The correct book purchase...

[buster]

...certainly not in the heady heights of those posting here.

However, I'd still like to improve my snaps and use/understand the features my camera has.

I've been using canon s40/50/70 (gives you an idea of my (lack of) level) - have just ordered an s80.

What would be a good comprehensive book to start learning techniques and the effect of the different settings -

I need *serious* help!

Time & thoughts appreciated!

[Gemm]

I would say instruction manual is the first place to start. Surprisingly there are still so many people who don't bother to read it!!

I can't think of just one good book, but one of those monthly photography magazines is a good way to learn as well, e.g. Practical photography, Photography Monthly, Digital Photography, etc. There are so many of them available, so just take a trip to your nearest WHSmith and have a look. Good luck!

And don't forget, photography forums are another great way too.

BTW, my mate who is an experienced photographer just bought S80 and he thinks it's brilliant.

Edited by Gemm on Wednesday 21st June 16:47

[beano500]

Hmm! have to agree about the difficulty in finding just one good book.

Magazines are a good place to start, because they're usually right up to date. If you don't like the style of one, or find it a bit patronising, or it gets repetitive just move on. Photography Monthly is currently my favourite.

A good old fashioned text book is great for the basic physics (you probably get the chemistry thrown in whether you like it or not ) Something like this

Interwebnetsurfery is a good alternative (though can be time consuming). I quite like www.nikonians.org/ and the fora (although they're a bit US dominated) - please excuse using the "N" word, I'm sure there's a Canon-similar site.




AND!!!

Have you browsed the "Resources" thread on this forum!???

[Frik]

This I have found to be a good all round book.

[jimothy]

Frik said:

This I have found to be a good all round book.

We were recomended an older version of this when I did Photography GCSE mumblemumblemumble years ago. I've got the latest one and its great.

Best teacher though is trial and error (and this forum, of course)

[Gemm]

In fact, charity shops are good place to start looking. I often see old Photographer's Handbook type of books for 20p or something. They may only talk about films but the basic of photography is exactly the same and you can learn a lot from them.

BTW, this book will be out in the near future and it should be pretty good.

www.guidetogreatphotography.co.uk/

Edited by Gemm on Wednesday 21st June 19:30

[poah]

two books for digital photography


www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0240515927/ref=pd_sim_b_dp_5/202-4496808-0512632

www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0321330625/qid=1150971546/sr=2-3/ref=sr_2_3_3/202-4496808-0512632


can get the photoshop book for about £20 else wahere though

[buster]

Thanks all so much for your help and replies!

My nice shiny new s80 arrived this morning - looks superb!

OK, now off to search, look at the books / mags mentioned.... should be a fun weekend of self-indulgence.

Cheers

[beano500]

poah said:

two books for digital photography


www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0240515927/ref=pd_sim_b_dp_5/202-4496808-0512632

www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0321330625/qid=1150971546/sr=2-3/ref=sr_2_3_3/202-4496808-0512632


can get the photoshop book for about £20 else wahere though

Scott Kelby - see also www.photoshoptv.com/play

[andybuk99]

as posted earlier the bible is "m.j langfords basic photography" and then "advanced photography" also by langford. nothing comes close if you really want to learn the technical stuff behind photography.