Book Recommendations

Colorado based editorial and commercial photographer Tom Bol specialises in adventure sports, portraits and travel. He regularly contributes to numerous publications, leads workshops and has had images and stories published worldwide.

Adventure Sport Photography: Creating Dramatic Images in Wild Places by Tom Bol, is a valuable reference and guide for the enthusiast outdoor photographer. By combining expert techniques with personal anecdotes from the field, Bol effectively covers a vast array of shooting situations.

With this resource in hand you will soon be capturing outstanding environmental portraits and adventure sports video.

Only $39.95

Ever wished you could capture stunning images of the night sky but thought you needed highly complex and expensive equipment? 'Shooting Stars' by photographer and author Phil Hart will show you how to shoot the moon and stars with your digital SLR and a tripod.

Learn to capture stunning images of twilight landscapes, night sky scenes (short exposures), star trails (long exposures), the moon and night sky timelapse videos.

Normally $24.95 (USD), receive a special michaels $5 discount when purchasing online.

To redeem enter code: SSMICHAELS at the point of purchase

Click here to place your order

'Plastic Cameras – Toying with Creativity' is the first complete guide to the world of toy camera photography. Originally released in 2006, and called "the definitive book on the subject" by Shutterbug, the second edition makes "Plastic Cameras" even more comprehensive and up-to-date, with a new foreword by Mary Ann Lynch.
Starting with a history and explanation of what these cameras are and where they came from, and continuing with 30 portfolios showing off the range and depth of the images these cameras can create, photos by 49 incredible photographers illustrate the book.

You'll find extensive how-to information, including a guide to cameras including the Holga, Diana, Diana+, Lensbaby, and Blackbird, Fly. Film choices, tips about what to photograph and how to deal with a variety of shooting situations are covered.

A new section on alternative processes and presentation opens up a wide variety of possibilities for the advanced photographer. And the expanded resources give you a jumping off place to explore web sites, magazines and books featuring our beloved toy cameras. Jump in and discover the fantastic world of plastic cameras with the Holga Queen, Michelle Bates!

Langford's Advanced Photography is quite possibly the only advanced photography guide an aspiring photographer needs. This highly respected guide, now in this eighth edition, will assist any student or serious photographer seeking to advance their skills, as it perfectly balances a straight forward writing style with extensive technical detail.

From the workings of cameras, lenses, digital imaging sensors and software to new age topics including HDR imaging and digital asset management to understanding how to effectively run your own photography business, all information required to extend one's art into the professional realm is covered. Not only does this comprehensive guide detail the technical 'how' but also explains the 'why' - so often missing from photography texts.

Additional benefits of this guide include a full glossary, charts, inspirational full colour images throughout and summaries and projects at the end of each chapter which will reinforce learned theory.

Only $59.95

If you have ever wondered what it takes to be a fashion photographer or wanted to learn tricks used by the pros to consistently create artistic and iconic fashion imagery, then this book is for you!

Light and Shoot takes 50 extraordinary fashion photos shot by an assortment of fashion photographers at the top of their field and walk the reader through how each image was created, from thought process to lighting selection. Cleverly structured, it first considers the necessary equipment and demonstrates how to integrate make-up and lighting. Author Chris Gatcum then explores the three key fashion outlet: catalogue, editorial and advertising, and teaches how to shoot for each. From detailed lighting diagrams that provide not one but three views to a snapshot that shows what camera, ISO, shutter speed etc. were used, this book will give you the knowledge and understanding of tools you need to light and shoot your own truly compelling fashion photos.

The beautifully composed images included are so striking you will likely find yourself keeping this one on your coffee table for display.

Only $34.95

With Photoshop CS5: Essential Skills you can master Photoshop, project by project! A practical guide to creative image editing, it covers all features and tools essential to this industry leading and world class software.

Broken into three parts to form a well structured, self-study guide, the book covers both foundation skills and more advanced techniques, with a complete section of step-by-step imaging projects allowing you to thoroughly practice your skills.

Professional advice and guidance provided by two internationally recognized authors and Adobe Photoshop Ambassadors means you will begin creating your own works of art with professional-looking results in no time. It also includes over 12 hours of high-definition movie tutorials!

Only $55.95

Let Ash Davies take you through a great introductory course, in a lovely little book.

At just 17 years old Ash possesses an extraordinary passion for photography and is able to define photographic principles, explain techniques and impart advise in a way that will likely improve your photography overnight – which is about as long as it will take to read this guide.

Cleverly structured into three sections; Everything (photography essentials), Tips and Tricks, and Technique – along with Ash's own images as demonstration, you will certainly find your knowledge growing and may need a bigger bag for your tricks.

Only $19.95

Syl Arena presents an easy to read and highly informative manual, designed to help photographers get the desired effect and best results from portable flashes.

The book provides a detailed outline of numerous subjects related to small flash including ISO, shutter speed and aperture as well as explanations of menus, buttons and dials from the Canon Speedlite family of products. However the bulk of the 25 chapters focuses in on providing concise direction and advise on speedlite selection, settings and set-up for shooting situations ranging from portraiture to events to sports photography.

With the 'Speedliters Handbook' you will be exposed to a myriad of methods to create dynamic lighting in your photography.

Only $49.95

Develop your Photoshop skills with step-by-step methods for fixing, enhancing and finishing portraits in Photoshop. Written by Scott Kelby, #1 best-selling Photoshop author, this comprehensive manual in re-touching portraits will teach you to create images that are sure to impress and have that real 'wow' factor.

Scott guides you various workflows including; Softening skin while retaining texture, beautifully enhancing eyes, eyebrows and eye lashes, selective sharpening, blemish removal without loss of detail, body sculpting and producing an overall natural look.

This is a resource you will use time and time again as the need arises and is a must have for any intermediate Photoshop user.

Only $49.95