As an amateur photographer (at best), I found this book entertaining, easy to read and just as easy to follow. Great tips!

I like this author's quick "here's how you do it" approach. He asks a question at the top of the page, shows a photo to illustrate it and then answers it all on one page. He has a notable lack of professional photo jargon which is nice for non-pros, who don't need to buy this book anyway. When there is photo jargon he defines it in easy layman's terms. This book was actually too advanced for me, but I liked it anyway and it gives me hope for the future that one day I can actually make use of the techniques. I liked this book so much that I just ordered Volume 1 from the same author.The ADD & ADHD Answer Book: Professional Answers to 275 of the Top Questions Parents AskThe Asperger's Answer Book: The Top 275 Questions Parents Ask [Aspergers Answ Bk]

Kelby's books are always awesome. This was as well. He explains things in a way that even a 'point and shoot' photographer can understand. The book can be used as a guide to try one new technique at a time. You don't have to read the book cover-to-cover. You can just flip to a page and give it a try on your digital SLR.

On the down side - I love underwater photography. Kelby's books don't add much in the way of tips for underwater photography. For everything else - he's unbeatable.

Scott Kelby manages to put together a great book in his awesome writing style. This book is the second in a series. If you haven't read the first (The Digital Photography Book, Volume 1), you should. Like the first volume, this book that will give you the "how to get better results", but not the "why". It is full of tips on equipment, composition, planning and more.

This item was purchased as a gift and arrived in plenty of time for the holidays. Like almost all of Amazon's items it was packaged well and arrived without incident. I purchase a few books a year from Amazon and have yet to have an issue. Thank you and keep up the good work.

I enjoyed the book and continue to pull it back out as a quick reference. As described, no great technical detail, just a straight forward "here is what I would do" approach from the author. He also lightens it up and makes it fun to read. I won't make you a pro photographer, but as a beginner/enthusiast you'll get great tips that really will help you take better pictures and get more from your equipment. Might go without saying, but I would start with Volume 1. I purchased them together and will also be purchasing V3.

Although not specific to any particular camera model (except for discussions of Nikon and Canon flash -- and Kelby is famously an (almost) Nikon-only shooter), this book of tips gives you a lot of useful information that will help you shoot better pictures with your digital camera. Like the first volume, it provides an overview of techniques, and if you want more specific tips for your particular cameras, you can turn to one of the guidebooks written for individual cameras, such as Thom Hogan's and David Busch's photo guides. Kelby's Digital Photography Book series are a good complement to these, and are filled with his light-hearted touch that many seem to appreciate.

These books are a must if you want to learn how to shoot like a pro. Scott Kelby teaches you everything and keeps it simple so you don't get overwhelmed with all the new skills you're going to learn.

I bought Volume 1 & 2, and as mentioned before by other people there are some errors in this book. In page 82 it says "...seeing a shot where the chin is cropped off makes for a very uncomfortable composition.", but then on pages 189 & 206 he just does that. Also, on page 153 he says "If you want to improve your travel photos, here is a simple trick: add more people to your shots. ... nothing conveys the character and soul of a city more than its people ..." but, in Volume 1 page 161 he adds in a foot note "WHAT NOT TO SHOOT ... Crowd shots. They're just about useless ... Shoot an empty street first thing in the morning, or shoot two people together, but skip the crowds." Finally, A LOT OF PROPAGANDA in this book.

Everything you need to know right here on these pages. Scott Kelby talkes to you like you're a friend and makes the process of learning (or relearning in my case) fun and adventurous. Buy the three he has and you won't regret it. Great refrences and great online tutorials.

very informative on ways to take different photos- scott kelby is funny and informative i like that- good book to keep and check little things when taking certain photo's- enjoy

I would call myself an intermediate beginner photographer. Even thought I have been using Canon compact 35mm and digital cameras for 20 years, its been mostly automated point and shoot. I for the most part I have been perfectly happy with the Canons' choice for my pictures. But recently I decided to take my photo shooting to the next level. Since I am a very budget sensitive shopper, I did a lot of research and reading and decided to buy a Canon Powershot S3is as my step up camera. As an aside, let me say the photos I have shot with this camera so far using my tried and true auto point and shoot are OUTRAGEOUS. Friends and family can't believe I shot them. Enough on that. After lots more reading and research I decided to Scott Kelby's Digital Photograpy books.
There seemed to be two streams of criticism of his books. For me, the more serious of the two being the lack of technical explanation of the different aspects of photography (aperture and shutter settings, ISO settings etc.) and the lesser criticism of his use of humor.
First things first. The subtitle of Scott's Digital Photography books are ....The step-by-step secrets for how to make your photos look like the pros'!.... My analysis was that these were not books for PROS. Secondly, step by step seemed to remind me of my wife's cook books. Not why or how baking powder is added rather than/ or in addition to baking soda, just that is how it is done. Having said that, after reading through Vol 2, Scott does give technical information, insight and background on many of the aspects of photography. But it is done in natural, matter of fact manner that is appropriate to the "step by step secret" that he happens to be sharing. So for example on page 113, midway through the paragraph he writes "With this darker sky, f/22 will leave your shutter open long enough to give you that silky-water look." Here in an unintimidating way, the result of this f/stop in aperture priority mode starts to make sense. The repetition of this kind of light touch technical information opens the way for the reader to use technical specific information to master f/stops and aperture priority in a more user friendly way.
As too Scott's use of humor, I found it to be pretty much spot on.
But, even if it isn't your brand of humor...I don't think it will prevent most people from benefiting from the "secrets" Scott shares.
For me this has been the best $20 spent on "how to make my photos look like the pros'!"

