Digital Photography Books

Detailed instructions. Covers multiple software packages. List of settings for each piece of software. Tells how to set-up and get proper composition for good HDR images. This is important. You're going to like this book.

Having already Christian Bloch's and Ferrell McCollough's texts on HDR imaging, I was intrigued by the accolades given to Michael Freeman as a writer by some of the readers here, and I got this book as well.

In fact, this book does not stack up to the both other works on the subject. Author often meanders into philosophical issues of composition, like the "Gestalt theory", instead of analyzing the issues of high dynamic range.

Bad are the example images, in many cases almost in the size of a post stamp. I could not make up any details in many of them, they are often that small. This problem was amplified by the print technology used by the publisher. Do you remember the early color print, in which you could see strange hexagonal patterns of color dots? Well, you can see them here too, and when such artifacts appear on these tiny images, their practical value is close to zero.

Some other critiques here called this book too technical. I am sorry to disagree. On this aspect I am on the very opposite side of the scale: This book is virtually devoid any technical details. It is the "blah blah" type of text, to use the vernacular.

Take rather Ferrell McCollough (not too technical, fantastic photography) or Bloch (technical and very comprehensive, rich in detail). You can skip this book.

Excellent reference for HDR photography. I use Photomatix but was unsure if I was using it's functions correctly. This book is a very good instructional text not only on Photomatix but other software out there as well. If you do HDR you NEED this book.

I liked this book for the most part. It covers HDR software fairly well, especially Photomatix, which is an industry leader. The author includes a substantive discussion of dynamic range in terms of seeing, capture and printing, and you do get a good introduction to the vocabulary.

I only gave 3 stars however. There are a number of issues. 1) Some of the images are mis-captioned; usually you can figure out which is which, but better proofing would have helped. 2) Many of the images are simply too small to see the effects he says they represent. 3) The subjects of many images are so abstract, you cannot tell what the subject is or what it should look like. I would strongly recommend that the author provide links to downloadable copies of the images so a reader could follow along. (This seems to be a problem with other books on this topic.) 4) There are a few errors regarding dynamic range and LAB colors, although these do not affect the usefulness of the book. There is no errata available on the author's site or the publishers site. 5) The screen captures are for an earlier version and some confusion, though small, results. This is really due to the fact that the software is evolving rapidly and not the author's fault.

The book convinced me the value of the Photmatix software. I have been struggling with the HDR feature of Photoshop CS3. The trial version of Photomatix adds a watermark to saved images but is not so intrusive that it prevents learning or evaluation the software. (Bravo! Photomatix!) I shoot landscapes, and moving water is simply beyond the capabilities of Photoshop, but handled very well by Photomatix. (I would very happy if Adobe acquired Photomatix much like they did Pixmantec.)

If you are interested in starting with HDR imaging, this book and a trial version ot Photmatix will give you the tools you need to decide if it will work for you. Well worth the Amazon discountprice!

It's sad that Michael Freeman's Mastering HDR Photography wasn't handed over to a publisher that cared more about the reader. Freeman manages to pack a lot of information into the text, but the type--it's an ultra light sans serif type that my middle aged eyes had trouble reading in all lights--kept me from reading all the material. There are reasons why there are so many fonts available; the publisher should give them some thought. I wrote to the publisher, but received no answer. That tells me they don't value their readers' input.

I gave up on the Freeman text and went back to Amazon for McCollough's Complete Guide to High Dynamic Range Digital Photography and am completely satisfied. McCollough offers a different approach to HDR than I had used, and it makes complete sense. Even nicer, I can read his text.

A real eye-opener for those wishing to delve deeply into scanning. The author's goal is clearly the pursuit of the highest quality scan within the capabilities of the level of equipment considered. Every facet of the activity seems to be covered, including discussions of the popular software packages currently being used for scanning. The theory behind scanning is also very well covered, and presented in a way that stimulates and educates at once. Must reading for anyone who is either ready to commence or just planning ahead.

Scanning Negatives and Slides: Digitizing Your Photographic Archives [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)by Sascha Steinhoff is a perfect addition to my photography library. It is both a source book for instruction as well as a tool for solving particular problem areas as they come up in every day use.

This is a great book for the novice scanner looking to improve. I bought it because I was considering buying the Nikon Coolscan V ED scanner. This book has a lot of before and after pictures that show you what the features or settings do. Yes, I bought the scanner and yes it performs just as described in the book.

