Product Description
Shaw explains in exacting detail the intricacies of the close-up, covering exposure, metering, lighting and equipment selection. Delves deep into the topic of extension tubes, focusing racks and lenses.
Customer Reviews:
Good beginner book.......2007-02-02
This book would be very helpful to a true beginner lots of tips and explanations. Very easy to read and follow no rocket science here. I would recommend this to anybody who is starting out in closeup and or macrophotography
Shaw's "Closeups in Nature".......2006-07-22
"Closeups in Nature has provided a good technical approach to closeup photography, especially for the amateur photographer. I was in need of information relative to lense specifications and technical data to try and sucessfully photograph some difficult subject for publication. THis book gave some very generic insight on how to start that photo process and some guidance on how to develope a personal technique.
Classic.. but needs revision.......2006-03-10
This is an excellent book.. if you still use equipment that you have purchase during early 80's. Although the same photographic principles apply, this book can definitely benefit from some major revisions.
Very Good Book.......2005-06-08
This book is very good for Beginners to Intermediate Level Photo Enthusiasts. It has couple of tips and examples which the reader has to grasp and note down till they start using it and make familiar with it. Overall a Great Book for the price with pictures, explanation, Shutter Speed and Aperture values. Lot of new photography students wonder hey how did you get this picture ? What shutter speed and Aperture did you use ? The book indirectly gives you all the answers. Spend time reading it (no Rush) and you will explore new techniques which you can practically use and implement. I Recommend this book.
Out of date - too little advice on technique.......2004-11-02
This book is from 1987, I briefly read the reviews saying that it wasn't in the digital era, OK I figured that's fine, how out of date could it be? However, I didn't expect that so much of the book would be dedicated to functionality that's now fully automatic, such as TTL Flash, and TTL exposure metering.
It's certainly a very interesting technical read, that provided me with an understanding of all the different macro options, lenses, filters, extensions, TC's, reversing rings, bellows, reverse mount adapters, lens stacking, etc. However, it wasn't for me.
I was after something that would show technique, or provide advice on how/where to find the shots he was taking, but the book doesn't cover that at all, to my dismay the book starts with the author writing "it always surprises me that folks find it hard to find subjects" but then provides no advice. After having bought a 60mm Micro lens I was hopeful this would provide direction, but other than "I probably should have bought the 105mm lens" I didn't get any direction from it.
Book Description
•Many digital cameras come equipped with close-up features—but few users understand them •Combines two of the hottest topics in photography today: digital and nature •Perfect companion to Digital Nature Photography. Some 59.3 million digital cameras will be sold this year—and most come fully equipped with close-up features that let users get up close and personal with all the wonders of nature, from birds and trees to flowers and insects to underwater plants and fish. But few buyers know how to get the most from these exciting features. Digital Nature Photography Closeup lets everyone—from amateurs on up—harness this new macro power to create truly breathtaking nature photography. The author offers advice on purchasing and using all manner of special macro equipment, i.e., lenses, extension tubes, teleconverters, microscopes, etc. In this logical follow-up to his best-selling Digital Nature Photography, author Jon Cox uses doszens of full-color examples and clear explanations to illustrate exactly how he got that shot—and how other photographers can, too. From basic techniques, to action shots, aquarium and underwater photography, even shooting through a microscope, Digital Nature Photography Closeup is the perfect guide to exploring the fascinating world of nature.
Customer Reviews:
Expecting too much!.......2007-04-28
Maybe I was expecting too much from this book based on a fairly excellent customer reviews at amazon. I maybe expecting too much cause because to my surprise, the book dealt with point and shoot aside from DSLR cameras. I was kind of disappointed with that. I own a Nikon D200 and a Nikon 105mm f2.8 macro lens to learn the art of macrophotography and to my surprise coolpix camera shots were there....honestly i was turned off with that! If you are expecting a purely DSLR macrophotography on this book you may have to look elsewhere! I felt that there was something missing in this book. I know some of you out there knows what I mean...it lacks some oomph!!
Digital Nature Photography Closeup.......2007-04-02
This writer put some very nice photos into his book. He lists the camera and lens that he made the shots with but not the camera settings he used, which would be helpful to someone learning the art.
This is a beautiful book.......2007-02-16
This book is exactly as it says on the back cover....A Complete Guide to Macro Digital Nature Photography. And well done. Well worth my investment.
Polished, but basic.......2006-10-30
I've noticed a problem with specialized photography books: not enough specialized information. Digital Nature Photography Closeup is well organized, clearly written and very attractively designed with some striking photography. Unfortunately, more than half of the book is devoted to basic photo equipment and concepts.
