Digital SLR Photography All-in-One For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

Description

Click your way to stunning digital images with this thorough resource!  With the six mini-guides in Digital SLR Photography All-in-One For Dummies, you’ve got the six ingredients you need to cook up some fantastic photos. This book will help you make friends with your dSLR whether it’s the latest model or an older hand-me-down. Together, you’ll find the perfect angles, exposure, and lighting to capture magical images.  It wouldn’t be digital photography without a bit of tech—SD cards, file transfers, resolution, and a few other things you might have never encountered before you picked up a dSLR. With this book, you can become a camera-wrangler extraordinaire, getting your shots and using digital editing tools to help them look their best. Now you have the tools you need to start building your portfolio—including some friendly advice on which images to include! Get out there and get shooting!  Explore your camera’s features and settings, then pick the perfect lenses for your photography style  Learn how to make beautiful images by controlling the key components of exposure -- aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings  Light your shots perfectly with or without a flash or other lighting equipment  Use digital tools to make your photos shine and create an outstanding portfolio  Upgrading to a digital SLR is a sign that you're serious about becoming a better photographer. Let this chummy Dummies guide, well, guide you as you become an image maker!  Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents Introduction About This Book Icons Used in This Book Where to Go from Here Book 1 Pursuing Digital SLR Photography Chapter 1 Embracing Digital SLRs Introducing the Digital SLR Naming and Classifying Digital SLRs Make and model Sensor size Pixel count Lens mount Mirror and viewfinder type Lenses Wrapping it up Pricing Digital SLRs Consumer dSLRs Mid-range models Professional cameras Delving into Camera Specifications Basic information Crop factor ISO Shutter speeds Autofocus system Movies Shooting modes and scenes In-camera processing Filters and other creative effects Media Viewfinder specs Image stabilization Following Recent dSLR Developments Shopping for a dSLR Understanding the system Going shopping Investing in accessories Embracing dSLRs Chapter 2 Handling, Cleaning, and Protecting Your Camera Anatomy of a dSLR Front and center Around back Top and bottom Both sides Working the Controls Gripping the Camera Standard grip Vertical grip Over-the-shoulder grip Live View grip Providing Additional Support Handling an Articulated Monitor Using a Touchscreen Changing Batteries Checking battery power Inserting a battery Removing a battery Inserting and Removing Memory Cards Inserting a memory card Removing a memory card Cleaning Your Camera Wiping off the camera body Cleaning monitors and LCD panels Cleaning inside the camera Protecting Your Camera Using a camera strap Carrying a camera bag Buying extra lens and camera caps Armoring your camera Dealing with adverse weather Chapter 3 Learning about Lenses Identifying and Naming Lenses Brand name Lens mount Focal length Aperture Image stabilization Other identifiers Other lens characteristics Older lenses Categorizing Lenses Normal lenses Wide-angle lenses Telephoto lenses Prime lenses General-purpose zoom lenses Wide-angle zoom lenses Telephoto zoom lenses Specialty lenses Looking at Lens Anatomy Working with Lenses Getting a grip Mounting a lens Removing a lens Zooming in and out Switching from auto to manual focus Manually focusing Activating lens-based image stabilization Cleaning Lenses Chapter 4 Exploring Menus and Camera Settings Understanding How Menus Are Organized Opening and Using the Menu Setting Up Your Camera Date and time Language Feature guides and expanded help Review time Auto power off Sound Touchscreen settings No card Setting Typical Shooting Options Image size and quality Using multiple memory cards ISO settings Picture control or creative style Color space Highlight and shadow options Noise reduction Aspect ratio Red-eye reduction Flash options Movie options Making Other Choices Display settings Display brightness and color Filenaming and numbering File and folder structure Auto Rotate (camera orientation) Copyright Wi-Fi connectivity Video mode or system Controlling Playback Protect Images Rotate Erase/Delete Print order Slide show Retouch Keeping Everything Running Smoothly Showing battery information Formatting memory cards Cleaning the image sensor Creating a dust reference photo Resetting the camera Updating the firmware Exploring Advanced Options Using custom functions and settings Creating custom shooting profiles Tweaking autofocus settings