Digital Photography: An Introduction

by Tom Ang

Make sure you're picture perfect with this concise and easy-to-use guide to digital photography. Outlining the essentials of good photography and expert tips on how to get the most of your digital images, this text is aimed at both the amateur and the professional photographer.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Reference, Art

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Photographer, author, traveler and academic. An early pioneer in digital photography, I have written over 30 books on photography as well as on video. This work was recognised by the award of the HIPA Content Producer Award in 2019. I also won the Thomas Cook award for best Illustrated Travel Book for my coverage of the Marco Polo Expedition.

I was senior lecturer in photographic practice at the University of Westminster for over 12 years (1991–2004) and created the MA Photographic Journalism course. For over 10 years I photographed in Central Asia, traveling in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. I led a Know How Fund project that helped equip a radio studio for radio students and which reformed the journalism curriculum for the Kyrgyz Russian Slavonic University in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

I have written over thirty books on photography and video including Digital Photography Masterclass (now 3rd edition), Fundamentals of Photography,Tao of Photography, Digital Photographer’s Handbook (now 7th edition), Picture Editing (2nd edition), Eyewitness Companion: Photography, and Digital Video Handbook, How to Photograph Absolutely Everything.

I presented the BBC series ‘A Digital Picture of Britain’, first transmitted in 2005 on BBC4. A second series, entitled 'Britain in Pictures' was transmitted in 2007. I also presented an 8-part TV series for CNA (Channel News Asia) in Singapore which was broadcast in August 2009. This took a Bronze at the New York Film and TV Festival the following year.

I have served on juries of Hamdan International Photography Award, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, World Photography Award, Czech Press Photo.

I am a Sony NZ Digital Imaging Ambassador.

Reviews

[Freda Mans-Labianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lately, I have read a few digital photography books as I'm trying to hone my amateur skills. This, by far, is the best book I have come across to date. There is information that covers every aspect of digital photography, including editing, different cameras, different lenses, and more.
This book is a must have for any photography enthusiast!

[R.A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, didn't read this all the way through, just found topics that interested me!

[Roy McDine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well laid out and compact introduction into digital photography and digital editing.
A little dated in some of the areas as technology moves on, but some handy tips for all levels.

[Lilies Remain · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a bit outdated for this day and age, but core concepts are still there.

[Cecile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-researched, but not written in a user-friendly, open and go flow. The included images are gorgeous. I may come back to it later and give it another go.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this at the library ... I'm a self-taught photographer and I've read many books on photography to learn and improve, but this one is the best.

Some photography books are just too many technical words with few examples so the information goes over your head. Others are so fluffy and not helpful like "Getting good at photography will help you to have great photos of your family that you can cherish for years!" Um ... really? Thanks.

This book, though, is perfect. It breaks down the technical aspects of photography into easy-to-chew chunks ... it thoroughly explains each one in an easy to read and easy to understand language with plenty of example photographs showing the differences. (Its not oversimplified, though - it has a lot of really good information and filled in many gaps in my understanding.) I really appreciated the section on Composition, since this seems to be lacking in most books; I also really like the Projects section, which is great for someone like me who is self-taught and hasn't taken a class. Last of all, I love the size ... at first it seems puny but the size is great to take with you in your camera bag.

The info might be basic or redundant to an experienced photographer, but I recommend it for self-taught folks like me who feel like they haven't yet conquered the basics.

[BrightSideofDeath · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this version is out of date, the information is largely still applicable. The presentation of information is short and choppy--very briefly touching on a large number of topics. It does a decent job of introducing some useful Photoshop tools somewhat better than other books I've seen. The book does touch on some areas that I was actually specifically looking for more information on, but too briefly so that I didn't find the answers I was seeking. I did learn one or two things new things or gleaned a bit of clarification so the read wasn't a waste of my time. I should point out that, contrary to the title, this isn't really a book for someone who isn't already familiar with photography and digital image manipulation software. It tries, but I think it would be over many a true beginner's head.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a million books like this out there. The first half of the book is about taking the photo and the second half is more about post production.

I like the small size of this book - while not totally pocketable it's usefully small. I also like the fact it's not bulging with bloated text, just enough to remind or inspire you.

[Iona · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book because while I'm not a novice photographer I am a novice photo editor and this book has a good section on the basics of photo editing using something like Lightroom. I think its a great comprehensive guide for anyone looking to brush up on their skills or start the hobby from scratch.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Offering more than one can absorb in the first read-through, this is a thorough introduction to common and advanced techniques and editing procedures. Plenty of example photos and even a run-down on camera types and lenses in the back.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provided a brief overview and did not have much depth. The examples of photography were helpful in demonstrating the point of each section. I finished the book quickly thinking it did not give much information.

[Anthony Ungaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for new photographer. Definitely give you great ideas of what to look for and how to compose a good photo

[Bojan Fürst · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was somewhat helpful when I made my switch to digital, but there is a lot of good stuff out there now. If you are a complete photo beginner this is still a good option.

[jhOy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for beginners like me

[Donald Schopflocher · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid overview to all aspects of digital photography; insufficient detail in any particular aspect but enough to get one out the door with a camera.

[Marissa Cuenca · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite photography books of all time!! A very comprehensive book for those who are just starting to learn photography and for those who wish to pursue photography as a hobby.

[Carrie Donohue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to buy this one