The Essential Photography Workbook

by Stephen A. Dantzig

The Beginner's Guide to Creating Impressive Digital Photos Designed to show readers the ropes of SLR photography, components of SLRs and the modes/options that come standard on today's cameras, readers learn to understand and use their cameras. Moving on to understanding the basic tenets of photography—specifically, the art of capturing an accurate exposure, readers will learn how to use their exposure controls to depict a subject or scene creatively—from determining how much of the scene should be in focus or obscured by a beautiful bokeh (desirable blur) for effect, to deciding whether to freeze motion or elicit the feeling of movement. Readers will learn what constitutes the "right" light for photography, and how to use highlight and shadow to add interest and a sense of dimension to their images. Information is presented on composition, adding artificial light, and much more. All concepts are reinforced by the introduction of 43 skill-building self-assignments designed to heighten understanding and boost confidence. AUTHOR: Stephen Dantzig is a nationally renowned lighting expert and the owner of Hawaii School of Photography. He is the author of Lighting Techniques for Fashion and Glamour Photography for Film and Digital Photographers, Mastering Lighting Techniques for Outdoor and Location Digital Portrait Photography, Softbox Lighting Techniques for Professional Photographers and Portrait Lighting for Digital Photography: The Basics and Beyond (Amherst Media). He has written more than one hundred articles and lessons on photographic lighting and ethics for some of the top magazines and websites in the business including RANGEFINDER Magazine, Professional Photographer Magazine, PC Photo Magazine, Studio Photography and Design, ProPhoto West, ShootSmarter.com and ProPhotoResource.com. His work has appeared on more than 22 magazine covers including local, regional and national markets. Stephen holds a Doctor of Psychology degree from the Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. Joan Dantzig is a recent immigrant from the Philippines who brought her passion for photography with her. Her natural and unique eye for composition sets her work apart from her peers. Colour photographs