Digital Photography Masterclass

• #29 in Best Photography Books

7 Reviews

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From taking the photo, to the finished processed output, this book covers it all - but not in a way that makes it stretch itself too thin. The clear emphasis is on taking great shots, and the way the book is laid out, he breaks it up into sections, each regarding one aspect of photography, and he talks about ways to use it to get improved photos. Then, for each subject, he breaks down a specific picture, and goes over the use of the subject of that chapter in that photo itself, so you can really see how it is used. That is one of my favorite parts of the book. Another part is where other photogs (I assume they are amateurs, but it doesn't discuss) are given an assignment, and then Tom critiques the results, this part is also very helpful. In fact, it becomes even MORE helpful if you take on the assignments yourself, with the goal of incorporating the information in that chapter into your photo taking process.

The next large section is on post processing - the emphasis here is how to optimize the photo, although he does briefly go over more creative things, he just does not get in to too much detail on them, things like superimposing one image on top of another for different effects.

In the last section, he has Q&A sessions with some professional photographersof different genres, and discusses how they went pro, what they enjoy, how they do what they do, and discusses some of their photos with them. This section continues with the Assignments, which I really liked.

Overall I really enjoyed the book, the use of photos in this book was different from any other book I have read so far, it was so much more based on analysis of the image, and why he did what with the photo to improve it, as opposed to a photographer who wrote a book mainly to publish his own photos, or talk about how many awards he has won.

Finally, I would consider myself a very advanced amateur photographer, I am quite well versed in f stops and shutter speeds, and I pulled a great deal of information from this book; and at the same time, I would give this book to a beginner photographer without hesitation, as I think it can help a wide range of skill levels. No book can make someone a great photographer, but this book most definitely (if you actually apply its information) make someone a BETTER photographer.

I picked up this book a couple days ago after reading such books as Bryan Peterson's, Understanding Exposure, and Scott Kelby's, The Digital Photography Book Vol 1 and 2. Even though I still think Understanding Exposure is the best photography book out there, I believe it caters more to intermediate users like myself. However, Tom Ang has managed to create a wonderful book that caters to photographers of all levels by introducing techniques, terms, and instruction in easy to understand and well written material.

The book throws you right in and after you are done reading the first chapter and get to the first "assignment" you will be craving to take pictures with your digital camera. He does this by showing you various photographs with written accompaniment that explains the design, influence, and technical aspects that went into the photograph. He usually breaks down the photos in 4 pieces by showing a different section of the photo and explaining how that piece relates to the material being covered in the current section. He also shows 9 photographs in a "lightbox" and explains what each photo shows as it pertains to the chapter or section.

Tom Ang gives you an assignment after each chapter which gives you a chance to "do it yourself." The assignment always has to do with some lesson from the chapter. For example, the first assignment is to go out at night and find an area outside with lots of lights and use slow shutter speeds to create an amazing photograph. He asks you to do this because in the chapter he talked about shutter speeds and how they pertained to sharpness and creativity. He then shows examples his students have taken when completing the assignment he just gave. It's a super easy way to see if you are on the right track; you feel like he is actually in front of you teaching.

His material is wonderfully written with easy to understand material. He takes the complex jargon out of it and even if you do get confused by a word, there is a great glossary in the back! He points out myths and fallacies that are often misunderstood by even the most experienced photographers. Each page offers something new and makes you want to turn the page.

Out of all the photography books I have read, which is about 10, this is the 2nd best. This is second only to Bryan Peterson's, Understanding Exposure. If you are a beginner to intermediate photographer, read this first, and then go get Understanding Exposure. This book was great and I was not expecting such a great book when I first picked it up. I will definitely be checking out some of Tom Ang's other books after reading this one.

This is a great photography book, with tons of shooting ideas, and techniques, both capture and processing. Masterclass breaks down what might seem difficult, and makes it pretty easy. I find myself referencing it before some shoots to get ideas, and after to get post processing ideas. There are a lot of books about photography, but none as easy to follow as this one. No matter what your skill level, there is something in the book for you. A definate purchase.

Very helpful with excellent suggestions for improving my hobby of digital photography. Would highly recomment book for all interested in digital imaging. Have other text by Tom Ang that I really found helpful.

The author attempted to cover (too) many topics, unfortunately, the space that was allocated in the book doesn't allow for an in-depth coverage of each subject.

Among other annoying details, most of the photo samples are way too small (more like tiny thumbnails), you can barely figure out what the author is trying to explain.

In my opinion, the author should have presented less material but, at the same time, he should have provided more detailed coverage of each topic.

Less is more !

This is simply the best photography book I own, period. It NEVER sits on a shelf.

I appreciate the format, which makes the information very accessible and usable. The book is loaded cover-to-cover with practicle tips, insights and information. It is easily understandable, even to beginners. This book educates, challenges, and inspires. I love the format. I love the assignments which guide skill development, and I love the interviews with real photographers near the end of the book, which give insights from up-and-coming talents.

I recommend this book to anyone catching the photography bug as the FIRST they should buy and use, no question. It definitely stands out from the run-of-the-mill, cliche' photography books that litter the market today.

Thanks Tom. Give us more!

I have lots of digital photography books and subscribe to the usual digital photography magazines in hopes of improving my DSLR skills. This is the best, single, all inclusive, digital photography currently on the market.

Its well-laid out, the author's prose is not burdened with technical jargon and the photo examples are especially good when used to illustrate techniques. My only criticism is that some of the photos, because of their size, are a bit too small to really see the differences a technique or camera setting might make. (but then, the book does have size limits)

If I were going to buy two photography books that would help improve my understanding of digital photography, inspire me to make better photos and contained examples of great photography, this would be my first choice. My second book would be Joe McNally's "The Moment It Clicks."

Its a bit pricey if bought at the list price, but its well worth the money. Buy it and you will never regret the purchase.