Book Description

A wintry seascape with a line of sunset pink shimmering in silky blue darkness.Sheets of brilliantly gleaming water cascading over cliffs. Golden skies illuminating rivers, green grass, and craggy rocks. All these astonishing images come from the camera of Peter Watson, one of the world's finest photographers.But this is more than just a breathtaking coffee book: it's an invaluable source of inspiration and instruction that will help you too capture the magnificence of a landscape. Through over 100 of his best works, he explains how he got the picture, what techniques and filters he used, the ways he developed depth and texture in the composition, and more. Month by month, it tracks seasonal changes, seizing nature in all its splendor.
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Reviews (2)

WONDERFUL BOOK!
I recently met Michael at a restraunt were I work. He is a very sweet and kind hearted person:o) He gave me this book. I just love it. It explains alot of my heart. The pictures are beautiful and the words are what life should be about. I recommend this to anyone at any age:o)))) Thanks michael! Please write more you are a faboulus writer! And he is what he writes! God bless him:O))))))))))))))))))))))))) Rhonda

Places of Power a powerful book
I found this book to be spellbinding. I have felt the same feelings that the author decribes about special natural places. I recommend this to all children and the young at heart. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

ellis can't lose
I've recently become a huge fan of Warren Ellis' work. Starting with Planetary , then the Authority and Stormwatch. I've also read his columns on his website, warrenellis.com.

If you like Ellis you will enjoy this book. It contains pictures he took with his PDA and text to accompany the pictures. Some of it seems autobiographical, other passages are clearly fiction.

I think one of the things that makes Ellis great is that he has good taste and can edit himself. So, the text is sometimes touching, sometimes disturbing, sometimes mearly clever, but almost always interesting. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

You want to learn the tricks of the pro's?
Look behind the scenes. From the film used to the thoughts of the photographer. Excellent resource for photographers no mather if you're a pro, you always learn new things.

A great book to learn from
Fashion Shots is a book that includes many different lighting situations in a clear layout. I like the book for this, because its imformative and fun to read at the same time. If your interested in fashion photography, this is definetely a book to consider.

A fashion photographers mind jump starter...
From the equipment used to take the shots in this book to the actual location of the models and light sources in each photo, this book is a perfect place to tap into. It will help you get some good fashion shots and/or spawn some really creative ideas on the readers end. A good buy for the fashion photographer or the aspiring one! Happy reading :)

Excellent, practical guide to profession fashion photography
Among all the books I have seen on photography, this book takes a cake for being the best for professional photographers as well as serious students of fashion photography. The book offers creative range of all sections of personal fashions for all those who want to establish themselves professionally in fashion field. The book teaches technics behind some of the best fashion shots, capturing the spirit behind such photographs through the lense. Things that make the fashion photographer unique, the combination of beauty and brains. The book takes you through scene setting and lighting with easy to follow graphics, that allows reader to understand the sensitivity required to capture in one shot what the photographer want others to see. The format and the paper quality bring out the best of all the shots to make this book a collectors item for serious photographers and avid book lovers alike. ... Read more

Book Description

In their own words (and we all know howcolorful those can be), the five members of thenotorious Osbourne clan tell the amazing story of the first family of rock.

Book Description

The freely nude body and nature just seem to go together, and this lushly designed guide--aimed at professional, keen amateur, and student photographers--reveals the many facets of lighting nude photography outdoors. High-quality color and black-and-white images, drawn from a range of contemporary international photographers, demonstrate a variety of beautiful effects, all using the sun as the principal light source.See how to make the most of light and form, create a mood, and situate the figure within the landscape. Each spread is self-contained, with one or two images illustrating a specific topic, such as working in shade or using flash. The accompanying text explains the background behind these pictures, illuminating the thought processes of the photographers and detailing how composition and location are used to fine effect. Lighting plans, including a diagram of the sun's position and information on any supplementary devices (such as a reflector), will be invaluable for anyone trying to achieve similar results.

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Book Description

The first book of its kind to introduce the problems of location lighting for single camera operators and provide an insight into the technology and techniques required to solve those problems. The approach is of a basic and introductory nature, geared toward the student and trainee cameraman. Professionals needing a refresher course on the subject will also find this an invaluable reference packed with key information, theory and practical approaches to different lighting situations.

