The Secrets of Photography

Recently I started getting into digital IR photography. I got most of the basic information about IR photo shooting and simple RAW image conversion from the internet first. But I realized pretty soon that I wanted to gain more detailed knowledge of IR photography and the conversion of photos in software programs like PS. I screened several available books about IR photography published in the past few years and finally decided to get the one from D. Sandidge. It turned out to be an excellent choice: I was afraid that this book will focus endlessly on very basic principles but this is definetely not the case. The book is written for more professional users of DSLR cameras, which are either fully converted for IR or just by adding filters onto lenses to achive the same or similar effects. The book is full of very good examples of IR photographies supporting the context in the chapters. I gained a lot from the more advanced workshop chapters including HDR with IR photographies and merging color/IR photos. The book is a wonderful summary of creative IR possibilities which can be achieved with digital SLR cameras and the right software processing afterwards. The book is extremely well written, and the workshop steps are clearly defined (bold print to find the specific menus in the programs). Screenshots support those step-by-step tutorials.

The only negative remark I can make is the focus on mostly commercially available software filters in the last few book chapters. It is not stated clearly in the book that those software filters are no freeware and need to be purchased seperately. Here I wish the author would have mostly stayed with the available PS program filters or referring to freeware filter plugins. But this is a minor issue. Overall I can highly recommend this book since it will open up a complete new way to do creative photography.
Rating: 5 / 5

I must say that the author has put some real thought into the contents of this book. I have just started getting into IR photography and have been searching for a book on such a subject. I wanted a all-in-one type book on IR photography so that I didn’t need to go out and buy separate books on each subject matter. The author has thoughtfully put together such a book and I give it a high five! You get an introduction into the process of IR photography either with filters on the lens or a IR converted camera. The author gives you all types of examples to explore in IR compositions from landscapes to closeups and even our furry little friends cats and dogs. The last third of the book digs deep into post processing using Photoshop and even adding HDR techniques to your IR images. Their our many photo examples in full color infrared and black & white to give you your own inspirations. Another nice feature to this book, there is a project at the end of each chapter for you to do from what you have read previously. You can even upload your IR workshop photo examples to a special web site for critique by others for inspiration and suggestions.
Rating: 5 / 5

This is the best infrared photography book I have ever read. The practical approach makes things easily implemented and the way the author describes things is excellent. People can have different style, but the way I read and understand things fit her style.

However I personally think that the book is too wide, covering everything from the floor to the ceiling in one book. I do know and do not want to spend my money for things I can find freely on the net. Lighting technicality which creates infrared, conversion versus filter, etc. are things I do not want to read. Other photography techniques such as composition, focusing, and lighting are better covered by many books, and, when you jump into infrared, most possibly you have mastered your DSLR.

The only thing that I need is digital post processing which unfortunately only take a small fraction of this book. It just does not fair to buy a book for reading only 10% of it.
Rating: 4 / 5