How often do you get the opportunity to go on a photo shoot with a renowned professional who has written over thirty-five books on photography and image-editing software? This book allows the reader that opportunity. Here's your chance to go out shooting with Scott Kelby. In eleven chapters, he covers the entire range of scenarios from shooting flowers, weddings, and street scenes, to landscapes, portraits, and sports. Chapters on trouble-shooting and recipes for specific shots are also included.

This book first came out in 2006. The copy I purchased in 2007 has been a constant reference. For two years, I kept it in my equipment bag. It is dog-eared now and well used. Frequently I will review an entire chapter or just let it fall open and read what it presents. Thanks to Kelby's suggestions, I have outfitted my equipment bag with some of the best tools I could afford. His purchasing recommendations provide suggestions based on various budgets.

A reassuring point he makes early on is that you don't have to break the bank on expensive gear to shoot great photos. He offers great advise and timely tips on how to prioritize your budget (lion's share to the lens). I also liked his philosophy of "getting it right in the camera." No matter how sophisticated your software and post-production skills, if the image doesn't possess certain qualities coming out of the camera (i.e.: sharp focus), it's impossible to rehabilitate later.

Continuing the imaginary photo shoot, much of the text is written in a conversational manner, just as though the reader were engaged in a conversation with the pro. Often Kelby throws in an aside or a quick tip as if he suddenly remembered to include it. ("If you skip this, throw away your camera.") Some of his most practical tips require no purchase at all, such as "the death grip" and what to do if you forget your tripod or cable release. Throughout the book, Kelby tells the reader which button to push, which dial to spin, which settings to make, and very little explanation of why. This is not a book of theory. Many books have been written on how the camera works, but this book is how to get the bottom line results: amazing shots that rival the pros.

Article Author: FCEtier

FCEtier is a husband, father, grandfather, pharmacist, photographer, blogger, and high school football official who was born in Louisiana. He spent most of his adult life in Baton Rouge, eventually splitting his time between Baton Rouge and Gulfport, Mississippi. …

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