Digital Photography: An Introduction

Description

Compose, capture and edit stunning digital photographs, no matter your experience level. Master everything you'll need to make the best use of the technology and equipment available with this guide to the latest photographic tools and techniques. Whether you're using a cameraphone or the latest DSLR, renowned photographer and teacher Tom Ang will help you hone and refine your photography skills. This comprehensive photography companion shows you everything you need to do to start taking exquisite photographs. Beginning with core techniques, the updated Digital Photography: An Introduction progresses through a series of 15 projects that encourage you to practice and refine your skills. Quick troubleshooting tips help you fix common image problems, including those related to distortion, color, detail, and backgrounds. Tom Ang also gives expert advice for developing images, from fine-tuning tuning to special effects. CONTENTS 06 Introduction 1 CORE SKILLS 10 Your first pictures 12 Picture composition 18 Focusing and depth of field 22 Movement blur 24 Influencing perspective 26 Changing viewpoints 28 Quick fix Leaning buildings 29 Quick fix Facial distortion 30 Color composition 34 Quick fix White Balance 36 Exposure control 38 Low-key images 40 Accessory flash 42 Quick fix Electronic flash 44 Electronic flash 2 PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECTS 52 Abstract imagery 55 Architecture 58 Documentary photography 62 Street photography 64 Vacations and travel 70 Weddings 72 Children 76 Landscapes 82 Cityscapes 86 Low-light photography 88 Animals 92 Panoramas 94 Live events 98 Portraits 102 Camera phone photography 3 IMAGE DEVELOPMENT 106 Workflow essentials 108 Downloading 110 Image management 112 Capture defects 114 Color management 116 Cropping and rotation 118 Quick fix Poor subject detail 119 Quick fix Poor subject color 120 Levels 122 Burning-in and dodging 124 Dust and noise 126 Sharpening 130 Blurring 134 Quick fix Image distractions 136 White balance 138 Color adjustments 140 Saturation and vibrance 142 Manipulation defects 144 Curves 148 Color to black and white 156 Vintage effects 158 Working with RAW 162 Duotones 164 Cross-processing 166 Tints from color originals 168 High dynamic range 172 Selecting pixels 176 Masks 178 Quick fix Removing backgrounds 180 Layer blend modes 186 Cloning techniques 188 Simple composite 190 Image stitching 4 BUYING GUIDE 194 Camera phones 196 Compacts 198 Mirrorless compacts 200 SLRs 202 Choosing lenses 206 Photographic accessories 210 Digital accessories 212 Electronic lighting 214 Computers 216 Computer accessories 218 Printers and other devices 220 Index 224 Acknowledgments