Rating: 
Summary: TRULY THE BEST GUIDE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY!
Review: I love this book! It hasn't been very long since I bought this book from Amazon.com and read the suggestions written by others. Since then, however, I found that this book was truly the only book that I ever needed to buy. Although 568 pages seems lengthy, I don't see how anyone could do with less. All of the information contained in this book is relevant and necessary to properly expose photographs. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is serious about taking good pictures.
Rating: 
Summary: not to the point.
Review: I read it and must tell you, it tought me a few basic things, but c'mon, let's be realistic - the book is huge and takes about 6 times longer to finish than a more condenced overview of photography, available much cheaper or for free on the web. And in my opinion, the book is very watery, missing many vital points, but going into endless descriptions of primitive techniques. Don't waste your time. My question to the ones who are raving about this book - go ahead and find an info on how to shoot using an intergrated meter reading a high contrast scene minding film altitude. it's basics and not covered at all!
Rating: 
Summary: Best used as a reference, not as an instructional aid.
Review: I was given this book as a present, and it has remained part of my library. But, for those looking for a book on actual photography instruction, this may not be the book for you. The book contains a lot of basic information about a lot of different topics and it explains things like the difference between 100 and 400 speed film very clearly. Most of the sections may not have been updated since they were originally written (including the pictures!) but new sections have been added as technology has advanced (including digital cameras). If you just want to know generally what exists and the basics of how it works, this is still a good book. But if you are looking for a book that will teach you about the photography while helping you produce more creative and higher quality work , the book comes up short.
Rating:
Summary: Gives you all the knowledge you need to get started/improve.
Review: I'm new to photography, and this book was loaned to me by a friend. It's GREAT! Now that I'm done with the book, I know all the things I need to make better pictures. I'll probably use this book as a reference now in case I forget something, but if you're a beginner in photography like me, or someone really good, I think you'll find this book to be an invaluable asset.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect for beginners
Review: I've had a Nikon FG for 2 years now. I never imagined all the things that could be done outside of the program mode. This book has taught me ALOT! I'm sure the more expensive books are great, but for the price, I was astounded by the in depth details of the features most SLR cameras have. If you have a limited amount of money, and you are a beginner, this is a must read.
Rating:
Summary: Do you want to know your SLR inside and out?
Review: If you do this is the best book you could by. The only thing to beat it would be your camera manual, and then this book will explain the things to you that do not make sense. It goes into detail where a lot of books just skim important subjects. Meant for beginners, but it will make you more than a beginner when you are through reading it.
Rating:
Summary: An encyclopedic overview of the basics
Review: If you want a general introduction to photography, this book is excellent. I'm a novice photographer, and the Grimms' prose is so clear and their presentation so logical that even I can follow along easily. They assume no prior knowledge of photography, and step by step they walk you through all the fundmentals: how different cameras work, the difference between rangefinders and SLRs, different types of lenses, light, composition, etc. The material is presented logically and basic concepts are explained fully. Some readers have criticized the authors' desire to cover so much ground, but it seems to me that a broad scope is appropriate for a general reference work. If you want more in-depth treatment of a specific topic, e.g., travel photography, buy a different book. The lack of color photos is disappointing, but that may have been an editorial decision made in an effort to keep the price down. In general, an excellent reference work.
Rating:
Summary: Great!!!
Review: If you're considering taking up photography as a hobby buy this book. It answers questions like no other I've read. Very easy to understand with great examples.
WELL WORTH THE MONEY!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Buy this before the camera
Review: In a word, this book is excellent. It covers everything you need to know about photography in order to start producing good pictures in almost all conditions. It doesn't delve into a lot of composition, but there is certainly enough to get you started, and that's the goal of the book. It has one of the best sections on filters I've seen, and while it is dedicated mostly to SLRs, even a point and shoot user can derive some value from this book(and after reading this, or any photography book, you will be wondering why even expensive Point and Shoot cameras don't have tiltable flashes). Color pictures would have been nice, but then the book would have been either skimpier in text or more expensive. As it is, for $20, you get A LOT of bang for your buck.
Rating:
Summary: A must have for novice photographers
Review: Just starting out in SLR photography? You will probably learn a lot more by reading this book than you will in a beginners photography class (at least I did). This book covers in detail all basic technical aspects of SLR photography including; exposure, f-stops, shutter speed, light, film, and equipment selection & operation. There are also sections on composition and traveling tips. This book is well written and will provide you with a solid foundation of photographic skills
|
