Books for beginning photographer

[Cleocat]

Hey all I was wondering if any one can give me any info on books that gives the best knowledge on digital photography. I have looked through some at the local B&N store but didn't really see anything helpful. Looking for a book that discusses settings i.e. apertures and f stops things of that nature along with the better lenses to use in certain situationsand how to read the info on lenses to see if it would be something I could use. I'm using a Canon Rebel XS I have two lenses with it also. I just want to stop being the auto - user and create some cool pics using the tools that comes with the camera and kind of have my own tag linked to certain pics. Thanks

 

[DoleWhipDVC]

I started at the local library for books on basic info. Additionally, I continue to ask tons of questions here on the boards. I found a book that is specific to my camera, the Canon 40D, which has everything you would ever want to know about that model. The author is David Busch. I would bet there is something out there for your equipment as well. Try a google search for "Rebel XS Book" and see what comes up. Good luck

 

[ssanders79]

I'd suggest starting with the instruction manual if you have not already. That will help you know where all the obscure settings are hidden. The better you now your camera the easier it will be for youth apply the techniques taught in other books.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

I found Understanding Exposure to be useful.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

As far as your camera, I would look at the Magic Lantern Series for your specific camera. That series does a better job of explaining all the functions of your camera than the manual, IHMO. After reading that book the manual made more sense. Also, as previously mentioned, Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson worked to help me better understand the photographic triangle of shutter speed, aperture and ISO.

 

[Buzzguy]

I would second the recommendation for understanding exposure by bryan Peterson. Also check out the Scott Kelby's 3 volume set on digital photography, and Joe McNally's Time/Life Guide to Digital Photography.

 

[Cleocat]

Thanks for all the input so far. I will look into all of your suggestions. Thanks again.

 

[WDWFigment]

Here are some more recommendations: http://www.disneytouristblog.com/ab...mmendations/photography-book-recommendations/

 

[Lecard]

I personally still find myself refering to John Hedgecoe's The New Manual of Photography. It's a textbook used for college photography classes but it's extremely in-depth and covers all topics from something simple as to how to hold a camera to how to properly set up lighting for a studio (and all things in-between). There are even some information on Photoshop as well.

Plus, being a textbook may possibly mean you can find it fairly cheap on a used book site. Hope it helps

 

[OKW Lover]

Many, many years ago Time-Life had a series of books on Photography. This was back in the age of film. Except for a few of them though, they are still relevant to this day since they talk about light and shadow, composition, exposure and depth of field issues, which are still important in the digital world. I'm guessing you can still find them in a library, if not in my basement somewhere.

 

[ssanders79]

I personally still find myself refering to John Hedgecoe's The New Manual of Photography. It's a textbook used for college photography classes but it's extremely in-depth and covers all topics from something simple as to how to hold a camera to how to properly set up lighting for a studio (and all things in-between). There are even some information on Photoshop as well.

Plus, being a textbook may possibly mean you can find it fairly cheap on a used book site. Hope it helps

Looks interesting. I just ordered a copy from amazon for $1.44 (+3.99 S/H). Hands down cheapest photography book I've ever bought.

 

[Lecard]

Looks interesting. I just ordered a copy from amazon for $1.44 (+3.99 S/H). Hands down cheapest photography book I've ever bought.

In all honesty, don't be fooled by the price, you got a great deal! haha It goes into amazing detail about how to approach different styles of photography (landscape, sports, even down to abstract nude). What kind of backdrops to use in a studio, how to best work with children, (and for all us Disney lovers) how to shoot fireworks! haha There's even a lot of pro-tips with a lot of recommended settings for the specific topic you are reading about.

I feel like a salesperson here but at least it's a very cheap book! haha

 

[ssanders79]

Any text book under $100 is a deal!