*Teaches you how to master the essentials of lighting and make professional choices in difficult location lighting conditions

*Features intruductory techniques from an experienced instructor

*Provides the solutions to everyday lighting dilemmas ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent book for sharpening "night" atmosphere photo-takin
An excellent book for ones who want to know more about photographing in "night" atmosphere. This book covered various topics such as portrait, 'scapes, sky, products and others (both indoor and outdoor) and explained those topics with fully illustrated light settings and tips.

Other than those fantastic pictures token, the best parts were the comments from those artists which describe how/what/why he/she did to achieve that result.

Including so many different topics give you ideas on all kind of "night" shootings, but also short of details for particular topics. I would recommend this book for those who want to improve their "night" shooting knowledge. But for those who want to picture particular subjects, they may feel kinda not enough. ... Read more

Book Description

The characteristics of light, including its intensity, direction, and color temperature, are primary factors in determining how a subject will be recorded. This tutorial provides photographers with a solid understanding of filters, allowing them to control the light available to them, thus capturing their subjects in the most flattering way possible. Beginning with an overview of the color wheel, essential to any discussion of filters, the book then explores all aspects of filter use, from special effects filters to utilizing black and white filters with color film, soft focus, star filters, graduated color, double-exposure filters, and diffusion filters. ... Read more

Book Description

Professional photographers have access to specialized and often expensive lighting equipment, but amateurs can take great photographs with much simpler setups or even just available light. This guide explains how to get the best results from the most minimal investment with plenty of patience and practice. Photography is the art of capturing light on paper, and all that is needed to take wonderful pictures is a sophisticated understanding of how light works. This handbook provides that knowledge, starting with technical explanations of film and lenses and moving through different general scenarios (indoor, outdoor, nighttime) to specific case histories. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Some useful information, but there are better references
I was looking for a book on portrait lighting, and a poster on a photographer web site suggested this book.

The book begins with a so-so discussion of metering and light color and then proceeds with examples of ambient light photography. There really didn't seem much to gain from the ambient light discussion, and I quickly got the feeling that I was not getting my money's worth. It appeared as though I was going to read the whole $20 book in 20 minutes. But then you get into the section on artificial lighting, and the information becomes more valuable and substantial. The diagrams showing the light placement was actually rather good, and some other books I've seen could benefit from such good figures.

However, there still wasn't a good discussion of what to look for in precise light placement for portrait photography. (E.g., move the light forward until the nose shadow hits the edge of the eye.)

In summary, I'd give the ambient light section 2 stars and the artificial light section, 4 stars, but there are better books on artificial lighting, for example, Jenni Bidner's THE LIGHTING COOKBOOK. So I average and give the book 3. ... Read more

Book Description

This authoritative and easy-to-follow guide provides a thorough grounding in producing studio shots that are both technically competent and aesthetically pleasing. After a comprehensive survey of studio equipment and lighting techniques, the authors examine the full range of studio subjects, from portraits and nudes to still lifes andmacro work. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

In you can scuba, you can wait for this book - it's worth it
If you like the look of things from many meters below sea level, you'll find Charles Seaborn's Underwater Photography a wonderful guide and gallery of images. I found it to be full of the best advice and the best pictures. Seaborn offers good, clear assistance on subjects ranging from the purchase of an underwater camera or housing to the techniques required for successful submerged imaging. ... Read more

Book Description

From landscapes, seascapes, and desert scenes to city views, country settings, and historic sites, this book goes beyond natural vistas to offer an all-inclusive range of the subjects people want to photograph outdoors. The author provides simple, straight forward lessons, highlighted by before-and-after sequences that pair ordinary photos with more compelling shots for the same scenes, enabling readers to compare different perspectives, from closeup to panoramic. Extended captions tell the stories behind the photos and describe the creative problem-solving process that goes into making beautiful scenic pictures, giving tips to benefit both beginners and experienced photographers.

Kerry Drager, whose work has appeared in many magazines and newspapers, writes a column for The Sacramento Bee. He lives in Orangevale, California. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Nothing out of the ordinary
A pleasant enough book with pleasant enough images, but nothing out of the ordinary. The content of this book is no different than many other general photography books out there. This is certainly not a 5-star book, as the ratings below would suggest.

Your best lens is often your feet
Kerry Drager covers a range of topics, that include lenses, lighting, Depth of Field, and composition, to name a few.

Throughout each topic he dispenses practical advice such as remembering to bring a snack or a plastic tarp and padding to protect your clothing and save your knees.

Written in a clear, simple, yet engaging manner, this book covers a broad range of material for scenic photography enthusiasts.

