Okay, so I have a confession to make: I am technologically impaired. Big time. I cannot assemble things for the life of me, I don't know how to program electronics, and I do not have the first clue how to use my Canon ELPH 300 HS that I got as a birthday gift from my husband. I generally rely on my husband to be the one to figure such things out, while I continue to sit here confused until he shows me, hands on, how to do something. Looking at diagrams and reading instructions has never been overly successful for me.
When it comes to my nice new camera, I always just relied on the Auto setting to take the guess work out of things. However, I noticed that by using the Auto setting, I have not always gotten the best possible photos and my camera definitely hasn't performed to its full potential. I just accepted this as something I would have to just live with, since I didn't understand how to operate manual settings.
That's why when Kristen Duke, the author of a great book called "Say NO to Auto", and professional photographer, asked me to review her pocket guide to understanding manual camera settings, I eagerly agreed to do so. The book promises to make learning how to capture the perfect shots consistently easy and relatively painless.
When it comes to my nice new camera, I always just relied on the Auto setting to take the guess work out of things. However, I noticed that by using the Auto setting, I have not always gotten the best possible photos and my camera definitely hasn't performed to its full potential. I just accepted this as something I would have to just live with, since I didn't understand how to operate manual settings.
That's why when Kristen Duke, the author of a great book called "Say NO to Auto", and professional photographer, asked me to review her pocket guide to understanding manual camera settings, I eagerly agreed to do so. The book promises to make learning how to capture the perfect shots consistently easy and relatively painless.
One thing I really like about this digital book is that it can be printed out and carried in your purse or camera bag for easy reference. This makes it simple to find the ideal manual camera settings for any situation you may find yourself taking photos. Low light? Indoors? Sunny day with minimal shade? Overcast? A moving subject? Say NO to Auto has you covered! This book shows you exactly how to determine the best possible settings in just about any shooting conditions. It is written in plain English, with helpful example photos, and is sure to get you well on the way to taking studio quality photos with your own camera!
I won't give away the secrets here, but I tried her suggestions when photographing the babies. When using the Auto setting, the photos came out blurry and odd looking. When switching to manual and following Kristen's 3 easy steps, I certainly saw a difference! Take a look!
I won't give away the secrets here, but I tried her suggestions when photographing the babies. When using the Auto setting, the photos came out blurry and odd looking. When switching to manual and following Kristen's 3 easy steps, I certainly saw a difference! Take a look!
Watching the Bears game recaps. This is NOT a good photo!
Ahh, MUCH better!
I am clearly NOT a photographer! Eeek!
This photo came out better!
MY OPINION:
Honestly, I am still getting the hang of it. There's still a lot I need to learn. While Say NO to Auto is very informative and clear, I am so technologically challenged that it is taking me some time to get a true understanding of the basic principals of photography. My husband on the other hand understood it all immediately and started playing with the camera and utilizing the different settings. By switching from Auto to Manual, he even found awesome photo settings we didn't even know existed! I would definitely recommend Say NO to Auto to anyone looking for an easy guide to great photography. Kristen's steps are easy to follow, and I can pretty much guarantee that you'll find yourself taking better quality photos in no time at all! You might even be able to say Bye-Bye to Photoshop, since a picture taken using the proper settings will not need enhancements! How cool is that?!
BUY IT:
You can purchase a copy of Say NO to Auto on the Kristen Duke Photography website.
Say No to Auto is available in both printable digital form and Hardcover versions.
You can also follow her on Facebook for great tips and promotions!
WIN IT:
One very lucky follower will win a printable, digital copy of Say NO to Auto. This is so convenient, since you can print it easily and carry it with you for immediate reference!
If the winner happened to purchase the book, Kristen Duke will gladly refund their money!
Please use this handy Rafflecopter form to enter!
This giveaway is open WORLDWIDE! (18+ please) until 12:01AM EST on 10/10/2011. Winners will be chosen at random and will be announced here, tweeted, shared on Facebook, and contacted via e-mail. The winners will have 48 hours to reply and claim their prize. If I receive no response, I will be forced to draw a new winner.
***Disclosure:I received a complimentary product to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***
Honestly, I am still getting the hang of it. There's still a lot I need to learn. While Say NO to Auto is very informative and clear, I am so technologically challenged that it is taking me some time to get a true understanding of the basic principals of photography. My husband on the other hand understood it all immediately and started playing with the camera and utilizing the different settings. By switching from Auto to Manual, he even found awesome photo settings we didn't even know existed! I would definitely recommend Say NO to Auto to anyone looking for an easy guide to great photography. Kristen's steps are easy to follow, and I can pretty much guarantee that you'll find yourself taking better quality photos in no time at all! You might even be able to say Bye-Bye to Photoshop, since a picture taken using the proper settings will not need enhancements! How cool is that?!
BUY IT:
You can purchase a copy of Say NO to Auto on the Kristen Duke Photography website.
Say No to Auto is available in both printable digital form and Hardcover versions.
You can also follow her on Facebook for great tips and promotions!
WIN IT:
One very lucky follower will win a printable, digital copy of Say NO to Auto. This is so convenient, since you can print it easily and carry it with you for immediate reference!
If the winner happened to purchase the book, Kristen Duke will gladly refund their money!
Please use this handy Rafflecopter form to enter!
This giveaway is open WORLDWIDE! (18+ please) until 12:01AM EST on 10/10/2011. Winners will be chosen at random and will be announced here, tweeted, shared on Facebook, and contacted via e-mail. The winners will have 48 hours to reply and claim their prize. If I receive no response, I will be forced to draw a new winner.
***Disclosure:I received a complimentary product to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***
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