Digital Photography Essentials

by Tom Ang

DK Books, $30.00, 360 pages

Anyone can take a picture, but not everyone can take a great picture. If you want to boost your camera skills to the next level, then the beautifully illustrated book Digital Photography Essentials by Tom Ang is for you. Ang demonstrates in easy-to-understand instructions how to get the most out of your camera (even if it’s just your camera phone) and achieve professional results so that you never miss an important shot again. In no time at all you’ll learn how to properly adjust your camera settings to capture everything from your daughter’s graduation in the blazing sun, to your son’s first soccer game in the pouring rain.

The first chapters work to familiarize you with picture-making techniques from the basics to the advanced. The middle section examines file formats, photo enhancement, and quick fixes.  In the final section, Ang discusses equipment choices and resources. If you have a camera with a digital video option, you’ll be happy to see that Ang devotes a section to making your own movies. Sidebars are filled with practical tips and creative inspirations making this book the only one you will ever need to take award-winning photos.

Reviewed by Diane Prokop