Alternative to Understanding Exposure for Beginner

The23rdman

The23rdman

Suspended / Banned
Messages
13,582
Name
Dean
Edit My Images
No
I learnt about exposure from the above book, but I appreciate that it's not great for digital photographers. Has the third edition improved it? Alternatives that're easy to read.
 
Steve Smith said:
Why not? It's still just light, shutter speed, aperture and ISO. The recording medium doesn't change things by much.


Steve.
Click to expand...

It's just a bit dated. That wasn't my question though.
 
The main issue to consider is how you measure the light to relate it to the medium, irrespective of camera type. At least these days we're blessed with the addition of histogram displays and blinkies for instant review!
 
droj said:
The main issue to consider is how you measure the light to relate it to the medium, irrespective of camera type. At least these days we're blessed with the addition of histogram displays and blinkies for instant review!
Click to expand...

Exactly this. UE, as far as I recall, made no mention of these tools.
 
Last edited:
Thanks Rich, that's helpful.
 
No problem Dean, gets a bit boring with me recommending the second book, but I think it really is that good

Even explains back button focusing, never seen that so comprehensively dealt with before and same goes for perspective too
 
I've ordered the first one as it'll cover everything she needs for now.
 
The23rdman said:
Exactly this. UE, as far as I recall, made no mention of these tools.
Click to expand...

Third edition of BP's Understanding Exposure is no different, it can hardly be described as an update of the original (film based) book, and there's still no mention of histograms or blinkies. Rubbish book IMO.
 
Steve Smith said:
Why not? It's still just light, shutter speed, aperture and ISO. The recording medium doesn't change things by much.

Steve.
Click to expand...
But the tool (digital camera) gives us different latitudes to film, and tools other than the meter to help. And alternative strategies (ETTR).
And if I was writing a book on exposure for digital, I'd explain what is recoverable and what isn't. And how to manage that, and HDR blending exposures where the medium won't work with a single exposure.
90% of photography is the same, film or digital, but the 10% difference is mostly around exposure.

That's why we need a book as good as UE was, but for the digital age.
 
The best popular text on exposure that I have read is "Perfect Exposure" by Michael Freeman. Although it is aimed at an audience who already understand the basics.

I couldn't bear that "Understanding Exposure" book. No idea why it's so popular. It's thin on information, the information it does give is quite shallow, and it could be condensed into a pamphlet. The author's writing style is also very annoying.

In fact, I'd say that if you want to know the very basics, one of those exposure guide pamphlets you get free with photography mags every other week will provide you with just as much useful info as "Understanding Exposure".

Once you understand the exposure triangle (pretty simple stuff) just get the Michael Freeman book.
 
ghoti said:
The best popular text on exposure that I have read is "Perfect Exposure" by Michael Freeman. Although it is aimed at an audience who already understand the basics.

I couldn't bear that "Understanding Exposure" book. No idea why it's so popular. It's thin on information, the information it does give is quite shallow, and it could be condensed into a pamphlet. The author's writing style is also very annoying.

In fact, I'd say that if you want to know the very basics, one of those exposure guide pamphlets you get free with photography mags every other week will provide you with just as much useful info as "Understanding Exposure".

Once you understand the exposure triangle (pretty simple stuff) just get the Michael Freeman book.
Click to expand...

Its not for me, it's for my technically illiterate mother.
 
For some odd reason, and knowledgable as he undoubtedly is, Michael Freeman's explaining style (in any book I've seen that he's done) has never gelled with me. So I'm suggesting that there's a personal aspect to this, maybe to do with brain type (are you an artist or an engineer, for instance).
 
tijuana taxi said:
This one is pretty good http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=01R1FS10PJ8EXQWZ3PV7

Never understood why UE gets such good reviews, maybe its the photos of his shapely missus

Personally think this is the finest book for explaining exposure in simple language, if I could only keep one photography book this would be it http://www.amazon.co.uk/Digital-Lan...sr=1-2&keywords=digital+landscape+photography
Click to expand...

The Digital Landscape book had arrived and it's completely inappropriate for my mum. His explanations are mudded and lack clarity. Oh well, back to the drawing board.
 
The23rdman said:
The Digital Landscape book had arrived and it's completely inappropriate for my mum. His explanations are mudded and lack clarity. Oh well, back to the drawing board.
Click to expand...
Amazon will probably take it back no problem. You werent to know it was unsuitable until you got it.
 
DorsetDude said:
Amazon will probably take it back no problem. You werent to know it was unsuitable until you got it.
Click to expand...

I bought it through the Marketplace. I'll have to see how the company operate.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top