The Digital Photography Book, Volume 2

Ok this is book number 2 and if you dont have number one...GET it!! ive been doing self taught digital photography for about 7-8 years now and these books have helped sooooo much. you wont regret it its all informative and answers those questions you couldnt pin point in other digital how tos..

I'm actually most impressed that this book gets as much press as it does. It *does* have concise and useful information, but even with it being a "second volume", overall, the content is still pretty much just a regurgitation of the first volume. Read Scott's blog, or items from his website, to get the same information. I bought both volumes as the same time. For me, personally, that was a mistake. Having studied photography (film) in high school and college (too many years ago), I've been interested in getting back into the hobby and am digging into digital. I was looking for something to dig into more of the technology, exposure, blah, blah, blah. It's a great premise, but I don't think it requires two volumes. My recommendation, get volume 1, and save the $ (reasonable as V2 is), and apply it to a book on Photoshop, or something else.

I am an intermediate level photographer but pretty much using the automatic setting on the camera. This book is extremely valuable in learning how to understand and make the adjustments in manual options. There are also a lot of just fun helpful suggestions. The author's sense of humor is fun too. I liked how the book got right to the point. I have recommended to several people to purchase this book and also Volume One as gifts. The price is certainly right - an excellent value

I bought both Volume One and Volume Two and have found them to be full of good practical advise. These are the best books I've come across dealing with digital SLR cameras. I have been a photographer for 30 years and recently switched to digital. In doing so I encountered a whole new world. These books gave me a solid foundation to build a digital only photo business from a film only business. The approach of the books is a no-nonsense hands on approach which deals with the specifics instead of bogging down with the whole history of photography. Good for beginners and experts alike. The only thing that kept me from giving 5 stars is the lame jokes. I don't mind humor, but after page after page of "..nudge nudge wink wink, hey, I fooled ya didn't I?..really I did, hey...you knew I couldn't resist." If you put all the goofy lines together they probably take up 5% of the book (which could have been used with helpful information). Mr. Kelby, you are consummate professional and these are awesome books, just tone down the cutesy stuff and stick with what you know best...excellent photo tips.

Using the one-page lesson format is smart. Scott Kelby truly evokes in every page a coach who wants to lay down useable tips for the budding photographer. This book is truly ideal, and will give immediate dividends and satisfaction to first time users of a DSLR.

The section on putting up your own studio is the most interesting. One caveat though: as you are reading this book, you will want to spend, spend, spend. To create your own studio, in fact, you must pluck-out 3 K USD easily.

I'm giving just 4-stars because I feel that some of the lessons could have been illustrated more in detail. Am not looking for spoonfeeding, but rather just a bit more detail in some of the lessons--also because this book is supposed to be for beginners, and the one page allotted for each tip are rarely filled-up, anyway. For example, a drawing/diagram on where to place the light, or how to structure the elements exactly, or include more pictures of the actual shoot (meaning with the photographer and stands included) are not too much to ask for. Perhaps in the conscious effort to be as concise and quick as possible, some important details are left out. Not every accessory has a price, and where to place the camera and light can only be explained in words so much... a picture or drawing on where to place them are still better, quicker illustrations.

These are just humble suggestions for vol. 3, which I will surely buy as well.