Now I feel more comfortable with my camera. Very informative and easy to understand book and I highly recommend it to anyone starting out who wants to get the most out of their camera.
December 13, 2020
Does what is says- guided you to early confidence and competence
Straight forward, demystifying and clear. Really helped explain the functions and relationships between the different controls. Showed now to use the controls to achieve different targets and how to experiment with exposure, shutter speed and speed of screen sensitivity . Tips on composition and advice for photo storage and equipment. Excellent starter that gives me the confidence to explore further!
Straight forward, demystifying and clear. Really helped explain the functions and relationships between the different controls. Showed now to use the controls to achieve different targets and how to experiment with exposure, shutter speed and speed of screen sensitivity . Tips on composition and advice for photo storage and equipment. Excellent starter that gives me the confidence to explore further!
March 23, 2019
Great introduction to Digital Photography
This book breaks down the technical jargon into more manageable basics.its not lengthy which is a good thing and covers everything to get you started. The rest as they say is up too you. Although most of it was not new to me, I know how useful histograms are. You learn something new every day, Thankyou
This book breaks down the technical jargon into more manageable basics.its not lengthy which is a good thing and covers everything to get you started. The rest as they say is up too you. Although most of it was not new to me, I know how useful histograms are. You learn something new every day, Thankyou
May 29, 2019
Omg
This was so awesome, in school i learnt how to use dslr and i bought one thinking id know how but i was totally lost after reading this it was like hey i know bits of some of this but im getting a full picture of it all and now im not so disinhearted that i spent so much on this, im going to go out in a few hours and play with it
This was so awesome, in school i learnt how to use dslr and i bought one thinking id know how but i was totally lost after reading this it was like hey i know bits of some of this but im getting a full picture of it all and now im not so disinhearted that i spent so much on this, im going to go out in a few hours and play with it
August 1, 2020
Written in plain language
Sometimes, I think, an author tries to impress his/her audience and uses technical and irrelevant language to seen more knowledgeable. This author clearly knows his subject and explains the material so that those reading will be able to follow along and learn.
I would read more from him.
Sometimes, I think, an author tries to impress his/her audience and uses technical and irrelevant language to seen more knowledgeable. This author clearly knows his subject and explains the material so that those reading will be able to follow along and learn.
I would read more from him.
November 20, 2020
Or an excellent refresher course
I am not exactly a beginner , but I don't carry my camera with me everywhere
as my son, a pro. photographer , says I should do. This short course is well written w/o a lot of techno. language that scares beginners . Read it carefully and happy shooting.
I am not exactly a beginner , but I don't carry my camera with me everywhere
as my son, a pro. photographer , says I should do. This short course is well written w/o a lot of techno. language that scares beginners . Read it carefully and happy shooting.
March 13, 2022
Good book for beginners. I have been taking pics with my dslr for a while and have done few courses too. But the pointer about custom white balance and light meter was a new concept.
Good book for beginners. I have been taking pics with my dslr for a while and have done few courses too. But the pointer about custom white balance and light meter was a new concept.
Good book for beginners. I have been taking pics with my dslr for a while and have done few courses too. But the pointer about custom white balance and light meter was a new concept.
June 16, 2017
Complex subject
Hard to master image gathering by camera, even harder to get the subject across to others. An author that achieves the passing of his experiences whilst not complicating matters. Better photos should be achievable quickly by anyone.
Hard to master image gathering by camera, even harder to get the subject across to others. An author that achieves the passing of his experiences whilst not complicating matters. Better photos should be achievable quickly by anyone.
March 30, 2018
Great little read for the beginners
It explained a lot of questions I had about my camera. Its also opened me up to new techniques and got me thinking about composing my pictures before I take shot.
It explained a lot of questions I had about my camera. Its also opened me up to new techniques and got me thinking about composing my pictures before I take shot.
July 22, 2019
Short and informative
I am a novice. This well written book explains the basics in a beautiful manner and I am sure that I will be able to take better pictures. Thanks. Must read for all novices
I am a novice. This well written book explains the basics in a beautiful manner and I am sure that I will be able to take better pictures. Thanks. Must read for all novices
September 12, 2019
Very informative for a beginner......
