Book Description

·Instruction on composing the shot and editing it digitally, keyed to outdoor subjects and outdoor conditions
·Selecting equipment for use in the field
·Illustrated in full color

A professional writer and photographer who has long chronicled his adventures as a mountaineer and wilderness traveler, James Martin is uniquely positioned to help others "gain the most from swapping chemicals for silicon." In Digital Photography Outdoors, he begins with the basics: how a digital camera works, special considerations for use in the field, and selecting the best equipment and most useful accessories for capturing outdoor action.

Martin presents the new rules of digital photography (why overexpose?) and reminds us of old rules that still apply (light and good composition remain key). He covers the fundamentals of digital editing, including selecting software tools, applying filters, creating the illusion of movement, and stitching photos together to create panoramas. It's about exploiting the advantages of digital, as well as meeting its challenges ("storing images safely becomes an obsession.") Martin also offers tips on care and maintenance of digital equipment in field conditions. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

I expected more
I was quite disappointed with the quality of the pictures in this book. They were very grainy, some without much contrast. As far as the poses go, there were only a handful that 'worked' in terms of composition. Also the models tended to be too similar in size, shape, and ethnicity. The point of figure drawing is to develop skills to draw ALL shapes and sizes!

There are other books on figure drawing that are much better in terms of skill development but I am still looking for a good book of photos to draw from. However, this one is not it.

Only ordinary
The one thing this book contributes is variety, at least a little. As pointed out elsewhere, the models are all young. Still, there are a few different men and women with interesting differences between them. The fact of having a pregnant model at all is distinctive - pregnancy could be a topic for a whole pose book itself. Blacks, Asians, New World faces and others are also conspicuous by their absence, but that's true of most other pose books as well.

This book has some value, but isn't the hardest-working book on the shelf.

Not for artists looking for poses!
The author of the book said he wanted to go for aesthetically pleasing, but figured artists wanted more on visibility. He would've done so much better going with his first choice! I wanted a good book of poses, and have yet to get one picture out of the book! Most of the poses in this book weren't pleasing to the eye at all. The models are all young, thin people in ridiculous, often painful looking poses. A little variety would've been great, too, and the two photos of pregnant women in there don't count for much. There are no old people, fat people, or even normal sized people! There are, however, an archive of the worst poses I've seen to date. Do yourself a favor and go get a good book like Anatomy for the Artist by Sarah Simblet or Virtual Pose 2 by Mario Henri Chakkour. You'll actually get some use out of them.

Good for what it is
The photos could be a bit sharper, but if you're like me and don't have ready access to a live model it makes a decent resource for figure drawing practice. Most of the "pose file" books I've seen have flaws in one way or another (pictures are too small, contrast isn't very good, etc.), but this is one of the better ones, relatively speaking. The photos are at least large enough to see, with most either full or half page.

Nothing learned here.
Can sum this book up in one word: disappointing. There is nothing artistic in any of the pictures. No commentary given. As amuturistic as nude photos can be. ... Read more

Book Description

A Completely revised edition of a best-selling classic, this book lets photographers in on all the secrets of successful, professional glamour photography.It explains how professional photographers achieve their results and how readers of this book can match many of those techniques in their own photography.Jargon-free text discusses lighting equipment needed, whether a digital camera or film should be used, and how to pose models and set up location shots.Filled with hundreds of stunning glamour photographs to highlight the techniques being taught, this book explains every facet of this fascinating, complicated, competitive, yet lucrative genre of photography.

For photographers interested in professional techniques for female portraiture.Profiles more than 350 stunning, full-color glamour photographs. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Detailed and easy to read
I am an beginner when it comes to photography. I wanted a book that had details from equipment, lighting techniques, to picking a model. Shows the picture with a description of how the equipment was arranged, and what was used. A great book at a great price.

A great reference source!
I've owned John Kelly's book now for the past year, along with a dozen other glamour photography books. I find myself constantly referring back to John's book for useful ideas on posing, lighting and other practical tips. His book successfully addresses glamour photography from the photographer's point of view. He stays away from photographic recipes and instead focuses on sharing the skills to allow the creative mind to develop their own styles and recipes. The photography within is top notch and the models are all gorgeous - no second string here. The book is broken into three main sections: the model, outdoor locations, and indoor locations. My favorite section is his in-depth coverage of the model, body types, basic makeup, and how to work with models on a professional level. I found that his outdoor location section to be excellent as well, but the indoor studio is a bit dated - as to be expected considering the date of publishing. Still, though this book is now sixteen years old, it is one of the best on the market.

