Five new books hitting on the topic of photography have come across our desks in recent weeks. Although a few are aimed more at the consumer than the image professional, all have some information that can benefit. Here are short recaps on each:
— Total Digital Photography–The Shoot to Print Workflow Handbook, by Serge Timacheff and David Karlins: This book addresses the entire digital photography workflow process, from capture to darkroom to printing. Chapters include “Preparing the Digital Photo Shoot,” “Transferring Images from Camera to Computer,” “Image Review and Organization,” “Processing,” “Storage and Backup,” “Creative Editing,” “Printing in the Studio,” “Display and Distribution,” and “Fighting Image Mortality.” Price: $29.99, 334 pges, Wiley Publishing, www.wiley.com.
— PCPhoto Digital SLR Handbook: by Rob Sheppard: Intended to be a comprehensive handbook for those just becoming familiar with digital, the book includes chapters on: “Get the Most from Your Camera,” “White Balance,” “Digital Workflow,” “Accessory Lenses,” and “Picture Taking in the Field.” Sheppard is the editor of PCPhoto and Outdoor Photographer magazines. Price: $19.95, Lark Books/Sterling Publishing, www.larkbooks.com.
— The Joy of Digital Photography, by Jeff Wignall: Hits on the basics of digital photography, as well as chapters on design, light, people, and nature; plus, sections titled “Image Enhanced” (enhancing color, cleaning scanned images, creative blurs, layers), “Improvising on an Idea” (extreme color, filters, shape distortions), and “The Digital Darkroom” (organizing and maintenance, a scanning primer, preparing files for the printer, etc.). Price: $24.95, 304 pages, Lark Books/Sterling Publishing, www.larkbooks.com.
— Amphoto's Guide to Creative Digital Photography, by George Schaub: This book aims to help photographers better “master” their digital SLRs. Some basics up front, followed by chapters on “Electronic Image Files,” “Digital Camera Controls,” “Exposure Techniques,” “Lenses and Focusing,” “Advanced Image-Editing Tools,” and more. Price: $24.95, Amphoto Books, www.watsonguptill.com.
— Amphoto's Complete Book of Photography, by Jenni Bidner: Note that this title hits on film as well as digital modes, and the information is generally geared toward the range of cameras, from point-and-shoots to digital SLRs. Beyond the basics (lenses, exposure, filters, and composition), the book is segmented into topic-specific chapters including people, sports/action, travel, pets/wildlife, flowers, landscapes, aerials/underwater and images for online auctions. Price: $24.95, Amphoto Books: www.watsonguptill.com.