Snap the ultimate guide to digital photography for the consumer by Mark Sincevich

"Snap is a book that explains the language, software and equipment all photographers are dependent on today. Snap takes us on a practical how-to journey so we can intelligently navigate through the digital photography world and reach our image destiny.

What I admire about Mark Sincevich is his technological expertise and his ability to explain this new medium to consumers.  Sincevich's body of knowledge is impressive, but what makes his book stand out from other digital photography texts is his understanding of how marketing hype about equipment is something consumers must address and understand as they do camera operations. As the saying goes, "knowledge is power."

The knowledge gained from this text allows the photographer to take control of the medium in a manner that best fits her/his personal, professional and financial photographic goals. Marketers are happy to fill in the knowledge gap with their mission. Mark empowers readers by helping us understand and focus on what equipment and software we need to accomplish our photographic goals. He provides a type of check and balance viewpoint that is refreshing in a market-driven digital world.

This is a book I would recommend for the classroom and the professional's book shelf. Professionals considering a switch to digital, or who have recently made the switch to digital, will find Sincevich's book a good guide and reference tool. Students, in a basic photography class, will have access to the wide angle view of digital photography and can establish a comfortable foundation of knowledge so they can concentrate on how to effectively communicate with photographs."
-Diane Bugeja, Photography Instructor
Iowa State University

Get Proven Results Immediately
Are you tired of purchasing digital cameras you don't like and equipment you don't need? Do you want to become more confident about your knowledge of the digital workflow process? Are you frustrated getting recommendations from people who don't take your best interests to heart? With so much confusing and conflicting information how can you make the best decisions?  Snap was written to give you proven results.

Mark Sincevich, the Executive Director of the Digital Photography Institute, developed Snap from presenting his speaking programs on digital photography to consumers and photography enthusiasts for over four years.  Snap was further influenced from his numerous photography assignments and by his 13 years in the computer field where he presented and made technical subjects easy to understand.  Snap is easy to use and best of all you can take action right away saving you valuable time and money.  

“Great content. Lot's of information that can be used immediately!”
-Lou Hampton
President, The Hampton Group

Save Hundreds and Even Thousands of Dollars
Do you want to save hundreds of dollars and more with the tips and techniques in this book?   Sprinkled throughout Snap's 8 easy-to-follow Steps are green information boxes letting you know exactly what specific actions you need to take in order to save money!   Depending upon which actions you take, you can save $300, $700 or even thousands of dollars over the life of your camera, accessories and other items in your digital workflow. This advice ranges from where to purchase your camera, specific 'must have' accessories like the best batteries, to ordering the best software for less than list price. Using the battery recommendations alone could save you thousands of dollars!  And using the printer that best suits your needs combined with ordering photographs from the highest quality service bureau will save you more money too.  

In addition, when you purchase Snap , you will save over $2,000 versus working with Mark one-on-one!   Companies and individuals regularly hire Mark for photography assignments that range from $1,800 - $2,900 per day plus expenses (even more if Mark goes overseas). If you hired Mark as a photography mentor, the initial consultation in his mentoring program will cost you $395 for two hours or less. If you wanted Mark to introduce the tips and techniques contained in this book, it would take him between 8 and 12 hours and could cost you up to $2,100.  Snap covers the majority of what you would get in multiple personal consultations for one low price. See below how to order Snap as a downloadable e-Book, the e-Book on a CD or a combination of e-Book and softcopy!

Plus, Mark regularly studies with many other professionals to enhance his skills each year. These courses run in the thousands of dollars and their 'essence' has been distilled and brought to you in Snap. You can repeat each Section at any time and print out any combination of pages. There are notes, hard-to-find web addresses, resources, etc. -And- as an added bonus, the annual support plan is included free for a limited time only. This gives you the opportunity to receive regular technical updates since the model numbers and some features change so frequently.