Pretty Badass
My main fascination with photography recently has been lighting, so before reading this book I decided to read "Lighting for Glamour Photography". I almost wish I had read this one first since it covers glamour lighting in great detail, plus a whole lot of other stuff.

I just finished reading it today, so it's still sinking in, but if you plan on taking beautiful pictures of women and taking it seriously, you pretty much have to read this book. It's a career's worth of experience in an easy to read book.

I've got to say though that some of the 80's style pictures are pretty laughable, especially the 80's sunglasses! Ironically, the author mentions how ludicrous things like sunglasses look when they go out of style!

Simple, Comprehensive, and Consistant
A Very good book on the world of Glamour photography. It is simple and comprehensive in that it touches on all the major areas of Great Glamour and Nude photography. This book should give you enough information to get started and want to study more.

I love this book!!!
The articles are very informative. The writing style is very clear and readable even for the amatures. The pictures of the ladies are very gogerous and fit very well with the accompanying texts. Lots and lots of clues on how to use lighting and camera angles in this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

See the world in a fresh light.

In its Second Edition -- inspired by the participants of Patterson's workshops from North America to South Africa to the UK, Australia and New Zealand -- of this classic text, Freeman Patterson offers readers valuable information on the essential building blocks of visual design, including: - Light - Shape - Line - Texture - Perspective.

The book provides clear and concise instructions on putting these building blocks together to create balance, proportion and rhythm in any photograph. A separate chapter features valuable advice for evaluating one's own photographs.

Extended captions include valuable technical information and personal commentary reflective of the superb craftsmanship and stunning photography from one of the most celebrated photographers worldwide. The second edition is updated to include technical guidelines adapted for both digital and film photographers. ... Read more

Book Description

Learn how to take great beauty and glamour shots with this practical guide from professional photographer and teacher,Jon Gray.

Beauty and glamour photographs require the same technical skills as any other area of portraiture ­ strong compositions, competent use of lighting, an awareness of how to pose your model to the best effect. The best shots also demonstrate a creative flair on the part of the photographer that goes way beyond mere titillation.

In this beautifully illustrated guide, Jon Gray explores both the techniques and the aesthetics of his subject ­ creating a book that is both informative and a joy to look at.

Covering everything from easy-to-replicate studio poses and lighting set-ups to exotic location work, Beauty and Glamour Photography is guaranteed to give your photography that all-important creative edge.

Jon Gray has been a professional photographer for 25 years. He specializes in glamour, beauty, fashion and advertising photography and numbers Vogue, Armani and Gucci among his clients. He teaches fashion and advertising photography at the American University in London and presents workshops for Bowens lighting, Mamiya cameras, Lastolite, and Fuji film. He also gives lectures and workshops to professional organizations, colleges and universities in both the UK and the USA. Jon lives in London. ... Read more

Book Description

The Darkroom Handbook, Second Edition, is a completely revised and updated version of a classic guide to the best design, construction, and equipment to use when setting up a darkroom.

This book features ideas and money-saving tips on how to put a darkroom almost anywhere in your home or apartment.It takes you inside darkrooms of photographers around the world including those of famous photographers such as, Harry Callahan, Aaron Siskind, Berenice Abbott, and W. Eugene Smith.In addition, it contains detailed do-it-yourself plans for the most essential darkroom components, cutouts and design grids to plan that "dream" darkroom, and special sections on the color darkroom and the digital darkroom.

The most comprehensive book on the darkroom.
A step-by-step guide to help anyone plan and build a photo lab.
Illustrated with an abundance of photos and sketches. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

This is the book you want if you are going to build a darkro
This is the book you want if you are going to build a darkroom. It is excelent! I got another book and half of it was how to build a wall using drywall. This one was not like that and really had plans and technical information that you want.

hi joe!
reading your own reviews now? i miss you! hope you and robin and the kids are well ...

buy this book!

