Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsGreat Book - A Win-Win for Beginning to Intermediate Photographers
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2016
I love Scott Kelby. His books are exciting to read, informative at a decent level without being pedantic or boring, and he's a master at explaining complex issues in easy-to-understand terms. If this isn't enough, he gives a lot of "recipes" for achieving some basic (and not-so-basic) effects that will delight you. Another well-known publisher of Photoshop / Photography books throws a poison dart at Scott (at least, it sounds like it's aimed at Scott!) with a disgruntled comment about writers who base their books on recipes. But why? There's no rule that says you can't have the best of both worlds. Yes, teach me how to fish for the long haul. But, like Scott, a few fish on the plate right now would be fantastic. Scott does throw in a lot of learning that will go far as you advance in your understanding and ability. He just does it so well--and so logically--you absorb it almost painlessly. (And if pain is involved, he's kind enough to warn you: This might hurt a bit. Okay, it's gonna hurt a lot!) You've gotta love Dr. Kelby. Another Kelby book that's a must-have is "The Adobe Photoshop CS5 Book for Digital Photographers." (Or, any similar titles by Kelby targeted to your current version of Photoshop.) One final compliment: Reading Scott's books is like having him alongside on a personal photo adventure. He's smart, funny and genuine--not always an easy combination to find in a how-to book. AND his tips are plentiful, useful and understandable for even a beginner. Go ahead, buy the boring technical books written in pompous language by the self-promoting "professors" of photography. They're useful and necessary if you want to reach the top layers of the profession. But you can have the best of both worlds by hanging out with your buddy, Scott Kelby. He won't saddle you with a diet of technical jargon. His goal is to get you in there, shoot the pictures, pick up great tips along the way and enjoy the ride.
