The First Canon 6D User’s Guide Now Available!

Canon 6D Experience, my newest Full Stop e book and the first EOS 6D user’s guide, is now available! This e book goes beyond the manual to help you learn the features, settings, and controls of the powerful and highly customizable full-frame Canon 6D. Plus most importantly it explains how, when, and why to use the functions, settings, menu options, and controls in your photography – including the autofocus system, exposure and shooting settings, and the in-camera features such as Multiple Exposure, HDR, RAW image processing, and the new Wi-Fi and GPS functions.

Written in the clear, concise, and comprehensive style of all Full Stop guides, Canon 6D Experience will help you learn to use your full-frame 6D quickly and competently, to consistently create the types of images you want to capture. This e-book is available in either PDF or EPUB format for reading on your computer, tablet, iPad, e-reader, etc.

Learn more about it, view a preview, and purchase it here:

http://www.dojoklo.com/Full_Stop/Canon_6D_Experience.htm

As readers have said about Full Stop guides:

“An excellent guide, clear and concise. A great tool for budding photographer as well as the seasoned pro. A sure way to get the most out of your camera.”

and

“I don’t know how I could fully take advantage of all the features the camera has to offer without this publication! It’s well-organized, easy to understand, and succinct enough to keep your attention while still containing a wealth of information to get the most out of your camera.”

Take control of your Canon 6D, the image taking process, and the photos you create!

For Intermediate and Enthusiast Photographers:

This instant download Canon EOS 6D e book is designed for enthusiast dSLR photographers who wish to take fuller advantage of the capabilities of their camera:

Go beyond Auto+ and Program modes and shoot competently in Av, Tv, and M modes.
Take full control of the versatile autofocus system.
Learn how, when, and why to use and customize the various controls, buttons, and features of the 6D.

To get you started, it includes explanations and recommended settings for all Menu settings and Custom Function options of the 6D. It covers basic dSLR camera functions and exposure concepts for those learning digital SLR photography, and explains more advanced camera controls and operation, such as taking control of the autofocus system for sharp focus of still or moving subjects, using the various metering modes and exposure compensation for correct exposure of every image, and taking advantage of the newer features found in the 6D such as in-camera HDR and Multiple Exposure Modes.

For Experienced Photographers to get up and running with the 6D :
For experienced photographers coming to the EOS 6D from other models, this guide explains the new and advanced features and settings in order to quickly get you up and running and taking advantage of these capabilities. Plus it explains the camera controls, the in-camera HDR and Multiple Exposures features, in-camera image processing, introduces the HD video capabilities, Wi-Fi and GPS functions, and guides you through all the 6D Menu and Custom Function items in order to help you best set up and customize the camera and its controls for your specific shooting needs.

Example images from Canon 6D Experience:
High ISO sample, Autofocus AF Points in Viewfinder,
Multiple Exposure Shooting Mode, Wi-Fi remote shooting using smart device.

Canon 6D Experience not only covers the various settings, functions and controls of the Canon 6D, but also explains when and why to use them for your photography. The guide focuses on still-photography with an introduction to the movie menus, settings, and options to get you up and running with HD video. Sections include:

Setting Up Your EOS 6D – Explanations of all of the Canon 6D Custom Function settings and Menu options, with recommended settings for practical, everyday use. These settings are a significant part of what makes the 6D such a powerful and versatile camera. Set up and customize the advanced features to work best for the way you photograph.

Camera Controls – Description of all of the camera’s controls, how to customize them for your needs, and when and why to use them.

Aperture Priority (Av), Shutter Priority (Tv), and Manual (M) Modes – How and when to use them to create dramatic depth of field, freeze or express motion, or take total control over exposure settings.

Auto Focusing Modes and Drive Modes – How they differ, how and when to use them to capture sharp images of both still and moving subjects. Also how and when to use focus lock and back-button focusing.

Exposure Metering Modes of the Canon 6D – How they differ, how and when to use them for correct exposures in every situation. Also how to make use of exposure lock.

Histograms, Exposure Compensation, Bracketing, and White Balance – Understanding and using these features for adjusting to the proper exposure in challenging lighting situations or for capturing a range of exposures to combine into HDR images.

Wi-Fi and GPS – Introduction to the set-up and use of the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi and GPS. Wirelessly control the 6D, save, or share images with your smart device or computer, and geotag and map your photos.

Introduction to Video Settings – Explanations of the menus, settings, and options to get you started.

Composition – Brief tips, techniques, and explanations, including the creative use of depth of field.

The Image Taking Process – Descriptive tutorials for using the settings and controls you just learned to take still and action photos.

Lenses – Explanation of Canon lenses and choosing your next lens.

Photography Accessories – The most useful accessories for day-to-day and travel photography including those specific to the 6D, plus recommended photography books.

This digital guide to the Canon 6D is a 248 page illustrated e-book that goes beyond the 6D manual to explain how, when, and why to use the features, settings, and controls of the 6D to help you get the most from your camera.

Learn more about Canon 6D Experience, view a preview, and purchase it on my Full Stop website here:

http://www.dojoklo.com/Full_Stop/Canon_6D_Experience.htm

The First Nikon D600 e book user’s guide Now Available!

Nikon D600 Experience, my latest Full Stop e book and the first D600 user’s guide, is now available! This e book goes beyond the manual to help you learn the features, settings, and controls of the powerful and highly customizable Nikon D600. Plus most importantly it explains how, when, and why to use the functions, settings, menu options, and controls in your photography – including the sophisticated autofocus system and the in-camera features such as Multiple Exposure, HDR, and Time-Lapse Shooting.

Written in the clear, concise, and comprehensive style of all Full Stop guides, Nikon D600 Experience will help you learn to use your full-frame D600 quickly and competently, to consistently create the types of images you want to capture. This e-book is available in either PDF or EPUB format for reading on your computer, tablet, iPad, e-reader, etc.

Learn more about it, view a preview, and purchase it here:

http://www.dojoklo.com/Full_Stop/Nikon_D600_Experience.htm

As one reader has said about Full Stop guides, “I don’t know how I could fully take advantage of all the features the camera has to offer without this publication! It’s well-organized, easy to understand, and succinct enough to keep your attention while still containing a wealth of information to get the most out of your camera.”

Take control of your Nikon D600, the image taking process, and the photos you create!

For experienced photographers coming to the D600 from previous models, this guide explains the new and advanced features to quickly get you up and running and taking advantage of these capabilities, including the advanced 39 Point Autofocus System and its Autofocus Modes, AF-Area Modes, Menu options and Custom Settings. Plus it explains the camera controls, the in-camera HDR, Multiple Exposures, Interval Timer and Time-Lapse Shooting features, introduces the settings and controls of the HD video capabilities, and guides you through all the Menu and Custom Settings options to help you set up the camera for your specific needs.

This guide is also designed for Intermediate and Enthusiast dSLR Photographers who wish to take fuller advantage of the capabilities of the camera to go beyond Auto and Program modes and shoot competently in A, S, and M modes; take control of the sophisticated 39 point autofocus system; learn how, when, and why to use the controls, buttons, and features of the D600, and much more. It covers basic dSLR camera functions and exposure concepts for those learning digital SLR photography, and explains more advanced camera controls and operation such as using the various metering modes and exposure compensation for correct exposure of every image.

Nikon D600 Experience focuses on still-photography with an introduction to HD video in order to get you up and running with shooting movies, including the movie settings and menu options. Sections include:

Setting Up Your D600 – All of the D600 Custom Settings and Playback, Shooting, and Setup Menus, including Movie Mode Menus, with explanations and recommended settings for practical, everyday use. Set up and customize the advanced features of your dSLR to work best for the way you photograph.

Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), and Manual (M) Modes – How and when to use them to create dramatic depth of field, freeze or express motion, or take total control over exposure settings.

Auto Focusing Modes and Area Modes and Release (Drive) Modes – The 39 point D600 autofocus system is a is a powerful tool, and taking control of it will enable you to successfully capture more sharp images, especially in action situations. Learn the AF Modes, AF Area Modes, and AF Custom Settings, how they differ, how and when to take advantage of them to capture both still and moving subjects. Plus how and when to use focus lock.

Exposure Metering Modes of the Nikon D600 – How they differ, how and when to use them for correct exposures in every situation, and how to customize them for your needs. Also how to make use of exposure lock.

Histograms, Exposure Compensation, Bracketing, and White Balance – Understanding and using these features for adjusting to the proper exposure in challenging lighting situations, and setting custom white balance.

The Image Taking Process – Descriptive tutorials for using the settings and controls you just learned to take photos of both still and moving subjects.

Photography Accessories – The most useful accessories for day-to-day and travel photography including accessories specific to the D600.

Composition – Brief tips, techniques, and explanations, including the creative use of depth of field.

Introduction to Video Settings – Settings and explanations to get you started shooting HD video.

This digital guide to the Nikon D600 is a 217 page illustrated e-book that goes beyond the manual to explain how, when, and why to use the features, settings, and controls of the D600 to help you get the most from your camera.

Learn more about Nikon D600 Experience, view a preview, and purchase it on my Full Stop website here:

http://www.dojoklo.com/Full_Stop/Nikon_D600_Experience.htm

Nikon D600 E-Book User’s Guide Now Available!

Nikon D600 Experience – The Still Photography Guide to Operation and Image Creation With the Nikon D600 is an e book user’s guide that goes beyond the manual to help you learn the features, settings, and controls of this sophisticated and highly customizable camera. Most importantly, it explains not only how but also when and why to use the camera’s basic and advanced features, settings, and controls in your photography.

Written in the clear, concise, and comprehensive manner of all Full Stop dSLR camera guides, Nikon D600 Experience will help you learn to use your D600 quickly and competently, to consistently create the types of images you want to capture. As one reader has said about Full Stop guides:

For dSLR users from Experienced to Enthusiast:

For experienced photographers coming to the D600 from the D90, D7000, D5100, etc., this guide explains the new and advanced features in order to quickly get you up and running and taking advantage of these capabilities, including the sophisticated 39 Point Autofocus System and all its AF Modes, AF Area Modes, and Custom Settings. Plus it explains the camera controls, the in-camera HDR, Multiple Exposure, and Time Lapse features, introduces the video capabilities, and guides you through all the Playback, Shooting, and Setup Menus, Custom Settings, and Movie Mode Menu settings of the D600 in order to help you best set up the camera and its controls for your specific shooting needs.

For intermediate and enthusiast photographers this instant download Nikon D600 e book will help you learn to take fuller advantage of the capabilities of your camera:

Go beyond Auto and Program modes and shoot competently in A, S, and M shooting modes.
Take full advantage of the sophisticated 39 point autofocus system.
Learn how, when, and why to use and customize the various controls, buttons, and features of the D600.

To get you started, it includes explanations and recommended settings for all Menu options and Custom Settings of the D600. It covers basic dSLR camera functions and exposure concepts for those learning digital SLR photography, and explains more advanced camera controls and operation, such as taking control of the powerful autofocus system for sharp focus of still or moving subjects, using the various metering modes and exposure compensation for correct exposure of every image, and taking advantage of other features of the D600 such as in-camera HDR and Multiple Exposure Mode.

Example images from the text of Nikon D600 Experience

You can preview Nikon D600 Experience at the Full Stop webpage:

Nikon D600 Experience not only covers the various settings, functions and controls of the Nikon D600, but it also explains when and why to use them for your photography. The guide focuses on still-photography with an introduction to the movie menus and settings to get you up and running with video. Sections include:

Setting Up Your D600 – All of the D600 Custom Settings and Playback, Shooting, and Setup Menus, including Movie Mode Menus, with explanations and recommended settings for practical, everyday use. Set up and customize the advanced features of your dSLR to work best for the way you photograph.
Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), and Manual (M) Modes – How and when to use them to create dramatic depth of field, freeze or express motion, or take total control over exposure settings.
Auto Focusing Modes and Area Modes and Release (Drive) Modes – The 39 point D600 autofocus system is a is a powerful tool, and taking control of it will enable you to successfully capture more sharp images, especially in action situations. Learn the AF Modes, AF Area Modes, and AF Custom Settings, how they differ, how and when to take advantage of them to capture both still and moving subjects. Plus how and when to use focus lock.
Exposure Metering Modes of the Nikon D600 – How they differ, how and when to use them for correct exposures in every situation, and how to customize them for your needs. Also how to make use of exposure lock.
Histograms, Exposure Compensation, Bracketing, and White Balance – Understanding and using these features for adjusting to the proper exposure in challenging lighting situations, and setting custom white balance.
Composition – Brief tips, techniques, and explanations, including the creative use of depth of field.
The Image Taking Process – Descriptive tutorials for using the settings and controls you just learned to take photos of both still and moving subjects.
Photography Accessories – The most useful accessories for day-to-day and travel photography including accessories specific to the D600.
Introduction to Video Settings – Settings and explanations to get you started.

This digital guide to the Nikon D600 is an illustrated e-book that goes beyond the D600 manual to explain how, when, and why to use the features, settings, and controls of the D600 to help you get out there shooting in the real world. It is available in instant download PDF and EPUB formats.

Title: Nikon D600 Experience
Author: Douglas Klostermann
Page Count: 217, illustrated
ISBN #: 978-1-3017-2999-9
Price: $14.99

What Readers are Saying about Doug’s previous guide Nikon D7000 Experience:

This book, together with the manual that came with your camera, is all you need to start discovering the full potential of the D7000.
-Max M.

It’s the first guide I’ve read which has taken me through all the settings in an understandable way. I now feel that I have control over the camera.
-Peter S.

Really practical and tremendously helpful. Readers of this e-book can expect to benefit from a more rewarding photographic experience using this superb camera, and be better able to exploit its potential to match their personal objectives and photographic style. Highly recommended.
-M.M.

I would recommend this to anyone who wants to get a quick start to using the D7000. Manuals are nice, but this eBook highlights the important information and gives a quick easy to understand explanation of most all of the functions and controls.
-Ray M.

I found the Nikon manual good for understanding how to set things up but not much on the why – this book really focuses on the WHY. The guide helped me understand why to use specific settings for specific needs. The Custom Settings sections helps to make firm decisions on how to apply settings by understanding the usage of each in addition to knowing how to set them up.
-Benoit A.

This manual is a clearly written, concise and useful explanation of the rationale for the seemingly infinite and often confusing settings options for the D7000. Used in conjunction with the Nikon manual I feel a bit more confident in understanding how to at last proceed in getting better photographs.
-W.L.S.

It’s clear, concise and gets to the heart of the camera’s multiple and often confusing options. Very highly recommended – for experienced user and beginner alike. As previous reviewers have remarked, the official manual is very good on what to do, but not so clear on why.
-G.S.A.

A well written, professional helpful guide – Brilliant, just what I was looking for! A manual for the D7000 that was exciting, clear to follow, had examples and was used by a professional who gave just the right amount of technical with explanations of why you use those settings, when to use those settings and so on, all properly explained. The book is a revelation, a joy to follow, well thought through and well written. Nikon should be employing Doug to write every one of their cameras manuals.
-R.D.C.

The First User’s Guide to the Canon Rebel T4i / EOS 650D Now Available!