"I liked your ideas for best preserving my budget and where equipment money is best spent.
I liked the focus on the whole system from image to print."
-Lanny Hartmann
Fox Fire Media

Increase Your Confidence
With Other Consumers & Enthusiasts
Are you tired of walking into a photography or computer store and not knowing the products to purchase?   Do you find yourself getting sidetracked by the sales clerk or influenced by others without having a solid base of knowledge? Now you will be able to ask for or order online exactly what you need. Snap has over 140 hard-to-find Internet sites for further information and it contains a detailed index so that you can find exactly what you are looking for quickly and easily. The e-Book version of Snap has these 140 Websites hyperlinked to take you directly to the action. The e-Book version of Snap also has the entire table of contents hyperlinked to each location in the book for fast and easy reference.

Having an increased understanding of the digital photography world will improve your self-confidence and your entire photography experience. You'll even be able to carry on a product conversation with other consumers and photography enthusiasts and come across as very knowledgeable. Contained in this book is key information on camera accessories, computers, peripherals, software, inks, paper and key websites where you can share your work. Snap will teach you how to save time and money and it will take the frustration out of buying and using a digital camera. Now you will be involved in the digital workflow process instead of standing by confused on the sidelines.

Snap is easy to use because the table of contents is arranged from your point-of-view. In addition to the easy-to-follow 8-Step Section, there are Bonus Steps that include "Using Photographs When Making Presentations," "Voices of Other Professionals," and "Questions and Answers from Other Consumers."   You will be able to see first hand that you are not alone in your digital photography journey. There are others who share your concerns and want a roadmap for better way.   Also contained in Snap are travel tips, how to sell your photographs and the best photo sharing and print ordering sites.

"Thanks, Mark, for adding insight to the mysterious digital world. You are an organized speaker,
kindly attend to your students and their needs, and remember everyone's name. Truly a master!
The website links given at the end are valuable."
- Karen Lewis
Owner, Lapa Rios Econolodge and Nature Reserve

Fine-Tune Your Needs with
a Digital Photography Personality Test
Snap is designed with you in mind and takes your best interests to heart. It is the only photography book with a personality test that combines your needs, skill level and aspirations in one place. Based on your score, various types of digital cameras and 'must-have' accessories will be recommended.   

Mark developed these recommendations through ordering tens of thousands of dollars of products and working with hundreds of consumers and aspiring photographers. The three best Internet sites to purchase your camera and or accessories are listed for your convenience. Even if you have a digital camera, you will learn all about those 'must-have' accessories to maximize your potential as a photographer and improve the quality of your photographs. Plus, isn't it worth it for you to know exactly how to protect your expensive investment so that you can maximize its value?  

"Tangeable, very concrete suggestions to improve shots. And again - concrete
websites and books to peruse."
-Peggy Bosch
Photographer

Get Timely Information Fast
With Snap's e-Book Updates
And Snap is the only photography book that is sold like software with its own annual support plan.   In the e-Book Version of Snap , a handy table of contents will link you to the section you want to read immediately.   You can then print out the sections that you want to focus upon again and again. Plus the e-Book version of Snap also contains over 140 Websites that are hyperlinked (programmed in Adobe Acrobat) to take you directly to hard-to-find websites for more information to maximize your learning experience.  

While the tips and techniques contained in Snap are timeless, technology changes at a record pace.   How can you keep up-to-date?  Snap is your answer. Depending upon your support plan, you can receive 1-2 updates each year (like software) that will improve and enhance your Snap e-Book. These updates will include the latest changes in the digital photography market, the best accessories to purchase, the latest equipment you need and more hard-to-find websites for you to get the most out of your photography experience.  

If you prefer, the latest version of Snap is conveniently available to you in a softbound copy that is fully up-to-date and matches the latest e-Book release.  Snap has been written and is produced like software, so hard copies of the book are produced using an on-demand printing service. As a customer courtesy, the cost of this printing is being provided at cost (i.e. the price that Staash Press pays the on-demand printer). There is only a small charge for shipping and handling. Armed with the latest e-Book, a softbound printed copy, and a yearly support plan, you will be provided with the ultimate guide to digital photography. The question is, are you serious about taking your photography to the next level?  

