Photography For Dummies (For Dummies Series) - Softcover

Hart, Russell

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0764541161 ISBN 13: 9780764541162

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, 2003

Synopsis

Your personal photographs have a worth that can't be measured in dollars and cents. They're likely the one thing you would grab on the way out of a burning house an irreplaceable record of the life you lead, of friends and family, and of the occasions with which you mark passing years. The funny thing is, most people aren't entirely happy with their photographs. And that's where "Photography For Dummies" comes in. You don't need a fancy camera with multiple, removable lenses to get good pictures. The problem is, nearly every book on photography assumes that you re using one. But this book assumes that you're using a point and shoot camera for all your pictures. In fact, this may be the most complete guide available for taking pictures with a modern point and shoot camera. This revised edition of "Photography For Dummies" helps you choose film (much simpler than you'd think), load film into the camera (no big sweat), and understand how to hold the camera (yes, there are right and wrong ways). You'll also discover tips about dealing with your photofinisher a far more important factor in getting good results than most people realize, especially in the digital age. What's more, you'll gain insight into: working with your camera, and how different settings make your camera do different things; understanding the importance of light in a photograph, and applying design strategies that make your subjects stand out; getting shots that both flatter people and capture their personalities; shooting landscapes, and the special considerations of travel photography; taking pictures filmlessly, and the pleasures and pitfalls of digital photography; troubleshooting your camera, and discovering what do try if it won't shoot. Today's point and shoot cameras are remarkably reliable devices. So why aren't your pictures better? The main secret to better photographs is knowing what to shoot, when to shoot it, and how to shoot it. You need "Photography For Dummies", because it lets you in on this secret.

About this title

From the Author:

SLR users can also find good photo advice in this book.
Photography For Dummies may be the most complete reference to date for point-and-shoot photography, if I do say so myself. (To be honest, there's not much good competition in this category!) But it isn't meant to exclude SLR users: There's lots of stuff in the book that pertains to ANY kind of photography. A short list: tips for composition; capturing the best light; documenting your life, both every day and on special occasions; how to deal with your photofinisher (very important!); choosing a film; great places to shoot; interesting and helpful photo websites; even how to get the best results from an autofocus system. (You use the same basic technique to insure correct focus with an SLR as you do with a point-and-shoot camera--"lock focus and recompose.") If SLR photographers use the book the way Dummies books are really meant to be used--by turning to the topic that most interests them at the moment, or the part that will help them with a specific (photogra! ! phic) problem--they'll find plenty of valuable information. One thing they won't find, however, is much about setting f-stops and shutter speeds (though there's quite a bit about the connection between film speed and shutter speed). But then most SLR photographers just put their cameras on "P" (for program) and let the camera make those settings for them! Thanks for your interest. --Russell Hart

From the Back Cover:

"Go ahead, open to any page! You?ll see that learning to take good pictures couldn?t be easier or more fun."
?John Owens, Editor in Chief, Popular Photography & Imaging

Choose the right film and photofinisher

From sporting events to holidays to vacations ? take the best pictures of your life!

Want to master photography? It?s a snap with this plain-English guide, which features updated information for beginners and professionals alike on taking great pictures with a film or digital camera. You get step-by-step instructions in using modes, zoom settings, autofocus, and flash, as well as special techniques for taking action shots and photographing people.

Praise for Photography For Dummies

"Russell Hart makes it easier than ever for picture-takers ? 35mm and digital ? to turn their snapshots into great shots. I recommend this book for all beginners."
? Rick Sammon, Associated Press

"Whether you?re a complete novice or advanced amateur, you?ll find this book to be a great resource, one that will result in more enjoyment and less hassle, not to mention better pictures!"
? Bob Krist, contributing photographer and columnist for National Geographic Traveler

Discover how to:

• Create striking, original photos
• Work with your point-and-shoot
• Get pictures in and out of your computer
• Take great photos with disposable cameras
• Shoot in special kinds of light

About this edition

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0764541161
• ISBN 13: 9780764541162
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 432