I was a little sceptical of purchasing this book, because I read the first one. Not that Book 1 was a bad book, but the constant jokes turned me off. I wasn't sure if this guy Kelby was a serious photographer, or a serious con man.

In any case this book is good it is very consice, well written and a good reference manual sans corny jokes. Looking forward to Book 3.

The Digital Photography Book, Volume 2 continues that great success of Volume 1. Being a new photographer, and completing Volume 1, I wanted even more training from Scott Kelby. His book is easy to read and combines humor with great insight. It's a must read for any beginner and really makes you want to get out there and start shooting.
One of the features that I really like was the "How did they get that shot" which takes some photos that are used in the book and he tells you how he got that shot. It includes the lighting, f-stop, and any other useful information you would need to make your shots look that good....minus Photoshop.

Scott Kelby continues to use humor to instruct in focused lessons. Yes, he promotes a few of friends a little too much, but they gave him, and therefore us, some good pointers and useful habits. The original and this second book are the ones to get. Yes, skip number 3, unless you didn't pay attention in the first two books.

Real Pros have trouble with Scot's style. Few really like their profession demystified. However, follow the pointers and memorize some of the basics and a few of the special use items and you'll be taking better pictures.

I've got 30 books and have read countless others. These were a pleasurable read and mostly very useful, if not to just bring up points forgotten or ignored. Thanks again Scott!

I found this book to be a good read. I've read a lot of photography books and this is one of the better ones. But, I do want to say it's a good thing I purchased volume 2 before Scott's first book. After reading this book I went ahead and purchased the first volume. Listen, Scott's jokes in his first book are somewhat overdone. It's like...give it a rest Scott, don't be so self indulgent. But I'll wait to say more on the dumb jokes on my review of volume one. Back to volume 2. There are some good gems to be found in this book and Scott has certainly toned down the self indulgent humor. I actually ordered volume 1 and 3 at the same time, although the 3rd installment hadn't been released yet. Had I read volume 1 first I'm not so sure I would have purchased this book.

This book is fabulous. Very easy to understand and is loaded with information that YOU WANT! Not a lot of technical talk, just written explanation, if you want to do this, do this with your surroundings and camera. I would defiantly recommend this book. Very easy to read and you'll get through it fast and want to start over!

THE BOOK DEPOSITORY IS A GREAT SELLER AND YOU GET WHAT THEY SAY. BOOK WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION AND THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS ABOVE PAR AND RECIEVED QUICKLY.

THANKS AGAIN GUYS,

DENISE

If you've not already bought volume one, then do that first, you'll thank me.
This isn't a new version of the old book, this is chapter two, you can't expect to get everything from the first volume if you only buy this one.
This book covers more tips and tricks, learnt by photographers over the years, and now passed on to the reader.
I've learnt more from reading this series of books than three years of photography in high school.
This book, like the others contains absolute gems. I'm not a big reader but you don't need to be, the book is broken up into easy to read instructions that don't just tell you to do something, they tell you why too, and in a way that makes you feel as if you and Scott Kelby are old friends and he's helping you with your photography.

A highly recommended purchase for anyone who wants to improve their work as a photographer.

This book is a must! Scott has a way of teaching you something in an easy to learn way. Each page offers a different lesson with colored illustrations and easy text. You have to get this and all of his Digital Photography books if you are new or even a little experienced!

Judging by the increasing number of people carrying and using DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras--the kind of big, black cameras that can make anyone look like a pro, there is a need for the kind of book that can tell them, in layman's terms, how to make the most out of their pro-looking cameras and actually shoot like a pro.