"I was immediately impressed that Mark had done research on the particular camera
I had chosen as well as providing additional printed materials with information on techniques
and equipment. I felt comfortable with Mark and was quite impressed with his ability to 'read'
my level of knowledge and to explain things in a way that I was able to grasp. ...
I exuberantly recommend Mark. He is extremely knowledgeable in all areas of photography
(as well as having the skills needed to produce beautiful pictures), but more importantly, he is
a great instructor; he has the ability to convey information in a manner that is understandable,
not unnecessary technical or complicated, and does it all with patience, good humor and with
a honest and warm concern for the needs of his clients."
- James Andrews
Professional Photographer & Owner, DC Designs

Avoid The 5 Biggest Mistakes
When Ordering a Digital Camera
Based on years of working with consumers and photography enthusiasts, there are 5 big mistakes that most people make when choosing a digital camera. These mistakes can make you regret purchasing a digital camera in the first place. These mistakes can also make you regret not utilizing the topics and worksheets contained in this book. They are:

     (1)   Having a lack of information when you are ready to make a purchase
     (2)   Forgetting important accessories to protect your investment
     (3)   Not taking your personal needs and end results into consideration
     (4)   Throwing away your film camera when it still provides value
     (5)   Not planning to take as many add-ons as possible to the next camera

Remember even if you have a digital camera, you will have to purchase a new one much sooner that you might even realize. The industry average for purchasing a new camera is about every two years.   By reading Snap , you will learn more about this process and be able to carry as many add-ons (i.e. batteries, memory cards, camera cases, lenses, etc.) as possible with you to your next camera purchase. This will save you a lot of money!  

Snap contains a unique personality test to help you find the best camera and accessories for your needs. Snap contains 6 handy digital camera and accessory worksheets to save you valuable time. You can easily use the worksheet that best fits your needs and personality. Each worksheet has room for additional products that you can add based on recommendations contained in Snap. A blank worksheet template is included to configure your own products. You can then order the appropriate products.

If you are tired of wasting precious minutes or hours commuting to your photography courses, sitting through weeks of classes and hearing about other people's challenges, Snap is for you. Snap contains years of vital photography information all contained in one place and is organized in an easy-to-follow flow. You can study the information at your own pace and when you decide. It gives you proven results in record time.

"Thank you so much for the wonderful class and the camera recommendations. I will
definitely will pass the class on to everyone that I know that needs help with their cameras."
-Vance Warren

Improve the Quality of Your Photographs Now
A key part of the photography experience is to work on specific things to improve the quality of your photographs now. Snap highlights three areas upon which you can focus, artistic considerations, manual white balancing and exposure compensation. There is even a special section on "How to Light Like a Professional" with detailed instructions on how to use a portable light meter and other accessories to get you better photographic results.  

Snap encourages you to get your camera out of 'automatic' mode and learn how to change your camera's white balance setting depending upon the light. Learn the importance of using the Exposure Compensation setting so that you will be able to take extra photographs in any given situation increasing the potential for that 'great' image. Find out what items you can bring with you to improve the most important thing in photography, the light. These items range from the right flashgun to a simple and portable reflector.  

Improving the quality of your photographs means that you need to do some work on your part. You will need to know more about the area you are visiting, you need to allow time to explore your various photography options, and then you need to arrive during the 'magic hours' of the day when the lighting is at its peak.  

"Your seminar has motivated me to use my camera's manual setting and
learn to use it more effectively."
-Marie DeLorenzo

Share & Reproduce Your Photos for Fun and Profit
Have you ever wanted to make your own photography note cards? What about selling your photographs on the Internet for extra money? Have you ever dreamed of having your own fine art photography show? Now you can learn exactly how to do all of these things and more form someone who has been through this process. Mark will point out where to spend your time and energy and what projects and areas to avoid.  