What I've wanted - and have yet to find - is a book on macro photography that assumes I have basic or intermediate photo skills and want to extend them into a new space. The chapters of the book are:
- Equipment
- Camera features and techniques
- Light & Color
- Composition
- Flash
- Working with Histograms
- The Digital Darkroom
It could be the outline of almost any photo book - and much of the content in each is applicable to any photography, not macro in particular.
If you're relatively new to digital SLRs and have an interest in closeup photography, you'll probably get a full meal here. If you're beyond the basics, it's not much more than a light snack. Well presented, but not very filling.
Digital Nature Photography Closeup.......2006-08-29
This book only covers the basics of macro photography and is suitable for 'newbies' at photography. Book and pictures are average quality. Experienced (macro) photographers should look further for technique and inspriration.
Book Description
-Contains a detailed review of equipment suitable for close-up photography
-Outlines the specialized techniques needed for various natural subjects
-Beautifully illustrated with a wealth of close-up photographs, which clearly demonstrate the techniques described
Close-Up and Macro: A Photographer's Guide is a comprehensive and fully illustrated guide to taking stunning close-up photographs in the natural world. In this authoritative new book, Robert Thompson shares his considerable expertise in both photography and naturalism to impart readers with everything they need to know about taking impeccable macro photographs.
From a thorough survey of the equipment required for both film and digital users to detailed explanations of the techniques required for photographing all the most popular close-up subjects, including flowers, fungi, insects, patterns and abstracts in nature, this sumptuously illustrated and highly practical book is the definitive guide to macro photography.
Customer Reviews:
Only if your using medium format.......2007-09-21
Nice photos. However, throughout the book the author makes it well known that he primarily uses a medium format Mamiya 645. He has little use for 35mm and almost no use for D-SLR. Little actual "how to".
Would have prefered more hands on instruction or tips.
Nice presentation but missing something.......2006-03-10
This is actually a decent book to learn about macro photography. The author covers the basics of each topics in his book, but not much details as to why certain things should be or should not be done. I recommend John Shaw's Closeups in Nature.
A nice tutorial on macro photography.......2006-01-01
I enjoyed the images in this book as well as the author's commentary on many of the shots. His thoughts on composition are insightful and very useful. I found this book to be a nice introduction, although the first few chapters where the author discusses equipment and the eternal film vs digital debate weren't very useful.
Book Description
Nature reveals her unseen beauty in an up-close-and-personal fashion in the photographs of Paul Harcourt Davies and Peter Parks. Zooming in on the "faces" of dragonflies and hornets, unearthing the intricate patterns of fungi and mosses, and even capturing the active beauty of plankton, Nature Photography Close Up presents a "think small" approach to natural subjects. Containing dozens of full-color photographs, each accompanied by a succinct and insightful essay, this gorgeous book doubles as a showcase and an instructional guide. Any photographers with an interest in macro nature photography will enjoy this new way of looking at the unseen wonders around them.
Customer Reviews:
Nature Photography Closse Up.......2007-08-28
NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY CLOSE UP
I seen one review posted about this book and thought it was a bit unfair. Therefore, I decided to write a review of my own and point out some of the good things this books manages to cover.
First, I would like to state that this book is not full of high contrast images. Sure, there may be a few but not many. There are many very good examples of close up photography presented in this book.
The next thing I would like to point out is the lay out of the book. It may come across as a textbook but it is designed so you can open up to any chapter and start from that particular point. In other words, you do not have to start from page one and read straight through. You can skip sections you may feel you already have a handle on.
Now lets talk about the information presented in this book. After all that's the meat and potatoes of any book, right?
This book starts out with a section devoted to camera basics, which covers what else, camera basics. This section is designed for beginners who may not have a grip on macro photography and in my opinion is a very good way to start a book on this subject.
A section on technique, digital photography, fieldwork, designing pictures and adapting imagery soon follow. Each of the sections is broken down into chapters and as stated before you can choose to read just the chapters you need. That is the true beauty of this book layout.
There may be better Macro books on the market but for the beginner this book is absolutely worthwhile. I would like to state one more time that the images in this book are fine. There are some great pictures presented on these pages. I have been shooting for quite some time and I enjoyed many of the photos here.
Maybe past reviewers take themselves a little to seriously. It does not pay to be full of ones self. Beauty is found in the eye of the beholder not in some technical jargon spewed forth by the so-called trained professional.