Canon T4i / 650D Experience, my most recent Full Stop dSLR e-book and the first available user’s guide to the T4i / 650D, goes beyond the manual to help you learn the features, settings, and controls of the advanced and versatile T4i / 650D, plus most importantly how, when, and why to use the functions, settings, and controls in your photography.

Written in the clear, concise, and comprehensive style of all Full Stop guides, Canon T4i / 650D Experience will help you learn to use your Canon T4i / 650D quickly and competently, to consistently create the types of images you want to capture. The e-book is available in PDF format for reading on your computer, e-reader, or tablet.

Learn more about it, preview it, and purchase it here:
http://www.dojoklo.com/Full_Stop/Canon_T4i_Experience.htm

As one reader has said about the previous Canon T3i Experience e-book: “A Must-Have Accessory – What a great addition to my bag. This is a well written, full body of work that explains, in plain English, how to get the most out of my new camera. Doug provides the knowledge and experience to bring you to the next level. I look forward to learning more every time I open the book.”

Take control of your Rebel T4i / EOS 650D, the image taking process, and the photos you create!

For beginner, intermediate and enthusiast photographers: This Canon T4i / 650D e-book is for those who wish to get more out of their camera and to go beyond Auto+ and Program modes and shoot in Aperture Priority (Av), Shutter Priority (Tv), and Manual (M) modes. To get your camera set up, it begins with explanations and recommended settings for all Menu settings, Custom Function options, and Movie Mode Menu settings of the T4i / 650D. It covers basic dSLR camera functions and exposure concepts for those new to digital SLR photography, and explains more advanced camera controls and operation, such as using the various metering modes and exposure compensation for correct exposure of every image, controlling autofocus modes and focus points for sharp focus of still or moving subjects, and making use of the camera’s new multi-shot exposure modes.

Canon T4i / 650D Experience focuses on still-photography with an introduction to the movie menus and settings to get you up and running with video. Sections include:

Setting Up Your Camera – All of the Menu settings and Custom Function settings for the T4i / 650D, including movie mode menus, with brief descriptions and recommended settings for practical, everyday use. Set up and customize the advanced features of this dSLR to work best for the way you photograph.

Camera Controls – Description of all of the camera’s controls, plus when and why to use them, including how to take advantage of the new Touch Screen and Quick Control settings screens.

Aperture Priority (Av), Shutter Priority (Tv), and Manual (M) Modes – How and when to use them to create dramatic depth of field, freeze or express motion, or take total control over exposure settings.

Auto Focusing Modes and Drive Modes – How they differ, how and when to use them to capture sharp images of both still and moving subjects. Also how and when to use focus lock and back-button focusing.

Exposure Metering Modes of the Canon T4i / 650D – How they differ, how and when to use them for correct exposures in every situation. Also how to make use of exposure lock.

Histograms, Exposure Compensation, Bracketing, and White Balance – Understanding and using these features for adjusting to the proper exposure in challenging lighting situations.

Lenses – Explanation of Canon lenses and choosing your next lens.

Composition – Brief tips, techniques, and explanations, including the creative use of depth of field.

The Image Taking Process – A descriptive tutorial for using the settings and controls you just learned to take still and action photos.

Photography Accessories – The most useful accessories for day-to-day and travel photography including those specific to this camera, plus recommended photography books.

Introduction to Video Settings – Some basic settings to get you started.

This digital guide to the Canon Rebel T4i / EOS 650D is a 165 page illustrated e-book that goes beyond the manual to explain how, when, and why to use the features, settings, and controls of the T4i / 650D to help you get the most from your camera.

Learn more about Canon T4i / 650D Experience e book manual for the Rebel T4i / EOS 650D on my Full Stop website here:

http://www.dojoklo.com/Full_Stop/Canon_T4i_Experience.htm

The First Canon 5D Mark III e book user’s guide Now Available!

Canon 5D Mark III Experience is my latest Full Stop dSLR user’s guide e book, which goes beyond the manual to help you learn the features, settings, and controls of the powerful and highly customizable EOS 5D Mk III, plus most importantly how, when, and why to use the functions, settings, and controls in your photography.

Written in the clear, concise, and comprehensive style of all Full Stop guides, Canon 5D Mark III Experience will help you learn to use your Canon 5D Mk 3 quickly and competently, to consistently create the types of images you want to capture. The e-book is available in either PDF, EPUB, or MOBI format for reading on any device.

Learn more about it, preview it, and purchase it here:
http://www.dojoklo.com/Full_Stop/Canon_5DMkIII_Experience.htm

As one Canon user has said about Full Stop guides, “I don’t know how I could fully take advantage of all the features the camera has to offer without this publication! It’s well-organized, easy to understand, and succinct enough to keep your attention while still containing a wealth of information to get the most out of your camera.”

Take control of your 5D Mk III, the image taking process, and the photos you create!

For experienced photographers coming to the 5D Mk III from previous EOS models, this guide explains the new and advanced features to quickly get you up and running and taking advantage of these capabilities, including the new 61 Point Autofocus System and its Modes, Area Modes, Menu options and AF Case Presets. Plus it explains the new camera controls, the in-camera HDR and Multiple Exposures features, introduces the new video capabilities, and guides you through all the Menu and Custom Function items to help you set up the camera for your specific needs. This guide is also designed for Intermediate and Enthusiast dSLR Photographers who wish to take fuller advantage of the capabilities of the camera to go beyond Auto+ and P modes and shoot competently in Av, Tv, and M modes; take control of the sophisticated 61 point autofocus system; learn how, when, and why to use the controls, buttons, and features of the 5D Mk III, and much more. It covers basic dSLR camera functions and exposure concepts for those learning digital SLR photography, and explains more advanced camera controls and operation such as using the various metering modes and exposure compensation for correct exposure of every image.

Canon 5D Mark III Experience focuses on still-photography with an introduction to the movie menus and settings to get you up and running with video. Sections include:

Setting Up Your 5D Mk III – Explanations of all of the Custom Function settings and Menu options, with recommended settings.

Auto Focusing Modes and Drive Modes – Taking control of the new 61 point autofocus system will enable you to successfully capture more sharp images in still and action situations. Learn the AF Modes, AF Area Modes, and AF Configuration Presets and how and when to take advantage of them.

Aperture (Av), Shutter (Tv), and Manual (M) Modes – How and when to use them to create dramatic depth of field, freeze or express motion, or take total control over exposure settings.

Exposure Metering Modes – How they differ, how and when to use them for correct exposures in every situation.

Histograms, Exposure Compensation, Bracketing, and White Balance – Understanding these features for adjusting to the proper exposure in challenging lighting situations.

HDR Shooting mode and Multiple Exposure mode – Configure and use these new features.

The Image Taking Process – Descriptive tutorials.

Composition – Brief tips, techniques, and explanations, including the creative use of depth of field.

Lenses – Canon lens notations and choosing L series lenses.

Photography Accessories – Useful accessories for the 5D Mk III and for dSLR photography.

Introduction to Video Settings – Explanations of the settings and options to get you started.

This digital guide to the Canon 5D Mark III is a 195 page illustrated e-book that goes beyond the manual to explain how, when, and why to use the features, settings, and controls of the 5D Mark III to help you get the most from your camera.

Learn more about Canon 5D Mark III Experience e book manual for the EOS 5DIII, preview it, and purchase it on my Full Stop website here:
http://www.dojoklo.com/Full_Stop/Canon_5DMkIII_Experience.htm

Take Control of your Canon 5D Mark III with my e-book guide!

