The Basic Book of Photography

Put the Main Subject Off Center rule of thirds, dividing the horizon

Get in Close Keep the Horizon Straight Watch the Background Check All Angles Try Leading Lines Frame the Subject Vary the Format Include Size Indicators

Focus for Effect depth of field use

Expose Accurately

Include Some Action stop-action, point of reference, chart of suggested shutter speeds, peak of action, panning, using flash, slow shutter speeds, blurring, zooming

Use Good Timing time of day

Consider Color also for black-and-white photography

Use Your Imagination breaking the rules, experimentation

2. OPERATING YOUR CAMERA camera instruction manual

The "Best" Camera"The 35mm Revolution various types of cameras: small-, medium-, and large-format

Single Lens Reflex or Compact Camera? various camera names, various automatic features, viewfinder differences, parallax error, focusing differences, shutter differences

Protecting Your Camera camera strap, case, bag, precautions, maintenance

Safeguarding Your Lenses cleaning, lens shade, protective filters, lens cap

Holding the Camera camera movement/shake, shutter release technique, self-timer, vibration reduction/image stabilization, cable release and remote cord, mirror lock-up, eyepiece shutter/blind

Loading Your Camera - for Sure autoload, film leader, take-up spool, cassette, chamber, rewing crank/knob, loading mark, transport reel, sprocket holes, manual loading, film rewind button, transport indicator, frame counter, load indicator, view window, autowind, film prewind, autorewind, film pressure plate

Changing Partially Exposed Rolls of Film film rewind procedures, frame counter, leader retriever, changing bag, reload procedure, APS mid-roll change

Making Multiple Exposures double/multiple exposures, multiple exposure control, multiexposure mode

Understanding Film Speeds (ISO) latent image, slow-speed, medium-speed, and high-speed/fast films, ASA, DIN and ISO film speed rating systems, ISO chart, interrelationships of film speeds, relationship to exposure, exposure meters, auto-exposure cameras

Comprehending Shutter Speeds shutter speed control dial and LCD information panel, focal plane shutters, specific shutter speeds, B (bulb) and T (time) shutter settings, time exposures, lock-screw cable release, trigger-lock and programmable remote cords, interrelationships of shutter speeds

Adjusting Lens Openings aperture/diaphragm, specific f/stops, interrelationships of f/stops, lens focal length, full stops and half-stops, click stops, interrelationships of lens openings and shutter speeds, auto-exposure cameras, multimode exposure cameras, programmed mode, specialized programmed modes, shutter-priority mode, aperture-priority mode

Figuring Focus autofocus cameras, autofocus lenses, autofocusing, fixed/free focus, zone focus, autofocusing single lens reflex cameras (lens focusing ring, focus control switch, focus detection area, and in-focus indicator), focusing screen, automatic lens aperture, manual focusing single lens reflex cameras (split-image rangefinder and microprism focusing collar), distance scale, infinity, point of focus indicator, infrared focus indicator, viewfinder coverage and magnification, high-eyepoint viewfinders, eyecup, diopter correction control, eyepiece correction lenses

Dealing with Depth of Field depth of field scale and chart, techniques to determine and control depth of field, depth of field preview device, hyperfocal distance

Recognizing Some Common Photo Abbreviations

3. DETERMINING EXPOSURE types of exposure meters: built-in and hand-held

Setting the Film Speed (ISO) LCD information panel, film speed dial, range of film speeds/ISO numbers

Setting the ISO automatically with DX-coded films DX (data exchange), film speed controls, exposure index (EI)

Understanding Automatic Exposure (AE) Controls auto-exposure (AE) cameras, multimode exposure, exposure mode selector/control dial, programmed (P) mode, aperture-priority (A) mode, shutter-priority (S) mode, manual (M) mode, specialized programmed exposure modes, aperture-preferred cameras, shutter-preferred cameras

Understanding Exposure Metering Systems through-the-lens (TTL) metering, averaging meters, center-weighted metering, spot metering, multizone metering, off-the-film (OTF) flash metering, automatic aperture, open-aperture/full-aperture metering, depth of field preview, stop-down metering