I rate this book a solid 3 1/2 stars.
Close up guide.......2007-06-01
I was anxious to receive this book because one of my often visited photo sites had recommended it. I found it, however, written and illustrated in a 1970's kind of textbook style with illustrations and information presented in a kind of disjointed way...little boxes of things on each page. The photography was not really up-to-date on a skill level. Much of the photography used was flash-orientated, which made high contrast images, with limited photographic skill...at least by today's standards. I've spent hours with John Shaw's Close up work, and also Robert Thompson's medium format Close-ups. Those works were illustrated with perfectly exposed and framed photographs...high quality work. The text sections do provide some useful information, but books of this sort really need to provide a good bit of inspiration to be useful to the aspiring macro photographer. Equipment recommendations were both interesting and helpful by bringing some 'outside the box' considerations. I would recommmend the book for a growing collection, but not as a single source for macro info...there are may other sources you should also consider.
Book Description
Revised and updated to include digital photography techniques.
In
Close-Up Photography in Nature, master photographer Tim Fitzharris shares his proven techniques for capturing once-in-a-lifetime images. This inspiring reference is perfect for both amateur and professionals who want to improve the quality and beauty of their work.
Photographic equipment for close-up photography is thoroughly covered:
- Traditional and digital cameras
- Lenses, filters and specialized close-up accessories
- Flashes, reflectors and tripods
- Digital imaging software such as PhotoShop.
Fitzharris covers a wide variety of field techniques ranging from close-up focusing and exposure tips to choosing the best lens. Technical aspects of close-up photography are covered in easy-to-understand terms.
The creative side of close-up photography is also explained in detail, including useful tips for discovering and capturing artistic insights, along with color, composition, lighting, themes, center of interest, artistic ethics and digital imaging.
The final chapter covers the practical aspects of photographing wildlife with a special section on how to anticipate and set up where wildlife is likely to be found. Specific instructions are given for photographing creatures from spiders and insects to frogs and toads, snakes, turtles and hummingbirds.
Close-Up Photography in Nature is an inspiring, practical guide for photographers who want to capture nature in all its glory.
Customer Reviews:
nice, but..........2007-06-28
First the good stuff: loads of nice photo examples, with explanations.
Bad, IMO: writer talks a lot about what I'd call "faking it": combining plants yourself, chilling reptiles and amphibians in the freezer before shooting, combining photos using photoshop.
I'm not against using photoshop to remove an errant spot or branch, and combining photos or prepping subjects might work in some cases too, I'd just not call them "close-up photos in nature" anymore. Which is what I thought this book was about.
Mostly Pictures, not very informative........2006-07-31
If you are looking for a book with a lot of nice pictures, then this would be for you. If you are looking for a book to learn the technique of close up photography, this is the wrong book. The book is 80% pictures and only has very basic information on close up photography. Not a good source to learn from.
Book Description
121 color photos, 7 x 9
Guide to macro-photography gear and techniques
How to recognize and compose intimate natural scenes
Stunning small-scale images await the photographer with the eye and skill to capture them images that exist virtually anywhere. Master photographers and veteran teachers of close-up photography Nancy Rotenberg and Michael Lustbader explain the equipment, techniques, and aesthetic principles needed to create personal masterpieces. Macro lenses, extension tubes, close-up flash techniques, lighting, exposure, composition all are explained in lucid text and illustrated with dazzling color photos.
Customer Reviews:
Very beneficial.......2006-08-14
Although I've been taking pictures for a long time, I've recently started taking photography classes. Macro photography is of great interst to me. This book has been very instrumental answering questions and giving pointers for the macro photography.
My favorite book on close-ups!.......2006-06-15
This is one of my all time favorite books on close-up photography. Nancy and Michael's work is wonderful and I enjoy reading this book often. Their work shows us a whole new world that we may have never realized was there. Their love of the beauty found in the smallest details and the tiniest of creatures shines through in this book. It inspires me to do better photography. The book is well thought out and put together, as well as beautiful to look at. It covers not just the technical aspects of photography, but also the creative process required in this art. It is a very worthwhile purchase. I would recommend this book to anyone who is trying to take their photography to the next level. Between this book and John Shaw's "Closeups in Nature" you are set to go!
