Unlock Your Creative Potential with The Digital Photography Book, Part 5: Step-by-Step Photo Recipes

Daryl & Norma WilsonDaryl & Norma Wilson: This is book 5 (Photo Recipes) in the series and, just like the other books in this 5-part series (I own the full 5-part series in print) from Scott Kelby, this presents photos, with the detailed methods and equipment used to produce the final shot, which works wonderfully for teaching new photogs, as well as serves as inspiration to more experienced shooters. I have been a professional photographer, both as a news photojournalist and as a crime scene photographer, then later as a wedding and portrait photographer, for almost 30 years. These books by Scott Kelby, although written for beginner photogs, up to intermediate level shooters, should really be in every photographer's library. I, myself, keep these in my library, alongside other inspirational photobooks from well-known and not-so-well-known photographers throughout the decades and in different genres because, honestly, even I get into ruts where it seems like I've already shot everything under the sun and stars. When I do get into a rut, I reach for whatever book calls out to me, including these Kelby books, to peruse the pages and allow them to spark something within me that kicks me out of my seat to grab my camera gear...

United States on Nov 06, 2022

A. Neville: So far, Scott Kelby is my favourite photography author. He adds humour and gets to the point fast. I have several of his books and he never disappoints.

Canada on Dec 12, 2021

Peter Broughton: I purchased a copy from Amazon UK (printed in the UK) and was disappointed to find that the book was printed in black & white and the pages are printed on the wrong sides, such that double spreads appear overleaf.

I have purchased another copy that was printed in the USA in full colour. The book deserves 5 stars, but Amazon UK just hasn't done the book justice. It's a great book.

United Kingdom on Feb 15, 2020

BahmanKh: I recommend it to beginners and intermediate enthusiasts who are after quick and practical workflow.
Reading the book certainly took me to next level.

Canada on Jun 09, 2019

Michael Farber: This was Scott Kelby's last book I've read after reading all his Digital Photography Book Part 1, 2, 3, 4. I think the way he wrote Part 5 was entirely different than he did in all previous 4 books. What I liked about this book was he was shooting in all different environments with different lightening set ups giving you the all the necessary parameters related to all the aspects of capturing high quality photos. You can see the THOUGHT PROCESS where he tells you all the preps and BEHIND THE SCENES outside image of how the object and lightening were position in relation to his camera. Next he tells you all about his choices of the lens he uses, the chosen f/stop, shutter speed, ISO and why he decided to use them. Next he goes into POST-PRECESSING section of the flow and he teach you what actually should be done there, either in Light Room or in Photoshop Camera Raw. Finally, you see the final image so you can judge the result and mentally to connect that with all the details he gives as how to get that quality of the capture. I think this book is not like a tutorial but like a reference. The only thing I wished to clear up for me and I could not find some explanation was as how he...

United States on Nov 19, 2014

Superhoopsa: I have the other 4 books in the series (and lots of other books written by Scott Kelby) and so did wonder whether I really needed it. Do I need it? Probably not but then do I need any book? Probably not. As with all Scott Kelby books there is something in the book for beginners, improvers and advanced workers. Whatever your skill level you will learn something from this book - regardless of how much you already know. It is written in an easy to understand style and if you follow the advice, you WILL take better photos. Guaranteed. So, yes, if you are interested in taking better photos, you DO need it!

United Kingdom on Sep 05, 2014

JMM: This will be my third book in the series. I own the first book and the second book. I feel like this one is the best of all in the Digital Photography series. At least of the ones I've read. I own a bunch of Mr. Kelby's books with my personal favorite being Professional Portrait Retouching Techniques. Even though I'm far from being a professional.

I'm not sure I can say much more about the current book that hasn't already been said. The way it's presented is genius. Each "tip" contains a behind the scenes unfinished photograph and a final image. The tip is usually divided up into four sections.

Behind The Scenes
Camera Settings
Thought Process
Post-Processing

A few might have an additional paragraph with some specific details about the particular process.

I can't stress this enough. There is A Lot of information in this book for anyone who enjoys photography.

Now to my only gripe with the book, sort of. I want to start by saying I'm a huge fan of Scott Kelby and his company Kelby One. I subscribe to Kelby One and have off and on since 2008 when it was NAPP. For those that follow Mr. Kelby you know there was some controversy about a...

United States on Aug 07, 2014

mr richard day: Having recently got back in to photography I have been doing a lot of reading and self-teaching. The Scott Kelby “The Digital Photography Book’ series has been one of the best series books I have read and would thoroughly recommend the whole set.
For me, the best part of the books has always been the recipes, most books cover the theory behind taking photograph’s and the general rules to follow (or to break), but for me, actually seeing what goes behind a real shot and what can be produced has always been more useful to me.
I was however a little sceptical if a whole book based around this idea would be useful, or even worth the money. After reading part 5 I have to say that my initial scepticism was misplaced, this book is well worth the money. Seeing what goes behind each shot, the tips, the tricks, how Scott positions himself, the camera, all makes for a very informative and excellent book.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in photography or wants to improve from what they already know. It doesn't matter what level you are, there will always be something more for you to learn.
Ps. After reading the book..i need to get myself a 70-200mm...

United Kingdom on Jul 30, 2014