Photography books - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

12/27/2005 06:16:09 PM · #1

Does anyone have any photo books by Michael Freeman? (Digital Photography Expert Series)

Are they any good? Titles:
Light and LIghting: The definitive guide for serious digital photographers
The Complete Guide to Digital Photography
Close up Photography

and...
Digital Photography: Expert Techniques by Ken Milburn

blazingmoonlight

Canon EOS-5D

12/27/2005 06:38:50 PM · #2

I rarely spend money for books. I usually check photography books out at the library to pick up bits of information for free, or visit forums, etc. I did, however, purchase "Light and Lighting" and to me, it was worth every penny. It's hard to find books that aren't too "dumbed down" or too specific for general use...I found this one to be an excellent resource.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

12/27/2005 06:41:34 PM · #3

I had heard this about this book from somewhere (here perhaps, couldn't find it in search) and it seems lighting is the area I lack the most. I try, but I think I fall short a lot of times. A lot of my shots just seem so static (which brings to mind these lyrics:

City living woman, you're so static
Matching your men with a hook and eye
If you're gonna spend the summer in New York City
Them women oh oh oh they're gonna slice your pie

Said you're so static, baby I've had it
Rolling in a yellow cab
Downtown hustlers trying to pull some muscle
If they catch you, oh oh oh it could turn out bad

Message edited by author 2005-12-27 18:44:05.

rjkstesch

Nikon D700

12/27/2005 06:43:19 PM · #4

I've got his B&W book, since my B&W needs help. It's making sense, but I can see that I'm going to have to upgrade my Elements to CS2 in order to see the full benefit of the help. I'm only 1/2 way through it.

Becky

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

12/27/2005 06:45:09 PM · #5

I saw that one but have not been doing any b/w lately. But I did mark it for future reference.

How is his writing style to you?

blazingmoonlight

Canon EOS-5D

12/27/2005 07:01:07 PM · #6

I forget the author, but there's also a book out there called "exposure" that I found helpful lighting information in

rjkstesch

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

12/27/2005 07:14:38 PM · #7

Originally posted by Alienyst:

I saw that one but have not been doing any b/w lately. But I did mark it for future reference.

How is his writing style to you?

It's very readable, but doesn't keep me on the edge of my seat. I read until 1 AM last night, so it's definately not a snoozer. He's clear and gives good examples with an solid visuals. I'll be able to try out his methods without much difficulty. He's also giving lots of options and indicating why I would use one option over another.

I'm still not sure I'm getting it - but I still have much more to cover. I do understand what he's presented so far. It's the part about what makes a great B&W that I'm still struggling with and of course how to produce it myself.

12/27/2005 07:34:16 PM · #8

There was a thread today on b/w processing technique...I have a technique I follow which needs improvement. Problem is they all follow PS and I don't have PS (not just for B/W either - for everything). Conversions are sometimes difficult, but principles are the same.

I would love to be able to produce good b/w images that stand out in a gallery. But so far, I feel I need to work on a lot more basics. But as I said, that book is marked for future reference.