SPAC: Successful Photography

Who doesn't love to take pictures? And with the proliferation of cell phones, smartphones and video cameras along with the high-end SLR and SLT cameras, who does't have a camera at close hand when out and about? Learn how to get the absolutely best pictures you've ever taken.


There are raging debates about whether smartphone picture-takers are actually "photographers", but guess what? You are and never let anyone convince you otherwise because great photography has nothing to do with your equipment or even the perceived "quality" of the photographic subject. It all has to do with the technique and style of the resulting photograph. Most people start their car and run around town without ever knowing what's going on under the hood. All they know and care about is that the car goes when the accellerator is pressed. The same is true with most camera-toting picture-takers in the wild today: press the shutter button, picture taken, all done!


However, there's a lot going on under the hood of that camera and it really helps to know what it is. There are aspects working against each other and unbreakable rules you should understand in order to develop your photographer's eye. Even if all you ever use is a smartphone camera, it's helpful to know about ISO sensitivity, shutter speeds, aperture "f-stops" and what the term "focal length" really means. Because even with a simple smartphone or pocket camera, understanding how it works helps you understand how they affect your pictures.


Have you ever wondered why two pictures of the same subject can be so wildly different in appearance? Certainly you can peruse all the stunning photography across the internet, but can you recreate the same? Yes, you most certainly can. This book doesn't just focus on the mechanics of photography, but also subject-specific techniques such as best ways to photograph children and elderly, action, landscapes, portraits and so many others.


Surely the information found in this book is all over the Internet and freely available. The problem is finding all of it and compiling it into a good linear, logical way of consumption so you not only get the how, but the why. Too many "top ten photography tips" web pages and videos create more questions than answers.


This book covers all the facets of photography style, technique and how cameras work so it all makes sense to you when you look at the "big picture". Know and understand what ISO, aperture, field of view and other aspects of photography are and not only what, but how and why. Understand how the "best of the best" pictures you see in Flickr, 500px, Smug Mug and other places across the Internet were created and what was done to make them look that way. This book also introduces you to the all-free virtual world MMO called "Second Life" as it makes the perfect photography simulator to practice your skill, and eventually your photographic style in the comfort of your home before you go on that photo-walk with camera in-hand.


Because of the advanced interactive multi-touch nature of this book, it is exclusive to iBooks on iPad.