John Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide
by John Shaw
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Book Reviews of John Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide
Book Review: This book answers all your nature photography questions!
Summary: 5 Stars
With the release of this updated Field Guide, Shaw presents his incredible photography, along with his personal opinions regarding gear, lighting, lenses, accessories. His discussions delve into all aspects of the each topic. For instance, under the chapter "Teleconverters," he not only explains the theory behind them, but he elaborates as to when and under what circumstances to consider using them--and when to avoid them. There are specific gear references and opinions throughout the book, for anyone looking to build or expand an equipment base (with a heavy Nikon emphasis). The photography, as expected, is absolutely amazing and inspiring. His photographs serve to illustrate any nature photography topic you could name--filters/ film speed/ depth of field/ telephotos/ macro photography/ composition, etc., and each topic is explained in concise, yet conversational language. He writes as though he's been asked to share his wealth of nature photography knowledge with a friend--very readable and yet technically detailed. This book deserves a place on any photographer's bookshelf--you won't be disappointed!Book Review: Great advice for all photographers
Summary: 5 Stars
John Shaw is a master photographer who excels at communicating his knowledge in very clear and concise language. This book is a marvel of efficiency as he covers topic after topic in highly succinct fashion. While keeping each section brief, he manages to teach a lot in the clearest way possible.Many tips on how to get correct exposure and strong composition are in here as well as techniques for macro photography. Also, a significant portion of the book is devoted to considerations when purchasing equipment and the information is invaluable.
As others have pointed out, the equipment he favors is not cheap but some seem to miss the entire point of those chapters. Shaw does not give the reader a shopping list. He discusses the pros and cons of various equipment and encourages you to weigh the trade-offs to develop your own equipment list. Since much of the better equipment is expensive, this may mean rationing your money to get the best bang for the buck.
This is an excellent book. It covers a variety of topics with a rare clarity that makes it a must have for any serious photographer.
Book Review: 10 STARS
Summary: 5 Stars
I am enthusiastic about Shaw's books. I have them all. Almost all the photography books available out there deal with a lot of merely technical blabla. Shaw, on top of being technically rigorous, puts great emphasis on the artistic and creative aspects of nature photography. If you have time and will to learn, you'll find that each picture is a whole lesson. His way of writing is clean and straight, modest and never boring. I watch my own pictures before and after I went through his books: man, there is a difference!! I'd say that the vast majority of my slides are technically quite satisfactory but only a negligible minority is decent under the point of view of the composition. Shaw's books increased my capacity of critically evaluating a photograph. Sometimes I compare my pictures to those in some books or calendars and I'd say: mine are as good or even better than those. But sometimes I step into a book of some really good photographer (Shaw's ones are among them) and I sadly realize that I'll probably never get there. Nonetheless this stimulates me to improve. Buy it.Book Review: Very useful information, irritating style
Summary: 4 Stars
I've read this book cover to cover several times and I have to say it has greatly improved my understanding the technical aspects of photography and my results have improved rapidly. I highly recommend the book, especially to beginners like me. That said, I have to say that when I'm looking through the book for the umpteenth time for advice and technical information, the condescending, know-it-all tone that the author occasionally adopts to make his point gets really irritating and detracts from my enjoyment of the book. Also, although the brand-specific information is probably useful for Nikon users, and in the cases of some kinds of equipment like tripods, for people with large pocketbooks, it is of little use to people with other systems or limited budgets, and once again this makes me as a reader feel a bit like a second-class citizen. My point is that John Shaw is a very experienced photographer and decent writer who has collected a great set of useful tips into a handy book, but I wish he would stop bragging about himself and his equipment in the process.Book Review: Timeless resource
Summary: 5 Stars
While some of the equipment and techniques that are discussed in this book apply specifically to film (not digital) photography, The author does an excellent job of presenting the reasons behind his suggestions. This allows the reader to understand where his suggestions and techniques would differ if you had a digital camera.
Not a complete guide in and off itself for someone wanting to start off on digital photography, but think of it as a book that covers the essentials behind photography in a very concise and understandable way.
One word of caution though: If you are just getting into photography don't feel like you have to buy all the equipment he suggests. Having quality equipment is important, but you will run up a huge tab if you go out and buy everything that he uses & recommends. Start with a decent entry level SLR & 1 or 2 lenses, then add as money allows and need dictates. Don't worry about being able to take pictures in every possible situation right away. Start with the equipment you think you will use the most!