Contained in the "Making Your Own Fine Art Images" section, Mark provides detail from his own personal experience regarding a massive photography show. His "This is My Place" photography show had 62 very large images, up to 32 x 44 inches, that attracted hundreds of people, was sponsored by 10 companies and organizations, and where Mark sold thousands of dollars in photography. He even managed to raise money for a local non-profit!

Additional sections of Snap include "Archival Considerations," "Calendars," and an "Other Artistic Products" section.   Also, special attention is paid to the hot new area of "Coffee Table Books." You will be able to make your own specially designed coffee table book to impress your friends and family and provide a professional record of your journeys.  

"In all the years I've worked with photography, be it trying to teach myself or attending
classes at various colleges, I've gained more knowledge with Mark as a personal
instructor than all of the teachings and colleges combined.  I'm very impressed with
his knowledge of the most simple to the most complex of situations photography has to offer.
His recommendations, patience and business savvy has helped me improve not only
my business, but product results have been outstanding by way of my own customers' testimonials.
I'm looking for that big editorial spread in my favorite fashion magazine, and when that day comes,
I will have Mark to thank for that push."
-Beverli Alford
Fashion Photographer and CEO, PhotoPlay Dzigns

Integrate Your Photography
Components into an Efficient Workflow
What are you going to do with all of those family slides and negatives in your storage room? Should you get that 'free' printer that comes with your new computer? Are you frustrated with trying to match the colors on your computer monitor to those of your final printed image? These questions and many more will be answered for you in Snap . 

Snap is designed to take you on a journey from capturing that first image to the final print. You have the ability to control the entire process! You will be given detailed information on what camera, accessories and other computer components you will need to complete your very own digital darkroom. Once these key components are integrated together, you will be able to follow the production process all the way through starting with your camera, working on your computer, and ending with your printer or service bureau.  

But that's not all. You get detailed information on where to share and sell your images. Imagine taking one photograph and then having it provide you with additional value year after year. A key goal of Snap is having equipment that works together. This will give you a better opportunity for a very efficient digital workflow. It will allow you to spend more time taking pictures and less time behind a computer screen.  

"Thank you very much for a really productive few hours of consulting. Your ability to answer
my wide ranging technical questions and willingness to explore media options on the spot
with such patience and positive energy made light work! Your consultation today enabled me
to take the next important steps to speed up prioritization and processing of the content and
work with photos and more."
-Mary L. Bush
Web Content Manager & Photography Enthusiast

Get One Year of Updates and
Receive a Limited-edition Photography Show Book
For three months only, the e-Book version of Snap can be yours for only $97 with one year of product updates for free until December 31, 2006. This is a savings of $39! Since the digital photography world changes rapidly, you will need to keep updated with the latest that the digital photography world has to offer for the consumer and the digital photography enthusiast.  

As an added bonus for acting right now, you will receive a hand-signed photography book of Mark's amazing "This is My Place" show. The book includes 62 fine art and travel photographs and this wonderful show sponsored by 10 companies and organizations, was attended by hundreds of people and sold thousands of dollars in photography. Mark's show even raised money for a non-profit providing scholarships to those people who have the desire, but not the means to pursue a career in photography.  

Also, Mark goes into detail about how to have your own photography show, so this photography show book is a valuable companion to Snap . You can see what he was able to create with the advice contained in this book. The "This is My Place" photography show book can be yours Free when you order either the e-Book or the printed softbound copy of Snap . This offer is good while supplies last. Hurry, there is a limited supply of the "This is My Place" photography show books.    

"We have been privileged to work with the best of the best in this field. Mark Sincevich's
work has a depth and quality that is outstanding. Technically and artistically.”
-Carol Ann Boyd
General Manager, Dodge Color, Inc.

