Review: Scott Kelby’s “Photo Recipes Live Behind The Scenes”

If you’re one of the legions of photographer who’ve picked up or purchased one or all  three volumes of Scott Kelby’s “The Digital Photography Book”, then I suspect one of your favorite parts of those books are the “recipes” given in the back of the books. For the unfamiliar the “recipes” work out to be mini how-I-got-the-shot tutorials that briefly outlay the equipment and technique used to grab one of Kelby’s typically very aesthetically appealling photographs. Likewise, I’m a big fan of anything that even hints at a behind the curtain look at how a professional photographer works. It’s not that I necessarily have a lot of learning left to do, but I do find that there’s always little odds and ends that can be picked up, plus as a “gear head”, I’m always curious to see what other photographers are using, and frankly sometimes I like to just confirm that I may actually be doing things right.

Of course what would be even more interesting than a written recipe, and certainly more insightful, would be a full blown video look at various “Photo Recipes”, and that’s exactly the premise of Scott Kelby’s “Photo Recipes Live Behind the Scenes”. What you get with “Photo Recipes Live” is a combination DVD and companion book, that along with an introduction, offers 17 chapters, each focusing on a particular photo setup or centered on discussing a particular technique (shooting panoramas for example). “Photo Recipes Live” ships in a protective box with a detachable book for referencing with the DVD. The book portion isn’t really the item of interest here, though it does provide some asides discussing alternatives to techniques used on the DVD in addition to details like aperture used in the shoot, etc.

The first thing to point out regarding “Photo Recipes Live” is the subtitle, “Your Guide to Today’s Most Popular Lighting Techniques”. It should come as no surprise then, that the vast majority “Photo Recipes Live” is focused on lighting setups and techniques for a shooting a variety of subjects including models, still lifes, food, and product shots. If you don’t have access to lighting equipment be it in the form of strobes or speedlights, then you’d best pass on “Photo Recipes Live”. If you do have access to strobes or speedlights, be warned that additional equipment also comes into play, reflectors, softboxes, umbrellas, and other various light modifiers. While in some cases specific equipment seems essential, clever photographers will likely be able to figure out work-around solutions, and indeed Kelby frequently will provide you with fodder for alternative solutions on the DVD. The point being, Scott uses quite a bit of gear on the DVD, and I suspect for many photographers “Photo Recipes Live” leads to several shopping excursions.

The second aspect that requires mention is that “Photo Recipes Live” isn’t the type of DVD that plays in a device connected to a TV, instead “Photo Recipes Live” is intended for use on a computer only, and while this may come off as a negative for some, I think that it actually makes substantially more sense to use “Photo Recipes Live” on your computer. Anybody who’s done training at Kelby Training will immediately recognize the format used, the videos play in your browser, and can be enlarged to nearly full screen if desired. Being able to access the DVD on the computer makes it easier to navigate the various chapters, not to mention that it allows for the inevitable pausing and rewinding to specific points that I suspect many will do.

From a purely production point of view, “Photo Recipes Live” is quite well done, with very good camera work, and generally good lighting, though at times Scott gets a bit lost in underexposure, though I suspect this is from juggling video and still camera light setups. The video is largely set in a highly professional photographer’s studio environment, presumably a loft somewhere in New York City. This makes for an attractive backdrop for the video and for the shoots, but does limit the “Landscape” chapter to largely just being a discussion on landscape techniques. Outside of that one odd chapter, “Photo Recipes Live” is quite well executed, the models used are quite easy on the eyes, the visuals are inspiring, and the sound quality holds out through the various courses, even on the streets of NYC.

As to the content itself, “Photo Recipes Live” continues Scott’s trademark style of “pro over your shoulder”, or is it the “viewer over the pro’s shoulder”? That’s what makes “Photo Recipes Live” so cool, the video format virtually puts you in the studio with Kelby as he works out the various shoots included on the DVD. The lesson’s are quite specific, “One Light Overhead”,  ”Couples Portrait”, etc., but remember “Photo Recipes Live” isn’t necessarily a true guide on lighting technique, nor is it intended to fully enlighten one on the intricacies of lighting theory. Instead as the title implies, you’re getting a hands-on guide to a specific look. As it turns out, what you pick up through the various lessons does lead to a wider breadth of overall knowledge, but if you’re totally uninterested in the specific looks offered in the book, then you’re bound to find the book unsatisfying. On the other hand, photographers looking to gain insight on how to achieve the looks that Scott offers here, which just so happen to be looks that are relatively popular and/or trendy in the photography world today, will find nearly 2 hours of real quality material here. All of this of course facilitated by Scott’s excellent teaching skills, which give you the answers you’re looking for without the technical explanations that you may not be looking for (The “just do it” approach). In addition there’s some insight to basic troubleshooting for lighting setups, as many times we get to watch Scott “dial in” the right settings. This type of walkthrough is invaluable learning material for a young strobist, and reassuring to the more experienced, who can see for themselves that even professionals don’t just step up to the camera and nail the first shot.

