DIGITAL CAMERA HOW-TO GUIDES

by John Clements
Paperback 2004 Sterling Publishing, Inc., 144 Pages
ISBN 2-88479-025-X
$19.95

If you've mastered the basics of digital photography and want to expand your skill set and express yourself more creatively, Clements' book will surely inspire you. The plethora of quality images from international photographers interspersed throughout the book, as well as information about the techniques they used to create and manipulate the images, will motivate you to create your own art. The seven chapters of the book, which cover everything from digital capture to adjusting curves and using sepia tones, are structured around the digital cycle of Shoot, Enhance and Enjoy. There's no doubt that the digital photography enthusiast will enjoy the next steps that Clements' book provides.

Digital Photography: Expert Techniques

by Ken Milburn
Paperback 2004 O'Reilly Media, Inc., 470 Pages
ISBN 0-596-00547-4
$44.95

Both professional photographers who are switching to digital and serious digital photography enthusiasts will find a wealth of information in Ken Milburn's book. His focus is on improving digital photography workflow through addressing the problems that surface on a daily basis. Over the course of thirteen chapters, Milburn offers advice on accessories to pack before the shoot, how to organize and manage your photos, and the best options for color printing. In addition, chapters on shooting panoramas, converting photos to paintings and creating fictitious photos help to simplify complex techniques. Also included are two chapters that discuss exhibition and the creation of online portfolios.

The Joy of Digital Photography

by Jeff Wignal
Hardcover 2004 Lark Books, 304 Pages
ISBN 1-57990-578-1
$24.95

There are times - when we're in the midst of trying to correct a lighting problem, cursing the fact that we forgot our extra camera batteries or dealing with a computer crash - that we forget why we are drawn to take images in the first place. In his introduction, Jeff Wignal writes, "...this book is simply about making pictures as a tribute to the joy of living - and recording and sharing pictures in new ways with the people in your life." The joyful nature of photography is woven throughout the book, which is a wonderful beginners' guide to the universe of digital photography. Newbies will find all the basics of cameras, lighting, imaging and organizing and storing images. Advice on photo composition, as well as chapters on photographing people and nature, makes Wignal's book the compendium that should be a part of everyone's photography library.

Digital Photography Hacks: 100 Industrial-Strength Tips & Tools

by Derrick Story
Paperback 2004 O'Reilly Media, Inc., 309 Pages
ISBN 0-596-00666-7
$29.95

You don't have to be a professional photographer - or even aspire to be one - to adopt the techniques outlined in Derrick Story's book. He defines "hack" as "a clever solution to an interesting problem," and offers up dozens of remedies to transform your image from the ordinary to the spectacular. Try using pantyhose as a diffusion filter and sunglasses for a polarizing filter. When you're on the go, store pictures and movies on your iPod. Story even devotes an entire chapter to camera-phone tricks. Every digital camera enthusiast is sure to pick up pointers that will make shooting easier and bring quality to the finished project.

Photography: Foundations for Art & Design (Third Edition)

by Mark Galer
Paperback 2004 Focal Press, 230 Pages
ISBN 0-240-51956-6
$26.95

If you're interested in developing both your critical eye and your shooting techniques, Galer's book will provide you with a practicum. While he doesn't focus exclusively on digital photography, Galer's lessons will assist you in bringing your digital vision to fruition. Each chapter contains goals, objectives and resources, and is set up as an independent study guide. With chapters covering topics from lighting and distortion to photomontage and portraiture, Galer's book discusses technique, but focuses more on photography as a means of self-expression and communication.

Learning to See Creatively (Revised Edition)

by Bryan Peterson
Paperback 2003 Amphoto Books, 160 Pages
ISBN 0-8174-4181-6
$24.95

Even if you buy the best camera on the market and hone your Photoshop skills, you still need a good eye for composition in order to produce stunning shots. Although Peterson's book is geared primarily to the film photographer, his explanations about and advice on photocomposition are sound. He includes a discussion of the elements of design - such as line, shape, texture and color - as well as different types of available light. Most interesting, though, is the chapter on composition, where Peterson discusses filling a frame, landscape vs. portrait orientations and "the rule of thirds." Both the content covered in and the photos illustrating the book will inspire the enthusiast to look at the world a little differently.

