Digital Nude Photography - Step by Step - by Roderick MacDonald.
Published by Ilex. ISBN-10: 1904705103
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Coming from the same author as Erotique Digitale this is a more basic affair aimed, as the title suggests, at the beginner. MacDonald uses the book to successfully cover such topics as choosing a digital camera, finding models, camera techniques, image editing software and setting up your own basic studio. The text is clear and the software techniques are simple to follow. Though the author leans heavily towards Adobe products (including Elements) users of Paint Shop Pro etc will find it very easy to adapt the techniques/instructions to suit their own favourite editing package.
The photographs used as examples within the book are rather basic and uninspiring when compared to those within the pages of Erotique Digitale - but they are functional given the level the book is aimed at.
I do take issue with MacDonald's suggestion that one asks the model for his/her permission before touching said model to move them into the required pose. Whilst I have no doubts that his motives are pure I would never advise a photographer to touch a model. There is rarely any need to do so as it is easy to direct him/her into the desired pose by a combination of verbal instruction, direction and the use of your own body as a template. Touching the nude model crosses a line that could cause misunderstanding and is best avoided. It is a question of respecting boundaries.
As with all the books coming from the ILEX publishing house Digital Nude Photography - Step by Step has a great tactile feel and is printed to a high
standard.
Recommended for those approaching the genre for the first time but more experienced photographers may prefer a more inspirational publication.
Review by Christopher John Ball
** Rating
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