In the end I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed “Photo Recipes Live”, but the experience is somewhat short and sweet. The inherent problem is that once watched, you won’t typically need to really watch it again, and not every lesson will necessarily appeal to the viewer, given the recipes are rather specific. Still there’s a lot of information that “sticks” here. It doesn’t take much of an imagination to take some of the ideas here and build on them, combine them, or modify them for entirely new looks. There’s some really good building blocks here, and virtually capitalizing on Scott Kelby’s experiences here can help you push your skills to new levels. If you have no interest in lighting techniques as it relates to photography, you’ll want to take a pass here, but for budding strobists, I “Highly Recommend” Scott Kelby’s “Photo Recipes Live”. Though be prepared, you will want to buy additional gear for your studio after watching.

Availability

Scott Kelby’s “Photo Recipes Live: Behind the Scenes: Your Guide to Today’s Most Popular Lighting Techniques” Get Scott Kelby’s “Photo Recipes Live: Behind the Scenes: Your Guide to Today’s Most Popular Lighting Techniques” and support this site at the same time, by making your purchase through the links above at Amazon. Your purchases there made this and hopefully future articles possible .

Continuing  the series’ trademark “Pro over your shoulder” style, Scott Kelby’s The Digital Photography Book Volume 3 picks up right where volume 2 left off (flash photography), offering beginners and enthusiasts a hefty dose of solid tips, tricks and equipment advice all in Kelby’s affable, and on occasion, corny style. Substantially more focused on the more practical and behind the scenes aspects of photography, volume 3 lacks the first two volumes ample “set your camera to “X” for a perfect sunset” type tips, but it still offers a good deal of value, especially if we assume you’ve already adapted what you’ve learned in the first 2 books. There are chapters covering flash photography, improving your studio, choosing lenses, followed by a series of chapters on shooting product, outdoors, people, and sports. The last section of the book is a bit like walking in a pro’s shoes with tips on getting better photos, avoiding photography related problems, and finally a chapter of “recipes” for getting number of different shots. All of this is accomplished with just the right amount of brevity, and readers can be assured that there won’t be any moments of “eyes glazing over” technical talk. Mind you, if there’s fault to be had with volume 3 (or any volume in the series) it would be there is no technical or camera theory discussed, but that isn’t the point of the books, so readers looking for in-depth technical explanations will need to look elsewhere. Instead Kelby is skilled at speaking to the layman in ways that allow the information to sit on top of the brain, where it’s likely to be used. Indeed, even though I’m not a total beginner, and pretty knowledgeable about most things related to photography, I find this series offers a certain level of clarity to things I already know, and of course it’s always interesting to know “what the Pros do”, even if you might already be doing it. Finally, another real benefit is Kelby’s willingness to tell you exactly what to buy. Peppered throughout the book, you can see what Kelby uses himself, whether it be his camera system, studio set up, or lighting equipment, and he’s good about remembering we aren’t all authors of best-selling photography books, which means you’ll frequently be presented with affordable alternatives to equipment purchases, and cost-saving advice.

While clearly intended (and labeled) for beginners, I “Highly Recommend” Scott Kelby’s The Digital Photography Book Vol. 3, but only if you’ve already got the first 2. It’s an easy, yet informative read that will have you taking better pictures while providing a good handle on some distinctly more complicated and sophisticated photography. If you’re looking for technical know how, or are entirely uninterested in flash, studio, and product photography, you might consider passing on this one, as those topics cover about a third of the book. But for eager beginners, curious enthusiasts, and yes even adept photographers, you’re likely to enjoy this book.

Get The Book

• The Digital Photography Book Volume 3 by Scott Kelby, at Amazon for $13.49

Also consider getting the first two volumes, both excellent.