The only guide you will ever need to building a darkroom
I just purchased this book because i am planning to build a darkroom in my basement, and it has provided me with alot of information. And if you have a really small bathroom and you think it's impossible to turn it into a darkroom and use it at the same time, then you better get this book. There are floorplans/layouts & elevation provided, as well as pictures to give you an idea of how your darkroom will turn out. There are so many alternatives given that you can't go wrong in builiding the perfect darkroom of your own and save money as well.

A GREAT BOOK FOR LESS THAN PERFECT CONDITIONS
I found this book to be very practical and direct. What impressed me most was that the authors took into account the fact that not everyone has the ideal accomodations for a darkroom. Each section goes into the how-to of every phase of setting up a simple, basic to the sophisticated darkroom. Everything is spelled out in detail allowing you to "opt out" of any part of the process that you feel may be "over your head" (call the plummer) and to deal with those that are within your reach. In between, the book allows you to peek at how others have set up their facilities. Over all a great book for anyone looking to set up a dark room the "right way".

This is a great book for people wanting to set up a darkroom
This is an excellent book that follows you through the process of determning a room, making modifications if neccesary and creating the physical space for a darkroom.

In addition creating the room, it will take you through the equipment requirements and general layout and design for a good working darkroom.

I used the layout and general design sections to create my own darkroom, and found all the lists, worksheets and diagrams invaluable.

There is even a small section in the beginning that takes you through some famous photographers darkrooms.

All the information you would need, and well organized. ... Read more

Book Description

With this book of color photographs of the polished hearts of stones portrayed as natural paintings, BILL ATKINSON completes his transition from whiz kid of Silicon Valley to high priest of Silica.

After helping to usher in the age of personal computing by designing the graphical user interface of the Macintosh computer, Atkinson turned his visual and technical talents to nature photography. While shooting in the Painted Desert, Atkinson became intrigued with the brilliant colors in the petrified wood littering the ground. He brought home some polished rock slabs, photographed them in natural color and without magnification, and was enthralled. The photographs looked more like paintings of forgotten dreams than either rocks or photographs. Atkinson went on to borrow and photograph thousands of art-quality stones at gem shows.

From these thousands of stones, Atkinson has picked for WITHIN THE STONE those seventy-two that yielded the most striking, the most poetic, and the most ineffable images.Many of the photographs suggest the styles of particular masters of modern painting: Klee, Klimt, Turner, O’Keefe.

To accompany these images, the publisher commissioned seventy literary pieces for WITHIN THE STONE from seven top writers, each one accomplished in both scientific and artistic fields. Each writer was asked to free-associate with his or her ten assigned photographs as though they were Rorschach patterns on steroids. The seven contributors are DIANE ACKERMAN (poet and psychologist), PHILIP BALL (Nature editor and dramatist), JOHN HORGAN (science writer and philosopher), ANDREW REVKIN (New York Times reporter and screenplay writer), DORION SAGAN (science writer and novelist), TYLER VOLK (biologist and architect), and DAVID ZINDELL (science fiction novelist and mathematician).

In an appendix to WITHIN THE STONE, professional lapidaries SI and ANN FRAZIER and mineral scientist ROBERT HUTCHINSON provide a detailed description and commentary for each specimen. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Amazing and Powerful
Nowhere I have I seen diverse elements join so naturally as in this book. Science-Art-Beauty-and-Truth all merge through walls I did not know I had. Then I find myself deep inside the colors and nuances of polished crystal, which thanks to Mr. Atkinson's paradigm shattering digital photography, all of us can see, really see, for the first time.

Truly beautiful book
This book is easily the most striking collection of natural color photographs I've seen. By photographing the stone surfaces as flat, full frame objects, the images take on a vivid abstract sense that is just breathtaking. Atkinson's meticulous attention to every detail of preparing the book really shines - you'll have to get out a magnifying glass to believe you're not looking at original prints.

Personally, I would have paired the scientific text describing the minerals at the back of the book with the full frame photos and left out the other "writing". Random poetry and essays seem irrelevant next to such dazzling imagery. But this is really a minor point - you're buying this book for the pictures!

A Groundbreaking and breathtaking book
Within The Stone is a magical book - full of surprises, and delights - but not exactly a book one can sum up in a few words. Is this high art? An abstract, post-post-post-expressionist fanatasy? Or is this natural histroy at its best? A jouney deep behind the surface of the world we live in? Truth or ficiton? Poetry or prose? In fact, this book of intensely vivid color photographs is all that and more. Photographs don't usually, or easily, cross the line from docmentary description to ambiguously mysterious art. But these large photographs of exotic rocks and minerals from around the world do just that. They escape from their literal and mineral points of departure. They soar, and our imagination soars with them...

