Photography for Dummies (For Dummies Series) - Softcover

Your personal photographs have a worth that can't be measured in dollars and cents. They're likely the one thing you would grab on the way out of a burning house an irreplaceable record of the life you lead, of friends and family, and of the occasions with which you mark passing years. The funny thing is, most people aren't entirely happy with their photographs. And that's where "Photography For Dummies" comes in. You don't need a fancy camera with multiple, removable lenses to get good pictures. The problem is, nearly every book on photography assumes that you re using one. But this book assumes that you're using a point and shoot camera for all your pictures. In fact, this may be the most complete guide available for taking pictures with a modern point and shoot camera. This revised edition of "Photography For Dummies" helps you choose film (much simpler than you'd think), load film into the camera (no big sweat), and understand how to hold the camera (yes, there are right and wrong ways). You'll also discover tips about dealing with your photofinisher a far more important factor in getting good results than most people realize, especially in the digital age. What's more, you'll gain insight into: working with your camera, and how different settings make your camera do different things; understanding the importance of light in a photograph, and applying design strategies that make your subjects stand out; getting shots that both flatter people and capture their personalities; shooting landscapes, and the special considerations of travel photography; taking pictures filmlessly, and the pleasures and pitfalls of digital photography; troubleshooting your camera, and discovering what do try if it won't shoot. Today's point and shoot cameras are remarkably reliable devices. So why aren't your pictures better? The main secret to better photographs is knowing what to shoot, when to shoot it, and how to shoot it. You need "Photography For Dummies", because it lets you in on this secret.

"Go ahead, open to any page! You?ll see that learning to take good pictures couldn?t be easier or more fun."
?John Owens, Editor in Chief, Popular Photography & Imaging

Choose the right film and photofinisher

From sporting events to holidays to vacations ? take the best pictures of your life!

Want to master photography? It?s a snap with this plain-English guide, which features updated information for beginners and professionals alike on taking great pictures with a film or digital camera. You get step-by-step instructions in using modes, zoom settings, autofocus, and flash, as well as special techniques for taking action shots and photographing people.

Praise for Photography For Dummies

"Russell Hart makes it easier than ever for picture-takers ? 35mm and digital ? to turn their snapshots into great shots. I recommend this book for all beginners."
? Rick Sammon, Associated Press

"Whether you?re a complete novice or advanced amateur, you?ll find this book to be a great resource, one that will result in more enjoyment and less hassle, not to mention better pictures!"
? Bob Krist, contributing photographer and columnist for National Geographic Traveler

Discover how to:

• Create striking, original photos
• Work with your point-and-shoot
• Get pictures in and out of your computer
• Take great photos with disposable cameras
• Shoot in special kinds of light