- ISBN13: 9780240810638
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
Brian & Janet Stoppee have incorporated their decades of daily, hands-on expertise at image-making plus their leading seminars and one-on-one training into the most comprehensive guide to photographic lighting available!
Its impossible to be successful in photography without a mastery of light. Its the basis of all things photographic. The Stoppees welcome the reader into their professional world with a conversational tone that makes you feel as if you are a… More >>
#1 by Thomas A. Mcelvy on June 3, 2010 - 9:29 am
I purchased this book hoping to add to my knowledge. After reading the first 75 pages, I was so taken back by the inaccuracies (or outright false info) that I had to put it down, and I am returning it to the store I purchased it from. Just one example, on page 74:
“Many camera manufacturers have followed Nikon’s lead in the use of the CMOS sensor.”
I read and re-read that statement in TOTAL disbelief. Canon has been using CMOS for years, whereas Nikon has been using CCD sensors until the introduction of the D3 and the D300 cameras in August 2007, when they realized that THEY needed to follow Canon’s lead and use CMOS sensors! And Nikon does not even make their own sensors! I don’t know if the authors are just oblivious to the truth or are paid Nikon employees, but this is blatently incorrect, and very misleading.
Errors like this make me feel the book may be riddled with other inaccuracies, and because I am not paid by Focal Press to be a fact-checker, I went no further. I put the book and it’s receipt back into the store bag, and am taking it back for a refund.
It is obvious that this book was published with a Nikon-slanted agenda, so if you shoot Canon, Olympus, Fuji or other brands, I would not bother ordering this book. If the authors cannot check their facts, why waste YOUR money? The book should be generic as to camera brands, and offer information to all users. The title should have been “Stoppees’ Guide to Photography & Light for the Nikon Photographer”
(update) I stand by the facts as I reviewed them here, Nikon did not start using CMOS sensors until the D300 and the D3, which were introduced in late 2007. They are clearly following Canon’s lead in CMOS use. (Check the sensors used on the D200, D40, D80, etc…all CMOS)
Rating: 1 / 5
#2 by Richard Scott Elliott on June 3, 2010 - 9:46 am
The first few pages are great information for the beginning photographer. I consider myself an advanced hobbyist, and so for me, it was review, albeit very accurate review. I noticed some Nikon-specific information about 60 pages into the book, but by page 90, I had to put it down. I don’t have time to waste reading about the difference between DX and ED lenses when I shoot with Canon (and not to dig into Nikno users, but Canon L series work with their ENTIRE line of dSLR’s). In my opinion, this book should either be brand-neutral or discuss all of the different systems available, be they Nikon, Canon, Pentax or what have you.
It is quite apparent that this book was paid for in whole or in part by Nikon. If I could locate the receipt for this expensive rag, it would go right back to where I purchased it.
Rating: 2 / 5
#3 by M. Hoekzema on June 3, 2010 - 12:19 pm
While I don’t consider myself anywhere near a talented photographer, much less a professional photographer; after referencing this book I found myself feeling much more talented than before.
I was amazed at the number of things to consider when dealing with framing up a photograph. This book doesn’t miss anything and it makes it easy to follow with short concise chapters, easy to read text and informative illustrations.
Since I love to take photographs, I’m going to keep this book close by as an often used resource for many years in the future!
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by R. L. Quinn on June 3, 2010 - 2:01 pm
While the title uses the word professional, don’t let that scare you. It starts with the very basics and moves on to more complex information that is helpful to photographers of all skill levels. It is written with an eye towards both the technical and the artistic parts of the craft and in language that is easy for the non-professional to understand. It challenges you to become a better photographer and encourages you to challenge yourself.
It helped me not only look at objects differently but also to see differently especially when looking through the lens. I really look forward to putting many of the lessons to use. For anyone who wants to go from taking pictures to creating photographs, this book can start you on that path and travel it with you as you expand your knowledge, improve your technique and grow as an artist.
Rating: 5 / 5
#5 by S. Burns on June 3, 2010 - 4:03 pm
Very good book and easy to read. Excellent content broken into small segments.
Only complaint is that much of the “how to” content is specific to Nikon DSLRs.
Rating: 4 / 5