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“The Digital Photography Book, Volume 1″ Makes History as the Bestselling Digital Photography Book Ever!

By Scott on Thursday, May 1st, 2008 at 3:11 am | updates.

dpvol1.jpgI gotta tell ya; I was pretty excited to see this press release in my email in box yesterday, as Peachpit Press announced that according to figures obtained from Nielsen Bookscan, my book, The Digital Photography Book, Vol. 1 is the best-selling book on digital photography ever (selling over a quarter-million copies thus far).

You can read the full release here, but something that’s not in the release (which I learned in a phone call from my publisher), is that Volume 2 of that book is selling between three and four times as many copies as Volume 1 did for the same period of time. I’m speechless.

My humble thanks to all my readers for their trust, support, and for making darn sure there will be a Volume 3. :)

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  1. #1

    Congratulations Scott! Ya know, something else you may or may not realize is that many more people are finding there way into DSLR cameras due to your teachings. I watched PSuser podcast to sharpen my photoshop skills but along the way got an introduction and education on digital photography as well. I am really good at manipulating images with my adobe software tools but it never occured to me to actually create the content to use for my magazine layouts. Your tutoring in photography gave me the notion to try to learn photography and your books (i went out and bought both of them) helped me ditch my fear and get over the learning curve. The conversational delivery of the books is what I appreciate the most. I must admit that I have turned down two requests from friends to borrow them. Im not a stingy person, but although I’ve read them both cover to cover, I refer to them constantly to help me continue to wrap my head around this whole photography thing, and I just don’t want a day to go by without them. Thanks Scott. I’ll be picking up number 3 as soon as it comes out.

    Toby Fairchild on May 1st, 2008 at 3:53 am
  2. #2

    Well, as the saying goes “You reap what you sow” … Great news re the book sales Scott … no surprises there though as this series of books appeal to everyone from beginner to advanced.

    Best wishes,
    Glyn

    Glyn Dewis on May 1st, 2008 at 4:04 am
  3. #3

    Agreing with Glyn! No surprises that the book is doing so well, it’s awesome and fits everyone. Big congrats Scott! :D
    Now that volume two is out, there is no doubt it’ll do as great as the first, keep them coming, there is really a need for them.

    Erik Bernskiold on May 1st, 2008 at 4:14 am
  4. #4

    Hi Scott!
    Congratulations! This is really cool!!
    I really like the easy understandable way of your books and one really can remember a lot of the stuff!
    I just bought the two volumes and I am really looking forward to the third one!!

    Johannes Heine on May 1st, 2008 at 4:48 am
  5. #5

    Hello Scott!!
    This is absolutely great book! I’ve bought it some time ago and I always go back to it simply to read for pleasure and to look at your amazing shoots. I love your humour and the style of writing. I wish I could buy more your books but unfortunately they are not available in Poland :( BIG shame. Hopefully, I will buy them in the UK this summer.
    I wish you all the best!

    Michael on May 1st, 2008 at 4:56 am
  6. #6

    Hi Scott,

    Congratulations! I for one have just about all your books - they are fantastic and have helped me learn so much. Thank you for writing them. The 7-Point System will probably be my next book purchase. Keep them coming.

    I have a question concerning page 104 in “The Digital Photography Book - V2″:

    You say that the secret to shooting sunsets is to meter above the setting sun , making sure that the sun is not in the view finder. Can you tell me what metering mode should be used in this situation?

    Paul Forman on May 1st, 2008 at 4:58 am
  7. #7

    Hello Scott,
    Congratulations! The book really deserves to be at the top. I have a huge library of photography books but your books are the most interesting to me…easy to understand and that little touch of humor you add to the book makes it even more fun.
    I’m definitely buying the Volume 2.

    I also have a questionfor you Scott…

    I’m a designer and I use photoshop everyday and sometimes i work on really large files. As Photoshop uses HDD space as temporary memory to process the functions even though I have big HDD still it runs out of space when i apply certain functions. I was thinking won’t it be great if Adobe could allow the temporary memory to be taken from a network server…if thats a possibility. Could you give me some tips and also please tell me what you think about the idea i gave.

    Thanks

    Shinaz Saeed on May 1st, 2008 at 5:09 am
  8. #8

    Congratulations !

