The Photography Bible by Daniel Lezano Review
Reviewed by John Fisher
I am always a little sceptical of any book that refers to itself as ‘the bible’ of a particular subject. I was even more sceptical, when I noted that there are a mere 170 pages, to cover the extensive range of technology and theory that resides within the realm of photography. What I found however, was a very high quality volume, containing exceptional colour photos and illustrations, supporting a vast array of expert knowledge and tips, all captured within the glossy pages of this softbound reference manual. What also surprised me, is the manner in which the information is offered. Too often, books of this kind are over-technical and drab, appealing only to those dedicated aficionados who can appreciate the dark secrets of this cross between science and art.
As comprehensive as it claims on its cover, this book is an excellent introduction to everything you need to know about photography, whatever your speciality, or experience level. It is an impressive and fascinating study of what works (and what doesn’t) when creating photographic images and covers, not only cameras, accessories and techniques (before, during and after pressing the shutter), but also software and the printing, storing and selling of your images.
With the technical advances of today’s digital world and the rapid proliferation of social media websites, photography is no longer solely in the domain of either the darkroom geek, or the family holiday snapper. Nowadays, everyone wants to capture images of their everyday lives, to share with (and often amaze) their friends. Whether your chosen weapon is a high-end DSLR [Digital Single-Lens Reflex] camera, or simply a basic mobile phone and whether you want a straight-forward picture, or prefer to use your creative talents to ‘jiggle’ the image a little with one of the widely available software packages, this book will help and inspire you. If you need help making a decision on which type of camera to buy, or guidance on how to get the best picture of different subjects in varying conditions and what you can do once you’ve captured your heart’s desire and locked it away in mysterious megapixels, this book makes an ideal starting point on the pathway to enlightenment.
Now in its 3rd re-incarnation, the author proves that, not only does he know his stuff inside out, but also, more importantly, he knows how to pass the information on in a very understandable and hugely interesting way. Daniel Lezano is an accomplished editor of photography magazines and tours the world lecturing on what is his undeniable passion and this book confirms and underlines his obvious deep appreciation for every aspect of the subject.
If I could only recommend one book to any budding photographer, I would have no hesitation, or reservations in recommending this one. Don’t even consider buying a camera until you have at least browsed through its pages. The knowledge and awareness that you will gain, will make so much difference to your expectations and give you the tools you need to make a far better and much more informed decision.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £16.99
Available to buy from Amazon here.