This is a very nice book for learning about the basics of scanning, especially if you have a Nikon Coolscan 5000. The book is about the only place one can find a reasonably objective summary and evaluation of scanning software from Nikon, Vuescan, and Lasersoft (Silverfast). Although fairly recently released, the book is already showing its age. The long chapter on Nikon Capture is out of date with the replacement Capture NX on the market for a while now. The book also basically is current as of Photoshop CS maybe CS2. I was left with the desire for more information. Expecially in the Photoshop area. Discussions regarding the Plug ins were helpful but I was left wanting more insight into skills to wring out the best from your slides. For the money I would have like more deapth than was presented here. With the drop off of film scanner manufacturers there probably will not be many books like this in the future so enjoy it as a basic primer on scanning.

I read this book cover to cover. As someone who has been using scanners since the 80286 days with a hand scanner, I liked to think I knew a thing or two about scanning and imaging editing.

After I began to read this book, I quickly realized, I knew little about the intricacies of scanning photo's, and next to nothing about slide and negative scanning.

This book comes with a CD with sample software and images to let you try some of the same things you read about in the book.

If you are thinking about buying a slide scanner, but haven't yet, I recommend reading this book first. You WILL be glad you did.

The book is written in a way that will assist the absolute beginner, and also no doubt, provide a few 'aha!' moments for an expert.

This is really a book for the beginner or intermediate photographer just hopping into digital photography - not for the professional looking for the latest technical improvements in the industry. This book helps you get your act together and make the plunge into this new and fast growing technology. Even the most knowledegeable amateur can pick up some new tips - Greg pointed out some basics like keeping your best pics as "read-only" files. File organization, how to buy a camera, managing and storing files, turning digital images into print, and just plain basic computer management of the whole digital photography process is what this book is all about. Many of us need to read this before we get embroiled in the techy issues of this new industry.

In 350 pages, Mr. Georges has given a beginner an amazing course in digital camera fundamentals, software, imaging techniques, and electronic display. So often we are not wise enough in a new subject to even know what to ask, but this author seems to sense that, and answers those questions before they are asked. As I learn more about the possibilities I have with my digital camera, this will be a reference I will want at my fingertips.

This book is a truly wonderful source of ideas, and a wonderful source of information on some of the programs a digital photographer might want or need. I'm not at all new to digital photography but I learned a great deal from the book, and got several invaluable ideas from it. I was also reminded of several programs which will make digital photography easier and more fun for me, my family, and my friends. If every definition isn't precise, if every single idea doesn't appeal to every sinlge reader, that's not the point. The immense value of this book is that anyone with an open mind *will* learn from it and will find at least several ideas she/he wants to incorporate into their own experience. It's one of the very best digital photography books I've read.

I bought this book based on the glowing Amazon reviews. I started with the book's basic definitions. The book says that "A pixel is the smallest unit used to make an image on a computer." Used by whom? I skip to Dots per inch (dpi) and find "dpi is a simple term than tends to be confused with image size. Dots per inch is an important characteristic of both output and input devices." I still have no idea what the author is talking about and go to the referred image size and find "Image size is usually expressed in terms of inches or pixels." I hope the books gets better because it can't get worse. ... Jim Hagan

I am new in the digital world. I found this book to be super for me. I am a mature individual (61 years) a beginner and I now feel I am a PRO. I am sure that there are many like me that did not grow up with computers and are either afraid or in the learning phase. This book uses the KISS approach. IE keep it simple stupid. There are more folks that are starting out than are the true PROS. This book will get you there in a hurry. Best money I have spent in a long time.

I've been reading several books on the subject, and while this one seems reasonably complete it falls down in alot of areas. The authors starts some technical discussions and leaves the reader hanging. Some parts were really confusing, like the section on NLE software.

As a general overview to the process of making DV movies, it was ok, and easy to read. It almost appears the the author was trying to create a book which was a technical how to guide, and an overview to the process, but never fully explained both.

Many people have praised this book and I do also. This is a must have book for digital (I recommend reading it with Feature Filmmaking at Used-Car Prices : How to Write, Produce, Direct, Shoot, Edit, and Promote a Feature-Lenth Movie for Less Than $15,000 by Rick Schmidt)
And though I don't mean to discourage anyone from buying it, I have to say that the editing section Chapter 8 is confusing.