I have completed my e-book guide for the new Canon EOS 5D Mark III, called Canon 5D Mark III Experience. This Still Photography Guide to the EOS 5D Mark III goes beyond the EOS 5D Mk III manual to help you learn when and why to use the various controls, features, and custom settings of this powerful camera, including the advanced and sophisticated 61 point autofocus system, the numerous Menu and Custom Function options, and the new controls and features. Written in the clear and concise manner of all Full Stop guides, Canon 5D Mark III Experience can help you learn to use your Canon 5DIII quickly and competently, to consistently create the types of images you want to capture.

Take control of your Canon 5D Mk III and the images you create!

As one Canon user has said about on of my previous guides:

This book is now available! To learn more about it, please click on the cover or the link below to have a look at my Full Stop e-book website:

http://www.dojoklo.com/Full_Stop/Canon_5DMkIII_Experience.htm

What Readers Had to Say about Doug’s Previous dSLR Camera Guides:

Brilliant – just what I was looking for! A manual that was exciting, clear to follow, had examples and was used by a professional who gave just the right amount of technical info with explanations of why you use those settings, when to use those settings and so on…all properly explained. Doug’s book is a joy to follow, well thought through and well written. The camera company should be employing Doug to write their cameras manuals!
-Robert D.

A Must-Have Accessory – What a great addition to my bag. This is a well written, full body of work that explains, in plain English, how to get the most out my new camera. Doug provides the knowledge and experience to bring you to the next level. I look forward to learning more every time I open the book.
-Steven

Definitely reduces the slope of the learning curve to an easy gradient – I found that it was easy to read and understand, full of important hints and suggestions and allowed me to get to grips with the tools available in the camera in a very short time indeed. Excellent value!
-O.B.

It’s the first guide I’ve read which has taken me through all the settings in an understandable way. I now feel that I have control over the camera.
-Peter S.

The E-Book Handbook Revised for 2012

I have just published a 2012 revised version of The E-Book Handbook, now available on my website, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Apple iTunes (the iTunes version may not be revised for several weeks based on their publishing time-frames). See this page or click the cover below to learn more about the guide and links to the various retail sites.

Revisions include an explanation of how to use Calibre to convert to your book to epub or mobi formats in case your Word document upload to Amazon or Barnes and Noble fails, explanations of new Amazon KDP features, revised information on my sales experiences and stats on the major retail sites, modified cover image size and resolution info to use for various sites and formats, copyright issues and Internet piracy, and some information on the new Apple iBooks Author software app.

If you are interested in creating, formatting, and publishing your own e-book, be sure to check out The E-Book Handbook!

Choosing Photography Books for Your New Kindle, Nook, or iPad

Now that you’ve received you new e-reader device as a gift this holiday – Kindle, Nook, or iPad, etc. – I’m sure you are eager to fill it with great content, including photography books.

But first be aware that sometimes these devices are not ideal for viewing image-dependent books such as most photography books. As the epub format evolves, this issue will improve, and of course the pages of a PDF formatted e-books can appear just as the pages of the actual book. Be sure to look at the preview of the book before you purchase it to see how the images and page layouts survived the conversion to e-reader format. And of course iPad apps that were intentionally designed to take advantage of the iPad’s capabilities should look great.

Some photography books and camera guides that were designed with e-reader formats in mind are my Full Stop camera guides! They will (or should) appear nearly identical on an e-reader (Nook, Kindle, iPad) as they do in their PDF format. This doesn’t allow for complex page layouts, but rather displays a continuous flow of text and example images, as seen in this example preview.

I offer several popular e-book user’s guides and tutorials for most all of the latest Canon EOS and Nikon dSLR cameras, plus an e-book on general dSLR photography, and an e-book about how to create, publish, and sell you own e-books. All are available for purchase in the bookstore section of my website. Each e-book is available in PDF format, which you can view on your computer, print, and read on the iPad, Kindle, Nook, etc., and there are also dedicated Kindle and Nook versions at Amazon and Barnes and Noble, and all are available via Apple iTunes and iBooks.

Click the titles or covers below to learn more:

Nikon Guides:

Nikon D7100 Experience
Nikon D7000 Experience
Nikon D600 Experience
Nikon D5200 Experience
Nikon D5100 Experience

Canon Guides:

Canon 5D Mark III Experience – updated for Firmware 1.2.1!
Canon 6D Experience
Canon T5i / 700D Experience
Canon 70D Experience
Canon T4i / 650D Experience
Canon 7D Experience – Updated for Firmware 2.0!
Your World 60D
Canon T3i Experience
Canon T2i Experience

Other E-Books

Ten Steps to Better dSLR Photography
and
The E-Book Handbook

Free E-Book from Craft and Vision

Craft and Vision, publishers of many fine photography e-books, has just introduced a new, FREE e-book! It is a collection of articles from various talented Craft and Vision authors/ photographer, and is intended, of course, to introduce you to their thoughts and writings and entice you to buy all the other Craft and Vision books! This is not a bad thing, as the books are all excellent, and I’m certain you will find at least a couple, if not a handful that will appeal to you as well as help you improve your photography.

The FREE e-book, 11 Ways You Can Improve Your Photography, is available by clicking on its title or the image below. You will be taken to the Craft and Vision site where, after getting your free book, you can view (and purchase!) all the other books.

The free book has several excellent articles discussing numerous aspects of making a photograph and improving your results including composition, exposure, making prints, self-assignments/ projects, and capturing the moment. And it is no pamphlet…67 spreads, as in 134 magazine pages!

Authors include: David duChemin, Piet Van den Eynde, Andrew S. Gibson, Nicole S. Young, Alexandre Buisse, Stuart Sipahigil, Eli Reinholdtsen and Michael Frye.

To read my reviews or intros to other Craft and Vision books, have a look at my post Developing Your Photographic Vision as well as the other posts tagged “Craft and Vision.”

Cyber Monday Camera Guide Sale!

SALE OVER :(

On Cyber Monday, November 28, 2011 only, I will be offering a coupon code for $5 off the price of most of my PDF camera guides. Any guide on the Full Stop website with the current price of $10.99 will be available for $5.99 (with the coupon code). That’s almost 50% off!

Plus $5 off The E-Book Handbook too! (only $4.99 with coupon code!)

This sale includes the following PDF e-book camera guides:

Nikon D5100 Experience

Nikon D7000 Experience

Canon 7D Experience

Your World 60D

Canon T3i Experience

In order to get the savings, use coupon code ~~fsmonday5~~ when making your purchase. Click on the “Check out with PayPal” button in order to enter the coupon code. Don’t worry, you can check out with either a credit card or PayPal when using that button.

The coupon code will be valid all day Monday Nov. 28, 2011, until 11:59pm Eastern Time.

Independent E-Book Publisher Full Stop Celebrates Successful First Year

Online and PDF versions of this press release available here:
http://www.dojoklo.com/writing/PressReleases/2011-09-29-Press_Release.htm

Full Stop Publishing
good writing for better photography
www.dojoklo.com/Full_Stop

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Douglas Klostermann
E Mail – doug@dojoklo.com

Independent E-Book Publishing Company Celebrates Successful First Year

Independent E-Book Publisher Takes Advantage of Newly Leveled Playing Field to Successfully Compete with Traditional Publishers

September 29, 2011 – Cambridge, Mass. – Independent e-book publisher Full Stop marks its successful first year of creating, publishing, and selling digital SLR camera guides and photography e-books.

