I have neither the time nor the resources to take a photography class right now, but I would love to learn some fundamentals. Does anyone here know a good book I can use? Do the fundamentals change when you're dealing with digital photography instead of film? There are so many books on Amazon, so I'd love to get some real world reviews before I decide which one to get.

Thank you all so much!!

I am lead to believe that the fundamentals don't change much between film and digital. Depending on what camera you have and what functions it offers.

As for books - I think it is personal choice. I'd go into a book store and have a good look through the various books and find one or six. I say that because I have a few books and they all offer me different things. But seriously, it depends too, if you want to specialize in any specific area. Many books will cover the basics. Find a book that has a simple style with good clear text which shows you examples and covers the basics in some depth, and then has info on topics which will challenge and stretch you.

I good idea is to go to your library - less costly.

Just my opinion.

One of the best quick read books on digital photography is Scott Kelby's

The Digital Photography Book. Every page is like a blog post. The second book will be out in another month, but start with this one.

You will be amazed at what you learn is a short period of time. Here is a link to it on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photography-Book-Scott-Kelby/dp/032147404X/

I found this book very helpful: Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated/dp/0817463003/

Besides books there's a lot of information on the internet regarding photography due to it's popularity.

If you "google" the particular aspect of photography that you want to learn about you're bound to find many sources of information.

Be really specific with your search query though, ...don't just type "photography".

I found that instead of reading one of those photography for dummies book, which was very broad, and can be overwhelming at times......it was better to target a specific area of photography to help hone your skill.....a book that taught me a whole lot when I first started was "Understanding Exposure" it will open your eyes to a whole new world, and as I suggested earlier is targets a specific area in photography.

Good Luck!

Oh sweet, I didn't even realize that someone else recommended this book too! That means it's a must read eh?!

Henry - it depends on what "fundamentals" you want. Are you at that "I just got a camera, what do I do now?" stage? Or are you interested in composition? Are you photographing people, or landscapes, or...? I do like Jackal's solution--visit a bookstore or library, see what you like.

A couple that I recommend highly:

• "Welcome To Oz" by Vincent Versace--about composition and using Photoshop for post-production.

• "The Photoshop Book For Digital Photographers" by Scott Kelby. Very hands-on. Heck, anything by Scott Kelby on Photoshop is worth the money.

Those are the two I use the most.

Also--I just started a new blog for tips, tricks, and ideas on improving your digital photography. Please visit at http://digitalphotographyfyi.blogspot.com , and let me know if you have suggestions on articles you'd like to see!