Understanding Digital Photography: Techniques for Getting Great Pictures

by Bryan Peterson

Using his popular bad image/good image pairings of real-life examples, Bryan Peterson takes the reader through all the techniques needed to succeed with digital photography in every popular nature, people, sports, interiors, travel, low-light conditions, travel, weather, commercial portraits, macro, and wildlife—even how to use creative tricks such as reflections. As a bonus, Peterson explains, in straightforward text, the techniques of Photoshop as well as the basics of publishing, printing, and archiving and storing for personal or professional use. Full of great examples for beginners and serious photographers, Understanding Digital Photography makes it easy to create great digital pictures every time.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Reference, Design

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2005

About the author

Bryan F. Peterson has been a full-time commercial photographer since 1981, shooting assignments all over the world for many of the Fortune 500 companies, including Kodak, UPS, and American Expiress. He is also a contract stock photographer for Corbis and Getty. He has been a contributing editor at Outdoor Photographer Magazine and is currently a contributing editor at Popular Photography and Imaging Magazine. Within the photographic community, he is most noted as the author/photographer of four best selling “how-to” photography books, Understanding Exposure, Understanding Shutter Speed, Learning to See Creatively and Beyond Portraits, with two new books due out in the spring of 2009, Understanding Close-up Photography and The Field Guide to Photography. He is also the founder and one of the instructors at the world’s number one on-line photography school, www.ppsop.net.

Reviews

[Jiaying]

Instead of delving straight into the different photography terms, I appreciate that the author makes connections between ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed with the use of analogies. Now, I at least understand the reasoning behind why these few aspects are crucial (ref to Exposure Triangle) instead of just knowing the “What” or “How” aspect alone.

It’s a fairly old book that I borrowed online from the NLB app, but he explains everything simply in a humble manner.

[Ahmed]

amazing knowledg about photography

[Erica Hasselbach]

When I graduated highschool, I was given a Barnes and Nobles giftcard. This is one of the books I bought with the card, and I'm very glad I did.

The book doesn't introduce anything new that wouldn't already be included in other how-to photography books, but Peterson explains everything simply, knowing that not every single one of his readers is a pro at using their camera (why else would they buy this book?)

[Dawn]

This book is ok for an overview of digital photography. Peterson's book on Exposure is better. Someday I'll pick up a copy.

[Joanie]

I've learned a lot from this book. The author assumes you know a lot about your camera and photography, which I suppose you probably should if you have a SLR camera.

[Melanie]

I cannot wait for some real "spring" weather and try his techniques on some great nature shots! Very much worth the time!!!

[Andrea]

?

[Joe]

Nothing new that's not in prior books by this prolific offer, but a good book to have in your arsenal of photo manuals.

[Fakhra]

Photographer's MUST read book!

[Peggy]

Interesting, easy to read, easy to understand. Throughout the book the author listed which lens, aperture, and shutter speed for every photograph!

[Andrew]

a couple of good advices presented in fast pace

[T R]

My lunch buddy today is Peterson's book!