Focal Digital Camera Guides: Sony A300/A350 Just bought a Sony A300 or A350 and looking to combine practical know-how with inspiration? This one-stop; easy-to-read guide covers all the basic functions of the camera; and everything beyond. For the basics; turn to the quick start guide; which will get you up and running in five minutes. For an understanding of your cameras many controls and features; check out the section called "The Camera." If all you need is a quick explanation; youll find it. If youre looking for the Whole Story; youll find that; too. Settings that affect how your pictures look are accompanied by full-color examples that show you exactly what you can expect. This section also covers the cameras menus; playback features; memory; and power sources. The section called "Software" shows you how to get the most out of your cameras software. It covers tethered shooting; color management; RAW conversion; storing your images; managing your library; and backup strategies - to name just a few topics. Ultimately; this books greatest strength isnt its focus on the camera or the software; its the detailed; easy-to-follow instruction it offers on using your camera to take truly superior photographs. Sections devoted to lenses; subject matter; and light cover these variables in depth; always presenting the most effective techniques in the context of the Sony A300/A350. Written by a widely acclaimed photographer; Sony A300/A350 shows you how to get the shots you can see in your head but have never been able to capture with a camera. * The quick start guide will have you taking great photos in five minutes. * In-depth coverage of every feature and control ensures that you have access to the tools you need for every shot. * Full-color examples demonstrate how different settings affect your photos. * Expert coverage of lenses; lighting; and subject matter gives you the practical knowledge you need to go after any shot. * Step-by-step instructions on photo editing and image management help you get the most out of your cameras software. * A detailed review of accessories for your camera explains which of these add-ons offer the most value for your needs. * Dozens of tips and tricks prepare you for every situation youre likely to encounter - in the field; at the studio; or at your next wedding or family reunion.
#2498196 in eBooks 2012-11-12 2012-11-12File Name: B00AC2P7MC
Review
104 of 107 people found the following review helpful. Game ChangerBy CarmenI only recently discovered Julie Prichard and serendipitously it was at the same time as she was releasing this book with Chris Cozen. (Who I had yet to discover.) At the time the book on was pound;16.99 and I will admit I thought that was expensive. I searched everywhere to try and get it cheaper. (Id like to inject here that Im not a Scrooge just really skint.) About the same time I won pound;10.00 online with one of those free birthday lotteries - it seemed the Fates wanted me to buy this book. So I did.First impressions - the book is a nice size. Hardbacked and roughly 11x9" and 127 pages (incl index etc.) The pages are spiral bound and I have found this format excellent for working through the book. It either lays flat or; if Im short of space I can stand it on end without fear of losing my place or it falling over.The authors both very openly admit that they purely use only GOLDEN products. They also say thats just their preference and to experiment and see what works best for you. I have seen some reviews slamming them for this and Im not sure why. I dont own a single GOLDEN product - never tried that brand; just havent found any where I shop. I worked through this book with what I had on hand - this was Liquitex and the Winsor Newton Galleria mediums; Kaiser Colour; Eco and Liquitex Basics paints plus my big old tub of white gesso. (I think that might be WN too.) The techniques worked very well for me - so if you are put off the book because of the GOLDEN references and cant be bothered to see what is actually available to you - the book wont be for you. And it will be your loss.The main body of the book comes in 5 chapters:1 - The Basics: design; colour; materials and more2 - Laying a Good Foundation3 - Adding Structure4 - Developing Complexity5 - Finessing the DetailsEvery page of the book is scattered with beautiful examples from both Julie and Chris and there are various step by step exercises with clear pictures throughout the chapters for you to complete. Again - I didnt have all the colours they used and sometimes not all the different textured mediums. I just used what I have.Hands up - I am still only two thirds through this book but I got to page 24 and realised this was not a book you just read. This is a book you work through. To me it feels like a workshop in book form. So I went back to the beginning and started afresh. I still havent finished the book because I keep stopping to try everything out. I have been messing about with Acrylics for a couple of years but never got past feeling like I was just messing about. No matter how I researched I never did understand what all the mediums did. Or how to blend and get depth. The mediums are explained clearly over and over again. What they do; how they work with other mediums; water; paint etc. Never again will I stand in The Range looking at the shelves and just... not know. I have a shopping list pages long of things I want to try; different mediums and tools. Its not all new - I love my texture and drips but Ive learnt new ways of incorporating them; layering them; blending them. Bringing it all together - knowing when to stop.This book; hand on heart; has already become the most used and abused art book I own. The cover and pages splattered in paint. I no longer think the initial pound;16.99 was expensive - although; already it can be bought much cheaper than that. I actually think the amount of information packed in here; for me; they have been incredibly generous.Acrylic Solutions is a book I will refer back to again and again. Its been a game changer.(Adapted from a review on my blog where I also include pictures of things Ive done while working through the book.)41 of 43 people found the following review helpful. The most informative and helpful Acrylics/Mixed Media book i have foundBy S. M.I have a large collection of art books; since painting with acrylic is has been my hobby/passion for a few years now. This one is my favorite. Heres why: i love the featured artwork from two excellent yet very different artists. The techniques up to date and range from basics to more advanced; interesting applications and are organized in an easy to follow way. Most insightful and inspiring.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Teaches how to develop an abstract painting layer by layerBy Paula K FontaniniExcellent book with carefully crafted step by step instructions on how to add depth and interest to acrylic paintings. If you -- like me -- are interested in learning to paint more abstractly; you will appreciate the level of detail with which the authors have written the book. You have a very instructive book written by authors who really understand the acrylic materials and how to use them as well as how to develop your abstract painting.