Customer Reviews:
 Buy a highlighter pen... April 21, 2008
21 out of 21 found this review helpful
Please, don't take any notice of the tripe you will read in these reviews about stupid humour. It is only in a half dozen intro pages and even then, it's not enough to worry about and stop you learning from these wonderful books.
Buy this book, buy volume one too and a good highlighter pen, because you will learn an awful lot (unless you are a seasoned pro). The tips are quick, precise and have made my photography much better in the week it has taken me to read (and cover in highlighter!) both volumes.
Volume two has a great section on studio work with simple and inexpensive equipment that is worth the cover price alone. Don't listen to the silly moans about his sense of humour, buy these and learn lots!
An amazing book April 7, 2008
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
As an amateur photographer I found the book to be compelling reading, being written in an engaging fashion and giving information in doses small enough to absorb with pleasure.
In addition to basic techniques and tips, you will also learn what equipment you require in order to improve your photography.
This is an excellent book which has helped me advance in my photography and which I have read from cover to cover at least twice.
This book is a must for anyone new to photography!
Don't buy it.... February 15, 2008
27 out of 30 found this review helpful
.....if you are a seasoned pro or utterly humourless. If you think your photographs are generally OK, but are missing that little something extra that makes them good enough to be proud of; then buy it instantly.
This isn't a technical photography manual that will spin your head out with more terms than a consolidation loan contract. Neither is it an artsy Bauhaus analysis of photography design. No, it is actually useful.
I wrote a glowing review of the first volume, and the second volume is just as good. The only downside is that I now am going to spend more money on photography kit. I really think that addiction to narcotics or alcohol would have been much cheaper and far less damaging to my marriage.
The author, to me anyway, comes across as a thoroughly nice bloke who obviously loves what he does. The style is informal and friendly and I enjoy reading both volumes again and again. If, like some reviewers, you find this off-putting I think that says far more about you than it does Scott.
In conclusion: my photographs are better after reading this book, thanks Scott.
 Great - but for a very limited number of people January 30, 2008
24 out of 28 found this review helpful
If you'd only read the first book and loved it, and haven't read anything else about photography, then this could be a good book for you.
Sadly for everyone else the book doesn't go into enough detail or give nice tips that you wouldn't know already. The format worked really well for book 1, but it just doesn't for this the second book.
Good points:
Quick tips that could be a good jumping off point for someone who doesn't know where to go next
Good explanation of how to use off camera flash in TTL on Nikon and Canon cameras
Section on wedding is OK
Bad points:
Writing style - feels rushed, mostly filler and jokes fall flat
Images don't really help show techniques - no before and after photos, or lighting set up diagrams
Poor quality paper - feels cheap
Nearly all of the information can easily be found on the web
Subjects only covered in the smallest detail - would have to buy another book on the subject if in anyway interested
Conclusion
There are better books out there. It does feel that this book was rushed out because the first one (which I liked a lot) sold well.
I would recommend having a quick flick through the book before buying.
 Good practical advice January 25, 2008
6 out of 8 found this review helpful
Scott Kelby says that he will treat you as a mate out on a photo shoot with him and advise you accordingly throughout this book. That is exactly what he does.
This book contains no-nonsense advice on shooting weddings, portraits and also some additions to landscapes and other scenes from the first book.
This is an entirely new volume of wisdom, so if you haven't already got it, consider buying his first book as well.
Yes, the humour is an acquired taste, but its one that I really like, breaking down the barriers and making the photography fun. It must be popular as Scott has achieved great success in all his books.
The one thing that results in a 4 star rating is that despite his assurances, this book is targeted at Nikon and Canon users. Yes Scott, I know that other makes have similar controls, but by ignoring the other makes and providing step by step instructions to the big two you are alienating those of us who have Olympus, Sigma, Sony, Pentax and any other make there is out there.
|
