John Shaw's Nature Photography Field Guide

As far as the book itself, it is very well written in a no-nonsense style, each chapter is dedicated to one topic so it is easy to find what you're interested the most. I just wish John Shaw will update his "Closeup" soon (with TTL flash, please!).


10 STARS   December 28, 2000
 36 out of 38 found this review helpful

I am enthusiastic about Shaw's books. I have them all. Almost all the photography books available out there deal with a lot of merely technical blabla. Shaw, on top of being technically rigorous, puts great emphasis on the artistic and creative aspects of nature photography. If you have time and will to learn, you'll find that each picture is a whole lesson. His way of writing is clean and straight, modest and never boring. I watch my own pictures before and after I went through his books: man, there is a difference!! I'd say that the vast majority of my slides are technically quite satisfactory but only a negligible minority is decent under the point of view of the composition. Shaw's books increased my capacity of critically evaluating a photograph. Sometimes I compare my pictures to those in some books or calendars and I'd say: mine are as good or even better than those. But sometimes I step into a book of some really good photographer (Shaw's ones are among them) and I sadly realize that I'll probably never get there. Nonetheless this stimulates me to improve. Buy it.


GREAT BOOK FOR BIGGINERS GO FOR IT   November 8, 2000
 9 out of 15 found this review helpful

For anybody who is looking for a book to learn on nature photograpy here is the absolute solution for it. This stuff gives you complete information regarding the exposures and lighting and everything you look for. if you start your photograpy by the tips of this book thereis no doubt in becoming a good professional nature photographer.

All nature lovers comon go for it


This book answers all your nature photography questions!   November 6, 2000
 49 out of 49 found this review helpful

With the release of this updated Field Guide, Shaw presents his incredible photography, along with his personal opinions regarding gear, lighting, lenses, accessories. His discussions delve into all aspects of the each topic. For instance, under the chapter "Teleconverters," he not only explains the theory behind them, but he elaborates as to when and under what circumstances to consider using them--and when to avoid them. There are specific gear references and opinions throughout the book, for anyone looking to build or expand an equipment base (with a heavy Nikon emphasis). The photography, as expected, is absolutely amazing and inspiring. His photographs serve to illustrate any nature photography topic you could name--filters/ film speed/ depth of field/ telephotos/ macro photography/ composition, etc., and each topic is explained in concise, yet conversational language. He writes as though he's been asked to share his wealth of nature photography knowledge with a friend--very readable and yet technically detailed. This book deserves a place on any photographer's bookshelf--you won't be disappointed!


recommended   November 6, 2000
 5 out of 12 found this review helpful

This book was highly recommended to me by two professional nature photographers. It is a grand book for the brginning outdoor photographer. It stsrtds with the basics but concentrates on the art of photography