When it comes to digital cameras, especially digital SLR’s, we may come across various reviews that you can find online and in print. After all, when we’re talking about investing in digital SLR’s or digital photography, there are a lot of things to consider. Digital photography equipment is indeed expensive and so we’ll have to make the most out of digital photography reviews to make sure we are shedding out some serious cash on the right one. Here are a couple of digital photography reviews on Canon EOS 5D Mark II. Let’s first discuss this digital SLR as it is one of the top choices of digital photography enthusiasts today.

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II is known as the full-frame digital SLR which is not only a nice camera with a neat interface but it can also capture or record HD video! Imagine that now, with your digital SLR, you can create videos in HD quality! Now that is surely where we should be heading in terms of such digital cameras. After all, HD television programming is now becoming mandatory in most parts of the world. It is becoming the norm. And sooner or later, all the cameras to be released will be able to record HD-quality videos. In fact, in the USA alone, it has become a law that everyone must switch to digital. Analog TV is being phased out in North America. And so it’s time to welcome all the technological gadgets in full HD!

That is certainly the beauty of a Canon EOS 5D Mark II. It is a professional DSLR that is on the lower to middle priced ones. It is an update on the original EOS 5D that seems to make this digital SLR offer and added feature. A lot of owners of this camera like that it has a similar ability with its predecessor in a way that it shoot images with a film-like quality. It is known to provide a great image quality as well as an expanded ISO range. The only disadvantage of getting this type of SLR is that there are cheaper cameras in the market having better or more features than this one. At the same time, this digital SLR has a couple of new RAW modes to boost. The only problem is that it has a slight color shift when you look at the photos. And what is the price? Getting this digital SLR will probably set you back around $2,800 to $3,000 depending on the package you get and of course the deal you get where you get it.

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Have you been planning on taking a digital photography class for quite some time but don’t have the budget to do so? Well sometimes, you just have to be resourceful like now. There are a lot of tutorials or classes that you can find online without breaking the bank or without even paying a cent. Today, you will get a free digital photography class on lomo photography right here! You can find more tutorials here that will serve as your free digital photography class. So if you’re ready, let’s start!

As we all know, lomo photography can be achieved by using a lomo camera. You can get those Russian made cameras if you choose. However, these cameras don’t really create good pictures. What some people may not know is that you can actually create lomo pictures through your usual digital camera. So here in our digital photography class, you can learn to create lomo photos by adjusting your digital photos through Adobe Photoshop. Let’s begin by opening your digital photo in Photoshop.

1.The very first thing that you’ll need to do to make your digital photo look like a result of lomo photography is to create a vignette. After all, it’s what lomos are known for. You can achieve this vignette by using the free hand lasso tool. Create a circle around the photo or the main object in your photo. For example, if you want to focus on a car in your photo, then draw a circle around it using the lasso tool. You can adjust the feather settings to around 80 to 90 px just before you create the circle. Remember, you don’t have to make the circle perfect. It’s actually better to make it crooked as it will look more natural.

2.Now that you have the circle drawn, invert the selection. Got to the menu under select and choose inverse.

3.Now, create a levels layer. At the layers window, you will see a button below that can add the levels layer. Simply adjust the middle arrow to about 0.50 or lower if you want a darker vignette. It may also depend on the photo you used. Once done, you now have a vignette.

4.Now it’s time to adjust the contrast and the saturation. But first, let’s merge the layers by going to the menu under layer and choose merge layers.

5.Now, it’s time to add the curves layer. Simply create a slanted S in the graph.

6.Now, add a new layer on the top most part and choose the color black. Fill the layer with black color using the paint bucket tool.

7.Now, at the top of the layer window, you can choose the blending mode and set to Hue. Set the opacity to 40%. Merge the layers.

8.Once done, it’s time to sharpen the image. First, choose the Image menu and select lab color in the Mode selection. Now, go to the channel window and choose lightness channel. Then, go to the Filter menu and choose Unsharp Mask under Sharpen.

9.Adjust the amount and radius to 50 and the threshold to zero.

10.Now, change the image mode back to RGB color. Save it and enjoy!

