Better Picture Guide to Still Life & Close-Up Photography (Better Picture Guide Series)

Rating:
Summary: Great book, but not for the novice
Review: This is one deceptively simple little book that addresses the creative side of photography.

One by one, the author shows a series of photos he's taken. He then explains the creative decisions he made when taking them.

He follows a simple formula of seeing - thinking - acting. From the original concept of the shot, he takes us through his creative decisions followed by technical details. Additional notes are sprinkled throughout the text, including charts and drawings where appropriate.

It's important to note what this book is not:

It is not a cookbook. While he specifies that he's used a long lens or wide angle, he never names brands. He does not give specific apertures or speeds. Many readers will find this disappointing, even though it makes perfect sense: your own photos will have their own requirements based on light, lens, iso, etc.

It is not for novices. The reader is going to have to know what a small/wide aperture is, since he never explains it.

For those who are comfortable with the technical side of photography, however, this is a much-needed next step into the creative aspect. There is more to this art than getting the settings right. It's a treat to be able to look over Michael Busselle's shoulder and have him explain why he did what he did.