Configuring bracketing settings Customizing the controls Creating custom menus Chapter 5 Taking Pictures with Your dSLR Seeing the Big Picture Planning Ahead Unpacking and Readying Your Gear Setting Up Your Camera Performing an initial checkup Preparing for still photography Choosing a shooting mode Setting the image quality Choosing a viewing mode Configuring the display Setting exposure controls Setting other parameters Taking and Reviewing Photos Book 2 Looking through Lenses Chapter 1 Appreciating Standard Zoom Lenses Embodying Versatility Taking Wide-Angle Shots Working with Normal Focal Lengths Zooming In Capturing telephoto shots Capturing portraits Capturing close-ups Chapter 2 Enjoying Wide-Angle Lenses Wide-Angle Whatzit Looking at Landscapes Capturing Wide-Angle Cityscapes Focusing on Single Buildings Photographing Interiors Shooting Wide-Angle Portraits Improving Your Wide-Angle Shots Frame tall objects from afar Get up close and personal Use the vertical Combine different elements into one shot Emphasize height Chapter 3 Capturing Macros and Close-ups Defining Macro and Close-up Photography Shooting at Close Ranges Managing Depth of Field Shooting Handheld with a Flash Maximizing Shutter Speed Shooting in Controlled Conditions Exploring Creative Alternatives Relaxing your angle of view Shooting close-ups with everyday lenses Using telephoto lenses Using Holga lenses Shooting with Special Accessories Using a teleconverter Using extension tubes Using diopters Using reverse rings Using a macro bellows Chapter 4 Reaching Out with Telephoto Lenses Learning the Lingo Using a Super Telephoto Lens Capturing Action with Telephoto Lenses Using Telephoto Lenses for Close-ups Capturing Portraits Photographing Animals Chapter 5 Exploring Other Lenses Fisheye Lenses Tilt-Shift Lenses Holga Lenses Lensbaby Lenses Pinhole Lenses Diana F+ Lenses Book 3 Taking Creative Control Chapter 1 Making Sense of Exposure Understanding Exposure Evaluating exposure Controlling exposure Comparing exposure intervals Keeping an Eye on Exposure Information Reading the exposure level Viewing exposure settings Paying attention to warnings Measuring Light by Metering General metering methods Camera metering modes Changing metering modes Metering the scene with your camera Using an external light meter Reviewing and Analyzing Your Photos Delving into photo playback Interpreting histograms Troubleshooting Exposure Using exposure compensation Setting the exposure manually Using AE lock Autoexposure bracketing (AEB) Using other exposure tricks Chapter 2 Setting the Aperture Investigating f-numbers and Apertures Learning about f-numbers Lenses and apertures Setting the Aperture From the camera From the lens Digging into Depth of Field Controlling the depth of field Previewing the depth of field Paying attention to the blurry parts Being realistic Designing with Depth of Field Landscapes Portraits Macros and close-ups Action Tilt-shift lenses Chapter 3 Choosing a Shutter Speed Decoding Shutter Speed Learning about the shutter Reading the speed Shutter speed and exposure Setting the Shutter Speed Combating Blur and Noise Camera shake, rattle, and roll Shooting moving targets Enabling Long Exposure Noise Reduction Designing with Shutter Speed Shooting crisp photos Accounting for flash sync speed Photographing action Being creative with water Working with slow shutter speeds Using Bulb mode Shooting macros Chapter 4 Selecting an ISO Understanding ISO A bit of history Inside the numbers Generating noise with high ISOs The funny thing about noise Setting ISO Controlling ISO yourself Using Auto ISO Restricting Auto ISO Using High ISO Noise Reduction Managing ISO ISO Gallery Elevated ISO High ISO levels Extreme ISO settings Chapter 5 Using Filters Learning about Filters Looking at how filters work Considering filter pros and cons Using filters with dSLRs Taking Shape with Filter Systems Circular (screw-in) Rectangular frame slide-in Using Filters for Different Purposes Protective Circular polarizer Ultraviolet (UV) Neutral density (ND) ND graduated Color filter Color grad filter Other filters Book 4 Lighting the Scene Chapter 1 Working with Ambient Light Working in Natural Light Shooting during the morning golden hour Fighting with the light at noon Going out in the early evening Enjoying the evening golden hour Photographing the sunset Capturing twilight Shooting at night Dealing with Weather Capturing clouds Working in the snow Using fog Shooting Inside Photographing in large interior spaces Photographing in living spaces Using stage lighting Being Creative in Different Situations Working with indirect light Capturing reflections Dealing with glare and haze Shooting high-contrast scenes Photographing low contrast scenes The Shadow knows! Chapter 2 Exploring Basic