The Digital Photography Book, Volume 3
by Scott Kelby
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Book Reviews of The Digital Photography Book, Volume 3
Book Review: Easily the best in the series.
Summary: 5 Stars
This series is truly progressing. And I think Scott as a photographer (Photographer, not as a Photoshop Wizard) has also improved tremendously since the time volume 1 was written and published. Just one prime indication: in vol. 1 many pictures used to illustrate the tips are from istockphoto, rather than the author's own takes. Here in volume 3, I remember only the two pages on Underwater Photography are from istock, the rest are either by Scott himself or his assistants.
The really useful tips have increased widely from Vol 1, Vol 2, to Vol 3. The chapter on Sports Photography in this book, for example, is meatier and useable. The studio shots are also more complicated and more varied. There's even a devoted chapter for Product Photography (new chapter) Just to cite two pages of solid tips: there is one regarding experimenting on white balance, and another on getting that starry effect from sunshine. You'll feel the sincerity in the informal teaching. Imagine: there's even one recommending to shoot puddles during travelling. Well that's been a technique not straightly being said in many books on Urban Photography, but you see it indeed every now and then on portfolios of "good, creative" travel photos.
The studio shots and setup are superb, the guides to getting these shots are very clear, there are even more inputs on manipulating sofboxes. The instructions are now longer, no feeling of being rushed. The accompanying website is also very useful and on a teaching mode. Other useful bits: a clear line drawn between continuous and hot-shoe flashes, a whole chapter on lenses (not afraid to take a stand and recommend what he actually uses). I also like how Scott shows what he packs for wedding, portrait, travelling shoots.
One of the unintended consequence though: Scott's recommendation for gears is getting more and more EXPENSIVE. From just discussing the several sizes of softbox in volume 2, we know have strip banks, grids, ring lights, beauty dish, cubelite, triflectors,... and these are just from one chapter! I think that's the point, however. If you are serious a photographer, your expense will also increase. You have to spend to get to the next level.
This is a very good book to complete the selection. But if you've started at Vol 3, best to just go back to Vol 2... then skip Volume 1. You'll feel shortchanged by Vol 1, and most tips in there are repeated in the last two volumes. I have no idea what is left to discuss for volume 4, except perhaps even more expensive gears, more serious location shoots, more complicated "recipes."
One other thing: Scott should also be congratulated for the choice for the girl model. Very expressive, very versatile, very pretty. :-)
I rambled too much here. But in a nutshell Im just saying, this book is easily the best in the series... so far.
Book Review: another 5-star winner - extends the basics for Nikon and Canon shooters
Summary: 5 Stars
Scott Kelby's The Digital Photography Book Volume 3 is another 5-star winner. As a California State Park volunteer Docent I lead Digital Photowalks San Luis Obispo County California Nature Photographers -- Their Works and Techniques at photomorrobay d o t com where we try to teach each participant at least one useful new technique or idea every time they visit and every time we have a moment to spend time one-on one outside in a nature setting. Scott's volumes Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Boxed Set, Volumes 1, 2, and 3 all contain one easily described lesson on each page, with an explanatory photo to accompany that lesson. Nothing could be easier to learn from, nor more fun. This volume spends a bit more time on recently popular uses of studio-type lighting involving flash and reflectors and diffusers, etc., both indoors and outdoors (the Strobist comes to mind) which will keep photogs current. A lot of lessons are basic and common sense, but it is exactly these basics that we all forget from time-to-time that need reinforcing. If I had to recommend just one book for someone interested in photography, I'd have no hesitation in recommending Scott's three-volume packet Scott Kelby's Digital Photography Boxed Set, Volumes 1, 2, and 3 . Well done Scott. Scott Kelby's recently launched Worldwide Photowalks have brought tens of thousands of enthusiasts together to learn from each other, and this is the perfect companion book to have in your rear pocket to take along, or to gift to that family member who is obsessed with her new Nikon or Canon. As a final note, Scott gives equal and complete treatment to both popular bodies and lens sets from Canon and Nikon, so unlike some books, this one is understandable to both camps. In fact, one of the most useful aspects of this book for me was to know the Nikon equivalent of my Canon settings - because I'm often asked in the field how to set something, and I don't have that hands-on Nikon experience. Michael "Mike: L. Baird bairdphotos d o t comBook Review: Volume 3 Continues in the Tradition of Volumes 1 & 2
Summary: 5 Stars
The Digital Photography Book, Volume 3: The step-by-step secrets for how to make your photos look like the pros'!