Begun in September 2010 with the publication of its first camera user’s guide Your World 60D, the independent publisher currently offers nine titles and has sold over 6,000 e-books. The majority of the titles are user’s guides aimed at Canon and Nikon digital SLR camera owners, including Amazon Kindle best-sellers Canon T3i Experience and Nikon D5100 Experience. Taking advantage of readers’ growing preference for e-books and the increasing popularity of e-reader devices and tablets, as well as the digital publishing opportunities offered by major online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble, author and photographer and head of Full Stop Douglas Klostermann is able to reach a wide audience of readers interested in learning how to use their equipment and improve their photography. As Douglas noted in a recent interview, “E-books and e-publishing have completely leveled the playing field for independent publishers, allowing us to successfully compete with major publishers and even to beat them to the market by taking advantage of the available technology and sales channels.”

Inspired by his experiences with e-publishing as well as the rapidly expanding popularity of e-books Douglas has also written an e-book guide to help others create, publish, and sell e-books, called The E-Book Handbook. All of his guides are available for sale on the Full Stop website as well as on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and through Apple iBooks and iTunes. As with all e-books, Full Stop guides are read on a computer, e-reader device such as the Kindle or Nook, or tablet such as the iPad.

Additional camera guides and photography books are planned, and Full Stop is looking forward to further success with independent e-book publishing and the continued growth of e-books, e-reader devices, and digital publishing. For further information contact Douglas Klostermann at doug@dojoklo.com.

###

Online and PDF versions of this press release available here:
http://www.dojoklo.com/writing/PressReleases/2011-09-29-Press_Release.htm

An Open Letter to Magazine Publishers

I’ve just viewed one of the more frustrating and disappointing videos that I’ve seen in awhile.

You know all those magazine ads lately about the importance of magazines and “the Power of Print?” The ones with all the different fonts and you get to try to guess which letter came from which magazine?

the power of print magazines iPad e-magazine ebook ebook publishers

I just watched the video companion to this campaign, with several major publishers – the brightest minds in the publishing business – arguing about the importance of print magazines, and how the history of technology has shown that print magazines will not be displaced.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGVniqgWSc0

Perhaps they are too busy trying to come up with lame and misguided arguments that they don’t realize print magazines have already been displaced!

It is called an e-magazine. Or perhaps an iPad magazine. And if you’ve seen one, you will likely agree that it is the most amazing thing to come to magazines since the invention of “glossy.” If you haven’t, then download a free app and sample edition of your favorite magazine: Wired, Martha Stewart, Spin, or even Scott Kelby’s Light It.

E-magazines on the iPad are going to be huge. HUGE. They are going to sell 10 times better than print magazines and make some people a lot of money, yet the most prominent publishers of magazines are busy arguing how print is important and lasting.

Everyone loves the warm, full sound of The Beatles on vinyl. It is widely agreed that vinyl sounds way better than mp3’s. Yet how many songs on vinyl did you listen to while working out at this gym today?

While the music honchos were busy making the anti-mp3 argument, people started digesting music in unprecedented quantities, but the music industry kept fighting the wrong fight. Then Steve Jobs came along and provided a commercially viable way to feed all those hungry ears, and now Apple is the largest music retailer in the world, selling another 283 songs every nano-second (or something like that).

The EXACT SAME THING is now happening with both e-books and now e-magazines, yet those in charge are busy focusing on the wrong fights. Publishers aren’t printers. Printers are printers. The printing industry should be making full page ads, websites, and videos trying to protect their ~~buggy whips~~ industry. The publishing industry should have realized ~~months~~, ~~years~~, decades ago that they are in the information and content delivery business. We don’t care how we digest our content. Just make it easy and we will digest even more! AND we’ll pay for it!

Everyone loves the feel of books. Browsing down an aisle. No one needs to keep making that argument. (Seriously, you can stop now. We understand you love smelling your books.) But reading a book isn’t about holding (or smelling) a book, its about reading a story. A story that takes your beyond your physical book, not to mention beyond your couch at the same time. Ask a Kindle owner, they will tell you they’ve read more stories since they’ve started using their Kindle, just like everyone rediscovered their music collection after they got their iPod and are listening to more music than ever before. Browsing down an aisle or through a magazine rack is about discovery and serendipity, and Amazon has some pretty great algorithms that makes this process much more efficient, helping us find the perfect book we may have never found on our own, and helping us know instantly through countless reviews if it is worth reading. And the iPad makes browsing quicker, easier, and more colorful than ever before. Yes, just like the warm sound of a vinyl LP, the book aisle will inevitably be lost. (Don’t worry, after all the bookstores are gone, you will still be able to browse down the aisles of the library for another 12 years until they finally realize no one is coming in the door and its time to give up the “feel of books” argument.) But you may find that what we are left with is both more convenient and more effective at providing you with what you are actually seeking – good content, good stories that strongly appeal to you. If you want to “browse,” to occupy your time, eyes, and mind, perhaps try a gallery or art museum instead.

Can you think of a better way to pass spare moments than a magazine? We already do it at the doctor’s office, the airport, the DMV. But what if you are in a place without magazines and/ or forgot to bring yours along, or already finished the one you are carrying? Do you see how easy it will be when EVERYONE has their iPad or Kindle Fire (immediately after Holidays 2011 when everyone gets one or the other), pulls it out, and skims through the latest editions of their favorite magazine. We can all can carry 26 issues of 6 different magazines with us everywhere we go so that we can catch up on them. Have you seen the iCloud? It will automatically push you the latest issue – no effort!

Magazine vendors at airports realize something: put the magazines where the bored readers are. Now we have our magazine stand with us everywhere we go, and can buy a magazine at the slightest whim. Why is it so hard for the publisher of Time to figure out? And the publishers of Esquire, Rolling Stone, People, Car and Driver, Glamour, Architectural Digest, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker…? Aren’t these people more insightful than that? Shouldn’t it be the airport magazine kiosk owners running ad campaigns and making videos imploring us to keep buying print magazines?

Publishers, do you see that this all means $$$? $$$ for you unless you keep wasting your time making videos about “the Power of Print” while the bright minds at Apple figure out how to make all the e-magazine revenue for themselves through iBooks and iTunes.

It wouldn’t be such a big deal if the top publishers’ near-sightedness only hurt themselves. We all love schadenfreude. But rather than taking the opportunity dropped in their lap by the iPad, and focusing on the path to iPad e-publishing prosperity, their misguided fight may end up hurting many, many others – damaging the careers of reporters, writers, editors, and countless staff. And yes, photographers too. The iPad is the savior of publishing, and they are busy arguing that ~~those noisy, smelly Model T’s~~ the Internet isn’t going to kill their ~~reliable and useful buggy whips~~ colorful stacks of paper held together with a staple.

Almost 12 years ago I wrote a similar letter about how retailers were building a wall of sand in a vain attempt to hold back the rush of progress, change, disruption, and opportunity brought on by the Internet. It is disappointing that so many years and lessons later, some are still trying to build these walls of sand.

Sigh.

Two Hot New Releases!

My two latest photography e-book guides, Canon 7D Experience and Ten Steps to Better dSLR Photography are both “Hot New Releases” in the Amazon Kindle Photography Equipment category!

Of course, I’m always second fiddle to Bryan Peterson…

Each of these guides can help you to learn more about the functions, settings, and features of your camera and assist you in improving your photography.

Take control of your camera and the images you create!

Please visit my Full Stop e-book site to learn more about my guides, preview them, and purchase them.

Ten Steps to Better dSLR Photography

Ten Steps to Better dSLR Photography is an e-book guide to help digital SLR photographers take control of their camera and the images they create.

Capturing great images with your dSLR should not be the occasional result of chance and luck. By taking control of your camera, its functions, and its settings you can begin to work with consistency and intention and take the photos you desire.

