Another of my New Year’s Resolutions is to improve the quality of my photographs. I’ve taken 2,422 photographs since December 16, 2008. That’s the date I started shooting pictures. Some of them have been included in Lingua Franca and the rest—most of them—were thrown to the trash can. This pragmatic exercise helped me understand the basic skills needed to take decent photographs. Now the time is ripe to start studying the art in a more systematic manner.
This is why I recently purchased online a photography book through Amazon.com. The title of the book is “Langford’s Starting Photography: The guide to creating great images – 6th Edition” written by Michael Langford & Philip Andrews. This photography introductory book was recommended to me by Michael Moore, who is a professional photographer in Dallas, Texas.
The Table of Contents of the book is:
- Part 1: Picture Making
- Part 2: Camera, Sensors and Film
- Part 3: Creative Use of Camera Controls
- Part 4: Tackling Different Photographic Subjects
- Part 5: Controlling Light
- Part 6: Photographic Workflow
- Part 7: Digital Processing and Printing
- Part 8: Experimental and Constructed Images
- Part 9: Presenting and Assessing Your Work
- Part 10: Trouble Shooting
- Appendices
- Glossary
- Index
I paid $17.79 for the book and $3.99 for shipping charges within the U.S. and $13.44 from the U.S. to Panama City, Panama. The total cost of the book was $35.22. It’s a lot cheaper than taking a photography course which costs about $450.00 in this part of the world.
I took a couple of pictures of unpacking the book for my records and for this specific post. This is what I saw through the lens of my Birthday camera. I received the book from Mail Boxes Etc. on January 29, 2010 at 8:31 a.m. Here we go.
This is the cardboard package prepared by Amazon.com at Lexington, KY. (Credit: ©Omar Upegui R.)
Picture of the book inside the box with a soft bubble cushion in to back to protect it. (Credit: ©Omar Upegui R.
Picture of the photography book recently purchased from Amazon.com. (Credit: ©Omar Upegui R.)
A closer view of Michael Langford's photography book with a lovely child reaching for the sky. (Credit: ©Omar Upegui R.)
Please be patient with me. Don’t expect spectacular pictures immediately. Photograph is an art that takes time to develop. How much time? I wish I knew. Good Day.
Book’s Photograph: Cover photo courtesy of Stockphoto, asiseeit, image #5995651
I am reminded of one of Ansel Adams’ quotes: “Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop.” I am looking forward to the next crop!
I have a question about mailing to Panama. In the past, we have sent packages to the family, both in Panama City and in Boquete and every time with no problems. Below the address, we always put a phone number and also telephone the receipient to let them know it is enroute.
All the blogs I read say they use a mail service to get mailings from the USA and I was curious if I have just been lucky all those times?
Thanks
jim and nena
fort worth, tx
Hi Jim and Nena:
I decided to use Mail Boxes Etc. because they don’t charge me for having a U.S. mail box. I don’t buy frequently from the United States, but I think Panama’s postal service is quite good.
Having said that, I would be careful in sending expensive stuff through Correos Nacionales. In those cases, I would instead use UPS, Fedex or another reputable carrier.
I hope my next crop of photos are better than last year. Fingers crossed.
Take Care,
Omar.-
Omar:
Here are a couple of good digital photo sites your readers might like if they stumble across this comment.
http://digital-photography-school.com/ (Free)
http://www.citydailyphoto.com/portal/
Hi Richard:
Thank you on behalf of the readers of Lingua Franca.
Regards,
Omar.-