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

by Rick Sammon

Book Overview

Rick Sammon covers all the steps in the digital photographic process. Beginning with basic advice for the beginner, he moves on to more advanced techniques like Photoshop and digital imaging. The 107 lessons take the reader through each topic in friendly, concise steps.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0393325512
• ISBN13: 9780393325515
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Length: 517 Pages
• Weight: 3.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 7.9" x 10.1"

Customer Reviews

Essential to have next to your computer!!!!

I am a film photographer (yes we still exist!) who has been unsure about whether or not to take the plunge into the digital world. I purchased Rick's book to help me learn the basics on scanning, photoshop and printing. I can honestly say it has opened up a new world for me! The book is set up with a logical flow and is easy to follow. He also writes as if he's talking to you, which makes it fun to read and easy to understand. Rick's visuals are also superb. Using his own work he illustrates each topic visually. This helps to understand the concepts (and will also make you want to travel more!). In no time I've been able to learn enough about photoshop to be able to greatly enhance my work and even be more creative. I sit at the computer with Rick's book next to me and learn something new all the time. I would not be moving at the pace I am without the help of this book. I recommend it for both film and digital photographers!

A must have if you are getting into digital photography.

If you are interested in digital photography, this is the best book available out there for this price, Period! I have read several books about digital photography and this books has it all. It is not so basic, yet it is not so advanced that you wouldn't understand what the write is saying. I was very impressed by Mr. Sammon's way of illustrating his points with sample pictures he has personally taken over the years. If you are an absolute beginner (if you have never used a 35mm SLR or a digital camera and a photo editing software before) I do not recommend this book for you. This book appeals to anyone who has a basic understand of digital photography and are interested in learning more about photo shooting techniques and digital darkroom (editing) software. Let me tell you-- you will not be disappointed by this book.

A great pick for those who prefer the practical approach

I am (or after reading this book should I say "was") a novice to photography and the digital darkroom. This book is a great starter and covers ever major aspect that comes with digital photography deeply and comprehensively. Generally this book has two part: How to make/take a picture (yes, Rick also teaches you how to "make" a picture) and how to work it. It is obvious that Rick is a great pro Photograhper and he shares all his awesome photographic techniques with you. Still, his writing style is easy and even understandabel for the beginner. After reading this book your pictures will improve whether you are a beginner or advanced -Guaranteed!!!His digital darkroom techniques require some basic knowledge about Photoshop. This is no tutorial how to use the different options and tools of photoshop. But a great book teaching you how to use them effectively. His approach is totally outcome oriented - the production of digitally enhanced pictures. Coherently he covers standard situations how to improve a picture and being creative, like redeye, overexposure, black and white, color management, creating more impact on the picture, preparing for print, etc. His procedures are easy to understand yet overwhelmingly efficient. The great illustrations let you retrace what has happened and how the effect will look like.To get to that basic knowledge about Photoshop you either have to struggle through the borring help programm of the software itself. Or you get yourself a separate book. Another very convienent, yet more spendy way to probe the potential of Photoshop, is partially included on the CD which comes with this book - a virtual software tutorial. The one on the CD is great but is only on small section out of the whole tutorial, which you can buy seperatly. The whole series from Julieanne Kost runs about 200 $ but there a also cheaper tutorials out there for slightly over 20 - check with ebay. These are not so good in sound and maybe not as nicely stuctured but still a very convenient alternative to a book. Finally, the printing quality, the binding and the illustrations reflect the thoroughness and love for the detail with wich this book was writen. This book you will find fun to work and read through.

Outstanding, Easy to Follow, Inspiring Guide to Photography

Titled for but certainly not limited to digital, this book provides a friendly tour of the world of photography by a gifted guide. It is simple to either read straight through the guide or to jump from topic to topic. Each section is a delight to read and a gem of knowledge. Easy to follow lessons with pictures worth... well, you know. I am repeatedly devouring every word and image in this outstanding book and cannot think of a more valuable addition to a library for any photo-enthusiast!

A Great Book for Anyone New to Digital Photography

For anyone that is new to digital photography, this book is a must read. Rick takes often complicated concepts and explains them in terms that everyone can understand--from beginners to more experienced photographers--and immediately apply to their own work. If you were taking ordinary photos before reading this book, you'll be taking better ones after you finish. Rick's coverage of digital darkroom techniques and how they relate to conventional film photography is well done. He offers practical examples of how you can use digital imaging software such as Adobe Photoshop to improve any photograph--examples that you can immediately apply to your own work without the worry of having to learn everything about Photoshop first. Whether you shoot film and enhance your work digitally or shoot pure digital, you will not regret puchasing this excellent reference. A must have for anyone serious about digital photography.