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You know, people spend thousands of dollars on fantastic cameras only to let them either collect dust or be brought out when it’s time for a wedding or birthday. And when those days come, it’s unfortunate that the majority of the pictures that get taken are usually of very poor quality. But, why does that happen? Lack of experience? Maybe. But probably the real reason behind the photographs you never want to show people while sober is that you just don’t have the knowledge base to know what it is you’re doing. Sure, there are those out there that say things like “There’s no substitute for experience!” And ya know something, they’re a little right. But practicing techniques that you made up on the spot like kneeling down in front of your subjects and shouting phrases like “Give it to me baby” and “Give me some more attitude, you’re a tiger in the jungle” in a British accent are never going to make you a better photographer.

You need to hear it from the professionals and once you know what to do, and once you’ve grasped the concepts behind great photographs, you can put those into action and practice and make your photos stand out of the crowd. Having said all of that, without further ado, I present 20 books that every amateur photographer must read.

note : images link to amazon page for that particular book

1. Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition):

Assuming you’ve got the camera basics down, like how to make sure there’s enough light in the room so your photo doesn’t turn out black and that blurry photographs don’t make you a great artist, this book is the perfect next step. While it may be a little more advanced than other amateur books, it takes the prize in being the best way to learn how to take more interesting shots by using light and angles to your advantage. Those boring vases or tables will take on new life if you’re able to grasp the concepts of using different vantage points and zooms. Do yourself a favor, amateur or not, this is a must buy if you’re at all serious about your photography.

2. Photography (9th Edition):

This book has published over 9 different editions in its life since the mid 70’s. It has even been heralded as the Bible of photography for amateurs. It may be a little on the pricy side (unless you can find an excellent deal), but is well worth its weight in gold when it comes to teaching you how to shoot some nice photos. It covers all of the basics and even works into some fairly advanced techniques. Don’t be fooled by the timid cover. You need this one on your bookshelves as not only a learning tool, but also as a reference point once you make it beyond amateur status. Whatever you’re wondering, it has it.

3. The Photographer’s Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos:

Photography is very often neglected as an art form. Because it doesn’t use paint and sound to flourish, it must rely on a single image to captivate an entire idea. “The Photographer’s Eye” is fantastic in its delivery. It delves deep inside the world of art photography and gets you, the reader, engaged enough to start turning your photography into art. Photographs no longer have to be just ideas that get lost in time, they’re now works of art by themselves and Freeman shows you just how to take your art to the next level in both pre and post production.

4. The Adobe Photoshop CS4 Book for Digital Photographers:

You can’t really consider yourself a photographer until you’ve at least tried a few techniques in Photoshop. Some complain that it taints images and takes them out of their raw form. But on the contrary, Photoshop enables photographers to do exactly what they want with their photo, just like a painter. This comprehensive guide to Photoshop takes you from start to finish by showing you exactly how to do it like the pros. Don’t worry about having to thumb through all of those buffer pages like other books. This one jumps right in and doesn’t let you out until it makes sure you’ve mastered the technique. Anyone serious about Photoshop needs to give this book, any of the editions, a thorough read.

5. The Hot Shoe Diaries: Big Light from Small Flashes:

Controlling the amount of light in a photo is one of the most daunting tasks any photographer can take on. Light is so essential to our perception of the world that too much or too little can completely ruin the mood. The Hot Shoe Diaries really explores the world of small flashes. With a little bit of humor, you find out that a little light can make a lot of difference.

6. A Short Course In Photography:

Every book up to now has been something that’s a “must have” or “necessity.” But what if you’re not ready to make that jump into full fledged photographer yet? This book will help you get started in the field without specializing in any one technique. The amount of knowledge out there about photography is overwhelming but if you’re just a small time photographer that wants to get started and learn some valuable tip and tricks along the way, this is the book to start with.

7. Within the Frame: The Journey of Photographic Vision:

Photography is an art form no matter what anyone tells you. But what if the picture you’re taking just aren’t “speaking” to you? Within the Frame takes you behind the boundaries of just instructional text and brings you into the world of thought. It makes you really look at your subject and setting so that you can get a better idea of what the photo means. In a truly inspiring work, you’ll not only learn technique and form, you’ll also learn why you should be taking photos the way you are. It’ll take you from snapping photos of the grass in your garden to a world of infinite possibilities.

