Which of these photography books are best for a beginner?

Question

I've been researching for a few days now, googling and asking around because I'm making a special offer to my neighborhood library and it's costing me quite a fortune actually,
Based on experience, which of these books do you think is better and easy for an amateur/beginner photographer, in understanding basics and how to work with your camera properly,
1- Understanding Exposure - Brian Peterson
2- Digital photography for dummies
3- Take Your Best Shot - Miriam Leuchter
4- Digital photography workbook for dummies

Thanks in advance :)

Answer 1

Here's a small gripe from a long history of people of letters and librarians that might help in making your decision; the huge issue I have with public libraries is they simply dumb down everything. The classics are there but the large proportion of the catalog is at a more shallow level of information, short, and more broad.



I would suggest Photographic Seeing - Feininger, On Photography - Sontag, and Camera Lucida - Barthes. These would be books that truly tell someone how to use their camera properly. The "how to" books that you are looking for tell people how a nuclear reactor works. And they use it to cook their Pop Tarts, effectively.



If you do need a how to book I would suggest Photography for dummies - Hart. Peterson's work is also very recommended. On a business side of things, yes, the icing of things will be licked constantly. It will be difficult to see anyone take the more academic books. But I urge you to provide them for the one's who do seek that information. When we don't provide good information, we almost do worse than in providing none at all.

Answer 2

Kudos to secret_asian_man! I have never seen anyone recommend Barthes in here and the last time I mentioned Sontag it was thumbs down hades for me! Feinenger was a great photographer and a master of the technical skills needed in both shooting and the traditional darkroom. The aesthetic side of photography is basically ignored in here, despite all the screaming about bokeh and isolating subjects, and technical merit. Feinenger will give ya both, but he doesn't go into specific detail - it is about the concept with him.



Understanding Exposure: well, I read it and decided it was a good thing I already understood exposure as the guy really doesn't explain anything to any great degree. It is a highly recommended book, I don't really know why.



Photography for dummies: well, the name says it all.



Really want to give them something they can use go with this:



http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photography-A-Basic-Manual/dp/0316020745/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1352723873&sr=8-11&keywords=digital+photography+book



Henry Horenstein has been writing photography textbooks for many, many years. He is the standard in black and white photography courses and his digital books are just as detailed. He is a master and it shows.

Answer 3

From photography and DSLR camera basics right through to advanced techniques used by the professionals, this course will quickly and easily get your photography skills focused! Go here https://tinyurl.im/aH2vP By the end of this course you will have developed an instinctive skill-for-life that will enable you to capture truly stunning photos that not only amaze your friends and family... but could also open the doors to a brand new career.

Answer 4

Anywhere and everywhere there are opportunities to take stunning photographs from the wilds of Alaska to high rise cities like New York. There is life even in a concrete jungle, plants exist as do many insects and animals. The best photographers are great observers, become totally aware of your environment and I promise you the subjects are all around you.

Answer 5

Learn some basics, look for good light, and apply elemental guidelines of composition to capture images that are more like stunning and less like mediocre snapping. It takes some applied learning effort and practice time. I do not agree to play with camera settings willy nilly and snap a thousand pictures to hopefully get a good one. You have to understand what you are changing and why. So begin learning and getting ready to get the most from your camera. Best wishes and happy shooting.

Answer 6

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