BetterPhoto Basics: The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Taking Photos Like a Pro

by Jim Miotke

Absolutely anyone can take better photos!
 
If you can press a button, you can take great pictures. It’s as simple as that. In BetterPhoto Basics, Jim Miotke, founder of the popular online photography school BetterPhoto.com, shares tips and tricks to improve your photos right away, no matter what camera you’re using. Too busy to read a book? No problem—flip to any page for an instant tip to use right away! Learn to compose knockout shots, make the most of indoor and outdoor light, and photograph twenty popular subjects, from sunsets and flowers to a family portrait. Those who want to go further get tips on controlling exposure and the secrets behind ten advanced creative techniques. And everyone will appreciate Jim’s breakdown of easy fixes to make in Photoshop. No matter what your level of experience, you’ll be amazed how easy it is to start taking photos like the pros.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Reference, How To, Self Help

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 27, 2010

About the author

Jim Miotke is a bestselling author, founder of BetterPhoto.com, and a Christian Scientist.

JIm loves being a dad, practicing Kung Fu with his kids and his friend Shifu, learning the piano and guitar, and of course reading.

His is “treat-giver” to his three adorable dogs.

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Librarian note: There is more than one author in the database by this name. See other authors with similar names.

Reviews

[abthebooknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I started my account on Instagram, I really wanted to learn more about photography, and the mechanics of it all. This really helped! Visually comprehensive, and a great guide for beginners. Definitely recommend.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for beginning photographers. Simple and easy explainations on how to get great pictures without being too experienced. Lots of pictures also, and one really helpful thing is that all the pictures in the book are featured again at the end of the book giving you all the camera installations you need to use to get similar photograph.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great "how-to" book that I'll be studying more as I (hopefully) develop my skills. Written for a beginner (hence the name) the wording and explanations are easily understood, and picture examples were helpful in grasping whatever topic/camera function being explained. I also liked how the author included a section for more advanced techniques. Just in case I get to that level, I can still use this book with his easy instructions to achieve a more creative photo.

[Maci Dierking · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome! Jim explains in easy non complicated terms the basics of photography. He gives you assignments to go and practice with helpful tips. It was also nice that he included all the camera setting taken with the photo's in the book so you could better understand what worked. Within just a few days my pictures improved dramatically.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for the beginner. You know, the person who has no idea there are scenes/modes in their point and shoot and every dog photo has scary devil-eye. Easy to follow and understand with photo examples.

[Shay Hafez · Rating 4 out of 5]

الكتاب ممتاز لكل من يريد تعلم التصوير الفوتوغرافي. هو للمبتدئين وليس للمحترفين. يعرض المعلومات بتنظيم وسهولة، ويقدم لك تدريبات عملية للتطبيق. أعجبني أنه كتب بشغف صادق وعن خبرة واستمتاع حقيقي بفن التصوير.

[Mystereity Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, easy read book with some great information on camera settings and composition without reading like a boring textbook. The example images were inspiring and I learned a great deal. I can't wait to put the information to good use.

[Jessica Thornton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book featured many invaluable lessons when it comes to photography. It shows photos demonstrating each setting or tip, which is extremely helpful for a visual learner like me. I would definitely recommend this book!

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

really helped me expand my photo ideas and have tons of great pointers on how to make simple changes for maximum effect

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful book. I read it in combination with the manual for my Canon and point and shoot, and in three days I am taking pictures I am really happy with. Highly recommended.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this back in 2017 but I have recommend this book so many times (and forgot the name) so I am adding it to goodreads so I dont forget.

The best book for an intro photographer. Jim breaks down the process to make it simpler. The book can be useful to people who do and do not have a dslr camera. This book has greatly improved my skillset. I have my travel photos as backgrounds on my computer at work and frequently get compliments from coworkers on it.

[karen dietz]

Very Informative

As an amateur photographer I found this to be easy to understand. The author's use of reference to both DSLR and Point and Shoot settings was appreciated as I use a Sony DSC-HX350.

[Delilah Senders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zeer leerzaam

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty basic overview to photography. Lots of ideas on creating different shots and effects.

[Elaine Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

just work

[David Brinkman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for beginners, a lot of great information and tips. If you know someone interested in taking photos this would be a great gift. Also the social media influencer could glean a lot from this.

[Alice-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for those with a digital point and shoot and DSLR (which some of us--including myself-- use as a point and shoot, right?) camera. I came away with a better understanding of the settings on my camera, how to use "P" or Program (I'm not advanced enough to do manual), and most importantly, how to compose shots better and use light (or the lack of light) better. I would recommend it for beginnings like myself who want to take their photos to the next level. Oh, and this goes without saying, but I loved looking at the photos in this book, too.

[Schnaucl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was generally a strong book.

There's a lot of good, general information here. Be aware two chapters apply mostly to DSLR and high-end compact cameras. The rest of the book is appropriate for any kind of camera.

I just got back into digital photography and consider myself a novice. Having said that, my general attitude is that if I learn one or two really good tips from a book then reading the book was worth it.

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for beginner photographers like me. I don't want to become a professional photographer, I just want to take better pictures and this book gives great tips and information for users of both point and shoot and DSLR cameras.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author's tips on composition were helpful, but his explanations of basic photographic concepts, unfortunately, were not as helpful.

[Kristy]

I plan on going back to this book when I have more time to devote to it.

[Amy]

Great book!! One of the most helpful explanations of the basics I have read! Will be keeping this one on my nightstand to review for years!!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this so much! I learned the theory about how to obtain some of the photos that I've so admired, and maybe even how to take some of those pictures! I can't wait to get out and get started!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

It K.I.S.S. (keeps it simple stupid) for the absolute beginner.

[Pete · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book for those looking a introductory pointers and basics, as the title suggests. Law of thirds, framing, and a broad introduction to different types of equipment.

[Petyo Ivanov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Works as advertised. Simple and concise tips and guides, good examples.

[Xzvi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for beginners. I wanted to forget everything I thought I knew about photography so I picked this book up.

[Anshika · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book for beginners. Great tips on composition. It has all the do's and dont's listed simply. Not a very detailed insight into exposure, but then again that is not for beginners.

[Lourdes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very old edition and i pretty much already new the basics