Basic 35mm Photo Guide: For Beginning Photographers

I started here and couldn't be more thankful. First, I must concede that to find any value in this book, you pretty much have to be totally ignorant about 35mm photography. However, if you are (like I was), it is EXACTLY what you need. To me, an absolute novice photographer is someone who has never shot a photograph using a camera other than a simple "point and shoot" model. You know you're this type of person if someone has ever asked you to take a photo for them with a non-point & shoot (e.g. a 35mm SLR) and you panicked because you didn't know how or didn't think you could. If this example doesn't suffice, then ask yourself this question: Do you know what "SLR" stands for and what it means? If not, then you need this book.All told, this book is something like 112 pages long. However, I was able to read it in about 30 minutes. The reason is because the author gives you only the absolute basics you need in three or four sentences per page, with one or two visually explanatory accompanying photos. As such, it's PERFECT for explaining (and demonstrating) the nuts and bolts that you absolutely must know if you want to step up into a camera in which you have some control over the camera functions.Beyond that, you will admittedly learn little. However, what little you learn is absolutely essential. I recommend buying it too (rather than just reading it in a library, for example) because I still refer back to this book every now and then to make sure I'm correctly understanding the more advanced techniques I'm trying to learn in other books. I can't say enough about this book. If you want a small compact easy-to-read introduction to the bare basics of 35mm cameras and photography, this is the one and only book you will need. Enjoy!

I bought this book because I hadn't used my 35mm camera since some photography classes in high school, and wanted to refresh myself with the basics. The book is quick and to the point, not mincing any words or going into much detail in any of the topics. It covers the basics of camera operation, illustrating the concepts of depth of field and shutter speed (and it's balance with aperture) quickly but clearly, using photographs to demonstrate them all. You can probably sit down and read the book in a half hour or so, but you'll walk away understanding what you need to in order to start experimenting and learning through experience. If you've done any 35mm photography before, this isn't the book for you, it will be much too basic and there aren't any great insights to be learned from it. It is aimed squarely at beginners and shines as a quick tutorial.I once read that photography is more about getting out and doing it than having 'talent' or even 'technical skills', I'd agree, and would recommend this book as the shortest route to get shooting.

This book is easy to understand and gets to the point. I have read other books on the subject that are lengthy and boring.

I teach still photography to adults who have no previous experience in the field. I have found this book to be an excellent resource for my course. It stays away from the point and shoot cameras and concentrates on the entry level manual/automatics, which I feel is very positive. I give it to my students and require that they read it before the first class session meets, then use its photos alongside adjustable cameras to teach the basics: aperature, shutter speed, film speed, depth of field, stopping motion, etc.

This book is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to know more about taking pictures with their 35mm camera. I disagree with the other reviewer -- this book takes you way past the owner's manual and gives clear, concise, step by step instructions. It gives great pointers on lighting, composition, focusing -- every facet of shooting a picture is covered and wonderfully illustrated.I recommend this book!