Working with Exposure Override Controls exposure lock/memory lock, backlight mode, exposure compensator, exposure compensation dial, manual exposure

Bracketing for the Best Exposure bracketing technique, exposure latitude, autobracketing

Concerning Exposure Meter Photocells selenium cell, cadmium sulfide (CdS) cell, silicon photo diode (SPD), silicon blue cell (SBC), metering range, exposure value (EV), sensitivity warnings

Dealing with Exposure Meter and Camera Batteries battery check, battery sizes, battery types (alkaline, lithium, nickel-cadmium, nickel metal hydride, replaceable and rechargeable), battery chargers, battery precautions

Considering Hand-held Exposure Meters reflected-light and incident-light readings, flash meters, color temperature meters, exposure lock, averaging and spot meters, angle of acceptance, zero adjustment

Simple Alternatives for Setting Exposures film instruction data, f/16 rule of thumb, experienced guess

Making Accurate Exposure Readings proper exposure, highlight detail, shadow detail, middle/average tone, extremes in contrast, exposing for the main subject, multizone metering, spot metering, hand reading, photographic gray card, bracketing, exposure latitude, Ansel Adams Zone System

4. CHOOSING LENSES interchangeable lenses, focal length, subject image size, angle of view/field of view

Types of Lenses normal/standard lens, telephoto lens, wide-angle lens, fish-eye lens, circular fish-eye lens, full-frame fish-eye lens, ultra-wide-angle lens, list of lens focal lengths and angles of view, fixed/single focal length, zoom lens, variable aperture zoom lens, macro lens, close-up lens, diopter, extension tubes and bellows, autofocus lenses, camera types with permanently mounted lenses

Determing the Quality and Cost of Lenses technical jargon, cost, optical quality, aspherical lens, apochromatic lens, maximum lens opening, sharpness, internal focusing, image stabilization, gray-market lenses

Mounting Lenses bayonet, breech-lock, and screw mounts

All About Autofocus Lenses focus control switch, focus mode selector, single shot focus, focus priority, continuous focus, release priority, predictive autofocus, film advance control, single frame and continuous advance, high-speed and low-speed continuous advance, electronic rangefinder, in-focus indicator, focus detection area, cross-type and multi AF sensors, wide area and spot area autofocusing, eye-control autofocusing, focusing on off-center subjects, autofocus lock, passive phase detection and active infrared autofocus systems, AF assist/autofocus illuminator beam, autofocusing limitations, interchangeable focusing screens, freeze/trap focus

Praising Zippy Zoom Lenses uses, features, macro/close-focus capabilities, variable focal length/varifocal lenses, one-touch and two-touch controls

Tips for Using Telephoto Lenses uses, types, camera movement concerns, tripod, pistol grip and shoulder brace support, maximum lens aperture, depth of field, lens extender/converter, reflext-type mirror/catadioptric telephoto

Working with Wide-Angle Lenses Working with Wide-Angle Lenses focal lengths, uses, distortion, depth of field, keystoning, perspective-correction/control lens

Making It Big with Macro Lenses macro/micro/close-focus lenses, reproduction ratios, critical focus, ring light, lens reversing/macro adapter ring

Creating Large Images with Close-up Lenses accessory lenses, diopter, focusing ranges, variable close-up lenses, sizes, focusing and framing, parallax error

Nonoptical Options for Making Close-ups extension tubes and bellows

5. FINDING OUT ALL ABOUT FLASH fill flash, flashbulbs, electronic flash

Day and Night Uses of Flash Farewell to Flashbulbs Types of Flash Equipment built-in flash, automatic flash operating range, red-eye reduction, accessory flash unit, shoe-mount flash, hot shoe, accessory shoe, handle-mount flash, flash bracket, studio flash, modeling lights, ring light/macro flash

Determining Flash Power light output, flash guide number, zoom flash head, light output control, flash exposure test

Understanding Flash Synchronization focal plane shutters, fastest shutter speeds, hot shoe, flash cord sockets, flash synchronization test

