This book is a part of the BetterPhoto Guide collection published by Amphoto Books which includes titles on Children and Digital Photography. This particular book focuses on the fundamental skill needed to make a great photograph: correct exposure. From the time photography was first invented, a good photograph has been dependent on correct exposure. Now into the age of digital photography, the user is tempted to “fix” or “enhance” poorly exposed photographs that will never stand up to the incredible quality of a correctly exposed image. The author covers the technical areas of aperture, shutterspeed, metering, white balance, and sensors. Later in the book Arbabi discusses creative potentials within exposure choices that make images unique and define the photographer. Although exposure has a lot to do with what is done within the camera when the image is captured, digital photography introduces new tools to use in the post-productions stages such as: editing, workflow, and calibrating your monitor. All of this information is covered with easy to read text, example images, charts, and accessible charts. A great tool for the beginning to intermediate photographer with high expectations for their images.

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User: Beginning to Intermediate Photographers

This book is about shooting close-up photography, as the title explains. This is not to be confused with macro photography, which is a specific type of photography done with specialty equipment to get a high magnification. Although Peterson discusses true macro photography, he focuses on close-up photography which includes using lenses that magnify at a 1:4 ratio, using wide-angle lenses, and extension tubes. The text is written in an easy to read, narrative format discussing the various techniques, materials and process of the medium. The photographs throughout the book are excellent examples of close-up photography.

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User: Beginning to Intermediate Photographers

Suzanne Sease has experience working with the art and advertising departments of large companies giving insight into the contemporary market. Amanda Sosa Stone is an experienced photographer who has built her career as consultant. Together, the authors share expertise for the photographer who want to develop portfolios and marketing materials. This book is filled with unique, high-quality photographs and marketing examples that inspire the contemporary photographer looking to grow their business. The book starts with encouraging photographers to build a unique style and then continue with self-promotion. Examples of marketing and bidding advice accompany dos and don’ts of the industry. The advice is based on direct experience with clients in the business. This book is an excellent resource for the photographer wanting contemporary advice on building a business in the photography field.

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User: All Professional (or soon to be) Photographers

NEW Photoshop Books offered by Focal Press:

This is a tutorial book designed for graphic art or illustration artists. The book is very thick and filled with step by step projects to help the reader learn techniques to achieve specific effects: from aging effects to retro art effects to simulated screen printing. Each chapter focuses on a different technique utilizing before and after examples, screen shots of Photoshop tool bars and windows, and unique tips. This book is ideal for the artist wanting to use Photoshop to achieve artistic images from photographs or drawings.

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User: Intermediate to Advanced Computer Artists

This book emphasizes the technique of layering in digital art. “Layers, Photoshop’s most powerful feature, is the core of a nondestructive image-editing work flow.” Layers are the key to making changes that are adjustable and non-permanent. If a Photoshop user can truly understand the potential use of layers, they have a list of infinite possibilities. Each chapter builds upon the previous and includes a “Try it now” section for the reader to exercise their newly learned skills. This book could be used as either a textbook for learning Photoshop or as a reference for the intermediate user wanting to learn specific techniques with layers.

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User: Intermediate Photoshop Users

This book is for the artist wanting to create digital fine art with Photoshop. The book shows the Photoshop user how the program can be used for more than photo enhancement. The book starts out with demonstrating how to create unique brushes and textured paper. It then continues with how to create traditional artistic media including oil, watercolor, charcoal, and pastel.

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User: Intermediate to Advanced Photoshop User

Jeff Schewe is a professional photographer and digital imager and Martin Evening is a best-selling Photoshop author.

Building on Martin Evening's successful Adobe Photoshop for Photographers series of titles, the two authors have created this book for the photographer who wants to further develop their skills in Photoshop CS4 including retouching, photomontage, and professional digital photography. They use images, diagrams, and never-before-seen tips and techniques to explain the powerful tools available in this program, many of which are illustrated using photographs are taken from real-life professional shoots.

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User: Intermediate Photographers and Photoshop Users

This is the updated version of previous A-Z guides offered by Philip Andrews and Focal Press. Intended as a reference book, the reader can easily access a variety of tools and techniques at their desire. A great resource for the teacher, student, or individual who has a basis in Photoshop, but occasionally needs a quick reminder or explanation of Photoshop language.

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User: All Photoshop Users