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: Detailed Photos and Attention Grabbing Techniques.
Summary: 5 Stars
Let me just thank [...]
Now to the book. I made a cursory reading of Nature Photography Field Guide and I can already tell that I did not make a mistake ordering it. It is like a course in photography itself on first glance with specialization in nature and outdoor photography. All the main stuff that I wanted to know are there: exposure, what type of lenses to use, equipment and film, composition, etc.
I especially like the fact that tricky lighting situations and exposure are addressed and techniques recommended. This is the chapter that grabs my attention at the moment, as this is my weakness: how to compensate exposure manually based on scene lighting. I will try out Shaw's suggestions as soon as I can. His photos are breathtaking and detailed with camera, lenses and accessories used.
I shall be updating this review once I made thorough reading of it. Meanwhile, thanks again Amazon for the speedy delivery of my copy of Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide and Immortal Beloved DVD!
Book Review: Inspiring book for the intermediate photographer
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to say this book is a must for any aspiring nature photographer, especially those using the Nikon system (although the author mentions the equivalent Canon lenses and accessories as well). John is an admitted gadget freak and at times a bit of a commercial for Nikon products. Having said that, the pictures speak for themselves. John describes exactly how he photographs each subject and inspires you to try his techniques for yourself. I can personally say that my pictures, especially nature close-up photographs have improved dramatically since I read this book. The entire book is great, but the close-up section is particularly strong. While there is an emphasis on equipment, for the most part John seems to be experimenting to find the best tool for the job at hand. His recommendations on equipment do tend to be at the high-end, but for those that can afford to follow them, you won't be disappointed. The pictures themselves are stunning and well reproduced. Highly recommended.Book Review: must book for Nature Photography
Summary: 5 Stars
I am an armature photographer, which studied photography for one academic year in Camera Obscura (one of Israel's leading photography schools). Reading the book was equal to a second year. The book covers basic photography concepts and technique (DOF, lenses ect.)as well as a very practical what you need to know and get in order to start working in the field. I must say that a great deal of my equipment was bought and upgraded based on the recommendations of John Shaw. One of the import issues the book deals with (including some very good examples) is horizontal vs. vertical positioning of the camera and the issue of cropping effect on how the image "feels".
Any new photographer that wants to start nature photography should read this book, whether he uses a DSLR or a point and shot. I go further and recommend it to any one planning a nature vacation, so when he shows his pictures to family and friends it will amaze them instead of bored them.
Great and practical book.
Book Review: Great book for newcomers and experienced photographers alike
Summary: 5 Stars
This book can be read at several levels. Although it assumes basic manual SLR camera knowledge, Shaw covers most of the topics in this book in several different ways. Buy this book, read it, and when you think you have mastered the techniques, read it again to get even more out of it. The text presumes that you are using a film SLR camera, but most all of the techniques are completely transferable. The topics covered in the book include theory of exposing film, equipment and special features to look for (geared toward film), film (film will never go out of style and is still the preferred medium for many photography magazines), lenses (including special lenses as well as add-on lenses such as close-up adaptors), extensive information on composition, close-up photography, and tips for getting close to subjects (animals) without disturbing them or putting yourself at risk. This book contains good reference material for any photographer, not exclusively the nature photographer.Book Review: Excellent book for the serious amateur or professional
Summary: 5 Stars
John Shaw's photographs are amazing and inspiring and this book would be worth purchasing just for the images. Fortunately, however, this is book is not just a glorified portfolio but an excellent guide to every aspect of nature photography. The book is comprehensive without sacrificing detail.John Shaw provides specific advice and detailed guidelines for photographing nature subjects. Where most books are vague, the author recommends specific equipment to purchase, when to use it and when to avoid it.
Be advised, however, that though this book has excellent information for any level of photographer, it is most useful for the advanced amateur or professional. Some of his recommendations are beyond the capabilities of a beginner -- technically and financially. For example, his recommendations of the type of equipment to buy for high quality images would probably bankrupt a hobbyist.
Again, the information is priceless and the images without equal.