Readers of my popular dSLR camera guides such as Nikon D5100 Experience and Your World 60D have benefited from the clear and concise explanations of digital SLR photography functions and concepts. With Ten Steps to Better dSLR Photography all photographers can learn these essential elements necessary for taking full advantage of a dSLR including how, when and why to use the camera’s various functions and settings.

With this guide you will learn:

Controlling Your Autofocus System – focus where you want for sharp photos of still and moving subjects.
Understanding Apertures and using Aperture Priority Mode to capture dramatic depth of field.
Understanding Shutter Speed and using Shutter Priority Mode to freeze or express action.
Choosing the Metering Mode, Adjusting Exposure Compensation, and Using the Histogram for proper exposure in all lighting situations.
Determining proper ISO Settings and White Balance Settings.
Selecting JPEG or RAW image file format to save your images.
Improving Image Composition.
The Image Taking Process – a tutorial making use of all the steps learned.
…and more!

These are not simply photography “tips and tricks” but rather clear, concise, and useful explanations and examples of the fundamental functions, settings, and concepts of digital SLR photography. This 54 page illustrated PDF guide can help the novice or intermediate photographer better understand their camera and how to use it to its full capabilities to consistently capture better images, whether you shoot with a Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony, or Olympus dSLR camera.

Author: Douglas Klostermann
Format: PDF – Instant Download
Page Count: 54 pages, illustrated
ISBN: 978-1-4524-4764-3
Price: ~~$8.99~~ new release sale! $6.99
secure payment with PayPal or Credit card (via PayPal)
(plus 6.25% sales tax for residents of Massachusetts)

Other versions of Ten Steps to Better dSLR Photography are available:

The Kindle edition is available on Amazon
The Nook version is available at BarnesandNoble.com
The iPad and iBooks version is available through iTunes or through the iBooks App on your iPhone/iPad

Take control of your dSLR camera and the images you create!

Go Beyond the Manual with my Canon 7D User’s Guide

I have completed a Canon 7D e book user’s guide, Canon 7D Experience – The Still Photographer’s Guide to Operation and Image Creation that goes beyond the EOS 7D manual to help you learn when and why to use the various controls, features, and custom settings of this powerful camera, including the advanced and sophisticated autofocus system and Custom Function settings. Written in the clear and concise manner of all Full Stop guides, Canon 7D Experience can help you learn to use your Canon 7D quickly and competently, to consistently create the types of images you want to capture.

Take control of your camera, the image taking process, and the photos you create!

As one Canon user has said about the previous guide:

Price: $12.99 – secure payment with PayPal or Credit card (via PayPal)
(plus 6.25% sales tax for residents of Massachusetts)

This instant download Canon 7D book is for those who wish to take fuller advantage of the capabilities of their camera and to go beyond Auto and Program modes and shoot competently in Av and Tv modes. To get you started, it includes explanations and recommended settings for all Custom Functions, Menu settings, and Movie Mode settings of the 7D. Aimed towards intermediate photographers, it also covers basic dSLR camera functions and exposure concepts for those new to digital SLR photography, and explains more advanced camera controls and operation, such as taking control of the powerful autofocus system for sharp focus of still or moving subjects, using the various metering modes and exposure compensation for correct exposure of every image, and utilizing dramatic depth of field. This guide builds upon the information provided in the manual and explains essential settings and information to help you get out there shooting in the real world.

This PDF e book can be read on your computer and printed on your printer, or transferred and read on an iPad, Android, or other tablet, Kindle, Nook, or other eReader. You can preview Canon 7D Experience at the following link. The preview shows the Table of Contents and Introduction, a sample 7D Menu Settings page, a sample Custom Functions page, and sample text pages.

http://www.dojoklo.com/Full_Stop/previews/Canon_7D_Experience-Preview.pdf

Canon 7D Experience not only covers the various settings, functions and controls of the Canon 7D, but it also explains when and why to use them for your photography. The guide focuses on still-photography with a brief introduction to the movie menus and settings to get you up and running with video. You will learn:

Setting Up Your 7D – All of the EOS 7D Custom Function settings and Menu settings, including movie mode menus, with brief descriptions and recommended settings for practical, everyday use. These settings are a significant part of what makes the 7D such a unique and powerful camera. Set up and customize the advanced features to work best for the way you photograph.

Aperture Priority Mode (Av) and Shutter Priority Mode (Tv) – How and when to use them to create dramatic depth of field or to freeze or express motion.

Auto Focusing Modes and Drive Modes – The 7D autofocus system is a revolutionary upgrade for Canon dSLR cameras, and taking control of it will enable you to successfully capture more action images. Learn the AF Modes and AF Area Modes, how they differ, how and when to use them to capture sharp images of both still and moving subjects. Also how and when to use focus lock and back-button focusing.

Exposure Metering Modes of the Canon 7D – How they differ, how and when to use them for correct exposures in every situation. Also how to make use of exposure lock.

Histograms, Exposure Compensation, Bracketing, and White Balance – Understanding and using these features for adjusting to the proper exposure in challenging lighting situations.

The Image Taking Process – A descriptive tutorial for using the settings and controls you just learned to take photos.

Composition – Brief tips, techniques, and explanations, including the creative use of depth of field.

Lenses – Explanation of Canon lenses and notations, and choosing your next lens.

Photography Accessories – The most useful accessories for day-to-day and travel photography.

Introduction to Video Settings – Some basic settings to get you started.

This digital guide to the Canon 7D is an 80 page, illustrated PDF document that expands upon the information found in the 7D manual, to help one begin to master their dSLR and learn to use the Canon 7D to its full capabilities. It is packed with helpful information applicable to the new and intermediate dSLR photographer – to begin to turn you into an advanced digital photographer!

Author: Douglas Klostermann
Format: PDF – Instant Download
Page Count: 80 pages, illustrated
ISBN #: 978-1-4524-6479-4
Price: $12.99 – secure payment with PayPal or Credit card (via PayPal)
(plus 6.25% sales tax for residents of Massachusetts)

This PDF version can be:
-Read on your computer
-Printed from your printer
-Read on your Kindle, Nook, or other e-reader
-Read on any tablet, including iPad or iPhone following these instructions on the FAQ page

Other versions of Canon 7D Experience e-book are available:

The Kindle edition is available on Amazon
The Nook edition is available on BarnesandNoble.com
The iPad and iPhone version is available through iTunes or through the iBooks App on your iPhone/iPad.

What Readers Had to Say about Doug’s Previous Canon Guides Your World 60D and T2i Experience:

Essential Companion – Alas, a comprehensive and concise guide for hobbyists who desire to enhance their photography experiences. I highly recommend this guide to anyone who wants to get out of auto mode and learn how to take high-quality photos. It brilliantly explains how to apply advanced techniques and tips, walks you through the daunting task of menu settings, and smoothly guides you through the image-taking process. The instructions and explanations are easy to follow and well organized. The guide is a portable class on digital photography! A must-have if you want to learn how to use your camera to its fullest advantage.
–Elizabeth J.

Best Guide to Using a T2i – I don’t know how I could fully take advantage of all the features the T2i has to offer without this publication! It’s well-organized, easy to understand, and succinct enough to keep your attention while still containing a wealth of information, tips and tricks to get the most out of your camera. I’m very happy that I found this guide.
-Nathan K.

A very helpful and clear step-by-step guide: This e-book is a low cost worthwhile investment thanks to your expertise.
-John T.

New E-Book Camera Guide for the Canon 7D

I have completed an e-book camera user’s guide for the Canon EOS 7D called Canon 7D Experience.

Like all my previous Full Stop camera guides, Canon 7D Experience explains not only the features, functions, settings, and controls of the camera, but also – and more importantly – when and why to use them in your photography. This includes metering modes, aperture and shutter priority modes (Av and Tv), advanced autofocus use, and more. It also describes all the Menu settings and Custom Function settings – with recommended settings. The guide also thoroughly explains the versatile and sophisticated autofocus system, which helps to make this such a unique and powerful camera.

