Digital Photography Expert Tips is an older book, it covers Adobe Photoshop CS. However, it is still a very good book with information that goes beyond Adobe Photoshop CS and applies just as well to Adobe Photoshop CS2 and to digital photography in general. I love the way this full color book is designed and laid out. It is packed full of wonderful information that will make anyone's digital photography and Adobe Photoshop use better.

 

Besides the normal reading the book contains tip sections in each chapter, these tip sections offer useful information dealing with the chapters topic. For example in chapter 2 (Be Prepared) there are 13 tips. Tips like "Plan ahead if using RAW files", "Know your camera's shutter lag and write time", "Focus on the eyes", "Be ready to find a new point of view", etc.

 

The tip for "Be ready to find a new point of view" reads in part...

 

"If you're shooting a popular subject and you use a clichéd point of view, the photo will not feel very original or creative. It will give the viewer a "been there, done that" feeling, which is the last emotion you want commercial or art photos to evoke."

 

The tip then goes on to explain how to find different points of view, it provides web site addresses for information sites and example galleries and more. Each tip is like a mini-lesson in itself. If you did nothing but read these tips and incorporate what they teach you in to your photography you will be surprised at just how much better your photos will be.

 

But, the book doesn't stop there. Each chapter contains basic and advanced information on specific subjects. Take chapter 1 for example. It is called "Be Prepared" it covers things like getting your gear organized, what to take with you (which includes a check list), what to do when you come back, and more.

 

Then spread throughout the book are sidebar articles that include "Expert Advice" and "Tips" as well as "Definitions" which explains the more advanced words like "Nodal Point". Another thing I really like about this book is that it is loaded with screen shots, charts and even large size before and after example photos. Most books only include small sample shots, but here they are large enough that you can actually see what they are talking about. This makes the learning process easier and far more interesting.

 

Chapters:

Chapter 1: The Digital Photographer
Chapter 2: Be Prepared
Chapter 3: Bring Out the Best Picture
Chapter 4: Panoramas
Chapter 5: Photoshop Selections, Masks and Paths
Chapter 6: Basic Digital Photo Corrections
Chapter 7: Converting Photos to Paintings
Chapter 8: Special Photographic Effects
Chapter 9: Retouching and Rescuing Photos
Chapter 10: Creating Fictitious Photos
Chapter 11: Color Printing
Chapter 12: Use Pictures to Sell Yourself
Chapter 13: Sell It on the Web

This is a wonderful book. It is loaded with useful and practical information that every photographer and Adobe Photoshop user needs to know and use. It has stunning before and after photos so you can really see and understand what is being taught. This is a must have book for any digital photographer and Adobe Photoshop user.