For Serious Consumers & Photography Enthusiasts Only
Mark Sincevich, the author of Snap, takes 'the cover off the ball' in this book showing you exactly what camera, accessory and peripheral devices you will need to maximize your photography experience.   He encourages you to participate in the digital workflow process with his approachable style and easy to follow recommendations.   An entire section is devoted to "Taking Better Digital Photographs" and there are other sections on "Sharing Your Photos on the Web" and specific instructions on making money with your photography. His advice ranges from hard-to-find websites to a detailed pricing discussion. If you are serious about photography, then you need to read and use the advice contained in Snap .

Snap was influenced by Mark's 13 years of computer hardware and software experience where he worked for such companies as Apple Computer, Silicon Graphics and BakBone Software. He was constantly tasked with making complex technical subjects easy to understand and this experience has proved to be invaluable for the way that Snap is written. In addition, the tips and techniques contained in Snap continue to be 'field tested' from Mark's numerous photography assignments for such organizations as Bank of America, Sheraton Hotels, Iceland Air, the Arthritis Foundation, SAIC (Science Applications International Corporation) and the Greater Washington Initiative. He also tackles numerous international assignments each year for added perspective and insight.  

In addition, Snap was developed from Mark presenting his speaking programs on various aspects of digital photography to consumers and photography enthusiasts for over four years. This experience is augmented with the numerous interactions he has had with the consumers and photography enthusiasts in his mentoring program and he constantly updates and improves his skills by studying with many professionals including a few from the National Geographic Society.  

Snap has all of this vital and important information contained in one place! Snap will encourage you to set up your own digital darkroom, share your photographs on the Internet and understand in greater detail how to make an impact with your photography and art. Mark is a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA), a member of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) and a former instructor at the Washington School of Photography.

"I thank you for your email and for your highly professional and empowering
presentation last night. As an instructor, I truly appreciate the effort that you put
in preparing and presenting material that can be daunting for beginner photographers
like me. In my opinion, you succeeded in making the subject of digital photography
approachable and exciting for both novice and more advanced photographers in the group."
-Ludmila Guslistovad
Professor, George Washington University

Top 10 Reasons why you should buy this book:
     1.   Everything you need to know about digital photography is in one place!
     2.   Your spouse will be happy that you bought the 'right' camera. 
     3.   You'll be more informed about the world of digital photography.
     4.   Save hundreds of dollars and more Snap's tips and recommendations.
     5.   Improve you the quality of your photographs and your digital experience.
     6.   Learn how to make photography products like note cards and prints to share and sell.
     7.   It will save you the hassle of commuting and going to weeks of photography class.
     8.   You will get timely information fast with Snap's e-Book updates.
     9.   You won't have to work with Mark in his mentoring program.
     10. You will get proven and 'field-tested' results immediately.  

Top 10 Things this Book Will NOT do. It will not:
     1.   Tell you how to take apart your computer.
     2.   Survey or question you about the history of photography.
     3.   Make you a professional photographer.
     4.   Contain coupons. You need to take action to save money.
     5.   Connect all your components together or get your E-mail to work.
     6.   Automatically scan all of your family slides and negatives.
     7.   Magically sell your photography products.
     8.   Make you look like a professional photographer, but you get pretty darn close.
     9.   Allow you to win photography contests. You need to keep entering to win. m.
     10. Stay the same year after year. You need to sign up for the annual update plan.  

About Author and Photographer Mark Sincevich
Mark Sincevich is the Executive Director of the Digital Photography Institute (DPI). The mission of the DPI is to educate consumers and photography enthusiasts in order to become better photographers and to help them save money. Mark developed Snap from presenting his speaking programs on digital photography to consumers and photography enthusiasts for over four years. The book was further influenced from his numerous photography assignments and by his 13 years in the computer field where he presented and made technical subjects easy to understand.  