Features of Shoe-Mount Flash brands, feature summary, dedicated autoflash, flash mounting foot, universal dedicated autoflash, hot shoe modules, automatic flash exposure/autoflash, TTL (through-the-lens) autoflash, off-the-film (OTF) flash metering, flash mode selector, automatic fill flash, non-TTL autoflash, photocell sensor, automatic flash operating ranges, LCD information panel, indicator bar, distance scale, sensor coverage, manual flash control, on/off power switch, flash status signals (ready light and sufficient light indicator/confidence light), open flash/test flash button, tilting and rotating flash head, secondary flash head, catchlight, bounce card, bare-bulb flash, auto-zoom flash head, flash coverage/angle of illumination, wide-angle flash adapter/diffuser, telephoto flash adapter, zoom head adjustment button, AF assist/auto illuminator beam, in-focus indicator, red-eye reduction, preflashes, red-eye reduction pen, flash exposure bracketing, flash exposure compensation, light output/variable power control, slow sync, ghosting, rear-curtain/second curtain/trailing sync, normal/first curtain/leading sync, high-speed sync, repeating/multiple/stroboscopic flash, slave flash, wireless/remote slave flash, radio slave, "use flash"/"flash needed" signals

Facts About Flash Batteries types (replaceable and rechargeable), recycle time, number of flashes, power-saving/thyristor circuitry, choosing lithium, alkaline, or nickel-cadmium batteries, battery packs, battery life, battery tester, AC adapter

Concerns About Flash Cords and Connections off-camera flash, types of flash cords, TTL sync/remote cord, non-TTL remote sensor cord, PC cord, faulty cord test, hot shoe flash socket (PC) adapter, wireless remote flash, remote flash sensor, radio slave, wireless TTL auto-exposure flash

Figuring Manual Flash Exposures flash mode selector, flash guide number, light output/variable power control, light output f/stop and flash-to-subject equivalents, interrelationships of film speeds, flash-to-subject distances and f/stops

Fill Flash for More Flattering Photos fill/fill-in/synchro-sunlight flash, balance with the ambient light, dedicated TTL autoflash for fill flash, non-TTL autoflash for fill flash, manual flash for fill flash, adjustments for manual fill flash (light output/variable power control, zoom flash head, reposition camera/flash, and covering head with hankerchief), indoor fill flash, lighting ratios

Bounce Flash for Better Pictures flat/on-camera flash, bounce flash techniques, bounce light reflector, bounce light exposure for dedicated TTL autoflash, sufficient light indicator, open flash button, manual exposure for bounce flash, photographic umbrella

Other Useful Flash Techniques flash meter, off-camera flash, multiple flash, infrared wireless TTL auto-exposure remote flash, multiple flashes (for open flash/painting with light, to increase the light, and to increase depth of field), multiple exposure control, repeating flash mode, flash with color filters, filtered fill flash, flash color balance, close-ups with flash

Practical Considerations with Flash uniform illumination, shadows, flash position, reflective objects, checking closed eyes

6. SELECTING FILMS name brands, private label/store brands, film box, film data, data sheet, expiration date, shelf life, professional film, consumer/amateur film, refrigerated storage, premium film

Types of Film color negative/color print film, color reversal/color positive/color transparency/color slide film, black-and-white film, daylight film, tungsten film, tungsten light, color balance, color temperature, kelvins (K), filters, color sensitivity, panchromatic films, definition, sharpness, resolution/resolving power, graininess

Special-Purpose Films infrared film, copy film, duplicating film, instant slide film, processing Polaroid's instant slide film, black-and-white reversal film, black-and-white chromogenic film, two-for-one/gimmick film, digitized film images on CDs and DVDs

Speeds of Film ISO number, slow-speed, medium-speed and high-speed/fast films, relative sensitivity of films, exposure equivalents, exposure index (EI), push and pull processing, ASA, DIN, ISO, DX symbol, film speed control, reciprocity effect

Sizes of Films 35mm film, cassettes, film leader, bulk film/long rolls, APS film, roll film, cartridge film, subminiature film, disc film, sheet/cut film, film holders, film packets

Processing of Films fast-photo minilabs, demanding good quality, custom labs, special processing, wholesale photofinishers, mail-order photofinishers, prepaid processing mailers, cost of processing, do-it-yourself processing

Color and Black-and-White Films Currently Available choosing a film, lists of color negative (print), color reversal (slide), and black-and-white films

