Master photographer Stephen Johnson describes his journey from traditional film photography to using digital techniques to create beautiful photographs. He has been taking beautiful landscape photography for decades, and teaching others the practical art of image making since 1977. Johnson is widely recognized among his peers as a pioneer of digital photography. This book is an in-depth introduction to digital photography which offers the latest techniques for intermediate and experienced photographers alike.
This book is truly unusual. Rather than just another how-to book on digital photography, the author takes the reader on a journey through a history of "digital imaging", shows how the same principles of "classic" photography apply to digital photography today, and examines what the future may hold. According to Johnson, we are still in the stone age of digital photography—we are only now becoming aware of some of the tools that are available. He speculates, "just imagine what the future holds." In the book, he examines digital camera techniques and features, scanning, color correction and editing, restoration, duotones and photographic reproduction, color management, fine-art printing, the creative process, and equipment considerations.
While this is not a Photoshop book, there is much discussion describing the use of Photoshop as well as other editing programs. There is, however, a bit too much in this book. This is a tome on digital photography: its history, technology, art and ethics. There is considerable discussion about the ethics of altering photographs. There is also a lengthy discussion of digital sensors and scanning. The photographs are spectacular and Stephen Johnson is a great photographer. It is evident from this book that Stephen Johnson loves what he does. He says, "Photography is a wonderful tool that helps us see better and plunge deeper into the visual world. We notice more; we see more clearly...Photography has been described as The Pencil of Nature, and it has extraordinary power. It can capture what we see, what we love, those we love. That is the magic that makes us reach for the camera."
The book, though highly readable with much interesting content and over 700 gorgeous photographs, did not fully meet my needs as one who loves taking digital photographs but has not yet delved much into Photoshop or other editing programs. Some of the information is far too technical for my interests. There is not quite enough information for the novice and it may be a bit too simple for the expert. If, however, you are somewhere in between you may find useful tips. In addition, the print was a bit difficult for these old eyes (grey, rather than black, and somewhat small). However, if you are interested in the history of digital photography, the intricacies of how Stephen Johnson makes his photographs, and significant social commentary, then this book is for you. I will enjoy having it on my bookshelf and I expect to dip into it from time to time so I can learn how to become a more accomplished digital photographer.
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