The Digital Photography Book

The Digital Photography Book #2

by Scott Kelby

Scott Kelby, author of the groundbreaking bestseller “The Digital Photography Book, Vol. 1” is back with an entirely new book that picks up right where Vol. 1 left off. It’s more of that “Ah ha?so that’s how they do it,” straight-to-the-point, skip the techno jargon; packed with stuff you can really use today, that made Vol. 1 the world’s bestselling book on digital photography.In Volume 2, Scott adds entirely new chapters packed with Plain English tips on using flash, shooting close up photography, travel photography, shooting people, and even how to build a studio from scratch, where he demystifies the process so anyone can start taking pro-quality portraits today! Plus, he's got full chapters on his most requested topics, including loads of tips for landscape photographers, wedding photographers, and there's an entire chapter devoted to sharing some of the pro's secrets for making your photos look more professional, no matter what you're shooting. This book truly has a brilliant premise, and here’s how Scott describes it: “If you and I were out on a shoot, and you asked me, 'When I use my flash, the background behind the person I’m shooting turns black. How do I fix that?’ I wouldn’t give you a lecture on flash ratios, or start a discussion on flash synchronization and rear curtain sync. I’d just say “Lower your shutter speed to 1/60 of a second. That should do it” Well, that’s what this book is all about: you and I out shooting where I answer questions, give you advice, and share the secrets I’ve learned just like I would with a friend?without all the technical explanations and techie photo speak.”Each page covers a single concept on how to make your photography better. Every time you turn the page, you’ll learn another pro setting, tool, or trick to transform your work from snapshots into gallery prints. If you’re tired of taking shots that l

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Reference, Art, Ebooks, How To, Art and Photography

240 pages, Paperback

First published December 27, 2007

About the author

Scott Kelby is an American author and publisher of periodicals dealing in Macintosh and Personal Computer software, specifically for design professionals, photographers, and artists.

Kelby is editor and publisher of Photoshop User and Layers magazines, president and co-founder of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) and is president of Kelby Media Group, an Oldsmar, Florida-based software training, education, and publishing firm.
Kelby is a photographer, designer, and the award-winning author of more than 40 books.

Reviews

[Efka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nors šioje knygoje patarimų ir įvairių smulkių tricks'ų yra pakankamai nemažai, ji nebėra tokia naudinga, kaip pirmoji knyga, nes yra daug labiau orientuota į nuosavos studijos kūrimą bei vestuvių fotografiją. Nieko nesakau, reikalingos temos, bet tikrai ne pirmaeilės svarbos. Šiaip geriausia abi knygas skaityti kaip vieną, tada skirtumas tarp jų ne toks žymus.

Kažko naudingo iš jos, be abejo, išmokau, bet pirma buvo žymiai geresnė bei suteikusi daugiau žinių. Na ir žinoma, medinių bajeriukų kiekis ir šitoje knygoje - smarkiai perteklinis.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a lot of great tips in this volume, but it wasn't quite as helpful to me as Volume 1 was. A large portion of Volume 2 is dedicated to setting up your home studio (something that's appealing to me, but not realistic at the present time) and wedding photography. Volume 1 was geared a little more toward the "everyday-joe" amateur, while Volume 2 seems to be geared more toward those who are considering or beginning to go the professional route.

I still found a lot of great tips on lighting that have been very helpful (I recently purchased a speedlight for my SLR and this volume has helped me make much better use of it)! That chapter alone made the book worth the purchase for me. Overall, I'd definitely recommend it, but I'd highly advise reading Volume 1 first.

[Rolf Häsänen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as many useful tips as volume1 unless you go for studio photography. Still I would recommend you to buy this volume too - well worth it and bring it (& vol1) along on your trips.

Example of my photos after reading the book->

[Valery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as helpful as the first, but does go into more detail about previous topics as well as few new ones.

For my clean readers:
No nudity or language.