7. IMPROVING PHOTOS WITH FILTERS general filter facts (names, colors, numbers, and materials), accessory lenses, screw-in filters, step-up rings, series filters, filter adapters, series filter coverage, slip-on adapters, set-screw adapters, bayonet mounts, filter holder, filter systems, filter manufacturers, removing filters, general categories (light-balancing, conversion, color compensating, correction, and contrast filters), vignetting, autofocusing cautions

Understanding Filter Factors exposure compensation, chart of exposure changes, checking through-the-lens (TTL) meters, resetting hand-held meters

Three Filters for All Films ultraviolet (UV)/haze filter, skylight filter, polarizing filter, circular and linear polarizing filters, neutral density (ND) filters, chart of ND filters, graduated ND filters

Filters for Color Photography general categories, why and when to use filters, light-balancing filters, chart of light-balancing filters and effects, warming filters, conversion filters (types and uses), fluorescent light filters, color compensating (CC) filters

Filters for Black-and-White Photography panchromatic films, correction filters, contrast filters, Kodak Wratten filters, chart with filter numbers, former names, colors, filter factors and exposure increases, primary and secondary/complementary colors, filter color absorption and transmitting characteristics, other attributes and uses

Filters for Fun and Special Effects star/cross-screen filter, star effect, diffusion/soft-focus filter, spot/clear-center filter, fog filter, accessory lenses, multiple-image lens, split-field lens, diffraction filters, motion filters

8. CONSIDERING ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT

Tips About Tripods various uses, avoiding camera shake (self-timer, cable release, and remote cord), tripod brands, construction, legs, leg locks, elevator post, feet, various heads, spirit level, foam insulation, carrying strap and case, minipod, pistol grip, shoulder brace, C-clamp, beanbag, unipod

Considerations about Camera Bags hard cases, soft-sided bags, construction, material, shoulder strap, closures, bag configurations and access, identification, hip and chest bags, photo backpacks, photo vests

Multiple Choices with Multifunction and Data Backs data back, multifunction back, multicontrol back

Fast Filming with Motor Drives autowinder, motor drive, frames per second, speed controls, time-lapse photography, remote controls

Buying Used Accessory Equipment

9. USING POINT-AND-SHOOT AND OTHER CONVENIENCE CAMERAS Instamatic, disc, compact 35mm, APS, single-use, instant , and digital cameras

Mastering 35mm Compact Cameras point-and-shoot/lens-shutter cameras, active infrared and passive phase detection autofocus systems, infinity lock, focusing zones, fixed focus lens, focusing frame, wide-area autofocusing, autofocus lock, macro/close-up mode, parallax error, real image viewfinders, auto-exposure, overriding auto-exposure, backlight mode, exposure compensation, night, bulb/time, and TV modes, range of shutter speeds and f/stops, vibration reduction, DX-coded film cassettes, single and dual focal length lenses, zoom lenses, maximum f/stop, midrange and super zooms, built-in autoflash, flash range, red-eye reduction, preflash, flash-off button, auto fill-flash mode, flash-on button, autowind, auto rewind, film loading mark, film rewind button, prewind, film frame counter, film cassette window, self-timer, variable self-timer, panoramic format, data back and special functions, LCD information panel, battery power, solar power, weatherproof and waterproof cameras

Avoiding Compact Camera Calamities pitfalls to avoid and techniques to remember

Better Snapshots with APS (Advanced Photo System) Cameras APS film, film status indicators, mid-roll change, magnetic coating, back-printing, photo file index print, print format control, framing masks, photo players, photo scanners, print quality, camera features, single-use models, Picture Quality Information Exchange (PQIX)

Simple Shooting with Single-Use Cameras one-time-use camera, flash, waterproof and panoramic models, film types, speeds and number of exposures, print sizes, focus range, lens focal lengths, lens openings, shutter speeds, flash range, viewfinders, shirt-pocket models, shooting tips, film frame counter

Almost Gone But Not Forgotten: Instamatic Cameras availability of cameras and films

