Customer Reviews:
Another John Shaw Book - Excellent.......2003-02-04
This is another of John Shaw's excellent books on photography. Liberally illustrated with examples and interspersed with his commentary and notes I found tremendously useful.
Shaw covers almost all aspects of photography - from the rule of 16ths, exposure, film, tripods, lenses, closeups, depth of field, composition, backlit photography, etc... Reading this book before you start using that brand new SLR of yours will save you a lot of frustration and trial and error:) A lot of the tips in the book are also equally applicable to people using point-and-shoot cameras also.
A very useful feature in this book is that almost all photos have exposure details listed. Some of his other books do not have these details, which I miss.
This book is highly recommended if you are just beginning photography and are looking for a good introductory book.
a must read for beginners and advanced amateurs.......2003-02-04
It's usually difficult to write a nature photography book that's useful for the beginners and at the same time gives valuable advice to advanced amateurs, but Mr Shaw has just done that in this book.
This book contains very valuable advice for advanced ones especially on close-ups and flash photography and at the same time he covers the basic rules (thirds, sunny f/16) from an interesting perspective. I found his advice about filters and field gears invaluable.
Read this book if you want to take stunningly realistic nature photographs.
GREAT REFERENCE. WELL ORGANIZED.......2000-07-27
I doubt if this is the only book that you will ever need on this subject, but it is certainly one that you should not be without. I frequently use it as a quick reference/refresher before "going on a shoot." The topics are organized into 2-4 pages each that provide a lot of explanation without getting bogged down in chemistry and physics. Lots of great photos to illustrate the major points.
A great first book for the aspiring nature photographer........2000-03-02
John Shaw's books are highly recommended by many photography enthusiasts. I bought his "Closeups in Nature" last year, and thought it was one of the best instructional books on photography I've ever read. "Nature Photographer's Complete Guide..." is also a very good a book, I think, but I wouldn't buy it if you already have the "Closeups..." book. I think it is probably better suited to beginning photographers.
Good across most areas.......2000-02-25
This book touches on many relevant areas and facts about landscape and wild life photography. Good reference material. A little brief about composition in the area of landscape photography, though.
Customer Reviews:
Losing place.......2006-06-26
Don't get me wrong, I'm nowhere near the photographer Arthur Morris is, but the emerging world of digital photography has taken the bloom off this rose. This title needs updating for the new world. This book focuses mainly on work done with full-frame film cameras (where Morris earned his reputation), and much of what's here would apply to full-frame digital SLRs. Problem is, most of us can't afford them, and we're forced to using APS-C, smaller-frame cameras. The most significant thing there is that the images delivered to the sensors are the central portion of the full-frame sensor, so a lens connected to the camera "acts like" it has a longer focal length. This impacts things like composition and lens selection, and some detail from the master would have been insightful.
I would like to have seen a more thorough discussion of the use use of extension tubes in front of long lenses (Morris uses them). I am inclined to compare this book less favorably with anything by John Shaw, who very clearly and amusingly gets us into the nitty-gritty details of what AND why we do things a certain way.
I was also a little surprised at the quality of the photographs. Morris is a fine photographer, and the book is chock full of his finest work - but the reproduction of them leaves a lot to be desired. This is not a knock on Morris, but this title is a decided step down from Amphoto photography guides.
I Shoot A Lot More Birds That I Used To.......2006-05-02
I bought this book on a whim, thinking, well I kind of like taking pictures of birds, but they are so hard to get. Then I read this book and learned that with the right techniques and preparation I could take great bird pictures. Birds are now my second favorite subject right after flowers. The author is really an inspiration and his photos are wonderful. Even if you don't focus solely on bird photography, this is a great book and it is fun to read. Plus I learned of the hot-spots in North America for bird photography, which I will be visiting soon.
Excellent guide to bird photography.......2006-03-09
I recently got interested in birding and photographing them to document my observations. This book provides you all the practical information you need to become an excellent bird photographer. The only thing missing is that there is nothing about using the digital camera because this was published before the digital revolution. Author also spends a lot of time discussing the shortcomings of some of the film cameras and lenses. These have pretty much been addressed by the more modern cameras and lenses. Photographs are outstanding. A book worth having.