    I’m one of proud owners of your “The Digital Photography Book”

    Thanks for the great book which helped a lot to improve my knowledge.

    Being an member of NAPP and reading your books, I got lots of knowledge to my career and you and your publications has changed my life in the design and photography trade.

    Currently I have complete collection of your books and looking forward to buy more books of you.

    Thank you sir!

    Oscar Nonis on May 1st, 2008 at 5:09 am
  9. #9

    Hi Scott,

    Great news on the book, I’m not surprised .
    Volume 2 will soon catch up as i’m sure everyone that has read volume 1 has gone on to purchase volume 2, I know I did.

    I carry them around in my camera bag and they have helped me out so many times.

    Also I like your humour………. is that sad?

    Best wishes and keep up the great work
    Mark

    Mark Thompson on May 1st, 2008 at 5:21 am
  10. #10

    Great news, congratulations Scott! I was fortunate enough to have my copy signed in Orlando!

    Eagerly awaiting volume 3!

    -Bob
    (Boston)

    Bob on May 1st, 2008 at 5:43 am
  11. #11

    Congratulations, Scott! Its a great book and a very easy read for an inexperienced photographer. I take it with me anytime I am going out to take pictures!

    David Nelson on May 1st, 2008 at 6:00 am
  12. #12

    Congratulations Scott!

    I reference this book often, as well as book #2.

    Dan F. on May 1st, 2008 at 6:14 am
  13. #13

    Congratulations, Scott!

    I`m from Romania, i watch your podcast, i find it very good and funny too. UPS has my copy of the Volume 2, i hope they are fast.

    Mihai on May 1st, 2008 at 7:08 am
  14. #14

    Well done Scott, I picked up both volumes a few weeks ago and can’t put them down! Looking forward to Volume 3 already!

    Stuart

    Stuart in Ireland on May 1st, 2008 at 7:08 am
  15. #15

    Scott,

    Congratulations on a thoroughly deserved accolade.

    Your simple to follow style has been invaluable in my progression as a photographer. Volume 1 really got me kick started and I’m not surprised Vol 2 is selling so fast as you did something so many authors forget to do… Find out what the paying public want.

    I remember the list of stuff people posted for inclusion when you said you were doing a volume 2. Well if volume 3 is coming, can we have a bit more on posing people please, a bit more on say macro and maybe some car photography.

    If you keep producing such good stuff it’s no wonder people keep buying it.

    Paul - Sunsets: Try using spot metering if your camera has it, or go for centre weighted or partial if you don’t.

    Scott

    Scott Wiggins on May 1st, 2008 at 7:17 am
  16. #16

    Easily the best (two) ‘quick wins’ photography books I have ever read. Everything else seems so long winded afterwards!
    Chris

    Chris (HikeWales.co.uk) on May 1st, 2008 at 7:29 am
  17. #17

    well deserved!
    I’ve been along for the Kelby ride since the “down &dirty tricks for ps6″.
    Please keep them coming!
    -Mark

    mark on May 1st, 2008 at 8:12 am
  18. #18

    Well done on a great book.

    I bought Vol 2 first (thinking it was second edition) an think it is so useful I loaned it to my son and probably won’t get it back. Now I plan to buy Vol 1.

    Your PS Elements 6 book is buy far the best I have read, much better than the Adobe book.

    Ralph

    Ralph Stadus on May 1st, 2008 at 8:23 am
  19. #19

    Congratulations, Scott! I bought both books three months ago and they are both invaluable. I find myself re-reading them both often. I will be on the lookout for volume 3!

    John Adams on May 1st, 2008 at 8:27 am
  20. #20

    Congratulations Scott! You deserve every accolade you get. I wish you continued success.

    Chuck Vosburgh on May 1st, 2008 at 8:32 am
  21. #21

    You deserve it! Great books. After reading the first one, I had no doubt I was buying vol 2 and I just did (got it on Tuesday). That’s also how I found your blog btw.
    The world is a better place because of what you do helping and teaching people. Thank you!

    Jorge Rimblas on May 1st, 2008 at 8:40 am
  22. #22

    I am one of the over 250,000 people who bought Vol 1. In fact, I just got done re-reading it in preparation for my new dSLR’s arrival!

    I volume 1 so much that I bought volume 2 for my brother for his birthday. I can’t wait to borrow it from him so I can read it.