Using Your Digital Camera

by George Schaub
Paperback 2003 Amphoto Books, 160 Pages
ISBN 0-8174-6355-0
$24.95

If you're new to the world of digital photography, the terms and technology can be a bit confusing, and it's helpful to have a guide to help navigate the waters. In his book, Schaub provides the roadmap that will help the novice understand everything from resolution and file compression to photo printing and picture-sharing services. He also offers fifteen projects to help the beginner learn the ropes. All in all, Schaub's book is a terrific basic guide to digital photography.

Digital SLR Handbook

by Rob Sheppard
Paperback 2004 Lark Books, 176 Pages
ISBN 1-57990-602-8
$19.95

If your compact digital camera has served you well, but you're yearning for additional flexibility and features, you may want to consider moving to a SLR digital camera. In his book, Sheppard guides the reader through the features and functions of a digital SLR and reviews several of the newer SLR offerings. The chapter on SLR accessories, lenses and flash reminds us why SLRs are the cameras of choice for most professional photographers. Sheppard encourages both the enthusiast and the professional to experiment and utilize the features that make SLRs unique. If you're ready to take the next step, this book will give you the overview you need to make an informed decision.

The Kids' Guide to Digital Photography

by Jenni Bidner
Hardcover 2004 Lark Books, 96 Pages
ISBN 1-57990-604-4
$14.95

Jenni Bidner recognizes that kids today will probably bypass film cameras altogether and start out with digital photography. By its very existence, her book acknowledges that parents may be out of the digital loop and that kids need a resource to educate them about digital photography. Let's be clear, though. Bidner's book is for tweens and teens, not for elementary schoolers. The explanations are basic enough for anyone who doesn't know a thing about digital photography, but technical enough so that younger children will be left in the dark. Still, it's a fun book that's packed with information and ideas that will get kids excited about going digital.

Creative Digital Photography: Techniques for Mastering Your Digital SLR Camera

by George Schaub
Paperback 2004 Amphoto Books, 160 Pages
ISBN 0-8174-3485-2
$24.95

Written for the professional or serious amateur photographer, Schaub's book addresses the new challenges and opportunities that accompany the switch to digital SLR photography. In-depth information about the differences between film and digital leads to a discussion of exposure techniques and advanced image editing tools. Schaub encourages the reader to use digital photography and imaging to go beyond the basics and truly create the image envisioned by the photographer.

Start with a Digital Camera: The Indispensable Guide to Getting the Most out of Your Digital Camera (Second Edition)

by John Odam
Paperback 2004 Peachpit Press, 192 Pages
ISBN 0321130111
$24.99

This guide to digital photography covers all the basics - cameras and their components, resolution and memory, downloading and working with images - but then goes the extra mile to integrate the mechanics with the art of photography. Both beginning and intermediate digital camera users will find that Odam's explanations of how to best shoot scenery, events, people and products are helpful in maximizing the digital photography experience. Plus, his chapters on editing photographs, manipulating images and printing pictures are invaluable to those who are still on the digital learning curve.

Rick Sammon's Complete Guide to Digital Photography: 107 Lessons on Taking, Making, Editing, Storing, Printing, and Sharing Better Digital Images

by Rick Sammon
Hardback and CD-ROM 2003 W.W. Norton & Company, 512 Pages
ISBN 0393325512
$45.00

If a picture is worth 1,000 words, the 1,008 images in Rick Sammon's book speak volumes. The beginning or intermediate photographer can see the same image taken with varied settings, for example, and understand the difference in outcome between an auto setting, flash setting, cloudy setting and incandescent setting. The division of the book into 107 lessons makes any topic easy to reference. From photography basics (how to shoot sharp pictures) to special digital effects (adding action to still photos), this book covers all the steps in the digital photography process. It comes with a CD-ROM with "The Camera Looks Both Ways" mini-course, Photoshop Plug-Ins and software demonstrations.

Complete Digital Photography (Third Edition)

by Ben Long
Paperback and CD-ROM 2004 Charles River Media, 544 Pages
ISBN 0393325512
$39.95

Those who are thinking of dipping their toes into the digital waters, or those who would like to dive more deeply into the currents of digital photography will find Ben Long's digital photography overview extremely helpful. Basic digital techniques and skills are well illustrated, and Long fully explains the differences between film and digital photography. Those in the market for a digital camera will find Chapter 5 especially helpful. Devoted to choosing the right digital camera for your needs, it discusses the differences in everything from camera design, lenses and viewfinders to exposure control, shooting modes and storage. The accompanying CD-ROM includes images from the book, tutorials, video tutorials and software demonstrations.