The Best Bird Photo Book You Could Find!.......2006-03-04
Wow this book kept my attention. I read it in one sitting. I re-read it the next day. The photos are amazing and Mr. Morris is very generous with his descriptions, information, location advice and more.
It's a bit dated, doesn't cover digital and mentions equipment generally no longer available, but the instruction on exposure is as good as I have seen.
Mr. Morris also talks at length about exposure compensation which I found very helpful.
Mr. Morris has a well-deserved reputation as America's number one bird photographer and his background as a teacher comes in handy here. Even if you're not into bird photography, check this book out. Anyone can learn from The Art of Bird Photography.
Out of Date Information.......2005-11-14
This book points out such valuable information as: use a long lens (like the authors $9,000 glass,) and get close. Hey, I never would have thought of that! The book was written in 1997 and deals exclusively with 35mm film media. A large portion of the book is devoted to film types and uses, and exposure and development techniques. Virtually no one, including Authur Morris, uses film anymore. Additionally, the author makes many equipment recommendations for equipment that is no longer even produced. This might have been a valuable publication, when it was written, 10 years ago, but it is sadly out of date now.
Book Description
Ready, aim, shoot! With this convenient, professional photoguide by your side, you'll always be prepared to take your best pictures, no matter what situation confronts you. Just open up the easy-to-read, lay-flat spiral notebook to find complete information on color and black-and-white films, film care and storage, exposure, filters, flash, and lenses. It will take just an instant to turn to the section you want, thanks to brightly colored and labeled tabs for each chapter. Best of all, it's put together by the most trusted name in the business: Kodak. Want the full picture on what's inside? * Complete charts for all Kodak films--one for prints and one for slides and transparencies--with a description of the intended uses, and ISO speed and filter for daylight, tungsten, and photolamp. * Facts on caring for film, avoiding static electricity marks, using exposure meters, and calculating lighting ratios. * Dials to help you figure out speeds and lens openings for existing-light subjects; which filters to use; flash exposures; focal length; optical equations; and depth of field for normal, wide-angle, and telephoto lenses. * How to care for lenses and which supplementary lenses to try. The 6th updated edition is the one volume you'll need! 56 pages (all in color), 6 x 8 1/2.
Customer Reviews:
Above the amateur level........2005-03-20
I bough this book basically for the 5'x5'18% Gray Card which comes along with this book. I have used the card many times unfortunatley I can't say the same for the book itself.
The book may be handy for its small size which you can cary in a 1 body SLR bag.
Lots of technical jargons, no amateur would grasp this book in a single or even triple reading. There are some information that is very usefull, e.g the f stops that could be used for different lighting, film types and all the information you can possible get e.g which film speed has grain,film reactions to different light, which light is best for the type of film, purposes for film. The only thing is you should not expect any other information on different brands, I mean it is a Kodak Book.
There is also information to help you select the right or close to the correct setting for the camera but it's only suggestions to get the correct settings.
This is a good book for the advance and professional photographer but I wouldn't sugect novices to purchase just yet untill they are comfortable with their craft.
Chockful of the best info for the serious Amatuer.......2005-01-12
An excellent reference for photographers above the "point and shoot" group --and could prove very helpful to this large group of photographers also. It should be in camera bag. This is NOT a text book but it has the needed information that you require to make a good photograph when you snap the shutter.
Some topics might be over your head today, but if you are really serious about being an above the average snapshooter and want to become a good photographer this is for you. You will grow into it and find The Kodak Professional Photoguide is indispensible. The chapters are tabbed and will take you quickly to reference materials on every techinical subject concerning picture-taking to which you would need to refer.
IF you are not into film but go digital, it will not be as useful but has some good information on exposure (existing light, metering in artificial light, lighting ratios for portraits, etc). Information you can adapt for using filters, flash and taking care of your camera lenses. For instance camera lenses are different than eyeglass lenses and can be damaged by using eyeglass cleaning techniques.