Bill Atkinson, the photographer-creator of Withn The Stone is responisble for more than just its stunning photography. In his previous life, Bill was instrumental in creating the original Macintosh computer, and the graphical user interface that the whole world now takes for granted. In recent years, Bill has focused his computer-science expertise on his other pasion, photography, sharing his discoveries with leading professional photographers across the country, and becoming, in a real sense, the "Ansel Adams" of digital photo printing. Having pushed the limits of photographic printing, Atkinson has now done the same thing for bookmaking. Four-color presses have never before been capable of reproducing colors as intense as those in these images. So Atkinson had to develop a whole new method of color printing for the Japanese firm that printed this exquisite book.

Thus, Within The Stone is not only a remarkable artistic achievement, it's a technical breakthrough as well, the new benchmark in color photo book making. But most importantly, it is a major aesthetic creation. These are fresh images, images that transcend their literal content, windows into a unexpected world. This is a book you will return to again and again, discovering something new each time you look Within The Stone. ... Read more

Book Description

Now in its fifth edition, Handbook of Photography is designed to teach those who have never used a camera how to take photos, develop film and make prints. Each chapter represents a stage in the photographic process -- from focusing the camera to the emergence of the final picture--mounted for display or ready for use in print. This updated edition not only covers all these basics but also provides new material on film, equipment and techniques, especially in the field of digital photography. Photos by noted photographers are included to give both valuable information and inspiration to the user. ... Read more

Book Description

In direct rejection of the point-and-click tricks of digital photography, arenegade group of artists have turned their attention to near-obscure 19th-centuryprocesses from cyanotypes to daguerreotypes. Featuring 120 color images and works by60 artists, this is the only book to chart this worldwide revival. The members of theAntiquarian Avant-Garde, who include Adam Fuss, Sally Mann, and Jayne Hinds Bidaut,seek to reengage the physical, hands-on facets of photography, and to celebrate thediverse, idiosyncratic results.

An essay by Chuck Close and an interview with Sally Mann enhance LyleRexer's lively text, which highlights the importance of the new movement for art andphotography. A glossary gives detailed insight into such diverse methods asdaguerreotypes, photograms, tintypes, and gum bichromates. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent Coffee Table Book
Beautifuly constructed book with alot of really nice images. Certainly anyone could appreciate this book. My only complaint is that in the opening/introductory chapters, there is alot of unused space and few images until you get past that. ... Read more

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, shutterspeed, depth of field, and lighting are presented for professionals and experienced amateurs alike.

Norton's fascinating anecdotes and invaluable pointers will engage many levels of photographers. His vivid photos illustrate key concepts, and run the gamut from markets in Kenya to mountaintops in Siberia.

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. New chapters include: "Into the Boondocks," "Organizing Photo Files," and "Breaking Into Print." ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Excellent, Inspiring photography book!
I just wanted to echo what others have said so far about this book. To be honest, I had never heard of Boyd Norton until Amazon recommended the book to me when I purchased another photography book. But I decided to try the book out, based on the previous reviews and the inexpensive price, and I'm sure glad I did! It's very well written and I can relate to the author's challenges of long-held photographic beliefs. He seem to state that, as long as the end result is pleasing, go ahead and break all the rules! I agree, and he offers many ideas and methods of coming up with unique perspectives and images that do just that.

I find most photography books I read to just re-state what others have already said, but this book continually gave me new ideas and fresh insight into different techniques and subjects. I'd be surprised if even an accomplished and seasoned photographer didn't get more than a few things out of this book.

Thanks, Boyd Norton, for putting together a very informative book with amazing pictures and descriptions of the processes used to create them!

Still Looking for the Perfect Outdoor Photography Book!
Norton's Outdoor Photography: Techniques for the Advance Amateur and Professional sounded like just the book for me. I didn't want another how to. I know how to manipulate the camera and what happens when light hits film. That's for the beginning photographer. What I wanted was something that went beyond technique to the point where technique becomes discovery. What I wanted, to quote Norton, was "a more methodical, precise approach to capturing the essence of scene or subject.

