So you've snapped the perfect shot of early light reaching across a blue-green, mineral-rich lake. Except for one thing: you forgot about the power lines hanging over the water, and reflected in the perfectly still water below.

What to do? Well, page 328 will remedy the problem. Eliminate junk from the landscape by using the Clone Stamp, the Patch tool, and the Healing Brush. The author includes a before and after photo, with a caption: Can you tell the difference? So subtle and easy are the steps to removing most unwanted objects, anyone can do it.

Now, let's pretend that your passion for digital photography far exceeds your know-how. Not a problem. Digital Photography: Expert Tecniques may sound suited more for the advanced photographer, but it starts at the beginning, with a section on camera basics, memory cards, and working with your computer. After gaining a comfort level with your basic equipment, it moves you on to helpful photography advice from the experts: how to set up the perfect frame for a shot...how to hold your camera steady to ensure maximum clarity; and how to decide which part of a subject to emphasize.

You'll learn how to shoot and merge panoramas; create paintings from your favorite photos; create special photographic effects; and create archival-quality prints. If you're itching to start a business, it'll even lead you through the steps of selling your work on the Web.

The wind isn't going to pick up this book and toss it over your roof, either. At 470 pages, it's not going anywhere. Park it on a shelf near your workspace and I promise you'll refer to it often. Once again, O'Reilly has produced a book that's not only practical but a feast for the eyes.