    JoBu on May 1st, 2008 at 8:48 am
  23. #23

    I’ve read both and loved them and now have both books on my nightstand next to my bed for quick reference. Congrats Scott! Your writing style is great. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Dave Lloyd on May 1st, 2008 at 8:50 am
  24. #24

    That really is awesome news! Congrats! All the hard work you have put into building your empire seems to really be paying off. Not just for you but for all of us that are learning such great stuff from you and your team at Kelby Training. Thanks!!

    Terry on May 1st, 2008 at 9:23 am
  25. #25

    Congratulations on the success of the book. Out of all of the books out there, this is still the book that I come back to time and time..

    .. and time..

    .. and time again to check out.

    It’s even cooler to see Vol 2 running faster than a first.

    Truly a moment of pride..

    Congratulations again!

    RC

    RC on May 1st, 2008 at 9:30 am
  26. #26

    Congratulations, Scott! 250,000 units is a lot!

    - Aanarav

    Aanarav Sareen on May 1st, 2008 at 9:43 am
  27. #27

    Congratulations. I recommend the book about 10 times per week to my customers. I think the folks at Barnes and Nobel are probably sick of my handwriting! :)

    Rich C on May 1st, 2008 at 9:47 am
  28. #28

    No, Thank YOU Scott for writing such useful book. I keep rereading it every few months and I’m still learning stuff.

    I picked it up on spec one day over a year ago and didn’t know Scott Kelby from a bar of soap. But it had lots of pictures so it looked like an easy read.

    It has opened sooooo many doors for me Photgraphy wise, rekindled my passion for the hobby, turned me onto Photshop user TV, your Blog, Kebly training. Its all superb and entertaining at the same time!!

    KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!

    Dermot,

    Belfast.

    Dermot Murphy on May 1st, 2008 at 9:51 am
  29. #29

    Hey Scott! Congratulations on your success with the book! I have both of your books and they have helped me a lot in my photography. I highly recommend the 1st volume for those who really want to learn and understand photography the easy and direct way.

    Mike

    Mike Lao on May 1st, 2008 at 10:05 am
  30. #30

    Congratulations Scott!!!

    You day was made by the press release but mine was made by your announcement of Volume 3..

    Chris on May 1st, 2008 at 10:10 am
  31. #31

    WOW!!! A quarter million. Thats it!! You’re buying lunch.

    Cary on May 1st, 2008 at 10:30 am
  32. #32

    Hi Scott,

    With all of the quick, one-page suggestions combined with your uncanny humor, I can definately understand why you would get such an honor. Some don’t like your humor, but after reading technical textbooks that put a person to sleep, reading any book you write is very, very refreshing.

    Thanks,.

    Mike

    Mike on May 1st, 2008 at 10:32 am
  33. #33

    Congratulations Scott - I’ve recommended this book to everyone I know that owns a digital camera - very useful.

    Looking forward to vol.3
    Stan

    Wedding Photography North East on May 1st, 2008 at 12:28 pm
  34. #34

    Scott,
    Yea another Congrats! post but I think you can’t get enough of them. Really very well done. And that is great about your second book, and I haven’t even bought my copy. Just hadn’t had time to hit the book store. Of course had been hoping to win a copy on PhotoshopUserTV. Oh well I guess I should just bit the bullet and buy a copy.

    Thanks again.

    -S

    Scott Stonefield on May 1st, 2008 at 12:54 pm
  35. #35

    Hi again Scott and congrats on that fantastic book! I have the two books, i’ve been recommending this book (and vol.2) to eveyone on my flickr groups that asks a question about a subject covered in your books.

    When I read this book I feel like i’m part of the family. Keep up the great work.

    When can we expect Volume 3 ? I want it now!!! :-)

    Alex Campagna on May 1st, 2008 at 1:31 pm
  36. #36

    Amazing news yet again for you Scott. Recently I bought V1 because I was curious to see why you & millions of others said this was a great book. You guys weren’t kidding. It’s such an easy read which is a plus & useful info. I would be done by now but have to read other materials for my class preparations. I’m looking forward to V2 & V3. And of course can’t forget the humor. For some reason I enjoy your kooky humor.

