'Stephen Johnson on Digital Photography' is an excellent book on the tools, techniques, science, history, and art of digital photography that will appeal to digital photographers of any skill level. Johnson is a genuine pioneer and evangelist in the field of digital photography. Drawing on over three decades of experience as an accomplished photographer, educator, and product consultant to the "Who's Whos" of the digital imaging industry, Johnson succinctly and eloquently imparts to the reader/student practical and interesting information on a variety of subjects. I found the coverage of digital camera techniques, color correction and editing, color management, and fine-art printing particularly useful. This information has truly helped me to make better photographs.

'On Digital Photography' is a timeless and inspiring book that is thoughtfully organized, richly furnished with numerous beautiful and educational 5-color photographs, and superbly bound with quality paper and a resilient binding. It's manufactured to last, which is great, as I refer to it often.

This book starts with the basics of working with digital photography and a basic guide to digital cameras. The author does a particularly good job of discussing both the similarities and the differences in film and digital camera techniques including dealing with sensor artifact repair and sensor noise. As the leading professional digital photography software most of the examples are detailed using Photoshop. Using this product Stephen Johnson discusses how and why to adjust tone and contrast, color correction and editing, changing hue and saturation, and photographic reproduction.

Throughout the book are beautiful examples of the techniques being presented including realistic photography, sensor matched techniques, scanning camera photography, and photography as art. Mr. Johnson does not have his head in the clouds when it concerns digital photography. He realizes that there are still advances that need to be made in the area of digital photography and discusses them candidly.

Stephen Johnson on Digital Photography is a well written, easy to follow, easy to understand, and very approachable introduction to digital photography as both a science and an art form. While most books on digital photography work only with the digital darkroom options this book provides a detailed understanding of each step of creating a digital photograph including how the camera works and why it is important for you to understand how it works. He discusses how various camera features affect the end result. And because of this more complete approach to the subject as well as the quality of the information Stephen Johnson on Digital Photography is a highly recommended purchase.

Steve Johnson has been at the forefront of the digital photography movement since it became possible to shoot photos digitally, completely abandoning film as early as 1994. He also helped push the envelope of technology by collaborating with manufacturers and software companies, to help refine many of the technologies that today make digital photography not only possible but far superior than its film-based counterpart.

In this book, Johnson takes a trip on which he takes us by the hand. This is no trip for the casual or amateur digital photographer, though there are introductory pages to the many topics he covers. He quickly dives into the depths of each chapter, covering everything from history and techniques of digital photography to a philosophical discussion about the medium as art, imaging ethics and the role of photographers in the digital age.

The result of Johnson's work in "Stephen Johnson on Digital Photography" is a 300-page volume that will surely become a standard in the desks of those passionate about digital photography.

I rate this 5 stars based on its comprehensive content. However this book is not for casual photographers.
It is very detailed and rather technical. Much of it gets too involved in lengthy explanations and I am a
firm believer in K.I.S.S.
If you are a techie,you will love it !!

I rate this 5 stars based on its comprehensive content. However this book is not for casual photographers.
It is very detailed and rather technical. Much of it gets too involved in lengthy explanations and I am a
firm believer in K.I.S.S.
If you are a techie,you will love it !!

The font for this book is so tiny and gray that I could not even read the book. If you have less than perfect reading eyesight, forget this one.

The font for this book is so tiny and gray that I could not even read the book. If you have less than perfect reading eyesight, forget this one.

As a professional digital photographer who has had the pleasure of watching Stephen Johnson's work evolve through the years, this is one photography book that rocks!

In one short tome, Stephen Johnson speaks volumes regarding digital photography as only one of the pioneers of fine art digital photography could.

Steve's passionate photography and well written text takes us from his film days to the bleeding-edge present and documents his journey from the break-through "Central Valley Project" book project through the day film died for him to today's cutting edge sensor and printing technology.

Not only is this an excellent book on the history of digital, but practical advice to anyone involved with the digital photography process.

In few words, this is a must-have for anyone either thinking of making the transition from film to the seasoned pro.

As a professional digital photographer who has had the pleasure of watching Stephen Johnson's work evolve through the years, this is one photography book that rocks!

In one short tome, Stephen Johnson speaks volumes regarding digital photography as only one of the pioneers of fine art digital photography could.

Steve's passionate photography and well written text takes us from his film days to the bleeding-edge present and documents his journey from the break-through "Central Valley Project" book project through the day film died for him to today's cutting edge sensor and printing technology.

Not only is this an excellent book on the history of digital, but practical advice to anyone involved with the digital photography process.

