Books For Beginners?

[dutchess85]

Hi Everyone! I am new and wanted to know what are some good photography books for beginners. Maybe one about general terms I should know.

Thanks for any help!

[lputman]

A search on the forum resulted in this thread and many more...

Recommend Photography Books

[KRIS]

Hello, I suggest you start with Scot Kelby, Digital Photography Book 1 & 2. Amazingly simple to read and follow. Next you may like to read Bryan Peterson, Understanding Exposure, Understanding Shutter speed, and Learning to see creatively. I also have read and enjoyed books by Micheal Freeman like, The Photographer's eye, Light and Lighting. Currently reading Master lighting guide by Christopher Grey. Even though I purchased most of these books over a year back, I cannot help re-reading them for guidance and inspiration.
Happy Snapping,
Kris

[AnneWynne]

One thing I suggest is a trip to the library to browse the stacks in the subjects of your choice. There are many books out there, from technical aspects/how to, to art books featuring the works of famous photographers. If you are not sure where to start, the reference librarian is a wonderful resource and can help you define your search.

You can often browse the catalogues of libraries and library systems on line,even reserving books online. My local library is part of a state-wide system of libraries, so I can see what books are where and request ones (at no charge) from other libraries in the system....only drawback it that it can take some time to get a book in from a library in another community.

You can also request books your library/system does not own through InterLibraryLoan (ILL for short). Your librarian can help you with the process and there is often a small charge to cover cost of shipping.
This is a great resource if you are considering purchasing an expensive book and cannot preview it in a bookstore to see if you really want to buy it.

Another option is to browse the stacks and periodicals in a large bookstore (like Borders or Barnes and Nobles). You can evaluate several books at one time to determine if you really want to purchase. The periodicals can also be a gold mine. I found a special issue specifically on my camera that was published by a photography magazine publisher that has been invaluable. I have also found special issues on specific topics regarding postprocessing that have had step-by-step tutorials (one I picked up was on the techniques for postprocessing portraits).

There are also wonderful websites that can help you along your path in developing your photographic skills....DPS is one of them.

Good luck in your quest...
Anne

[mickdaniel]

Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Book trio have the best tips and are the best-selling books for beginners. But if you're looking for an all-inclusive textbook-style book, Photography by Barbara London may be the best choice if you can afford the price. Also, I find bestphotographybooks.com to be a good resource of the most popular photography books at the moment.

[kencaleno]

As long as you don't waste your money on books by Scott Kelby or Bryan Peterson,you will be OK. Try to grab copies of Tom Ang's Books-Expensive but worth every cent/penny. Regards, Ken

[mymaison97]

Originally Posted by kencaleno

As long as you don't waste your money on books by Scott Kelby or Bryan Peterson,you will be OK. Try to grab copies of Tom Ang's Books-Expensive but worth every cent/penny. Regards, Ken

I agree...just bought Tom Ang's book "How To Photograph Absolutely Everything", using a digital camera and really enjoyed it. The only think I didn't like (but it was the only book like it) was that it was intended for an actual digital camera, using the preset's vs more specific for a dSLR. But I can figure it out based on that also...I like the fact that it's very picture orientated and gives you do's and don'ts on all the shots taken. I've also got a book on my camera (as the manual is like reading a foreign language), so if I need more "specifics", I can refer back to that.

[AgBeard]

Have a look at "The 123 of digital imaging" Interactive Learning Suite by downloading a trail copy from 123di: The Most Complete, Comprehensive, Authoritative Digital Photography Interactive Guide