I use both digital and film and find this book is indispensible for for the serious amateur photographer using either digital cameras or film cameras.
As for the Pro, I am not one and cannot make any comments concerning this book there, except to say many of the pros that I have met have this book with them in the studio and many carry it in their bags in the field.
And it can be bought "used" for half the price. The "used" copy that I purchased was in fact just as good as "brand new".
The word "Professional" is key.......2002-11-16
I wasn't paying close enough attention when I purchased this guide - it's definitely above my level. I'm sure it's chock-full of useful tidbits for professional or pro-am photographers, but I looked through it with a growing sense of frustration, confusion and futility.
There are sections on film types, film care and storage, exposure, filters, flash, lenses, and other important items, but the level of information presented is rather advanced. There are multiple graphs, calculators, and spinning dials to compute correct values. An 18% gray card in the back is very useful for metering, but not worth the price of the whole book, of course.
The size of Kodak's guide is pretty convenient - small enough to fit into most bags without taking up too much space, but not so small that it's unreadable (though the print size is very small.) The charts are in color, and are easy to read. I can't really comment about the actual content provided - while it *looks* very good, I can't be absolutely sure how useful it will be to a true professional.
My feeling is this: if you're a photographer who has a solid grasp of the complexities of the art, but want to take your skills to the next *technical* level, this may be for you. If you, like me, are a relative beginner, who wants to learn how to take better photos overall, this is definitely not it. Perhaps consider Ansel Adam's series instead - a prominent photo magazine editor recommends beginning with _The Negative_.
A very good pocket reference.......2002-10-13
I think every advance amateur should have a copy of this guide in his/her bag. If for nothing else, the condense film guide and the color conversion/compensation dials alone are worth the money. Yes, you can get the same information somewhere else, but this is the only pocket guide that consolidates everything. Professionals may also benefit from it when they have to change from their routine, such as going to a different film. This book is not for beginners.
Definitely for the pros.......2002-03-06
The key word on this photoguide is "professional". I'm a professional wannabe, with decent talent and experience, and I found this guide to be a bit over-whelming. But, maybe I'll grow into it and become a better photographer along the way!
Book Description
With "The Art of Outdoor Photography", Norton has created a comprehensive volume on the art and technique of outdoor shooting. Tips on lenses, shutter speed, depth of field, and lighting are presented for professionals and experienced amateurs alike. This popular book has been revised and updated with a major revision to the films and filters material; films and filters mark the greatest advance in photography over the past few decades.
Customer Reviews:
For beginners, not advanced amateurs and professionals.......2004-06-13
The sub-title of the book says "Techniques for the Advanced Amateur and Professional." Hardly. This is simply one of many generalist photography books geared to beginners and "non-advanced" amateurs. Don't expect to find anything that isn't in dozens of similar books. The photos are average, and aren't helped by the lacklustre quality of the printing.
Great book.......2003-11-26
Great book that teaches a lot about "outdoor photography". Equipment, interesting technigues, locations, and many other topics are explained with many examples. I am mostly interested in landscape photography and found many advices very usefull. Highly recomended.
Great book - very helpful.......2003-01-13
This is the most helpful photo book I have ever seen! The illustrations are superb, with helpful captions. Moreover, it's good for beginning levels despite what the subtitle says. I highly recommend it. Worth every penny. Also a great gift for other photographer friends.
More winning pictures needed.......2002-12-01
This book is essentially true to its title of the Art of Outdoor Photography as opposed to the science of... The author offers a lucid and accessible narrative which could generate insight for beginner or intermediate photographers. However, I felt that many of the pictures in the book were quite frankly not impressive or inspiring. It is almost as if he was only willing to part with those that he didn't want to sell elsewhere. Could be useful as part of a larger collection of books on this subject but look elsewhere for stunning photographs.