I wish the author had taken the approach--here's how I do it and then followed his own path, then suggested other starting points and gone through those. What he did was put a whole lot of stuff that apply to a whole lot of different methods in a big jumble without any hint of how to follow them (or if you should follow them) to the end.

The rest of the book is great, though an index would have helped.

I've given this book a middle rating because I'm not sure what category of reader is its intended target. It mentions "first time filmmakers" but few start at that point. If it's aimed at the rank beginner who's trying to find a handhold, I'd rate it lower. If it's aimed at those who are knee-deep in the process, or is meant to supplement instruction, I might rate it higher.

As someone just beginning to look into digital filmmaking, I bought this book along with Digital Filmmaking 101. I'm glad I bought DF 101. Digital Video, on the other hand, is destined to be donated to my local and impoverished library. Another book-buying lesson learned.

I don't think of it as a really bad book, or an unbalanced book, and if I were more familiar with digital video I might appreciate it more--or less, depending on how correct the information is. As it is, I finished reading it and felt as if I'd gained little "stick to the ribs" information from it. The chapters after chapter 7 seemed especially unsuited to the beginner.

It may be that the book tries to cover too much territory. Obviously, shooting a movie--even with DV--is a complex process where a lot can go wrong. Making a book complex (not necessarily detailed) isn't likely to work well with the person new to the process, especially if the editing isn't up to par.

I suspect the approach taken by DF 101, combined with further reading on various elements of the craft, will serve most of those readers better.

The book comes with a CD, the contents of which are unknown to me, as it appeared to be lightly scuffed and was unreadable in four CD-ROMs, even after cleaning. Hopefully an isolated case.

It's easy to tell the author has experience behind the camera. But the book seems thin in parts, perhaps where he's less well grounded--camcorder controls and post techniques, for example. This book was used as the text in a DV production course I took, but the lecturer had a lot more information than it does. I think it was one of the few books on this topic at the time they designed the course, but there are a lot more books on DV out there now.

We used Maxie's book as a textbook for an introduction to digital moviemaking class I took last semester. I finished reading the book the first week of class, it was so easy to read! When we started shooting our short films, most of the people in the class had the book on set with them. The glossary alone is filled with useful information. Out of more than 20 people in the class, there was never one complaint about the book. I think the teacher is using it again this semester. I leant my copy to a friend who ended up buying her own copy. I highly recommend this book.

Look, you have three book choices if you want to learn NX: (1)The Nikon manual, (2)the CD by Jason Odell, and (3) this book by Ben Long. What's wrong with using all three sources of information when learning a new piece of software? All will add to your knowledge base to some degree depending on how you learn. Long's book is fine and helps you accomplish your goal of becoming proficient at NX. It's color illustrated, available, and is one of three of your only choices. You will not be wasting your money.

I currently use NX2 in conjunction with Photoshop CS3, a user of over 7 years. I find myself gravitating more to NX2 than CS3 and this book helped me in doing so.

After reading Jason Odell's e-book on the same subject, this hard copy book did not add a great deal of information that I did not already know. However, it is good to have something in my library that covers basically the same topic in a more easily accessible way.

This has been a great help in learning how to use Capture NX. The author puts things in easy to understand terms and includes good examples. This is more than a book that you would just read, it is an instruction manual for editing your photos. Capture NX is a great program once you learn to use it.

so far, i like what i'm reading and i special like that it an easy book to learn from.

I found Capture NX to be a confusing program for the first-time user, and this book helped explain how to use it in slightly different words than the Nikon manual. It's adequate for a beginner, but probably won't satisfy advanced users of the program. Most of the "Real World" series are much better and contain more depth than this book. Also, the binding is no good. Unleashing the RAW Power of Capture NX (3 Tutorial DVD set) is a much better resource.

This is a decent book on digital panoramic photography. It seems to be geared to the Photoshop skilled person. While it's somewhat easy to follow, I found that if you're not familiar with Photoshop you'll have a hard time with this. Thankfully I have used Photoshop quite a bit, so I was ok. It doesn't go as in depth on each image as I'd prefer, but it's good. I find that it gives you enough information to be dangerous. Lots of good ideas on how to process and stitch together your panoramic images. The only downside is that it only really recommends on specific type of panoramic stitching software (Instead of manually doing it in Photoshop) and the one recommended isn't that great. The software they recommend is grossly overpriced and not as easy to use as PTGui in my opinion.

