Resources for Photographers

You’ve got to start somewhere. Below are links to great resources for photographers of all levels. Simply click relevant links to be taken to Amazon. Consider shopping for your photo gear through Amazon to help support UNSHUTTER. They have great prices and a handy return policy. Also consider visiting Photography Sites for lots of sites with great resources. If you’re looking for a fantastic photography podcast, check out TWIP Photo.

Recommended Books

Photography (Barbara London, John Upton)
As close to a photography bible as you will find. Now in its 9th edition, Photography features extensive details on the entire photographic process, while staying a very easy read.

On Photography (Susan Sontag)
A critically acclaimed analysis of the meaning of photography. Definitely an interesting read. Read excerpts from the book here.

Recommended Gear

Nikon D40 Digital SLR with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G Lens
A fantasic, affordably priced, digital SLR kit to get started with. The D40 offers all the key amenities of digital SLRs with a well ranged 18-55mm lens. My personal preference.

Canon Rebel XT with 18-55mm lens
I previously owned this camera and will blindly recommend it to any new photographer. Its interface is drop dead simple. Great image quality.

Velbon CX-470 Deluxe Tripod
My tripod of choice. Cheap, lightweight, able to support my heavy dSLR. If I lose it or it gets stolen, it’s cheap enough I can afford another fast.

Nikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control
A wireless shutter remote for most Nikon SLR bodies.

Canon Wireless Remote Control RC1
A wireless shutter remote for most Canon SLR bodies.

Nikon 50mm f/1.8D
Incredibly sharp and affordable lens. Rivals lenses several times more expensive. Great image quality.

Canon 50mm f/1.8
Just like the Nikon 50mm, incredibly sharp and cheap. It won’t break the bank if you have to replace it. Great image quality.

Community Recommendations

Basic Photography (Michael Langford)
A really good book [is] Basic Photography by Michael Langford. [It] was pretty much my bible for a few years. He also does an Advanced Photography version. - Mike

Understanding Exposure (Bryan Peterson)
The New Manual of Photography (John Hedgecoe)
I recommend including Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson for the beginner, and The New Manual of Photography by John Hedgecoe for the more detail savvy. Peterson’s presentation is spot on and highly accessible for the fundamentals. He breaks it down to a very practical level without getting caught up in trivia. Hedgecoe provides more than just a check list, he walks through the surface of just about every photographic topic there is.