Norton's first chapter got me really excited. He talked about making the technical choices that bring order out of chaos. For example, he suggested that this involved "the tough process of isolating and arranging the picture elements." That certainly sounded like he was on the right track.

But then the book went down hill. I got the usual discussion of light metering, the differences between lens lengths, the elements of composition - in short the usual set of instructions for just beyond beginning photographers. Oh, the instructions were accurate and beautifully illustrated. But they didn't tell me how one could take the elements of composition beyond a list of elements and into "art".

Now maybe I expected to much. After all, if creating art was easy enough to put into a 152 page book, Art Wolfe wouldn't have a job. But I blame Norton (or his publishers.) They put on the catchline "Techniques for the Advanced Amateur and Professional". And then they gave me the same stuff as many another photography book writer. For my money, I would take John Shaw over Norton any day. At least he makes no bones about what he's teaching.

In summary, as a manual for photographers who know how to properly expose film, this is as good a book as any. But for the advanced amateur and professional who wants help in creating art, look elsewhere.

For beginners, not advanced amateurs and professionals
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
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
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. ... Read more

Book Description

All-color guide for people who enjoy photography. Packed with over 400 color pictures that YOU can take. Includes photo tips and 70 color maps. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Terrific guide to photographing San Francisco
This is a great book but you must understand that it is neither an instruction manual on photography nor a real tour guidebook for San Francisco. It is written to help give you a chance to get great shots of northern California landmarks. It not only points out the best locations from which to take pictures but also provides other info such as which time of day proviides the best lighting.

On a recent trip to SF I got some amazing shots of the Golden Gate Bridge from places I would never have known even existed without this book. It shows you perspectives from several different locations for each landmark so you can choose your favorite. This allows you to head straight for the spot you've picked out and know what time of day you need to be there to get them. This kind of plan of attack will greatly increase your chances of getting great pictures.

Great Guidebook.
My travel companion and I took a recent trip to California. We started in the Napa Valley and drove down the coast to San Francisco, Monterey, and Hearst Castle. This the first time either of us had been to this area. We both enjoy photography and when I read about this book I knew I had to get it for the trip. I brought two other guide books-the AAA book and "The Eyewitness Guide to California (The Eyewitness Guides are a worldwide series of guide books which I highly recommend for the info they provide and the photographs). "PhotoSecrets" was the book of choice. It gave great suggestions of where to go and what to photograph. I can't say that we got the exact photos as suggested but I got hundreds of great shots based on suggestions from the book. My favorite shots were taken at the Monterey Bay Aquarium all using the suggestions in this book. The book gives suggestions about the best times to take photos and I used this as a guide to planning each days itinerary. My biggest regret is not having enough time to visit all the great places suggested. This book has a unique prospective and I hope that someday there will be a whole series of "PhotoSecret" books.

Interesting Book
True, a percentage of the photos either weren't that good or that interesting, but the point of the book was to inspire people to shoot their own photos of the same places. I really enjoy the book even after a year of reading it. I bought it right before I moved up to S.F. I still go back and look at the photos and read the text for inspiration. I can name a number of things I discovered from teh book. I learned Sutter Fort is in Sacramento, discovered teh Sonoma Coast, Wine Country, etc.

Serves the purpose - great investment!
I LOVE SAN FRANCISCO. And I love photographing San Francisco. It is a beautiful city. However, if you don't actually live there and know the city like the back of your hand, you probably miss out on a lot of popular places where you can get great shots. This book tells you where to go, at what time of the day or night (to get the best shots), whether dawn/morning/noon/late afternoon or sunset time is best from a particular location, where to stand, what kinda lenses/exposures to use, et al.

Great book for budding photographers and tourists. Worth every cent! BTW, the pictures are not all award-winning shots, but something you can go and take with your camera after reading the book.