    Keep on truckin’

    Lavonne on May 1st, 2008 at 1:43 pm
  37. #37

    When the “sequel” volume 3 will be out?
    I already have the Vol. ! & 2 and ready to be the PDS (Poor Dumb Sucker) all over again! :)
    BTW, I am not surprise with the news, because each time I showed your book to others, they always wrote down the book & author name.

    Thanks a bunch Scott,
    Sam

    Sam on May 1st, 2008 at 1:54 pm
  38. #38

    CONGRATS SCOTT! I am a huge fan of your work, and check your site everyday. I picked up The Digital Photography Book the second week it was out. It really helped me improve my photography.

    Jordan on May 1st, 2008 at 3:32 pm
  39. #39

    I just sent the book review info to my students, so maybe the sales ticker will tick up another notch.

    keith on May 1st, 2008 at 6:53 pm
  40. #40

    I’ve just started doing more digital photography this past year and so I ended up getting the second book right after it was released. I enjoyed it that much that I went back and got the first book! So yes, I am anxiously awaiting #3 too!

    Amanda Kern on May 1st, 2008 at 7:53 pm
  41. #41

    Congrats Scott - your book is fantastic and more importantly, I’m responsible for 3 copies sales, one for me, one for my niece, one for my dad. Easy to use, and covers “what we need to know”.
    Thx.

    Teri A. on May 1st, 2008 at 9:08 pm
  42. #42

    This was the book that got me going with digital photography as well as your informative and humorous writing style. All I can say is that this book SHOULD be the top selling digital photography book ever, and I’m glad it is.

    Chris on May 1st, 2008 at 10:09 pm
  43. #43

    Scott,

    Congrats. This is a great book. It was the first book where everything came together for me with my camera. Thanks for writing it. Keep up the good work.

    The Researcher on May 1st, 2008 at 10:22 pm
  44. #44

    Coolness,

    This was the first book I purchased via Amazon when I decided to get serious about photography and was a great choice. A great choice which helped a whole lot and also motivated me to visit this blog.

    My congratulations and thanks to Mr. Kelby.

    Kevin Meyer on May 2nd, 2008 at 12:09 am
  45. #45

    That book is amazing. Vol. 2’s great too. Congratulations, well deserved.

    alan on May 2nd, 2008 at 2:54 am
  46. #46

    Congrats Scott! Well deserved. Everything you and the Photoshop Guys do really helps. Your blog is the first thing I check every day!

    Thanks for everything

    Rich

    Richard O'Brien on May 2nd, 2008 at 3:57 am
  47. #47

    Congratulations Scott!
    You really deserve this. I enjoy reading your books.

    Perra Jonasson on May 2nd, 2008 at 5:04 am
  48. #48

    Congratulations Scott on yet another amazing achievement. You have proved yourself time and time again to be the guru of many things wonderful in our photographic world of capturing timeless memories. Long may the legend continue and here’s to many more years of your expert guidance to all of us.

    Kindest Regards

    Barry

    Barry Payne on May 2nd, 2008 at 9:29 am
  49. #49

    Congratulations Scott!
    I’ve read both of your books several times and have recommended them to all of my friends. I’ve been shooting for 1 1/2 years, and until I did a professional photography course last month, your books were almost all of the training I had. Thanks so much for providing the world with this great book!

    Keeping Christ on the thirds,

    Peter Ort

    Peter Ort on May 2nd, 2008 at 9:57 am
  50. #50

    Congratulations Scott!!

    I know that book (Vol. 1) was a big winner with me and I also bought copies for friends and recommended it to several others. Now, I’m greatly anticipating Volume 3!!! Keep up the great work!

    John A. on May 2nd, 2008 at 10:40 am
  51. #51

    Congratulations Scott!

    I must say, you’ve got some (lots! of) great! books! And I own a ton of them and I’m talking about the actual weight!