In few words, this is a must-have for anyone either thinking of making the transition from film to the seasoned pro.

This book, full of images taken by the author during the mid to late 1990s, is not as I understood it to be. It is not true to what the author claims for it. Mr. Johnson appears to have expert credentials, and is, according to the book, beholden to a number of purveyors of digital photography equipment and software. The photography in the book, and the camera technology employed, pertain to less than 1/100 of 1% of the digital photography crowd, in my estimation. Johnson uses a scanning view camera, and shoots almost exclusively static scenes such as landscapes. Therefore, the technology underlying the book is of little value or interest to the average digital photographer. Furthermore, he displays his own personal political views by his choice of examples he includes -- never a good idea. The book is worth much less to me than the other half dozen digital photography books I've read. I've been seriously into photography for more than 50 years. I gave the book to a non-photographer friend to review, and his opinion of the book is the same as mine. The book is mildly interesting, mildly helpful, but not a great digital photography book. It is, in my opinion, neither fish nor fowl. The author's self-aggrandizement is apparent throughout. I would not give this book as a gift to a photographer.

'Stephen Johnson on Digital Photography' is a wonderful book for all individuals that are interested in digital photography, or photography in general for that matter. Boasting over 300 pages printed on heavy stock paper, this wonderful book shows examples of digital photos from a true pioneer in the field. With beautiful works of art intermixed with a variety of other historical photos, this guide discusses not only making digital photos but how to edit them using Photoshop.

There are lots of digital photography and Photoshop books on the market, but this one really stands out due the overall quality of the author, photos, layout and design. I can easily recommend this to photography afficiandos, you will NOT be disappointed.

***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Stephen Johnson is known as a sourdough pioneer on the frontier of digital photography technology. He's an award winning photographer and has helped chart the course of digital imaging development as a consultant for Apple, Kodak, Epson, and others. "Stephen Johnson on Digital Photography" Takes a unique approach by blending history and anecdotal tales with tips that he has developed over the years. The book speaks in terms of theory and does not get bogged down with the current crop of cameras, printers, and computers.

After bringing the reader up to speed by reviewing electronic imaging technology dating back to the mid 19th century, Stephen covers some basic photography skills, speaks about importing and restoring scanned images, color management and fine-art printing, workflow, digital photography in journalism and documentary work, ethics and philosophy of the edited digital image, and speaks about his vision of the future of the medium. Stephen believes that we are in the midst of the biggest renaissance since the birth of photography, and at the same time, are in digital photography's infancy.

Where this might not be the best beginner's reference to Photoshop or the use of your new Canon 5D, "Stephen Johnson on Digital Photography" is bound to be a timeless photo-interest book, and may do well as a class text. 285 pages, printed in full-color (except where B&W is being depicted).

Stephen Johnson's new book is really easy to use. Open to any chapter and you will find useful tips on composing and producing quality digital images. Even the chapters that deal with reproductions and ethics will stimulate thought about why you do what you do with technology and your art.

I have been through the book front to back once and another couple of times with random chapter reading. Johnson is an excellent communicator; he has something to offer people of all photographic skill levels. His message and his ethics are clear. You can't do better than that.

There are so many photography books on the market that one might wonder at the need for yet another - but STEPHEN JOHNSON ON DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY comes from a digital photography pioneer whose photos are part of many professional institutional holdings, so his tips come from not just experience, but an innovative approach which embraces editing programs other than Photoshop alone. Chapters cover the basics of using photography as an art form, surveying color management, correction, digital image manipulation, and basic principles of scanning.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Everything,past,present,and future, and then some on digital photography. This work deals with everything from the basics to what we will encounter in the future in the digital photo world. A great encylopedia offering more knowledge than I need. Well worth it.

