Understanding Digital Photography: Techniques for Getting Great Pictures

I purchased this book when I got my first camera and knew nothing about photography but quite a bit about the physics of light and computers. This book helped me take some great shots because it does a great job of explaining, in simple to understand terms, photography basics and provides a plethora of pictures to illustrate the concepts. If you are a rank beginner, this book will walk you through aperture, f stops, the basics of exposure and basic composition to produce good photos and I highly recommend it for that purpose.The technical aspects of the book -- both digital camera components and computer formats -- range from dumbed down to the point of being overstated to plainly wrong, an issue covered in several other reviews. However, they do give enough of an introduction to allow one to understand better, more accurate and more detailed discussions of technical components. If you know nothing about the "digital" (as opposed to film) side of cameras and formats, it serves as a readable introduction to the meaning of the terms. Be aware that most of the information beyond what the terms mean is wrong.If you are anything more than a rank beginner I suggest you skip this book. If you are just starting out and more than a little intimidated by the seemingly complex world of "taking a good picture" then you will the book of value.

I like Bryan Peterson's other books (Learning to see Creatively and Understanding Exposure) and I was guessing that this would be a combination of the two with some additional tips towards digital photography. I expected a lot out of the book, and it didn't come out.First of all, the 'photography' part of the book is good. Many examples and tips on how to make better pictures.But the 'digital' part of the book is bad, really, really bad. Virtually every advice Bryan gives is wrong, or given for the wrong reason. You get the idea that mr. Peterson wanted to jump on the digital bandwagon without knowing anything about digital camera's in the first place.I bought the book to give it to a friend who just got his first digital camera, and I wanted to see if it would be a keeper for myself. I'm keeping it, but only because I'd be ashamed to give it to somebody.Again, the photography tips are good, and if it wasn't for the author, I would have given it three stars. But I was expecting something better.

I AM a big fan of Bryan Peterson His Photos and Books He is what People consider him, a Pro . I N THIS Particular Book He reviews and explains the how and why of DIGITAL Photography and in a very understandable way His way and the way it all works for him and now Me. His work is Years of try and error and in many cases sweat and tears Given for just a few dollars and that's less than I Spend for Lunch. And Now can avoid many of the pitfalls in the digital learning curve. Thanks Bryan

I really wanted to like "Understanding Digital...," after loving "Understanding Exposure" (a must for anyone learning photography), and learning so much from "Learning to See Creatively."HOWEVER, despite this book's many positive attributes, such as Peterson's illustrative use of good photo / bad photo juxtapositions to illustrate his points and his sound advice on composition and exposure, this book is unfortunately fraught with misinformation about the capturing and processing of digital images.There are many wonderful books out there on the digital process. Unfortunately, this is not one of the best. Peterson's strengths lie in his eye for graphic composition and color and his ability to explain the sometimes confusing concepts behind exposure in an accessible manner. By all means, every beginning SLR photographer can and should learn from Peterson's classic "Understanding Exposure." It is truly fantastic! However, when it comes to explaining digital technology, there are better books available.

Bryan has done the work to break down each digital process into easily digestible parts, so that you don't get overwhelmed by all the things you need to learn. I appreciate that he gives before and after photo comparisons; you see what the typical photo decision would be, then you get to see what happens when you make slight adjustments, get closer, get lower, etc. Just makes for better photography and you get to build a great portfolio in the learning process.

An exellent book by an author who,s style I find easy and informative. Not a book to confuse the serious amatuer. Well explained , The kind of technical information that has you saying Oh I get it. I recommend this book and others by Bryan peterson

All of the books by this author are great and very informative.

helped lots with understanding techniques

Without producing a ponderous 'tome,' writer Bryan Peterson explains the major aspects of digital photography, in a very easily understood book, aimed at the layperson, or amateur to serious photographer. For someone like myself who doesn't really need to have a comprehensive knowledge of the technical aspects of ISO or White Balance, (much as one doesn't need to know how a cellphone works, as long as it just does,) this book fits the bill admirably.Bryan tells you in easy to understand language what these items, and others do, why they are needed, and more to the point why, and how you would want to use them to improve your digital photography experience. The whole basic principles of photography are treated in similar manner, together with a quite comprehensive and adequate coverage of lighting, and composition etc. making this book a 'must have' in the photographers library.

I have bought many photography books over the years and have perused hundreds in the library and mega book stores. I have found none that come close being as educational and entertaining as those by Bryan Peterson. Most digital photography books are rehashed film photography books with a few chapters on Photoshop. Although this book touches on Photoshop, the emphasis is on taking great pictures in the first place - with a digital camera.After reading this book I immediately ordered two more of Mr. Peterson's (understanding exposure:digital version and learning to see creatively) and loved them both as well.I'm an unabashed fan.