On-the-Spot Prints with Polaroid Instant Cameras history, peel-apart and integral films, automation, current models and features, instant films, film sizes, development times, lighten/darken exposure dial, print storage, tips for using instant cameras, 35mm instant films

The Impact of Convenience Cameras

10. DELVING INTO DIGITAL CAMERAS AND IMAGING digital camera, continuous-tone/analog images, picture elements/pixels, scanners, computer hard drive, image-editing software, image manipulation

The Digital Camera Difference LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, image sensor, buffer, memory card, shutter lag, recycle/capture rate, burst rate

Resolution Is the Key to Digital Image Quality image quality, high resolution, low resolution, pixels, dots per inch (dpi), image sensor, megapixels, CCD (charge-coupled device), CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor), Foveon X3 chip, recording mode, effective/recording pixels, exposure time delay, memory storage capacity, RAM (random access memory), MB (megabytes), internal memory, memory/flash memory cards, GB (gigabytes), types of memory cards, floppy disk, memory card readers/writers, long-term image storage, CDs, DVDs, PC card adapter, portable digital storage devices, image compression, file formats (JPEG, TIFF, RAW), resolution image, technical specifications

Features of Digital Cameras camera appearance, zoom lens reflex (ZLR) models, camera brands, autofocus indicators, autofocus lock, autofocus limitations, close-ups, macro mode, parallax error, auto-exposure, lens aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation mode, ISO exposure settings, noise, exposure metering systems, spot metering, white balance, automatic white balance mode, lenses, zoom lens, optical zoom, digital zoom, interpolation, pixelization/jaggies, lens converters, focal length multiplier, vignetting, lens adapter, variable maximum aperture, image stabilization/vibration reduction, LCD monitor, optical viewfinder, parallax error, diopter correction control, electronic viewfinder, autoflash, hot shoe, external flash terminal/flash cord socket, built-in flash, flash range, flash recharge time, flash ready light, autoflash mode, manual/fill-in flash mode, red-eye reduction mode, slow sync mode, no flash/flash off mode, flash exposure compensation, panorama/stitch mode, movie mode, erase mode, protection mode, index mode, DPOF (digital print order format), self-timer, tripod socket, LCD information panel, AC adapter, computer/TV connecting cords/cables, camera/TV compatibility, slide-show mode, battery types (alkaline and lithium), rechargeable batteries (nickel metal hydride, nickel cadmium, lithium ion), battery packs, camera care, camera purchase tips

Showing Off Your Digital Photographs Working with Digital Image Files digital/desktop darkroom, digital image files, computer performance, RAM (random access memory), hard drive

Scanning Prints, Negatives, and Slides input devices, drum scanner, flatbed scanner, film scanner, transparency adapter, scanner resolution, dots per inch (dpi), dynamic range/density range, noise, color depth/bit depth, scanning speed, dust and scratch removal

Being Creative with Image-Editing Software image-editing/image-processing software programs, filters/effects, templates

Saving Digital Image Files digital file formats (JPEG, TIFF)

Making Photo-Quality Digital Prints output devices, photo-quality printers, inkjet printers, brands, paper widths, printer speeds, printer resolution, dots per inch (dpi), image-editing software, print size, image resolution, pixels per inch (ppi), interpolation, direct printing, compatible cable connections, printer ink cartridges, print papers, print formats, color management, dye-sublimation printers, laser printers

Using Photo-Quality Print Papers paper types, brands, surface/finish, brightness, weight, thickness, special photo print papers, handling print papers, archival permanence

Copying Digital Images onto Photographic Film film recorder

Displaying Digital Images on the World Wide Web computer modem, resizing image

Letting Local and Online Photofinishers Do the Work print ordering procedures, your photos on a Web site, online photo-sharing companies, copying photos to a DVD or a CD

Preserving Digital Images on DVDs and CDs backup copies, DVD/CD burners, optical versus magnetic storage media, rewritable drive, recordable drive, rewritable discs, recordable discs, DVD players, drive/disc formats, disc capacities, drive speeds

Viewing Photos on Computer Monitors, TVs, and Digital Picture Frames DVD player, digital picture frames 11. LEARNING ABOUT LIGHTING natural and artificial light, ambient/existing/available light