How To Photograph Close-Ups in Nature.......2000-07-08
I love this book! I love Nancy's approach to her craft! She knows how to shoot beautiful images technically but she also helps you to see and experiance what is going on around you. Michael and Nancy present information that is understandable, usable, and motivational. The book is filled with inspirational images that make you want to pick up your camera and experiment! A very worthwhile book that will sit well next to the John Shaw classic, "Closeups in Nature".
how to photograph closeups in nature.......2000-03-08
I believe anyone interested in close-up photography will benefit from this book. It is well written with many good ideas, not only technical, but also ethical and inspitational.I have read many nature photography books and this rates right up there!
Book Description
This comprehensive guide to the latest techniques in close-up nature photography makes compelling, one-of-a-kind photographs possible for thousands of ambitious amateur photographers. The author of sixteen books of photographs and photographic techniques, Tim Fitzharris provides the most up-to-date information on how to photograph plants and animals using existing light in the beauty of the natural environment.
Illustrated with 100 color images, the book's chapters - "Terms and Tools," "Field Techniques," "Artful Approaches," and "Subjects in the Wild" - provide complete coverage of their subjects, with technical specifications, insightful tips, and detailed explanations of how each of the featured photographs was taken.
Techniques for achieving maximum sharpness, brilliant color, and greater than life-size magnification are explained alongside detailed information on lenses, camera supports, electronic flashes, reflectors, automatic exposure procedures, and optimum shutter speeds. A "Sources" section includes information on digital imaging and where to buy equipment, as well as a bibliography of photographic books, periodicals, and newsletters.
Customer Reviews:
Lots of digital manipulation and some shocking advice........2003-01-02
I borrowed this book from a local library because it was from the Sierra Club. However it was a disappointment. In a book on nature photography from the very well known Sierra Club, one would expect more on field techniques, pointers and tips on photographing your subject.
There is some sound advice, but it is surprising to see so much emphasis on digital manipulation. Even the front cover is a fake, two images combined to look like one. This does not depict nature as one sees it, rather, the book tells you how to produce eye catching images. Not something I expected from Sierra Club.
The author makes a shocking suggestion - refrigerate your subjects (animals / insects etc) till they can't move, so that they are easy to photograph. It is well known that some people do this, but photographers with any sort of consideration for the environment or their subjects abstain from such methods. As John Shaw says "Imagine refrigerating your kids till they are too cold to move, then photographing them." I find it incredible that someone like Fitzharris would suggest such a thing.
The book is worth a read if you find it at your local library, but I wouldn't pay any money for it.
Nature photography or digital manipulation?.......1999-02-26
This is a decent book if you are new to the world of macro photography. It certainly doesn't cover in-depth aspects of shooting macro and even devotes a large portion of digitally manipulating images on Adobe Photoshop. For example, the cover is composed of two separate images, the flower and the frog. There's a place for digital manipulation, but I felt disappointed after finding out that some otherwise beautiful images (that would have been spectacular to capture in the wild) were faked. I had higher expectations coming from the Sierra Club.
Average customer rating:
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Close Up Photography and Photomicrography
Arnold Wilson
Manufacturer: B.T. Batsford Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
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Equipment
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
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ASIN: 0713439092 |
Average customer rating:
- Close to the Creepie Crawlies
- Good book, but not remarkable
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Close-Up on Insects: A Photographer's Guide
Robert Thompson
Manufacturer: Guild of Master Craftsman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Collections, Catalogues & Exhibitions
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
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General
| Photography
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Nature & Wildlife
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Insects & Spiders
| Animals
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ASIN: 186108238X |
Book Description
As one of Europe's foremost authorities on insect photography, Robert Thompson insists that a medium format camera system is the key to producing quality images in the field. In this definitive study of his renowned techniques, instructive text and 300 color photographs celebrate the glory of the natural world in the most striking way possible-right up close. From choosing a camera system and accessories to understanding principles of composition and design, Thompson offers practical guidance and professional techniques that can make anyone a better photographer. He explains the best places and times of day to locate your insect subjects and detailed technical discussions of such topics as extreme magnification, innovative uses of filters and flash, operating in the field and even marketing your work for publication or sale. Thompson's breathtaking images, broad entomological knowledge, and contagious enthusiasm make this a volume equally appealing to both photographers and naturalists.
Customer Reviews:
Close to the Creepie Crawlies.......2004-09-10
"Close up on Insects" is a guide to the macrophotography of insects. Anyone without specialized equipment and skills who has ever tried to take a picture of a butterfly, will realize the need for this book, which covers all the bases.