No one knows this better than author Scott Kelby, who recently came out with a new //The Digital Photography Book//, the 2nd volume, as a follow-up to the first book of the same title.
For all intents and purposes, this is a tell-all kind of book that shows the step-by-step secrets on how to make your photos look like the pros. It picks up where the groundbreaking bestseller //The Digital Photography Book, Volume 1, left off. "It's more of that `Ah-ha--so that's how they do it,' straight-to-the-point, skip-the-techno-jargon stuff you can really use today that made the first volume so successful."

Photography books usually falls into 3 separate and distinct categories--technical, creative, and inspirational. And right now, there is no shortage of any of these. However, there is a shortage for the kind of books that combines all three. Veering away from the typical demarcation, Scott Kelby combines them all in a single book.

With Kelby's usual easy-going, relaxed, and humorous writing style, the many important lessons he openly shares in this book which are usually hard and difficult, such as shooting portraits, weddings, landscapes, and travel images, among others, can be easily and quickly learned with perhaps the least amount of effort. All the heavy lifting, including sample photographs, illustrations, and simplified tutorials, have been done for the reader. And to top it all, Kelby actually makes it look fun.

While photo shooters who have just acquired and learned how to operate their DSLRs and are looking to expand their skills will benefit the most from Scott Kelby's book, serious hobbyists and even professional photographers themselves will find this to be a handy and practical reference to many shooting situations.

Scott Kelby's //The Digital Photography Book, Volume 2// is one of those handy companion books for any photographer. And while you're at it, you might as well get the first volume, that is, before they even think and decide to come up with the third, and forth, and ... well, you get the drift.

Reviewed by
Dominique James

Written and produced much like the first volume. If you liked the first book then you'll like the added tips in the second. You'll need an SLR to get the most out of the book.
Great buy!

This book gives you lots of good ideas you might not have thought of on your own. Also it explains how the camera works in a way that is easily understood and applied for every day use. If you have a SLR or regular point and shoot this book will be helpful. I would recommend this to anyone looking to further their knowledge of photography.

It's not as good as the first volume, but it does a pretty good job at helping you taking your photography to the next level.

As usual, Scott Kelby delivers a book jam-packed with tips and tricks. You get a lot out his books, and I find I have to read them several times until it all sinks in. The one caveat is if you're interested in learning specifics about your camera, such as exposure, Scott Kelby is not your man. I would recommend books like The Betterphoto Guide to Digital Photography and Understanding Exposure.

Love this book. Pro tips and tricks explained in simple terms so an amateur can accomplish pro photos. I own Vol 1 and 2 and will also get 3. Scott Kelby is a favorite author.

You may be wondering if it's worth buying volume 1 if you can just buy volume 2. Get both. There is different material in each of these. If you are new to photography, digital SLRs, or just want a refresher, these should be the first 2 books you read. Great examples and it's well organized. Highly recommended.

This book is BRILLIANT. I get lost in the foo-foo chatter of most books. Quite frankly this is the BEST photography how to book ever written. He tells you exactly what you are doing and how to use your camera without feeling like you are retarded. Everything is straight and to the point and best yet, you get GREAT RESULTS. This and Volume 1 are the only books you will ever need for photography, throw the rest out!

I enjoy Scott Kelby's way of explaining digital photography - straight and to the point.
Highly recommended for the beginner, and still very informative for the everyday amateur.

I love his writing, I love his humor... I just LOVE him period. I now own about 8 of his books and I have read each one several times. I actually keep this one (and the first edition) in my Pelican case and glance at it when I have off-time.

This book is well worth the money he starts out with some humor and then gets right to the point
both of these books have some of the best condensed professional tips for the beginner and amateur I have ever had the pleasure to read, now if I could just memorize it all I would be a pro but I guess that comes with time and practice.

This book was much more than I had expected. I had guessed from a flip through that it was a collection of common sense tips that the average newbie to digital photography would be clueless about and this would give them a short attention span lesson.

Well, okay I was half right. These ARE short attention span lessons, but if it's something you want to learn more about, you now KNOW that there's such things as softboxes and shutter releases and ways to do sunset portraits and how to set up your flash to trigger wirelessly. And you can go hunt for books that go into more detail.

In all, his entire series probably could be renamed 'THE FAQs OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY' and it would be correct. Easily half these questions are the ones you find in online photography forums from newbies as well as beginner pros and even ones just getting into new areas.

The one 'down' side to this book is a heavy concentration on portrait photography, from lighting, to studios, to weddings.

The bad side of this book is that it opens your eyes to so many of the important aspects concerning photography that you were not aware of. I have already used some of the teaching found in this book to improve my latest shoot.

After reading so many good reviews of this and Scott Kelby's Digital Photography vol. 1 I went ahead and got them both. I was surprised by how little information there actually was. Each page has a sample picture and a small paragraph under it on how to achieve that particular look. It's a good book for very inexperienced beginners but not for anyone who's been using a camera for any amount of time. I wouldn't recommend it if you plan on going into photography, but if you just want so simple ideas then you'll get what you pay for.