Flash Photography Finding the Flash Using the Flash Automatically Setting a flash-friendly shooting mode Preventing the built-in flash from firing Customizing automatic flash settings Manually Activating the Built-in Flash Using the built-in flash Knowing when to use flash Disabling the built-in flash Tips on Using the Built-in Flash Getting Fancy with the Flash Enabling red-eye reduction Using flash compensation Using FE Lock Controlling the flash strength manually Unlocking more advanced features Chapter 3 Using an External Flash and Accessories Getting to Know External Flash Units Looking at the front From the back and sides Accessorizing your external flash Handling an External Flash Attaching it to your camera Removing the flash Tilting and swiveling the flash head Attaching a mini stand Working the controls Configuring Your External Flash Trying Different Techniques Using high-speed sync Bouncing and diffusing Using an umbrella Focusing light with a snoot Using a stand Elevating the flash with a bracket Cords galore Going wireless Book 5 Managing and Processing Your Shots Chapter 1 Transferring and Managing Files Getting a Workflow Early Decisions Transferring Files Connecting Downloading Getting a Grip on Your Pictures Manual management Media-management software Processing and managing software Photo editors Managing Photos Quickly Processing the Good Ones Advanced Editing When Desired Publishing General considerations Resizing options Saving and exporting Archiving Playing it safe Putting the plan into action Chapter 2 Quickly Sprucing Up Shots Software for Sprucing Up Photos Deciding on an Image Quality Benefits of Raw images Challenges of working with Raw photos Non-destructive editing Getting Started Reviewing and flagging good photos Switching to the Develop module Setting the lens profile Testing the waters Setting Brightness and Contrast Adjusting the exposure Improving contrast Protecting highlights and shadows Setting the black and white points Working with texture, clarity, and haze Correcting and Improving Color Checking the white balance Adjusting color vibrancy and saturation Making Additional Improvements Finishing Up Straightening and cropping Exporting images Processing Photos In-Camera Chapter 3 Digging Deeper into Photo Editing Software for Editing Photos Dealing with the Mundane Stuff Creating a Photoshop file Helpful Photoshop features Coping with color management Saving your final images Dodging and Burning Using High Pass to Sharpen Making Minor Adjustments Applying Changes Selectively with Masks Mashing Up Versions of the Same Shot Stamping Out Imperfections and Distractions Dusting and cleaning Removing other distractions Improving complexions Adjusting Final Composition Words of Caution and Encouragement Chapter 4 Expressing Your Artistry Why Be Creative? Software for Your Artistic Endeavors Converting to Black and White Using black-and-white adjustment layers Photo gallery Colorizing Your Photos Tinting the fast and easy way Colorizing with Hue/Saturation Split toning using Color Balance Cross-processing with Curves Using color layers Creating duotones Experimenting with Artistic Filters Using the Filter Gallery Applying other filters Smart Filters Filter fun Using In-Camera Creative Styles and Filters Using in-camera styles Applying in-camera filters Chapter 5 Creating Panoramas Shooting Pan-tastic Panoramas Getting your camera ready Shooting tripod-assisted panoramas Shooting handheld panoramas Stitching Photos Together Creating panoramas with Lightroom Creating panoramas with Photoshop Stepping Up Your Game Advanced blending in Photoshop Using a panoramic tripod head Using specialized panorama software Shooting HDR panoramas Shooting Automatic Panoramas Chapter 6 Enjoying HDR Photography HDR Software Learning about HDR Shooting Exposure Brackets for HDR Configuring your camera Setting up automatic exposure bracketing (AEB) Shooting the exposure brackets Tone Mapping in Photomatix Pro Creating the HDR image Tone mapping the HDR image Trying Alternative Techniques Using your camera’s HDR modes Preparing your images differently Trying single-exposure HDR Creating your own brackets from a single shot Manually bracketing exposures Using other applications for HDR Book 6 Showcasing Different Scenes Chapter 1 Portraits Capturing Animal Portraits Copy What Works Snapping Casual Portraits Posing Group Photos Say Cheese! Chapter 2 Landscapes Using an Ultra Wide-Angle Lens Getting Up Early Going Different Places Getting Out in the Weather The Classic Sunset Chapter 3 Action Tracking the Action Using an External Flash Finding the Right Spot Great Light Is Great Pushing to the Limits Chapter 4 Close-Ups Zoom In Be Ready to Grab Your Camera Using Diopters Whatever Works, Works Focus on Small Details Index EULA