WOW!! What a book!.......2002-09-01
Absolutely amazing!! This is one of the BEST photography books out there. I have bought many books on photography, but this one has absolutely captivated me. Have you ever been ever been awestruck by some lovely outdoor scenery, taken pictures of that landscape , got the film developed and printed shook your head in bewilderment and said "what the heck happened?". All the things that captured your heart and soul are still there in the picture, but it does not have the same impact? If this has happened to you, this book will tell you why.
Don't walk, run. Go buy the book!
Customer Reviews:
One of the best books for learning wildlife photography.......2002-03-05
I particularly like Jim Zucerman's way of giving advice. He has several images per chapter, and he dissects how they were taken, how they were marketed, how they were set up, etc.
Sprinkle in a few location recommendations each chapter, and this book is well worth the 24.95 i paid. The day after I bought it, his tips for photographing an aquarium came in handy. ...
Great inspiration.......2000-10-25
This book really helps with fine tuning your photo techniques by exploring more interesting compositions of the same subject. It touches on lighting, filters and techniques breifly and goes into more depth on marketing your images. This is a great book for someone who has been taking pictures for awhile and is looking to improve their photography and possibly start submitting photos for print. Highly recommend this book to those intermediate to advanced amatures looking to break into the world of proffessional photography, or maybe just dabble in it a little. Great book
Business tips from the Photo Biz Expert.......2000-08-17
The nature photography market is one that is extremely diverse. Nature images are used on everything from printed stationery in the form of note cards and stationary to photographs used as advertising painted on a commerical airplane's tail. They are used as backgrounds to sell commercial products and used in text books for teaching about the environment and nature.
With such a diverse market, Jim Zukerman tackles the marketing of nature images with a clarity and skill - you feel like you are sitting in his living room having a good chat. The book is easy to read and gives the reader a good foundation on how the business works. The tips are excellent for putting together promotional packages and guidelines for selling your work. The images included with the text show how different pictures work for different markets, too.
The photographs in the book are inspiration enough for any photographer, motivating them to go out and get the same quality. But the points of how the business works and what does work and what doesn't, from the editorial to commerical markets, is fantastic. It should be on every nature photographer's shelf - for the pictures or the information! A great resource.
Book Description
In the new edition of this practical guide, master photographer Ellen Anon and digital-imaging expert Tim Grey show you how to capture the beauty of nature by shooting the best possible photos from the start—and then getting the most out of your images at your desktop. You’ll find eye-opening techniques, workflow ideas, and terrific Photoshop tools, plus a host of valuable tips and stunning examples from some of the most esteemed professional nature photographers working today.
Customer Reviews:
Nature Photographers Photoshop CS3 - A Very Good Book.......2007-09-23
PRO: I generally agree with the previous favorable reviews of the book and therefore, rate the book with four stars - not perfect but covering most of the important subjects for nature photography. I'm glad I purchased the book. The TRY IT work lessens in each chapter are helpful because you learn by practice, but it may take a little time to locate where your told to go if your not already familiar with photoshop. This is my first and only book on photoshop and I don't believe I will need another book on this subject for a long time.
CON:The books author makes some assumptions about the readers photoshop knowledge that may not always be correct. This is unavoidable. As mentioned earlier in one of the responses, the book binding is not very strong, so if you scan pages try not to lay the opposite page flat on the scanner, the pages will come loose from the string binding.
I am an italian amateur.......2007-08-30
I have added this very nice book to my already rich collection of Photoshop books because I was mainly attracted
by the concept of Nature that was missing in my arsenal, and because I wished learning more about the new
features of Photoshop CS3 ( that I've recently bought), such as Adobe Camera Raw, Smart Objects, Quick Selection Tool,
and the new Panorama tool.
Under its very appealing graphic appearance I found all the responses I've expected, every topic being
exposed in a natural and direct way.
I also found very useful the tutorials and the examples on the accompanying CD, as well
as the contents of the Authors' Web Sites.
I recommend this book to everybody willing go deeper into the art if photographic imaging, to the experts as well as the novices
on Photoshop CS3.
