Wednesday, April 18, 2012

A Review "Trick Photography and Special Effects" by Evan Sharboneau

By Amy Renfrey


The Trick Photography Book written by Evan Sharboneau is an in depth and exciting book. It is sure to enlighten photographers of all levels on the method to get those special effects photographs. Even for those that may have never picked up a camera in their lives or are using uncomplicated cameras many special effects can still be done. The book even offers to help photo enthusiasts in a simple and very simple to understand way.

I liked its strategies, tactics and was delighted to read the entire book from front to cover. Evan has done himself proud. There is a huge selection of information in the book.

Long Exposure Effects and Light Painting Setting the Shutter Speed Setting the Aperture Setting the ISO Setting the White Balance and Generic Common Settings for Light Paintings

These just a few of the many things you will come across in the book.

He talks a lot about the best lighting and other really great techniques you can create in the post processing end of your photography. I liked the way he went into specific detail and defined how everything works mutually, from start to finish, to create your final image. Good lighting is the key to photography and Evan covers this in great detail.

When you first open the book you are hit with a huge table of contents.

It feels a little overwhelming to begin with because the info he provides is so big. He not only goes into all the things you need to know like lighting, but talks about dslr's, angles, software and other technological facts, which he describes very easily and simply.

High Speed Photography One of my favourite aspects to his book was the part High Speed Photography. Want to see what a balloon looks like when it pops? Its high speed photography but the images look like they have been captured in slow motion. This is the section you won't want to miss. He explains all the equipment you will need (yes you can set this up at home) where to buy the equipment and how to put it all together.

The photos are incredible. I really felt myself getting excited by the prospect of shooting my own high speed photographs. I can't wait to try this.

Evan also covers a section on Bubbles and macro photography. The images are stunning and you are truly transported to another world by looking at them. You can produce amazing effects, abstract photos and extremely exciting photos of close up bubbles. You see the dazzling swirls of the water across the surface of the bubble and the patterns look like something out of a fantasy book.

Photographing smoke is also in the book, thankfully. I am thankful because I get so many people asking me how to shoot smoke. Now I can refer them to Evans book. I love this part a lot. He talks about the light, things to use as backdrops and what you need to accurately capture smoke and produce interesting and spectacular patterns. You don't have to use cigarette smoke; you can also use the smoke from an incense stick.

Recommendation

I have been a photographer for a lot of years. I know how tough it can be when you are first starting out to not only take good photos, but particular effects. Evan makes this course of action easy, fun and really educational. I highly recommend this book. I am recommending it to all my photo enthusiasts who learn about photography.

It's easy to follow and fun to create your very first special effects photos. I recommend getting yourself a copy of the book. It's worth $97 but I seriously think he should be asking for double the cost. It's worth so much more than it's current outlay. It just shows the generous nature of the author.

Amy Renfrey




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