We recently received a copy of a new book by photographer Evan Sharboneau. Sharboneau has a truly informative blog with some incredible tutorials at PhotoExtremist.com. I was really pleased with the way the book was organized. No matter what your level of skill or experience with photography, you will find this book a valuable resource that you will return to again and again. I found the abundance of lighting variables and techniques in Trick Photography and Special Effects almost overwhelming. There are so many real examples, all clickable that link to the web for even further review. This book even has clickable links to step by step tutorials for many of the techniques illustrated.
Although this book is only available in digital form—an eBook—don’t underestimate the quality of Sharboneau’s work. The tricks and techniques this book teaches will help you break through your comfort zone and get your creative juices flowing. The hundreds of images and eye candy will inspire you to attempt new techniques and designs on your own.
Trick Photography and Special Effects covers the following topics very thoroughly:
- photography basics for beginners: cameras, lenses, tripods, aperture, iso, shutter speeds, white balance, etc.
- HDR and infrared photography
- painting and drawing with light
- fundamental trick lighting tools and techniques
- long exposure photography: skies, water, people, star trails
- advanced lens filters
- lightning photography
- the Droste effect
- shaped bokeh
- double exposures
- multiplicity
- tons of Photoshop tutorials, projects and ideas
And that is only scratching the surface.
Infrared photography. Taken with a Nikon D50 camera and Hoya R72. Panorama.
I thoroughly enjoyed this eBook and highly recommend it—all 190 pages. Buying this book would be a wise investment for any talented photographer, even if you are able to adopt just a few of Sharboneau’s techniques. The quality and content of this book is better than most printed books I’ve thumbed through at the library or bookstore. This book is packed full of new photography and Photoshop techniques. Check it out yourself—you won’t regret it.
Pentagram made of fire in the middle of a country rural road at night time with a long exposure of star trails in the sky.