Mario Console
Essential Book for Serious Nature Photographers.......2007-07-27
Whether you are new to nature shooting or experienced, Ellen Anon and Tim Grey's book is sure to provide techniques, insights, and tips that you can put to use immediately and with excellent results. The authors take time to thoroughly explain complex concepts and techniques in easy-to-understand language and with excellent background that deepens your understanding of both the art and the science.
One of the primary advantages of this book is that it takes you step-by-step from exposing images in the field, through exposure and color adjustments in the digital darkroom, and finally to getting the best output on the printer. And as a bonus, this book includes great techniques for creative effects and for saving time during the workflow.
This is a must-have book for serious nature photographers--and for anyone who wants a complete guide to shooting, processing, and printing great digital images.
Charlotte Lowrie,
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi/400D Digital Field Guide,
Canon EOS 30D Digital Field Guide, & Canon Eos Digital Rebel Digital Field Guide
Tremendous Book! Essential information!.......2007-07-19
For any serious amateur to pro level photographer, this is a "no-brainer" book to own.
Ellen and Tim do a great job breaking down the software barriers to make our digital work easier
to conceive and to perform.
There is a wealth of information here.
After years of trying (unsuccessfully) to get through software manuals and books, this is the first book that we actually keep on our coffee table and take with us on the road. Even a perfunctory paging through will yield invaluable information in a concise, lucid prose.
Highly recommended!
A must have book........2007-07-14
This book is for the advanced hobbyist photographer. It shows great technics and work flows. If you are serious about your photography, you will learn a great deal from this great book.
Book Description
Superb color photography, an authoritative text, and an engaging and artistic approach make this the most inspiring guide to capturing the garden in all its varied splendor. With the invaluable information found here, photographers who already have a solid photographic grounding will reach their goal of taking publishable, magazine-quality pictures. Of course, all the general points are covered, such as equipment, film, composition, exposure, and light. But most importantly, there’s an in-depth focus on garden specifics, such as changes through the seasons, different locations, plant portraits, garden buildings, and backyard wildlife. With this knowledge, even amateur photographers will successfully make their pictures pay.
Customer Reviews:
Garden Photography : a professional guide.......2006-11-10
I ordered this book in September as a gift for a friend. The gift was wrapped and presented and when the book was leafed through it was discovered that there were problems in the binding of the book and that there are sections in the book that are bent, folded and damaged. I have written to Amazon and expressed my concern but as it is past the thirty day return limit and unfortunately I did not check the book thoroughly before gift wrapping... they will not respond. I need either a credit on this book so that I might purchase another gift for my friend or else I need a replacement book. Our family has always been happy with the service that we have received from Amazon and I can only imagine that my complaint has been overlooked.
Product Description
Improve your nature photography with some professional secrets. This new book is complete with technical information and 100 full-color photographs. Features techniques on capturing the beauty of nature, photographing landscapes, flowers, animals and other natural subjects, choosing equipment for outdoor photography and getting fantastic images every time.
Customer Reviews:
Quite disappointing.......2001-09-24
This slim volume includes brief and elementary advice on equipment and film, composition, and exposure. Despite its title, it includes very little advice about dealing with nature as a subject.
The 114-page book includes 38 full-page or near-full-page photographs along with the photographs on most other pages. This reader would have been happy with more smaller photographs and much more useful text. Also, while there are some fine images in the book, there are many surprisingly weak ones which seem more than artistically or subjectively out of range - they look like amateur snapshots.
In its favour, this book offers a simple and accessible introduction to the elementary basics of composition. It also offers more examples than many better books do of a few of the topics being discussed. For example, a discussion of eliminating clutter from a frame has three large photographs of the same subject illustrating the topic.
However in the end I can't recommend this to anyone other than rank beginners in photography. Many of the elementary ideas in the book are found other beginner's guides and magazine or web articles. The purported subject of this book - nature photography - is far better introduced and illuminated in books by John Shaw and Tim Fitzharris, and in stunningly-beautiful books by Niall Benvie. Many of these books, too, offer much of the basic advice found in this book, and are a smarter buy.