Take control of your camera and the images you create!

Click on the cover image below or click here to learn more, preview, and purchase Canon 7D Experience.

Exploring the Andes

My lists of Peru and Cusco resources later in the post, click here: Peru – Cusco Resources

There are a couple Peruvian / Andean related books that have recently been published and which I both just finished reading: the wonderfully woven travel stories, characters, and histories of Turn Right at Machu Picchu by Mark Adams, and a new print and process photography e-book from Craft and Vision called Andes by Andrew S. Gibson.

In the introduction to Andes, author Andrew Gibson shares that “Travel for many people is an unrealised dream. Things like the business of making a living, relationships and other constraints on finances and time can prevent people from turning dreams into reality. This eBook is for the dreamers, and I hope it inspires you to pick up your camera and go live out a dream or two.” If after viewing his photographs of the people and places of Peru, Argentina, and Bolivia you aren’t yet fully motivated to undertake a similar journey, then reading Mark Adams’ Turn Right at Machu Picchu might just make up your mind.

A couple years ago I myself “picked up my camera to live out a dream” of exploring and photographing Peru, and to be honest, my life hasn’t been the same since. The combination of volunteering, traveling, and photographing in Peru was a turning point that led me to seriously pursue photography as a profession, leave the 9 to 5 office life behind, discover the existence of an area of the craft called humanitarian photography, and to recognize and pursue many important but dormant goals in life. If you read through the history of this blog, you should see that journey unfold. Both Gibson and Adams pursued their dreams and goals, one through photography and the other through exploring the Inca ruins and history of Peru, and each came out of it with a book full of experiences worth sharing.

In Andes, Andrew Gibson presents the images he created, with both film and digital, on several trips to the Andes regions of Argentina, Peru, and Bolivia over a span of 6 years. If you are familiar with his previous e-books such as The Magic of Black and White parts 1 to 3, you know he is a master of black and white, and all of the photos in this new book are black and white or toned monochome images. The images capture the people, places, events, and sweeping landscapes of these regions, and the monochrome helps to express both the timeless nature or appearance of some of these places and their inhabitants, as well as the unique high altitude light of the mountains and altiplano. At the end of the text, he includes the lens and camera settings details and short descriptions of the circumstances of each (see image below), as well as more detailed stories of his travels. And for those interested in following in his footsteps, he includes practical advice for traveling and photographing in these countries.

For the first five days only, if you use the promotional code ANDES4 when you checkout, you can get the PDF version of ANDES, The Print & The Process Series for only $4 (or use the code ANDES20 to get 20% off when you buy 5 or more PDF ebooks from the Craft & Vision collection). These codes are good until 11:59pm PST August 6th, 2011. Learn more about Andes, Gibson’s other books, and all the Craft and Vision e-books on their website.

Back in 2008 when I was in Cusco, I met a real life explorer named Paolo Greer hanging out in the South American Explorers clubhouse. He was preparing to publish an important article showing that Hiram Bingham was not the first outsider to “discover” Machu Picchu, and Greer was eager to tell any listener about the maps he uncovered in dusty archives that proved this. I wrote a blog post about it at the time called The Real Story. I didn’t think too much of it at the time, and people in Cusco aren’t too interested in Hiram Bingham so it wasn’t a big deal there – as they all know that Machu Picchu was never actually lost (Bingham himself met the farmers who lived ON the site). But at the same time as I was running into Greer everywhere I went in Cusco, Mark Adams sat in his New York office and read about his findings, and it helped to stir his long-held desire to explore the Inca sites of Peru and re-trace Bingham’s footsteps, which eventually led to his marvelous book Turn Right at Machu Picchu.

Adams proceeded to travel to Cusco, find a dedicated and fascinating but somewhat extreme Aussie guide, and hike to the lesser known but important Inca sites that Bingham sought out as he searched for the last Inca stronghold Vilcabamba – sites like Espiritu Pampa, Choquequirao, and Llactapata. Even though at first glance this book appears to be of the “desk-jockey heads into the wild, completely unprepared, with a crazy guide…mishaps ensue” genre, I quickly and pleasantly discovered it wasn’t. Adams expertly weaves several related stories together including a history of Hiram Bingham and his expeditions in Peru, the author’s own treks following Bingham’s footsteps, tales of his fascinating and capable Aussie guide, information about his Quechua guides and porters, a bit of Inca history, theories related to Machu Picchu and related sites and those who pursue the theories, and of course some self-depreciating travelogue humor.

After having spent time in and around Cusco and having read countless books on Incas and Machu Picchu, I still came away from this book learning much and having lots to ponder. It is a must-read for anyone who has visited or plans to visit Machu Picchu or hike the Inca Trail (or alternative trails). You will have a much greater appreciation of the Incas’ accomplishments, the hike, and the sites and people you encounter after digesting the information, experiences, and theories in the book.

Since either of these books by themselves should inspire you to want to immediately start packing and head to South America, and since they’ve cause me some intense nostalgia for my trips there, I’d like to also share some photographs from other talented photographers who have visited Peru either recently or decades ago, some of my Peru photos, and a couple of my resources for visiting Peru such as my recommended sites, stores, and restaurants in Cusco and my exhaustive list of Peru related books, movies, and resources.

When I was in Cusco in 2008 I met a young student and photographer named Peter Martin. When I returned home and viewed his photos, I was fascinated at how we viewed and photographed the same country in such different ways. I always zoomed in on the people, dances, and details while he captured more of the experience of “being there” in the moment or in a specific place. Here are a couple examples, plus a link to more of them:

Peter Martin

More Peru photos by Peter Martin: http://www.flickr.com/photos/peterfmartin/sets/72157606934173170/detail/

A couple years ago I also came across an amazing collection of photos taken by John Tucker when he was a Peace Corp volunteer in Peru in the late 1960’s. His photos capture the out of the way places and people that most tourists to Peru still never get a chance to see, and some of these places and outfits would appear unchanged in those remote places today. Tucker has a photographic sensibility that reminds me of Robert Frank and his powerful and somewhat similar images of Peru from the late 1940’s, as seen in his book Peru: Photographs.

Like the Robert Frank photos, Tucker’s photos capture the indigenous people plus a strong sense of the communities, land, and environment where they lived and worked. Both photographers create a true connection to the place for the viewer.

John Tucker

More Peru photos by John Tucker: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30427909@N04/sets/72157608888125285/detail/

Peru – Cusco Resources

Here are my Cusco / Peru resources I referred to: my list of Cusco Places to Visit and the Fruits of My Labor of all the research and reading I have done on Peru including books, movies, and more. Both are Word documents that will open up when clicked. And then some of my Peru images from 2008.

http://www.dojoklo.com/FruitsofMyLabor.doc

http://www.dojoklo.com/CuscoPlacesToVisit.doc

Why You Shouldn’t E-Publish on Google Books

It was recently announced that the Harry Potter books will finally be made available in e-book versions, and offered in an arrangement with Google Books.

While this option will provide e-book formats for virtually every e-reader out there, I find this choice for the e-book platform incredibly disappointing due to Google’s unfavorable treatment of all other, independent e-book publishers. Google Books has, by far, the worse royalty rates of any major site. They assure you the author receives the majority of revenues. Yes: 52% and a whopping $100 minimum payout. Amazon and Barnes and Noble offer 70% and 65% royalties respectively, and a small minimum payout amount, if any.