[Bruce · Rating 1 out of 5]

OMG. Surely the absolute worst, amature photo book I have ever had the misfortune of reading. This self proclaimed photographer, Scott Kelby, does not take pictures, he sells books. Even the models he attempts to shoot(due to his lack of ability, he probably has to hire some underpaid flunkie to do this) are just plain gross. Mr Kelby is an ass, truly an amature, and pathetic for trying to take advantage of those who want to lean something about Digital Photography. Please, do yourself a favor, save some money, don't buy this useless book. Simply read the instruction manual that comes with the camera. In so doing, you will be taking more and far better photos than Mr Scott Kelby would ever hope to.

[Icepick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The format may not be for everybody, but I really liked the concise nature of it. The organization is quite good and the sporadic humor keeps you engaged. The way the book lays out, each page is one concept. It isn't wrapped in a bunch of theory, it's basically "do this". I found it a great way to pick up tips and techniques.

[Yusuf Ks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buku lanjutan dari volume pertama berisi tips-tips tambahan dan baru yang tidak dijelaskan pada buku sebelumnya. Sama seperti sebelumnya, buku ini sangat bermanfaat mengenai berbagai macam hal mengenai fotografi dengan bahasa yang mudah dipahami, meskipun oleh orang yang masih awwam dalam hal fotografi. Tidak ada istilah rumit dan bahasa alien yang disebutkan di sini.

Pada buku kedua ini, tips yang penulis bagikan mencakup tema flash, studio, portrait, landscape, wedding, traveling, macro, dan tips umum lainnya mengenai fotografi. Setiap tip selalu disertakan dengan foto sampel, semua foto tajam dan indah, dengan informasi tambahan cara mendapatkannya.

Kalau dibandingkan dengan buku sebelumnya, buku pertama lebih baik dan lebih banyak tipsnya, walau begitu buku ini tetap layak dibaca karena merupakan lanjutan dan berisi tips-tips baru yang belum dijelaskan pada buku sebelumnya, terutama mengenai lampu kilat dan membangun studio fotografi.

Setelah membaca buku ini, saya berharap bahwa saya (dan semua orang yang membaca buku ini) dapat menerapkan semua tips dalam fotografi kami untuk mendapatkan hasil terbaik. Saya sangat merekomendasikan buku ini untuk semua orang yang suka fotografi terutama yang masih awwam seperti saya :)

[Nickolai · Rating 2 out of 5]

Если первая книга мне очень понравилась, то эта сильно разочаровала. Хоть автор и позиционирует ее самостоятельным произведением, она больше чем наполовину дублирует информацию в первой книге. Многие советы становятся банальными и какими-то надуманными, как, например, подписывать карты памяти, брать с собой еду на свадьбу, не сдавать фототехнику в багаж и т.п. Улыбку вызвал совет брать в поездки как можно меньше техники, так как она будет сковывать свободу путешествия. Вроде бы, всё правильно. Но уже через десяток страниц автор дает советы для получения хорошего пейзажного снимка. Для этого нужно совсем не много: отдельный объектив, особенная внешняя вспышка, штатив, диффузор и штатив для диффузора. Так и представляю себе туриста со всем этим в путешествии! Вообщем, мое мнение - на волне успеха первой книги автор просто решил побыстрее и попроще «срубить бабла» на продолжении.

[Gianfranco Nerdi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first part of the book deals with professional lighting and stuff that is needed for setting up a studio; given that most of the products listed are terribly expensive, a lot of this information, quite understandably, is not very useful to me at the moment. I still feel like I've learned something, so it hasn't been a complete waste. The chapter on studio lighting is followed by tips on landscape and wedding photography, which are pretty good in my opinion but probably nothing that has not been explored in other books already. Other than this, I find that there isn't much to say.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great tips! This writer is engaging and entertaining to read. My one caveat is that there was nothing in the title that hinted that the book was only for those with DSLR cameras. Not all "Digital Photography" uses the more complex and expensive DSLR equipment and lenses. "Point and Shoot" cameras of today are more and more complex and could easily have been addressed in the book. Good book, though, and I would like to read the other books in this series.

[Angela Benthin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informational

[Ginny Roberts]

Good book.