Readers of Stephen Johnson's "On Digital Photography" get an arm-chair's tour of the birth of digital photography with one of it's pioneers and acknowledged masters. In future years this tome will be regarded as one of the definitive explorations of the transition of the art of photography from film and chemicals to the digital era. As Steve notes, "We are in the Stone Age of digital photography."
Steve writes like he teaches - with the intent to explain, enlighten, challenge and encourage further explorations of the subjects under discussion, whether an understanding of the similarities and differences between chemical and digital photography, digital photographic techniques, or the subject of "what is art?" Having taken several studio and field workshops with him, it is terrific to have one volume which encapsulates Steve's nearly two-decade long experience with digital photography. Steve Johnson's incredible digital images are reproduced beautifully and reveal a new way of looking at the natural world. In addition to seeing Johnson's images illustrating ideas, concepts and techniques throughout the book, the reader will be drawn back, time and again, to Chapter 17, "Example Portfolio" where the images are mesmerizing and stories on how the images were created accompany the photographs.
If you're looking for the ultimate Photoshop "how-to" book, go find a Bruce Fraser or Scott Kelby book. Many topics that Steve brings up are explored in much greater detail in dedicated volumes, e.g., "Art and Fear" by David Bayles and Ted Orland. But no one else has attempted, much less succeeded, to create a single volume that let's you be present at the birth of digital photography and gain a good understanding of both how digital technology is just one more step in the evolution of technologies deployed by photographers since the birth of photography in 1839 and how many of the issues facing photographers (and buyers/consumers of photography) really haven't changed with the new technology (making art, photography and truth, the empowerment of photography, etc.). This is a book you'll want to read, return to for stimulation (both the ideas and the stunning images), and hold on to as an early record of one pioneer's adventures to successfully become a master in the new world of fine art digital photography. In future years this book will be looked upon as an important historical document about photography, similar to "Stieglitz on Photography, his selected essays and notes," Edward Weston's "Day Books", or Ansel Adams' "Examples: The Making of 40 Photographs."

Stephen Johnson's book is THE book that should be in every photographer's reference library. Personally, I am very surprised that this book is less than 900 pages. However, if you have ever sat through a class conducted by Steve you would understand that he is to-the-point and understands how to teach. As in his classes there is no blather and there is none is this book. He does not want to waste your time or his. He wants you understand the principle behind what he is talking about so you can grow into the photographer that you want to be. This book is more than a book about Photoshop. Much more. He has distilled his experience of film photography, digital photography, print making and even added a chapters on ethics and the future path we must be aware of with all of our work so that we become photographers within our own realm of influence. Steve looks at photography as a part of what we do everyday - represent ourselves as imagers of the world around us. Taking a class with Steve is more than a class about photography or Photoshop. It's a class about our willingness to be aware of how everything interacts with everything else.
I often wondered what it would be like to take a photography class with Ansel Adams or Edward Weston. I consider Steve and this book on that same level. Sitting down and digesting this book in several sessions will be just like sitting with one of the masters of photography. It will take several sessions to read this book and understand why you end up feeling like you have been among the giants of the photography world.

Stephen is a great photographer. He is a pioneer. He has written a tome on digital photography, its history, its technology, its ethics, its art, its....its...too much! I agree with one of the other reviewers that it would make a great textbook, but like many textbooks, they bog down in their "universality." They cover too much. They are more suited for the classroom so as to spark discussion and research on a broad range of topics as does this book. There are better "how to" books on Photoshop. There are better books on artistic technique. There are better books on the ethics and legality of photography as well as books on photographic art form and the photojournalist genre. No, I'm not going to list all those "better" books here because this is a review of one book, and I don't want to start a debate over what's better. I read the book. It is very interesting and has some magnificent examples of Stephen's work and how he creates. But much of the book put me to sleep and caused me to say to myself, "this is all very interesting, but is it something I really need to know or care about to do fine art printing, or, be a better photojournalist, etc." He does do a really good job explaining the intricacies of digital sensors and how they all work, if you're interested in that sort of thing as well as the history, advantages and disadvantages of the scanning back. Ho hum! I don't care about sitting on an iceberg making a 5 minute exposure, but I do appreciate the effort and the result. In addition, Stephen does wear his politics and ethics on his sleeve a bit. For example he goes into whether or not to edit out a Coke can in a landscape photograph. Of course, he wouldn't, but many would. Who cares. It's not important, what's important is the photograph. And including rude caricatures of the President, references to bogus Lee Harvey Oswald pictures and a nit-picky criticism of Dorothea Lange's Migrant Mother left me scratching my head as to why he would stoop to such political-social issues in a book about digital photography. See, there's the "textbook" angle I was talking about. Great for discussion in the classroom course, Digital Photography 101, History, Art, Ethics and Society. Snooz! Well, anyway, my point is you could write a whole book on photographic history, or art, or ethics, etc. if that is your interest. And if that is what you are interested in reading, you should buy each one of those books. I have several of them. So, should you buy the book if you are serious about photography? Probably. You probably already have 10 or 20, books or more if you are serious about photogrphy, and you probably only refer to 3 or 4 of them on a repeated basis. I'd look at the book in a store somewhere, first. Then if you like it, buy it at Amazon (How's that for a plug!), or if you're overcome with guilt, buy it at the store you're in (remember, I'd edit out the Coke can). Stephen is a 5-star photographer and a pioneer in the field. His book gets 3 stars. His photgraphs get 5 stars.

