San Francisco, CA, February 28, 2004- Sybex has announced the release of a new book by photographer Peter K. Burian, entitled Mastering™ Digital Photography and Imaging. This all-new, full-color 270 page book gives readers the knowledge they need to master the technology that is transforming how we capture and work with images. Written and illustrated by a professional photographer with the needs of photo and imaging enthusiasts in mind, this practical and accessible guide is packed with expert advice and tips. It covers all the essentials, from selecting the right digital camera, scanner, hardware, software, and printer, to optimizing image creation.

"With a three or more megapixel digital camera or a good scanner, image-editing software, and a photo-realistic printer, anyone can produce images of the highest quality," says Dan Brodnitz, Associate Publisher at Sybex. "They just need to know how to integrate and optimize all this technology. That's precisely what we set out to explain in Mastering Digital Photography and Imaging."

Much-admired author and photographer Peter K. Burian says, "I have tried to present the technical information in a manner that will satisfy the experienced photographer and computer user, without overwhelming the novice. In every chapter, my goal was to make this book valuable in terms of insights and practical tips based on extensive experience with techniques and tools that help to make better images."

In the Foreword to this book, award winning freelance photographer Bob Krist says, "While most instructional guides are either hopelessly elementary or written so only a software engineer could decipher it, Peter has managed to walk the middle line. And unlike a lot of other how-to writers, he's not afraid to tell it like it is; when he gives you a bit of advice, you know it's something that he has tried and made work. His writing reflects that most rare commodity in the Tower of Babel that is digital photography advice; an informed and evenhanded opinion."

Anita Dammer, Editor of Photo Life magazine states that "Peter Burian is a natural to pull together a publication such as this one. Anyone who is contemplating making the leap from traditional photography to digital imaging would do well to have Mastering Digital Photography and Imaging at their fingertips. Peter's ability to explain in detail all the pieces of the digital workflow puzzle, at varying levels, will help guide beginners to advanced amateurs to a place of better understanding."

An Indispensable Guide, Complete and Up to Date
Mastering Digital Photography and Imaging is a comprehensive resource created for film photographers moving to digital, or anyone eager to learn more about digital photography. Inside, readers will find:

• Sound advice on selecting the right digital camera from a photographer who has tested dozens
• Explanations of the principles of digital technology, hardware, and software
• A buyer's guide to other essential equipment and valuable software
• An inside look at the pros and cons of compact digicams versus digital SLR cameras
• Practical tips for making impressive images snapshots
• Advanced shooting techniques that produce images with high visual impact
• Guidance on selecting a suitable scanner and making scans of exceptional quality
• Recommendations on upgrading your computer and peripherals for digital imaging
• Evaluations of popular imaging software programs from $29 to $600
• Secrets to enhancing digital images in the digital darkroom
• Suggestions for selecting the perfect photo printer
• Techniques for creating color or black-and-white prints of exhibition quality
• Tips on optimizing images for use in e-mail, online albums, and Web pages