McGraw Hill Shoot Like a Pro! Digital Photography Techniques

As someone who writes photography books, I often get calls from friends and colleagues who are unhappy with their current cameras and want me to recommend something that “takes better pictures.” Nine times out of ten, further discussion reveals that a new camera isn’t the answer. All most people need to turn out terrific photos is simply a little technical guidance and some help with their photographic technique.

To get good results from a digital camera, you need to understand traditional photography controls, such as exposure and focus options. That’s only half the story, however. You also have to master digital-only features such as white balance, resolution, and image file formats.

Professional photographers go to school for years to study these subjects and refine their craft. Just because you have neither the time nor the inclination to get a degree in photography doesn’t mean that you, too, can’t take professional-looking pictures, however. With this book, you can get stellar results from your digital camera without setting foot inside a classroom.

Shoot Like a Pro! Digital Photography Techniques condenses the most important lessons of photography school into one, easy-to-digest package. You’ll not only get the information you need to decipher the jargon associated with digital photography, but also learn techniques that enable you to take full advantage of all the creative controls your camera offers.

Each chapter shows you secrets that the pros use every day to get perfect pictures, no matter how challenging the subject. Whatever you want to do with your digital camera, from taking product shots for your business to capturing a family celebration, this book will help you look like a pro.

Better Photography:

It’s Easier (and Cheaper) Than You Think

If you’re just beginning to explore photography or if you’re new to the digital side of things—or both—you may be intimidated by all the new lingo that you encounter. Thumb through the color insert in this book, for example, and you’ll probably see at least a few terms that are completely foreign to you.

Unfortunately, both the photography and computer industries are infatuated with technical jargon. Bring the two together, and you get twice the technospeak. As a result, concepts that are actually quite simple seem incredibly complex. Rest assured that you don’t need photography or computer experience to successfully use the techniques featured in this book. I’ll give you all the background information you need to understand each concept.

Nor do you need expensive, studio-level equipment. Some techniques that I discuss do involve features that aren’t found on low-cost, entry-level digital cameras—things like manual exposure control, for example. Don’t fret if your camera doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles; I’ll show you ways to achieve similar results with even a basic, fully automatic camera.

As for the techniques themselves, I’ve concentrated on tricks that make a big impact without being complicated. In fact, most people are surprised to find out just how easily they can improve their pictures by incorporating these techniques into their shooting routine. I think you will be, too.

Pixels to Portraits to Panoramas: All You Need to Know

This book emphasizes simple, practical ways to get pro-quality results with your digital camera. Among other things, you’ll find out how to
• Take better advantage of all the options on your digital camera—from resolution to ISO to exposure metering mode.
• Shoot flattering formal portraits and memorable family snapshots.
• Take dynamic product shots for your company’s ads or web site.
• Exploit your camera’s macro-focusing capabilities to capture the intricate details of a subject.
• Create seamless wide-format panoramas and 360-degree virtual reality images.
• Manipulate colors using traditional and digital filters.
Introduction xvii
• Solve common photo problems, such as eliminating reflections in glass objects, wiping out red-eye, and working in dim lighting.
• Produce stunning, long-lasting prints of your favorite pictures.
• Prepare image files for use on the web or in a multimedia presentation.

Along the way, I’ll introduce you to camera accessories that can enhance your photography as well as computer hardware and software that make photo retouching and file management a breeze. Most of these products are very affordable—you may even be able to find a no-cost solution just by looking around your home or office.

A few products, such as tripod heads for shooting panoramas and special macro flash units, are on the expensive side. But if you specialize in the type of projects that call for these accessories, you’ll find that they’ll quickly pay for themselves by saving you time and frustration.

Download
http://rapidshare.com/files/133315518/McGraw_Hill_-_Shoot_Like_a_Pro__Digital_Photography_Techniques.pdf

or
http://tinyurl.com/6plwjv