Stunning Digital Photography

UPDATED ON 12/10/2014: ---------------------- Well, it's been almost 3 years since I got this book and it's been a great journey. Couple of updates: - Love the fact that this e-book is with me all the time. Whenever I need to check or read up on something I can pull it up on the Kindle (which I rarely use), or on my desktop PC or even on the phone while traveling (with the kindle reader apps). The latest and greatest updated version of this book just flows through to the device of your choice instantly. I love that aspect and it really helps to fine tune your photography at leisure or whenever that great light and fantastic place happens and you just have to click, but wished you could check on some particular info. - The Facebook group for SDP has really grown by leaps and bounds in terms of quality as well as quantity. Lots of actually 'stunning' images are posted there everyday and get feedback from the active community which has photographers of all skill and equipment levels. Also there are weekly monthly challenges at times. - Recently in the Facebook group, I have been seeing many updates from readers about their pictures being published in magazines and they thank this book for helping them. Personally, that to me feels like the kind of the highest acknowledgement for this book and author. - There is also a separate website for this book. It's free for anyone who has purchased the book and is a great community to post your pictures, get feedback and also get some 'inside information' from the SDP world. - The authors have a fun and interactive live web session once in a while where they give updates happening in the photography world and also they provide comments and advice on photos posted by readers. - The different lighting setups mentioned in the book are great and have been really enjoying making pictures with those recently. - Love the video updates that keep coming once in a while. It takes learning to a whole new level. Keep 'em coming! UPDATED ON 05/21/2013: ---------------------- Having spent many months with this book, here are a few updates to my earlier review: - There are a ton of advanced photography techniques covered in this book: Underwater, Star Trails, Macro, Light painting, advanced lighting techniques, etc. So it never gets boring or exhausted. As a amateur or pro photographer, there is always some challenge or technique that you can move on to. - The Facebook group for this book is great and everyday one can see great images clicked by readers of this book. - Great updated gear-buying advice - Did I already say this books keeps getting better with time? I have seen a number of great updates since, a lot of them based on reader feedback and needs. ---------------------- This is a fantastic find and really helped me get a lot from my DSLR camera. Excellent instructions, tons of pictures and a friendly writing style makes one feel as if a pro photographer is guiding you step by step and teaching you his tricks. There are exercises that help you retain what you learn. I recommend you do the exercises (if you are new to the technique) and not just read the book passively. That way you can employ those techniques when actually shooting pictures. I was under the impression that pro photographers always whipped out their cameras and right away shot their for-the-magazines-final pictures with each click. I felt editing a photograph was not ok and there were so many other myths that I had as a newbie. Being in the field for quite some time, Tony explains the need to persevere, take hundreds of pictures, keep just the good ones and discard the rest, edit and touch-up as required and so many things that made taking great pictures seem so much feasible and accessible to me. (Yes, most great work is still 99% perspiration as of today.) This book does not dabble in a lot of unnecessary camera lingo and settings, but just what's necessary coupled with tips and techniques to actually get those pictures. While a photography student will not mind studying all the alphabets, others like me appreciate getting straight to the point on how to get a good portrait, how to get a good landscape, what are the pitfalls to avoid, etc. So this book works great in that respect. The author mainly gives Canon/Nikon examples, but they work well for someone like me using a Sony DSLR. The organization of the book is great. The resources it mentions and links are great. The constant updates the author is committed to is amazing. Just yesterday, months after its release, I saw a new video added into YouTube for this book (which will make into the pages of the digital edition soon). Lots of great accessories are explained. Tony keeps in touch with the readers through the book's Facebook page and that is a great personal touch the author puts in. I think it will be great if the index was a little more expanded with subheadings (at least the major ones). The other day I was looking for information on RAW files (I remember reading it earlier in this book) but had a hard time finding its location. Overall an excellent resource for newbies and others alike. I have already recommended it to many and will continue to do so.

