National Geographic Photo Basics: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Great Photography
This entertaining book from beloved National Geographic photographer and Photo Ark founder Joel Sartore shows aspiring photographers how to take great pictures, from framing and F-stops to editing and archiving. Whether you're using your phone or a DSLR camera, you'll learn the fundamentals of photography--and how to put them to work every day.
In a series of short lessons, Sartore explains the basics, from choosing a camera and gear to understanding focus, exposure, composition, and lighting. Using examples from his own work, he applies the basic rules of photography to family, pet, travel, nature, and street photos, and how to get a great shot with the camera on your smartphone.
Throughout the book you'll find pro tips, quick assignments, and the behind-the-camera stories of great photographs; helpful notes clarify how to use every piece of advice with your smartphone camera.
Fun and informative, this practical book will be your gateway to taking great pictures.
Reviews (39)
Great easy read for beginners
I bought this book for my 15 year old son who is just starting to get into photography, and he has said great things about it, I also have looked at it and it is an understandable, easy read which clearly underlines the basic skills needed, as well as gives things for you to practice. Another thing about the book which is great is that every section it will show a picture done by the author, a great photographer, and analysis it, explaining what techniques were used, as well as the context. Over all a great easy fun read for people just starting out in photography, also covers a wide range of photography disciplines which is nice.
An enjoyable way to jump into photography
I like this book. I’ve been trying to learn how to make photographs for the past several months using a combination of a few YouTube subscriptions, two video courses, and now two books. This particular book was the second. It consists of 10 short chapters each comprised of 8-10 two-paged lessons, and includes 10 (or so) exercises. Appropriate to the beginner, the book includes but does not deal in depth with the technical aspects of exposure or post-processing. Even after finishing the book it’s a nice book to thumb through, examining the many example photos and re-reading the short accompanying text. The book can stand on its own for a leisurely quarter- or semester-long self-study course, but as I mentioned at the start I came into this book about mid-way or so in my pursuit. The author also is the instructor for one of the video courses that I’m using, and I find the book and videos complementary, albeit with a different focus.
Great book!
I've been doing nature photography on my own for a few years so I thought I would pick this up to learn more of the proper background of photography. It's really really good I very much suggest this book even to people like me who have been doing this for a while as a supplemental for the nitty-gritty .
Lessons are broken down and well explained.
Bought this as a graduation gift for our God daughter whose starting up with photography. She completely loves it! She says it's easy to understand and loves how the lessons are broken down and well explained. She has already taken some wildlife pictures and they came out amazing.
Came ripped on back
Usually wouldn’t be a huge deal, but when I purchased a NEW book I’d like to receive one in perfect condition.
Great Book from my Favorite Photographer
Joel is one of my favorite photographers and I have met him in the past. I signed up for notifications at his website, so I was able to pre-order this book. One of the things I like about the book is that it gives some assignments AND it has tips for taking photos with a smartphone.
Great book!
Bought this for my cousin for Christmas and he loved it! Perfect for kids wanting to get into photography!
Good book
This book was so good that when I lost my first book, I had to order a new one. This is pretty definitive.
My friend is so happy that I gave them this book
This was a gift. I was told it was easy to read and retain information, and that they are enjoying it a lot.
Very basic. Good for starters.
As the title says, it's meant for beginners. Great photo samples. The explanations are a bit vague, but it's a good overall starter for people completely new to photography. Includes tips for smartphones as well.
Comments
Post a Comment