8. Click:

Photography doesn’t have to be all serious. Click helps aspiring teen photographers take a better look at the world through the lens. It covers all the basics. So, if all you’ve ever done is use a disposable camera at Disney, this book is a great way to get started and get introduced to the “professional” side of things.

9. Photography: A Critical Introduction:

By now you’re probably tired of looking at how-to books. No amount of how to books can get you ready to actually look at photography you’re producing and photography through the ages. The book simply entitled “Photography” takes a look at photographs through culture and history and puts them in modern context. It challenges you to think critically about what makes a photograph “good” or “pretty” and plays Devil’s advocate when it comes time to look at the reason we shoot what we shoot. If you’re interested in the history of photography and how it plays a role in our society, this is a great place to start.

10. Photography: The Concise Guide:

This one falls more into the category of textbook than casual literature but nonetheless, it’s still an amazing guide. It is very fast paced and if you’re looking for something with a little more cushion, look elsewhere. It introduces students to the world of photography by taking it step by step. You won’t miss a beat if you pick this book up off the shelf. It covers everything from exposure, contrast, and how to take better shots. It even has a great how-to section with follow along instructions so you’re not completely left in the dark when you’re trying to put things to practice in the field.

11. Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting:

Lighting isn’t really something that you can explain in a book but in this rare exception, you can learn a whole lot. Lighting properly seems to be one of those things that eludes even the best of photographers. In this book you’ll learn to drop any preconceived notions you may have about how to light something and let them take you on a great ride through the world of light. From basic amateur lighting to professional studio lighting, this book covers it all.

12. Black and White Photography, Third Revised Edition:

Believe it or not, black and white photography is more popular than ever and may actually surpass color photography in terms of sheer popularity. And each year, new equipment is released that makes black and white photographs even better to look at. While it is kind of a niche part of photography as a whole, this comprehensive guide summarizes all of the new and great techniques, equipment, and processing materials that are new on the market. While it isn’t a buyers guide, it certainly does a great job of highlighting the things you need to produce great black and white photos and how to go about using them.

13. On-Camera Flash Techniques for Digital Wedding and Portrait Photography:

I know I joke about photography at weddings and kid’s birthday parties, but in reality, it’s the types of things most people take photos of. And in these types of situations, carrying a full lighting kit around is just completely impractical. For that reason, on-camera flashes were invented to provide just the right amount of light without having to bring a truck full of equipment. This great guide shows you how to use the on-camera flash in real world situations so you don’t ruin your brother’s wedding photos or portraits!

14. The Moment It Clicks: Photography secrets from one of the world’s top shooters:

Very rarely do you get a glimpse into the mind of one of the world’s best photographers. Joe McNally may or may not be a name you hear a lot. If you haven’t heard of him, look him up and prepare to be blown away. Mr. McNally gives some of the best insider tricks that money can buy. Even if you only ever have the chance to go into the local bookstore to thumb through this, the knowledge you’ll gain in just a few minutes will be more than you could ever get while practicing in the field.

15. Understanding Shutter Speed: Creative Action and Low-Light Photography Beyond 1/125 Second:

While it’s one hell of a long title, this relatively short book helps you better understand the world of high speed photography. There are some images and events out there that only happen in the blink of an eye and there’s no reason you should miss them with your cell-phone camera that can barely keep in focus. Learning how to capture shots of speeding objects is key to advancing in the field of photography.

16. Criticizing Photographs: An Introduction to Understanding Images:

So, you take great photographs, right? Well, there’s no way you can for sure unless you’ve read this book that takes the number 16 spot. Taking a look at other people’s work and analyzing it critically is the best way to learn what you should be looking for in your own photography. It’s a great book for both beginners and professionals that helps you develop technique and standards in photography. You may not think you need it, but if you want to push your photography to a truly professional level, learning how to give and receive proper criticism is a fundamental skill.