I have recently purchased a Nikon 3100 and bought the corresponding "dummies" book, which about matches my photography expertise. So, now I know how to use my new camera....right? Nope. Now I need education on how to take photographs with my fancy new toy so that they look better than my iPhone snapshots. Enter Tony's book. Since there are a ton of reviews on the paper version, you can pretty much figure out that the content is excellent. I will focus on the electronic version. First of all, this is a great book in any form--hard copy or ebook. However, as far as I can tell, there are a bunch of great paper books out there on DSLR photography. When I downloaded the Kindle sample and read through it, I knew that the ebook format was the way to go. I've owned a Kindle since version 1, and now own the Fire. Tony's book should be a primer on how to properly create an ebook. The embedded links and videos, as well as the ability to grab the sample photos and enlarge for detailed study (need an Internet connection for the latter two items) is invaluable to rank photography newbs like me. The videos are top-notch and contain many side-by-side examples of how pictures are improved when applying the techniques that are covered in the video. The videos are stuck in the appropriate place in the book, which leads to excellent learning flow as you build on the lessons. The experiences on the Kindle Fire and the iPad and PC Kindle apps are equally excellent. Tony has indicated that he plans on improving and updating the ebook contents, which all buyers will be able to download as they become available. This is a refreshing change to the "quick scan, make a buck and forget" mentality that the big publishers follow. I will try to update my review as this new content becomes available. Finally, the price. Tony has evidently not subscribed to the overpriced ebook mentality that has been the source of thousands of complaints on Amazon. Compared to the phyiscal version, he is charging about half. Obviously Tony wants to sell many books reasonably rather than try to gouge us buyers. Again, very refreshing. I am looking forward to improving my nonexistent skills over the years using Tony's book as my teacher. No matter which version you buy, you will do well. However, I strongly suggest you go for the ebook.

Ottimo libro, con tantissime pagine e tantissimi capitoli per andare a trattare ogni argomento della fotografia. Spiegazioni molto chiare e precise. Pieno di riferimenti a Video creati dall'autore e da una sua assitente per poter migliorare la propria tecnica fotografica e comprendere più facilmente i concetti spiegati. La lingua è in inglese ma è scritto in maniera semplice e molto piacevole, si legge che è un piacere. Ricco di esempi e di foto per capire i vari insegnamenti. E' un vero e proprio corso di fotografia di alto profilo, leggendo questo libro si può acquisire tranquillamente una tecnica come dopo un corso da 200/300 euro. Per curiosità sull'autore e sui suoi video, andate a vedere il suo canale su Youtube: Tony Northrup 5 stelle meritatissime!!!

Anyone getting into photography or in need of a refresher will appreciate the material and how it is delivered in this book. It is also backed up by a bunch of videos which make learning photography that much easier. Tony has gone the extra mile (or two) on this one so I'm very happy with the purchase.

New to Digital photography there is a lot I have learnt and understood form this book. As Tony says in the initial chapters I find a difference in the photos I have taken since then. Book is very well organised in terms of knowledge and exposure to techniques. Its has a good balance of Photography Techniques, Equipment, Composition, Lighting , Post precessing, with a very good introduction to Different domains such as Landscape , Portrait , Macro, Under water and more. Videos aid in conveying the idea Tony and Chelsea Present in the chapters. A blend of books and Videos from the authors with their YouTube Channel is an amazing way to start this never ending journey into photography. Though Yet to own a SLR rather my first Digital Camera ,restricted by finances as a student I have been postponing it for later in life. I bought this book before a 14 hrs long journey, reading this book has inspired me to start with what I have. I have been experimenting with my mobile camera and I realise there is a lot you can learn even before you get your camera. I strongly Recommend this book for amateurs and beginners for a strong and clear basic foundation. I am sure a hobbyist or even professional can gain a lot. Authors have shared a lot of resources. I am definitely buying the next Book for Lightroom and eagerly waiting for the one on Photoshop. @Authors The story behind the covers of the books is amazing. Though I am a bit late for Christmas but here are some wishes. I thank the authors for this amazing book and learning resources they provide.

Sou fã e cada dia fico mais feliz em ter conhecido o canal do Tony e a Chelsea. Do canal parti para os livros, e não me arrependo nem um pouco. O que aprendi com eles não consigo quantificar. Esse livro é essencial para quem já conhece um pouco ou nada sobre um ou mais assuntos. É completo demais, não sendo tão superficial mas também não sendo tão detalhista: ensina o suficiente para atiçar o leitor caso ele queira adentrar naquele tema fotográfico. Valeu cada minuto de leitura!

I have just started out in DSLR photography, having decided that, although my phone is convenient for quick "snaps", I needed to go further in producing photographs that I would be proud to look back on in years to come; and this book is a " must have". Tony Northrup has an inimitable way of explaining different aspects of photography in a simple and concise way without being condescending to the beginner. Every situation you are likely to find yourself in is covered and is accompanied by links to hours of free, downloadable video. There is a very comprehensive list of content, enabling you to quickly find expert guidance and tips on day and night time photography, from weddings and sunsets to photographing fireworks and the night sky. If you are more advanced in your photography, it covers advice on how to use computer software to enhance your images and produce professional results. All this for such an extremely low price, I don't think I will ever need to buy another digital photography guide! Brilliant!