If you are fairly familiar with Photoshop, I totally recommend this book. It'll give you ideas to have fun and play with.

If you're looking to start taking QTVR or the likes kind of photo, you're better off reading off the Internet and/or visiting forums to ask about taking the shot, finding the nodal point, stitching them together, publishing them on the web. This book takes 8 guys who takes 8 different pano then put them into a book. That's about it. You won't learn anything new in terms of technique/s. Like for the one on Almanarre Beach, instead of advising readers how to minimise doing the photoshopping away of waves and people which the book covers a lot, they should have advise users to take as little shots as possible. I guess this book is trying to cover on Photoshop techniques pertaining to pano photographers.

I got this book hoping it would be a step by step guide to assist me in developing my work flow and technique on up skilling my panoramic knowledge. But it was not.. it made very simple things overly complicated and some of the most popular great tools available were not highlighted or used.

I found this book to be a great book on artistically making PANORMIC Photos, and More...

It is an excellent book in showing different techniques as well as the art of "Assembling" Panoramic pictures. But it is also a work of art in helping you get an idea of the artistic and somewhat abstract way of doing this.

I followed the techniques, for example taking multiple shot of the same subject and then assembling that together, as another example I used the planning that is pointed out in this book, and multiple shots from the same view to make it super high resolution.

I used PhtotoShop for the "Stitching" and I got the same outstanding results.

This is a Great book for photographers.

Bruce Razban
Silicon Valley, CA, USA

This book is small but really comprehensive. Through specific examples people that knows the secret of panoramic photography, gives tips & tricks for a good panoramic photo using normal cameras and lenses.
In the beginning i read it very quick but then i discover more more than even in the smallest paragraph there is a nice tip.
The only "bad" is that most of the writers use realviz stitcher as main stitching program. Why this is "bad"? Because the program costs more than 400 euro. There is also a express release around 100 euro but with limited use.
But the tips and tricks are still there. I personally use PTGui with Pano2cube software and i can use most of this books advices. it is highly recommended for the photographer he wants to involved in panoramic photography.

I'm very disappointed I'm buying books because I like to learn,If you want a a really good book on digital photography, try Scott Kelby's Digital Photography book.

The digital age has arrived and Bill Hurter depicts why it is also the golden age of photography. Digital photography offers an unlimited ceiling of opportunity for both photographers and their clients, especially in the feild of wedding photography. In this book you will acquire the knowledge to exploit these opportunities to produce premium images. The format transitions nicely from the preparation stages to equipment, techniques, workflow, color perfection, photoshop strategies and digital albums. The words of dozens of accomplished professionals illustrate from cover to cover and their insight help exemplify the author's quest.

I didn't come away learning much about weddings; however, the images are inspiring. Maybe you should buy this book combining with Glen Johnson's who has more practical tips and suggestions.

Since I am new to wedding photography, I was looking for a how to, trick of the trades, how to enhance my shooting skill kind of book. I did not find much of info in this book that I need. There are many very nice photographs in the book but little of explanation on how the the photographs were taken, etc.

I guess I need to look for another wedding photography book.

Most of the information seems to be filler. A lot of info in this book is in your manual that came with your camera. Some very nice photographs which were taken by various photographer but not as much as I was looking for in the way of how to!! As improvement from where I am. I gave the book one star but wish I had bumped it up to 2 or 3. I can always learn something from any book. I just didn't personally gain as much as I would have liked from this one. If a person learns one two or three or more very good pointers from a book it may be worth the cost. We all work hard for what we get paid and I just like to get the most for the bucks I spend. That just didn't seem to be the case with this book.

Great feature of this book is it lists each function in a step-by-step manner. I can learn this way and then extrapolate. If you are looking for more of a deep reference guide, this is probably not the book for you. If you are saying to yourself, "self - I wonder how I could do x with my Canon 30D", chances are this guide will have the step-by-step for most amateur photographers.

THIS BOOK IS HEAVILY PADDED WITH SHALLOW, PRETENTIOUS ADVICE FOR DOING ARCHITECTURAL, CANDID, AND FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY, PHOTOJOURNALISM, ETC, BUT FAILS TO INCUDE USEFUL INFORMATION SUCH AS WHERE TO PLUG IN THE REMOTE. HALF OF THIS GUIDE COULD BE THROWN AWAY WITH NO LOSS.

