Rating: 
Summary: Unique treatment of artistic concepts of nature photography.
Review: I really liked this book. The photographic images are well reproduced and fascinating. The dual presentations of the two authors (photographer and photography editor) allowed for different perspectives that really increased my understanding of the creative process of taking and analyzing these images. The use of multiple photographs of the same subject (some that worked well, some that didn't work as well) and the related discussion was very helpful. The text went beyond the typical photographic techniques recitation to present artistic concepts and how this impacted the "success" of the captured image. I wish the book was even longer with more excellent photographs.
Rating: 
Summary: Inside the Mind of a Photo Editor
Review: In this book, acclaimed nature photorapher Art Wolfe teams with Marth Hill, former picture editor for Audubon Magazine. Using side by side photo comparisons and speaking from the different perspectives of photographer and photo buyer, Wolfe and Hill teach the difference between a good photo and a great one. Highly recommended for those considering marketing their nature photography.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring!
Review: It makes you want to run right out there, after buying more rolls of film of course! This is a wonderful book - so crisp the colors and details. Right before I go out on a fun photo shoot I love to run through it again - inspires me to see and look for MORE - Wonderful book for the Photographer's collection!
Rating: 
Summary: only the tip of the iceberg
Review: not a bad book for the novice photographer: it is conscise with regard to many broad photographic considerations: composition, film stock choice, filters, etc. as an educational tool targeted towards learning the nuances of discovering unique outdoor lighting situations, then applying it to a natural setting, it ultimately falls short. i found myself frustrated often with wolfe's minor revelations about a particular image. he often seemed either not too interested in taking time to make a more thorough investigation, or unwilling to release too much valuable information. still, the info that is provided is basic enough that it will serve the beggining photographer quite well. for my experience though, and i am still fairly new to the endeavor, i found it lacking a wealth of new information. i picked up valuable tidbits here and there, but nothing ever struck me as: "WOW! that makes perfect sense!" some of the more interesting info comes from martha hill, who goes about her editorial incite in a sometimes dry tone. honesty is appreciated! for anyone who is thinking of sending photographs for potential publishing, she tells it like it is (or so i would guess.) overall, i would say this is a good book for the first time photographer purchasing his/her first photography book. for more advanced shooters, the majority of information will be banal...
Rating:
Summary: only the tip of the iceberg
Review: not a bad book for the novice photographer: it is conscise with regard to many broad photographic considerations: composition, film stock choice, filters, etc. as an educational tool targeted towards learning the nuances of discovering unique outdoor lighting situations, then applying it to a natural setting, it ultimately falls short. i found myself frustrated often with wolfe's minor revelations about a particular image. he often seemed either not too interested in taking time to make a more thorough investigation, or unwilling to release too much valuable information. still, the info that is provided is basic enough that it will serve the beggining photographer quite well. for my experience though, and i am still fairly new to the endeavor, i found it lacking a wealth of new information. i picked up valuable tidbits here and there, but nothing ever struck me as: "WOW! that makes perfect sense!" some of the more interesting info comes from martha hill, who goes about her editorial incite in a sometimes dry tone. honesty is appreciated! for anyone who is thinking of sending photographs for potential publishing, she tells it like it is (or so i would guess.) overall, i would say this is a good book for the first time photographer purchasing his/her first photography book. for more advanced shooters, the majority of information will be banal...
Rating:
Summary: Art's Art
Review: The Art of Photographing Nature is probably not for the beginning photographer, but once you?ve learned how to manipulate the camera well enough to consistently make good, properly focussed exposures, you ought to look at this book if you?re interested in nature photography. And I do mean look, because that?s the way this book teaches.This is a book about photographic composition, which is something a photographer must know well to make pictures that are more than snapshots. Technique is referred to, but if you want a how-to book get John Shaw?s ?Nature Photography Field Guide? Although Hill claims the writing credits and Wolfe the photography credits, this is somewhat misleading. The form the book takes is to show a picture taken by Wolfe, or more often two, and then have both comment on the compositional choices. Since Wolfe is one of the greatest living nature photographers and since Hill is the former picture editor of Audubon Magazine, their commentary is illuminating. I found the comparison between two pictures of the same or similar subject matter, including why they found one better than the other, to be particularly insightful. It also adds to the discussion that each of them brings a slightly different sensibility to the pictures. There are even a few sets where the two disagree as to the better picture. As I said before, this is not a technique book, but technique is examined as a way to enhance the composition. For example, in the section called ?Reading the Light?, the authors talk about how to find 18% gray, to get a standard exposure from a light meter. But than they talk about how to use that information to make pictures lighter or darker to enhance the subject. There are various methods of teaching. Some teachers provide principals and then give examples. Others present the example and then derive lessons from the example. Most of us benefit by a combination of both approaches. Usually photography books take the former approach. Hill and Wolfe use the latter and this book does it as well as any nature photography book I?ve seen. P.S. Even Wolfe?s second choice pictures are a pleasure to behold.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent resource & very inspiring
Review: The great strength of this book is that Art Wolfe shoots the same subjects with different film, exposures, filters, lenses, light conditions, etc. You can thus see the impact that different framing or lighting has, very clearly. Plus the photos are phenomenal!
Rating:
Summary: A must for anyone serious about improving their photography
Review: The most enjoyable, beautiful, and informative book of photography that I have ever read. Full of specific examples and side by side comparisons of various techniques and perspectives. Provides you with the inspiration and the knowledge necessary to take better pictures. You'll love it.
Rating:
Summary: You will like it
Review: The pictures are explicit. The text is original, short, and explicit to. Some good tips for every day use. I like it.
Rating:
Summary: Great guide
Review: This is a fantastic book that covers everything from lighting to predicting the behavior of wild animals for photography. Very illustrative and to the point.
|