Basic Types of Lighting front/flat lighting, side lighting, backlighting, silhouette, cross lighting

Outdoor Lighting Concerns directional and diffused lighting, soft and hard lighting, subjects in the shade, top lighting, color casts, light-balancing filter, shadows, backlighting, rainbows, sunsets

Indoor Lighting, Especially for Portraits umbrella reflector, bounce lighting, portrait lighting plans, main light, fill light, accent/hair light, snoot, barn doors, background light, seamless paper, cross lighting, tunsten/hot light, portrait lighting setups at home, photoflood bulbs, tungsten-halogen bulbs, safety precautions for hot lights, flash, modeling lights

12. PHOTOGRAPHING UNDER SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Shooting with Existing Light and at Night existing/available/ambient light, chart of trial exposures, shutter speeds, time exposures, flash use, high-speed films, increasing film speed, push processing, fast lenses, figuring exposure, exposure techniques, nighttime subjects including fireworks and the moon, photographing television images, choice of films, bracketing exposures, reciprocity effect

Creating Close-ups and Making Photographic Copies photomacrography, photomicrography, reproduction ratios, use of macro/micro lenses, use of lens reversing technique, use of extension tubes and bellows, chart of subject magnifications, use of lens extender/lens converter/tele-extender/teleconverter, use of accessory close-up lenses, diopters, variable close-up lens, focusing and framing concerns, parallax error, exposure, exposure factors, film plane, film plane indicator, critical focusing, plane of focus, depth of field, depth of field preview, avoiding camera movement, flash, for close-ups, ring light/macro flash, photographic copying, lighting copy subjects, duplicating 35mm slides, slide duplicator, slide copying adapter, film choices, cleaning slides

Having Fun with Infrared Films characteristics, uses, film speeds, filters, black-and-white infrared film (types, filters, exposures, special handling, and focusing), infrared focus indicator, color infrared film (type, exposures, filters, handling, and special processing)

Making Multiple Exposures techniques, multiple exposure control, multiexposure mode, exposure, overlapping images, overlapping colors, flash use, light output/variable power control, open flash/test flash button, repeating/multiple/stroboscopic flash, careful composition, subject suggestions including full moon and ghost images, rear-curtain/second curtain/trailing sync, making a physiograph, multiple-image lens, sandwiching images

Flying with Your Camera general advice, focusing, active infrared autofocus, infinity lock, subjects, weather, timing, shutter speeds, filters, chartering aircraft

Adventuring Underwater with a Camera waterproof single-use cameras, waterproof 35mm and APS automatic compact cameras, sports cameras, amphibious cameras, Nikonos, SLR underwater camera, waterproof camera housings (brands, types, features, and depth limitations), water's effect on light, decrease in light intensity, flash use, color absorption, light diffusion, backscatter, light refraction, effective lens focal lengths, figuring focus, film choices, equipment care, photography beneath the sea

Photographing into a Fish Tank fish tank photography (techniques, lighting, and flash exposures), marine aquariums

Shooting Through Binoculars binocular and camera choice, mounting, focusing and framing, effective focal length, support, effective f/stop opening, exposure adjustment

Trying a Telescope camera choice, mounting, telescope camera adapter, earth's rotation, subjects (moon and stars), astrophotography, star trails, techniques, exposures

Working with a Microscope camera choice, mounting, light sources (tungsten and flash)

13. TRAVELING WITH A CAMERA

What to Photograph research, "shoot list," tell a story, picture categories, people pictures, candid pictures, payment for pictures, size indicators, get in close, aerial views, traveling by tour bus, overall views and close-ups, waiting for better photo situations, editing

Some Practical Advice safeguards for equipment, theft, cameras in a car, protection from rain, snow and salt water, cold weather concerns, vibration, photo vest

Equipment to Take camera choices, auto-exposure control, testing new and repaired cameras, lens choices, close-up images, camera bags, flash, batteries, tripod, cable release and remote cord, two camera bodies, one type of film, one type of photography

Film Brands and Prices overseas purchase, expiration date, processing included

Which Film Speeds? slow-, medium-, and high-speed films, mid-roll change

How Much Film? more than you think, discard boxes, carrying film

Protecting and Processing Film a