[Cedric Jean-marie]

I originally bought this trilogy for my wife when she got into photography, shortly after however I got suckered into it as well and am now more involved in it then she. Since we had these books I figured I'd give them a once over. I believe if the books reach their intended audience they are sure to be a valuable asset.

From the get go Kelby explains his thinking behind these books as a casual conversation between friends where he leaves out much or all of the theory and just tells you straight up how to get the shots. The topics range all aspects of photography from portraits, wedding photography, landscapes, sports, flash and studio tips, and so much more.

Each book weighs in under the 200 page mark and every page is graced with a photo which quickly gives you an idea what the subject is about, if the title doesn't give it away. I like Scott and his method and am subscribed to his online training catalog of videos, unfortunately much of what is covered in the books I've already seen in his videos. I did learn plenty despite feeling a little underwhelmed with the level of detail but I can't fault him for that as it was quite clear from the outset what his goal was when he wrote them and I say when keeping that in mind he's achieved that goal quite well.

I personally would have preferred more theory and detail but that isn't really the authors fault. I'm still glad I read them and recommend them to anyone looking for exactly what he describes. Want to know how to get that effect where the subject is in focus but the background or foreground is out of focus (known as depth of field or bokeh) he'll tell you straight up how to do it. Overall easy reads and they achieve what the author set out to do despite not meeting my entire needs I feel it would be unfair to give the books a bad score simply because I ignored the authors intent from the beginning.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd actually give this 4.5 out of 5 stars for a photography book. I had picked it up at Borders once and flipped through it, but ultimately put it back on the shelf because I wanted a book with a bit more meat to it. My mistake. Not realizing it was the same book, I ordered it online after reading a strong recommendation for it on a Santa's Gift Bag post on a photography blog I read. The book lives up to its recommendation.

Great book with useful, one-page/one-scenario tips on how to best improve your photography, once you've gotten past the basics. It's quick, easy, and informative to read, without any technical background info on why he says what he says...which makes it easier to digest and learn. The section on setting up your own studio; what lights, backdrop, etc. to buy and use; where to place lights; etc. was fabulous, even though I don't have a studio (or need one). The last chapter was also really useful, giving a "recipe" for how to achieve (eventually, with a lot or practice, I'd add) the example shot the author includes.

The book has chapters covering the following:
Using Flash Like a Pro
Building a Studio from Scratch
Shooting Portraits Like a Pro
Shooting Landscapes Like a Pro
Shooting Weddings Like a Pro
Shooting Travel Like a Pro
Shooting Macro Like a Pro
Pro Tips for Getting Better Photos
More Photo Recipes to Help You Get "The Shot"

I haven't read vol. 1 of this book, but after reading vol. 2 I just might have to go buy it, to see what things I've forgotten (and could use reminding). Excellent book, even for pulling out once a year or two to serve as a refresher.

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelby has the knack. This is a re-read for me as I wanted something that I could do easily in a night while on the road. The fact that he can explain, in a page or less, what it takes to make high quality pictures is pretty amazing. McNally saw the light and is another good example of how to take something that is complicated in practice and bring clarity in very little space. For me, it works. I'd give vol. 1 and 2 of Kelby's Digital Photo books 5 stars if he didn't push his friends and his sponsors on the reader. I understand why he does and, really, it's not excessive, but I'm tired of it.

[Cyril · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a sequel to Volume 1. As such, it covers the same territory as the first but goes into techniques a bit more advanced. I read both books straight through, but may have been better served by practicing a bit more before moving on to this volume. The book is clearly written in short sections, and the author's humor remains intact.

The most salient thing that I learned from these two books is that, after spending $1800 on a camera and lens, I'll have to spend $100s, perhaps $1000s more if I'm serious about photography.

[Jewelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed with this book. Nowhere did this book say that it was for professionals. A lot of the information only applied to pros and or an amateur with a long standing photography business. However, as an everyday photo person I was able to glean a few helpful hints I can use to ensure my pictures are better. One thing that amazed me about this book though was the AMAZING setup. All of Scott's information was straight to the point and easy to understand. Also having a tip per page really made this book neat and clean.