Well illustrated, this book provides ample examples to have the reader clamoring to run out with their camera and put some good advice to immediate use.

A Wonderful Book!!
I really liked the fresh approach that Mr. Drager uses in this book. I'm a amateur photographer and it really helped me see beauty in areas often overlooked. If the picture's alone Mr. Drager displays aren't enough inspiration to get out and take beautiful picture's, I don't what else would work!! The book is very informative and his way of explaining techniques is very easy to follow. If you want a delightful, well written, illustrated book on this subject....then this is the one to buy!!

A Photo book for almost anyone!
Many photo books focus on the photography enthusiasts but Kerry Drager manages to create a book that will appeal to any photography enthusaists but almost everyone else. Why? Almost everyone travels or like to travel and we all take snapshots. This book will help you elevate your snapshots into treasured moments with clear concise writing, illustrated ideas and concepts and inspirational photos.

Scenic Photography 101, Kerry Drager
I really enjoyed Kerry Dragers eye for unusual and unique scenic photographs. He shows great imagination in his selection of subject matter. While we may miss the beauty of something "right under our noses" Drager seems to showcase it a manner that makes it seem bigger than life. (Such as the beautiful leaves photo on the first page of his book). I also appreciate his style in framing subjects in a very unique, almost signature manner. (See the cover of this book!) His use of comparative photos of the same subject were perfect for anyone who enjoys "before and after" type scenarios. I also found his writing to be simple, down to earth and easy to follow. ... Read more

Book Description

The L.L. Bean Outdoor Photography Handbook offers practical instruction on making the best of your outdoor shots, for beginning through intermediate photographers.

Perhaps the most common motivation behind the novice's study of photography is to be able to capture the beauty of the natural world, and here are the fundamentals: an introduction to understanding light; primers on equipment, film, exposure, gear, storage, and display; in-depth how-to advice on the most popular outdoor subjects - landscapes, close-ups, and wildlife - including invaluable pointers on the challenges presented by natural conditions; and full coverage of a subject ignored by other books - the outdoor photography of people.

With stunning color photographs that illustrate proper, and improper, technique, and with helpful quick hints throughout, this is the most accessible guide to the subject - thorough enough for the aspiring professional, but completely practical for even the casual amateur. (7 X 10, 176 pages, color photos, charts) ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great Beginner's Guide
I've been so many places while backpacking and was not able to bring back photographs that conveyed the depth of the wilderness' beauty. While researching more about outdoor photography, I ran across this book. It is a wonderful resource.

The handbook helps the beginning photographer (namely me) develop a grasp of they many details involved in photography. Terminology is explained in plain language, examples are provided as well as some illustrations. This book is also helpful, I believe, in educating the intermediate photographer who doesn't have much experience in outdoor shooting situations (remember, you have to go there to take the picture). I'm sure that the experienced professional won't gather anything new from this book but I don't see how anyone could not appreciate the magnificent scenery captured in this book.

Excellent!
Beautiful photographs and superb text make up this book. Ifirst ordered it through Interlibrary loan, and then decided topurchase it. It is well worth the money spent.

Practical and handy
One of a series of L.L. Bean handbooks, it provides a good introduction to outdoor photography. This is by no means for the experienced photographer as topics covered are more of a general nature and helpful to novices. Covering equipment to shooting techniques, this book is perfect for someone interested in photography. While the emphasis is on outdoor photography (obviously), the lessons are easily transferable to general practice. This book is easy to carry in your backpack, beside your camera. For more advanced and thorough techniques, I highly recommend any of the Ansel Adams series of "how to" books. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great "broad range" book for lighting
I found this book to be very good. I am a professional photographer and still found many usful things in this book. It includes multiple different lighting senerios from the simple to the very complex. It even had many exterior/natural lighting examples for those who prefer natural lighting or just don't have a money tree to buy all the fancy studio lighting. It also has many equipment illustrations for those looking to buy some equipment for studios. Overall a very nice book from a reliable series.

Perfect manual for photographers
As a starting photographer, I was well aware of the author's reputation for great lighting of subjects--e.g. glamour shots, still life, etc. This book gives starting photographers--in detail--a masterful way of setting up nude shots. I highly recommend this book ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Thick, Gluey Muck!
Don't let the beautiful cover fool you, this book contains dreadfully complex, dry text that confuses rather than enlightens. Unless you are enticed by topics such as, "Interpreting the D/Log E Curve" or "Converting Log Density Ranges" there are easily better choices. If you're looking for clarity - whether novice or advanced photography skill - buy Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Exposure." Its simplicity is effective and refreshing.