The portion of the book that explains camera functions didn't expand very much
beyond the original instruction manual.

The sections on different types of photography, i.e. portraits, macro, landsace,
etc. were too cursory to be of much value. Canon EOS 30D Digital Field Guide

The book is awesome. It really breaks down all of the information in an easy to comprehend presentation and format. This is one of the best instructional books I have ever read. I was torn between this book and another 30D instructional book. I'm so glad I had the wisdom to choose the correct one. I have learned so much about the Canon 30D by reading this book. Kudos to the author and the illustrator........THEY GOT IT RIGHT!!!!!! Yes, THEY GOT IT RIGHT!!!!!!

This book has all the basics you need to know for your 30D. It's a great book for anyone new to the 30D. It reads well and is easy to understand.

THe lens hood for the 50 mm lens works well. ALso i am very happy with the service.

How a photo is composed can determine what it communicates, and while Photoshop and after-shot programs can help render images with greater precision, they are no substitute for decent composition. That's why any college-level class on photography and any library strong in photography references needs COMPOSITION PHOTO WORKSHOP: it shares all the elements which make up a masterful design, from color and lighting to design and symbolism. There are different techniques for portraits, landscapes and still lifes alike: COMPOSITION PHOTO WORKSHOP covers them all in great detail.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Today's digital cameras are programmed so "anyone" can take well exposed pictures of most anything. But "exceptional" photos require good composition - and composition, contrary to what many books seem obsessed with, isn't just the "rule-of-thirds" and avoiding distracting backgrounds. This book covers much more - with clear explanations and illustrations, and a photo assignment exercise at the end of each chapter to actually train that brain - with a website to post the results. Ever wondered why you like some photos so much more than others? Just the insights into how light and different colors affect balance and mood explains a lot.
Topics beyond the usuals of subject placement and leading lines and framing include: perspective and how our eyes see; depth of field and how to control it with focal length, F-stop and ISO and why; shutter speed - to stop motion or blur and when; light - quality vs. time of day and direction and intensity; color - its science and control and balance; black and white; portraits - framing and posing; and improving travel, still-life and macro photography.
All topics are so clearly explained and illustrated that the brain behind the camera, if willing, can be trained to make a difference.

A very good book for the serious novice and realy fun to read. Books on Photography are essential for the beginer.I found most of them have at least one or two new things to teach. They can't replace the classroom but for the money they are a great deal. Don't expect to become a great photog just because of a book. You will always find something that you can try to put to practice. Highly recomended. Practice practice practice and Have Fun.

I was quite impressed with this book. I've been very actively taking digital photos for 4 years now and am reaching for the intermediate level of proficiency. The first reason I would recommend this book is that it went far beyond the "Rule of Thirds" and leading lines on into color, framing, lighting, placement, etc., etc. There's a wealth of good information and ideas supported by beautifully composed photo examples. Secondly,staying in keeping with the "Workshop" portion of the book's title, at the end of every chapter is an assignment the reader can embark on to REALLY learn what he/she has just read. The assignments are highly creative and fun. And finally, taking this learning experience yet one step further, the reader is directed to send the results of the assignments to a website where other readers are sharing as well. A great deal can be learned from looking at their submissions and reading reviews. I also discovered other links in this website that take you into a very exciting world of sharing and learning more about digital photography. This book is a keeper!

All in all I have to say that the information in this book is pretty good. It has a reasonable and understandable flow and is very easy to follow. I like that there is one chapter just dedicated to what is new in CS3 and also there is a chapter that is easy to follow that describes what Adobe Bridge is all about. I am loving Bridge!

The three star rating is because I am EXTREMELY frustrated with the included lesson files on disk. I was going along great, enjoying the usefulness of files included, then when I was told to save them, they don't save. Possibly this is a glitch on my disk or not. But at any rate, all of my files are "read only" (yes I copied them onto my hard drive, I'm not trying to save on the DVD) and I cannot properly execute the tutorials without saving the files progress as I go along.

The book seems to be excellent. I am having a lot of trouble with the included DVD,

I was not a total noob when I started this book, but wasn't very accomplished in photoshop either.

