jxgmitr Loc: Buffalo, NY

I won't say I am new to photography because I have loved taking pictures for years. I purchased a 35mm camera a number of years ago but never learned how to use the camera to it's full potential. I had even taken an adult ed class at a local college and pretty much walked away not learning anything. I had a hard time giving up 35mm but I have now finally gone digital. I have the Canon T3. I would like to learn what the camera can really do but I also really need to learn the basics of photography. I pretty much point and shoot. The owner of a local camera store where I have had my film developed for years recently said I have a good eye. I appreciate him saying so but a good eye can only get me so far when I don't understand the rest. I am looking for some book recommendations. I am currently looking to buy the following books: David Busch's Canon EOS Rebel T3/1100D Guide to Digital SLR Photography, Jeff Wignall's Digital Photography Crash Course: 2 Minute Tips for Better Photos and Focus on Digital Photography Basics also by Jeff Wignall. And then eventually Dog Photography for Dummies. I am a dog trainer and love taking pictures of my own dogs and thought taking pictures of other people's dogs might be a way to make some extra money. The books I buy really need to start with the basics and in terms that I am going to understand. Any thoughts on the above books and/or authors and any book suggestions would be appreciated.

Tea8 Loc: Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.

The books you have sound good to me. I don't know that much about them. I have a 3 volume series of books about digital photography by Scott Kelby and they have worked for me. The books start with what kind of eqipment and things you should get like tripods and ballheads and then move on to how to move around and look when composing shots. They then progress on how to get better shots in certain types of situations. This kind of advice might not help you much if you want to do primarily dog photography. Start with what you have and then if you feel like you need more check out a bookstore near you. Read the backs of different books to see what they have in them and read a little bit from them to see if you can understand what they are talking about. Then if you feel like you can learn from the book purchase it.

adshutch417 Loc: Maryville, TN

I would suggest you start with David Busch's book. It will explain in step by step detail how to operate all the functions on that specific camera and in doing so give you a better understanding of how to manipulate those functions to capture the desired image. After you have mastered the fundimentals of what your camera functions are capable of then you can branch out into various different fields of photography. You are not restricted by film now so take lots of shots.

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

Brian Petersons "Understanding Exposure" is a great read and re-read.

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

For a Canon Charlene K. Lowrie writes manuals that are well written and easy to read. The books are published by Wiley. Bought one from Roberts Cameras when I bought my camera 450D and never use the manual that came with it. When you spend $1000.00 for a camera and do not know how to use it, is like buying a car and can not drive and let it set garage and just to admire it.

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

My manuals stay in my backpack with my cameras, flashes, lightmeter and anything else that came with a manual. The pages are torn and worn, as they have been read and re-read many times, and are used as a reference often. The manufacturer provides them, they should be used.

tripsy76 Loc: Northshore, MA

Agreed! Also, Peterson's Understanding Photography, Ansel Adam's The Camera, and maybe check out National Geographic'a field guide for photography.

mrbailey47 Loc: Tempe, AZ

I use "Complete Digital Photography (6th Edition)" by Ben Long. Living up to its title it is quite complete and detailed but easy to read, in full color, and explains all the technical material thoroughly without being geeky. Note, however, this isn't a carry-around book. At 600 pages and about 5 pounds I wouldn't want the thing in MY backpack. It's available on Amazon.com.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I have "Digital Photograpy for Dummies" (Julie King) and There is probably a "Canon T3i for Dummies also - they are GOOD !

stylegirl28 Loc: Flint, MI

I have the Complete Guide to Digital Photography by Ian Farrell. I bought it at Barnes and Noble for $14.98. I have not gotten through the book in its entirety just yet, but so far it has some good information.