Here's a book to which I would have liked to give the highest rating. Steven Johnson was one of the earliest practitioners of digital photography and has continued in an active role in innovation. Like King Alfonso X of Spain and Dean Acheson, if he did not make the world, he was at least present at the creation.

The book covers the entire gamut of digital photography. It starts with a comprehensive history of digital imaging, ranging from the 1843 invention of the recording telegraph to Landsat and beyond. Johnson describes his own involvement in digital photography, which began in the mid-1980s. Johnson discusses the application of digital techniques, both in the field and in the digital darkroom. He then finishes up with samples from his own portfolio and a philosophical discussion of digital photography, including selections and reflections from the wonderful "Art and Fear" by David Bayles and Ted Orland. He discusses the truth of photography, photographic ethics and the empowering aspects of digital photography.

Johnson's own photographs are a far cry from the current standard of digital photography which seems to emphasize super-saturated colors. Instead his pictures seem to fade to pastel which he claims to be more realistic.

I most enjoyed this book for the earnestness of the author. In the age when digital photography books seem to specialize in the wise crack, this was refreshing. Unfortunately, while the initial and final chapters were excellent and thought-provoking, the technical chapters were less useful. The instruction would have been too skeletal for the beginner and too simple for the expert. At best, the advanced photographer could use the material for a review of his own working procedures. Moreover Johnson has a tendency to be didactic, as when he tells you that in-camera sharpening should be turned off or that the RAW format should be used whenever possible.

And yet even though this is a flawed book, I enjoyed reading it, both for its philosophy and its account of the journeys of digital photography and the author.

This is, quite simply, a gorgeous book. Filled with amazing photos by Stephen Johnson, it provides a wealth of information for photographers of any ability.

The book starts with a history of digital photography from the early days to present day. His chapters on Photoshop are second to none, with lots of clear explanations and photos which show exactly what he means. Where other photography manuals fall down by being too technical, or expecting too much background knowledge, Stephen's book actually shows you what the effect of changing this, or tweaking that will do. As a Photoshop manual, it is worth the cover price alone. Coupled with the background to digital photography, it's an absolute bargain.

A must for photographers, professional and amateur.

Unlike any other book on digital photography I've read up to this point. Part science class, part history lecture, part art lesson, all education. Not the read if you're looking for a "rules for taking good digital pictures" book. However, if you're looking for an intelligent discussion on all that goes into a digital image, this is the book. Details on how digital cameras and scanners work; how light is transformed into a digital image.

I found the section titled "Photography, Art and the Future" a very interesting opinion piece on a variety of subjects in the news that are obviously important to the author. It covers topics facing photographers in general such as ethics, ownership, copyright, professional respect, social concerns and environmental work.

A unique at digital photography, smart and well written.

The real title of this book should have been The Digital Photographer's Bible as it starts with why you should switch to a digital camera as they are changing the photographic world.
This image rich book is full of everything a digital photographer needs to know from working with color to archiving of images. The captions are unassuming and clear and make extremely technical information easy to understand.
-Bill Owens

Stephen Johnson on Digtal Photography is the beginning of our digital photography education. There are way to many "Tip's and Tricks" books out there on cute little Photoshop ideas. This book is not one of them! What has been needed for so very long is an start to finish book on digital photography that talks more about the process rather than Photoshop, Stephen's book does that. If you are on the fence about this book, fall over into the pasture and get it, there is even an ethics section on digital photography, long overdue.
Richard Newman
Education Coordinator Calumet Photographic

This is a truly fascinating book. Rather than just another How-To book on digital photography, the author takes the reader on a journey through a history of "digital imaging", shows how the same principles of "classic" photography apply to digital photography today, and examines what the future may hold. According to the author, we are still in the stone age of digital photography--we are only now becoming aware of some of the tools that are available. He speculates, "just imagine what the future holds".

Digital photography actually has its ancestors in the cathode ray tube, the television, and even radar. Rudimentary sorts of digital cameras were used in the Voyager space programs. In any case, the digital camera you use today owes a great deal to these early ancestors. Understanding this history is important, so that the workings of modern digital cameras is understood.

While digital photography does not use a darkroom per se, as in classic photography, a computer running Photoshop can act as a digital darkroom. In this section, the author discusses some of the common techniques used in a "digital darkroom". Interestingly enough, many of these techniques have a direct counterpart in classic photography. It is fascinating to see so many similarities.

