Photo Resources
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Want to learn more about photography and Photoshop? Several people recently asked us for recommendations on books/tutorials. Here are our top picks, together with some other links!
Private Photography Lessons and Field Practice Sessions
Study photography one-on-one with Irene Abdou and learn about the exposure triangle, camera controls, lenses and filters, composition, flash, and digital post-processing!
Want to learn your camera basics?
We recommend the "The Basic Book of Photography" by Tom Grimm and Michelle Grimm. This is for people who shoot on automatic but who want to start taking control of their camera. Chapters include: (1) Composing effective photographs; (2)Operating your camera; (3) Determining exposure; (4) Choosing lenses; (5) Finding out all about flash; (6)Selecting films; (7) Improving photos with filters; (8) Considering accessory equipment; (9)Using point-and-shoot and other convenience cameras; (10) Delving into digital cameras and imaging; (11)Learning about lighting; (12) Photographing under special conditions; (13)Traveling with a camera; (14) Processing films and prints; (15)Showing off your photographs; and (16) Finding yourself in photography.
Want to learn CREATIVE photography?
We recommend "Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera" by Bryan Peterson. This is a really terrific book about how to take CREATIVE photos. He shows many great pictures, talks about how he took them, and gives many ideas to try out. It also gives some basic introduction to aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
Want to learn about portrait photography?
Try the "Portrait Photographer's Handbook" by Bill Hurter.
Want to really understand lighting?
"Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting" by Fil Hunter, Steven Biver, and Paul Fuqua is one of the best photography books I've read, and hands down the best lighting book! Dedicated chapters on lighting principles, reflection and the "family of angles," surface appearances, shape and contour, lighting metal, lighting glass, types of lights, portrait lighting, lighting white-on-white and black-on-black all work together to make this an essential text for any photographer. Be sure to pick it up at the store, but be forewarned - it has so much great information that you may find yourself reading it more than once!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0240808193/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img
Digital SRL Photographer Magazine
This is a great photography magazine for the beginner/intermediate level. It also includes one Photoshop Elements tutorial per issue.
EOS Magazine
Published in the U.K., EOS Magazine is dedicated to Canon SLR users, so is an important resource for Canon users! You can also participate in a large number of photography forums on their website. Also check out my Tearsheets Gallery at http://www.photoswithsoul.com/section183924_142718.html to view photos that I've had published by EOS Magazine.
Digital Photo Pro Magazine
The guide to advanced technology and creativity...for the pros...
Photo District News (PDN) Magazine
"News, techniques and inspiration for the photo professional." Highly recommended...
Want to learn Adobe Photoshop Elements?
We recommend "Adobe Photoshop Elements 2 Complete Course" by Jan Kabili. I originally started out with Photoshop Elements before switching to Photoshop. At that time, Elements 2 was the newest version. Unfortunately, the author hasn't done a revised version for Elements 4 or 5, although I don't think this will be too much of a problem. The book comes with a CD with images on it that accompany each tutorial in the book, so that you can follow along with the tutorials. The tutorials are for both Windows and Mac.
National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP)
Get Photoshop User magazine, discounts, photoshop technical support, and more!
So you have all these gorgeous digital photos, but want to exercise greater control over the final prints. What to do?
"Fine Art Printing for Photographers: Exhibition Quality Prints with Inkjet Printers" by Uwe Steinmueller and Juergen Gulbins is an excellent, excellent book. Even if you don't want to make prints yourself, this book will familiarize you with types of prints and important factors in printing or purchasing prints, such as inks, papers, and print permanence. If you have an inkjet printer or are thinking about buying one, this book will also tell you about color management and guide you through profiling your camera, monitor, and printer. Going several steps further, the book includes chapters on fine art printing workflow, how to use your fine art printer (installation, adjustments, test prints, etc.), printing packages, black & white prints, image judgement, and even the final step - presentation of fine art prints.
The fine art of matting and framing your photographs
I exhibit a lot in fine art galleries and art spaces. How did I learn about matting and framing? From this book... Pick up a copy of "Mat, Mount and Frame It Yourself" by David Logan, and you'll be able to do it too!
http://www.amazon.com/Mount-Frame-Yourself-Crafts-Highlights/dp/0823030385/ref=pd_sim_b_1#
Want to give Irene feedback on her photos?
You can either click on "Contact Us" above...or view Irene's smaller portfolio on flickr to leave feedback on individual photos or add an image to your favorites!