A Beautiful, Insightful Photography Book for All Levels!.......2000-08-29
Judy is a magnificent and insightful photographer and teacher. One of the world's foremost outdoor photographers and certainly the best woman in her field. Her images are beautiful and her dignified teaching methodology is understandable, down-to-earth, and inspiring to amateurs and experts alike. There is something here for everyone. Her powerfully beautiful animal portraits and landscape images by themselves are worth the the price of the book--the descriptions of how each image was made is the frosting on the cake. Enjoy!
Average customer rating:
|
Professional Nature Photography
Nigel Hicks
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Professional
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Nature & Wildlife
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Reference
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| How-to
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Equipment
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
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General
| Small Business & Entrepreneurship
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0240515218 |
Book Description
Packed with hints, tips and essential information, this is a practical guide to getting started as a professional nature photographer. Its focus is on how the industry works, recognizing that success in this profession does not rely entirely on your skills of photography, but also on how you organize and market those talents.
Based on the author's own experience of running a successful nature photography business, Professional Nature Photography offers a unique insight into the essential tools and techniques: from the equipment you need, to researching and finding new clients, negotiating contracts, managing finance, working to a brief and an understanding of professional ethics.
Features include:
· stunning colour photographs
· suggested approaches to typical assignments
· realistic, practical advice for professional business practice
· an appendix with addresses for agencies, societies and conservation organisations
The book also includes an overview of specialist skills, such as how to read difficult lighting conditions, shooting from a hide, stalking animals, photographing captive animals, photographing plants and underwater photography. The author sets the subject in context and includes a discussion of the impact of digital imaging, the role of nature photography in society and environmental matters.
Whether you are just starting out as a professional, or wishing to brush up on knowledge and skill, Professional Nature Photography is both an inspirational guide and an essential reference tool for hands-on information.
Nigel Hicks ABIPP, FRGS has a PhD in Biology and runs a successful nature photography business. He has lived and worked extensively abroad as a self-employed photographer and writer, including long periods in Taiwan, Japan, and Hong Kong. His photographs are to be found in many publications and he has undertaken many challenging publishing assignments abroad, such as documenting the diverse range of wildlife in China and the Philippines. He writes regularly for the photographic press and is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, an associate of the British Institute of Professional Photography and a member of the Scientific Exploration Society.
Inspirational colour photographs show you just what you can achieve
Benefit from a professional's suggestions for approaches to typical assignments
Full of realistic, practical advice for professional business practice to ensure you don't go wrong
Customer Reviews:
A Broad Brush.......2004-03-20
Professional Nature Photography by Nigel Hicks
This book is aimed at guiding a photographer into a career in nature photography. It is not concerned with photography techniques (for the most part) but rather with the logistics of earning a living as a nature photographer. The approach is a logical one, first giving the reader an overview of the nature photography "industry", and then telling one how to find clients. Hicks discusses such things as legal rights, photo libraries and even self-publishing.
The author writes about traveling for photography and how to prepare for it. He acknowledges that one of the biggest problems that the professional photographer will face is loneliness, and suggests ways of dealing with it. He talks about managing the office and buying equipment, both photographic and otherwise. In a chapter on "special skills", he provides a concise statement of nature photography techniques that can serve well as a short course in the subject.
I particularly enjoyed his chapter on professional issues. I had never considered the ethics of photographing in a "disreputable" zoo, and thereby supporting its work.
The book is profusely illustrated with Hicks' nature photographs, which are of high quality, but bear no relationship to the text. Moreover, the text itself mostly suggests what I found to be self-evident. The details are not emphasized. For example, the author says that it may be possible to barter with hotels and airlines while working for other clients. I would have liked to know which functionary in an organization was best to approach to initiate such a deal. But that level of detail was never provided. One thing of which the book convinced me is that breaking into nature photography is one tough job.
I found that even though it was not aimed at showing you how to become a professional photographer, the biographies contained in "The World?s Top Photographers: Wildlife", by Terry Hope, provided more clues about routes into a professional photography career while showing a world-class collection of pictures. And John Shaw's "Business of Nature Photography" still seems a better guide to making a living in this field.
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