Maximize your trip to Northern California
I went to a conference in San Jose but wanted to go on some day trips to do the most scenic nature photography possible in a short amount of time. This book took me to fabulous spots everytime I took off. Yosemite NP is too big and sprawling to sort out in a few hours unless you use the photosecrets of this book. Also, I never would have found Muir Beach (not Muir Woods), the lighthouse at Monteray, and the elephant seals on the beach at Ano Nuevo State Reserve - 20 feet away from the 3 ton bulls and 5 day old pups! The book gives you the time of day for the best photography at each site and this helped immensely figure out when to go where and how to maximize my short amount of time at each location. The list of photosecrets in the back and the several tips on various pages are great little tips. The only thing you will need in addition is a detailed map to be sure you find your way on the small maps in the book itself. ... Read more

Book Description

Advanced Photography is a practical book for students and serious enthusiasts who wish to achieve more professional looking results. From choosing lenses and camera equipment, to film types and technical data, lighting and tone control, processing management and colour printing; the book offers technical solutions and practical advice on all aspects of professional photography. The book has now been fully revised, to include not just the latest camera equipment and films, but explains how new digital methods can be used alongside silver halide systems - allowing the reader to benefit from the best practical features of each.

Written as a companion volume to the international bestseller Basic Photography this book has enjoyed a long established reputation as a technical`bible' for new professionals. It will appeal to anyone wishing to improve on their basic skills in practical photography - enabling you to acheive a higher standard of work and to deal more professionally with clients, agents and suppliers.

The late Michael Langford was Former Photography Course Director at the Royal College of Art in London. He was intimately involved with photography courses at all levels and as a result fully understood what a student needed. His other books for Focal Press are: 'Basic Photography', 'Story ofPhotography' and 'Starting Photography'.

Benefit from the help given to improve your photography skills
Easy to follow, practical guidance with clear, inspirational illustrations
Keep up with the latest cameras, films and digital technology with this successful guide ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Technical details
This book (5th edition) provided a few good, new tips and explainations, but my overall impression is one of incredibly technical detail on the practical aspects of equipment and processes. I feel like it's important enough to have a general understanding of "how things work" to stick with this book, but it does not give much advice on how to think about or approach photography. My eyes often glaze as they pass over how to read manufacturers' charts and graphs, how calculate focal length and color balance, etc., but if you're into that kind of information, you might be interested.

Terrible, save your time and read something else
This title and the other by this author illustrate the worst possible scenario to teach photography at college level. Both books are complete yes and even updated (digital technology). I was a teaching assistant as an undergraduate and as a graduate student. I would never have used these books to teach anything about photography. The style and the type of writing is this: "This is what photography is, now go and find out there is it's true or not". It is old style (it is British title forget not). The correct way to teach photography is 1) slowly, 2) based on experiment (for the student to construct concepts by himself) and 3) total freedom. The contents are so ridiculous that the author even suggests a minimum kit for a 35mm, 6x6 cm, and a 4x5 camera! Really! Save your money and time. Stick to Henri Horenstein's titles ("Black and White Photography", " Beyond Basic Photography" and ""Color Photography") especially the last one ("Photography"), expensive, but worth it! ...

Michael Langford is the best photo author I've read
It is a great book to further understand photographic concepts from a scientific point of view. If anyone wants to master his photo skills this is the book.

My first steps as a photographer...
Hi there, Well, I'm photographer. In 1982 I got that book and learnt photography by it. My first steps as a photographer... Today I have MA degree in photography and arts but still hapy to recommend this book. ... Read more

Book Description

When is the right moment to snap a sunset? Landscapes, the first in the new, information-packed National Geographic Photography Field Guide series, supplies the answer to this question and much more as readers discover the secrets that have made National Geographic photography so well known.

In Landscapes, readers will learn how to compose and photograph the lay of the land at its breathtaking best, whether it’s the Grand Canyon or a backyard garden. Filled with easy-to-understand instructions from an accomplished National Geographic photographer, this guide will be accompanied by specialized volumes on wildlife, black and white, digital, adventure photography, and more. With the National Geographic Photography Field Guide series, novice to professional photographers will take the best pictures of their lives.

Reviews (4)

Good, slim guide to landscape photography
The Landscapes Field Guide continues along one branch of the first NGS field guide. It contains more advanced composition and technical advice than the first field guide, tailored to the specific art of photographing natural landscapes in a variety of settings and times of the day. Once again, Caputo writes a book that is not only succinct, but also enjoyable to read.

The Landscapes Field Guide maintains an important aspect of the original: profiles of National Geographic photographers, each with their own set of advice. This is a primary strength of the NGS photography field guides and something that separates them from other books. Not only are the profile sections useful in learning how to go about taking pictures, they are interesting in their own right as glimpses into how different artists work.

