A great photograph begins when you recognize a great scene or subject. But recognizing a great opportunity isn't enough to capture it; you also have to be prepared. A large part of being prepared involves understanding your camera well enough to capture what you see. Getting you prepared to see and capture great photographs is what this book is all about. It doesn't matter if you are taking pictures for real-estate ads or self-expression, there's a lot here to help you get better results and more satisfaction from your photography.

To get better, and possibly even great photographs, you need to understand both concepts and procedures; the "whys" and "how's" of photography.

• Concepts of photography are the underlying principles that apply regardless of the camera you are using. They include such things as how sharpness and exposure affect your images and the way they are perceived by viewers. Understanding concepts answers the "why" kinds of questions you might have about photography.
• Procedures are those things specific to one kind of camera, and explain step-by-step how you set your camera's controls to capture an image just the way you want to. Understanding procedures gives you the answers to the "how" kinds of questions you might have.

This book is organized around the concepts of digital photography because that's how photographers think. You think about scenes and subjects, highlights and shadows, softness and sharpness, color and tone. The procedures you use with the Olympus C-2000Z camera are integrated throughout the concepts, appearing in those places where they apply. This integrated approach let's you first understand the concepts of photography and then see step by step how to use the Olympus C-2000Z in all kinds of photographic situations.

To get more effective, interesting, and creative photographs, you only need to understand how and when to use a few simple features on your camera such as focus, exposure controls, and flash. If you've previously avoided understanding these features and the profound impact they can have on your images, you'll be pleased to know that you can learn them on a weekend afternoon. You can then spend the rest of your life marveling at how their infinite variety of combinations makes it possible to convey your own personal view of the world. You'll be ready to keep everything in a scene sharp for maximum detail or to blur it all for an impressionistic portrayal. You'll be able to get dramatic close-ups, freeze fast action, create wonderful panoramas, and capture the beauty and wonder of rainbows, sunsets, fireworks, and night time scenes.

As you explore your camera, be sure to have fun. There are no "rules" or "best" way to make a picture. Great photographs come from using what you know to experiment and try new approaches. Digital cameras make this especially easy because there are no film costs or delays. Every experiment is free and you see the results immediately so you can experiment step by step.

This book assumes you've mastered the mechanics of your camera. It's about getting great pictures, not about installing batteries and connecting your camera to your computer. That information is well presented in the user guides that came with your camera, however it is summarized in the Appendix of this book.

 REVIEWS

Just purchased your book...Great.. In fact just ordered another one for a friend. (Donald)

I've had your short course on the Oly C2000Z for over a month and I think it is one of the best investments I have made. Your instructions are clear and understandable and have added so much to the pleasure I am having with this great little camera. (George)

You did an excellent job of rewriting the Oly manual on the C2000Z, something it could really stand. The Pocket Guide will, forever, reduce the number of questions on the newsgroup regarding repeat subjects (Don)

Just got my book in the mail today. Two words, VERY IMPRESSED! Really looking forward to reading and playing with my camera over the long week-end! I can tell just by thumbing through the book that I am going to enjoy! Thanks for the fast service! (Bob)

Some how, some way, you should "cut a deal" with Olympus to include one of your books with every camera sold. I have learned more about my camera just by reading chapter one of your book than I did by reading the whole Olympus users manual that was with the camera! (Bob)

I am enjoying your book greatly. (Sid)

Your material on digital cameras helped me select a fine camera, the Olympus C-2000 Zoom. Now your book on that camera is helping me to use it better. I am having a ball. (Marshall)

I purchased your book on Olympus C2000Z about 10 days ago. It reads good and will help a lot once I get a chance to go out and take a few pictures. (Stephen)