Google also gives authors no control over previews and by default display an excessive 20% of your content. The 20% will be the first 20% (plus front and back covers). For some e-books, it may serve to get the reader interested and they will be compelled to purchase the entire book. But for other types, this may show too much important content that you don’t wish to share for free.

And the real kicker: although Google Previews provides purchasing links to your e-book listing on your website, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and others, you have no control over these links other than your own, and unfortunately they probably won’t work. As Google explains, they convert your 13 digit ISBN to a 10 digit ISBN, and then use that to locate your book on the retail sites. But Amazon and Barnes and Noble use unique identifiers anyway and not either ISBN, so your book is not correctly linked to. Although the issue is known by Google, they choose to not fix it nor manually correct the links.

With other cooperative and responsive major retailers available, this is one more reason that I choose not to use Google Previews and Google eBooks (beyond research purposes for writing my latest e-book).

Learn more about how to create, publish, market and sell an e-book with my e-book about e-books, called The E-Book Handbook.

Publish Your E-Book at Over 20 Sites and Publishers

I came across an e-book service that promises to distribute your e-book to 25 stores, all for a reasonable price of under $50. While that is a great price for that service due to the time and careful effort that must be put into the process of uploading and entering information to several sites, you should also know that you can do it yourself, in an evening, for free. My new e-book guide to creating, publishing, marketing, and selling e-books called The E-Book Handbook explains exactly how to publish yourself to all the same sites.

One doesn’t actually have to individually upload the text and info to 25 sites, but rather to just a few and then they distribute your e-book to the other sites. Once your e-book is complete and properly formatted for the various sites and e-readers like the Kindle and Nook, this publishing process merely involves typing in all your info, adding a description that you will use for all the sites, and uploading your cover and e-book document. It is a simple step-by-step process that the publishing sites all walk you through pretty well, especially Amazon’s KDP and Barnes and Noble’s ~~PubIt~~ (now Nook Press). But there are a few additional steps and some follow through, such as getting into Smashword’s Premium Catalog, that you need to be aware of. And knowing to use Amazon’s Author Central to turn your unformatted e-book description into a nicer formatted description is an example of one of the important tips you might not realize (and that you can learn about in my e-book!).

But don’t be mislead into thinking that getting into 25 stores will exponentially increase your sales and you will become an instant e-book success. Your goal may be to sell a reasonable 5 books per month at most of the sites for a total of over 100 a month, but the reality is: all your sales are likely to come from 3 sites, and most of them in the US. While Smashwords distributes your book to Diesel and Sony, plus to several sites for Kobo and Apple in multiple countries, you will likely achieve few-to-no sales on 80% of those sites. Hey look, its the 80-20 rule! The Pareto principle – 80% of your results come from 20% of your effort. This turns out to be exactly true with e-book sales, according to my experience.

I have sold over 4,500 e-book camera guides in less than 9 months so far, and the combined number of sales from Sony, Diesel, Kobo’s US and 7 international stores: ZERO. (2013 edit – Kobo sales have increased to about the same level as B&N sales each month. That being said, B&N sales have steadily dropped over the past year, as I suppose people are hesitant to invest in the Nook reader). Sales from Smashwords: not enough to make it worthwhile (4 per month) to undergo their stringent formatting rules and fickle conversion meatgrinder – except that they distribute to Apple. And due to the iPad and iPhone I believe selling through Apple is a major part of the future of e-books and thus critical. But as soon as I can distribute to Apple on my own or through someone else, it’s good-bye Smashwords. And come to think of it, it’s been months since I submitted some of the books to Smashwords and they are still nowhere to be found on Sony or Kobo. (2013 edit – You can now easily publish directly to Apple and Kobo, so I stopped publishing on Smashwords and never looked back.) Submit directly to Amazon or Barnes and Noble (2013-and now Kobo) and your e-books are up for sale in 1 to 3 days. (2013-With Apple, it takes a week or more for the book to be approved and up for sale)

So you really just need to focus on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, (2013: and Kobo, and Apple) ~~and then Smashwords for getting to Apple~~ (plus your own website and blog) to make 100% of your sales. Mostly really just Amazon and Apple. I would barely lose any sales if I just used these four sites plus my sites. Here is a handy chart from my e-book guide The E-Book Handbook to demonstrate this fact:

ebook e book sales distribution apple amazon barnes and noble smashwords nook kindle ipad e-reader
My e-book sales, in terms of percentage of “units” sold, at each of the sites where they are available. (2013-Apple sales have increased to perhaps 3x the B&N sales shown here, and Kobo sales are similar to the B&N level.)

The E-Book Handbook – Now Available!

My latest e-book, The E-Book Handbook, is now available!

The E-Book Handbook – A Thoroughly Practical Guide to Formatting, Publishing, Marketing, and Selling Your E-Book is a comprehensive guide that will help you create, publish, and market your own e-book, and sell it online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Apple iTunes and iBooks – all easily and inexpensively.

The E-Book Handbook e book ebook how to create format publish market sell Amazon Kindle Nook iPad for dummies

It explains how to properly format and convert your text for PDF, tablet, and e-reader versions (such as the Kindle and Nook), create interactive bookmarks and table of contents, and include a book cover and images. It includes step-by-step instructions for easily uploading and selling your e-book on major retail websites including Amazon through Kindle Direct Publishing, Barnes and Noble through PubIt!, and Apple’s iBooks and iTunes through Smashwords, plus setting up the e-book’s descriptions and author pages – all at no cost. And it describes how to set up and automate sales and digital delivery from your own website and blog using reliable, low-cost services like E-Junkie and PayPal.

This instant download e-book explains multiple ways to market your e-book to increase sales, including detailed instructions for setting up a website and blog, marketing through various channels on the Internet, optimizing search engine results so that your e-book and sites are found, and monetizing your website and blog through advertising and affiliate programs. The E-Book Handbook also explains how to keep track of and evaluate sales, income, and expenses and offers a detailed spreadsheet to record and monitor this information. Throughout the text, the guide contains links to every website and retailer discussed, as well as comprehensive lists in the Appendixes.

The E-Book Handbook will provide you with the knowledge and tools to successfully create, publish, market, and sell your own e-book. It includes tips and straightforward information from the author’s experiences as a best-selling e-book writer and publisher, in order to make the process as low-cost and efficient as possible.

The E-Book Handbook is a 112 page, illustrated PDF document that can help turn you into an e-book author and publisher. This PDF e-book can be read on your computer and printed on your printer, or transferred and read on an iPad, Android, or other tablet, Kindle, Nook, or other e-reader.

Author: Douglas Klostermann
Format: PDF – Instant Download
Page Count: 112 pages, illustrated
ISBN #: 978-1-4524-0474-5
Price: $9.99 – secure payment with PayPal or Credit card (via PayPal)
(plus 6.25% sales tax for residents of Massachusetts)

Other versions of The E-Book Handbook are available:

The Kindle edition is available on Amazon.com
The Nook edition is available on BarnesandNoble.com
The iPad and iPhone version is available through iTunes or through the iBooks App

Doug Klostermann is a travel, culture, and humanitarian photographer and successful, best-selling e-book author and publisher. He has sold over 4,000 e-book camera guides which are regularly at or near the top of the Kindle and Amazon bestseller lists for Photography Equipment and Reference.

Doug has photographed for numerous organizations in Latin America and the United States, been recognized by the United Nations Development Programme for his humanitarian photography, and been published in magazines and books including Conde Nast Traveler, Sherman’s Travel, South American Explorer, and Viva Travel Guides. Doug is a member of the National Press Photographers Association. View his images at www.dojoklo.com. Learn more about e-books and photography equipment and techniques on his blog Picturing Change at http://blog.dojoklo.com/.