[audiobook] Great Expectations (NHB Modern Plays) (Nick Hern Books) by Charles Dickens in Arts-Photography

Review

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. A decent book with some interesting ideasBy SerbianWolfI bought this book twice - first time as a gift for a friend of mine who helped me with photography when I was starting and recently again to show some of my colleagues from photo business how to make a decent studio setups with little effort.I like this book as it is very descriptive and has a lot of info about used equipment for specific shoots. Im however a bit confused about its particular targeted crowd - new photogs will probably have problems finding exactly same equipment to use (SB-800 anyone?) and older; more experience photogs will already have their own stuff; probably of different brand and/or type and they generally know most of these setups. I took one star for that one - I know it is an older edition; but still.Still; there are some really cool samples and ideas within this book so I guess $20 isnt much for it; especially since a decent lens is most likely 100x more expensive anyway...I removed a second star due to annoying and really cheap way that Mr. Kubota promotes his product throughout the whole book. Pretty much ANY photo he took he sent through Photoshop and used some of his filters (which he; of course; would be more than happy to sell to you); pretty much telling you how you can get a good result without software. Boulderdash.This shameless self-promotion is pitiful and totally misleading. While I think that Mr. Kubota has some really cool photos in his portfolio and is certainly a man with good ideas; this books tarnishes that reputation somewhat.After all is said and done; my recommendation is that you look for a different book with similar material. This one is somewhat old and although it has some decent setups and ideas you can find similar material presented elsewhere and with less shameless self-promotion.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An amazing ebook! The book is full of great information ...By neon50An amazing ebook! The book is full of great information on lighting concepts; composition techniques; processing techniques; gear recommendations and best of all his thought process as he creates beautiful portraits. This is more about the creative process and crafting light than technical concepts. I highly recommend this in ebook form as it is easier to see the lighting diagrams and the narrative that goes with each portrait. He also offers how some of the more expensive portraits can be created with for example; a speedlight instead of the larger battery pack lights. I truly appreciate this book. It has helped me to see the creative side of crafting light. Kevin Kubotas work is inspiring!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Nice photos - just okay bookBy consider01"Just okay" probably fits my critique of this book. Nice examples and images; but actually seems dated in posing; equipment and style. The author is obviously a very good photographer making very good images without a lot of equipment or set up. The problems arise from showing small "actual" image from camera - then a large finished image after he has used his Photoshop "magic" tools he is selling. A question arises as to whether the author is helping me construct a photo shoot or selling me Photoshop "mood" tools.There are tidbits to be gleaned from the book that may awaken some creativity for a beginner; but if you have some experience behind the lens photographing people - this book will not provide much advancement to your craft.