17. Understanding Close-up Photography: Creative Close Encounters with or without a Macro Lens:

We’ve been talking a lot about those “fundamental skills” that every photographer must have. Well get ready to revise your list once again. Close up photography is a close second to lighting in terms of difficulty to master. Sure, anyone can push the zoom all the way in and call it close up photography. This book goes beyond the usual close up flowers and grass photographs and shows you how to do close up photography of nearly everything from animals to mountains. Macro photography of mountains? You read right. That curiosity you’re experiencing right now should be enough reason to go out and find this book!

18. Nikon D90 For Dummies:

The Nikon D90 could quite possibly be the most popular DSLR of all time. You may for that very reason, already have one. But, if you don’t, don’t fret. The D90 is very similar to other cameras in Nikon’s lineup and if you have a camera in the D series, this book should still be of some value. The For Dummies book really delivers this time around and gives you a very in-depth look at the D90 camera. It takes the camera apart, inside and out, and helps you understand what’s going on so you can ultimately take better pictures.

19. Visual Poetry: A Creative Guide for Making Engaging Digital Photographs:

The hardest challenge any photographer faces is the challenge of making a photograph interesting. While it may seem as though you could take a picture of anything and have someone in the world that finds it engaging, finding the balance between personal satisfaction and interest so that the majority of people find it captivating is hard. Visual Poetry explores the realm of really making your photos speak to the viewer. And, it may be a word of caution or praise depending on how you look at it, but there is a very minimalistic approach to the way the photographs are taken. Chris Orwig strips things down and with the bare elements, builds it all back up.

20. Vanity Fair: The Portraits: A Century of Iconic Images:

Phew! We finally reached the end of the guide and I’m sure you’re exhausted with books on how to do this and how to do that. So, let’s finish up the list with a book that is sure to inspire both amateur and professional, young and old. Vanity Fair took the liberty of compiling a book that spans over 100 years of photography between its covers. Seeing images of Marilyn Monroe and other famous personalities in fantastic lighting and settings is sure to tickle your photography nerve and get you inspired to keep taking photos. Who knows, maybe one day your photo will end up in a book like this too!

Please take a moment and share some books or tips on photography with the rest of us.

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To see examples of their work or to learn more please click on the images (a new window will open)

1. Robert Capa

Robert Capa is often considered to be the most accomplished war photographer of all time. Capa was born in Budapest in 1913 and was a combat photojournalist that covered five wars in total. He was involved with the Spanish Civil War, the First Indochina War, the Second Sino-Japanese War, World War II and the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Capa was known for often shunning the technical aspect of photography in favor of capturing the most dramatic photo possible. He is remembered for his work as he landed on Omaha Beach with US Soldiers during D Day and his stunning photos that survived in Indochina, even though he did not make it home after encountering a landmine. His work was inspiring, timeless, and nothing short of remarkable. He is also remembered for co-founding Magum Photos along with the second photojournalist on our list.

2. Henri Cartier-Bresson

Henri Cartier-Bresson was a French photojournalist born in August of 1908. He was a co-founder of the inspiring Magnum Photos group and managed to survive for close to 96 years. When his name is mentioned he is often referred to as the father of photojournalism and was one of the first to work in the 35 mm format. It was Cartier-Bresson who inspired the real life reporting style that became so popular for years after his work came into the scene. His most memorable work would have to be his coverage of the Chinese Civil War and the photos he produced from Gandhi’s funeral in 1948. His understanding of different people and impeccable ability to capture the moment and tell the entire story is unrivaled to this day.

3. Robert Frank

Robert Frank was born in Switzerland in 1924 and is most remembered for his photographic book that was called, “The Americans” which he produced in 1958.  The book itself was undeniably influential after the war had ended. Frank was often referred to as a new, modern version of de Tocqueville due to his cynical and in depth look at American society and how it was developing. After that moment Frank began to experiment more with the manipulation of photos and video rather than stick to field work. However, that book is instilled in history and is a true symbol of photojournalism at its best.

