The Nature Photographer's Complete Guide to Professional Field Techniques

by John Shaw

Discusses the use of photographic equipment and lenses and offers advice on methods for photographing natural scenes in all types of lighting

Genres: Photography, Reference

144 pages, paperback

First published May 1, 1984

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

The basic photographic techniques still apply even though this book is 30 plus years old.
Equipment advances have rendered some of the information and advice pertaining to camera bodies and lenses obsolete. But there is still much here to inform the photographer beginning to get serious about nature work.
Shaw does not over burden the reader with technical matters and keeps the math and exposure calculations to a minimum.

[Liquidlasagna · Rating 5 out of 5]

gives some good examples of how some so-so 300mm lenses perform
like the 1978 Nikon, which used a better formula in 1981

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While cameras have changed considerably since this book was originally published, basic photographic techniques remain the same. John Shaw does a remarkable job of covering the common issues often faced by nature and outdoor photographers and providing good, solid techniques and information to aid in handling them. While the book was obviously written for film cameras marketed 20 years ago, the techniques and guidelines provided are just as valuable in today's digital world as they were back then.

It should be noted that this book is not intended for "point-and-shoot" photography, but rather for those photographers who prefer more manual, and thus more creative, control of their imaging process. That said, it is an excellent reference both for those moving up to their first SLR (film or digital) and those coming back who need a quick refresher course. It will not guarantee a perfect capture every time, but it definitely will help you fine-tune your technique thus making your shooting sessions more solid and productive overall and increasing your chance for that ever-elusive "perfect shot."

[Danny Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've learned that there is alot more than point and shoot to take great pictures. It involves alot, time, study, the right moment, the right equipment, lighting techniques, getting the right angle. I love this book, and want to further my studies.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

F stops are still a mystery, but I really enjoyed the sections on composition and what to take into the field. Some of the pictures that were included didn't seem that great.

[Kim Seng · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first guide book for Nature Photography. A good reference practical guide book.