Poorly Written Amateur [Junk]
You can judge a photographer's skill by his/her photographs. All of the photographs in this book look like they were taken by Average Joe with a disposable camera. This book was written backwards. The book does not mention metering technique until chapter 8 (near the end of the book)! They mention handheld meters in chapter 7 but never explain proper use of them. The book never discusses studio lighting techniques or even portable (on camera) flash technique. They never discuss proper use of available light or use of lighting modifiers (reflectors, diffusers, etc . . .). Most of this book rants on and on about arbitrary +/- .25 to .5 exposure adjustments for a million different specific situations (mostly travel photographs) instead of explaining overall technique. Save your time and money. Read another book written by a professional.

Great book for expanding your basic knowledge of exposure.
I was really impressed with this book and how it took an average photographer through the steps towards understanding exposure. There are many fundamental concepts explained in a "layman's fashion" and I would highly recommend this book. There is only one chapter that enters into deep theory which the author suggests you may want to skip or come back to later. If you want to increase your basic understanding of film exposure, natural light and how film development plays an important part, then this book is for you!

Too much information that is not usable
There is too much information in this book that is way too technical or simply of no use to me. Here is a quote from the book: "With a spot meter, you can measure the log brightness range of the subject; you know that you need a log density range of around 1.1 to make a contact print on grade 2 paper: and armed with the film manufacturer's gamma/time cures, plus a good guess at the flare factor for your lens, you can select the appropriate development time."

The photographs in the book are average to the point that when looking at them I'm thinking, "I can do better than that."

The authors have a converstaional style in writing, and if you want ALOT of detail on exposure, maybe this is the book for you. There is 20 pages devoted to the chapter on film testing alone, a couple of paragraphs of which are devoted to describing the example negatives that are over/under exposed. The problem is, the negatives they are describing are in one of their other books! You would think that at 192 pages, they could at least include the examples they are refering to.

The key concept in the book is ". . .think hard about how you want a given tone to 'read' in the final picture, and adjust your metering technique accordingly."

Thorough disappointment
I wouldn't title a book this way if I didn't have the pictures to back it up, and these authors do not. The print (at least in my copy) is very poor and suggests that all pictures were taken on ISO 800 film or faster - but the captions state otherwise. If you are technically inclined, buy a proper technical book. If you are more interested in how-to's, buy another how-to book than this one! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Excellent book; good overview of backpacking photography
This is definitely a book worth reading for learning about the tradeoffs involved when doing backpacking and photography. He discusses the equipment and the techniques that need to be considered when you can't carry 300lb of equipment.

He gets very specific when recommending gear, which is something I liked. The information is starting to get somewhat dated; this book was published in 1994. However, he talks about the reasons why he recommends certain gear, which is what you really need to know anyway.

Well worthwhile - good information
The author draws from an excellent background and beautifully presented examples. If one is interested in backpacking into the wilds and taking good pictures consistently, this book describes exactly how to do it.

Although Campbell uses the book to blantantly advertise his exposure system, it is very well written and explains the art of good photography extremely well. His technique actually works! I've tried it and I have had more consistent results.

His checklists for gear and his comments about the items are extremely valuable for those who have not ventured far or for those who would go farther.

This is a good beginner or intermediate book.

Broad overview
I thought this book's information was too general on both backpacking and photography, without enough detail to either improve my photography or backpack with a higher level of safety and fun. It might be helpful for someone who has never backpacked with a camera, but not someone with even a little bit of experience with backpacking and photography.

Like the outdoors, like to photograph? This book is for you!
Great Book....Easy to read and understand...worth reading and carrying afield. Wealth of Informaton.

Most valuable book ever written on nature photography.
Although I am not an avid backpacker, my photography club recommended this book and I must say that it's my favorite photography book. I take it with me on every photo trip. It's tattered and torn from use and I will have to buy another one before long. Congratulations to Mr. Campbell for writing a clear and concise book. I know understand exposure. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I'd like a copy of this book!
Hi! My name is Theresa Therese! To whoever is listening, I'd really like a copy of this book when it is available! (That'll teach me for being so arrogant as to type my own name into a search engine! ... This was the no 1 result).

Photographer buff
The book was purchased for my teenage son who is very interested in black and white photography. He loves the book. A collection of Ansel Adams work in light and shadows in one book is worth more than the price. A must read. ... Read more