An illustrated introduction to digital photography, examining hardware such as cameras, computers, scanners, and printers and the relationship between them; looking at image-editing software, tools, and techniques; featuring step-by-step instructions for taking professional-quality photographs; and discussing special-effects options.

Photography has been the business and the passion of LIFE since the original weekly magazine's inception in 1936, and it continues to be the business and passion of LIFE Books and LIFE.com in the new millennium. But photography has surely changed during these many decades. The rigs and gear of old have given way-first slowly, then all at once-to sleek miracle machines that process pixels and have made the darkroom obsolete. The casual photog puts eye to lens, sets everything on auto and captures a photograph that is . . . perfectly fine. One of LIFE's master shooters-in fact, the final in the long line of distinguished LIFE staff photographers-was Joe McNally, and he has always believed that with a little preparation and care, with a dash of enthusiasm and daring added to the equation, anyone can make a better photo-anyone can turn a "keeper" into a treasure. This was true in days of yore, and it's true in the digital age. Your marvelous new camera, fresh from its box, can indeed perform splendid feats. Joe explains in this book how to take best advantage of what it was designed to do, and also when it is wise to outthink your camera or push your camera-to go for the gold, to create that indelible family memory that you will have blown up as large as the technology will allow, and that will hang on the wall forevermore. As the storied LIFE photographer and photo editor John Loengard points out in his eloquent foreword to this volume, there are cameras and there are cameras, and they've always been able to do tricks. And then there is photography. Other guides may give you the one, two, three of producing a reasonably well exposed shot, but Joe McNally and the editors of LIFE can give you that, and then can show you how to make a picture. In a detailed, friendly, conversational, anecdotal, sometimes rollicking way, that's what they do in these pages. Prepare to click.

All you need is a digital camera or a mobile phone and this best-selling book to unlock your full potential as a photographer. From choosing the right equipment and aperture exposure to adjusting focus and flash, The Beginner's Photography Guide explains key concepts in clear and simple terms to help you make the most of your camera. Written for absolute beginners, this handbook contains step-by-step tutorials covering the whole range of camera functions and photographic techniques. Each chapter of the book is full of practical hands-on projects that will help you get the best from your camera. At-a-glance comparison images show how camera settings can produce remarkably different pictures. The results are shown side by side with each technique, along with the setting used to create a particular look or effect. You'll also learn how to enhance your images using a range of innovative ideas adopted by professionals. This revised edition has been updated to reflect all the latest developments in technology and creative trends in digital image-making. This manual will teach you all the tips and techniques you need to ensure that your memorable moments are captured perfectly every time!

Furnishes an overview of digital photography, covering such topics as cameras, exposure, lighting, shutter speed, depth of field, and resolution--and tips on how to avoid hours of photo-editing by taking great photographs the first time.

Written in a no-nonsense style, this valuable guide simplifies the complex and demystifies the mysterious, makingJentry into the world of digital photography as painless as possible. 200 color illustrations.

Digital cameras are making a huge impact in the photographic world and this simple guide explores everything a photographer needs to know about the digital camera. Includes information on lenses, flash, accessories, printing, image editing, exposure, light and much more.