    I do have a question (I posted it on different days blog and I’m sure you’re very busy and likely don’t get a chance to read every response, so forgive me for trying a second time). Anyway, I was looking at one of your Digital Photography books the other day and you mentioned that you use Quantum lights, but I notice on your updated equipment list that you don’t have Quantum listed, just the SB-800 (excluding your studio set-up). Have you changed your thoughts on Quantum?
    I use the SB-800s, but am considering buying the Quantum set-up in lieu of a third or fourth SB-800 or perhaps something like Norman or Lumedyne. I’m a wedding photographer and some of my fellow shooters use a Norman set-up on location.
    I’m wondering if you have any thoughts on that. By the way, this question was in part triggered by your mention of “theStrobist”.
    thanks again for all that you do!

    jk driggs on May 2nd, 2008 at 12:43 pm
  52. #52

    Scott,
    You should get Amazon [and your publisher] to put Vol 2 in Kindle form like Vol 1 is. Perfect to take along in the field and get the tip when it matters.

    What!! you don’t know what a Kindle is? Check in Amazon and get yourself one.
    Mel

    Mel Lammers on May 2nd, 2008 at 12:52 pm
  53. #53

    well done with making history with your book im just off to order mine now.

    Darren on May 2nd, 2008 at 4:01 pm
  54. #54

    I can hardly wait for Volume 3!! I’ve never enjoyed reading a book as much as I have enjoyed volumes 1 and 2. And every time I re-read a section of either one, I pick up on something new. These are the absolute best photography reference books available.

    Keep up the GREAT work Scott!!

    Bill Boehm on May 2nd, 2008 at 7:08 pm
  55. #55

    After I bought this book, I was amazed about all you can get with a few main ideas in mind and some “recommendations from a friend”. This basic knowledge, but with a lot of content itself, has encouraged me to learn more specialized theory of photography, but this time I know what to look for.

    Scott Kelby has begun a new era of photographers with this book, letting us know how to get a really nice photos with the trick of the trade, just as simple as it is. Now, I recommend this book to everyone interested in learning photography as a way to start with it.

    I have read and practiced almost all the recommendations from volumes 1 and 2, and I definitely can’t wait to start reading volume 3. I never really enjoyed the photography before reading this book.

    Osman Medina on May 3rd, 2008 at 12:55 am
  56. #56

    I usually don’t write to blog’s (actually, never) but I do want to thank you for all of your body of work that you have done. I love your style and your ability to make everything seem so easy. I love it so much that I actually read your intro’s and your dedication. I guess that I just can’t get enough… look forward to vol. 3…

    John Kapcoe on May 5th, 2008 at 8:16 am
  57. #57

    I’ve given this book to to NEW SLR owners as a gift for the last year!

    The best bang for the buck on Amazon….

    I just purchased Book 2 for myself

    4th Scott Kelby book for me! My favorite is the 7 Steps in Photoshop!

    Mike on May 5th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
  58. #58

    Your book on digital photoraphy was not available for me to order through B&H, so I purchased it at Barnes and Noble. I decided that it covers what I already know and returned it to Barnes and Noble. Upon arriving back home, I find a new copy of Scott Kelby/ Digital Photography delivered by UPS……B&H had sent me a copy after all. I gave it another chance because it just seemed like it was meant to be in my possession……I learned far more than I realized ……I couldn’t stop laughing at your rhetoric and humor. It was so very informative and so very entertaining! I wrote all over the pages, marking the “here’s how” and “here’s why”. I reccommend your book to everyone…..Even if you think you’ve read it before, you haven’t read it the way Scott Kelby wrote it! I learned more than I bargained for, that’s for sure. The book is a REAL BLAST !

    Joan Yanchick on May 7th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
  59. #59

    Scott, you have probably seen this, but just in case you haven’t: http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/9-hot-photoshop-books/ Darren Rouse over at Digital Photography School lists some of your work in his “9 Hot Photoshop Books” post today.

    Larry Eiss on May 9th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
  60. #60

    I’ve just release 2 new photography books that should be listed on Amazon.com by mid July. I was wondering if you’d be interested in talking a peek at them. There’s a bookstore link on my website about them, including the ISBN.
    One is on Digital Animal Photography and the other is Photography of the California Central Coast.

    John Crippen on July 5th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
  61. #61

    I just finished reading your book today! i really learned a lot and still on the process of applying what I’ve learned! Thanks!

    coicoi on September 22nd, 2008 at 10:45 am

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Scott Kelby

Scott Kelby is the editor and publisher of Photoshop User Magazine, Layers magazine (the how-to magazine for everything Adobe®) and President of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP). Make sure you check out Scott's Gear *updated* and his Photography Portfolio.

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