Digital Photography: An Introduction

by Tom Ang
Paperbac 2003 DK Publishing, 224 Pages
ISBN 0789499762
$15.00

From improving casual snapshots to learning the secrets of lighting, composition and digital image manipulation, Digital Photography provides a practical, accessible approach to producing better digital photographs. With over 400 photographs, this guide both shows you and tells you what to do. Ang also includes information on equipment, software and accessories, as well as professional hints and advice to help you get the most out of our digital camera.

Digital Nature Photography

by Jon Cox
Paperbac 2003 Amphoto, 160 Pages
ISBN 0817437916
$24.95

The incredible images alone are worth the purchase price of this breathtakingly beautiful book, and author and Digital Camera Magazine contributor Jon Cox leaves no doubt about the inheerent potential of digital photography.

While the bulk of the book discusses photographic techniques and composition that would be applicable to both film and digital nature photographers, Cox does cover equipment, basic digital techniques and image manipulation.

FOR THE PROFESSIONAL

by Elyse Weissberg
Paperbac 2004 Amphoto, 160 Pages
ISBN 0-8174-5926-X
$29.95

Unfortunately, there's more to being a successful freelance photographer than simply being a great shooter. Weissenberg's book helps you in setting career goals, distinguishing yourself from your peers, targeting clients and structuring your portfolio. Although Weissberg passed away in 2001, her book is filled with wisdom gained from her experience as a photographer's rep in New York. She gives readers a reality check, separating out the qualities that make a photographer an artist from the qualities that make for a good businessperson. The book outlines the various types of clients that buy photography (advertising agencies, corporations and the entertainment industry, for example), as well as the nitty gritty of developing and maintaining a mailing list, keeping track of billings and staying on top of promotional opportunities. Whether you're a new freelancer or simply need some new ideas for your existing business, Weissberg's book will provide the information you need.

Photo Portfolio Success

by John Kaplan
Paperback 2003 Writer's Digest Books, 160 Pages
ISBN 1-58297-210-9
$27.99

It's unfortunate, but true, that many great shooters are passed over because their portfolio contains weak images. In his book, John Kaplan writes, "Photographers with a great eye are many. But photographers with a great portfolio are few." From this launching point, the Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist outlines the strategies and standards professional photographers need in order to stand out from the crowd. In the first part of the book, Kaplan discusses basic techniques for selecting portfolio photos for different formats, such as print, slide, CD and online. The second half of the book incorporates specific portfolio-building advice for different types of photography, including photojournalism, wedding photography, nature and wildlife photography and freelance photography. He rounds out the book with a chapter on self-promotion - a necessary element to any successful photography career. Even if you're a seasoned pro, you're sure to find some gems that will help you advance your career.

Shooting & Selling Your Photos

by Jim Zuckerman
Paperbac 2003 Writer's Digest Books, Writer's Digest Books Pages
ISBN 1-58297-210-9
$27.99

If your love of digital photography is getting in the way of your "real" job, it might be time to consider switching careers and to try and making a living as a part-time or full-time photographer. Zuckerman's book is a great source of information for those who are making the switch. The chapter, "Are You Ready to Turn Pro?" will help you evaluate both your talent and your motivation, while "Finding Subjects that Sell" will help you become familiar with the marketplace. Zuckerman covers venues ranging from art shows and the Internet to stock photo agencies and self-publishing. Interspersed with the advice, of course, are 150 gorgeous color images that will inspire you to give up the 9-to-5 and embark on the great adventure of professional photography.

The Glitterguru on Photoshop: From Concept to Cool

by Suzette Troche-Stapp
Paperback 2004 New Riders Publishing, 220 Pages
ISBN 0-7357-1133-X
$39.99

If you've ever wanted a behind-the-scenes peek at what it takes to pull together a commercial photo shoot, you'll be in for a treat. Troche-Stapp writes that the purpose of her book is to "help you stretch your brain cells into new and interesting shapes." She covers the basics of pulling together an image, from concept creation to pre-production, then to making the image just right and delivering it to the client. She devotes a chapter to retouching photos in order to get the flawless look that Madison Avenue so craves. The final three chapters reveal the step-by-step process in creating a captivating image.

