Kindle Free Pick: Jump Start Your Photography in 30 Minutes

If you are looking to improve your photography in the new year.

Back to basics guide to improve your knowledge of and practice of photography.

Topics include camera and lens types, lighting, exposure, composition and image editing.

Kindle Free Pick of the Week - Insights From Beyond the Lens: Landscape Photography

Maybe you received a new camera for Christmas.

Insights from Beyond the Lens is a short new book from landscape photographer Robert Rodriguez Jr that explores the art and craft of landscape photography from a holistic perspective. Based on real world experiences as a photographer as well as an instructor, speaker, and blogger, Robert distills his approach to capturing evocative images in a series of essays based on his popular Beyond the Lens blog.

Beautifully illustrated with Robert's original photographs, you'll get an inside look at the mental process Robert uses when he's in the field scouting and making his images.

While many books focus on the gear and technology, the aim here is to look inside the motivation, passion, and vision involved in successful landscape photography. Go behind the scenes as Robert explains how several images were made, how he draws inspiration from the Hudson River School of painters, and what resources he recommends for further exploration.

Kindle Free Pick of the Week - 8 Types Of Natural Light That Will Add Drama To Your Photographs

With the holiday season upon us, this short read may help you get those pictures you want with natural light.

The first step to becoming a better nature photographer is to understand light.

Discover the 8 types of natural light and learn techniques you can use to increase the quality and dramatic effect of your images.

BACKLIGHT – make flowers glow, make dramatic silhouettes
SIDELIGHT – emphasize texture and shape
FRONT LIGHT – great for sunset shots
REFLECTED LIGHT – make peaceful water reflections
DIFFUSED LIGHT – great for close-ups
DRAMATIC LIGHT – there’s nothing like a storm to create a dramatic image
TWILIGHT – beautiful blues and pinks in the sky

Learn techniques you can use to increase the quality and dramatic effect of your images simply by understanding how light works.

Turn your snapshots into fine art.