• The Digital Photography Book Volume 2 by Scott Kelby, at Amazon for $16.49
• The Digital Photography Book Volume 1  by Scott Kelby, at Amazon for $16.49

Harald Mante has a new book out titled “Photography Unplugged” from publisher Rocky Nook. The book is intended as both a catalog of Mante’s work and as an example of working in an unedited, untouched way, more “natural” way. From the book’s description:

© Harald Mante

Harald Mante is regarded as one of the outstanding contemporary photographers in Germany. He started out as a travel photographer whose work was published in numerous magazines and books and later taught photography in the tradition of the Bauhaus school of design, applying image and color composition concepts to photography.

This book is meant to present the wealth of Mante’s photographic work and at the same time to advocate a pure, straight approach to photography, untouched by digital image editing tools — uncropped and unmodified captures of scenes as seen through the viewfinder.

Photography Unplugged is meant to sound a voice which is singing to a slightly different tune than the digital photography choir.

Harald Mante’s photographs, all captured on Kodachrome’s legendary slide films, will inspire beginners and expert photographers alike, and will reveal the beauty and magic of masterfully composed photography.

Of course I put “natural” in quotes, because I don’t necessarily agree with this approach. Not to say it isn’t a valid one, it certainly is, but it seems to me that there’s nothing “natural” about the photographic process, and simply stopping the series of artistic decisions or lack of at the point of capture seems somewhat contrived to me. If you’re going to do “something”, then why not do “something” else too?

Of course the book isn’t just a philosophy pounded into your head, it’s also chock full of Mante’s work, which true to form are indeed frequently well composed.

Curious what some of the readership might think?

Resources

• Mante’s website
• Some of Mante’s portfolio

Availibility

• Harald Mante’s “Photography Unplugged”

In Store Front: The Dissappearing Face of New York, photography duo James and Karla Murray document in beautiful fashion the remainders of an era quickly being replaced by big box stores. Using 35mm, the two have captured the color, the uniqueness, and on occasion, the faces of yesterday. Looks to be a real nice book. Available at Amazon for $40.95, Store Front features over 200 photographs, some in large fold out format.

For a taste of what’s offered James and Karla Murray’s website is here.

In Mikkel Aaland’s Photoshop Lightroom 2 Adventure, author/photographer Aaland does a nice job of teaching readers the fundamentals of Lightroom 2. I know there’s several Lightroom guides out there, but what makes Aaland’s book interesting is the road testing of both Aaaland’s methodology and the application with a gang of photographers as well as some of the Lightroom development team in Tasmania. In effect you learn and problem solve in virtual real-time with actual photographers dealing with a myriad of different situations. Lightroom 2 Adventure would be ideal for the photographer just learning how to use Lightroom, but may not cover enough new ground for those already familiar with Lightroom. Still Aaland does thoroughly cover each of Lightroom’s module with real-world examples while saturating his excellent book with fantastic imagery. If you’re new or beginning at Lightroom, get this book.

From Amazon.

Angela Faris Belt’s new book starts with the premise that photography begins and ends with 4 priciples that constitute Belt’s grammar of photography. The 4 pieces of that puzzle include frames and borders, focus, shutter speed (time and motion), and finally materials and processes. Belt provides plenty of photographic references in the form of actual artist’s imagery to demonstrate more clearly what she means by the explored concepts, a visual text book if you will.

Mind you the focus in this book is more “artistic” photography so straight photographers might want to take a pass. Additionally, Belt works on the assumption that you already know how to use a camera, but perhaps haven’t mastered the actual functions. Suffice it to say, The Elements of Photography will help the aspiring photographer learn how achieve the results he or she intends both in-camera and in photoshop, and thanks to her 4 grammatical concepts, provide a more logical and meaningful way to improve your photography. It’s very well illustrated with plenty of portfolio examples exploring a wide range of styles, and aesthetics. If you’re creative with your photography, you’ll likely enjoy Belt’s well written, well done book.

Buy Angela Faris Belt’s The Elements of Photography: Understanding and Creating Sophisticated Images

Yep, this will be another good one. Welcome to Oz, A Cinematic Approach to Digital Still Photography with Photoshop CS4 by Vincent Versace is up for pre-orders now at Amazon.

I’m guessing this will be pretty informative. I’m determined to figure out this whole strobe thing this year, and McNally is pretty good.

Preorder The Hot Shoe Diaries by Joe McNally.