[Mohammed Alshanakhnakh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty much the same deal as the first volume. Lost one star as it wasn't as helpful to me as the first one, since this one focused on sitting up your own studio, which I wasn't into at the time.

here is what I wrote for the first volume:

"The best book I've seen on photography. Full with practical knowledge and great tips. Nothing too technical here or theoretical. Basically, "If you want to take a picture like this, do this" and occasionally "but you need to buy this or that equipment". Short and to the point. This book can be useful to amateurs as well as semi-professionals"

[Bhanu Vadlamani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as many important tips for an amateur as in Volume 1. But worth the read if you are into photography. It is really important to keep all the tips you read in mind while taking the pictures, which is plain impossible, because most of the time, you are working with moments that can't be brought back. So practice and practice till you can release that shutter at the right moment with the right settings in place. Reading the book doesn't really help if you do not take your camera and get out with it - but of course, the book says it too!

[Iliyana Arakelyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Това е продължение на първата част. Тук се говори много за външни светкавици, студио оборудване, отражатели, гел филтри и прочие. Има си задължителните глави за портрети, пейзажи, сватби, туристически снимки, макро и задължително съвети и фото рецепти. Доста неща се преповтарят в тези глави от първата книга, но с повече технически подробности. Скот Келби ползва всевъзможна техника и описва нейното приложение при редица кадри. Още от началото той пише, че фотографията е скъпо хоби и тази книга ще е по-подходяща за хора, които са инвестирали в оборудването си.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really short, but really useful follow-up to Volume 1. This one focuses more on studio/flash lighting, as well as some additional wedding/landscape tips. Kelby does seem to miss some quality gear in more accessible dollar ranges (i.e. Alien Bees lighting, shoot-through umbrellas (he dislikes umbrellas but fails to mention their positive uses). Overall a helpful follow-up and a must read for those starting out.

[Leone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found The Digital Photography Book Volume 2 to be a good source of information on DSLR photography. I don't believe that it was quite as useful as the first volume, but that may be because it spends a lot of time talking about flash and studio lighting for portraits and weddings which I have limited interest in.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much the same as the first Volume in this series, but with added extras. This book covers the same variety of topics, but with slightly different tips, or new things to try for different results.

A great book to dip in and out of, and definitely one that can be used as reference material.

More of Scott Kelby's quirky sense of humour, however I still found this book helpful and informative, and one to try if you're hoping to improve your photography.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for beginners. He shows you a picture and then explains how he was able to get that particular shot to look good. He explains terminology and keeps things fairly simple so that you can experiment with photography and have success. This is more of a spring board into photography. He does not go into a lot of depth, but gives some great tips and tricks.

[Scottsdale Public Library]

After reading several handbooks on photography, this one was refreshing. The author's writing style comes across as if he was right there talking to you. The content is direct; he gives you exactly what you want to know without beating around the bush. A very valuable resource for the aspiring photographer.
-Kassandra VL

[Hedy Harper (Erin Hanton) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not nearly as good as part 1. While part one will sit near my desk as a reference for a long time, I'll just put this one away. In part one he said he didn't want to include a bunch of basic explanations you could get in every other photography book in existence, but here they are, in part two. A handful of good pages, and still loving the format, but not a big fan.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read from Scott Kelby. If you have to choose between Vol I or II go with Volume I. This volume is more additional information but geared for more of the want to be professional rather than just the hobbyist/enthusiast photographer.

[Fatma Alemadi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book for beginners .. I found some useful tips and ideas .. but over all not as much as I was hoping .. but still I like Scott's writing style and how simple he makes things and explains idea ..waiting for vol3 of the book ..

[Verlyn Lastierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually learned something after 24 hours of reading and re-reading it (and a whole lot of practice shooting). This is a photography book with less jargon and other hard -to-understand technicalities, written a casual, funny manner, and very informative. You never knew it was that simple.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book; great companion to the Volume 1 book where I learned a tremendous amount. There is not too much overlap in this 2nd volume, but much of it was geared to someone who is looking to set up a studio or invest a lot more money into their DSLR camera than I am.