The Art of Photography - An Approach to Personal Expression

• Key camera features that affect composition, including the exposure triangle (ISO, aperture, and shutter speed)
• Shadow and light and how to direct the viewer’s eye to your subject
• Lines and shapes that create visual paths to points of interest in your image
• The role of color—using complementary or contrasting colors—to add your own unique artistic expression
• Spatial relationship and placing your subject within the frame for portraits, action shots, or landscapes

Mike Hagen opens up a whole new world to those photographers who are already well versed in photography, but may not have a clue about flash photography.

With the new and rapidly evolving technology, flash photography (especially advanced light modeling with modern iTTL flash systems) has become an art in itself and should be mastered by all aspiring photographers-amateurs as well as professionals-who are often helpless when it comes to using the full potential of these systems.

Using a simple, step-by-step method for setting up and using the newest Nikon iTTL flash units, Mike teaches all the steps required to achieve consistent and amazing flash photos. He solves the common frustrations associated with flash, and specifically teaches how to use the SB-600, SB-700, SB-800, SB-900, SB-910, and R1C1 strobes. Also included is a chapter showing system configuration so readers can duplicate the desired results on their own.

Beginning at a basic level and progressing to more advanced techniques, Mike teaches you everything you need to know about mastering Nikon's iTTL flash system.

Over the last few years, most books on photography have been focused on the new breed of cameras and how to master the digital imaging workflow. In The Art of Black and White Photography author and photographer Torsten Andreas Hoffmann takes a different approach, focusing on image composition and image capture, with an emphasis on the creative aspects of black and white photography rather than on the digital workflow.

After introducing the ground rules of composition, Hoffmann illustrates their applications with his own stunning black and white images that cover various photographic genres, including architecture, street photography, portraiture, and surreal photography. Also discussed are the elements of a "photographic language"', which distinguishes creative photography from random shooting. Finally, you will learn valuable post-processing techniques, mostly using Photoshop, that emphasize the functions necessary for creating outstanding black and white images.

This second edition has been updated to include Photoshop CS5, as well as brand new images, content, and a revised layout.

• Throughout the book, Scott shares his own personal settings and studio-tested techniques. Each year he trains thousands of Lightroom users at his "Lightroom Live!" tour and through that he’s learned what really works, what doesn’t, and he tells you flat out which techniques work best, which to avoid, and why.
• The entire book is laid out in a real workflow order with everything step by step, so you can begin using Lightroom like a pro from the start.
• What really sets this book apart is the last chapter. This is where Scott dramatically answers his #1 most-asked Lightroom question, which is: "Exactly what order am I supposed to do things in, and where does Photoshop fit in?" You’ll see Scott’s entire start-to-finish Lightroom 4 workflow and learn how to incorporate it into your own workflow.