Book Review: The Digital Photography Book Vol. 2 by Scott Kelby

[Saralonde]

The Digital Photography Book Vol.2 by Scott Kelby

Rating: 8/10

Even if you are a novice photographer, chances are you've heard of Scott Kelby. He has written more than 40 books about photography and Photoshop that are known for their user-friendly and humorous style. His latest book, a follow-up of The Digital Photography Book, follows the same approach: good basic advice told in genial buddy to buddy fashion.

This book came at just the right time for me. I'm starting to learn about off-camera lighting and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. Strobes, synch cords, pocket wizards, lightboxes or umbrellas; it's all making me feel a bit of despair since I don't think well in technical terms. The first chapter jumps right into using flash like a pro, discussing off-camera lighting and how to achieve it. I'm still a little confused by it all, but at least I know I just might be able to do this now. Each topic is covered in one short page with an image to see as an example, so even hesitant beginner can get the idea.

Other chapters cover shooting portraits, landscapes, weddings, travel and macro, as well as a section on building a studio from scratch. Lots of tips, some of which you'll find useful, others you might already know, but it goes beyond the basics of the first book. If you are a complete beginner, this book is not for you. If you are a somewhat advanced photographer, there will be nothing new for you. Point and shoot owners may get some tips from this, but it really is a book for dslr users, particularly in the first chapter on using flash.

A lot of the tips seem like common sense: get in close for portraits, simple backgrounds are best, have a clear subject in landscape shots. Others, like shooting close using a wide angle lens in portrait photography I hadn't heard and would like to try.

Best part of the book: the first chapter on flash and the second chapter on building a studio.
Worst part of the book: a lot of tips are too basic. Don't expect any amazing revelations.

Overall, this book is quick, easy to read, full of useful tips, and is a good choice for the photographer that has moved beyond the simple basics and wants to better their basic photography skills. At only $16.49 at Amazon, it's a good value.

[xxpinballxx]

I heard the same thing about it you stated Saralonde. I went to borders and read the first two chapters and then skimmed the rest.
I personally find the guy annoying but have read quite a few of his books and watch his photoshop videos. He does know his stuff especially photoshop. I so want to go to photoshop world just once.

[Nicole]

Hmmm, interesting. I'll have to actually check it out at the store then. I'd been considering this book since I just got my flash (yay! ) and it seemed like it might have some good lighting info for someone who knows pretty much nothing about it.

[benhoman]

Where did you get the book, I took a look at my local Borders and couldn't find it. I really loved his first book and would like to read the second.

[Saralonde]

Originally Posted by benhoman

Where did you get the book, I took a look at my local Borders and couldn't find it. I really loved his first book and would like to read the second.

Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

[Taallyn]

I picked this book up a week or two before Christmas and finished it a couple of weeks ago. My impressions are generally the same as yours. It is an easy book to pick-up, put down and come back to with it's one-page tip format. I particularly liked the last section where he takes a photograph and explained how he got it and how the elements work together. It is more accessible than some other photography books, but not near as detailed.

[baron]

Does Volume 2 include any or all of the contents from Volume 1? I went though Volume 1 at my local bookstore and was impressed at the contents, but I didn't buy it since I knew Volume 2 was coming out and didn't know what was included.

Should I get both books or is Volume 2 sufficient?

[Saralonde]

Volume 2 is a different book and covers different things.

[Seaton519]

Great review Saralonde. I've been excited about this book so I'm glad you've gotten a chance to read it. Have you read the first one? Does the second one have a lot of the same stuff as the first one? Does it repeat some tips (the examples you gave: go in close, simple background, were all in the first one)? Thanks a lot

[Saralonde]

The first and second volumes are similar in style but different in content. It does not repeat tips. Here is a review on the first one.