With book 3 in this series, Scott Kelby (President of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals--NAPP) continues his "photography-advice-to-a friend" style of narrative. As with his other Digital Photography Books, this volume is a potpourri of category-grouped, 1-page articles on using photographic equipment, developing shooting techniques and creating image styles.
Although Peachpit has categorized The Digital Photography Book, Volume 3 as a beginner-level book, I strongly disagree. Yes, beginners will find every page in this volume useful; but the equipment described and the techniques offered are not, for the most part, aimed at someone who just took his or her first DSLR out of the box. Scott Kelby assumes his readers have at least a good familiarity with their current cameras and a desire to go beyond point and shoot photography.
As in his other two series volumes, Scott includes his quirky sense of humor, but generally confines it to the first page of each of the book's chapters. More important, he also continues his excellent, highly readable--and understandable--instructional style. He also, again, offers his useful personal opinions on the best equipment for each shooting situation he describes.
One of my favorite things about all the books in this Digital Photography series is their broad subject content. No matter what type of shooting you do, some part of each book will be applicable to your needs. Topics In Volume 3 include lighting, equipment selection, shot situation recipes and sports, wedding, product, portrait and travel photography. There are also general hints on everything from how to hold your camera to how to use studio--and on- and off-camera--flash. There is also an associated Web site that offers additional advice and presents the images for selected photos described in the book.
If you already have the first two books in this series, number 3 is a worthy addition to your collection. And if you don't have books 1 and 2, it doesn't matter, because each of the three books stands on its own.
Book Review: Not for me...
Summary: 1 Stars
I like Scott's first two volumes. But this one is lost in repetition, filler and useless information. I am not sure what kind of photographers' author is trying to target, typically it should be advanced photographers as it is 3rd volume. Some reviewers mentioned that it's good for beginners but I don't think so it contained some advance info and some very basic stuff and it also keep referring to 1st and 2nd volumes.
Good:
If you are product photographer then you have got some information in this book.
Bad:
Repetition Topics: A few examples...
1. Sharpest Aperture: We already discussed this in first two books and same info is shared as topic.
2. Wake up early in the morning.
3. Most of topics in Sports are already covered.
4. As usual screen shot of B&H Photo-Video site which is not relevant to that topic. Ohh wait! This time it's different page not homepage. Why do we require this site's pictures while author is trying to explain myth about card speed.
Filler: This is interesting. A few examples, these points are covered as full page topic in book.
1. There is separate whole topic on how to change lens. (May be in Vol-4, Scott will cover how to properly charge/install battery)
2. How to clean lenses.
3. Shortcut for formatting memory card.
4. Resetting camera setting.
Come on! These topics are covered in detail in operating manuals of every DSLR/Lens.
5. As usual too much advertising of websites and expensive gears.
I was expecting real professional info/tips and going beyond volumes 1 and 2, not the same information/filler. This book is certainly not for me. If you really want to get some interesting tips, you may want to check out `Understanding Exposure:...' by Bryan Peterson.
Book Review: Another feather in Kelby's Digital Photography series
Summary: 5 Stars
While I agree with the majority of the other reviews about this book (most with high praise for Mr. kelby) I must point out that it is unfair to disqualify portions of the book based on the reviewer's level of understanding.
For example; "javajunki" made a comment about the inclusion of oversimplified tips about cleaning lenses and using tripods, but you have to understand that Mr. Kelby has a tough task about second-guessing what his readers do and do not understand about photography. He includes a little of everything in his hope that everyone can learn to appreciate photography and improve their shooting skills. Many of these tips are great for novice and non-professionals who wish to make their point and shoot pictures a little better.
I have been a semi-professional photographer for many years and I still find the occasional "duh" reminders amidst Mr. kelby over-simplified tips. Even seasoned photogs need a little reminder of the basics.
The fact that Mr. Kelby touches on a broad range of topics has also allowed me to flex photography muscles that I may not experience in my day-to-day work-related shooting. For example; I tend to do a lot of commercial product shots. While I have a comfortable understanding of lighting, focal ranges and other aspect of my style of shooting, I find inspiration to shoot outside my comfort zone when browsing through Mr. Kelby's books.
As I do not shoot on a regular basis, I find I often forget or 'space out' on some simple tips I should know. Having these ready references is a big plus. I know as I get older my mind isn't going to get sharper. I have a feeling I'll be refering to these books for many years to come.
N. Hawkins describes it best with the analogy to a cookbook. While this format may not work for some it does work for others.