A self-taught photographer, Mark has studied with many professionals including a few from the National Geographic Society. He is frequently quoted in the media by such organizations as the Associated Press (AP), MSNBC and Spirit (Southwest Airlines In-flight Magazine). He is a member of the ASMP (American Society of Media Photographers), the National Speakers Association (NSA) and a former instructor at the Washington School of Photography. His photography and writing have been published in such places as The Washington Post Magazine , AAA World Magazine and Washington SmartCEO Magazine.

Mark is also the founder and Chief Perspective Officer of Staash Press and the creator of the Staash Perspective System. The SPS teaches that simplicity leads to more powerful communications. Some of his customers include Bank of America, Sheraton Hotels, Iceland Air, the Arthritis Foundation, SAIC and the Greater Washington Initiative.   In between his photography and speaking assignments, Mark can be found spending time with his family or writing in cafés with character.   

Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Can I purchase the softbound copy of Snap only?
Answer:   The only way to purchase a softcopy of Snap is by purchasing the e-Book and the softcopy together. Since the model numbers of different components change often in the world of digital photography, it is important to update Snap frequently with these changes. While there is also much about Snap that is timeless such as the artistic advice about how to take a photograph, it is important to provide you with the latest information. This information is updated onto the e-Book version of Snap , and the only way to match the updated version of Snap quickly is via an on-demand printer. When an e-Book and softcopy book are ordered together, the softcopy version is printed. As a courtesy to customers, the direct cost of the on-demand printer is passed along to you. Only a small shipping and handling fee is included.  

Question: What happens after my first year of free updates expires?
Answer:   When you purchase Snap , you get one year of updates for Free. There will be one or two updates per year to your book and you will receive these normally via e-mail or via an announcement asking you to download your latest copy. Continual improvements will be made to Snap such as easier navigation, adding extra information to each section and updating the technology referenced. This support is a $39 dollar value and at the end of your one-year anniversary date, you will be sent a notice indicating that the price to renew for year two of the support plan will be $39.  

Question: Why aren't there any photographs in this book?
Answer:   There are two reasons. Most photography books have lots of photographs. While these photographs often show you the before and after effects of following certain advice, they tend to be 'perfect' examples and not indicative of consumer and photography enthusiast talent. It was determined that more attention needed to be paid to 'how' to do something version showing you what to do. Reading the advice in Snap will enable you to take and make your own photographs and to see the before and after effects for yourself with your own pictures. Also, having photographs in Snap would significantly increase the size of the e-Book version beyond the size of 2MB or 3MB maximum. It is important for the e-Book version and the printed softcopy version to be the same.   

Question: What do you mean about having all of the vital information about digital photography contained in one place?
Answer:   Snap was conceived with the digital workflow process in mind. It starts with the image that you take and normally ends when your printer outputs a digital print of the original image.  Snap goes a few steps farther by highlighting sections on sharing your photography for fun and profit and having extra bonus sections to further your information. The entire flow of Snap mimics the digital workflow. However, Snap was designed to be the 'hub of the wheel' or the master index to the world of digital photography. The methodology has been 'field-tested' and you are given a great deal of information and resources for further information. It is up to you to continue your studies in whatever direction you see in Snap.You are given plenty of room to grow with the resource section and the over 140 hard-to-find websites that are hyperlinked in the e-Book version.

"Good overview on how to get started with digital photography. Good information
and good starting point."
-Alexandra Ozpaker

Order Snap Here!
Ordering your copy of Snap: the ultimate guide to digital photography is easy! Staash Press takes the following credit cards. You simply click on the button below and you your e-Book version of Snap will be available in minutes! Your Free copy of the beautiful "This is My Place" photoraphy show book will arrive separately in the mail for those customers who order the bundle.

If you prefer to mail in your order with a check, please download the following form. You may also fax in your order to 301-654-2657. Please download the Snap order form by clicking here.

"Thank you for a wonderful presentation. I've attended at least three photography workshops
in the last several years. Your presentation was the best in terms of knowledge shared and
the skill with which it was presented."
-Jim Core