John Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide

by John Shaw

Overview

An updated bestseller, this book of extraordinarily beautiful photographs of nature contains state-of-the-art instruction on how any photographer can aim for equally impressive results every time a camera is focused on the great outdoors.

Even highly skilled photographers are often baffled by the problems facing them when they work outdoors. But with this exceptional field guide in hand, every photographer—beginner, serious amateur, semi-pro, and pro—can conquer the problems encountered in the field. Using his own exceptional work as examples, the author discusses each type of nature subject and how to approach photographing it. Specific advice and information cover selection of equipment and lenses; how to compose a shot; how to get close ups; and other tips covering a range of techniques to enrich various types of nature photographs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780817440596
Publisher:	Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed
Publication date:	10/01/2001
Series:	Photography for All Levels: Intermediate
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	160
Sales rank:	907,405
Product dimensions:	8.28(w) x 10.99(h) x 0.38(d)

About the Author

John Shaw is the author of many enduring bestsellers, including six previous Amphoto books. His photographs are frequently featured in National Wildlife, Outdoor Photographer, Natural History, Sierra, and Audubon magazines, as well as in calendars, books, and advertisements. He lives in Colorado Springs.

Table of Contents

Preface 4
Introduction: What Is There to Photograph? 6
Exposure 8
Basic Theory of Exposure 10
The Non-Metered Exposure: ``Sunny f/16'' 16
Depth of Field vs. Shutter Speed 18
Calibrating Your Meter 22
Using Your Camera's Exposure Meter 24
Metering Some Unusual Situations 28
Autoexposure 30
Multiple Exposures 33
Long Exposures and Reciprocity Failure 34
Equipment and Film 36
Buying a Camera System 38
Tripods and Tripod Heads 44
Film 48
Pushing Film 52
Specialized Support Products 54
Filters 56
Graduated Neutral-Density Filters 59
TTL Flash 62
Lenses 68
What Lenses Do 70
Zoom Lenses vs. Fixed-Focal-Length Lenses 73
Wide-Angle Lenses 76
Normal Lenses 80
Short Telephoto Lenses: 80-200mm 82
Long Lenses: 300mm and Up 84
Teleconverters 88
Autofocus 92
Composition 96
Learning to See Photo-Graphically 98
Lighting 101
Working a Subject 104
Vertical or Horizontal? 106
Framing and Placement 108
Closeups 112
Defining a Closeup 114
Working Distance and Background Control 117
Extension 120
Supplementary Lenses 123
Using Zoom Lenses for Closeups 127
Macro Lenses 130
Closeup Flash 132
Higher Magnifications 136
Closeup Procedures 139
Working in the Field 142
Blinds 144
Aerials 147
Weather Concerns 150
My Personal Field Gear 153
A Nature Photographer's Calendar: A Seasonal 156
Guide to Locations Index 160

Editorial Reviews

John Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide does not repeat lengthy recommendations on the use of tripods, effective lighting and close-up techniques, composition, etc. Instead, the emphasis is on new approaches made possible by improvements in technology. The guide is not in any way intended as the final word on how to take nature pictures. Rather it is a detailed description of the methods Shaw currently uses.
—Shutterbug

Peter K. Burian

These two books are quite similar. Each is by an outdoor photographer considered among the very best in the field. Many of the color illustrations (especially Shaw's landscapes) are nothing short of remarkable, yet each photographer has his own distinctive style. In addition, each book guides the reader through all the basic steps of making better photographs, from selecting equipment to perfecting technique. Rowell's book, which recounts his travels from Australia to the Arctic, is written in a pleasant, conversational style and will appeal primarily to those photographers--whether amateurs or professionals--who are planning a vacation or an assignment in an exotic locale. Shaw's guide is organized as a how-to manual, with separate chapters on topics like light and composition. There are also chapters on close-up photography and the special concerns of working in the field. Written in a clear, informal manner, Shaw's book will be of great value to anyone wishing to make better landscapes and wildlife photographs. Both books are highly recommended for subject collections in academic libraries and popular photography collections in public libraries.--Raymond Bial, Parkland Coll. Lib., Champaign, IL Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal

Providing instruction on technical matters as well as creative advice, Shaw (a nature photographer) guides the reader through the process of shooting landscapes, close-ups, and animal portraits. Specific chapters discuss basics like exposure, equipment and film, lenses, composition, and working in the field. The book prominently features Shaw's color photography. This is a revised edition of

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