How to Do Everything Digital Photography | How to do Everything

How to Do Everything Digital Photography

Authors: Jason R. Rich

Published: February 2011

eISBN: 9780071754729 0071754725 | ISBN: 9780071754712

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Part I: Get to Know Your Digital Camera

Chapter 1 Digital Camera Basics: What You Should Know to Get Started

Digital Camera Basics: No Film Required

You, Too, Can Develop a Photographer's Eye

Memory Cards Have Replaced Film

A Camera's Resolution Impacts the Quality of Your Pictures

Lens Quality Is Also Important

Introducing Today's Digital Camera Technology

Your Goals as a Photographer

Chapter 2 Buy Your New Digital Camera

Buying a Digital Camera Is a Lot Like Buying a Computer

Define Your Photography Needs and Budget

The Latest and Greatest Digital Camera Features and Functions

Limitations of Low-End Cameras

Cost Considerations

How and Where to Find the Best Deals

Protect Your Investment: Insurance and Extended Warranties

Chapter 3 Digital Camera Accessories and How They're Used

Everything You Need to Know About Memory Cards

Camera Batteries

Let's Focus on Lenses

External Flash Units

Protect Your Equipment Investment with a Case

Keep Your Camera Steady by Shooting with a Tripod

Additional Photo Accessories Worth Considering

Part II: Tips and Strategies for Taking Professional-Quality Photos in Any Situation

Chapter 4 Basic Photo Techniques for Shooting Like a Pro

Get to Know Your Camera

Why Photography Is a Skill and an Art Form

An Introduction to Basic Photography Techniques

Special Situations Require Special Shooting Techniques

Chapter 5 Indoor and Nighttime Photos: Lighting and Flash Techniques

When and How to Use Your Camera's Built-in Flash

Using an External Flash Unit with Your Digital SLR Camera

Home Studio Lighting Kits

Take Great Pictures at Parties, Holiday Events, and Weddings

Chapter 6 Shoot Eye-Catching Outdoor Photos

Equipment and Accessories You'll Need to Shoot Outdoors

Consider the Weather and Lighting Conditions When Shooting

Use Reflectors, Diffusers, or a Soft Box When Shooting in Sunlight

Take Advantage of Clouds and Overcast Skies

Take Advantage of Water in Your Shots

Avoiding or Using Glares

Specialized Shooting Tips and Strategies

Chapter 7 Portraits and Candid Pictures of People and Pets

Unique Considerations When Shooting People and Pets

Different Situations Call for Different Shooting Strategies

Tips for Editing Portraits of People

Chapter 8 Vacation Photography and Preserving Memories

Choose the Best Photo Equipment for Your Trip

Your Vacation Has Begun: Get Ready to Start Shooting

Easy Strategies for Taking Professional-Quality Vacation Photos

Edit, Crop, and Archive Your Images After the Fact

Chapter 9 Photograph Sports and Subjects in Motion

Shutter Speed Is Important When Shooting Action

Equipment You'll Need to Shoot Sports or Action-Oriented Events

More Strategies for Shooting Movement or Action

Chapter 10 Shoot Digital Video and Publish It Online

There's More to Video Than Moving Pictures

Lights, Cameras, Action! Let's Start Shooting Video

Strategies for Shooting Videos to Share Online

Publishing Your Videos on YouTube

Part III: Edit and Digitally Enhance Your Photos

Chapter 11 Transfer Digital Images to Your Computer

File Transfer Options

The Equipment You'll Need to Transfer Images

Making the USB Connection

Properly Store and Label Your Images

Avoid Common File Transfer Pitfalls

Chapter 12 Digitally Fix, Edit, and Improve Your Images

You Don't Need to Be a Computer Wiz to Edit Photos Like a Pro

The Basics: What's Possible When Editing Photos

Adding Digital Special Effects to Your Photos

Altering the File Size of Your Images

Discover Photoshop Elements 9 for PC and Mac

Other Consumer-Oriented Photo-Editing Applications

Professional-Level Photo-Editing Applications

Chapter 13 Photo-Editing Software Plug-ins, Add-ons, and Accessories

Plug-ins and Optional Add-on Software for Your Photo-Editing Program

An Introduction to Pen Tablets

Additional Computer Peripherals and Accessories for Photographers

Part IV: Showcase, Share, Present, and Store Your Photos

Chapter 14 Show Off and Present Your Images

Transform Digital Images into Traditional Prints

Showcase Your Images in a Photo Album or Scrapbook

Publish Professional-Quality Photo Books

Create Photo Gifts That People Will Love

Computer or Smartphone Wallpaper and Screensavers

Digital Photo Frames

Online-Based Photo Services

Create Impressive Digital Slideshows

Share Your Images via E-mail

Publish Your Photos Online via Facebook or Twitter

View Your Photos on TV

Chapter 15 Catalog, Organize, Back Up, and Archive Your Images

When You Think Like a Photographer, You'll Take More Photos

Organizing Your Digital Images

Why Backups Are Essential

Recovering Lost, Corrupted, or Accidently Deleted Images

A Few Final Thoughts

Index