When I got into the blogging trend, I realized that photos can either make or break a post, especially when you are writing about travel. It became apparent to me that I needed to work on my photography skills and at the same time as realizing this, I managed to get my hands on a review copy of a brand new travel photography book that was due to be released.
The book is by Brendan Van Son and is called How to Take Great Travel Pictures with a Point and Shoot Camera. Since reading the book, I have changed my viewpoint on photography.
Travel Photography Tips Ebook : Tricks for Beginners
I always used to put full responsibility in the camera. If the picture was crap, it was the camera’s fault. If I could not take the picture I wanted it was the camera’s fault. I now know that good photography depends on how well the photographer knows his camera and how he uses it.
Instead of stamping my feet, then swearing and cussing about what a crap camera I have bought. I now refer back to Brendan’s book and my instruction manual. Yes, I put my hands up. I am one of the people who never read the instruction manual to my camera; however I am now in the process of going through it.
There are many little symbols on my camera that I have never used because to me, they never made any difference to the picture. However by reading the manual, I have discovered that those features have to be used in the right time and at the right place. Then they do make a difference.
Brendan Van Son – The Author Of How To Take Great Travel Photos
There are no technical terms used in the book and for anyone just starting to get serious about photography, the book will be an easy read. For anyone that is thinking of buying a camera, Brendan recommends some great makes and models based on market reputation and price, not the number of flashy features that they have.
To show that he is not all mouth and no action, Brendan has included a lot of his own photographs in the book so don’t think that the 66 pages of the book are too long as a lot of the pages are taken up with photographs to prove the point that is mentioned in that chapter.
Picture By Brendan Van Son – Taken With A Point And Shoot Camera
Throughout the book are little hints and tips, that don’t focus on the camera itself. Instead it focuses on you and your actions so you can improve your photography skills. It is also not one of those books, which you will read and never open up again. I will be referring to this book again and again until I feel I have mastered the skills mentioned in it. Think of this book as your second instruction manual.
The layout of the book is how to use a point and shoot camera in various scenarios. Landscapes, sunset, night time, urban environment, people and animals.
Brendan also introduced me to photo editing programs. There are free versions out there which I am using or you can use Adobe Photoshop which Brendan recommends.
The book is selling on Amazon or you can head over to Brendan’s site and buy the book for the special introduction price of 11.99.
If you are on your way over to Brendan’s site then also take a look at his picture gallery for some fantastic landscape pictures.
thanks for the tip, whoes does use all those buttons on their cameras anyway (ha!) !!
i am determined to use less auto this year and more mode shooting on my dslr
I have decided to use less auto as well Greg. You never know, I might be able to produce something. Your pictures are already fantastic though. I was on your site the other day.
You really seem to like this book
But you’re right, I’ve taken some photography classes and now I take much better pictures than before.
While traveling it feels so good to actually know what you’re doing with your camera, work with the available light sources and make great pictures.
Hi Nicholas, Thanks for stopping by. I did like the book as it was my wake up call that photography is not as easy as I thought it was but if you know your camera then it can be. There are also little tricks of the trade that you expert photographers never tell us all about. LOL