The author explores this field in a methodical way, starting with chapters on equipment (he favors medium-format cameras) and moving on to subjects like exposure, magnification and depth of field, ways to increase magnification, working with flash and natural light, composition and design and operating in the field. The author assumes you know something about these areas in general photography and emphasizes the special skills for insect photography. In the second part of the book he discusses subject matter, including dragonflies, butterflies, moths, caterpillars and other insect groups, again from the point of view of photographing these insects. He also briefly discusses managing your photographic collection, marketing and selling your work and photographing abroad. The book is profusely illustrated with the author's pictures of insects, with a brief description of his considerations in taking each picture.
If close-ups of insects are your interest, this book will tell you how to do it. Unfortunately much of the material is repetitious, which you may appreciate if you want to know that the same techniques apply to shooting dragonflies and moths. The technical skills are covered more concisely in one chapter in John Shaw's "Nature Photography Field Guide", although the emphasis is not on insects.
Moreover most of the pictures are record shots of standing insects, with no flight shots, although the vivid colors in some pictures are quite striking. However, there are certainly none of the magnificent and awesome photographs contained in John Brackenbury's "Close Up" (although that book is disappointing as a guide to technique).
The insect descriptions are general rather than species specific, although the author does provide a good list of references. Most of these will be of more help to photographers in the British Isles than other places, although the author is always careful to include at least one U.S. reference.
I don't quite know what to make of the chapters on managing a collection, marketing, and photographing abroad. They are really too generalized to be of much use.
Still if you want to learn the specifics of insect photography in more detail than Shaw provides, this book will prove useful.
Good book, but not remarkable.......2004-05-19
This book does well at covering the basics of insect photography. The author begins by giving a broad review of general photographic principles. Almost all of this is better-covered in general photography books, and it doesn't add much. About the only thing unusual in this section is the author's encouragement that medium format cameras are the best choice for insect macro photography. He gives some good arguments for this, and adequately covers most of the reasons NOT to use medium format, except that he completely omits any mention of the problems with depth of field inherent in medium format.
The author definitely is an entomologist, and appears extremely knowledgeable about insects and behavior. We benefit from his expertise because most of the last half of the book is chapters on several common insect groups, with advice on photographing each type. This is by far the best part of the book--This part rates four stars.
The book concludes with a very brief section on organizing your photo files, and marketing your work. Nothing special here.
As is typical in nature photography books, each page is heavily illustrated with photos from the atuhor's files. Many of the photos are gorgeous. The author is from Europe, and most of his subjects are naturally European species.
The book does well on discussing technique in terms of approaching insects, and where to look for some common types of insect. It doesn't do a very good job of discussing a number of techniques special to macro photography. For instance, the author does mention use of reflectors for lighting in at least one place, but other than saying it can be handy, he gives no specific advice. He repeatedly talks about using water tanks to shoot aquatic species under controlled conditions, but never gives any specific advice. The book was published in 2002, and is good in acknowledging some recent technical developments and products among film cameras, but I don't recall even a brief allusion to digital--This isn't really a flaw, but it is peculiar.
Not a bad book, and the sections on specific insect types make this a useful purchase for the dedicated insect photographer. But I think Larry West's book on insect photography is better. I also thought Ronan Loaec's general macro photography book was a better buy.
Average customer rating:
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Close Up: Microscopic photographs of everyday stuff
Frank B. Edwards
Manufacturer: Bungalo Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Science, Nature & How It Works
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ASIN: 0921285248 |
Book Description
Close Up: Microscopic Photographs of Everyday Stuff is a book that lets you explore the world around you through the "eyes" of a scanning electron microscope--a machine that can take people a million times closer to a whole lot of really small things.
Customer Reviews:
Seeing is believing!.......2000-10-30
In choosing to go into the field of Microscopy, I found it hard to get friends and family to understand what some of the things were that we could see with the Electron Microscope. With this book they have come to realize what it is that I am talking about. The kids all think it's cool.
Books:
- Le Notre's Gardens
- Life: A Journey Through Time
- Luba and the Wren (Picture Puffins)
- Master Lighting Guide for Portrait Photographers
- Mastering Digital SLR Photography (Mastering)
- Mastering Unreal Technology: The Art of Level Design
- Mind Gym : An Athlete's Guide to Inner Excellence
- Negative Refraction Metamaterials: Fundamental Principles and Applications
- Open Business Models: How to Thrive in the New Innovation Landscape
- Painting Flowers in Watercolor With Charles Reid
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John Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide
John Shaw's Landscape Photography
John Shaw's Focus on Nature: The Creative Process Behind Making Great Photographs in the Field
Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera (Updated Edition)
Macrophotography: Learning from a Master