I first saw the book at the book store but bought in Amazon because of the deep discounts. It is very simple and concise book. It gets to the point with some humor. It is not the first book I own by Scott Kelby. He has great books. If your into photography this is one book to have in your arsenal. You won't be disappointed.

This is a great book for beginners and for general creativity tips. I'm really looking forward to the 3rd volume.

Could everyone please only post images that are related to the tips in Scott's book. It's really not helpful to see pictures that don't have anything to do with his tips and seem to only be posted so that amazon customers can show off or see what people think about their photos.

I previously purchased Scott's Lightroom 2 book and found it so enjoyable and educating that when I saw this series, thought it would be great to have. Many many little tips that helped me (a hobbyist) tremendously.

This is one of that books that you must have.
Good information for beginners and advancer users too.

I would rate this book as just OKAY. Nothing Great. Yeah there are some really valuable tips, but I already knew most of the things mentioned in this book.
I bought Vol 2 thinking that this will have more advanced information/tips. I really feel you can find most of these tips on internet for free.
Not worth spending $17.

I bought this book a few weeks ago, and it has been a huge help to me. My pictures have improved dramatically. I highly recommend this book to anyone who owns a digital SLR.

Kelby is THE man when it comes to dishing out books about digital photography. After reading his highly enjoyable Digital Photography Book Volume 1, I feel compelled to pick this book and give it a shot. Sure enough, it is just as enjoyable as the first book, jammed pack with great information and filled with the same Kelby witty humor that simply made it hard for me to put the book down.

In this book, Kelby focus primarily on people portrait shots, placing emphasis on lighting techniques and equipments, flash photography, and wedding photography. Landscape, macro and travel photography, tips & techniques were also discussed, as are file format (i.e. RAW, JPEG, etc.) and the technical aspects of a camera (e.g. aperture, ISO basics and shutter speeds).

Compliment your Volume 1 with this book, or if you simply want down-to-earth information without the pretentious fluffs (i.e. Dan Heller books), pick this book up. It's an easy, fun and quick read. Plus the information can be digested and put to use IMMEDIATELY.

Best How to Digital Photography book ever!!!
Simple, Concise, easy to understand.
Gives all the secrets the pros don't want you to know :)

These are the best books for a amateur photographer that I have found. Easy to follow tips to make HUGE differences.

If you want to learn photography, go to Scott Kelby's books for information... Really funny, really informative. He definitely keeps your attention. He gives you instruction in a way that is easy to understand. I am hoping to really improve my photography by reading his books. You should try them as well.

While not utterly disgusted with the purchase of Volume 2, the content left me wondering why I purchased it, or more importantly- what was new from Vol. 1. It has some new chapters on formal portraits and lighting, but I found Vol. 1 sufficient.

This book is a great follow-up to his first book. It expands upon the basic concepts and gives you more information about the world of photography.

This is really another terrific book and a good follow-on to volume one (a clear five-star). The extraordinary sections on lighting and posing your subjects offset a bit too much on weddings, and a little too much overlap with volume one keeps it from getting five stars, but you DO want both if you want to take your digital photography to the next THREE levels. Just look at p.92 (how to look slimmer in photos) if making your subjects happy with your photos is of value to you.
Just because the advice is practical, don't think it is for beginners; he will not tell you how the camera works, or how to turn it on, but if you ever wondered what your DSLR can do when you do some of the thinking for it, this book (and vol. one!) are for you.

Pretty good book, found it helpful with some good hints and info. Worth the price. Easy to read, direct.

Scott Kelby continues with his unique writting style to amaze us...he is giving tips of how to take great pictures, hot to edit your pictures and what type of equipment you need in every occasion and under every budget. If you are just starting and want a book about photography, easy to read and understand...then...This is the right book. inexpensive, well written and full of great tips...At the end you will get the idea. I recommend to by both vol.1 & 2.

Scott Kelby is one of the most trusted publishers on digital photography and photoshop. I highly recommend anything he publishes. That said, The Digital Photography Book 2 is less than what I hoped for. The topics fit the current trends amongst photographers and hit on some awesome topics, however, there wasn't anything in the book that can't be found cruising the web (strobist, flickr, kelbytraining.com, photo.net, dpchallenge.com, jpgmag.com, studiolighting.net, tipsfromthetopfloor.com, etc.)
It is priced well at $16.49 on Amazon.com and is laid out well in terms of topics. You can't really go wrong with this purchase, but like I said, it's a summary of what's all over the web right now on the topics he discusses.
Kelby pays attention to trends and listens to what us photographers want to read (good marketing), but he could have been more in depth with this publication.