Rating: 
Summary: Still Looking for the Perfect Outdoor Photography Book!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Still Looking for the Perfect Outdoor Photography Book!
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: I can see now!
Review: One could write a thousand words to exalt this book. I will simply say: great book allowing one to see. Once again I am convinced that it is not a camera that makes the picture - it is the man who's behind it. This one is a must-have (if you are an amateur with aspirations, at least). Thank you Mr. Norton!
Rating:
Summary: The writing is even better than the photos!
Review: The photos in this book are excellent, the book is chock full of useful information and advice for aspiring outdoor photographers, but the best part of the book is the writing. It's so easy to read, it's like the author is telling a story. Definitely a book worth having.
Rating: 
Summary: For beginners, not advanced amateurs and professionals
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: One of the few artistic, not technical, photography books.
Review: The thing that grabbed me about this book is that it approaches outdoor photography in a more artistic view rather than the "technical" view I've found in most other books. Boyd doesn't just talk about capturing the main subject on film but also the environment the subject is in and the mood of the area. I also like Boyds mention of his dislike of photography rules. When taking pictures anything should be allowed. I've been to bookstores and looked through all the books on the shelves trying to find one with the same artistic point of view Boyd has and havn't found any yet.
Rating:
Summary: An easy recommended read for beginners
Review: The writing is above average and mostly interesting. Photos are good to very good. Finally a book with tables with practical information, such as recommendend exposures for low-light situations or reciprocity failures (though most of the films are unfortunately not sold anymore, such as Kodachrome 64). Highly recommended for beginners, recommended for medium level photographers.
Rating:
Summary: Hard to put down.
Review: The writing style of the book makes its very readable. It is a hard to put down informative book on the art and technique of photography. The photography and information in the book makes you want to pick up your camera and get shooting!
Rating:
Summary: More winning pictures needed
Review: This book is essentially true to its title of the Art of Outdoor Photography as opposed to the science of... The author offers a lucid and accessible narrative which could generate insight for beginner or intermediate photographers. However, I felt that many of the pictures in the book were quite frankly not impressive or inspiring. It is almost as if he was only willing to part with those that he didn't want to sell elsewhere. Could be useful as part of a larger collection of books on this subject but look elsewhere for stunning photographs.
Rating:
Summary: One Incredible Book
Review: This is a "must have" for any serious photographer. The book is so good I keep going back and re-reading portions of it because it is so inspiring and informative. Boyd Norton is such a good writer that you feel as though he's right with you, talking to you personally. Thanks, Boyd Norton for one great book! And by the way, if you ever write any novels, I'll be first in line to buy them!
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