“How to Take Great Photos” Book Review

It’s time to stop taking snapshots, and start taking photographs.

This story starts when I was vacationing in Puerto Rico with my beautiful wife in celebration of our anniversary. The setting was one of the most beautiful beaches, the sky was clear and we basically had the whole beach to ourselves. Most of the time we didn’t have our camera with us (big regret), and when we did, I took some pictures of the scenery and we also got some pictures of us in those shots. Now that we are home and I look at those pictures, they are horrible. Yes, they still remind me of the great time we had, but they failed to capture any of the breath-taking scenery that we encountered. I wish I could have taken a picture that was worth hanging on my wall.

After this experience I was determined to learn more about photography. I want to learn what it takes to take a great photograph. I know that it’s going to be awhile before I can afford a good camera, so for now I’m stuck with a HP point-and-shoot and my iPhone. I also realize that the best camera in the world can’t help you take great photograph.

Well, I came across a book with a title that really caught my attention, it was entitled, How to Take Great Photos with Whatever Camera You Own, by Peter Tellone. I decided to read the free downloadable chapter that they offer and realized that I could probably learn something from this book, so I decided to purchase it (plus, they were having a sale at the time).

It is a very quick read and is well worth it. There isn’t any long explanations about the inner-workings of photography or the camera that would bore a beginner, it focuses on the basics and the simple things about photography.

Peter discusses finding the right light, composition and balance, all of which play a big role it taken a great photograph. He helps you see that paying attention to your surroundings can really impact the quality of the photo.

For most of us, we use the default/auto settings on the camera. This book will explain how to “get out of the green box” and start using some custom settings, even on a point-and-shoot camera. It explains the three basics of exposure; Aperture, shutter speed and ISO. The information is quick and easy to understand, and for beginners, brings a new concept for controlling how your photos turn out.

There is even some topics on finishing your photos in image editing software and the best way to share them.

I would highly recommend this book for any beginning photographer or someone just wanted to take better photos of those once in a lifetime trips.

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