Buy the original
National Geographic's original Field Guide was a big hit for a wide audience of photography aficionados. There was plenty for beginners, such as advice on equipment selection, basic subjects such as the relationship between shutter speed and aperture, and film selection. More advanced readers could benefit from the excellent essays contributed by Geographic's veteran staff photographers.

Unfortunately, Geographic appears to be trying to turn the formula into a franchise. In this most recent volume, Landscapes the focus is on, well, landscapes. The problem is that there is very little in this book that wasn't effectively covered in the first one. Yeah, use a tripod. Yeah, don't let snowy scenes fool your lightmeter. And no, the art of photography does not become clearer if you repeat the same points over and over for 150 pages.

If you don't have the original Field Guide then get it; I found it to be both informative and inspirational. If you already have it then don't buy Landscapes; it doesn't add any meaningful new material. Not recommended.

Great Photos, but little information
I expected more from this book. It is basically a non-technical review of composition for the beginner. The photos are really great, but they don't list the usual information used to get them (lens type, settings, filters, etc.). I really didn't gain any insight from this book, and doubt that anyone other than a beginning photographer would either.

For landscape photography, and for photography in general, their basic photography guide is much better.

Wonderful Photographs; Sound and Clear Guidance
This book is worth buying for the wonderful and inspirational photographs of National Geographic photographers alone. Beyond that, the book provides clearly written and sound guidance on composition, cameras and lenses, when to shoot, using weather, dawn, dusk and night, graphic elements and landscape subjects. There are also personal vignettes (which I loved) by NG photographers Jim Blair, Bruce Dale and Adriel Heisey. The book is a real pleasure and will easily fit in your camera bag. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (14)

Photographers Bible
This book is a must for anyone attempting to tackle the crazy business of concert photography. It is an easy to follow ...step by step guideline for every aspect of the field. From getting the passes... film and lighting and of course..HOW TO SELL the photo's. This has been a lifesaver for me. Finally! Someone has it right!

An asset to a beginning music business photographer
I highly recommend John Sievert's book. I am starting to venture into the world of music business photography. I have held the position of house photographer at the Aggie Theater in Fort Collins, Colorado for One year and have had some of my work published in national publications such as Relix Magazine and Downbeat Magazine. Sievert's book has been a value tool for me in learning about the music business from a photographers view. His incites on copyright and contracts have been especially helpful to me in knowing what contracts to sign and what not to sign. Sievert's photography that is featured in the book is outstanding, his images are pleasing to any music lover in my opinion. At the end of the book he made a list of potential clients who buy concert photography. If you get the chance follow up on some of his sources because they are all very credible. If you love taking photos of musicians and you would like to start selling them, I highly recommend this book as a starting point.

Sincere Thanks Michael Weintrob groovetography@hotmail.com

concert shooting bible
a good 'get to know what to do' book on shooting music. great for people wanting to get into the business

just the facts about music photography
jon's book is a no bull book about what shooting music is all about. a succint style of writing and good photo illustrations to make case in point. i recommend it

Working in the Trenches
A friend of mine gave me this book as a gift to fuel my desire and passion of live music photography. That was four years ago ... for the past 3 1/2 years I've been successfully working in 'the pit' for every major and up and coming artist and band that tours! The book is GREAT for BEGINNERS who are just trying to figure out where to begin and how to go about securing credentials for gigs. The book is very well written and covers all the aspects of questions within the music industry regarding imagery and credentials ... it also does well in covering the brick walls that you find yourself faced with in pursing a career in this very fickle and spur of the moment change the music biz throws at you. CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY is a MUST HAVE for any who wish to give this path a 'go'. My copy has a VERY worn cover and it's one I will treasure in my library of music info permanently! ... Read more

Book Description

For digital imaging professionals, graphic artists, photographers, and just about anyone involved in creating digital images or animations, this full-color book showcases superb and innovative photo-retouching solutions by well-known French artists.In this English translation of the cutting-edge French work, you'll see what other top-notch imaging professionals are able to do to and create with their photographs with Photoshop, and you'll be guided, step-by-step, through the editing process of each project--from original shot to polished print. But most importantly, you'll gain both insight and experience into how each visionary artist imagined, conceptualized, and ultimately created his or her final exquisite image. Part coffee-table book, part art inspiration, and part design guide, the lavishly illustrated Photo Retouching with Photoshop: A Designer's Notebook will redefine what it means to retouch a photograph--taking the procedure from simple, mindless manipulation to elaborate, intentional, highly rewarding art form. ... Read more

Book Description

Bestselling photography author Lee Frost turns his attention to black and white photography, and demonstrates how it is possible to make beautiful black and white images and fine prints with the minimum of fuss.