The problem with this book, is that they teach you how to create the lesson final product, but just have you push some buttons on the keyboard to reach that point, without ever giving you practical reason for why you're doing it. It does a very poor job of showing the different menu choices and what those menu choices accomplish. For example, very little was done with filters and showing how they work and what they accomplish.

The DVD/CD that comes with the book is virtually worthless. It just takes you through a series of button pushing sequences to get a final result, the exact same sequences the book walks you through. Totally redundant and without purpose.

Although in the end I learned a few things, overall, this book was a disappointment to me. I would not reccomend it to anyone that wants to learn photoshop from ground zero or has a remedial knowledge of it like I had.

Not a beginner with this stuff. But not primarily a photoshop user.
This book has some good tutorials. The dvd is a bonus. Definitely a great place to start for a beginner...

Dynamic Learning Photoshop CS3 is a good Introduction to Photoshop CS3 for people that are starting to use Photoshop. If you are middle to an advanced level user you might find the book too basic. The book covers new features of Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop CS3 Extended. It provides information for graphics professionals and photographers so it does have some what of spilt personality but I did not find that a problem because I do photography and web design.

I am making the transition from Abode Photoshop Elements to the Photoshop CS3 Extended so some of the features are new to me. I found the book to be at the right level for someone who is new to Photoshop.

The book gives you three different ways to learn with each chapter in the book. You can read the book, you can read the book and follow the projects that come on the DVD, or you can watch the Adobe Flash videos on the DVD. I found reading the book hard to follow without being in front of the computer and following the project steps. The video does give you enough detail to do the project but the chapter videos are fast paced compared to Training video from Lynda.com, Studio Works, or Total Training. The nice thing is you can look back at the instructions in the book without having to re-watch the video. A nice feature is you can copy the video to your hard drive so you do not have to carry are around the DVD or with Lynda.com online training you have to have an internet connection. I like in the video because there are certain items that are hard to describe on paper which make it so much easy to explain visually. One of the items that is a lot easier to understand by video is the vanishing point filter. The author shows how to put a picture on a white product box.

The book also gives some small demos on how the Photoshop works with other Adobe software such as Adobe Illustrator and shows you how Photoshop work together.

I find when I launch the Flash video for each chapter it does not seem to go anywhere. It takes time to load the video so be patient. When I picked up the book to review it did not realize how extensive the video tutorial was. The book seems expensive at $44.99 because of the size of the book for that price but if you realize how much effort the author has but into the video on the DVD the book is a good value. You get a book, project files, and videos for that price. I think O'Reailly the books publisher should emphasize the how extensive the videos are on the front cover of the book.

I found the book a good learning tool as long as you what a book that covers information for graphic professionals and photographers. As some one that is use to Adobe Photoshop Elements and moving to the full version of Photoshop I found the book helpful for me to understand Photoshop CS3.

I can't imagine another software program that has inspired more third party books than Adobe Photoshop. Which book should you buy? With all the competition, you want the best value for your money. This book is one of a few that I have recently seen which comes with a DVD. The book is in full color and divided into lessons. The DVD contains the files you need to follow the lessons step by step. There are also 13 video tutorials on the disc and a bunch of other resources you can use to learn more than what is in the book.

As you may know, you pay quite a lot to purchase training videos, so getting 13 tutorials with a book is a pretty good deal. You get the best of both worlds--training videos and printed lessons you can follow at your own pace. The videos that come on the DVD included can be viewed with Adobe's free Flash Player. Since most web browsers have the Flash plug-in installed, I was able to drag and drop each video into my open web page to view it. Flash videos are quite clear and easy to look at. They are also very small in size compared to QuickTime and other formats but you wouldn't know it to look at it.

In this book, the lessons try to teach you how Photoshop works by using particular projects. One project teaches you all about using Layers and another is all about making selections. With Photoshop, some of the lessons require many steps. I don't always remember all the steps later. I have come to the conclusion that when I see certain effects that I would use a lot, those are the ones I try to learn most intensely. Like many of us, I have a digital camera and take a lot of pictures. Pictures of people can usually be improved upon whether it is just blurring the background to focus more on the person or adjusting the color so the skin looks more natural. It is also fun to occasionally do something crazy--like adding a duck to a picture of hundreds of penguins (one of the lessons in this book).

The pages are nice glossy paper in full color, making it a pleasure to look at.