If you do drop by my site from time to time, you would realize that one of my passions in life is to attempt to take pictures and share. I would love to upgrade my point-and-shoot camera but DSLR cameras intimate me big time. It seems so complex, so hard to use. Instead of parting a few good grand to invest in one blindly, I need to within reasonable doubt convince myself that I can indeed use one of those (expensive) beasts.
Months ago when I left the counter with the book “Canon EOS40D Guide to Digital Photography” by David D. Busch, the shopkeeper congratulated me for my (non-existing) new camera. I turned back and explained to him that I don’t have a 40D. I told him that I wanted to see if I can indeed handle a DSLR, any DSLR. He was surprised. If you were me being clueless about DSLR, you would have done the same, right?
That 40D book reads like a manual and lacks of beautiful pictures to inspire. So I picked up “The Digital Photography Book (Vol. 1)” by Scott Kelby from a local bookstore lately and am much impressed by the readability and the accessibility of such a technical topic. The book does exactly what it promises: the step-by-step secrets for how too make your photos look like the pros’. The author provides practical and straightforward tips from general photography techniques and accessories to shooting of a wide range of subjects (flowers, weddings, landscapes, sports, people, and travel and city life). Each topic occupies one page with an inspiring image that takes up half a page. The text is never boring, full of humors. The instructions are easy to follow (and remember) and there is no lengthy explanation on the technical justification.
Literally no prior knowledge on digital photography is required, “The Digital Photography Book” is an excellent starting point for the beginners. This book is by and large camera brand agnostic (though it does make reference to Nikon and Canon cameras from time to time) and do not expect it to give you advise on which lens or camera to purchase. I guess it is a separate topic on its own.
In as much as I enjoy reading the book, I love the acknowledgements section the most. In fact, I read that section a couple of times. Someone who seems so genuinely in love with his wife and his family demands my attention and respect. Scott Kelby comes with a long list of credentials. I am looking forward to putting the tips and techniques into action, one day.
Related link: The Digital Photography Book (Vol 2) by Scott Kelby – A Good Companion to the First Volume
I’m also a freebie to DSLR but have more or less know how to use most of the functions after trial and errors for some 6 months. The most important lesson to learn about DSLR or rather digital photography, as I realized, is the composition (what you want to portray through the photo) and know-how of lighting requirements (which includes aperture, shutter speed also). Not learning these basic lessons will result in junk photography, worthless images uploaded everywhere on facebook photo albums!
Ghim Seng – 6 months eh? I have got to speed up the learning process a lot as my sister is getting married real soon! Gasp!
I have the same book! Some of the tips are excellent, although I have come across conflicting opinions from other authors or online on certain matters.
There is actually a version 2.0 of this book. I thought you would have gotten that instead. But no biggie, it’s probably the same content updated with new information.
Darkspore – Cool! Now we can talk in the same language … lol. Yes, there is a volume 2. I got that too.
woo you are so hardworking! i will like to take professional looking and pretty photos with a DSLR but too lazy to take actions, and so remained stuck with a digital camera Haha! so you be getting one soon?
I agree. You are very hardworking. I do not own a DSLR and not planning to get one any sooner. It is just too bulky to carry around unless there is some purposed shoot intended. Hmmm….maybe you can share the book with ECL who might have( or already have) a DSLR ? 😛
Si Ying – I think for general blogging purposes, a point-and-shoot is more than good enough. My dad was a professional photographer before I was born and it is always my dream to somewhat link to this talent of his.
I am still very much undecided on which lenses to get! Gosh, so much research has gone into this new hobby of mine.
Tigerfish – You are right in saying that it is a darn heavy piece of metal and glass to carry around. I am still thinking hard. Ha ha ha.
Yes, ECL has her hands onto the Canon’s brand new top range DSLR! I so envy her … lol.
Contrary to popular belief, it’s quite easy to learn an SLR camera, like what you do with a compact digital. But the focus is what do you want out of your camera…do you want beauty, joy, inspiration or simply junk. Its mirrors and pentaprism reflect exactly what our hearts desire. These days, bulkiness is not equivalent to weight, but I’d never mind which is which or what others think, it’s my camera, my thoughts, and my art!
Ghim Seng – OK, I will certainly see for myself if it is indeed easier to learn than I thought! Yes, it is art indeed.
Hi, I am a newbie to slr too. I am interested to buy this book. Since you own volume 1 and vol 2, can you advise me which one is suitable for me?
What’s the different between vol 1 & 2?
Allie – Thanks for dropping by. Your comment comes in excellent timing. In fact, this weekend I plan to release the review for the Vol 2 of the book. Since you dropped me a comment, here is a quick answer to your question. If you are new to dSLR and only have time to read one book, you should get Vol 1. It covers a wide spectrum of topics that you will see immediate value to your work. As for Vol 2, the overlap is very minimal and it covers more depth in areas that are not well covered in Vol 1 such as flash setting and so on. Do come back to this site this weekend, you should be able to read a review on Vol 2.
Have a good weekend!
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