Mastering Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO and Exposure (Author Interview)

 

 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B6Y8O2K/

Mastering Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO and Exposure looks like a great guide.  Can you tell us a little about who the book was written for?

When I transitioned to digital from film photography, I was surprised and frustrated by the lack of basic information.  I read more than a dozen books on the topic but still had no idea how to move forward.  All the books — including “for Dummies” — used a language that was unknown to me.  I went to my local camera shop for help, but that only increased my frustration.

Some terms are unique to digital photography, like white balance, histograms, cropped frame, and exposure compensation.  These terms were widely used but never defined.

I sought the help of a local retired commercial fashion photographer.  In two hours, he taught me everything I need to know.  A few months later, I was included in a list of “Best Artists of Sedona 2012” and had my work on display in a local gallery.

I then decided to write a series of books that required no prior knowledge of photography so others would not have the frustrating experience I did.  My books are written for newbies with the intention of accelerating the learning process.  Some reviews by serious amateurs and professional photographers confirm the value of my books for all levels of experience.

 

What inspired you when writing Mastering Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO and Exposure?

Until you master manual controls, you are only taking snapshots.  Understanding the exposure triangle is critical for creating images that are suitable for hanging.   

 

What will readers get out of your book?

A fast track to success with minimal effort and frustration. 

Too often fledgling photographers lose their enthusiasm due to well-intentioned but misguided and misinformed friends.  Without a solid foundation, photography can be like shooting in the dark.  This approach is supported by the common advice to take lots of pictures, and some will be good. 

 

How did you come up with the ideas in Mastering Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO and Exposure?

As a former film photographer, I had to know these things.  Film cameras didn’t do the work for you with automatic settings.  Every image required planning and thought.   This encouraged creativity and made every image special.  I wanted digital photographers to have the same experience and creative outlet.

Did anything stick out as particularly challenging when writing Mastering Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO and Exposure?

The main challenge was trying to write a book that required no prior knowledge of photography without talking down to my readers or boring them to death.

 

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I am a retired engineer and corporate innovator.  In a sense, I was paid to invent new products.  So, even as an engineer, my work was more creative than analytical. 

In my mid-thirties I had some of my images enlarged to 20 X 30 and took them to a framing shop.  The owners of the shop liked my work and wanted to sell numbered prints.  I had no idea what that meant, so I declined their offer.  I have always regretted that decision.  I would have been a professional photographer 30 years earlier if I had accepted the offer.

 

Where can readers find out more about your work?

Just goggle Al Judge and you will find all my books.  You can also go to the Amazon Website and search for Al Judge.

My photos are available at https://al-judge.pixels.com/ . 

My MoreAlive@75 YouTube Channel can be found at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_-MPzIQuRd9B0FKKILJunw with additional info at www.MoreAliveAt75.com .