Wow! eBook – Blog

Book Description

There are two types of new photographers: those satisfied with their low-cost point-and-shoot cameras, and those more enthusiastic photographers who recognize the limitations of low-cost equipment and want to improve their pictures. No longer satisfied with simple snapshots, the enthusiast moves up to a more complex digital camera-one with interchangeable lenses and manual controls-to satisfy their artistic urge.

Assuming little to no knowledge of photographic terms, techniques, or technology, Beyond Point-And-Shoot is intended to help smooth the transition from photographic newbie to “real” photographer who is experienced, in-control, and passionate about their craft. Author Darrell Young explores various types of interchangeable-lens cameras, focusing on those with larger imaging sensors, such as digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras.

Learn how to get the most out of your camera’s automatic and semi-automatic exposure modes, as well as how to move beyond those modes and take full, manual control of your camera. Watch your photography improve as you discover how to apply important photographic principles, such as depth of field, white balance, and metering. With this newfound knowledge you’ll move beyond point-and-shoot and begin taking truly great photographs.

Other topics include:

• Camera types Download Now »

Book Description

GIMP for Absolute Beginners gives us an easy way to use the power of GIMP, and enjoy digital photography and graphics without worrying about application features.

GIMP is a powerful open source graphics and digital imaging application with almost all the features of its proprietary counterpart, Photoshop. But many of us are photographers and artists first, and we like to use our tools without having to think about them too much. GIMP for Absolute Beginners gets us to this stage without patronising users who haven’t used GIMP before.

But what can we actually do with photos and graphical images? These questions are answered in a photo projects chapter as well as a chapter on digital painting: Starting with making small changes to photos and adding information to them to creating paintings and drawings without photographic input.

What you’ll learn

• Learn how to install GIMP and navigate its interface
• Improve image quality with GIMP
• Increase your design prowess
• Have fun with digital painting projects

Who this book is for
Hobbyists, occasional designers, enthusiastic photographers Download Now »

Book Description

Mastering the Fuji X100 provides the ambitious photographer with everything they need to know to operate this camera that has become an instant classic. Readers will learn about the features and capabilities of the X100 and will discover numerous tips and tricks for how to maximize its potential. Learn how to influence dynamic range, how to optimize focus, which film simulation is best, and much more.

The Fuji X100 is a premium digital viewfinder camera that combines compact size with sophisticated technical features and uncompromising optical quality. This unique camera already enjoys cult status and is used by many photographers as the ideal travel and snapshot camera. Nonetheless, the X100 is much more than an automatic snapshot camera—it is a sophisticated photographic tool.

In a layout suitable to the camera’s attractive design, this manual presents convincing imagery that attests to the fun you will have as you begin to push the envelope of your Fuji X100.

About the Author
Michael Diechtierow is a photographer by passion and a biologist by training, having recently earned his PhD in this field. As a photographer, he is equally interested in traditional photography and cutting edge experimental techniques.

Working with the Fuji X100 got Michael so excited that he spontaneously decided to sit down and collect his insights and experience for this book. Download Now »

Book Description

Sound engineer, author and musician Björgvin Benediktsson teaches you How to Record Great Music with whatever equipment you got!

Audio engineering and music production are a huge subject, but by breaking down the essential facets of audio engineering and recording into easily consumable chapters, Björgvin gets you up and running by covering everything from buying essential audio equipment to using reverb effectively in your recordings.

If you’ve been thinking about recording music or dabbling in audio engineering, then kick-start the process by grabbing a copy of Björgvin’s book and start learning how you can record great music with whatever equipment you got!

What Makes a Good Sound Recording music is a subjective process and nobody does it exactly the same way. Sound engineers are usually trying to reproduce something that they hear in their head by using the tools they have on hand. However, regardless of the music genre or style, there are always certain things people try to capture in order for their instruments to sound good. In this chapter I take a look at what exactly those things are, and what needs to be considered when trying to identify what makes a good sound.

How I Record Great Music In this chapter I go through the proper steps involved in recording a great song and explore how you go from an idea to its implementation and to the final product. Download Now »

Book Description

With this new release of Final Cut Pro, Apple has completely re-engineered its popular film and video editing software to include an incredible lineup of features intended to close the gap between the prosumers and the pros. Following right in step, this Visual QuickStart Guide has been completely revised to address all the new features as well as the new paradigm of editing that Apple has put forward. An undisputed master of the digital video medium, Lisa Brenneis once again demystifies the complexities of the program and she is joined this time by the Final Cut Pro guru Michael Wohl to provide a clear, straightforward guide to Final Cut Pro X. Tasked-based, step-by-step instructions and loads of visuals and time-saving tips make it so professionals and newcomers alike can quickly find and learn tasks specific to their needs, benefiting from the award-winning Visual QuickStart style.

Topics covered include essential editing tasks and media-management strategies, transitions, effects and filters, rendering options, and much more. It includes coverage of all the new features such as the new dynamic interface, Magnetic Timeline, Clip Connections, Auditions, Content Auto-Analysis, Range-Based Keywords, and much more. Now in four-color, this must-have reference also includes several free downloadable videos from the publisher’s site.

Table of Contents
1. Welcome to Final Cut Pro X
2. Managing Events
3. Viewing Clips Download Now »

Book Description

Adventure Sports Photography, by renowned photographer and workshop leader Tom Bol, combines personal stories from field experience with expert photo technique. Aspiring outdoor photographers, both adventure sports shooters and outdoor photography enthusiasts, will find this book to be a valuable reference and guide. It covers everything an adventure sports shooter needs to know to get the shot–from packing and organizing gear for an afternoon shoot of rock climbing at the local crag to a month-long sea kayaking expedition. You’ll explore composition and creative angles for stunning adventure sports images, and learn in-depth techniques for using speedlights and strobes for creative lighting when you’re shooting in the field. This book also shows you how to create a sequence shot and set up an effective digital workflow. In addition to creating environmental portraits, you’ll find out how to produce quality video of adventure sports.

Tom Bol has been photographing adventure sports for more than 25 years, documenting adventures on every continent, and his work has been published worldwide. He is a regular contributor to Digital Photo magazine, and he’s been recognized as one of National Geographic Adventure’s “50 of America’s Top Visionaries” for his photography. Tom’s work has been featured by Elinchrom, LowePro, Manfrotto, and Nikon, and he is a Sandisk Extreme Team member. PDN readers voted Tom one of the photography world’s best workshop leaders. He is also an instructor at Kelby Training, Maine Photo Workshops, Photo Quest Adventures, and Strabo Photo Tours. Download Now »