There are two types of new photographers: those satisfied with their low-cost point-and-shoot cameras, and those more enthusiastic photographers who recognize the limitations of low-cost equipment and want to improve their pictures. No longer satisfied with simple snapshots, the enthusiast moves up to a more complex digital camera-one with interchangeable lenses and manual controls-to satisfy their artistic urge.
Assuming little to no knowledge of photographic terms, techniques, or technology,
Beyond Point-And-Shoot is intended to help smooth the transition from photographic newbie to "real" photographer who is experienced, in-control, and passionate about their craft. Author Darrell Young explores various types of interchangeable-lens cameras, focusing on those with larger imaging sensors, such as digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras.
Learn how to get the most out of your camera's automatic and semi-automatic exposure modes, as well as how to move beyond those modes and take full, manual control of your camera. Watch your photography improve as you discover how to apply important photographic principles, such as depth of field, white balance, and metering. With this new found knowledge you'll move beyond point-and-shoot and begin taking truly great photographs.
Other topics include:
- Camera types and categories
- Choosing a camera system: DSLR vs. ILC
- Lens types, focal length, angle of view, and filters
- Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity
- Controlling exposure, depth of field, and subject motion
- Using scene, auto, semi-auto, and manual exposure modes
- Understanding image formats: JPEG, TIFF, and RAW
- Using the powerful histogram for better pictures
- White balance, color space, and RGB bit-depth
- And much more!
Darrell Young (aka Digital Darrell) is a full-time author and professional photographer in the East Tennessee, USA area. He is a member of Professional Photographers of America, the North American Nature Photography Association, and Nikon Professional Services--and adheres to the ethical guidelines of those fine organizations. Darrell has been photographing people, events, and places professionally for over 30 years, with a special interest in natural history.
His mother gave him a Brownie Hawkeye camera in 1968 at the young age of 10 years and awakened a lifelong interest in capturing slices of time. Living in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains--near Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway--has given him a real concern for the natural environment and a deep interest in nature photography. You'll often find Darrell standing behind a tripod in the beautiful mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina.
Since about 2000 Darrell has been an active blogger and article writer on photographic subjects. In 2008 his first photography book was published and, since then, he has authored over a dozen books on the technical side of photography, with a special interest in helping new photographers fully understand their complex cameras so they can use them for more effective and enjoyable photography.