Photography: Focus on Profit

by Tom Zimberoff
Paperback and CD-ROM 2004 Allworth Press, 416 Pages
ISBN 1581150598
$35.00

It's no secret that right-brain creative types don't always possess the left-brain business skills needed to reap the financial rewards of their creativity. Tom Zimberoff comes to the rescue with this book and software package, which shows photographers how to incorporate profitability into their business process. If you're just starting up, this book challenges you to evaluate your motivation to succeed, and gives you a step-by-step plan to start your photography business. If you're a seasoned professional, material on everything from copyright to competitive pricing will prove a handy reference. Most importantly, Zimberoff tackles the operations side of a photography business, and includes PhotoByte, an automation software package that allows shooters to view margins and profits earned during the creation of each estimate and invoice, line item by line item.

2006 Photographer's Market: 2,000 Places to Sell Your Photographs

by Donna Poehner (Ed.)
Paperback and CD-ROM 2005 Writers Digest Books, 631 Pages
ISBN 1582973954
$24.99

The published photographers' bible is back with an updated edition. The 2006 Photographer's Market contains submission guidelines, contact information, pay rates and response time for the magazines, stock agencies, advertising firms, book publishers, greeting card and poster markets, newspapers, businesses and galleries that use photographers. The guide also features advice on marketing tactics for improving business, finding buyers, protecting copyright and insider reports on today's hottest photographers.

Selling Photography

by Roger Antrobus
Paperback and CD-ROM 2003 Watson-Guptill Publications, 128 Pages
ISBN 0817458395
$24.95

If you're aiming to turn your pictures into profits, you'll hit the bulls-eye with Selling Photography. Combining practical marketing advice with how-to guidance for taking photos that impress, this resource provides an overview of the markets available for selling photographs - spec, photo libraries, commission, the Internet - and covers approaches for making sales. Aside from the practical advice he offers, Antrobus shares 150 examples of his best-selling images, each fully captioned to explain how it was shot, why it was taken, the artistic and special effects involved and the reasons for its commercial success.

Pricing Photography: The Complete Guide to Assignment & Stock Prices (Third Edition)

by Michal Heron and David MacTavish
Paperback 2002 Allworth Press, 160 Pages
ISBN 1581152078
$24.95

An integral component of the professional's toolbox, Pricing Photography addresses all of the factors that should be considered when charging for a photo or photography project, including daily overhead expenses, usage fees, profit margin and creative fees. In addition, the authors discuss accurate estimates, effective negotiation, ethical pricing and procedures, invoicing, contracts and licensing. Fifty pages of pricing charts help tailor fees to suit a variety of licensing situations, such as assignment and stock photography, advertising and corporate needs, editorial and advertorial uses, and billboards and brochures.

Sell and Re-Sell Your Photos: Learn How to Sell Your Pictures Worldwide (5th Ed.)

by Rohn Engh
Paperback 2003 Writers Digest Books, 374 Pages
ISBN 1582971765
$19.99

From the beginning of Sell and Re-Sell Your Photos, author Rohn Engh makes clear the distinction between the service photographer (someone who markets his or her services) and stock photographer (someone who markets his or her pictures). In this book, Engh outlines an eight-step marketing plan for the stock photographer. In the process, he addresses how to produce a marketable photo, negotiate with photobuyers and price photos. The business side of stock photography is not neglected: chapters on record keeping, organization and legal matters will help ensure that business details are attended to. Engh also discusses stock photography in the electronic age, in terms of both marketing photos and ensuring their integrity.

ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography (Sixth Edition)

by the American Society of Media Photographers
Paperback 2003 Allworth Press, 416 Pages
ISBN 1581151977
$29.95

Photographers seeking long-term success need a yardstick for fair business practices. The American Society of Media Photographers recognized this need, and packed the latest edition of ASMP Professional Business Practices in Photography with basic business and legal forms, checklists and an extensive cross-media bibliography. This edition includes media photographers' pressing concerns in the age of electronic rights and online distribution. In addition, this guide discusses how to price products and services intelligently, negotiate fees and agreements with competence, handle rights in traditional and electronic media, and develop profitable business and marketing strategies.