Rick Sammon's Complete Guide to Digital Photography 2.0

Reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher

Author: Rick Sammon http://www.ricksammon.com/bookstore.htm Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company http://www.wwnorton.com/ Released: January 2007 Pages: 512 pages $40 USA $50 CND ISBN-10: 0393329143 ISBN-13: 978-0393329148 Novice/Intermediate/Advanced   Strengths: Very easy to read for all levels of photographers. Superb photography and examples to illustrate examples how brilliant photos were made along with comparison and contrasting view, ideas and perspectives which give the user much to think about in terms of photography in general. Utilizes Adobe Photoshop Elements but regular Adobe Photoshop can used as well.   Weaknesses: None found.

 

Introduction

I found an article by this author in a photography magazine. I was intrigued by his clarity of thought and ideas. After contacting him, I found out about his website and this great book. Now in the second edition, I decided to review his ideas related to digital photography. As an educator and photographer, I always have more to learn and this book has everything I want.

 

Rick Sammons is an award winning photographer. I thought it most interesting to read how and when he started with his photography and developing his skills. This information in this insightful book introduces basic technical picture. At the same time, the tutorials and information convey information about the art of photography, while communicating advanced digital techniques. If you think that this book is only for advanced photographers, you are wrong.

 

This second edition includes all the image editing tips while using the features for the popular Adobe Photoshop Elements application. Of course, users can use regular Adobe Photoshop for the lessons but knowing all these lessons can be applied with the lesser but still very capable Elements, is really good to know for all users but especially those who can’t afford the full version of Adobe Photoshop.

 

File format discussions now has information about Camera RAW files which is most helpful because more and more photographic enthusiasts are trying to use and work with RAW format. These hands-on instructions and insights by the author are especially welcome to all who are working their way to creating better photos by using RAW.

 

Each “lesson” has one to two pages. Within the 526 pages, there are 170 new color images that have been added from the previous 1000 color photographs. These spectacular photo are great stimuli for visualizing what the author is “ talking about”. In addition the author brilliantly compares photos and succinctly adds wisdom with each sentence. He points out the many ways and manner with which the photos are better with a different view, angle, idea or adaptive use of the camera. With the easy-reading style, the reader can identify how the author has made the photo better. Then the user can adapt and utilize their own photographic in a similar situation or endeavors.

 

Conclusion    

This is a great book for novice to advanced users. It is for anyone who wants to upgrade their photographic techniques, no matter what level you are presently involved. The price is right and the book is filled with ideas and helpful views. The author not only handles the tutorials in a easy to read fashion but allows the reader to focus on the reasons for making the photos better. The author allows you to “think” and “peer inside his mind”. In this way, the user “sees” how the photos were originally taken but also how the next “version” improved the photo to a higher level. In the same way that the author has taken his photographs to different levels, he is also “ communicating to you how to come along for the ride”. That way when you are in a similar situation or environment, these new found methods can be practiced.

 

The author has completed a masterful visual and composed text that is stunning in many ways. The photos and the book are not only a “journey for reading”. they are a feast for your eyes, learning and making better photos for now and in the future. What more could you want for improving your photographic skills? The title says that it is a “ complete guide”. I can’t fault him for that part of the title. I am still reading the book to learn more myself to complete more of my photographic education.