Black and white photography has a reputation for being something of an esoteric art requiring lots of expensive equipment and an encyclopaedic knowledge of complex techniques. But here Lee Frost dispels this myth, and proves that it can be the most simple, expressive and rewarding medium. The book covers all the essential techniques of black and white photography from what equipment to use through to the finer points of printing and toning, thereby demonstrating how Lee Frost creates his own breathtaking photographs, and how you can too. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The perfect book for beginners and pros alike
This is by far the best black and white photo technique book I have read. I am a pro photographer and always keep a huge collection of how to books and monographs for looking up styles and new ideas.
Lee Frost is a very down to earth photographer that really takes what he loves to heart. He preaches that it is not all the little technical things that people and teachers say you need to know that make good photographs, its your own imagination and creativity.
This is the perfect thing to say for a true artist. Lee Frost gives us his own examples of basic photo techniques and then shows us how easy it is to make a beautiful fine art photograph with simple household products and a NON pro camera set up. Of course, he does state that having good equipment will always help, but it is not always needed as so many say.
Just think of the world famous photographer David Hamilton, who only used one 35mm camera, one lense, only natural light, and no filters. It doesnt get much more basic than that, and he is bowed down to by thousands.
Lee Frost has the same idea, and it is very asuring knowing that you dont need to go out and spend thousands to be a pro.
Again, I believe that this is the best how to and reference guide on the market today. Get it.

Good but not brilliant!!
Ive always enjoyed Lee Frost's past endeavours in the written field but this one didnt quite get up there in my expectations. This is still a very good book for intermediate photographers but perhaps not quite as gritty as I had hoped for. Enjoyable nonetheless. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
Truly inspirational and provides valuable thoughts and insigths on the merging of art with the craft of photography. Invaluable tool and on a simple level great for staring. Could even be treated as a coffee book table!!!

Got Me Going in Nature Photography
If you are interested at all in nature photography, you will enjoy and benefit from any of John Shaw's works. Shaw is a clear, concise writer as well as a great photographer. Focus On Nature is a wonderful in-depth look at a meaningful approach to nature photography. In his usual friendly style, Shaw teaches how to capture the environment as well as its wildlife and how to go beyond merely identifying, "headshots" of animals. He makes a good point, along with many others, that since any photographer (who can afford it) can use a long lens, the true challenge is to capture something much more meaningful.

Defines the undefinable: Photographic Aesthetics
What separates this book from many others is that it concentrates entirely on the aesthetics of photography, rather than the equipment. Most photography enthusiasts (including myself) are equipment fanatics, and are convinced that photographic nirvana is just another L series lens ahead! This book reduces the essence of the visualization into its basic elements, teaches you (with fabulous examples) to see nature in terms of light, form, texture, pattern, and color. It will change the way you see the world.

Wow..what a book!!!
John Shaw is an amazing photographer. This is the third book of his that I have bought. What helpful hints, though I wish that he was using Canon instead of Nikon...

I will continue to use his many wondeful ideas.

I hope that he keeps the great books coming.

Unmatched Nature Photographs
I'm ordering this one for my husband's Christmas present. He's checked out a dozen or so similar books from the library the past year--this one is far and away the most outstanding. Shaw makes art with his camera--not just pretty pictures ... Read more

Book Description

Photographers of human subjects will appreciate the advice in this guide for capturing groups on film. From basics such as posing and composition to technical aspects of focusing and lighting, this handbook address concerns for both professionals and amateurs. Indoor and outdoor situations are discussed, as are tips for working with subjects to capture a variety of emotions and personalities. From wedding parties to company portraits, this advice covers a wide range of potential client demands. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent!
I really liked this book. Great examples and pictures to apply to your family, friends, and clients. I wish though there was an example for every instruction, for example, layering a big group into 5. ... Read more