Finally, there is a very interesting discussion on photo doctoring, ethics, and what the future may hold in this regard for digital photography. In this section, the author shows a doctored photo of President Clinton shaking hands with an alien (courtesy of the Weekly World News), and even more insidious, a doctored photo of John Kerry and Jane Fonda together at an anti-war rally (the photo of John Kerry was taken in 1971; the photo of Jane Fonda in 1972). Through these examples, it becomes clear what a huge moral responsibility photographers shoulder.

This was a great book--not only to read about some of the history of photography, but to also see a master at work on his own photographs. This is one of the most insightful, interesting, and educational books I have read on digital photography, or even photography in general.

I have worked alongside Steve in Ireland, California and Antarctica and having this book is like having the Master at your side. Steve is the consumate teacher. He has a unique gift of making the complex simple. As a teacher myself, I understand the challenge. In this book, Stephen Johnson takes the reader along on his own personal journey of discovery, dealing with the birth of Digital imaging and the transition from film to silicon in a way that is both history lesson and photoshop primer. The key feature of this book over most others on similar topics is that it is aimed at photographers who are passionate about making beautiful images and not obsessed with the latest filter or gimick. Steve's approach takes you through the process from visualisation to fine print stopping along the way with tips and advice on how to maximise the quality with the minimum of intervention. The book is beautifully written, designed and produced to a standard we have grown to expect from Stephen Johnson. I am making it a mandatory purchase for my Fine Art Media students. As a photographer and teacher for 30 years and working digitally for the last 12 or so, I still could not put this book down. I learnt something from every page. I cannot reccommend it highly enough.

Anthony Hobbs

This is a book for anyone who is a photographer, either professional or amateur. It is also the photography book for the 21st century. Now that film is pretty much dead, both for the camera and darkroom, this book is essential for understanding the new digital technology. Stephen Johnson was there at the creation, and this book takes you through all of the necessary steps for understanding and working in the digital format.
The book is extremely well written. The language is clear, the illustrations are beautiful. I have taken several workshops with Stephen, and as others have said, he is superb teacher. In fact he is responsible for getting me started on the path of digital photography, and teaching me how to scan and print some my old black and white negatives from Appalachia. This has resulted in several exhibits, including a major one at the University of Kentucky next year. In the last few years, I have bought several books on digital photography, but this is the one I will keep close to my computer. A final note: I used to teach photography at the Graduate School of Journalism at the University of California, Berkeley, if I were still teaching (now emeritus), this would be my textbook of choice. It is simply superb.

Reviewing Steve's new book on digital photography is like standing with your camera at the rim of the Grand Canyon...where do you start? His book is a comprehensive and artful blend of the technical history behind the electronic communication technology that led to digital image capture; essential information on digital imaging technology and its benefits without "tech speak"; a compendium of helpful hints for beginning to advanced photographers; a practical guide to the commonly used Photoshop features and their application; the essentials of color space and color management; an introduction to image restoration; grounded advice on composition and creating strong images; his quintessential philosophy on image manipulation; the challenges that face photographers in the digital age; and a finish that leaves the reader with a small piece of his passion for the photographic arts.

This book is destined to be a reference book for anyone serious about digital photography. It creates a step-by-step pathway for anyone to follow leading from "seeing" the image, capturing the image, and on through the entire technical process of realizing the final print. It is written in simple, easy terms and steps. Steve is thought-provoking on some controversial topics, yet gentle in how he presents his style and philosophy behind his vision. Anyone, whether beginner or advanced, in photography can learn something valuable in this work. Those new to digital photography will find this book extremely helpful.

This book is particularly poignant for me since being one of his students in three of his workshops during the past two years. His passion is genuine both in the field and throughout this book. Steve is instrumental in helping me "see" better and this book further reinforces the precepts of a gentle teacher. Stephen Johnson is the father of digital photography. Thanks, Steve. I highly recommend this book.

I have known Stephen Johnson for about six years, have studied in his workshops and from time-to-time have have acted as agent in business dealings on his behalf. Of all of his works, this book is one of my personal favorites. I have no stake whatsoever in the success or failure of this book other than wanting the best for Stephen as a fellow photographer.

In my opinion this book does for digital photographers what the Ansel Adams series "The Camera", "The Negative" and "The Print" did for traditional film-based photographers.

Stephen Johnson is an acknowledged expert in the field, widely regarded as one of the world's premier digital photographers and a pioneer in the art of making exceptional photographs using digital techniques.

This book demonstrates also Johnson's ability to share with others what he knows in a down-to-earth and highly readable style.

Regardless of what you think you know about digital photography - you need this book! It's a masterpiece.