Excellent information with simple explanations. Particularly enjoyed the basic but precise examples of photography techniques. A good start for a hobby photographer.
Excellent information with simple explanations. Particularly enjoyed the basic but precise examples of photography techniques. A good start for a hobby photographer.
December 30, 2019
Quick read to understand photography
Easy to read and understand. Put me at ease to try manual mode. Thank you for writing this book and sharing the concepts in an easy to understand manner.
Easy to read and understand. Put me at ease to try manual mode. Thank you for writing this book and sharing the concepts in an easy to understand manner.
January 2, 2020
Quick intro to digital photography
Very easy to read and very easy to follow. Doesn't go in-depth on the subject but does give a very good introduction to digital photography. Good to use as a jumping off point or a refresher if you haven't used a camera in a very long time.
Very easy to read and very easy to follow. Doesn't go in-depth on the subject but does give a very good introduction to digital photography. Good to use as a jumping off point or a refresher if you haven't used a camera in a very long time.
September 26, 2020
Great content
This is a good read for those starting out with DSLR photography. I have been at it steady for a few months and this text taught me in easy to understand verbiage. Tom covers a lot of information that is easy to implement.
This is a good read for those starting out with DSLR photography. I have been at it steady for a few months and this text taught me in easy to understand verbiage. Tom covers a lot of information that is easy to implement.
July 1, 2024
good refresher
I did a lot of photography about 20+ years ago on 35mm cameras. Recently have wanted to get back into it and this did really help me remember the things I learned back then. Good quick read. Definitely worth the read!
I did a lot of photography about 20+ years ago on 35mm cameras. Recently have wanted to get back into it and this did really help me remember the things I learned back then. Good quick read. Definitely worth the read!
May 21, 2017
Very good for beginners like me who has DLSR and doesn't know how to properly use it. Will be going to take some photos following the book.
July 14, 2017
Nice refresher
I decided to get back into photography , this was a nice refresher on all the basics I need to know.
I decided to get back into photography , this was a nice refresher on all the basics I need to know.
September 14, 2017
Very basic but gets across the essentials.
October 10, 2017
Good read
Not getting too complicated nor being a know it all jerk! Worth the time to read and hopefully has something more advanced for the future
Not getting too complicated nor being a know it all jerk! Worth the time to read and hopefully has something more advanced for the future
December 15, 2017
Digital photography made easy.
I love how he breaks down the camera and explains what he functions and symbols mean. He has definitely made me more confident in my photography.
I love how he breaks down the camera and explains what he functions and symbols mean. He has definitely made me more confident in my photography.
December 25, 2017
Nice intro, short and crisp
Free, simple to understand, covered all the basics. Will definitely recommend to someone like me who is is starting to learn photography.
Free, simple to understand, covered all the basics. Will definitely recommend to someone like me who is is starting to learn photography.
January 3, 2018
Very nice book to begin with
The author express in a very clear and simple way the principal concepts of photography so one can understand the basics
The author express in a very clear and simple way the principal concepts of photography so one can understand the basics
January 6, 2018
Helpful
Concise and neat information to get you started. Helpful to get you off Auto setting and use advances features of your DSLR camera. Good luck.
Concise and neat information to get you started. Helpful to get you off Auto setting and use advances features of your DSLR camera. Good luck.
January 18, 2018
Easy and quick read
Very basic but great standard pointers. For new photographers and a reminder for others. A good go to for all.
Very basic but great standard pointers. For new photographers and a reminder for others. A good go to for all.
May 11, 2018
Definitely worth your time and money!
This was actually incredibly easy to follow and super helpful! I definitely recommend you get it if you’re interested in learning!
This was actually incredibly easy to follow and super helpful! I definitely recommend you get it if you’re interested in learning!
November 10, 2018
Good book for us beginners
Good book for quick understanding of the basics. Touches upon all the basic topics, every beginner would first want to understand.
Good book for quick understanding of the basics. Touches upon all the basic topics, every beginner would first want to understand.
November 25, 2018
GREAT FOR BEGINNERS!
This book is wonderful it goes through the basics with easy to understand wording. I will be using this over and over as i master my skills.
This book is wonderful it goes through the basics with easy to understand wording. I will be using this over and over as i master my skills.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews