Pogue does it again by explaining each feature in language that is easy to understand and pleasant to read. He doesn't rely on humor nearly as much as in the Dummies series (which he used to contribute to regularly). In the Missing Manual series he takes a slightly more serious approach (but his humor shows through quite often) and makes regular people like us able to do all the tricks of the pros.

Derrick Story does it again. This book is great and his other book, Digital Photography Hacks is also excellent. Of course, they are both valuable for different reasons, though this book starts by covering many of the same topics as Digital Photography Hacks by spending the first three chapters on how to take better shots. Bad photos make for a bad iPhoto library of course, so the advice is appreciated.

The bulk of the book is in explaining all of the features of iPhoto. Long term iPhoto users will probably not find any surprises here. It's a missing manual, so it covers the basics, and it does it well. For more advanced topics, like managing multiple iPhoto libraries, or making use of Applescript, there is some coverage at the end but not much.

Definitely a good buy for anyone just starting, or relatively unfamiliar with iPhoto and who is looking to use the application extensively to manage large numbers of photos. Probably also worth a look even if you are familiar with iPhoto.

"iPhoto 4: The Missing Manual" is an update of the 2003 book, "iPhoto2" and, like the original, is another in the well-respected O'Reilly Media "Missing Manual" series. "iPhoto4" covers the latest Apple iPhoto software while also providing basic instruction in near-professional quality digital photography.

Derrick Story and the Mac community's favorite writer, David Pogue, continue as authors. Besides covering the latest and newest features of iPhoto 4 like its Control Bar, speed enhancements, Star Ratings, Smart Albums, and more, this latest edition of the book continues providing practical guidance on selecting and using the latest consumer-level digital cameras and equipment. The emphasis is on providing information and guidance to move beyond mere snapshooting. It does take something more to become able to make quality images, both in acquiring the image in the camera and processing it afterwards. And, of course, having quality images is not of much use unless one knows how to store, display, and distribute them to friends and family.

In five parts covering digital cameras and photography subject items, iPhoto basics, creating and producing photo projects, advanced iPhoto tips, and troubleshooting, the authors provide all the guidance an amateur or advanced amateur needs for shooting, editing, and sharing digital photo resources.

New sections of the book include how to upgrade from iPhoto2 to 4, how to maintain and upgrade photo libraries and a special section on camera-phone photography.

This is an excellent volume and value for beginner to advanced amateur digital photographers.

You have a Mac, you have iPhoto 4, and you have a digital camera. This book will help you get the most out of all three. I was pleased to find a wide variety of hints, tips and advice covering all skill levels. My favorite tip was how to view the invisible PDF that is submitted to the Photo Book printer. If you plan on publishing a Photo Book, this tip alone pays for the price of the book in peace of mind.

The book is divided into four sections: how to take pictures, editing your pictures in iPhoto, sharing your pictures with iPhoto, and finally "iPhoto Stunts".

The first section has little to do with iPhoto and more to do with helping you do everything you can to get the best pictures possible before loading them into iPhoto. There wasn't anything really new here that you wouldn't find in any decent book on how to take good pictures, but it is handy to have it all in one book... You don't need an extra book on the basic rules to taking good pictures.

The next section describes the iPhoto library, where it keeps the files, what happens when you crop, retouch, enhance, or use the other simple editing tools. It notes that iPhoto is not for serious photo editing and points out a few other products that would be better suited for advanced editing. The step-by-step descriptions for each of the editing tools included with iPhoto are very easy to understand and follow.

The following section describes the many ways iPhoto helps you share your pictures. Among them are printing pictures, sending them to Apple for printing, creating a slideshow, publishing to a personal web site or to your .Mac account, creating a Photo Book, creating a Quicktime movie or an iDVD slideshow. There are plenty of screenshots and information for each of these, so you won't get lost between each step.

The last section is comprised of tips and tricks to satisfy your inner-geek; how to export pictures to your PDA, how to get pictures from your cameraphone, and several AppleScript tricks. There are also excellent tips on how to burn a CD or DVD to share with your family and friends running Windows. There is also an appendix that covers each iPhoto menu option individually and a troubleshooting section on common problems.

A very well done book - it really is "The book that should have been in the box".