4. Dorothea Lange

The depression was an incredibly hard time in America and no one documented it quite as well as Dorothea Lange. Lange was born in 1895 in the USA and even though she moved on and did a great deal of other work, it is those depression era photos that defined Lange’s abilities as a photojournalist. Lange was immortalized in the California Hall of Fame in 2008 after her work was displayed in exhibits all around the world. They were displaying the harsh realities of the depression as well as her work from World War 2 involving the Japanese Internment.

5. James Nachtwey

There are many photographers and journalism experts that consider James Nachtwey to be the best photojournalist alive today. He was born in 1948 and is definitely one of the most influential American photojournalists ever. He has been awarded the Robert Capa Gold Medal five times and was even injured by a grenade while reporting for Time magazine in 2003. His ability to convey extremely powerful messages through just one photo inspired the movie “War Photographer” which went on to win an academy award for best documentary. Even when his photos revolve around a horrific topic or problem, Nachtwey can find a way to make them look beautiful and inspirational.

6. Zoriah Miller

Zoriah Miller is one of the most well known and popular journalists of the 21^st Century. He was born in 1976 and has been labeled exclusively as a war photographer. Miller began his career working for Humanitarian Aid and providing disaster management help to developing countries. After years of work he returned to his passion of photography and has chosen to only work on a freelance basis, despite having worked with World Picture News and a number of other prevalent agencies. The photos he has captured from places such as the Gaza Strip, Iraq, and Afghanistan have been published all over the world. It hasn’t all been a bed of roses for Miller though as there was quite a bit of backlash over photos he released of dead US Marines as the issue of Wartime Censorship rang out loudly.

7. Don McCullin

Don McCullin was born in 1935 in London and is one of the most highly regarded photojournalists to ever come out of Britain. He will always be remembered for his close examination of the underside of different societies and his in depth focus on impoverished and downtrodden people. He began his career in 1959 and made an instant name for himself with a photo of a London gang. In terms of war photography his work during the Vietnam War is thought to be some of the most powerful photojournalism ever done. In fact, his ability to hit hard with his photos forced the British government to refuse him access to cover the Falklands War. McCullin fans will often tell the story that happened in 1968 when his camera protected him from a bullet that was intended to kill him.

8. Eugene Richards

Eugene Richards was born in 1944 in Massachusetts and holds his place among some of the best American photojournalists to ever pick up a camera. He is noted for his documentary work and has focused his camera on events that are meant to bring forth social awareness. Many people have classified his work as being deeply personal and hard hitting and most of his photos can be found within a number of popular collections. One of his most notable publications was the collection titled “Few Comforts or Surprises” which came out in 1973 and put faces to poverty within inner America. He is noted as one of the best for his ability to connect with the people he was portraying and add their personal story to every moment.

9. Luc Delahaye

Luc Delahaye is a new age French photographer that broke free from the restrictions of black and white photography and found a way to depict rich details of situations through large, brightly colored works. He tends to take a documentary approach to his work but then blends it with an undeniably and often overwhelming dramatic touch. His career of course began as a photojournalist and began to take off when he joined Magnum Photos and Newsweek Magazine. He truly made a name for himself with his raw and direct work that came out of places like Rwanda, Lebanon, and Chechnya. In 2001 he turned a new leaf and began to use imposing sized pictures in museums that almost instantly make his work timeless and inspire reflection.

10. William Eugene Smith

Another American photojournalist has made the list but not because he is alike any of the others. Smith was born in 1918 in Kansas and stood out from other photographers due to his professional attitude and unrivaled commitment to his work. He refused to even take a picture that he did not feel was perfect and published some brutally vivid moments from World War II. He will be remembered for his in depth photo essays on topics such as mercury poisoning in Japan, psychiatric institutes, and humanitarian work dealing with Africa.

While there are arguments made by people stating that photojournalism is a dying trade, these men and women prove how much deeper thing can be than just a picture. Yes many photographers can take great pictures, but it takes special talent to truly put meaning, conviction and inspiration all into one single shot. These 10 best photojournalists of all time had that eye for deeper meaning and that ability to capture society in one picture that simply cannot be taught. Their photos inspire, their work will always be remembered, and they are classic examples of what true photojournalism is all about.

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