Photography books tend to be long, technical, and full of complicated jargon. For the amateur or pro who just wants to get quick-hitting tips and loads of inspiration, this is the book that does the job. In 355 handy, easy-to-grasp hints, this book gives you what you need to know to grasp the basics of lighting, composition, gear, working with models, and much, much more. Pro tips make this much more than a beginner’s guide. Taking amazing pictures is getting easier and easier with the advances in digital photography, and The Complete Photo Manual is here to help you take full advantage! Organized into three useful chapters (Gear & Setup, Shooting & Composing, and Processing & Beyond), this book from the experts at Popular Photography magazine helps you select and use cutting-edge cameras and accessories; teaches you to see the world as a photographer does and shoot in the moment to capture great shots as they happen; and then tweak your images in photo-processing software for next-level effects. From the subtle (adjusting the color in a picture to create a different mood) to the artistic (compositions merging several photos to dramatic effect) to the downright amazing (how to photograph yourself levitating . . . it’s easier than you think!), The Complete Photo Manual opens up a whole world of photographic possibility. Set-ups and techniques are described in detail, with easy-to-understand illustrations and diagrams, and a wealth of beautifully inspirational photography. Beginners will learn ways to quickly move into new realms of expertise, and even old pros will pick up some new tricks. Anyone who has ever looked at an amazing composition or a skillful composite and said, “How did they do that?” will find this book irresistible.

A trusted reference for beginners looking to master the portrait or lifelong photographers looking to try a new twist on the classic genre. The editors of Popular Photography pooled all their knowledge from their 70+ years of experience to bring you the most comprehensive guide to portraits on the market: The Complete Portrait Manual. Whether you’re after snapshots of loved ones laughing, impressive studio headshots, fun yet tasteful selfies, or lightning-fast captures of athletes doing the thing they love, this guide will help you produce the perfect portrait. In chapters on how to flatter your subjects with poses and angles, light them just right, and retouch your photos in post-production, you’ll learn how to: · Get to Know Your Subjects · Pick Props that Show Personality · Snap a Nice Selfie · Craft Environmental Portraits · Hide Flaws with Clever Angles · Take Candid Street Shots · Pick Poses that Flatter · Zoom In on Telling Details · Shoot Truly Joyful Holiday Portraits · Freeze a Subject’s Fleeting Reflection · Set Up Avedon Lighting · Know Your Light Sources · Flatter with a Ring Light · Mimic Film Noir Shadows · Slow a Spinning Ballerina with Long Exposure · Combine Natural and Studio Light · Select Light Modifiers · Capture Musicians with Limited Lighting · Make Nostalgic Portraits with Film · Understand Retouching Tools · Go Classic with Black and White Conversion · Craft Whimsical Composites · Repair Old Photos of Loved Ones · Minimize Lines and Skin Flaws · Whiten Teeth and Eyes · Make Cautious Use of the Liquify Tool · Brighten Exposure for Breezier Snapshots

This book is a comprehensive how-to book about all of the most popular cake decorating techniques, including piped frosting, fondant, and hand modeled figures. For each technique, there is an overview of the tools and materials used and complete instructions with photos. The organization provides easy access to information with step-by-step directions and 600 full-color photos for clear understanding. Easy projects allow the reader to try the techniques in each section. Galleries of decorated cakes by various artists offer the reader examples and inspiration to pursue the hobby for themselves.

The Complete Photo Guide to Clothing Construction helps you master all of the techniques needed to sew clothes--including tops, dresses, pants, skirts, and even outerwear. This technique-driven book follows the entire process of clothing construction, including a section on the sewing machine and other tools/materials used, information on working with patterns and fitting, laying out the pattern pieces, cutting and marking, and on through every step of construction to the final button. Large, detailed photos guide you from start to finish and help give you a visual basis for learning the skills. This comprehensive guide is a long-lasting reference for anyone who sews clothes. It fills in all the technique details not supplied by manufacturers of the clothing patterns that most sewers use for all of their projects. The Complete Photo Guide to Clothing Construction explains the reasons behind the methods, warns of pitfalls to watch out for, and provides you with valuable tips that help you reach a satisfying, successful end with every project. Examples show both men's and women's fashions as well as children's clothes.

In contrast to the jargon-filled manuals that come with most digital cameras, The Beginner's Photography Guide presents step-by-step digital slr camera basics, while introducing and demonstrating a wide variety of techniques that will inspire the novice digital photographer. Grouped together by themes-color, composition, natural light, framing, and more-each camera technique is broken down into an easy-to-follow step-by-step sequence, and features annotated photographs and suggestions on getting the best from digital slr cameras and taking eye-catching photos.

With updated photography and techniques, this is the definitive guide to all things sewing, whether you're working with garments or decor